A detailed study on the antioxidant activity of the stem bark of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., an Indian medicinal plant

First report on the chemical composition and the free radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Ononis aurasiaca, an endemic plant of Algeria

This study represents the first investigation of the chemical composition and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Ononis aurasiaca Förther & Podlech, a plant species endemic to the Aures Mountains of Algeria. The essential oil of the plant aerial parts was analysed using GC-MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using three methods. A total of 44 compounds were identified. The major constituents were dodecanal, hexahydrofarnesylacetone, 2-tridecanone, phytol, 1-heneicosene, and n-heneicosane. The oil displayed significant activity in the β-carotene bleaching assay, moderate scavenging activity against DPPH radicals and a low ability to reduce iron ions. Antibacterial tests conducted on four strains revealed effectiveness primarily against Gram-positive strains, specifically Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300, while showing limited impact on Gram-negative strains, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Antifungal activity tests involving two moulds revealed a stronger inhibition against Scedosporium apiospermum compared to Aspergillus niger.

Siamese, Indian, and Brazilian Rosewoods: A Review on Phytochemistry, Applications, and Pharmacology

For the first time, the current review fully provides information on the phytochemicals, applications, and pharmacological aspects relating to 3 Dalbergia species, Siamese Rosewood ( Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre ex Laness.), Indian Rosewood ( D sissoo Roxb.), and Brazilian Rosewood ( D nigra (Vell.) Benth.). Based on chromatographic separation, phytochemical studies on these plants have, to date, resulted in the isolation and structural elucidation of 136 secondary metabolites. Among them, flavonoids and simple phenols are major components, whereas terpenoids, quinones, benzofurans, benzophenols, phytosterols, stilbenes, phthalates, xanthones, and lignans have been also detected. Dalbergia rosewoods are heavy and strong, taking an outstanding polish, and are very suitable for furniture. They are also used as natural dyes, raw materials for removing contaminants from water, and might be a rich resource of essential oils, polysaccharides, and active glycosidase enzymes. Dalbergia crude extracts and their secondary metabolites have a wide range of pharmacological actions, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-nociceptive, anti-diarrheal, anti-pyretic, gastrointestinal, biocontrol activities, but sexual and anti-osteoporosis activities are the most valuable.

Metabonomics Analysis of Stem Extracts from Dalbergia sissoo

Dalbergia sissoo is a woody plant with economic and medicinal value. As the pharmacological qualities and properties of the wood from this plant primarily depend on its extractives, in this study, the metabolomic analysis of extractives from its stems was carried out using UPLC-MS/MS. A total of 735 metabolites were detected from two groups of samples, heartwood and sapwood, with the largest number of terpenoids in type and the largest number of flavonoids in quantity. The PCA and cluster analysis showed significant differences in the metabolite composition between the two groups. The differential metabolites were mainly organic oxygen compounds, flavonoids, and isoflavones. Among the 105 differential metabolites, 26 metabolites were significantly higher in relative content in sapwood than in heartwood, while the other 79 metabolites were significantly higher in relative content in heartwood than in sapwood. KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis showed that these differential metabolites were mainly enriched in three metabolic pathways: Flavonoid biosynthesis, isoflavonoid biosynthesis, and flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis. This study provides a reference for metabolomics studies in Dalbergia and other woody plants.

Preparation of astaxanthin micelles self-assembled by a mechanochemical method from hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin and glyceryl monostearate with enhanced antioxidant activity

This research aimed to overcome the current challenges in the application of natural carotenoid antioxidants, such as their complex preparation processes, low bioavailability and poor drug stability. Herein, a mechanochemical method was used to prepare an inclusion complex (IC) that self-assembles into micelles in aqueous solution and achieves solid-phase loading of astaxanthin (AST). The NMR analysis, thermodynamics study, particle size analysis and electron microscopy image results showed that AST, hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβ-CD) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS) formed self-assembled micelles and maintained good stability in aqueous solution. The antioxidant performance experiments showed that the formation of IC increases free radical scavenging activity. The pharmacokinetic studies showed that the bioavailability of the astaxanthin inclusion complex increased 4-fold. The tissue distribution experiments showed that the astaxanthin inclusion complex targets the liver to exert its antioxidant effects. The proposed method uses an innovative preparation technology to produce an efficient drug delivery system without solvents, and it exerts powerful antioxidant activity against astaxanthin.

One-pot green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Rosa canina L. extract

This study reports a green, simple, and fast method for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using natural antioxidant compounds. The aqueous extract from dried rosehips (pseudofruit of Rosa canina L.) was used as a reducing and capping agent of HAuCl4 and AgNO3 during the noble metal colloid synthesis at room temperature and no other chemical reagent was used. The high antioxidant activity of the plant extract was proven by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay by a spectrophotometric method. The formation of stable gold and silver nanoparticles was observed by UV-visible spectroscopy and the evolution of their characteristic surface plasmon resonance band was followed over several days. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of quasi-spherical nanoparticles with mean diameters 26 and 34 nm, for gold and silver nanoparticles, respectively; XRD revealed an FCC crystalline structure for both gold and silver NPs. The effects of concentrations of noble metal precursor and plant extract solution on the formation, stabilization and size of nanoparticles are discussed, as well as some applications of these colloids.

Green nanogold activity in experimental breast carcinoma in vivo

Background: Over the past few years, fabrication of nanoparticles (NPs) has been deployed widely in technologies and many concerns have emerged about the hazardous effect on human health after NPs exposure.

Objective: Green synthesis of gold NPs (AuNPs) and assessment of their activity in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer mouse model.

Methods: Chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) was used in formation of AuNPs with the help of Curcuma longa as aqueous reducing extract and stabilizing agent at room temperature. Formed NPs were characterized with UV-Vis spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zetasizer measurement, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Virgin female albino mice with DMBA-induced breast cancer were treated with formed AuNPs for 5 consecutive days and were dissected after 28 days of the beginning of treatment.

Results: UV-Vis spectrometry showed absorbance maximum peak at 530 nm for formed AuNPs, FTIR confirmed formation of plant extract layer around formed NPs; zetasizer measurement revealed 278.2 nm as an average size of produced NPs; SEM and TEM approved formation of monodisperse spherical AuNPs. Biochemical analysis of untreated breast cancer group revealed marked changes in liver and kidney functions manifested by raised activity levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Whereas, the treated group with AuNPs post-breast cancer induction displayed reduction in the activities (of ALT, AST and creatinine), while the BUN activity level was raised. Histopathological examination showed heavy incidence of tumor foci in the breast and lymph nodes belonged to the untreated breast cancer group confirmed with intense response to Ki-67 antibodies. While the treated group with AuNPs post-breast cancer induction showed degenerated tumor foci in the breast and lymph nodes with weak response to Ki-67 antibodies.

Conclusion: AuNPs were successfully synthesized using HAuCl₄ and C. longa extract confirmed their ability to control DMBA-induced breast cancer in virgin female Swiss albino mice.

Structure Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of a Novel Polysaccharide from Katan Seeds

In the present work, a novel water-soluble polysaccharide (LWSP) was purified from Katan seeds. Polysaccharide was structurally characterized by NMR spectroscopic analysis, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV absorption. TLC and HPLC showed that LWSP was a polysaccharide consisted mainly of glucose, mannose, xylose, and arabinose. The FTIR spectrum and UV absorption proved polysaccharide characteristic of LWSP. According to XRD, LWSP presented a semicrystalline behavior. The molecular weight was estimated as 64.56 kDa. Results obtained through ¹³C and ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) indicated that LWSP is consisted of four monosaccharide residues with α and β anomers. Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of LWSP were also investigated. Results revealed that LWSP exhibited interesting 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC₅₀ = 4.48 mg/ml) and chelating activity (IC₅₀ = 4.79 mg/ml), and it displayed moderate reductive capacities. Overall, the findings suggested that LWSP is a promising source of natural additives in various industries fields.

Curry Leaf and its Antioxidant Potential: A Systematic Study to Enhance its Activity in Aqueous Medium

Background:

We have done a systematic study on the antioxidant activity of the methanol and petroleum ether (60-80°C) extracts (MEC and PEC respectively) of Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii Spreng. Family: Rutaceae) using various in-vitro chemical methods.

Methods:

Both of these two extracts were found to be highly efficient in the formation of Ag and Au nanoparticles. So, we have explored their ability to form the nanoparticles to study their antioxidant activity. In all the assay systems, MEC showed higher activity over PEC in aqueous medium. This may be due to the higher solubility of MEC and its active components, like polyphenols and flavonoids in the aqueous medium. PEC contains lesser amount of these water soluble active components but PEC was rich in carbazole types of alkaloids which are hydrophobic in nature. So, to enhance the antioxidant activity of PEC and its carbazole constituents, like 2-hydroxy carbazole and mahanimbine, we have encapsulated these in the biopolymeric matrix of the mucilage isolated from an edible vegetable, Abelmoschus esculentus L. (commonly known as Lady's finger, family: Malvaceae).

Results:

It was interesting to note that, PEC and its carbazole compounds showed better antioxidant activity (ferrous ion chelation and ferric reducing antioxidant activity) in aqueous medium after this encapsulation process.

Conclusion:

The protocols used in the present study were very simple and can be implemented in any lab set-up. In future, this work can be extended to evaluate antioxidant potentials of other plant based materials.

Anticancer activity of plant leaves extract collected from a tribal region of India

The goal of this research was to explore the preliminary anticancer properties of five plants namely Calotropis procera, Moringa oleifera, Millettia pinnata, Basela alba and Euphorbia neriifolia available in Jharkhand which is used for the medicinal purpose by local tribes. In the present study, plant leaves from five species were collected, dried and extracted with solvents of increasing polarity, followed by assessment of their cytotoxicity in A549 non-small-cell lung cancer cells. In the antimicrobial assay, the methanol extract of the M. pinnata leaves exhibited comparatively higher zone of inhibition of 0.7 ± 0.20 cm against a Salmonella typhi culture than the other extracts. M. pinnata leaves extract also displayed the maximum percentage inhibition in the DPPH, 83.97 ± 0.01 FRAP, 193.14 ± 3.01 mM assays. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the chloroform (37.45 ± 1.04) and ethyl acetate extracts (34.20 ± 0.81) of M. pinnata against A549 cells was found relatively higher with respect to another extract. In contrast, a study with the L132 normal epithelial lung cell line revealed less toxicity from the chloroform extract (0.33 ± 0.19) compared to the ethyl acetate extract (6.65 ± 0.59). Based on these findings, phytochemical investigation on chloroform and ethyl acetate extract of M. pinnata was performed using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis revealing the presence of β-sitosterol, lanceolatin B, karanjin, and stigmasterol. Congruently, a complete phytochemical and cytotoxic investigation of the M. pinnata extract constituents might infer the potency of this extract/s as anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

In vitro anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities of five Indian cultivars of mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel extracts

Introduction: All parts of the mango plant contain secondary metabolites that possess several beneficial properties. In the present study, evaluation of in vitro anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities of five Indian cultivars of mango fruit peel extracts were carried out.Methods: Different solvent (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) extracts of five Indian cultivars of mango fruit peels were prepared by using soxhalate, and the aqueous extract was prepared by maceration. In vitro anti-oxidant activities of these extracts were determined by using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging methods. Their anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities were determined by agar-well diffusion and HRBC (human red blood cell) methods, respectively.Results: All the five mango peel extracts showed good anti-oxidant activities, especially the methanolic extract of peel of Sindhura cultivar showed better IC50 values of DPPH (21.62±1.82 μg/mL), ABTS (21.33±1.94 μg/mL), H2O2 (19.87±2.61 μg/mL) and NO (57.29±2.17 μg/mL) radical scavenging activities than other extracts. It also possessed higher contents of phenolics (169.18±3.28 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoids (26.18±1.84 mg of QE/g) than the other extracts. All peel extracts of five cultivars of mango fruit revealed good anti-microbial activities against bacterial and fungal cultures and also possessed significant anti-inflammatory activity.Conclusion: The present study revealed that all the mango peel extracts have potential antioxidant activity, as well as better anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activities.

Performance Analysis and Soil Quality Indexing for Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Grown in Marginal and Degraded Land of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

The successful utilization of marginal and degraded lands for biomass and bioenergy production depends upon various factors such as climatic conditions, the adaptive traits of the tree species and their growth rate and respective belowground responses. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the growth performance of a bioenergy tree (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) grown in marginal and degraded land of the Mirzapur district of Uttar Pradesh, India and to analyze the effect of D. sissoo plantations on soil quality improvement over the study years. For this, a soil quality index (SQI) was developed based on principal component analysis (PCA) to understand the effect of D. sissoo plantations on belowground responses. PCA results showed that among the studied soil variables, bulk density (BD), moisture content (MC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil urease activity (SUA) are the key variables critically influencing the growth of D. sissoo. The SQI was found in an increasing order with the growth period of D. sissoo. (i.e., from 0.419 during the first year to 0.579 in the fourth year). A strong correlation was also observed between the growth attributes (diameter at breast height, R2 = 0.870; and plant height, R2 = 0.861) and the soil quality (p < 0.01). Therefore, the developed SQI can be used as key indicator for monitoring the restoration potential of D. sissoo growing in marginal and degraded lands and also for adopting suitable interventions to further improve soil quality for multipurpose land restoration programs, thereby attaining land degradation neutrality and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Dendrobium moniliforme extracts and the detection of related compounds by GC-MS

Background

The medicinal orchid Dendrobium moniliforme contains water-soluble polysaccharides, phenanthrenes, bibenzyl derivatives, and polyphenol compounds. This study explored the antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of D. moniliforme extracts and detected their bioactive compounds.

Methods

Plant material was collected from the Daman of Makawanpur district in central Nepal. Plant extracts were prepared from stems using hexane, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and methanol. The total polyphenol content (TPC) in each extract was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent and the total flavonoid content (TFC) in each extract was determined using the aluminium chloride method. The in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of each extract were determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays respectively. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to detect bioactive compounds.

Results

TPC content was highest (116.65 μg GAE/mg of extract) in D. moniliforme chloroform extract (DMC) and TFC content was highest (116.67 μg QE/mg of extract) in D. moniliforme acetone extract (DMA). D. moniliforme hexane extract (DMH) extract showed the highest percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity (94.48%), followed closely by D. moniliforme ethanol extract (DME) (94.45%), DMA (93.71%) and DMC (94.35%) at 800 μg/ml concentration. The antioxidant capacities of DMC, DMA, DMH and DME, which were measured in IC₅₀ values, were much lower 42.39 μg/ml, 49.56 μg/ml, 52.68 μg/ml, and 58.77 μg/ml respectively than the IC₅₀ of D. moniliforme methanol extract (DMM) (223.15 μg/ml). DMM at the concentration of 800 μg/ml most inhibited the growth of HeLa cells (78.68%) and DME at the same concentration most inhibited the growth of U251 cells (51.95%). The cytotoxic capacity (IC₅₀) of DMM against HeLa cells was 155.80 μg/ml of extract and that of DME against the U251 cells was 772.50 μg/ml of extract. A number of bioactive compounds were detected in both DME and DMM.

Conclusion

The fact that plant extract of D. moniliforme has a number of bioactive compounds which showed antioxidant and cytotoxic activities suggests the potential pharmacological importance of this plant.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-018-2197-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The antioxidant activity and genotoxicity of isogarcinol

The antioxidant activity and genotoxicity of isogarcinol were assessed by several in vitro tests. Its IC₅₀ values for DPPH and ABTS were 36.3 ± 3.35 µM and 16.6 ± 3.98 µM, respectively, which were all lower than those of VC and BHT. Isogarcinol had no cyctotoxic or promotional activities at 1-10 µM in the CCK-8 assay, and negligible genotoxic effects at 50-500 µM on HepG2 cells by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. Pre-incubation of the cells with 0.5-1.5 µM isogarcinol, before exposure to H₂O₂, significantly increased cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Isogarcinol also reduced intercellular reactive oxygen species accumulation, lactate dehydrogenase release and malondialdehyde levels, and increased superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels. Western-blot analysis revealed that it up-regulated pro-caspase-3 and reduced cleaved caspase-3 during H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress. All the above results indicate that isogarcinol promises to be useful as a natural antioxidant.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidative and hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Cortex Dictamni

AIM

To investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Cortex Dictamni aqueous extract (CDAE) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats.

METHODS

The in vitro antioxidant effect of CDAE was investigated using α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), β-carotene bleaching, reducing power, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assays. A linoleic acid system, including ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assays, was used to evaluate the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The in vivo hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of CDAE against CCl₄-induced liver damage were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Silymarin was used as a positive control. Liver damage was assessed by determining hepatic histopathology and liver marker enzymes in serum. Enzyme and non-enzyme antioxidant levels and lipid peroxide content were measured in the liver. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) protein expression was measured via immunohistochemical staining. Nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase catalytic subunit (γ-GCSc) protein expression was measured by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our results showed that CDAE exhibited a strong antioxidant activity in vitro. CDAE scavenged DPPH and ABTS radicals in a dose-dependent manner. CDAE inhibited lipid peroxidation with a lipid peroxide inhibition rate of 40.6% ± 5.2%. In the FTC and TBA assays, CDAE significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation (P < 0.01). In vivo histopathological studies indicated that CCl₄-induced liver injury was alleviated following CDAE treatment in rats of both sexes. CDAE (160 and 320 mg/kg) significantly prevented CCl₄-induced elevations of alkaline phosphatase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin levels in rats of both sexes (P < 0.05, 0.01, or 0.001). Moreover, CDAE restored the decreased activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as non-enzyme antioxidant glutathione, which were induced by CCl₄ treatment. CDAE significantly suppressed the up-regulation of CYP2E1 and promoted Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, and γ-GCSc protein expression.

CONCLUSION

CDAE exhibits good antioxidant performance in vitro, with marked radical-scavenging and anti-lipid peroxidation activities. CDAE is effective in preventing CCl₄-induced hepatic damage in rats of both sexes. The hepatoprotective activity of CDAE may be attributable to its antioxidant activity, which may involve Keap1-Nrf2-mediated antioxidant regulation.

Antinociceptive effect of methanol extract of Dalbergia sissoo leaves in mice

BACKGROUND

Dalbergia sissoo DC. (Family: Fabaceae) is a medium to large deciduous tree, is locally called "shishu" in Bangladesh. It is used to treat sore throats, dysentery, syphilis, bronchitis, inflammations, infections, hernia, skin diseases, and gonorrhea. This study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of the methanol extract of D. sissoo leaves (MEDS) in mice.

METHODS

The extract was assessed for antinociceptive activity using chemical and heat induced pain models such as hot plate, tail immersion, acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, glutamate, and cinnamaldehyde test models in mice at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (p.o.) respectively. Morphine sulphate (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were used as reference analgesic drugs. To confirm the possible involvement of opioid receptor in the central antinociceptive effect of MEDS, naloxone was used to antagonize the effect.

RESULTS

MEDS demonstrated potent and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in all the chemical and heat induced mice models (p < 0.001). The findings of this study indicate that the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The use of naloxone verified the association of opioid receptors in the central antinociceptive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated the peripheral and central antinociceptive activity of the leaves of D. sissoo. These results support the traditional use of this plant in different painful conditions.

Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles by Olive (Olea europaea)

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is superior to physical and chemical methods as it is environment-friendly and cost-effective. The present study was carried out for inducing nanoparticles synthesis by zinc nitrate in the leaves extracts of olive. Further leaves extracts were evaluated for antiradical scavenging activity by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay. Morphological and structural properties of the synthesised ZnO nanoparticles have been characterised using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, TEM, XRD and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Further, zinc oxide nanoparticles were evaluated for antiradical scavenging activity by capacity of total antioxidant assay. Synthesised ZnO nanoparticles were confirmed by the absorption maxima at the wavelength of 370 nm. TEM image revealed that ZnO nanoparticles were spherical with average size 41 nm. FTIR investigation suggested that the flavonoids, glycosides, proteins and phenols molecules can play an important role in the stabilisation of ZnO nanoparticles.

Development of a novel gold nanoparticle-based method to determine antioxidant capacity of Brassica oilseeds, white flakes and meal

Antioxidant capacity (AC) of Brassica oilseeds, white flakes and meal was determined by a new spectrophotometric method. The proposed assay (AuNP) based on the formation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in an acetic buffer medium (pH=4.6) was compared with the previously described silver nanoparticle-based (AgNP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) procedures. The novel AuNP method was validated using standard antioxidants such as phenolic acids and quercetin. The AC of rapeseed, white flakes and meal varied from 10.0 to 86.7μmolsinapicacid(SA)/g, 26.5-160.3μmolSA/g, 6.8-103.0μmolSA/g, 23.0-259.3μmolSA/g and 6.9-92.1μmolSA/g for AuNP, AgNP, FRAP, DPPH and FC methods, respectively. The proposed AuNP method is simple, precise (intra-day RSD=0.27-2.11% and inter-day RSD=2.05-4.87%) and accurate (recovery=96.2-104.3%) and can be useful in the routine analysis of the AC.

Assessment of Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) Standardized Leaf Extract on Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of alcoholic extract of Dalbergia sissoo leaf extract (DSE) on isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial injury in rats. Evaluation of three doses (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg of body weight) of DSE was done in ISP-treated rats. ISP was used at 85 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous route for two subsequent days to induce myocardial injury in rats. Assessment of myocardial injury was done by estimation of different cardiac injury markers like LDH, CK-MB. Serum cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides in serum, myocardial infarcted area, oxidative stress and histopathology in heart tissue were also assessed in rats. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were recorded in all the groups. Rats pretreated with DSE (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg of body weight) showed significant (p < 0.05-0.001) improvement in the heart weight/body weight ratio, myocardial infarcted areas, heart rate and mean arterial pressure in ISP-induced myocardial injury. DSE showed significant (p < 0.05-0.001) improvement in serum LDH, CK-MB, cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels at all the dose levels. However, DSE pretreatment had no significant effect on serum HDL level. Pretreatment with DSE (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg body weight) showed significant (p < 0.001) reduction in MDA level in comparison with myocardial injured rats. Further, antioxidant potential was also improved in terms of improved activities of reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase with the DSE pretreatment. Histopathology also showed significant improvement in heart tissue. The study suggests that DSE showed beneficial effect in ISP-induced myocardial injury in rats.

Burmese grape fruit juice can trigger the “logic gate”-like colorimetric sensing behavior of Ag nanoparticles towards toxic metal ions

Ag NPs synthesized by Burmese grape fruit juice showed selective Hg²⁺sensing activity.

Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community of district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tharu community is the largest primitive indigenous community of the Uttarakhand, India. In this article we have scientifically enumerated medicinal plants and herbal preparations used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases, and discussed dermatological properties of these plants in the light of previous ethnomedicinal, microbiological, pharmacological, toxicological, phytochemical and clinical studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal survey was conducted in different villages of Tharu community located in district Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. Ethnomedicinal information on plants used to treat various skin diseases was collected from 122 individuals (93 males and 29 females), including 35 experienced herbal practitioners and 87 local villagers. For each of the recorded plant species the use value (UV) and fidelity level (FL) was calculated. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was also calculated to find out the homogeneity in the information given by the informants.

RESULTS

A total of 90 plant species belonging to 86 genera and 48 families were used by the Tharu community to treat various skin diseases viz., wounds (38 spp.), boils (32 spp.), cuts (18 spp.), leprosy (11 spp.), eczema (10 spp.), itching (7 spp.), ringworm (5 spp.), burns (4 spp.), leucoderma (4 spp.), cracked heels (2 spp.), dandruff (3 spp.), body infection (2 spp.), chilblains (2 spp.), hair fall (2 spp.) and toes infection (2 spp.). Information on botanical name, family, vernacular name, ailments treated, mode and dose of herbal preparations, UV and FL values are provided for each of the recorded species. According to UV value most preferred plant species used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community was Ricinus communis L. followed by Tridax procumbens (L.) L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Ageratum conyzoides and Allium cepa L.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study has revealed significant information on various medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases by Tharu community. Literature review has confirmed most of the claims made by the Tharu community regarding treatment of various skin diseases by the reported plants. The literature review has also revealed that products from very few of the reported plants are available in market, while most of the reported plants are still under preclinical or clinical trials. There are various known phytochemicals, and antibiotic, antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents present in these plants which may be synthesized or transformed to make pharmaceuticals. Some of the reported plants have shown promising results in preclinical trails and there is a need of clinical trials to see their safety and efficacy in treating various skin diseases. These plants may be targeted for development of new medicines, ointments or drugs for the treatment of skin diseases. However further toxicological, preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate claims about little worked out plant species reported in the present study viz., Sida cordata (Burm. F.) Borss. Waalk., Millettia extensa (Benth.) Baker, Caesulia axillaris Roxb., Ehretia laevis Roxb., Vanda tessellate (Roxb.) Hook. Ex G.Don. and Eualaliopsis binata (Retz.) C.E. Hubb. Further studies on these plants are recommended to assess their potential in development of new skin care products.

Antioxidant Capacity and Proanthocyanidin Composition of the Bark of Metasequoia glyptostroboides

Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu et Cheng is the only living species in the genus Metasequoia Miki ex Hu et Cheng (Taxodiaceae), which is well known as a “living fossil” species. In the Chinese folk medicine, the leaves and bark of M. glyptostroboides are used as antimicrobic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory drug for dermatic diseases. This study is the first to report the free radical scavenging capacity, antioxidant activity, and proanthocyanidin composition of the bark of M. glyptostroboides. We observed total of six extracts and fractions, which were easily obtained by water-ethanol extraction and followed by a further separation with D101 resin column chromatography, had significant DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity, and metal ions chelating capacity. The fraction MGEB, which was obtained by 60% ethanol extraction and followed by a further separation with D101 resin column chromatograph, possessed the highest proanthocyanidin content and the highest free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, MGEB could significantly protect against CCl₄ induced acute liver injury through inhibition of oxidative stress in mice. In addition, ten proanthocyanidins were isolated from MGEB, and six of them were firstly reported from this plant.

Gastroprotective Potential of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Stem Bark against Diclofenac-Induced Gastric Damage in Rats

OBJECTIVES

Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. stem bark possesses anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant properties. This plant is used traditionally in the Indian system of medicine to treat emesis, ulcers, leucoderma, dysentery, stomach complaints, and skin disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcer effects of D. sissoo stem bark methanol extract (DSME) against the diclofenac sodium-induced ulceration in rat.

METHODS

The DSME (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to rats once a day for 10 days in diclofenac-treated rats. The gastroprotective effects of DSME were determined by assessing gastric-secretory parameters such as volume of gastric juice, pH, free acidity, and total acidity. Biochemical studies of gastric mucosa were conducted to estimate the levels of nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SHs), lipid peroxidation [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs)], reduced glutathione (GSH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), levels of scavenging antioxidants, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Moreover, adherent mucus content and histological studies were performed on stomach tissues.

RESULTS

Administration of DSME significantly decreased the ulcer index, TBARSs, H2O2, and MPO activity in gastric mucosa of the ulcerated rats. Activities of enzymic antioxidants, CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, GST and GSH, and NP-SH contents were significantly increased with DSME administration in the gastric mucosa of diclofenac-treated rats. Volume of gastric juice, total and free acidity were decreased, whereas pH of the gastric juice was increased with the administration of DSME + diclofenac. Our results show that DSME administration is involved in the prevention of ulcer through scavenging of free radicals. Results of histopathological studies supported the gastroprotective activities of DSME.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that DSME exhibit potential gastroprotective activity probably due to its antioxidant and cytoprotection ability.

Protective effect of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. (family: Fabaceae) leaves against experimentally induced diarrhoea and peristalsis in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance:

Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. (family: Fabaceae; Indian Rosewood), is used in India, especially in rural communities by traditional medicine practitioners to treat diarrhoea. However, scientific evidence does not exist in any literature to substantiate the claim of therapeutic success of the plant species in diarrhoea.

Aim:

To study the protective effect of ethanol extract from D. sissoo Roxb. ex DC. leaves (EDSL) against experimentally induced diarrhoea and peristalsis in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Castor oil-induced diarrhoea and magnesium sulphate (MgSO4)-induced diarrhoea tests were used to assess the antidiarrhoeal activity of D. sissoo. Gastrointestinal tract transit of charcoal meal test and barium sulphate milk was used to assess the peristalsis activity of the extract, while the acute toxicity study and determination of total phenolics and total flavonoids were carried out using well-established protocols and methods.

Results:

The EDSL significantly reduced faecal output in castor oil-induced and MgSO4-induced diarrhoea and also significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal episodes. D. sissoo significantly delayed the onset of diarrhoea induced by both castor oil and MgSO4 and comparable to loperamide, a standard antidiarrhoeal drug. Both D. sissoo and atropine sulphate significantly reduced the peristalsis activity of charcoal meal and barium sulphate milk in mice. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of EDSL revealed the presence of carbohydrates, phenolics, glycosides, and flavonoids. The median lethal dose of EDSL was greater than 2000 mg/kg (orally (p.o.)).

Conclusion:

The data obtained indicate that the EDSL has antidiarrhoeal and antiperistalsis activities and thus supports its traditional use. The data also show that the plant material given p.o. may be safe and/or non-toxic in mice.

Molecular weight determination and correlation analysis of Dalbergia sissoo polysaccharide with constituent oligosaccharides

INTRODUCTION

Mucilaginous polysaccharide extracted from Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. leaves has a number of medicinal applications. Molecular weight studies and correlation analysis of the structure of polysaccharide with oligosaccharides can be helpful for further utilisation, modification and structure-activity relationship for biological applications.

OBJECTIVE

To determine molecular weight of medicinally important polysaccharide. To establish an unequivocal correlation of the polysaccharide monosugars with constituting oligosaccharides and glucuronic acid content based on gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) with the spectrophotometric method.

METHODOLOGY

Complete and partial hydrolytic studies of pure polysaccharide yielded constituting monosugars and oligosaccharides. The ratio of sugars in polysaccharide and oligosaccharides was studied by preparation of alditol acetates and analysed using GLC. The uronic acid content was studied by GLC analysis and spectrophotometry. Molecular weight of the polysaccharide was determined using the viscometric method.

RESULTS

Dalbergia sissoo leaves yielded 14.0% pure polysaccharide, containing 15.7% of glucuronic acid. Complete hydrolysis and GLC analysis of alditol acetate derivatives of reduced and unreduced monosugars indicated the presence of L-rhamnose, D-glucuronic acid, D-galactose and D-glucose in 1.00:1.00:2.00:2.33 molar ratios. Partial hydrolysis followed by monosugar analysis of oligosaccharides established the monosugar ratio in complete agreement with polysaccharide, thereby corroborating the sugar ratio. Similar uronic acid content was obtained by GLC and spectrophotometry. The polysaccharide had an average molecular weight of 1.5 × 10⁵  Da.

CONCLUSION

The study has established an obvious correlation of the structure of polysaccharide with oligosaccharides, leading to unambiguous identification of monosaccharides, which normally is not studied conclusively while reporting the polysaccharide structure. The molecular weight of the polysaccharide was determined.

Antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory properties of long-term stored medicinal plants

Background

Medicinal plants are possible sources for future novel antioxidant compounds in food and pharmaceutical formulations. Recent attention on medicinal plants emanates from their long historical utilisation in folk medicine as well as their prophylactic properties. However, there is a dearth of scientific data on the efficacy and stability of the bioactive chemical constituents in medicinal plants after prolonged storage. This is a frequent problem in African Traditional Medicine.

Methods

The phytochemical, antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory properties of 21 medicinal plants were evaluated after long-term storage of 12 or 16 years using standard in vitro methods in comparison to freshly harvested materials.

Results

The total phenolic content of Artemisia afra, Clausena anisata, Cussonia spicata, Leonotis intermedia and Spirostachys africana were significantly higher in stored compared to fresh materials. The flavonoid content were also significantly higher in stored A. afra, C. anisata, C. spicata, L. intermedia, Olea europea and Tetradenia riparia materials. With the exception of Ekebergia capensis and L. intermedia, there were no significant differences between the antioxidant activities of stored and fresh plant materials as measured in the β-carotene-linoleic acid model system. Similarly, the EC₅₀ values based on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay were generally lower for stored than fresh material. Percentage inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was generally similar for both stored and fresh plant material. Stored plant material of Tetradenia riparia and Trichilia dregeana exhibited significantly higher AChE inhibition than the fresh material.

Conclusions

The current study presents evidence that medicinal plants can retain their biological activity after prolonged storage under dark conditions at room temperature. The high antioxidant activities of stable bioactive compounds in these medicinal plants offer interesting prospects for the identification of novel principles for application in food and pharmaceutical formulations.