Antioxidant activity and phenol and flavonoid contents of eight medicinal plants from Western Nepal

Protective effect of a standardized Allium jesdianum extract in an Alzheimer's disease induced rat model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex disorder with multiple underlying mechanisms. Existing treatment options mostly address symptom management and are associated with numerous side effects. Therefore, exploring alternative therapeutic agents derived from medicinal plants, which contain various bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological effects, holds promise for AD treatment. This study aims to assess the protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Allium jesdianum on cognitive dysfunction, mitochondrial and cellular parameters, as well as genetic parameters in an intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin (icv-STZ) induced rat model of AD. Male Wistar rats were injected with a single dose of STZ (3 mg/kg, icv) to establish a sporadic AD model. A. jesdianum extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) and donepezil (5 mg/kg/day) were orally administered for 14 days following model induction. Cognitive function was evaluated using the radial arm water maze test. Mitochondrial toxicity parameters in various brain regions (whole brain, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum) were assessed. Gene expression analysis of miR-330, miR-132, Bax, and Bcl-2 in isolated rat brain neurons was performed using RT-qPCR. A. jesdianum extract significantly attenuated cognitive dysfunction and mitigated mitochondrial toxicity induced by icv-STZ administration. Following STZ injection, there was upregulation of Bax gene expression and downregulation of miR-330, miR-132, and Bcl-2 gene expression. Treatment with A. jesdianum extract resulted in the reversal of the expression of these microRNAs and genes, indicating its potential for improving AD and reducing neuronal apoptosis. This study demonstrates the neuroprotective capabilities of A. jesdianum against STZ-induced oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in rats, highlighting its therapeutic potential in the management of AD.

Therapeutic Potential of Phenolic Compounds in Medicinal Plants-Natural Health Products for Human Health

Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are potential substitutes for bioactive agents in pharmaceutical and medicinal sections to promote human health and prevent and cure different diseases. The most common flavonoids found in nature are anthocyanins, flavones, flavanones, flavonols, flavanonols, isoflavones, and other sub-classes. The impacts of plant flavonoids and other phenolics on human health promoting and diseases curing and preventing are antioxidant effects, antibacterial impacts, cardioprotective effects, anticancer impacts, immune system promoting, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin protective effects from UV radiation. This work aims to provide an overview of phenolic compounds and flavonoids as potential and important sources of pharmaceutical and medical application according to recently published studies, as well as some interesting directions for future research. The keyword searches for flavonoids, phenolics, isoflavones, tannins, coumarins, lignans, quinones, xanthones, curcuminoids, stilbenes, cucurmin, phenylethanoids, and secoiridoids medicinal plant were performed by using Web of Science, Scopus, Google scholar, and PubMed. Phenolic acids contain a carboxylic acid group in addition to the basic phenolic structure and are mainly divided into hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids. Hydroxybenzoic acids are based on a C6-C1 skeleton and are often found bound to small organic acids, glycosyl moieties, or cell structural components. Common hydroxybenzoic acids include gallic, syringic, protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, gentistic, and salicylic acids. Hydroxycinnamic acids are based on a C6-C3 skeleton and are also often bound to other molecules such as quinic acid and glucose. The main hydroxycinnamic acids are caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and sinapic acids.

Improved Activity of Herbal Medicines through Nanotechnology

Phytochemicals or secondary metabolites are substances produced by plants that have been shown to have many biological activities, providing a scientific basis for using herbs in traditional medicine. In addition, the use of herbs is considered to be safe and more economical compared to synthetic medicine. However, herbal medicines have disadvantages, such as having low solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Some of them can undergo physical and chemical degradation, which reduces their pharmacological activity. In recent decades, nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations have attracted attention due to their enhanced activity and potential for overcoming the problems associated with herbal medicine. Approaches using nanotechnology-based delivery systems that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and based on lipids, polymers, or nanoemulsions can increase the solubility, stability, bioavailability, and pharmacological activity of herbals. This review article aims to provide an overview of the latest advances in the development of nanotechnology-based herbal drug formulations for increased activity, as well as a summary of the challenges these delivery systems for herbal medicines face.

Green synthesis of a photocatalyst Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite using Cleistocalyx operculatus leaf extract for degradation of organic dyes

Green synthesis has emerged as a sustainable approach for the fabrication of nanomaterials in the last few decades. Leaf extracts have been considered low-cost and highly efficient reactants for the synthesis of nanoparticles. In this study, an aqueous extract of Cleistocalyx operculatus leaves was employed as a reductant to synthesize Ag/TiO₂ nanocomposites. The morphology, structure, and interface interaction of the Ag/TiO₂ nanocomposites were investigated by (i) X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystallinity, (ii) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the morphologies, (iii) energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to determine the elemental composition and distribution, and (iv) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) to understand the optical properties. The results showed that Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) with particle sizes of 20-40 nm homogeneously covered the surface of the TiO₂ nanoparticles. The green-synthesized Ag/TiO₂ nanocomposite also exhibited an excellent photodegradation ability for Rhodamine B with a removal percentage up to 91.4% after 180 min of photocatalytic reaction.

Ficus dubia latex extract prevent DMH-induced rat early colorectal carcinogenesis through the regulation of xenobiotic metabolism, inflammation, cell proliferation and apoptosis

Ficus dubia latex is recognized as a remedy in Asian traditional medicine with various therapeutic effects. The present study aimed to determine the preventive action of Ficus dubia latex extract (FDLE) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis and its mechanisms. The experiment included an initiation model in which rats were orally administered with FDLE daily for 1 week before DMH injection until the end of the experiment, while only after DMH injection until the end in the post-initiation model. The results firstly indicated that FDLE treatment could reduce the level of methylazoxymethanol (MAM) in rat colonic lumen by inhibition of the activities of both phase I xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes in the liver and β-glucuronidase in the colon, leading to reduced DNA methylation in colonic mucosal cells, related to the number of ACF in the initiation stage. Besides, FDLE modulated the inflammation which could suppress the growth and induce apoptosis of aberrant colonic mucosal cells, leading to retardation of ACF multiplicity. Therefore, FDLE showed the ability to suppress the DMH-induced rat ACF formation and inflammation promoted growth of ACF. In conclusion, FDLE had the potential to prevent carcinogens-induced rat colorectal carcinogenesis in the initiation stage.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Capacity of Clerodendrum paniculatum Flower Extracts against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The aim of the presented work involves the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendrum paniculatum flower extracts. For this purpose, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, alcohol, and water extracts of C. paniculatum flower were screened for the flavonoid and phenolic content and quantified. Various antioxidant activity assays including 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging, 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reducing ability were carried out. Of the above methods, the alcoholic extract exhibited high antioxidant potential and was selected further for the hepatoprotective evaluations. Hepatoprotective evaluation of the alcoholic extract was carried out for carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-intoxicated model systems. Enzymes associated with liver functions were estimated, and histopathological evaluations were carried out to monitor the liver architecture. Prominently, reduced levels of various associated enzymes along with increased protein content were observed when the liver specimen was pretreated with the extract. Moreover, the liver architecture was almost comparable to that of the normal control group. The column chromatographic analysis of the extract revealed 13 fractions to possess high phenolics and flavonoid contents. The best two fractions were identified for in vitro hepatoprotective evaluation in the goat liver model. Furthermore, the GC-MS analyses of the fractions were carried out followed by a library search, to identify the constituents responsible for the hepatoprotective activity which revealed the presence of four major constituents-pilocarpine, glyceric acid, pangamic acid, and gallic acid. An in vitro hepatoprotective study of the isolated fractions showed better activity compared to the whole alcoholic extract, and the results were comparable to the normal group taken as a control. The investigations with an in vitro model suggest that the isolated fraction with rich flavonoid content showed better hepatoprotective activity. GC-MS analysis of the fractions that displayed good hepatoprotective activity suggested the presence of pilocarpine, glyceric acid, pangamic acid, and gallic acid, while HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of quercetin.

Determination of the Phenolic Content in Iranian Trehala Manna and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Effects

One of the most challenging issues in the food and pharmaceutical industries is finding effective and safe antioxidants from natural resources compared to their synthetic compounds, which have side effects. In this regard, Trehala manna was considered a great antioxidant source categorized as the major type of manna produced naturally and by the Echinops plant in response to insect activity. In this study, the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of the numerous Trehala manna in Echinops sp. have been investigated. Different methods of radical scavenging activity comprising 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) have been investigated to evaluate antioxidant activity. The phenolic contents were measured by Folin–Ciocalteu and standard phytochemical methods. Quantitative and qualitative amounts of phenolic content, including caffeic, ferulic, coumaric, syringic, and hydroxybenzoic acids, were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results indicated the significant changes in the amounts of phenolics and the antioxidant properties in Trehala manna samples, based on the place of collection. Based on results, antioxidant capacity detected by DPPH and ABTS tests showed the IC₅₀ values of 40–94 µg/mL and 28–72 µg/mL, respectively. Results of the FRAP test represented very strong ferric ion reducing activities (0.04–0.83 mmol Fe2+/g). Ferric ion reducing data were not markedly different from ABTS and DPPH ones. These samples also presented the highest phenolic content (1.32–2.28 mg GAE/100 g). Jahrom Trehala manna was the highest in both phenolic content and antioxidant value, while Sabzevar was the lowest. We found a significant relationship between the antioxidant values and total phenolic counts. It indicates that the phenolics contribute to the observed antioxidant activities of these samples.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of <i>Clerodendrum paniculatum</i> Leaf on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Toxicity Model in Swiss Albino Rats and Its Characterization by GC-MS

BACKGROUND

Clerodendrum paniculatum has ethnomedicinal importance in treatment of disorders like wound, typhoid, jaundice, malaria and anemia.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of Clerodendrum paniculatum leaves against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced rat model and identification of its bioactive constituents by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC MS).

METHODS

Successive solvent extraction was carried out. Total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity by 2,2- diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide and 2-Azino-bis [3-ethyl benzothiazoline- 6-sufonic acid] (ABTS method) were done. Ethyl acetate extract was selected for hepatoprotective study in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated model followed by the measurement of liver function marker enzymes such as SGOT (Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase), SGPT (Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase), and ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase). Biochemical parameters like bilirubin and protein were measured. Histopathologic liver sections were carried out. Bioactive constituents were evaluated by GC MS.

RESULTS

By DPPH and ABTS method, ethyl acetate extract showed IC50 as 70.14±0.92 μg/ml,2958.24±2.460 μg/ml, respectively. The alcoholic extract showed maximum IC50 (197.22 ±7.16 μg/ml) by Nitric oxide radical scavenging method. Hepatoprotective study reveals that intoxicated animal groups have elevated levels of enzymes and bilirubin and suppress the production of protein. The extract pre-treatment showed a significant decrease in enzymes and increased production of total protein in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathologic studies also support the hepatoprotective activity. GC MS analysis revealed the presence of seven major bioactive constituents with ethyl palmitate as the major one.

CONCLUSION

The results support the proof for the hepatoprotective potential of the CPLE extract with potent antioxidant activity and enhanced liver enzyme level. The observed activity could be due to the presence of bioactive compounds as identified by GC MS analysis.

A comparative study of the HPLC-MS profiles and biological efficiency of different solvent leaf extracts of two African plants: Bersama abyssinica and Scoparia dulcis

In the present study, two medicinal plants from Africa, namely Bersama abyssinica Fresen. and Scoparia dulcis L., were extracted using ethyl acetate, methanol, and water. The antioxidant, enzyme (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase, lipase, and tyrosinase) inhibitory action, and phytochemical profiles of extracts of Bersama abyssinica and Scoparia dulcis were determined. The aqueous (180.62 and 61.81 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract, for B. abyssinica and S. dulcis respectively) and methanol (75.21 and 57.81 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, for B. abyssinica and S. dulcis, respectively) extracts contained high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoids, respectively. The ethyl acetate extracts of both plants were potent inhibitors of α-glucosidase and tyrosinase. Several phytochemical groups were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The study tend to suggest that B. abyssinica and S. dulcis are potential candidates for the development of novel therapeutical agents.

Enhanced Antioxidant Efficacy of Nano-Encapsulated Protorhus Longifolia Methanol Extract Stabilized with Eudragit

This study describes the synthesis of Protorhus longifolia methanolic leaf extract-loaded Eudragit nanoparticles (NPs) and assessment of their antioxidant activity comparative to the free methanolic extract. The latter was also analyzed for its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The extract-loaded NPs were obtained through the emulsification solvent evaporation process and systematically characterized using the dynamic light scattering, entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The antioxidant power was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in vitro model systems. Screening of the different classes of secondary metabolites was carried out through chemical reaction tests. Identification of the potential antioxidants was performed using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique and the database of National Institute Standard and Technology (NIST). The characterization techniques showed spherical-like particles having an average size of 150[Formula: see text]nm and zeta potential of [Formula: see text]22[Formula: see text]mV. The percentage of entrapped methanolic extract was determined to be 83%. The antioxidant assay demonstrated that this methodology persuaded an efficient concentration-dependent potential. This study indicates that nanoformulation of the Protorhus longifolia extracts leads to a suitable system for the enhancement of antioxidant activity. The appraisal of other pharmacological activities of the nano-encapsulated Protorhus longifolia methanol extract is under process.

Pyrrole-2,5-dione analogs as a promising antioxidant agents: microwave-assisted synthesis, bio-evaluation, SAR analysis and DFT studies/interpretation

A new series of pyrrole analogs were developed via the microwave irradiation synthesis. Consequently, got a high yield of the products. As pyrroles are familiar for showing various biological properties, all obtained compounds were screened for their antioxidant properties, most of the compounds showing significant activity. In fact, the motifs 5e, 5g, 5h and 5m showed outstanding antioxidant properties. Further, to enlighten the biologically energetic behavior underlying the antioxidant activity, compounds DFT studies were performed. Noteworthy results have been attained and the structure activity relationship (SAR) was discussed with the support of this results. It was found that highly biological active compounds exhibited a low HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Eg) and the high Eg value compounds show very low/negligible or inactive antioxidant activities. In other cases, compounds containing high HOMO energy levels also provide high antioxidant activity. The thought-provoking point of our results is that theoretical descriptors of the HOMO-LUMO energy gap and the highest occupied molecular orbital energy are important descriptors in the bioorganic research to support the biological experiments.

Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibition Potentials, and Phytochemical Profiling of Premna serratifolia L. Leaf Extracts

Premna serratifolia, commonly known as Arogo in Tentena-Sulawesi, is a popular vegetable. As a promising herbal tea and food ingredient, further investigation is required to find the best knowledge for medicinal use of P. serratifolia leaves. This research investigated the antioxidant activity of the ethanol (EEPS) and water (WEPS) extracts of P. serratifolia leaves, based on their scavenging activities on DPPH radicals and their reducing capacities (CuPRAC, total antioxidant/phosphomolybdenum, and ferric thiocyanate reducing power assays). The DNA-protecting effect by EEPS was tested using pBR322 plasmid DNA against •OH radical-induced damage. The inhibition potentials of both extracts against several enzymes related to metabolic diseases (α-glucosidase, α-amylase, xanthine oxidase, and protease) were evaluated. The phytochemical analysis was conducted by an LC-QTOF-MS/MS technique. EEPS proved to be a better antioxidant and had higher phenolic content compared to WEPS. EEPS demonstrated a protective effect on DNA with recovery percentage linearly correlated with EEPS concentrations. Strong inhibition on α-glucosidase and α-amylase was observed for EEPS; however, EEPS and WEPS showed weak inhibitions on xanthine oxidase and protease. LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis identified seven main components in EEPS, namely scroside E, forsythoside A and forsythoside B, lavandulifolioside, diosmin, nobilin D, campneoside I, and isoacteoside. These components may be responsible for the observed enzymes inhibitions and antioxidant properties. Premna serratifolia leaves can be an appropriate choice for the development of nutraceutical and drug preparations.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Argyreia pierreana and Matelea denticulata: Higher activity of the micellar nanoformulation over the crude extract

Background and aim

Herbal medicine combined with nanotechnology is widely proposed to improve the oral bioavailability, reduce the required dose and side effects, and improve the pharmacological efficacy of extracts. Thus, this study evaluated the in vivo antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanolic leaf extracts of Argyreia pierreana (AP) and Matelea denticulata (MP) plants in comparison with their micellar nanoformulations.

Materials and methods

The mixed micelles (MMs) loaded with crude extracts (CEs) of AP and MD (AP-MMs and MD-MMs) were prepared using a film dispersion technique. Type 2 diabetes was induced in rats using high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose (35 mg/kg) streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The pharmacological actions of CEs, AP-MMs and MD-MMs were determined in type 2 diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats.

Results

Oral treatments with low-dose AP-MMs and MD-MMs having a mean particle size of 163 ± 10 nm and 145 ± 8 nm respectively, resulted in significantly decreased fasting blood glucose level and increased serum insulin, glucokinase levels, and normalized the elevated levels of hemoglobin A1C and glucose-6-phosphatase. Both extracts significantly decreased serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, as well as elevated high-density lipoprotein levels. Additionally, improvements in antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and malondialdehyde levels were evidenced clearly in tested vital organs (brain, heart, liver).

Conclusion

This is the first report of the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanolic leaf extracts of AP and MP plants. Our findings indicate the potential utility of nanotechnology in improving the oral therapeutic efficacy of herbal extracts.

Antidiabetic activity of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Introduction

Watermelon is one of the commonly eaten fruit in most homes in Nigeria and has been used in the management of diabetes mellitus traditionally. This study was carried out to explore the antidiabetic potential of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Watermelon juice was used for the determination of in vitro parameters such as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH), nitric oxide and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) as well as phytochemicals such as total phenol, total flavonoids. In vitro, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were also accessed using standard procedures. Diabetes was induced in the rats by a single intraperitoneal (I.P) injection of freshly prepared alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight). The animals were randomly grouped into five groups of normal control, untreated diabetic control, diabetic rats administered 200 mg/kg body weight of metformin, diabetic rats administered 500 mg/kg body weight of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice and diabetic rats administered 1000 mg/kg body weight of watermelon juice. The rats were sacrificed on the 14th day of the experiment and various in vivo biochemical parameters were also evaluated in the serum and tissue homogenates of diabetic rats.

Results

The watermelon juice exhibits anti-oxidant properties and inhibitory activities against α-glucosidase and α-amylase in a dose-dependent manner. Added to this, the administration of different doses of the watermelon juice significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fasting blood glucose level, serum lipid profile, glucose-6-phosphatase, lipid peroxidation and anti-inflammatory activities in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, hexokinase activity as well as glucose transporters (GLUT 2 and GLUT 4) levels in diabetic rats administered different doses of Citrullus lanatus.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study demonstrates that watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice exhibits its antidiabetic potential in experimental diabetic animal model via multiple pathways involving modulation of glucose transporters, anti-inflammatory activities as well as antioxidant defense system and inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase. This suggests that the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice may have a useful clinical application in the management of diabetes mellitus and its metabolic complications if developed as adjuvant therapy.

Use of Autochthonous Lactobacilli to Increase the Safety of Zgougou

Seeds of Pinus halepensis are used for preparing zgougou, a spontaneously fermented matrix giving juice and seeds debris, consumed in many Arabian countries, including Tunisia. In the same way as all the food processes based on spontaneous fermentation, zgougou hides health risks due to eventual pathogenic microorganisms and derived toxins. This study aimed at investigating the effect of the use of autochthonous Lactobacillus paraplantarum A1 and Lactobacillus plantarum A2, as fermentation starters, on the microbiological characteristics, profiles of volatile organic compounds (VOC), antibacterial and antioxidant activities of juice and seeds debris from zgougou. The starter lactobacilli inhibited undesired bacteria (e.g., Enterobacter and Aeromonas) and coccus-shaped lactic acid bacteria, as shown by culture-dependent and-independent methods. The inhibitory effect was more evident in juice than in seeds debris. Some VOC (ethanol, acetoin, phenol,2-methoxy and caryophyllene) were present at higher concentrations in juice and seeds obtained upon spontaneous fermentation, compared to the samples deriving from fermentation with lactobacilli. The latter samples were characterized by higher concentrations of acetic acid, decane, 1-nonanol, bornyl acetate and bornyl formate. In addition, they showed a wider spectrum of antibacterial activity than spontaneously fermented juice and seeds. The use of autochthonous lactobacilli did not relevantly affect the antioxidant activity of zgougou. When juice from lactobacilli-driven fermentation was used to prepare a traditional Tunisian pudding ("Assidat-Zgougou"), it improved color and odor with respect to the pudding containing juice from spontaneous fermentation. This study showed that the use, at laboratory scale, of autochthonous lactobacilli is a feasible biotechnological tool to outgrow undesired bacteria, thus improving the safety of zgougou juice. Future studies should be undertaken to confirm the observed benefits at industrial scale.

Antioxidant, photoprotective and inhibitory activity of tyrosinase in extracts of Dalbergia ecastaphyllum

Dalbergia ecastaphyllum is a native Brazil plant with importance for beekeeping, and widely used in folk medicine. For the first time, the extracts of this plant were assessed for the presence of hydrophilic and lipophilic antioxidants, as well as inhibition of tyrosinase, free radicals scavenging and sunscreen protection. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging (DPPH) and β-carotene bleaching assay. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity was evaluated and calculated the EC50. The photoprotective activity was measured using different concentrations of D. ecastaphyllum extracts. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of the samples was higher than 6, and the sample from Ilhéus showed the most pronounced photoprotective effect. Sample from Canavieiras presented the highest antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging DPPH and β-carotene bleaching method, with 92.41% and 48.34%, respectively. All samples inhibited the tyrosinase, especially the sample from Prado that was most effective (124.62 μg.mL^-1). Significant negative correlation was found between flavonoid contents and inhibition of tyrosinase. The overall results provide relevant information about the Dalbergia ecastaphyllum species, indicating as potential material to cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

Studies on the protective effect of the artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract against cadmium toxicity-induced oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, and immunosuppressive and hematological disorders in rats

Our objective was to explore the protective effect of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity-induced oxidative organ damage in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups of eight animals each. The first group was assigned as a control. Groups 2-4 were orally administered with ALE (300 mg/kg bw), Cd (CdCl₂, 100 mg/L drinking water), and ALE plus Cd, respectively, daily for 4 weeks. After treatment with Cd, the liver and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA) increased significantly compared with the control rats. The sera interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and IL-10, liver transaminase, urea, creatinine, and peripheral neutrophil count were significantly increased in Cd-exposed rats compared to the control group. The reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) decreased in the liver and kidney in Cd-exposed group. In combination treatment, Cd and ALE significantly improved immune response, an antioxidant system, and hepatorenal function with a significant decline in MDA. In conclusion, ALE ameliorates the immunosuppressive and hepatorenal oxidative injury stimulated by Cd in rats. These results suggest that artichoke has shown promising effects against adverse effects of Cd toxicity.

Identification of food preservative, stress relief compounds by GC-MS and HR-LC/Q-TOF/MS; evaluation of antioxidant activity of Acalypha indica leaves methanolic extract (in vitro) and polyphenolic fraction (in vivo)

The present paper has been designed to evaluate phytochemical profile, in vitro free radical scavenging activity, cytotoxicity of methanolic extract and in vivo antioxidant activity of polyphenolic fraction of Acalypha indica leaves. Methanolic extract of A. indica leaves (MEAIL) contained rich amount of phenols, flavonoids and saponins. The GC-MS analysis of extract revealed 13 compounds, whereas HR-LC/Q-TOF/MS showed 87, and all were coincided with functional groups identified by FTIR. The extract showed good scavenging activity on DPPH, H2O2, hydroxyl radicals and metal ions. The Polyphenolic fraction induced the antioxidant enzymes in Diabetic rats. The extract also potentially showed cytotoxic (LC50: 140.02 µg/mL) activity against brine shrimp. Based on these analytical results, in vitro and in vivo experiments, it was concluded that the MEAIL has encompassed rich amount of polyphenols (antioxidants) and cytotoxic compounds for their respective activities. Polyphenolic fraction has the induction capacity to elevate cellular antioxidant enzymes in diabetic animals.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-insulin resistance activities of aqueous extract from Anoectochilus burmannicus

This study investigated biological activities including antioxidative stress, anti‐inflammation, and anti‐insulin resistance of Anoectochilus burmannicus aqueous extract (ABE). The results showed abilities of ABE to scavenging DPPH and ABTS free radicals in a dose‐dependent manner. Besides, ABE significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated RAW 264.7 via inhibition of mRNA and protein expressions of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The LPS‐induced mRNA expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) were suppressed by ABE. Moreover, ABE exerted anti‐insulin resistance activity as it significantly improved the glucose uptake in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α treated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In addition, ABE at the concentration of up to 200 μg/mL was not toxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and did not induce mutations. Finally, the results of our study suggest the potential use of A. burmannicus as anti‐inflammatory, anti‐insulin resistance agents, or food supplement for prevention of chronic diseases.

Astible Rivularis: Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Functions

Astilbe rivularis Buch. Ham., a rhizomatous perennial herb of the Saxifragaceae family, has been listed in rare species. In traditional medicine the plant has been used for the treatment of ulcer, bleeding during child birth, inflammation, body ache, diarrhea, and dysentery. This article reviews and analyses the traditional use, pharmacological activities of the corresponding bioactive compounds, and toxicological data on A. rivularis species. A. rivularis has been used across Indian subcontinent to treat various human ailments. Its extract consists of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins and glycosides. These extracts as well as isolated bioactive compounds demonstrated various biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-peptic ulcer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. Toxicological studies of the extract on brine shrimp larvae demonstrated mild toxicity; however no acute toxicity in mice. Although the pharmacological effect of A. rivularis has been poorly explored, the available data validated its use in ethnomedicine. To reveal the cryptic therapeutic potential of the species, research should focus on identification and mechanistic studies of the bioactive compounds.