Hypolipidaemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littorale Blume

Investigation of phytoconstituents of Enicostemma littorale as potential glucokinase activators through molecular docking for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glucokinase (GK) is an enzyme involved in synthesising glucose into glucose-6 phosphate and serves a crucial function in glucose sensing. Therefore, agents that induce GK activation could be used to treat T2DM. The present work has been carried out to investigate the GK activation potential of phytoconstituents of Enicostemma littorale through molecular docking. All the phytoconstituents have been screened through the Lipinski rule of 5, Veber's rule, and ADMET properties. From these initial screening, only Apigenin, Ferulic acid, Genkwanin, p-coumaric acid, Protocatechuic acid, Syringic acid, and Vanillic acid have been selected to perform molecular docking studies. The binding free energy and binding mode of the native ligand in the allosteric site of the enzyme have been considered the reference for the other molecules' validation. The native ligand has exhibited - 7.2 kcal/mol binding free energy, whereas; it has formed four hydrogen bonds with THR-228, LYS-169, ASP-78, and GLY-81. Based on these findings, the interactions of phytoconstituents have been justified. Apigenin, genkwanin, and swertiamarin exhibited - 8.7, - 7.5, and - 8.3 kcal/mol binding free energy, respectively, which indicates better enzyme activation than the native ligand. Swertiamarin has formed 08 hydrogen bonds with allosteric amino acid residues, which confirms the excellent enzyme activation by these phytoconstituents. We concluded that if we can isolate and consume the exact active phytoconstituents (GK activators) from this plant, we can use them effectively to treat T2DM. More GK activators can be developed by considering them as a natural lead moiety.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of helicid protect against CCl4 induced acute liver injury in mice

Acute liver injury can be caused by chemicals and can lead to liver failure. We investigated the protective effect of helicid (HEL) on acute liver injury caused by CCl₄ in mice. We found that ALT and AST levels as well as hepatic pathological damage in mice treated with CCl₄ was increased significantly, while the effects were decreased by HEL treatment. HEL treatment increased the activity of T-SOD, GSH and CAT and reduced the level of MDA in CCl₄ treated mice. HEL improved the histopathology of liver caused by CCl₄. HEL also reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL- 6 activity caused by CCl₄. We investigated the phosphorylation of p65 and IκB protein and found that HEL can alleviate liver damage via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HEL protects against acute liver injury induced by CCl₄. The protective effect of HEL appears to be due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Enicostemma axillare (Lam.) leaf extract

In the present study copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized via simple and eco-friendly green route using leaf extract of Enicostemma axillare (Lam.). Characterization of synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) was undertaken. The characteristic absorption peak of CuONPs was in range 264nm in UV–Vis spectrum. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the morphological and structural character of green NPs. The mean particle size was calculated to 30nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed high intense metallic peak of copper (Cu), oxygen (O) and low intense peaks of carbon (C), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P) elements due to the capping action of biomolecules of plant extract in CuONPs formation. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed distinctive peaks corresponding to (200), (211) and (310) planes revealing the high crystalline nature of synthesized CuONPs with a primitive phase. Zeta potential and size distribution of synthesized green NPs was concluded by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies.

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Plant extract mediated synthesis of CuONPs.

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CuONPs characterization by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FE-SEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, and DLS techniques.

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Simple and eco-friendly green route synthesis.

In vitro antioxidant activities of Solanum surattense leaf extract

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant activity of alcoholic leaf-extract of Solanum surattense (Solanaceae) (S. surattense).

METHODS

Leaf extract were tested for in vitro free radical scavenging assays, such as hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide, inhibition of superoxide anion radical and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH), total antioxidant activity and reducing ability. Further, total phenolic content of S. surattense was analyzed.

RESULTS

S. surattense extract effectively scavenged free radicals at all different concentrations and showed its potent antioxidant activity. Further, these effects were in a dose dependent manner. Results were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol.

CONCLUSIONS

S. surattense have strong antioxidant potential. Further the study validates the therapeutic benefits of the Indian system of medicine.

Pharmacognosy of Enicostemma littorale: a review

Traditional medicine system of India comprised varieties of plants which are playing a significant role in curing diseases from ancient times. Among them, Enicostemma littorale blume (E. littorale) a perennial herb of the family Gentianaceae is cosmopolitan in occurrence in India. The bittery natured plant acts as a laxative, helps in curing fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, abdominal disorders, snake bite, obesity and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The plant constituents have been reported for possessing antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiinflammatory, hypolipidaemic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties. This review provides a bird's eye view about geographical distribution, physicochemical parameters, phytoconstituents and pharmacological properties of E. littorale.

A comparative study of the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and thrombolytic potential of the fruits and leaves of Spondias dulcis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and thrombolytic property of the fruits and leaves of Spondias dulcis (S. dulcis).

METHODS

Methanolic extracts of fruits and leaves of S. dulcis were partitioned with chloroform and dichloromethane. The antioxidant potential of the crude extract and partitioned fractions were evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging potential, reducing potential and total antioxidant capacity by specific standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated using disc diffusion method. The cytotoxicity was evaluated by using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and compared with vincristine sulfate. The thrombolytic activity was compared with streptokinase.

RESULTS

The methanolic fruit extract exhibited the highest phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity, among the other extracts, with the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity at a concentration of 10 µg/mL (IC50: 1.91 µg/mL) and maximum reducing power at a concentration of 100 µg/mL (EC50: 3.58 µg/mL). Though all extract showed moderate antimicrobial activity against the bacterial strains, weak or no activity against fungus. The range of LC50 value of all extracts was 1.335-14.057 µg/mL which was far lower than the cut off index for cytotoxicity. All extracts exhibited statistically significant (P<0.001) thrombolytic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that S. dulcis exhibits antimicrobial activities against a wide variety of strains while it possesses significant antioxidant, cytotoxic and thrombolytic activity.

Evaluation of anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant potential of andrographolide and echiodinin isolated from callus culture of Andrographis paniculata Nees

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activity of andrographolide (AND) and echiodinin (ECH) of Andrographis paniculata.

METHODS

In this study, an attempt has been made to demonstrate the anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activity of isolated AND and ECH by broth micro-dilution method and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Structure elucidation was determined by electro-spray ionization-MSD, NMR ((1)H and (13)C) and IR spectra.

RESULTS

AND was effective against most of the strains tested including Mycobacterium smegmatis, showing broad spectrum of growth inhibition activity with Minimum inhibitory concentration values against Staphylococcus aureus (100 µg/mL), Streptococcus thermophilus (350 µg/mL) Bacillus subtilis (100 µg/mL), Escherichia coli (50 µg/mL), Mycobacterium smegmatis (200 µg/mL), Klebsiella pneumonia (100 µg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (200 µg/mL). ECH showed specific anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration higher than 225 µg/mL. Both AND and ECH were not effective against the two yeast strains, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae tested in this study.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary study showed promising anti-bacterial activity and moderate free radical scavenging activity of AND and ECH, and it may provide the scientific rationale for its popular folklore medicines.

Preliminary study on antifertility activity of Enicostemma axillare leaves and Urena lobata root used in Indian traditional folk medicine

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possible antifertility activity of Enicostemma axillare (E. axillare) leaves and Urena lobata (U. lobata) root in adult male Wistar albino rats.

METHODS

Six groups of rats were treated with ethanolic (70%v/v) extracts of E. axillare (375 and 750 mg/kg body weight) and U. lobata root (300 and 600 mg/kg body weight) once daily for 55 days. Control groups received the distilled water and vehicle. All the treated rats had corresponding recovery groups. At the end of each treatment periods, animals were killed and organ weights, sperm characteristics, testicular and epididymal biochemicals as well as testicular enzymes were assessed.

RESULTS

The E. axillare and U. lobata at tested doses did not decrease body weight, whereas the weight of testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles were significantly (P<0.01) reduced. Significantly (P<0.01) more reductions in the sperm motility, viability and counts, epididymal and testicular protein contents were noted in the rats treated with higher dose of both the plants. Both the plants at the higher dose caused a marked increase (P<0.01) in sperm morphological abnormalities, testicular cholesterol and ascorbic acid contents were remarkably increased (P<0.01), while, the activities of testicular glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and Δ(5)-3β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (Δ(5)-3β-HSD) were significantly reduced (P<0.01). However, reversal of these changes occurred after 55 days of treatment withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the E. axillare leaves and U. lobata root reversibly inhibited spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis indicating reversible antifertility activity which could partially support the traditional of these plants as male contraceptives.

Antioxidant and antiangiogenic activities of the essential oils of Myristica fragrans and Morinda citrifolia

OBJECTIVE

Toinvestigate the anti-angiogenic activity and antioxidant properties of Myristica fragrans (M. fragrans) (nutmeg) and Morinda citrifolia (M. citrifolia)(mengkudu) oils.

METHODS

The nutmeg and megkudu essential oils were obtained by steam distillation. The antioxidant activities of both essential oils were determined by beta-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay and reducing power while the anti-angiogenic activity was investigated using rat aortic ring assay using various concentrations.

RESULTS

The results showed that nutmeg oil has higher antioxidant activity than mengkudu oil. The nutmeg oil effectively inhibited the oxidation of linoleic acid with (88.68±0.1)% while the inhibition percentage of oxidation of linoleic acid of the mengkudu oil is (69.44±0.4)%. The nutmeg oil and mengkudu oil showed reducing power with an EC(50) value of 181.4 μg/mL and 3 043.0 μg/mL, respectively. The antiangiogenic activity of nutmeg oil showed significant antiangiogenic activity with IC(50) of 77.64 μg/mL comparing to mengkudu oil which exhibits IC(50) of 109.30 μg/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

Bioactive compound(s) will be isolated from the nutmeg essential oil to be developed as antiangiogenic drugs.

Effect of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. bark extract on cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the effect of ethanolic extract of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. (B. lanan) bark against cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.

METHODS

The prevalence of micronuclei in bone marrow, the extent of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and the status of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase in liver of mice were used as intermediate biomarkers for chemoprotection. Lipid peroxidation and associated compromised antioxidant defenses in cyclophosphamide treated mice were observed in the liver.

RESULTS

Pre-treatment with B. lanzan 250, 500 and 1,000 mg/kg, p.o., daily for 7 days significantly reduced the chromosomal damage and lipid peroxidation with concomitant changes in antioxidants and detoxification systems.

CONCLUSIONS

These results point out the presence of chemopreventive phytoconstituents in the crude extract offering protection against cyclophosphamide induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.

Protective effect of Amorphophallus campanulatus (Roxb.) Blume. tuber against thioacetamide induced oxidative stress in rats

OBJECTIVE

To identify the phytochemical constituents of Amorphophallus campanulatus (A. campanulatus) tuber and to evaluate its antioxidant potential through in vitro and in vivo models.

METHODS

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antioxidant activities of A. campanulatus tuber n-hexane extract (ACHE) and methanolic extract (ACME) were evaluated using DPPH, hydroxyl radical, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also investigated. The protective potential of two different doses of ACME (125 and 250 mg/kg) was also evaluated against thioacetamide (TAA) induced oxidative stress in rats. Silymarin used as a standard drug control. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by quantifying the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The antioxidant potential of ACME were also evaluated by the estimation of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in hepatic and renal tissues. Histopathologic changes of liver were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In vitro studies revealed that ACME has higher antioxidant and radical scavenging activity than ACHE, which may be attributed to its higher phenolic and flavonoid content. ACME significantly prevented the elevation of serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and tissue malondialdehyde levels(P < 0.05). Hepatic and renal GSH, GST, GR, GPx, and catalase levels were remarkably increased by the treatment with the extract. Quantification of histopathological changes also supported the dose dependent protective effects of ACME.

CONCLUSIONS

The results do suggest that A. campanulatus tuber could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidant.

Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Tectona grandis flowers in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of Tectona grandis (T. grandis) flowers (METGF) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats to supports its traditional use.

METHODS

Acute toxicity study of METGF was carried out in rat to determine its dose for the antidiabetic study. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to evaluate METGF effect on elevated blood glucose level. Diabetes was induced in rats by administration of STZ (60 mg/kg, ip.) and it was confirmed 72 h after induction. METGF was orally given to the diabetic rats up to 28 days and blood glucose level were estimated each week. On 28 day of the experiment, diabetic rats were sacrificed after the blood collection for the biochemical parameters analysis and liver, kidney was collected to determine antioxidants levels.

RESULTS

In acute toxicity, METGF did not show toxicity and death up to a dose 2 000 mg/kg in rats. Administration of METGF 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (P<0.001) reduced blood glucose levels in OGTT and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Both doses of METGF treatment significantly (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) increased body weight, serum insulin, haemoglobin (Hb) and total protein levels in diabetic rats. Also, MEGTF treatment reduced elevated glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and other biochemical parameters levels significantly (P<0.001) in diabetic rats. Altered lipid profiles and antioxidants levels were reversed to near normal in diabetic rats treated with METGF.

CONCLUSIONS

These results concluded that METGF possesses antidiabetic, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity which supports its traditional use.

Antioxidant activity and phytochemical screening of the methanol extracts of Euphorbia hirta L

OBJECTIVE

To assess antioxidant activities of different parts of Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta), and to search for new sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants.

METHODS

Samples of leaves, stems, flowers and roots from E. hirta were tested for total phenolic content, and flavonoids content and in vitro antioxidant activity by diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay and reducing power was measured using cyanoferrate method.

RESULTS

The leaves extract exhibited a maximum DPPH scavenging activity of (72.96±0.78)% followed by the flowers, roots and stems whose scavenging activities were (52.45±0.66)%, (48.59±0.97)%, and (44.42±0.94)%, respectively. The standard butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was (75.13±0.75)%. The IC(50) for leaves, flowers, roots, stems and BHT were 0.803, 0.972, 0.989, 1.358 and 0.794 mg/mL, respectively. The reducing power of the leaves extract was comparable with that of ascorbic acid and found to be dose dependent. Leaves extract had the highest total phenolic content [(206.17±1.95) mg GAE/g], followed by flowers, roots and stems extracts which were (117.08±3.10) mg GAE/g, (83.15±1.19) mg GAE/g, and (65.70±1.72) mg GAE/g, respectively. On the other hand, total flavonoids content also from leave had the highest value [(37.970±0.003) mg CEQ/g], followed by flowers, roots and stems extracts which were (35.200±0.002) mg CEQ/g, (24.350±0.006) mg CEQ/g, and (24.120±0.004) mg CEQ/g, respectively. HPTLC bioautography analysis of phenolic and antioxidant substance revealed phenolic compounds. Phytochemical screening of E. hirta leaf extract revealed the presence of reducing sugars, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, flavanoids and phenolic compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggeste that E. hirta have strong antioxidant potential. Further study is necessary for isolation and characterization of the active antioxidant agents, which can be used to treat various oxidative stress-related diseases.

Antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (L.) leaves extract on alloxan induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate antidiabetic, hypolipidemic histopathological analysis of Dillenia indica (D. indica) methanolic leaves (DIME) extract in alloxan induced diabetic rat by administering oral doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight).

METHODS

Blood glucose levels were measured using blood glucose test strips with elegance glucometer on weekly intervals till the end of study (i.e. 3 weeks). Other parameters e.g. liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels were determined in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rats after oral administration of the extract for 21 days. Histopathological changes in diabetic rat organs (pancreas, liver and kidney) were also observed after extract treatment.

RESULTS

Daily oral administration DIME (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level (P < 0.001) as well as improving kidney, liver functions and hyperlipidaemia due to diabetes. The extract treatment also showed to enhanced serum insulin level and body weight of diabetic rats as compared to diabetic control group. Furthermore, the extract has a favorable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, liver and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

D. indica possess antidiabetic property as well improve body weight, liver profile, renal profile and total lipid levels. DIME has also favorable effect to inhibit the histopathological changes of the pancreas and kidney in alloxan induced diabetes.