HPLC-DAD analysis, antioxidant potential and anti-urease activity of Asparagus gracilis collected from District Islamabad

Phytochemical screening, HPLC analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant effect of Euphorbia parviflora L. (Euphorbiaceae Juss.)

Plant extracts are actively being used worldwide due to the presence of biologically active constituents helping in the preservation of food, and to aid against various diseases owing to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The present research work was carried out to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity of different extracted samples of Euphorbia parviflora. Anti-microbial studies were carried out by Agar well diffusion while the DPPH method was employed for investigating anti-oxidant activity. Three samples from methanol, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extract were tested against five different bacterial strains comprising two species from Gram-negative bacteria i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and three species from Gram-positive bacteria i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia along two fungal strains i.e. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The results of the qualitative phytochemical analysis showed that methanolic, chloroformic, and ethylacetate extract of Euphorbia parviflora consist of alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins. The total phenol and flavonoid content of E. parviflora showed that the methanolic extract of E. parviflora had a significantly higher total phenolic content (53.73 ± 0.30 mg of GAE/g) and flavonoid content (44.62 ± 0.38 mg of than other extracts. The content of total phenolic and flavonoids was more in methanolic extract as compared to other extracts of E. prolifera. The HPLC analysis showed that in the chloroform extract of E. parviflora Cinnamic acid (4.32 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant, in methanol extract quercetin (3.42 ± 2.89 mg/g) was dominant and in ethyl acetate extract of E. parviflora catechin (4.44 ± 2.89 mg/g) was found dominant. The antimicrobial activity revealed that amongst all the extracts the highest antibacterial activity was shown by methanolic extract against B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus as compared to the other extracts. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of E. parviflora demonstrated higher antioxidant activity (82.42 ± 0.02) followed by chloroform extract (76.48 ± 0.08) at 150 µg/mL. The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the potential of this plant as a reliable source of antimicrobials and antioxidants that may be used for the treatment of various infectious diseases in the future. The study provides evidence that this plant can act as a reliable source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents and might be used against several infectious diseases.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Contents, Antimicrobial, and antioxidant Potential of Haloxylon Griffithii Collected From Northern Region of Balochistan, Pakistan

Background

The therapeutic potential of Haloxylon griffithii found in northern region of Balochistan, so far has been neglected.

Purpose

The current study was aimed to assess the phytochemicals and pharmacological potential of fractions isolated from H griffithii.

Research Design

During phytochemicals analysis of H griffithii using GC/MS showed various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, and carboxylic acids. In vitro antioxidant activity of H griffithii was determined by 2, 2'- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity.

Results

The quantitative analysis of ethyl acetate showed highest total flavonoid contents (1.19 ± .05) while ethanol with lowest value (.52 ± .01). The total phenolic contents in ethyle acetate was 1.50 ± .42, whereas ethanol showed lowest value (.77 ± .02). Ethanol exhibited excellent (88.68 ± 3.0) free radical scavenging potential measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging assay. For antimicrobial activity, different bacterial and fungal strains like B subtilis, S aureus, E coli, S typhi, C albicans, and A. niger were selected. The essential oil showed maximum % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against B. Subtillus and (5 mm) against C albicans, respectively. The ethyl acetate presented % inhibition diameter (9 mm) against S aureus and (6 mm) against A niger. Anti-urease activity also showed positive response.

Conclusions

The presence of high (%) bioactive compounds with great therapeutic potential suggest that H griffithii can be used as natural alternative of synthetic drugs without side effects.

Efficacy of Phytochemicals Derived from Roots of Rondeletia odorata as Antioxidant, Antiulcer, Diuretic, Skin Brightening and Hemolytic Agents—A Comprehensive Biochemical and In Silico Study

Roots of Rondeletia odorata are a rich source of phytochemicals with high antioxidant potential and thus may possess health benefits. This study used the LC-MS technique to identify phytoconstituents in R. odorata roots extract/fractions. Results revealed that n-butanol fraction and ethanolic extract contained total phenolic and flavonoid contents with values of 155.64 ± 0.66 mgGAE/g DE and 194.94 ± 0.98 mgQE/g DE, respectively. Significant potential of antioxidants was observed by DPPH, CUPRAC and FRAP methods while the ABTS method showed moderate antioxidant potential. Maximum % inhibition for urease, tyrosinase and carbonic anhydrase was shown by ethanolic extract (73.39 ± 1.11%), n-butanol soluble fraction (80.26 ± 1.59%) and ethyl acetate soluble fraction (76.50 ± 0.67%) which were comparable with thiourea (standard) (98.07 ± 0.74%), kojic acid (standard) (98.59 ± 0.92%) and acetazolamide (standard) (95.51 ± 1.29%), respectively, while all other extract/fractions showed moderate inhibition activity against these three enzymes. Hemolytic activity was also observed to range from 18.80 ± 0.42 to 3.48 ± 0.69% using the standard (triton X-100) method. In total, 28 and 20 compounds were identified tentatively by LC-MS analysis of ethanolic extract and n-butanol soluble fraction, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking was undertaken for major compounds identified by LC-MS for determining binding affinity between enzymes (urease, tyrosinase and carbonic anhydrase) and ligands. It was concluded that active phytochemicals were present in roots of R. odorata with potential for multiple pharmacological applications and as a latent source of pharmaceutically important compounds. This should be further explored to isolate important constituents that could be used in treating different diseases.

Characterization of Bioactive Compounds from Acacia concinna and Citrus limon, Silver Nanoparticles’ Production by A. concinna Extract, and Their Biological Properties

The applications of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants as therapeutic drugs are largely increasing. The present study selected the bioactive compounds from Acacia concinna (A. concinna) and Citrus limon (C. limon) to assess their phytochemicals, proteins, and biological activity. The plant material was collected, and extraction performed as per the standard procedure. Qualitative analysis was undertaken, and identification of functional organic groups was performed by FTIR and HPLC. Antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and inhibition kinetics studies for enzymes were performed to assess the different biological activities. Flavonoids and phenols were present in a significant amount in both the selected plants. A. concinna showed significant antimicrobial activity against Z. mobilis, E. coli, and S. aureus, with minimum inhibition zones (MIZ) of 24, 22, and 20 mm, respectively. C. limon strongly inhibited all the tested pathogenic bacteria with maximum and minimum MIZ of 32 and 17 mm. A. concinna silver nanoparticles also exhibited potent antimicrobial activity. Both extracts showed substantial antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, anticancer (MCF-7), and anti-urease (antiulcer) properties. To conclude, these plants can be used to treat hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cancer, and gastrointestinal ulcers. They can also serve as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Thus, the studied plants must be exploited cost-effectively to generate therapeutic drugs for various diseases.

Development of comprehensive liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection for the characterization of (poly-)phenolic and flavonoid compounds and application to asparagus

The main objective of the present work was to develop a method for the simultaneous and comprehensive analysis of (poly-)phenolic and flavonoid compounds with liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection and its application to green asparagus samples. To this end, a representative set of polyphenols was used to develop the method. A through method validation was carried out with these. The method was applied to asparagus samples known as a healthy vegetable being rich in bioactive compounds. Polyphenol contents of asparagus samples were determined by carrying out quantitative and qualitative analyses by LC-DAD-ESI/MS. In this context asparagus sample extracts were obtained using solvents of different polarity. The results were evaluated statistically and showed that rutin is the major phenolic compound in asparagus. This demonstrates the versatility of this rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous analysis of (poly-)phenolic and flavonoid compounds which was successfully applied to asparagus samples.

Phenolic, flavonoid content and radical scavenging activity of Smilax china with its inhibitory potential against clinically important enzymes

Smilax china (SC) is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for a number of pathological disorders. In current study, its various fractions were assessed for radical scavenging, phenolic, flavonoid content and enzyme inhibition. The methanolic extract (MSC) of SC was subjected to fractionation using different solvents including n-hexane, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Results revealed that ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum phenolic (101.81 ± 0.13 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (96.80 ± 0.39 mg QE/g) content with maximum radical scavenging potential (82.51 ± 0.18%, IC₅₀=104.45 µg/ml) as well as urease (82.63 ± 0.79%), tyrosinase (81.30 ± 0.41%) and Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (62.47 ± 0.76%) inhibition at 0.5 mg/ml. Whereas, maximum α-Glucosidase (87.56 ± 0.13%) and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition (82.34 ± 0.64%) was exhibited by n-hexane and benzene fractions, respectively. Present study has revealed the promising radical scavenging, phenolic, flavonoid and enzyme inhibitory potential of various fractions of SC extract. Thus, the study is a step forward towards evidence-based phyto-medicine.

Ethnomedicinal uses of plants in the treatment of paediatric geohelminth infections in Kalat district of Northern Balochistan, Pakistan

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Infection by intestinal parasitic worms (soil-transmitted helminths or geohelminths) is prevalent in many parts of the world, and poses a particular health risk to children. This paper presents findings from a preliminary study with the primary aim to document indigenous knowledge about the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of intestinal worm infections in children among the local communities of Kalat district of northern Balochistan, Pakistan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnomedicinal data were collected through a triangulation approach, that included participant-observation and rapid appraisal methods. Prior-informed consent (PIC) was obtained from participants before conducting structured and semi-structured interviews and delivering an open ended questionnaire. A total of 94 participants, including 28 men (of whom 7 were traditional healers), and 66 women of four different age groups were interviewed. Results were analyzed using quantitative indices of Use Value citations (UVC) and Disease-Consensus Index (DCI).

RESULTS

Fewer men than women agreed to be interviewed, thus overall women in the area appeared to have more ethnomedicinal knowledge. The majority of study participants belonged to the older age group (>55 years). A total of 49 plant species, belonging to 47 genera, distributed in 30 families were reported. The families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were most frequently represented, with four species each. Trees were the most common life form, with seeds the most frequently cited plant part used (29%). Nearly a third (31%) of plant-based remedies reported in the treatment of intestinal worms were administered as a decoction. The highest UVC and DCI was reported for the species Ferula assa-foetida sL. (UVC 0.51, DCI 0.46).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides previously unreported data on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of geohelminth infections in children of Kalat. Eight species, Acacia modesta Wall., Asparagus capitatus Baker, Microcephala lamellata (Bunge) Pobed., Nepeta praetervisa Rech.f., Plantago ciliata Desf., Pistacia atlantica Desf., Seriphidium quettense (Podlech) Y.R.Ling and Thymus linearis Benth. are reported here as anthelmintics for the first time. Detailed studies on the anthelmintic activity of chemical constituents of these species are lacking from existing literature. Further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicity studies are required in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these newly reported anthelmintic species. These plants may provide a source of novel anthelmintic drug leads, which are urgently required due to the problem of global anthelmintic resistance.