Demonstration of biological activities of extracts from Isodon rugosus Wall. Ex Benth: Separation and identification of bioactive phytoconstituents by GC-MS analysis in the ethyl acetate extract

In vitro Antibacterial Activity and Secondary Metabolite Profiling of Endolichenic Fungi Isolated from Genus Parmotrema

The endolichenic fungi are an unexplored group of organisms for the production of bioactive secondary metabolites. The aim of the present study is to determine the antibacterial potential of endolichenic fungi isolated from genus Parmotrema. The study is continuation of our previous work, wherein a total of 73 endolichenic fungi were isolated from the lichenized fungi, which resulted in 47 species under 23 genera. All the isolated endolichenic fungi were screened for preliminary antibacterial activity. Five endolichenic fungi-Daldinia eschscholtzii, Nemania diffusa, Preussia sp., Trichoderma sp. and Xylaria feejeensis, were selected for further antibacterial activity by disc diffusion method. The zone of inhibition ranged from 14.3 ± 0.1 to 23.2 ± 0.1. The chemical composition of the selected endolichenic fungi was analysed through GC-MS, which yielded a total of 108 compounds from all the selected five endolichenic fungi. Diethyl phthalate, 1-hexadecanol, dibutyl phthalate, n-tetracosanol-1, 1-nonadecene, pyrrol[1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methyl) and tetratetracontane were found to be common compounds among one or the other endolichenic fungi, which possibly were responsible for antibacterial activity. GC-MS data were further analysed through Principal Component Analysis which showed D. eschscholtzii to be with unique pattern of expression of metabolites. Compound confirmation test revealed coumaric acid to be responsible for antibacterial activity in D. eschscholtzii. So, the study proves that endolichenic fungi that inhabit lichenized fungal thalli could be a source of potential antibacterial compounds.

Bioactive compounds from the parasitic plant Arceuthobium vaginatum inhibit Haemonchus contortus egg hatching

The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro ovicidal activity of an ethyl acetate extract from Arceuthobium vaginatum (EtOAc-E) and their subfractions (AvR5-AvR14) against Haemonchus contortus using the egg hatching inhibition (EHI) test. The EtOAc-E and subfractions were tested at 0.12-2.00 and at 0.015-2.0 mg/mL, respectively. Distilled water and methanol (2%) were used as negative controls and Thiabendazole (0.10 mg/mL) as a positive control. Treatments with a dependent effect on concentration were subjected to regression analysis to determine the effective concentrations (EC50 and EC90). The major secondary compounds present in the extract and subfractions were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The EtOAc-E and AvR9 exhibited the best ovicidal effect recording 97.5 and 100% of EHI at 0.25 mg/mL, respectively. The EtOAc-E and AvR9 displayed an EC50= 0.12 and 0.08 mg/mL, respectively. The HPLC analysis in the EtOAc-E and bioactive fractions indicated the presence of a polyphenol, glycosylated flavanones, quercetin glucoside, cinnamates, coumarin, cinnamic acid derivative, ferulic acid, coumarate, naringenin, protocatechuic acid and naringin. Results demonstrated that A. vaginatum extract and fraction is able to inhibit the egg hatch process of H. contortus and could be a viable option for the control of small ruminant haemonchosis.

Pharmacological activities and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds from Justicia adhatoda L

The current study aimed to assess the pharmacological potential of Justicia adhatoda by evaluating the presence of biologically active compounds using the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry approach and to undertake biological activities for the effectiveness of the present compounds using standard tests. A total of 21 compounds were identified in the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction in which 14 of the identified compounds are recognized for their pharmacological potential in the literature. In total, four fractions (ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and aqueous) were evaluated for pharmacological activities. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, the chloroform fraction exhibited high anti-inflammatory activity (46.51%). Similarly, the analgesic potential of ethyl acetate fraction was the most effective (300 mg/kg) in the acetic acid-induced test. Similarly, in the formalin test, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum inhibition in both early (74.35%) and late phases (88.38). Maximum inhibition of pyrexia (77.98%) was recorded for the ethyl acetate fraction (300 mg/kg). In DPPH assay, the ethyl acetate fraction revealed the highest scavenging potential among other fractions (50 μg/ml resulted in 50.40% and 100 μg/ml resulted in 66.74% scavenging).

GC-MS Analysis and Various In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacological Potential of Habenaria plantaginea Lindl

Background. The current study aims to give a scientific origin for employing Habenaria plantaginea Lindl. as a potential candidate against nociception, inflammation, and pyrexia. The pharmacological studies were performed on crude extract and subfractions. In the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis, a total of 21 compounds were identified. The plant samples were displayed for in vitro anti-inflammatory potentials. The observed IC₅₀ for chloroform against cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes was 33.81 and 26.74 μg/mL, respectively. The in vivo activities were prerequisites with the acute toxicity studies. In carrageenan-induced inflammation, the chloroform fraction exhibited 46.15% inhibition similar to that of standard drug diclofenac sodium 47.15%. Likewise, in the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the ethyl acetate fraction displayed 71.42% activity, which was dose-dependent as that of standard drug. In Brewer's yeast-induced antipyretic activity, a significant decrease in rectal volume was observed after 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Moreover, the results of this study indicated that the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions inhibited nociception, inflammation, and pyrexia dose dependently. Likewise, mechanistic insights indicated that naloxone antagonized the antinociceptive effect of chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions, thereby signifying the involvement of opioidergic mechanisms respectively. These results suggest that these molecules present in this plant have synergistically beneficial potential for the cure and management of analgesia, inflammation, and pyrexia.

Insecticidal Activity of Extracts, Fractions, and Pure Molecules of Cissampelos pareira Linnaeus against Aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch

Aphis craccivora Koch is a polyphagous and major pest of leguminous crops causing significant damage by reducing the yield. Repeated application of synthetic insecticides for the control of aphids has led to development of resistance. Therefore, the present study aimed to screen the insecticidal activity of root/stem extracts/fractions, and pure molecules from Cissampelos pareira Linnaeus against A. craccivora for identification of lead(s). Among root extract/fractions, the n-hexane fraction was found most effective (LC₅₀ = 1828.19 mg/L) against A. craccivora, followed by parent extract (LC₅₀ = 2211.54 mg/L). Among stem extract/fractions, the n-hexane fraction (LC₅₀ = 1246.92 mg/L) was more effective than the water and n-butanol fractions. Based on GC and GC-MS analysis, among different compounds identified in the n-hexane fraction of root and stem, ethyl palmitate (known to possess insecticidal activity) was present in the highest concentration (24.94 to 52.95%) in both the fractions. Among pure molecules, pareirarineformate was found most effective (LC₅₀ = 1491.93 mg/L) against A. craccivora, followed by cissamine (LC₅₀ = 1556.31 mg/L). Parent extract and fractions of C. pareira possess promising activity against aphid. Further, field bio-efficacy studies are necessary to validate the current findings for the development of botanical formulation.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of "Cherchoomoro" (Nepeta adenophyta Hedge)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Nepeta adenophyta Hedge (Lamiaceae) is an endemic therapeutic herb from Astore, Gilgit (Pakistan). This plant species has been reported among the local communities, especially for treating abdominal pain, kidney pain, menstrual pain, headache, and controlling bleeding disorders. Therefore, the scientific basis is provided for the relief of pain as it is used in various pain management among the natives, especially as ethnogynecological herbal remedy.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract of N. adenophyta in animal models. Furthermore, the extract was also studied to determine their valuable phytoconstituents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The biological effects were determined via tail-flick, hot plate, and acetic-acid-induced abdominal writhing methods. At the same time, anti-inflammatory activity was assesed via oxidative burst and antioxidant DPPH assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques were employed to understand the phytochemicals present in the crude ethanolic extract of Nepeta adenophyta.

RESULTS

In the current study, Nepeta adenophyta extract exhibited potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on different pain models and indicated that the analgesic effect of N. adenophyta extract is mediated both in central and peripheral ways. Dose-dependent and significant (P < 0.05) increases were shown in pain threshold, at 45 min post-treatment, with 20 and 40 mg/kg of the extract in the tail-flick model. The effects of the extract were similar to aspirin but lower to those by morphine (2.5 mg/kg) in the same tests. The extract (20-40 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent inhibition of writhing with a significant (P < 0.001) increase protection against thermal stimuli in hot plate test as compared to control and similar to aspirin and morphine. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of the crude in oxidative burst and DPPH assays showed significant inhibitory activity. The chemical profile analysis showed major phytochemicals, including long chain derivatives of alkane and alcohol, phenolics, naphthalene, naphthopyran, androsten phenanthrenone, nepetalactones, flavonoids etc. CONCLUSIONS: Nepeta adenophyta Hedge is suggested as a natural alternative for mild pain relief. Our findings endorse the folklore use of N. adenophyta in different pain managements which can be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, naphthalene derivatives, flavanoids and nepetalactones etc.

Bioactive stigmastadienone from Isodon rugosus as potential anticholinesterase, α-glucosidase and COX/LOX inhibitor: In-vitro and molecular docking studies

Natural product is a well-known source of bioactive compounds. Herein, a steroidal compound stigmasta-7,22-diene-3-one (stigmastadienone) has been isolated from Isodon rugosus. The potency of isolated compound has been tested for several in-vitro targets. The acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase assays were performed using Ellman's procedure. For the in-vitro antidiabetic potential, α-glucosidase inhibitory assay was performed. Similarly, the cyclo and lipoxygenase pathways were studied to find its potential role in the management of inflammation and analgesia. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) assays were performed for the antioxidant potentials. Docking studies were performed against acetylcholinesterase, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase targets. In anticholinesterase assays, stigmastadienone exhibited half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 13.52 and 11.53 μg/ml for acetyl and butyrylcholinesterase respectively. The observed IC₅₀ values for that of galantamine were 6.07 and 4.42 μg/ml for acety and butyrylcholinesterase respectively. In inhibiting α-glucosidase enzyme, the compound showed mediocre IC₅₀ of 109.40 μg/ml compared to the standard acarbose (7.60 μg/ml). The stigmastadienone proved to be an excellent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) attaining IC₅₀ values of 4.72 and 3.36 μg/ml respectively. The standard drugs IC₅₀ values for COX-2 (celecoxib) and 5-LOX (montelukast) were 3.81 and 2.74 μg/ml respectively. The enzymatic activities of stigmastadienone were also supplemented with antioxidant results, specifically it was more dominant against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. Docking studies showed that only the carbonyl oxygen is able to form hydrogen bond interaction with the residues. In conclusions, the stigmastadienone has been isolated from Isodon rugosus for the first time. Moreover, the compound has been evaluated for several biochemical pathways which suggest its pharmacological role on the explored targets.

Screening of natural compounds identifies ferutinin as an antibacterial and anti-biofilm compound

Antibacterial screenings are most commonly targeted at planktonic bacteria but less effort is dedicated to the exploration of agents acting on biofilms. Here, a natural compounds library was screened against Staphylococcus aureus using a 384-well plate platform to identify compounds preventing biofilm formation. Five structurally diverse hits were selected for follow-up studies: honokiol, tschimganidin, ferutinin, oridonin and deoxyshikonin. The compounds were evaluated against different bacterial species for their capacity to prevent and disrupt biofilms. The development of resistance and cytotoxicity were also investigated. Ferutinin displayed the best antibacterial activity, with a minimum inhibitory, bactericidal and biofilm preventive concentration of 25 µM against S. aureus. It efficiently disrupted pre-formed biofilms (over 5-log reduction of viable cells) and reduced biofilm formation on a catheter in the presence of neutrophils. This work provides new information on the antibacterial activity of five natural compounds and identified ferutinin as a promising candidate against S. aureus biofilms.

Phytochemical profiling of bioactive compounds, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potentials of Habenaria digitata Lindl.: Molecular docking based synergistic effect of the identified compounds

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Members of Orchidaceae family has a long history in herbal and Chinese medicines. Members of this family are most commonly famous in the management of inflammation and analgesia in folk medicine. Habenaria digitata, an unexplored specie of Orchidaceae is found in North areas of Pakistan and is used by the local population for the management of analgesia and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Based on the effective outcomes of the natural products as alternative therapies, we have evaluated Habenaria digitata for the management of analgesia and inflammation. The aim of the designed project is to provide a scientific basis of using this plant for the management of analgesia and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The H. digitata crude extract (Hd.Cr) and subfractions, i.e. n-hexane (Hd.Hex), chloroform (Hd.Chf), ethyl acetate (Hd.EtAc), n-butanol (Hd.Bt) and aqueous (Hd.Aq) were used. The GC-MS analysis was used for the identification of phytochemicals. The plants samples were subjected to cyclooxygenase (COX 2) and lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes assays. The hot plate model, acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced paw licking models were used for in-vivo analgesic studies. The in-vivo anti-inflammatory potential was determined with carrageenan induced paw edema test. Molecular docking studies of the identified compounds were carried out by using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE, 2016.08).

RESULTS

The GC-MS analysis confirmed sixty-five compounds in Hd.Cr. Among the fractions, Hd.Chf and Hd.EtAc displayed highest activities. The observed IC₅₀ values were 21.30 and 32.39 μg/ml against COX 2 while 14.42and 16.40 μg/ml for 5-LOX respectively. The in-vivo inflammatory and analgesic studies were pre-requisited with acute toxicity tests. In carrageenan induced inflammation, Hd.Chf excelled the standard drug aspirin by giving 62.92% inhibition of paw edema at 4^th h. Similarly, at highest concentration (75 mg/kg) of acetic acid induced analgesia, Hd.Chf was more potent than the standard drug. In formalin method, Hd.Chf exhibited 85.81% inhibition at phase-I and 74.15% at Phase-II. In hot plate model, Hd.Chf exhibited average reaction time of 10.90 at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min intervals. Docking studies supported our results and confirm the synergistic effects of phytochemicals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental results concluded that H. digitata contains several bioactive compounds. These bioactive compounds synergistically have therapeutic efficacy for the management of inflammation and analgesia. We have confirmed both of these potentials from the in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. Moreover, it is also obvious that the chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions are rich in these bioactive compounds. Specifically, the Hd.Chf is observed to be more practical in all the tested models of analgesia and inflammation. Computed binding energies of the compounds revealed that all the compounds have synergistic effect to prevent analgesia and inflammation.

Treating Hyperglycemia From Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb: In-vitro α-Glucosidase, Antioxidant, in-vivo Antidiabetic and Molecular Docking-Based Approaches

Natural-based drugs are believed to be safe, effective and economical. Based on the medicinal importance of the genus Eryngium and unexplored nature of Eryngium caeruleum, we have evaluated its antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials. Both in-vitro and in-vivo assays have been carried out for antidiabetic assays. The antioxidant activity was determined by using different free radicals [i.e., 1,1-diphenyl,2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)]. Moreover, different phytoconstituents were identified in the most active solvent fraction by GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, comparative fingerprints of methanolic extract and chloroform fraction were also analyzed via High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD). The crude methanolic extract of E. caeruleum (Ec.Cr) and its sub-fractions [i.e., n-hexane (Ec.Hex), chloroform (Ec.Chf), ethyl acetate (Ec.EtAc), and aqueous (Ec.Aq) were employed in this study]. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, a concentration-dependent inhibitory response was observed against the enzyme. The most active sample was Ec.Chf which revealed an IC₅₀ of 437 μg/ml in comparison to the standard acarbose (IC₅₀ 25 μg/ml). The rest of the samples showed moderate inhibition of α-glucosidase. In antioxidant assays, Ec.Chf and Ec.Cr exhibited a considerable scavenging effect against all the free radicals. The IC₅₀ values recorded for Ec.Chf were 112, 109, and 150 μg/ml against DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ respectively. Based on the in-vitro potential of Ec.Chf, this was subjected to the in-vivo model experiment. The Ec.Chf lowered the blood glucose level up to 10.3 mmol/L at 500 μg/Kg. The Ec.Chf was also subjected to GC-MS analysis. The GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of 60 compounds. The identified phytoconstituents consist of some essential compounds previously reported with antidiabetic and antioxidant studies, which include thymol, tocopherol, phytol, nerolidol, (I)-neophytadiene, linolenic acid, and falcarinol. Similarly, the HPLC-DAD chromatograms of Ec.Cr and Ec.Chf exhibited a variety of peaks, which further demonstrates the possibility of important phytochemicals. In a nutshell, we can conclude that Eryngium caeruleum is a potential source of bioactive compounds which may be beneficial for the management of ailments like diabetes and free radicals mediated disorders. Molecular docking was performed to explore the possible role of all the identified bioactive compounds in the chloroform fraction of Eryngium caeruleum into active sites of the homology model of α-glucosidase.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Aldehydic-Pyrrolidinedione Against HCT-116, MDA-MB231, NIH/3T3, MCF-7 Cancer Cell Lines, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibition Studies

Purpose

The current work was designed to synthesize a bioactive derivative of succinimide and evaluate it for anti-Alzheimer, anticancer and anti-diabetic potentials.

Methods

The compound was synthesized by Michael addition of butyraldehyde with N-phenylmaleimide. The synthesized compound was screened for biological potentials including anti-cholinesterase, in-vitro anti-diabetic, antioxidant and anthelmintic potentials. The anti-cholinesterase potential was evaluated against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), anti-diabetic potential against α-glucosidase, antioxidant potential against ABTS, DPPH and H₂O₂ and anthelmintic potential against Perethima posthuma and Ascaridia galli respectively.

Results

The compound demonstrated significant AChE and BChE inhibition i.e., 71.34±1.92 and 73.42 ±1.92 at the concentration of 1000 µg/mL respectively. Other dilutions exhibited concentration-dependent inhibitory activity against both enzymes. In the MTT assay, the newly synthesized compound was found active against all of the cell lines viz, HCT-116, MDA-MB231, NIH/3T3 and MCF-7 and the highest cytotoxicity potential was observed against the colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) with an IC₅₀ value of 78 µg/mL exhibiting its highest potential. Moreover, the compound exhibited prominent α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials (79.86±2.54% at 1000 µg/mL) with IC₅₀ value of 156.23 µg/mL. Further, our test compound exhibited considerable scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS and H₂O₂ free radicals with percent inhibitions of 75.84±1.58, 72.85±1.17 and 54.82±1.82 and IC₅₀ values of 84.36, 139.74 and 752.21 µg/mL respectively. Our test sample exhibited significant anthelmintic potentials. It demonstrated significant paralysis and death of the test worms in an unbelievably short time in comparison with albendazole.

Conclusion

Going into the detail of all observations, it may be deduced that the newly synthesized succinimide derivative could be an important drug candidate against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus and worms. Further detailed studies in animal models are required for in-vivo analysis of the compound.

Isodon rugosus (Wall. ex Benth.) Codd In Vitro Cultures: Establishment, Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Activities

Isodon rugosus (Wall. ex Benth.) Codd accumulates large amounts of phenolics and pentacyclic triterpenes. The present study deals with the in vitro callus induction from stem and leaf explants of I. rugosus under various plant growth regulators (PGRs) for the production of antioxidant and anti-ageing compounds. Among all the tested PGRs, thidiazuron (TDZ) used alone or in conjunction with α-napthalene acetic acid (NAA) induced highest callogenesis in stem-derived explants, as compared to leaf-derived explants. Stem-derived callus culture displayed maximum total phenolic content and antioxidant activity under optimum hormonal combination (3.0 mg/L TDZ + 1.0 mg/L NAA). HPLC analysis revealed the presence of plectranthoic acid (373.92 µg/g DW), oleanolic acid (287.58 µg/g DW), betulinic acid (90.51 µg/g DW), caffeic acid (91.71 µg/g DW), and rosmarinic acid (1732.61 µg/g DW). Complete antioxidant and anti-aging potential of extracts with very contrasting phytochemical profiles were investigated. Correlation analyses revealed rosmarinic acid as the main contributor for antioxidant activity and anti-aging hyaluronidase, advance glycation end-products inhibitions and SIRT1 activation, whereas, pentacyclic triterpenoids were correlated with elastase, collagenase, and tyrosinase inhibitions. Altogether, these results clearly evidenced the great valorization potential of I. rugosus calli for the production of antioxidant and anti-aging bioactive extracts for cosmetic applications.

Chemical Characterization, Analgesic, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Potentials of Essential Oils From Isodon rugosus Wall. ex. Benth

Isodon rugosus Wall. ex. Benth is an important species and is used in folk medicine for different types of pains such as abdominal pain, earache, toothache, gastric, and generalized body pain. Recently, we also have reported the antinociceptive potential of chloroform fraction of I. rugosus. In this research, we have investigated the antinociceptive, antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase potentials of essential oils from I. rugosus (Ir.EO), and have determined a possible mechanism of anti-nociception. The Ir.EO was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis to find out its chemical constituents. The Ir.EO was assayed for analgesic potential following acetic acid induced writhing, formalin test and hot plate method in animal models. The antioxidant activity was conducted against DPPH and ABTS free radicals following spectroscopic analysis. The cholinesterase inhibitory assays were performed using Ellman's assay. The GC-MS analysis of Ir.EO revealed the identification of 141 compounds. Ir.EO demonstrated strong antinociceptive potential in all three in-vivo models. With the use of nalaxone, it was confirmed that the essential oil was acting on the central pathway of nociception. The Ir.EO also exhibited strong free radicals scavenging potential, exhibiting IC₅₀ values of 338 and 118 μg/ml for DPPH and ABTS free radicals respectively. In AChE and BChE inhibitory assays, the observed IC₅₀ values were 93.56 and 284.19 μg/ml respectively. The encouraging antinociceptive, antioxidant and anticholinesterase results revealed that Ir.EO is a rich source of bioactive compounds as obvious from the GC-MS results.

Ursolic Acid Hydrazide Based Organometallic Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Docking Studies

In thecurrent research work,eleven metal complexes were synthesized from the hydrazide derivative of ursolic acid. Metal complexes of tin, antimony and iron were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. The antibacterial and antioxidant activities were performed for these complexes, which revealed that the metal complexes synthesized are more potent than their parent compounds. We observed that antioxidant activity showed by triphenyltin complex was significant and least activity have been shown by antimony trichloride complex. The synthesized metal complexes were then evaluated against two Gram-negative and two Gram-positive bacterial strains. Triphenyl tin complex emerged as potent antibacterial agent with MIC value of 8 μg/ml each against Shigellaspp, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. While, the MIC value against Streptococcus pneumoniae is 4 μg/ml. Computational docking studies were carried out on molecular targets to interpret the results of antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Based on the results, it may be inferred that the metal complexes of ursolic acid are more active as compared to the parent drug and may be proved for some other pharmacological potential by further analysis.

Ethyl 3-oxo-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-3-yl)butanoate Derivatives: Anthelmintic and Cytotoxic Potentials, Antimicrobial, and Docking Studies

Development of multidrug resistance (MDR) to antimicrobial, antiparasitic and chemotherapeutic agents is a global challenge for the scientific community. Despite of the emergence of MDR pathogens, the development of novel and more effective drugs is slow and scientist even speculate that we are going back the pre-antibiotic era. This work aims to study and evaluate the preliminary antibacterial, anthelmintic and cytotoxic potentials of ethyl 3-oxo-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-3-yl)butanoates. Among all of the four compounds, compound 2 has displayed remarkable potency with MIC values of 0.125, 0.083, 0.073, and 0.109 mg/ml against E. sakazakii, E. coli. S. aureus, and K. pneumonia, respectively. Compared to etoposide (LC50 9.8 μg/ml), the compounds demonstrated LC50 values from 280 to 765 μg/ml. For anthelmintic assay, three concentrations of each compound and standard drug were studied in determination of time of death of the two species. Excellent anthelmintic activity was observed by all four compounds against P. posthuma and A. galli better than standard albendazole. High GOLD fitness score data from docking analysis toward the targets represent better protein-ligand binding affinity and thus indicate a high propensity for all the active compounds to bind to the active site. The promising in-vitro antimicrobial, anthelmintic activity, and cytotoxicity data conclusively revealed that these compounds may serve as viable lead compounds for the treatment of bacterial and parasitic infections, and therefore, could help the medicinal chemists to design future chemotherapeutic agents to avoid rapid drug resistance.