Bassia longifolia (= Madhuca longifolia): Isolation of flavan-3-ols and their contribution to the antibacterial and antidiabetic activity in vitro

Bassia longifoliaKOENIG (= Madhuca longifolia (L.) is an evergreen tree that is widely distributed throughout Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. The bark has various traditional uses: as a paste in the treatment of cuts and wounds or internally as a decoction that is given to diabetic patients. Chemical-analytical and pharmacological investigations regarding the bark are not sufficiently available. We focused on the isolation of flavan-3-ols from the methanolic extract and their contribution to the described traditional uses in wound healing and diabetes treatment. Therefore, an antibacterial assay and an α-glucosidase assay were performed. The isolation process was performed by a combination of Sephadex®-, MCI®-Gel-, and RP-18 chromatography. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by 1H- and 13C-NMR-spectroscopy including COSY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC methods. Optical characterization was performed by polarimetry and circular dichroism. Two monomeric, seven dimeric, six trimeric, and one tetrameric flavan-3-ols were found including one dimer and three trimers with rare epiafzelechin units. Two compounds were isolated for the first time. A fraction containing higher oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins (PAs) was examined by 13C NMR spectroscopy and revealed an average degree of polymerization of 8-9. PA with cis-configurated subunits predominated at 90 % and the presence of further monohydroxylated flavan-3-ols was revealed. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were investigated by the serial microdilution broth assay with Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterial suspension was inoculated on agar plates for determining the MICs. The α-glucosidase assay was performed in 96 well plates with α-glucosidase from Bacillus stearothermophilus. For the detection of enzyme inhibition, p-nitrophenyl-α-d-glucopyranoside was used as a substrate and after incubation absorbance was measured at 405 nm. Antibacterial effects were only found for fractions enriched with PAs or containing higher oligomeric and polymeric flavan-3-ols. All tested substances showed high α-glucosidase inhibition. Whereby 4β→8 conjugated dimers and the monomers showed the lowest inhibition, procyanidin (PC) B5 as 4β→6 conjugated and cinnamtannin A2 as tetrameric flavan-3-ol showed the highest. PAs with epiafzelechin units are rarely found in nature but their reoccurring appearance in B. longifolia could be characteristic of this plant. For its traditional uses, the antibacterial activity of the PA-enriched fractions could contribute to the wound healing process when applied to the injured skin. Moreover, all tested substances and fractions showed α-glucosidase inhibition, which could also explain the use of a decoction in the treatment of diabetes. In conclusion, pharmacological investigations could provide scientific evidence for traditional uses of B. longifolia.

Influence of traditionally used Nepalese plants on wound healing and immunological properties using primary human cells in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The improvement of wound healing has always been an important issue for both ethnopharmacological and modern medical research. In this study, we used state-of-the-art methods to investigate extracts of plants used traditionally in Nepal for more than 1000 years to treat inflammatory injuries.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We focused on the potential of the plant extracts to ameliorate wound healing and to influence immune modulatory properties.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine Nepalese plant extracts in three different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether) were immunologically characterised. Water-soluble tetrazolium (WST-1) assays and scratch assays were performed to determine their impact on viability and wound healing capacity of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Effects on proliferation, viability and function of physiologically relevant anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulated primary human T lymphocytes were assessed using carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE), annexin V/propidium iodide staining assays and flow cytometry-based surface receptor characterisation. The secretion level of interleukin-2 (IL-2) was analysed with the ELISA technique. Dendritic cells were generated out of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by CD14⁺ magnetic bead selection. Flow cytometry-based surface receptor characterisation and ELISA-based technique were used to evaluate the DC activation state and the interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion level.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that an ethyl acetate extract of Bassia longifolia and of Gmelina arborea have anti-inflammatory capacities, indicated by reduced proliferation, inhibition of IL-2 secretion and degranulation capacity of activated human T cells, when compared with adequate concentrations of synthetic positive drug controls. Furthermore, Gmelina arborea improved the wound healing of keratinocytes and fibroblasts and has tendency to increase the secretion of IL-8 by human primary dendritic cells.

CONCLUSION

With this preliminary screening, we offer a scientific basis for the immunomodulatory properties of the two Nepalese medicinal plants Bassia longifolia and Gmelina arborea. However, further detailed studies regarding the responsible compounds are necessary.

ISOLATION OF QUERCETIN FROM FLOWER PETALS, ESTIMATION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC, TOTAL FLAVONOID AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM SMITH

The flowers of Rhododendron arboreum Smith is a source of polyphenolic compounds. A flavonol, quercetin, was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract of flower petals of R. arboreum by repeated Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Isolated quercetin was characterized by comparing melting point, Rf values, UV and IR spectra with authentic quercetin. The isolated quercetin was used as a standard for the estimation of total flavonoids.  Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in different parts of R. arboreum was carried out spectrophotometrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and Aluminium chloride reagent respectively. Gallic acid and quercetin were used as standard for the construction of calibration curve of phenolic and flavonoid respectively. The results showed that the highest total phenolic content was detected in the 70% acetone extract of the flowers (600 mg GAE/g extract) and petals (600 mg GAE/g extract) and the lowest amount was detected in methanol extract of stem (188 mg GAE/g extract). Similarly, the highest total flavonoid was detected in the 70% acetone extract of the twigs (170 mg QE/g extract) and the lowest amount was detected in the methanol extract of stem (45 mg QE/g extract).  The antioxidant activity of the methanol extracts obtained from different parts of R. arboreum was determined by 2, 2- diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and the radical scavenging activity (IC50) was calculated. The highest free radical scavenging effect was observed in leaves with IC50=8.34 ?g/ml and lowest was observed in stem with IC50=67.83 ?g/ml. The IC50 values, total phenolic and total flavonoid content (correlation coefficient R2= 0.923 for phenolic, R2= 0.965 for flavonoid) were correlated which showed strong correlation indicating that the major components responsible for antioxidant activity is phenolics. The highest the phenolic content, the lowest the IC50 value observed. The result indicated that R. arboreum is a rich source of high value polyphenols as natural antioxidant to use in preventive medicine as well as in food and pharmaceutical industry.Scientific World, Vol. 12, No. 12, September 2014, page 34-40         

The correlation between fine needle aspiration cytology and histopathology of head and neck lesions in Kathmandu University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) with it's minimally invasiveness has been a well accepted procedure in the initial diagnosis of various swellings. With time and experience high sensitivity and specificity of FNAC over conventional open biopsy has lead to the wide acceptance of this procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the utility of aspiration cytology as a first-line diagnostic tool in palpable head and neck masses and correlate with histologic results for evaluating diagnostic accuracy.

METHODS

A hospital based prospective, comparative study was conducted among patients with various swellings at Head and Neck regions in the Department of Pathology, Dhulikhel Hospital between July 2011 to June 2012. FNAC were done from the palpable masses of head and neck regions and were compared with biopsy findings of the same lesions. Data entry and analysis performed using SPSS version 16. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rates were calculated.

RESULTS

A total 64 patients were subjected to both FNAC and histopathological examination (HPE). Total 39 (61 %) were females and 25 (39 %) were males with M: F ratio of 1:1.6. The age group ranged from 9 to 80 years. Twenty five percent of patients were in the age group below 20 years. The highest number of cases included lymph nodes 29 (45%) followed by thyroid 24(37.5 %), salivary glands 10(16%) and 1 case (1.6%) was a soft tissue swelling over the occipital region. Highest sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate for diagnosis by FNAC were observed in thyroid. The overall sensitivity and specificity of FNAC were 86% and 97% respectively in determining the various pathologies. The overall accuracy of FNAC in present study was 87.4%.

CONCLUSION

FNAC is a minimally invasive first line investigation with a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of various head and neck lesions.

Estimation of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents in Some Medicinal Plants and Their Antioxidant Activities

Quercetin was isolated from ethyl acetate fraction of a methanol extract of the outer scale of onion by repeated sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Methanol, 50% aqueous methanol and 70% aqueous acetone extracts of different parts of four medicinal plants, Ficus benghalensis, Elaeocarpus sphaericus, Ipomea carnea and Azeratum conyzoides were prepared and screened for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and free radical scavenging activity. The total phenolics contents were measured spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and total flavonoids content by using aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay. All the investigated medicinal plant extracts contained high amount of phenolics. The highest amount was detected in 70% aqueous acetone extract of E. sphaericus (298.8±9.03 mg GAE/g extract) and lowest amount in 50% aqueous methanol extract of F. benghalensis (6.7±0.73 mg GAE/g extract). The highest amount of flavonoid was found in methanol extract (78.2±2.72 mg quercetin/g extract) and the lowest amount was detected in 50% aqueous methanol extract (2.1±0.25 mg quercetin/g extract) of F. benghalensis. DPPH free radical scavenging assay was carried out only in 70% acetone extracts. The highest IC50 value was observed for E. sphaericus (34.0 μg/ml). A strong linear correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was found indicating that the major antioxidants are phenolics.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v15i1.12010  Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 15, No.1 (2014) 53-60

The predictive value of pre-operative symptoms including upper gastrointestinal endoscopy before laparoscopic cholecystectomy for elective symptomatic cholecystolithiasis

BACKGROUND

It has always been a challenge to distinguish between upper gastrointestinal symptoms due to gall stones or any other causes. The persistence of abdominal symptoms even after cholecystectomy is highly discouraging for surgeons.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of preoperative (UGE) as a routine investigative tool in patients with gall stone disease and to assess the outcome of cholecystectomy in patients with gallstones on preoperative abdominal symptoms.

METHODS

This is a prospective study conducted on 96 cases at the Department of Surgery, Dhulikhel Hospital among ultrasonographically proven gall bladder stones irrespective of age and sex. After the examination, all the patients were subjected to UGE, and biopsy were obtained for histopathology if required. The statistical analysis were performed using spss version 16.

RESULTS

Out of total patients, 84(87.5%) were females and 12(12.5%) were males with a M: F ratio of 1:7. Both the sexes were comparable in age groups. Out of total 96 patients, 53(55.2%) presented with typical pain and 43(44.8%) presented with atypical pain. All the patients were subjected to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) and 53(55.2%) had normal findings and 43(44.8%) had various lesions. Patients with typical pattern of pain had normal endoscopic findings and those with atypical pain had pathology in upper gastroendoscopy (p<0.001). Serious pathology resulting to change of the planned treatment was found in three cases (3.12%). Among them two had gastric carcinoma and one had active peptic ulcer disease. The relief rate after the cholecystectomy was significant in patients with typical pain than among those with atypical pain (p<0.001). The commenest post cholecystectomy symptoms were heart burn (10%), abdominal discomfort (9%) and dyspepsia (7%).

CONCLUSION

Presence of atypical pain in patients with gall stones is highly likely to have other coexisting upper gastrointestinal pathologies. Hence, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy prior to elective cholecystectomy in patients with gall stones can be clinically helpful.

Histomorphological profile of colonoscopic biopsies and pattern of colorectal carcinoma in Kavre district

BACKGROUND

Colonoscopy is the method to visualize the mucosa of the entire colon and terminal ileum to detect the intestinal abnormalities and obtain biopsy for definitive diagnosis. For clinical decisions in the diagnosis of various colonic lesions unambiguous interpretation of colorectal biopsies is necessary.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence pattern of colonic diseases and to correlate the incidence of colorectal carcinoma with age, sex, site and symptoms presented at Dhulikhel Hospital.

METHODS

The materials consisted of 126 biopsies which were submitted to the Department of Pathology, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, during the period of July 2011-July 2012. Data collected and entered in MS-Excel and were analyzed using SPSS-16.

RESULTS

Out of 126 colonoscopic biopsies 34(27%) showed chronic nonspecific inflammation, followed by carcinoma 25(19.8%), non-neoplastic polyps 21(16.7%), granulomatous inflammation 14(11.1%), neoplastic polyps 8(6.3%), ulcerative colitis 4(3.2%). Miscellaneous lesions; acute focal colitis, eosinophilic colitis were also observed in 19 (15.1%). A higher frequency of colonic diseases in males with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1 and age range of two years to 84 years was observed. Out of 25 patients diagnosed with colorectal carcinoma,48% (n=12) were males and 52% (n=13) were females with a mean age of 55.17 years in men and 59.46 years in females. Male and female ratio among cancer groups was 1:1.08. Total 36% (n=9) were diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50. Out of these nine cases, 6( 66.7%) were males and 3(33.3%) were females. The male and female ratio in younger and older age groups were 2:1 and 1:1.7 . 17( 68%) of the lesions were left sided and 8(32%) were right sided. Below age 50 , left to Right sided lesions in males were 2:1 and in females 1:2. However, above 50 years the ratio among proximal and distal lesions were 5:1 in males and 2.3:1 in females. A statistically significant association was seen between the growth (p=0.000) and per rectal bleeding (p= 0.006) with carcinoma.

CONCLUSION

The most prevalent lesion in colorectal biopsies was non-specific colitis followed by carcinoma colon. The incidence of colorectal carcinoma is on rise in Nepalese society. Although colorectal carcinoma is more common in older age group the incidence are also increasing among young especially among women.

Pathological diagnosis of peritoneal loose body: a case report

Peritoneal loose bodies are usually incidental findings at laparotomy. Their sizes range from that of a pea to giant loose bodies. We report a case of giant loose peritoneal body measuring 5x 4 cm found incidentally in a 67 year old man. Mobile pelvic masses are extremely rare findings. They are usually located in the pelvic cavity due to the fact that they gravitate to the most dependent part of the pelvic cavity. Usually these peritoneal loose bodies are left untreated until complications arise. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i6.9005   Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, 512-514

Isolation of Catechin from Acacia catechu Willdenow Estimation of Total Flavonoid Content in Camellia Sinensis Kuntze and Camellia Sinensis Kuntze Var. Assamica Collected from Different Geographical Region and Their Antioxidant Activities

Scientific World, Vol. 11, No. 11, July 2013, page 32-36 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v11i11.8549

Quality assessment of the essential oils from Nardostachys jatamansi (d. Don) dc and Nardostachys chinensis batal obtained from Kathmandu valley market

The chemical composition and physicochemical parameters of the essential oils obtained from two species of Nardostachys available in Kathmandu market, N. jatamansi (D. Don) and N. chinensis Batal were determined. GC-MS technique was used for the analysis of the oils. Both oils were characterized by high content of sesquiterpenes. â-gurjunene and jatamansone were the major sesquiterpene components of both oils. Somewhat variation in the amount of chemical components was found in two different species. The physical and chemical parameters such as specific gravity, specific rotation, refractive index and saponification value, acid number, iodine number were very similar for both species. Both oils were, therefore, of comparable quality. Scientific World, Vol. 10, No. 10, July 2012 p13-16 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/sw.v10i10.6854

Antiviral activity of some plants used in Nepalese traditional medicine

Methanolic extracts of 41 plant species belonging to 27 families used in the traditional medicine in Nepal have been investigated for in vitro antiviral activity against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and influenza virus A by dye uptake assay in the systems HSV-1/Vero cells and influenza virus A/MDCK cells. The extracts of Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata, Cassiope fastigiata and Thymus linearis showed potent anti-herpes viral activity. The extracts of Allium oreoprasum, Androsace strigilosa, Asparagus filicinus, Astilbe rivularis, Bergenia ciliata and Verbascum thapsus exhibited strong anti-influenza viral activity. Only the extracts of A. rivularis and B. ciliata demonstrated remarkable activity against both viruses.

Antibacterial and antiviral naphthazarins from Maharanga bicolor

Maharanga bicolor, Boraginaceae, is used in the Nepalese ethnomedicine for the treatment of several diseases. In the course of screening investigations the dichloromethane extract of the roots of Maharanga bicolor was found to inhibit the growth of gram positive bacteria. Bio-assay directed fractionation led to the isolation of five active naphthazarins, deoxyalkannin (1), alkannin (2), acetylalkannin (3), alkannin beta-hydroxyisovalerate (4) and alkannin beta-acetoxyisovalerate (5). Compounds 2-5 showed antibacterial activity against multi resistant human pathogenic Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species and 1, 4 and 5 showed antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type-1.

Inhibitory effect of Bergenia ligulata on influenza virus A

Methanol water extract from rhizomes of Bergenia ligulata, a plant used in Nepalese ethnomedicine, inhibited in vitro the replication of influenza virus in a dose dependent manner and did not show virucidal activity at effective concentration. Pretreatment of cells with B. ligulata extract was shown to be most effective to prevent cell destruction. The extract inhibited viral RNA synthesis and reduced viral peptide synthesis at 10 microg/ml. The virus inhibitory effect is related to the presence of condensed tannins in the extract.

Screening of Nepalese medicinal plants for antiviral activity

In an ethnopharmacological screening, plants used in Nepalese traditional medicine were evaluated for antiviral activity. Methanolic and methanolic-aqueous extracts derived of 23 species were assayed in two in vitro viral systems, influenza virus/MDCK cells and herpes simplex virus/Vero cells. Two species, Bergenia ligulata and Nerium indicum showed the highest antiinfluenzaviral activity with 50% inhibitory dose of 10 microg/ml. Holoptelia integrifolia and N. indicum exhibited considerable antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus. None of these extracts showed cytotoxic effects. Additionally for B. ligulata and H. integrifolia partial protease inhibitory activity was estimated.

Phytochemical Constituents of the Bark of Vitex negundo L

p-Hydroxybenzoic acid (1) and β-sitosterol (2) were isolated, and identified from the methanol and hexane extracts of Vitex negundo. The structure of the compounds were established on the basis of spectral analysis.Keywords: p-hydroxybenzoic acid, β-sitosterol,  vitex negundo.DOI: 10.3126/jncs.v23i0.2101Journal of Nepal Chemical Society, Vol. 23, 2008/2009Page: 89-92