Terminalia bellirica Fruit Extract Alleviates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Gut Microbiota, Inflammatory Mediators, and Cytokines

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease significantly impacting patients' lives. This study aimed to elucidate the alleviating effect of ethyl acetate extract (TBEA) from Terminalia bellirica fruit on UC and to explore its mechanism. TBEA was the fraction with the best anti-inflammatory activity screened using in vitro anti-inflammatory assays, and HPLC initially characterized its composition. The mice model of ulcerative colitis was established after free drinking of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium for six days, and the experimental group was treated with 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg TBEA for seven days. We found that TBEA significantly alleviated symptoms in UC mice, including a physiologically significant reduction in disease activity index and pathological damage to colonic tissue. TBEA dramatically slowed down oxidative stress and inflammatory process in UC mice, as evidenced by decreasing myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde activities and increasing glutathione and catalase levels by reducing the concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO in UC mice, as well as by regulating key proteins in the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Meanwhile, TBEA maintained intestinal homeostasis by regulating intestinal flora structure. Our study provides new ideas for developing TBEA into a new drug to treat UC.

Terminalia bellirica ethanol extract ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by amending the intestinal microbiota and faecal metabolites

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TB) is a traditional Tibetan medicine used to treat hepatobiliary diseases. However, modern pharmacological evidence of the activities and potential mechanisms of TB against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-NAFLD effect of ethanol extract of TB (ETB) and investigate whether its ameliorative effects are associated with the regulation of intestinal microecology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, the curative effects of ETB on NAFLD were evaluated in mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid defined, high fat diet (CDAHFD). Biochemical markers and hepatic histological alterations were detected. Gut microbiota and faecal metabolites were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC‒MS) profiling.

RESULTS

The results showed that oral treatment with middle- and high-dose ETB significantly improved features of NAFLD, reducing the levels of TG, LDL-C, ALT and AST, and increasing the level of HDL-C. Liver histopathologic examination demonstrated that ETB attenuated lipid accumulation and hepatocellular necrosis. ETB treatment restored the structural disturbances of gut microbiota induced by CDAHFD, reduced the levels of Intestinimonas, Lachnoclostridium, and Lachnospirace-ae_FCS020_group, and increased Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that ETB could restore the disrupted taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism of the intestinal bacterial community in NAFLD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

ETB was effective in ameliorating the NAFLD, possibly by remodelling the gut microbiota composition and modulating the faecal metabolism metabolites of the host, highlighting the potential of TB as a resource for the development of anti-NAFLD drugs.

Thannilignan glucoside and 2-(β-glucopyranosyl)-3-isoxazolin-5-one derivative, two new compounds isolated from Terminalia bellirica

Two new compounds, thannilignan 9-O-β-glucoside (1) and 2-(β-glucopyranosyl)-3-isoxazolin-5-one derivative (2), and seven known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of Terminalia bellirica leaves, collected in Bangladesh. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic analysis. Among these isolated compounds, corilagin (3) was cytotoxic against human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS at an IC₅₀ of 20.8 μM, and β-D-glucopyranose 1,3,6-trigallate (4) exhibited the ability to overcome tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance.

Evaluation of antimitotic activity of herbal extracts using plant-based model systems and their cytotoxic potential against human colon carcinoma cells

Objective

The aim of this study was to screen plant extracts for antimitotic activity using Vigna radiata germination inhibition assay, followed by Allium cepa root tip assay and evaluation of their cytotoxic potential on colon carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines.

Subjects and Methods

Aqueous extracts of Aconitum heterophyllum, Terminalia bellirica, Bauhinia variegata, Vanda roxburghii, and Cassia angustifolia were prepared by maceration method, and preliminary screening studies to check their antimitotic activity were done by V. radiata germination inhibition assay, followed by A. cepa root tip assay. Furthermore, cytotoxic actions were evaluated by cell proliferation assay. Effect of T. bellirica aqueous extract was analyzed to induce morphological changes, cell death, lactate dehydrogenase release, and cell survival of HCT-116 cells.

Statistical Analysis Used

The data represented were analyzed by Student's t-test using SigmaStat 2.0 statistical analysis software. The normality of data was tested by the Shapiro-Wilk test before the Student's t-test. P values *P ≤ 0.05, **P ≤ 0.01, and ***P ≤ 0.001 were considered as statistically significant.

Results

All the plant extracts showed promising antimitotic activity. Out of all, T. bellirica was highly effective on HCT-116 cells and promising effect on cell proliferation assay and Annexin-propidium iodide staining revealed that T. bellirica efficiently induces apoptosis.

Conclusions

T. bellirica inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptotic cell death. Collectively, it may hold potential for cancer therapeutics.

Molecular intervention of colon cancer and inflammation manifestation by tannin capped biocompatible controlled sized gold nanoparticles from Terminalia bellirica: A green strategy for pharmacological drug formulation based on nanotechnology principles

Among the diverse nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNps) are utilised for various therapeutic application due to the distinct physical, chemical properties and biocompatibility. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using plants is the promising route. This method is low cost, eco-friendly and higher biological activities. In this present study, Gold nanoparticles were synthesised from fruit extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit extract. Their anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated against colorectal cancer cell line (HT29) and TNBS-induced zebrafish model. Highly stable tannin capped gold nanoparticles were synthesised from fruit extract broth of Terminalia bellirica rapidly. Structural and functional properties of the synthesised nanoparticles were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy-dispersive atomic X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All the characterisation studies reveal highly stable, crystalline, phytochemicals, mainly tannin doped, spherical, 28 nm controlled sized gold nanoparticles. The molecular mechanism of anticancer activity was studied by determining cancer markers' expression, which was studied using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Antioxidative enzymes' status and apoptosis changes were also investigated. Synthesised nanoparticles brought a drastic reduction of all the tested cancer markers' expression. Notable changes in antioxidative enzymes' status and a good sign of apoptosis were observed in nanoparticles' treatment. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied against TNBS-induced zebrafish model, which was confirmed by determining inflammatory markers' expression TNF-α, iNOS (induced Nitric Oxide Synthase) and histopathological examination. Nanoparticles' treatment recorded a drastic reduction of inflammatory markers' expression. No marked sign of inflammation was also observed in histopathological analysis of the nanoparticles' treatment group. The present study suggests the possible utilisation of T. bellirica-mediated gold nanoparticles as an effective therapeutic agent against a prolonged inflammatory disease that progressively develops into cancer.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of Terminalia bellirica and its bioactive component ellagic acid against diclofenac induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity

Long term usage and overdose of diclofenac (DCF), an anti-inflammatory drug is known to cause oxidative stress and liver injury. The present study reports the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of Terminalia bellirica (Tb) fruit aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts and its bioactive compound ellagic acid (EA) against DCF-induced toxicity. in vitro antioxidant activities were measured by ABTS and FRAP assays while anti‐inflammatory activity was assessed by the albumin denaturation method. The adverse effects of DCF and hepatoprotective potential of Tb extracts and EA were assessed in serum and liver tissue of rats after oral administration for 21 days. Silymarin was used as standard hepatoprptective agent for comparison. Hepatic markers analyzed in serum included ALP, GPT, GOT, LDH, γ-glutamyl transferase, total protein, creatinine, and uric acid while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were analyzed in liver tissue. The EA exhibited superior ABTS radical scavenging, FRAP, and anti-inflammatory activities as compared to fruit extracts. DCF treatment led to rise in the levels of most of the serum hepatic markers with decline in total serum protein as well as SOD and CAT in liver tissue. The supplementation of extracts, EA and silymarin in DCF treated rats significantly reduced the adverse effects of DCF on serum and tissue markers. Histopathology of the liver indicated that extracts and EA significantly decreased the degree of liver fibrosis. The hepatoprotective ability of EA was comparable to the silymarin but activity of Tb fruit extracts was little lower. Among fruit extracts ethyl acetate extract exhibited better activity than aqueous extract. The results revealed that ellagic acid and T. bellirica fruit extracts have potential to mitigate oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity produced by long term use of diclofenac.

Investigation on protective effect of Terminalia bellirica (Roxb.) against drugs induced cardiotoxicity in wistar albino rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Various traditional texts like Ayurveda and Materia Medica profoundly mentioned the ethnopharmacological use of Terminalia bellirica fruit for its protective effect on heart and various other vital organs. Hence the present research was focussed to scientifically prove the effect of T. bellirica in support of its traditionally claimed use as cardioprotective agent.

AIM THE STUDY

The aim and objective of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of T. bellirica (Roxb.) against drugs viz. Doxorubicin (DOX) and Isoproterenol (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity in wistar albino rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Cardiotoxicity was induced using DOX (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and ISO (85 mg/kg s.c.) models. Methanolic extract of T. bellirica (METB) was subjected to rats in two different doses (low dose of 250 mg/kg p.o.; and high dose of 500 mg/kg p.o.) for the purpose of investigation of various biochemical markers present in cardiac tissue as well as in blood serum, in order to assess the improvement in drugs induced cardiotoxicity. Also, the histopathological study was carried out in terms of ultrastructural changes occurred in the myocardium during drugs induced cardiomyopathy, to ensure the proposed cardioprotective effect of METB.

RESULT

Biochemical investigation of cardiac tissue using METB showed significant decrease in CK-MB (creatine kinase-muscle/brain) activity and MDA (malondialdehyde) levels and increase in GSH (reduced glutathione) levels. It also increased the activity of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase). In serum, METB increased the levels of oxidative stress markers like ALP (alkaline phosphatase), UA (uric acid), ALT (alanine transferase), and AST (aspartate transaminase) near to their normal values as in control group. The use of METB also decreased the levels of total cholesterol and TGs (triglycerides) in serum and significantly increased HDL (high density lipoprotein) levels. Treatment with METB also proved a considerable restoration in histopathological findings of myocardium.

CONCLUSION

In the present study it was concluded that T. bellirica fruit has profound potential for the treatment of drugs induced cardiotoxicity suggesting the consumption of T. bellirica for cardiac benefits during routine treatment of cardiotoxicity.

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) roxb. (Bahera) in health and disease: A systematic and comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. is one of the oldest medicinal herbs of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as South-East Asia. Its medicinal utility has been described in the different traditional medicinal systems, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and traditional Chinese medicine.

PURPOSE

The present study is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview on the traditional medicinal use, major phytoconstituents, biological and pharmacological activities and related mechanisms of actions and clinical studies of T. bellirica. Another objective is to describe current limitations and future direction of T. bellirica-related research.

METHODS

PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and EBOSCO host databases were selected to explore literature published between 1980 and 2020 (till March). Keywords used in various combinations comprised of Terminalia bellirica, phytoconstituents, health effects, pharmacological activities, molecular targets, in vitro, in vivo, clinical studies, and disease prevention.

RESULTS

A broad spectrum in vitro and in vivo studies suggested various biological and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Diverse bioactivities of T. bellirica have been ascribed to the presence of many bioactive phytochemicals, such as glucoside, tannins, gallic acid, corilagin, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, galloyl glucose, chebulagic acid, and arjunolic acid.

CONCLUSION

Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that T. bellirica plant and its phytoconstituents have immense potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases. Additional in vivo studies and clinical trials are warranted to realize the complete medicinal attributes of this plant.

Combined chromatographic strategy based on macroporous resin, high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative HPLC for systematic separation of seven antioxidants from the fruit of Terminalia billerica

In the present study, combined chromatographic strategy based on macroporous resin, high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography for systematic separation of antioxidants from crude samples guided by high-performance liquid chromatography with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl has been successfully established. Based on this strategy, seven antioxidants including isorugosin A, _β -1,2,3,6-tetragalloyl-D-glucose, chebulinic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-_β -D-glucose, chebulagic acid, ethyl gallate, and gallic acid were obtained from the fruit of Terminalia billerica. First, high-performance liquid chromatography with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl experiment showed the presence of seven main antioxidants in the crude extract of the fruit of Terminalia billerica. Then, a macroporous resin column chromatography method was developed for the enrichment of these seven antioxidants. Finally, an efficient method based on high-speed counter-current chromatography and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography was developed for the separation of these antioxidants. In the selection of solvent systems, it was found that acetic acid could be a good regulator for modifying the partition coefficient values of tannins. The present study provides a reference for systematic separation of antioxidants from crude samples. Considering the general existence of antioxidants in crude samples, this combined chromatographic strategy might lead to broader application prospects.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of methanol extracts from leaves of Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia sericea (Combretaceae)

Background

Plants belonging to the genus Terminalia such as Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia sericea are used traditionally to treat several diseases and health disorders. Up to this date, the roots of Terminalia sericea and the fruits of Terminalia bellirica are the mostly studied plant parts. The phytochemical composition and the biological activities of the leaves of both species are not well identified so far.

Methods

The secondary metabolites of Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia sericea leaves were identified using HPLC-PDA-MS/MS. The antioxidant activities of the leaves extracts were determined by DPPH and FRAP assays. The hepatoprotective potential was evaluated in rats with D-galactosamine induced liver damage. The effect of the extracts on the expression of the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 was measured in an immunohistochemical study. The most abundant compounds identified in the studied extracts were docked into Bcl-2: Bim (BH3) interaction surface using molecular operating environment software.

Results

A total of 85 secondary metabolites were identified in the leaf extracts of both species. Ellagitannins such as corilagin, chebulagic acid, galloylpunicalagin, and digalloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-hexoside were found to be the major components in Terminalia bellirica whereas flavonoid glycosides including quercetin rutinoside and quercetin galloyl-glucoside were highly abundant in Terminalia sericea. The studied extracts exhibited pronounced antioxidant activities, moderate anti-apoptotic and hepatoprotective potential. In silico docking experiments revealed that the compounds abundant in the extracts were able to bind to Bcl-2: Bim (BH3) interaction surface with an appreciable binding free energy.

Discussion

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities exhibited by the studied extracts might be attributed to the high content of the polyphenols. The anti-apoptotic activity could be due to the interference with the apoptotic pathway mediated by Bcl-2: Bim interaction. These findings support the medicinal relevance of Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia sericea and provide a rational base for their utilization in folk medicine.

Terminalia bellirica fruit extracts: in-vitro antibacterial activity against selected multidrug-resistant bacteria, radical scavenging activity and cytotoxicity study on BHK-21 cells

Background

Identification of novel sources for developing new antibiotics is imperative with the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The fruits of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn) Roxb., widely used in traditional medicine, were evaluated for antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity.

Methods

Twelve solvent extracts of T. bellirica fruits were prepared by direct aqueous extraction and sequential extraction with dichloromethane, methanol and water using Soxhlet, bottle-shaker and ultrasound sonicator methods. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was tested against 16 strains MDR bacteria—methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and MDR Acinetobacter spp., Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa—and 4 control organisms, using the cut-well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using an agar dilution method. The radical scavenging activity of six antibacterial extracts was screened against 2,2′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and correlation was established between EC₅₀ (50% effective concentration) values and the total phenolic content (TPC). Cytotoxicity was determined for the most potent antibacterial extract on baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells by Tryphan Blue exclusion method. Statistical analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance at significant level p < 0.05 using “SigmaPlot 10” and “R 3.2.0” software.

Results

All aqueous and methanol extracts displayed antibacterial activity (MIC 0.25–4 mg/mL) against all strains of MRSA, MDR Acinetobacter spp. and MDR P. aeruginosa. The sequential aqueous extracts (MIC, 4 mg/mL) inhibited ESBL producing-E. coli. None of the extracts exhibited activity against MDR K. pneumoniae (MIC > 5 mg/mL). The sequential methanol extract (Soxhlet) recorded high antibacterial activity and the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀, 6.99 ± 0.15 ppm) and TPC content (188.71 ± 2.12 GAE mg/g).

The IC₅₀ (50% inhibition concentration) values of the most potent antibacterial extract—the direct aqueous extract from reflux method—on BHK-21 cells were 2.62 ± 0.06 and 1.45 ± 0.08 mg/ml with 24 and 48 h exposure, respectively.

Conclusions

Results indicate that T. bellirica fruit is a potential source for developing broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs against MDR bacteria, which are non-toxic to mammalian cells and impart health benefits by high antioxidant activity.

Antibacterial effects of 18 medicinal plants used by the Khyang tribe in Bangladesh

CONTEXT

The resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is raising serious concern globally. Asian medicinal plants could improve the current treatment strategies for bacterial infections. The antibacterial properties of medicinal plants used by the Khyang tribe in Bangladesh have not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The present study examines the antibacterial properties of 18 medicinal plants used by the Khyang tribe in day-to-day practice against human pathogenic bacteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Leaves, bark, fruits, seeds, roots and rhizomes from collected plants were successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol. The corresponding 54 extracts were tested against six human pathogenic bacteria by broth microdilution assay. The antibacterial mode of actions of phytoconstituents and their synergistic effect with vancomycin and cefotaxime towards MRSA was determined by time-killing assay and synergistic interaction assay, respectively.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Hexane extract of bark of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl. (Lauraceae) inhibited the growth of MRSA, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii with MIC values below 100 µg/mL. From this plant, cinnamaldehyde evoked at 4 × MIC in 1 h an irreversible decrease of MRSA count Log10 (CFU/mL) from 6 to 0, and was synergistic with vancomycin for MRSA with fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence that the medicinal plants in Bangladesh have high potential to improve the current treatment strategies for bacterial infection.

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb fruit exerts anti-inflammatory effect via regulating arachidonic acid pathway and pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (Family: Combretaceae), known as Bhibhitaki in Sanskrit and locally known as Behera in India, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, a universal system of medicine in India. The dried fruit of T. bellirica is used for the treatment of several disorders. The present study aims to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous acetone extracts isolated from T. bellirica (AATB) in RAW 264.7 cell lines. The AATB was prepared from the fruits of T. bellirica. Different concentrations of AATB (6.25-100 μg/ml) were used for MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of AATB was evaluated by using different assays such as total cyclooxygenase (COX), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity, nitrate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The mRNA level expression of COX-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were studied in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AATB treatment significantly diminished the elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Moreover, AATB downregulated the mRNA level expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2 genes. The result of our study suggest the use of AATB and is able to reduce inflammatory conditions associated with various diseases.

Instant green synthesis of silver-based herbo-metallic colloidal nanosuspension in Terminalia bellirica fruit aqueous extract for catalytic and antibacterial applications

In the present study, microwave-assisted, optimized, instant, Terminalia bellirica fruit extract-mediated green synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been reported. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, Zetasizer, FESEM, EDX and XRD. The characteristic surface plasmon peak of reaction mixture at 406 nm confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. The FTIR studies confirmed phytoconstituents were responsible for the synthesis and stability of AgNPs. The FESEM, EDX and XRD analysis revealed the presence of spherical silver nanoparticles of mean diameter ≤20.6 nm with face-centered cubic crystalline structure. These AgNPs showed notable catalytic activity in reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH₄. The synthesized AgNPs showed potential antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against bacterial pathogens like Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, these synthesized AgNPs can open avenues for the development of AgNP-based efficient nanocatalyst and potent nanomedicine in future.

In vivo toxicity evaluation of aqueous acetone extract of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. fruit

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (Family: Combretaceae), known as Bhibhitaki in Sanskrit and locally known as Behera in India is one of the oldest medicinal plants which has widely been used in the traditional system of medicine, especially in Ayurveda for centuries. The dried fruit of Terminalia bellirica is used for treating various ailments. Aqueous acetone extract of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb fruits (AATB), showed antioxidant potential in our screening study is selected for the present in vivo toxicity evaluation. Acute administration of AATB was done in female Wistar Albino rats as a single dose up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. At the end of the study, Blood was collected for biochemical and hematological analyses, while histological examinations were performed on liver and kidney. There was no alteration in the behavioral pattern, food and water intake in the treated animals. The relative organ weight, biochemical parameters, hematological parameters and histopathological analysis were also found normal. All the parameters of the toxicity evaluation were found to be normal and the data suggests aqueous acetone extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit is safe, to be used as a traditional herbal formulation for its antioxidant potential and other health benefits.

Terminalia bellirica Extract Inhibits Low-Density Lipoprotein Oxidation and Macrophage Inflammatory Response in Vitro

The deciduous tree Terminalia bellirica found in Southeast Asia is extensively used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of hypertension, rheumatism, and diabetes. The anti-atherogenic effect of Terminalia bellirica fruit has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the effect of Terminalia bellirica extract (TBE) on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and inflammation in macrophages. TBE showed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (EC₅₀: 7.2 ± 1.2 μg/mL) and 15-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. TBE also significantly inhibited free radical-induced LDL oxidation compared to the solvent control in vitro. In THP-1 macrophages, TBE treatment resulted in significant decreases of the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). TBE also reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 secretion and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in THP-1 macrophages. These results show that TBE has the inhibitory effects on LDL oxidation and macrophage inflammatory response in vitro, suggesting that its in vivo use might inhibit atherosclerosis plaque progression.

Activity study of biogenic spherical silver nanoparticles towards microbes and oxidants

The eco-friendly approach for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNP) using Terminalia bellirica (T. bellirica) fruit extract is reported herein. Initially formation of SNP was noticed through visual color change from yellow to reddish brown and further analyzed by surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) band at 429 nm using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Identification of different polyphenols present in T. bellirica extract was done using High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Aqueous T. bellirica extract contains high amount of gallic acid which is major secondary metabolite responsible for the reduction and stabilization process. It was established by analyses of extracts before and after reduction using HPLC. Formation of spherical SNP was characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study revealed crystalline nature of SNP. Presence of different functional groups on the surface of SNP was evidenced by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) study. A plausible mechanism of reduction and stabilization processes involved in the synthesis of stable SNP was also explained based on HPLC and FTIR data. In addition, the synthesized SNP was tested for antibacterial and antioxidant activities. SNP showed good antimicrobial activity against both gram positive (S. aureus) and gram negative (E. coli) bacteria. It also showed good antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid as standard antioxidant by using standard DPPH method.

Evaluation and quantification of angiogenesis activity of terminalia bellirica roxb, by mice sponge implantation method

Angiogenesis represents an excellent therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. It is a potent physiological process that underlies the natural manner in which our bodies respond to a diminution of blood supply to vital organs, namely the production of new collateral vessels to overcome the ischemic state. This present study is aimed to evaluate and quantify the Angiogenic potential of Terminalia bellirica Roxb, by in vivo mice sponge implantation assay. Here, gelatin sponge with or without Ethanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica leaf (EETB - 0.3 mg and 0.5 mg, respectively) were subcutaneously injected into Swiss albino mice, and 14 days later, the implanted sponges was excised and histologically examined. The stained section showed that sponge containing EETB had produced more vessels in gels than sponges alone. The new vessels were abundantly filled with intact Red blood corpuscles (RBCs), which indicate the formation of a functional vasculature inside the sponges and blood circulation in newly formed vessels by angiogenesis which is induced by EETB. It also measured that the hemoglobin content inside the sponges: Whereas, hemoglobin in control was nearly 0.3 μg, EETB cases the hemoglobin quantity was markedly enhanced to about 17 μg. Taken together, it demonstrated that Ethanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica leaf exhibited a profound angiogenic activity in vivo. The phytochemical screening and qualitative instrumental analysis of EETB reveals the presence of proteins and Phytosterols. The promising angiogenic potential may be due to the presence of the above chemical constituents. Further study is required to define more precisely the molecular mechanisms by which Ethanolic extract of Terminalia bellirica leaf modulates endothelial cell function and gene expression, as well as the pathological relevance of these findings.