Triterpenoid Saponins from the Cultivar “Green Elf” of Pittosporum tenuifolium

Four oleanane-type glycosides were isolated from a horticultural cultivar “Green Elf” of the endemic Pittosporum tenuifolium (Pittosporaceae) from New Zealand: three acylated barringtogenol C glycosides from the leaves, with two previously undescribed 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C (Eryngioside L). From the roots, the known 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid (Sandrosaponin X) was identified. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). According to their structural similarities with gymnemic acids, the inhibitory activities on the sweet taste TAS1R2/TAS1R3 receptor of an aqueous ethanolic extract of the leaves and roots, a crude saponin mixture, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyl-21-O-angeloyl-28-O-acetylbarringtogenol C, and Eryngioside L were evaluated.

Evaluation of potentials of aqueous ethanolic extract of Psidium guajava on reproductive functions of male Albino rats

The therapeutic utilization of plants for managing several diseases by people of all continents, especially Africa, is as old as tradition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potentials of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of Psidium guajava on male reproductive parameters. Twenty-four male Albino rats were randomly assigned into four groups of six rats per group. Rats in the control group were administered Tween 20®. Rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered Psidium guajava aqueous ethanolic leaf extract orally at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, once daily for 60 days. The body weights of the rats were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment. Sperm parameters and some reproductive organs weight of each rat was also determined, some organs were collected for histopathology. Assay for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and testosterone was done using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent methods. Some reproductive organs were collected for histopathological analyses. The results showed a dose-dependent increase (p<0.05) in the weight of male reproductive organs, sperm parameters, and hormones. The extract significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum testosterone in the group treated 400 mg/kg body weight when treated groups were compared with control. Furthermore, the results of FSH and LH revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase when the treated groups were compared with the control. The histopathological analysis did not reveal any form of damage to the architectural integrity of the testis. However, there was degenerating germinal epithelium in the group administered 400 mg/kg of the aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of P. guajava. Conclusion: aqueous ethanolic extract of P. guajava has positive effects on male reproductive parameters.

Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis—A Comparison of Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Activities of Standardized Fruit Extracts in Human Neutrophils and Caco-2 Models

Fruits of Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis are representative plant materials traditionally used in Europe and Asia, respectively, in the treatment of diabetes and diabetes-related complications, which are often mediated by pathogenic inflammatory agents. Additionally, due to the fact of mutual infiltration of Asian and European medicines, the differentiation as well as standardization of traditional prescriptions seem to be crucial for ensuring the quality of traditional products. The objective of this study was a comparison of biological activity of extracts from fruits of C. mas and C. officinalis by an assessment of their effect on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in human neutrophils as well as cytokines secretion both in neutrophils (tumor necrosis factor α, TNF- α; interleukin 8, IL-8; interleukin 1β, IL-1β) and in human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 (IL-8). To evaluate the phytochemical differences between the studied extracts as well as to provide a method for standardization procedures, a quantitative analysis of iridoids, such as loganin, sweroside, and loganic acid, found in extracts of Cornus fruits was performed with HPLC-DAD. All standardized extracts significantly inhibited ROS production, whereas the aqueous-alcoholic extracts were particularly active inhibitors of IL-8 secretion by neutrophils. The aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit, decreased IL-8 secretion by neutrophils to 54.64 ± 7.67%, 49.68 ± 6.55%, 50.29 ± 5.87% at concentrations of 5, 50, and 100 µg/mL, respectively, compared to LPS-stimulated control (100%). The aqueous extract of C. officinalis fruit significantly inhibited TNF-α release by neutrophils at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL. On the other hand, the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit showed the propensity to increase TNF-α and IL-1β secretion. The modulatory activity of the Cornus extracts was noted in the case of secretion of IL-8 in Caco-2 cells. The effect was comparable with dexamethasone. The content of loganin in aqueous and aqueous-methanolic extract of C. officinalis fruit was higher than in the aqueous-ethanolic extract of C. mas fruit, which was characterized by a significant quantity of loganic acid. In conclusion, the immunomodulatory effect observed in vitro may partially confirm the traditional use of Cornus fruits through alleviation of the development of diabetes-derived inflammatory complications. Loganin and loganic acid are significant markers for standardization of C. mas and C. officinalis fruit extracts, respectively.

Roles of Suaeda vermiculata Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract, Its Subsequent Fractions, and the Isolated Compounds in Hepatoprotection against Paracetamol-Induced Toxicity as Compared to Silymarin

Suaeda vermiculata, a halophyte consumed by livestock, is also used by Bedouins to manage liver disorders. The aqueous-ethanolic extract of S. vermiculata, its subsequent fractions, and pure compounds, i.e., pheophytin-A (1), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (2), and quercetin (3), were evaluated for their hepatoprotective efficacy. The male mice were daily fed with either silymarin, plant aq.-ethanolic extract, fractions, pure isolated compounds, or carboxyl methylcellulose (CMC) for 7 days ( n = 6 /group, p.o.). On the day 7th of the administrations, all, except the intact animal groups, were induced with hepatotoxicity using paracetamol (PCM, 300 mg/kg). The anesthetized animals were euthanized after 24 h; blood and liver tissues were collected and analysed. The serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels decreased significantly for all the S. vermiculata aq.-ethanolic extract, fraction, and compound-treated groups when equated with the PCM group ( p < 0.0001 ). The antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), increased significantly ( p < 0.05 ) for the silymarin-, n-hexane-, and quercetin-fed groups. Similarly, the catalase (CAT) enzyme level significantly increased for all the groups, except for the compound 2-treated group as compared to the CMC group. Also, the glutathione reductase (GR) levels were significantly increased for the n-butanol treated group than for the PCM group. The oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxide (LP) and nitric oxide (NO), the inflammatory markers, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the kidney’s functional biomarker parameters remained unchanged and did not differ significantly for the treated groups in comparison to the PCM-induced toxicity bearing animals. All the treated groups demonstrated significant decreases in cholesterol levels as compared to the PCM group, indicating hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. The quercetin-treated group demonstrated significant improvement in triglyceride level. The S. vermiculata aq.-ethanolic extract, fractions, and the isolated compounds demonstrated their hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects, confirming the claimed traditional use of the herb as a liver protectant.

In-vitro Cytotoxic activity of Papaverine compound isolated from Aqueous Ethanolic leaf extract of Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr.

Natural compounds that occur either in pure form or as extract after standardization from medicinal plants, provide a limitless chance for new discovery leads because of consummate chemical diversity. The rising demand for compounds that occur naturally during screening studies, that has therapeutic action predominantly on the vegetative part of the plant has grown across the world. In this study, Papaverine compound was isolated from aqueous Ethanolic extract (80%) from vegetative (leaf) part of herbal plant Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr. Isolated compound was subjected for characterization studies like Thin layer chromatography (TLC), Mass spectrophotometry (MS), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), 1H and 13C Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Confirmatory study using the aqueous ethanolic crude extract by MS technique and mass library match confirms the presence of Papaverine compound. Further, in-vitro cytotoxic activity using Human Melanoma cell line (A375) was carried out using the isolated compound (papaverine), Aqueous ethanolic extract and standard Cisplatin. Six different Concentration ranging from 3.125 to 100 µg/ml were prepared. Control samples were prepared without standard and samples solution. Absorbance measured at 570 nm in UV-Vis spectrophotometer using a microplate reader and the % of viability was calculated. IC50 value of Aqueous ethanolic extract of Erythrina subumbrans, isolated compound-Papaverine and standard Cisplatin exhibits value of 82.14µg, 23.43 µg & 4.02 µg respectively.

Phytochemical Analysis, Pharmacological and Safety Evaluations of Halophytic Plant, Salsola cyclophylla

Salsola cyclophylla, an edible halophyte, is traditionally used for inflammation and pain. To confirm the claimed anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, a detailed study on respective pharmacological actions was undertaken. The activities are contemplated to arise from its phytoconstituents. The LC-MS analysis of S. cyclophylla 95% aqueous-ethanolic extract revealed the presence of 52 compounds belonging to phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, and aliphatics class. A high concentration of Mn, Fe, and Zn was detected by atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest flavonoid contents (5.94 ± 0.04 mg/g, Quercetin Equivalents) and Fe2+-chelation (52%) potential with DPPH radicals-quenching IC50 at 1.35 ± 0.16 mg/mL, while the aqueous ethanolic extract exhibited maximum phenolics contents (136.08 ± 0.12 mg/g, gallic acid equivalents) with DPPH scavenging potential at IC50 0.615 ± 0.06 mg/mL. Aqueous ethanolic extract and standard quercetin DPPH radicals scavenging’s were equal potent at 10 mg/mL concentrations. The aqueous ethanolic extract showed highest analgesic effect with pain reduction rates 89.86% (p = 0.03), 87.50% (p < 0.01), and 99.66% (p = 0.0004) after 60, 90, and 120 min, respectively. Additionally, aqueous ethanolic extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammation capacity at 41.07% (p < 0.0001), 34.51% (p < 0.0001), and 24.82% (p < 0.0001) after 2, 3, and 6 h of extract’s administration, respectively. The phytochemical constituents, significant anti-oxidant potential, remarkable analgesic, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of extracts supported the traditionally claimed anti-inflammatory and analgesic plant activities.

Phytochemical Profiling, In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Microbial and Anti-Cancer Activity Evaluations and Staph GyraseB and h-TOP-IIβ Receptor-Docking Studies of Major Constituents of Zygophyllum coccineum L. Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract and Its Subsequent Fractions: An Approach to Validate Traditional Phytomedicinal Knowledge

Zygophyllum coccineum, an edible halophytic plant, is part of the traditional medicine chest in the Mediterranean region for symptomatic relief of diabetes, hypertension, wound healing, burns, infections, and rheumatoid arthritis pain. The current study aimed to characterize Z. coccineum phytoconstituents, and the evaluations of the anti-microbial-biofilm, and anti-cancers bioactivities of the plant’s mother liquor, i.e., aqueous-ethanolic extract, and its subsequent fractions. The in silico receptors interaction feasibility of Z. coccineum major constituents with Staph GyraseB, and human topoisomerase-IIβ (h-TOP-IIβ) were conducted to confirm the plant’s anti-microbial and anti-cancer biological activities. Thirty-eight secondary metabolites of flavonoids, stilbene, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and coumarin classes identified by LC-ESI-TOF-MS spectrometric analysis, and tiliroside (kaempferol-3-O-(6′′′′-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside, 19.8%), zygophyloside-F (12.78%), zygophyloside-G (9.67%), and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside (4.75%) were identified as the major constituents. A superior biofilm obliteration activity established the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) for the chloroform fraction at 3.9–15.63 µg/mL, as compared to the positive controls (15.63–31.25 µg/mL) against all the microbial strains that produced the biofilm under study, except the Aspergillus fumigatus. The aqueous-ethanolic extract showed cytotoxic effects with IC50 values at 3.47, 3.19, and 2.27 µg/mL against MCF-7, HCT-116, and HepG2 cell-lines, respectively, together with the inhibition of h-TOP-IIβ with IC50 value at 45.05 ng/mL in comparison to its standard referral inhibitor (staurosporine, IC50, 135.33 ng/mL). This conclusively established the anti-cancer activity of the aqueous-ethanolic extract that also validated by in silico receptor-binding predicted energy levels and receptor-site docking feasibility of the major constituents of the plant’s extract. The study helped to authenticate some of the traditional phytomedicinal properties of the anti-infectious nature of the plant.

Anti-diabetic activity of Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr.

α-amylase inhibitors present in pancreatic region has an operative strategy by controlling the breakdown of starch and helps to minimize the post-prandial hyperglycemia levels. In this study, vegetative (leaf) part of herbal plant Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) was assessed for anti-diabetic activity. Aqueous ethanol (80 %) extract was prepared in the different concentration (10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 µg/ml). Acarbose was used as a standard and treated in similar way as that of sample. Control samples were also prepared without standard and sample solutions. A known volume of α-amylase solution was added (0.1mg/mL) was added to standard, sample, control solutions which were preincubated at 37 °C for 15 minutes. Further, known volume of starch solution was added and incubated for 60 min to initiate the reaction. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) and iodine reagent was added to the test tubes and absorbance was measured at 580 nm in UV-Vis spectrophotometer. A strong pancreatic amylase inhibitory activity (>50 %) was obtained from aqueous ethanolic extract with IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) value of 23 µg/ml against standard acarbose with IC50 value of 27 µg/ml. The values endorse Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) for further experiments on their potential for managing Diabetes.

Anthelmintic and Antioxidant activity of Aqueous Ethanolic Extract of Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) Merr.

Aqueous Ethanolic extract of vegetative (leaf) part of herbal plant Erythrina subumbrans (Hassk.) was assessed for Anthelmintic and Antioxidant activity. The obtained crude extract was prepared in different concentration, i.e., 50 and 100 mg/mL, against the standard Piperazine citrate, i.e., 10mg/mL for anthelmintic activity. Pheretima posthuma test worms were used during the study and the anthelmintic activity was evaluated based on Paralysis and Death time. Three groups of the test specimen and freshly prepared solutions were used during the study. The average paralysis and death time of standard is 1.4 & 39.59 min (10mg/mL) compared to sample 5.3 & 65.09 min (50mg/mL); 2.5 & 54.08 min (100mg/mL). From the data, aqueous ethanolic extract possesses promising anthelmintic activity compared to piperazine citrate standard. Similarly, antioxidant activity was evaluated for sample at different concentration ranging from 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, and 320 µg/ml premixed with 2.5mL of 0.0135mM DPPH solution. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard and treated in a similar way as that of a sample. Control samples were also prepared without standard and sample solutions. Prepared solutions were vortexed and kept at benchtop condition for 30 minutes and absorbance was measured at 517 nm in a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The absorbance pattern of the sample is not comparable with that of the standard solution at the same concentration. Aqueous ethanolic extract with IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) value is >320 µg/mL against standard Ascorbic acid with an IC50 value of 15.5 µg/ml. Which witness the crude extract possess less antioxidant activity.

Hypolipidemic Activity of Pleurotus florida against Triton WR 1339 Induced Hyperlipidemia

Pleurotus florida (Oyster mushroom) belongs to the family Pleurotaceae and widely consumed all over the world. The aqueous ethanolic extract of the fruiting body of P.florida was evaluated for hypolipidemic activity. Hyperlipidemia was induced with the help of Triton WR 1339 (100mg/Kg b.w.) administered via intraperitoneal injection. Atorvastatin (2.5 mg/Kg b.w) was used as the standard drug. Different concentrations of aqueous ethanolic extract of P. florida (500, 250, and 100 mg/Kg b.w) were given orally before triton administration. The serum lipid profile was assayed and showed significant hypolipidemic activity compared to the control group (Triton alone). The activity of HMG CoA reductase was assayed using hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Hepatic HMG CoA reductase activity was significantly decreased in the treated group as compared to the control. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was also assayed. A significant reduction in lipid peroxidation was seen in groups treated with extract compared to control. Lovastatin was also isolated from fruiting bodies and culture filtrate and screened using Thin Layer Chromatography. Lovastatin (sigma) was used as the standard. The finding suggests the significant hypolipidemic activity of the aqueous ethanolic extract of P. florida.