HPLC analysis, genotoxic and antioxidant potential of Achillea millefolium L. and Chaerophyllum villosum Wall ex. Dc.

BACKGROUND: Methanolic and chloroformic extract of Achillea millefolium and Chaerophyllum villosum were evaluated for HPLC analysis, genotoxic and antioxidant potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotoxic activity was carried out on human blood lymphocytes via comet assay and antioxidant activity was studied through DPPH method. RESULTS: The genotoxic potential of A. millefolium and C. villosum's methanolic and chloroformic extract was analysed using comet assay technique. Comet shaped human lymphocytes cells were observed when treated with different concentrations (50 mg/mL, 75 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL) of methanolic and chloroformic extract of both plants. Reading was taken on the basis of damaged DNA head and tail length. Greater the length of tail as compared to head, greater will be the damage and vice versa. Total comet score was obtained from A. millefolium subjected to different concentrations. After a time interval of 24 h both the extract showed dose dependant genoprotection with maximum genoprotectivity at 98.7 ± 12.7 and 116 ± 5.3 at 50 mg/100 mL for methanolic and chloroformic extract respectively. Similarly Total Comet score was obtained from C. villosum subjected to different concentrations of methanolic and chloroformic extract. After 24 h exhibited dose dependent genoprotection with maximum protectivity at 85.7 ± 22.0 and 101.7 ± 8.6 at 50 mg/100 mL for methanolic and chloroformic extract were determined. The antioxidant activity revealed that methanolic extract of A. millefolium showed highest antioxidant activity (84.21%) at 300 mg/ml after 90 min while the chloroformic extract of C. villosum exhibited highest (68.46%) antioxidant activity (59.69%) at 300 µg/ml after 90 min but less than the standard drug ascorbic acid (88.72%). Quantitative phytochemical screening revealed high percentage of alkaloids (27.4%), Phenols (34.5%), Flavonoids (32.4%) as compared to Tannins (12%) in methanolic extract of A.millefolium. While high percentage of alkaloids (31.4), Phenols (19.3%), Flavonoids (35.5%) as compared to Tannins (16.6%) in chloroformic extract of C. villosum. CONCLUSION: The present results showed that A. millefolium and C. villosum possess a number of important compounds and revealed genoprotective property which may be used to treat several genetic disorders such as alzeimer's disease in future (Grodzicki W, Dziendzikowska K, Antioxidants 9(3):229, 2020).

Quantitative ethnobotanical appraisal of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of lower Kurram, Kurram agency, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: Medicinal plants are used for treatment of ailments throughout rural and urban areas of the world. Such use of plants varies from one region to another and is measured using quantitative techniques. The current research which was conducted from March to October 2015, is the first explorative study of medicinal plants used by inhabitants of lower Kurram, Kurram agency, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Field trips were done to 20 location of lower Kurram and information regarding medicinal use of plants was collected from the locals through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: A total of 52 plant species that were reported by the people from the region, to have medicinal value, fall within 48 genera and 35 families. The family Asteraceae comprised most of these herbs (6 species) followed by the family Lamiaceae (4 species) and Solanaceae (3 species). Leaves (24.3%) and fruits (21.6%) were the frequently used parts in preparation of remedies. The reported plants were used for treatment of 50 ailments with most of these plants (35 species; 30.97%) being used for treatment of digestive problems. Seriphidium kurramensis had the highest relative frequency of citation (66.18) and use value (1.10). Fidelity level of Caralluma tuberculata and Artemisia scoparia for diabetes was (61.22) and (55.56), respectively. The highest fidelity level for malaria was reported for Artemisia absinthium (43.66) and S. kurramensis (40.00). CONCLUSION: The inhabitants of lower Kurram still practice medicinal plants and few of the plants were used for treatment of fatal diseases like malaria, hepatitis and blood cancer. Haphazard cutting of plants and overgrazing are major threats that can affect plants biodiversity.