Plumeria rubra L.- A review on its ethnopharmacological, morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae) is a deciduous, commonly ornamental, tropical plant grown in home premises, parks, gardens, graveyards, because of its beautiful and attractive flowers of various colours and size. The different parts of the plant are used traditionally to treat various diseases and conditions like leprosy, inflammation, diabetic mellitus, ulcers, wounds, itching, acne, toothache, earache, tongue cleaning, pain, asthma, constipation and antifertility. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The main aim of this review is to provide an overview and critically analyze the reported ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicological studies of P. rubra and to identify the remaining gaps and thus supply a basis for further investigations. The review also focuses towards drawing attention of people and researchers about the wide spread pharmaceutical properties of the plant for its better utilization in the coming future. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the relevant data and information on P. rubra was gathered using various databases such as PubMed, Springer, Taylor and Francis imprints, NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), Science direct, Google scholar, Chemspider, SciFinder, research and review articles from peer-reviewed journals and unpublished data such as Phd thesis, etc. Some other 'grey literature' sources such as webpages, ethnobotanical books, chapters, wikipedia were also studied. RESULTS: More than 110 chemical constituents have been isolated from P. rubra including iridoids, terpenoids, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, alkaloids, glycosides, fatty acid esters, carbohydrates, animo acids, lignan, coumarin, volatile oils, etc. The important chemical constituents responsible for pharmacological activities of the plant are fulvoplumierin, plumieride, rubrinol, lupeol, oleanolic acid, stigmasterol, taraxasteryl acetate, plumieride-p-E-coumarate, rubranonoside, rubrajalellol, plumericin, isoplumericin, etc. The plant possess a wide range of pharmacological activities present namely antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anthelmintic, antifertility and many other activities. CONCLUSION: P. rubra is a valuable medicinal source and further study in this topic can validate the traditional and ethnobotanical use of the plant. However, many aspects of the plant have not been studied yet. The pharmacological activity of active chemical constituent isolated from the plant is proven only for a couple of activities hence, lack of bio-guided isolation strategies is observed. Further studies on bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action and structural activity relationship studies of isolated pure compounds will contribute more in understanding their pharmacological effects. Higher doses of plant extracts are administered to experimental animals, therefore their toxicity and side effects in humans are needed to be thoroughly studied, although no side effect or toxicity is seen or observed in experimental animals. Studies are also essential to investigate the long term in vivo toxicity and clinical efficacy of the plant.

Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber species of India with high medicinal value: A review on its pharmacology, pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gmelina arborea Roxb.ex Smith, a fast-growing deciduous tree belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and is an important plantation species in many tropical areas around the world. The species is naturally distributed in semi-deciduous forests in tropical/subtropical regions of South East Asia. The tree is also an important medicinal plant in the Indian Systems of Medicine. The whole plant is used in medicine. It is astringent, bitter, digestive, cardiotonic, diuretic, laxative and pulmonary and nervine tonic. It improves digestion, memory, helps overcome giddiness and is useful in burning sensation, fever, thirst, emaciation, heart diseases, nervous disorders and piles. The roots are acrid, bitter-sweet in taste, stomachic, tonic, laxative, galactagogue and antihelmintic. The flowers are sweet, refrigerant, bitter, astringent and acrid, and are used in treating leprosy and skin diseases. The fruits are acrid, sour, sweet, refrigerant, bitter, astringent, aphrodisiac, trichogenous, alterant and tonic. Fruits are edible and also used for promoting hair growth and in treating anaemia, leprosy, ulcers, constipation, leucorrhoea and colitis. The leaves are a good fodder also. The major bioactive compounds extracted from different parts of G. arborea are arboreal, verbascoside, tyrosol, iridoids, phenylpropanoid glycoside, premnazole, martynoside, iridoid glycosides, balanophonin, gmelinol, isoarboreol apigenin, umbelliferone etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: This review provides an insight into the medicinal aspects of G. arborea. It provides the latest information on phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses of G.arborea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on G. arborea was gathered from various sources like textbooks, literature, databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Wiley, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Scopus, Inflibnet, Sci-Finder and Google Scholar. RESULTS: Sixty-nine phytochemicals which include lignans, acylated iridoid glycosides, acylated rhamnopyranoses, flavonoids, flavones, flavone glycosides have been isolated. Many of them have been characterized for their pharmacological activity. Several researchers have identified bioactive phytochemicals like luteolin, iridoid alkaloids from the leaves, hentriacontanol and lignans such as arboreol, isoarboreol, arborone, gmelanone, gummadiol from the heartwood, flavon glycosides in roots. The extracts are reported to have wound-healing and antidiarrheal properties. Various studies demonstrated that G.arborea and its constituents possess several pharmacological activities like anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, analgesic, anti-nociceptive, anticancer and wound healing activities. CONCLUSION: G. arborea is a valuable medicinal plant used traditionally in the Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM - Ayurveda and Unani) to treat a wide variety of ailments. These phytochemicals are highly bioactive and exhibit various pharmacological activities. However, pharmacological activities of many compounds which have been identified, are yet to be understood.

High Voltage Electrical Discharges as an Alternative Extraction Process of Phenolic and Volatile Compounds from Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.): In Silico and Experimental Approaches for Solubility Assessment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of green solvents for extractions of bioactive compounds (BACs) and essential oils from wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) using theoretical and experimental procedures. Theoretical prediction was assessed by Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) and conductor-like screening model for realistic solvents (COSMO-RS), to predict the most suitable solvents for extraction of BACs. An experimental procedure was performed by nonthermal technology high voltage electrical discharge (HVED) and it was compared with modified conventional extraction (CE). Obtained extracts were analyzed for chemical and physical changes during the treatment. Theoretical results for solution of BACs in ethanol and water, as green solvents, were confirmed by experimental results, while more accurate data was given by COSMO-RS assessment than HSPs. Results confirmed high potential of HVED for extraction of BACs and volatile compounds from wild thyme, in average, 2.03 times higher yield of extraction in terms of total phenolic content was found compared to CE. The main phenolic compound found in wild thyme extracts was rosmarinic acid, while the predominant volatile compound was carvacrol. Obtained extracts are considered safe and high-quality source reach in BACs that could be further used in functional food production.

The Potential of High Voltage Discharges for Green Solvent Extraction of Bioactive Compounds and Aromas from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)-Computational Simulation and Experimental Methods.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a Mediterranean medicinal and aromatic plant widely used due to valuable bioactive compounds (BACs) and aromas. The aim of the study was to evaluate the extraction of intracellular compounds from rosemary combining experimental procedure by means of high voltage electrical discharge (HVED), with a theoretical approach using two computational simulation methods: conductor-like screening model for real solvents and Hansen solubility parameters. The optimal HVED parameters were as follows: frequency 100 Hz, pulse width 400 ns, gap between electrodes 15 mm, liquid to solid ratio 50 mL/g, voltage 15 and 20 kV for argon, and 20 and 25 kV for nitrogen gas. Green solvents were used, water and ethanol (25% and 50%). The comparison was done with modified conventional extraction (CE) extracted by magnetic stirring and physicochemical analyses of obtained extracts were done. Results showed that HVED extracts in average 2.13-times higher total phenol content compared to CE. Furthermore, nitrogen, longer treatment time and higher voltage enhanced higher yields in HVED extraction. HVED was confirmed to have a high potential for extraction of BACs from rosemary. The computational stimulation methods were confirmed by experimental study, ethanol had higher potential of solubility of BACs and aromas from rosemary compared to water.

Antimicrobial activity of the lupane triterpene 3ß,6ß,16ß-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene isolated from Combretum leprosum Mart.

Introduction. Combretum leprosum (Combretaceae) is commonly found in the Northeast Region of Brazil and is known for several bioactivities, including antimicrobial ones. Because of increasing bacterial antibiotic resistance, natural products from several plants have been studied as putative adjuvants to antibiotic activity, including products from C. leprosum. Aims. This study was carried out to investigate the structural properties, bactericidal activity and antibiotic modifying action of the lupane triterpene 3ß,6ß,16ß-trihydroxylup-20(29)-ene (CLF1) isolated from C. leprosum Mart. leaves.Methods. The CLF1 was evaluated by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method and the antibacterial activity of this compound was assayed alone and in association with antibiotics by microdilution assay.Results. Spectroscopic studies confirmed the molecular structure of the CLF1 and permitted assignment of the main infrared bands of this natural product. Microbiological assays showed that this lupane triterpene possesses antibacterial action with clinical relevance against Staphylococcus aureus. The CLF1 triterpene increased antimicrobial activity against the multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli 06 strain when associated with the antibiotics gentamicin and amikacin. Synergistic effects were observed against the S. aureus 10 strain in the presence of the CLF1 triterpene with the antibiotic gentamicin.Conclusion. In conclusion, the CLF1 compound may be useful in the development of antibacterial drugs against the aforementioned bacteria.

Protective effect of Sesbania grandiflora on acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Sesbania grandiflora (Linn) belonging to the family Fabaceae is commonly known as sesbania, agathi, and katurai. The plant is accredited for alleviating a spectrum of ailments including inflammation, colitis, diarrhea, dysentery, leprosy, gout, rheumatism, jaundice, bronchitis, convulsion and anxiety. It is also used as antitumour, anthelmintic, and laxatives in Ayurveda and Siddha system of Indian traditional medicine. AIM: To reveal protective effect of Sesbania grandiflora in acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Polyphenol, flavonoid and flavanone contents of different extracts of S. grandiflora leaves were quantified and correlated with their antioxidant capacity in-vitro (DPPH assay) for identification of potential fraction. In further studies hydroalocholic extract (HASG, 100 and 200 mg/kg) was evaluated for protective effect towards acetic acid induced ulcerative colitis (UC) animals administered with 150 µl of 5% acetic acid once, intrarectally. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by estimating disease activity index (DAI), which took into account weight loss, stool consistency and occult/gross bleeding. Macroscopic changes like colon length, spleen weights, ulcer area and ulcer index were determined. Haematological parameters like WBC count, RBC count, Hb (g/dL), HCT (%), PLT count and FFA level were determined. Biochemical analysis was carried out for asserting the levels of tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) accumulation, SOD concentrations, reduced GSH and lipid peroxidation in UC induced and treated animals. The cardinal inflammatory biomarkers like nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6) were determined. Histopathological investigation was carried out and scores were calculated. RESULTS: HASG showed presence of highly polymerized polyphenols and flavonoids amongst other extracts of S. grandiflora, which is correlated to its rich antioxidant potential (IC50 =19.21). HPLC fingerprinting quantifies the presence of quercetin in concentration of 81.7 µg/mg of HASG. HASG (200 mg/kg) and Prednisolone (2 mg/kg) significantly reduced DAI and macroscopic scores. The haematological changes in experimental animals were restored upon treatment with HASG and Prednisolone. HASG showed potent antioxidant activity (In-vivo) by restoring the levels of SOD, GSH, MPO, MDA and NO. HASG was found to inhibit FFA levels, which may indicate inhibition of TLR4 receptor mediated inflammation. The levels of serological biomarkers like TNF-α and IL-6 were found to be suppressed. Histopathological investigation reveals decrease signs of ulceration, necrosis, cellular infiltration, hyperaemia in HASG treated animals. The results of HASG (200 mg/kg) were found to be comparable with Prednisolone (2 mg/kg) significantly. CONCLUSION: The protective action of HASG against acetic acid induced UC is attributed to the antioxidant like action (In-vitro and In-vivo) of highly polymerized polyphenols and flavonoids especially quercetin. Also HASG was found to reduce the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, thereby suppressing their inflammatory response in UC.

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the indigenous medicinal plant Albizia odoratissima.

CONTEXT: Albizia odoratissima (L. f.) Benth has been used in Indian folk medicine to treat numerous inflammatory pathologies, such as leprosy, ulcers, burns and asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of A. odoratissima. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried leaves of A. odoratissima were extracted in organic solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol). The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity was examined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The antibacterial activity was examined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), determined by broth microdilution method against Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris) and Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus). RESULTS: The TPC ranged from 4.40 ± 1.06 to 1166.66 ± 31.85 mg GAE/g of dry weight (DW), and the TFC ranged from 48.35 ± 3.62 to 109.74 ± 1.84 mg QE/g of DW. The IC50 values of the ethyl acetate extract for DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 were 10.96 ± 0.40, 4.35 ± 0.07, and 163.82 ± 1.52 µg/mL, respectively. Both methanol and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated effective antibacterial activity with MICs and MBCs values ranging 136-546 µg/mL and 273-1093 µg/mL, respectively, against the tested pathogenic species. CONCLUSIONS: The leaves of A. odoratissima showed potent free radical scavenging property and antimicrobial activity.

A study of the free radical scavenging effects of Piper betle leaf extract in patients with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an idiopathic skin disease manifested by depigmented macules. It is characterised by melanocyte destruction, and redox imbalance is proposed to play a contributory role. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an ethanolic extract of Piper betle leaves on the generation of reactive oxygen species in erythrocytes sourced from vitiligo patients. METHODS: The effect of Piper betle on the generation of reactive oxygen species in erythrocytes was measured by flow cytometry in patients with active and stable vitiligo versus healthy controls, using 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2'-7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. RESULTS: The generation of reactive oxygen species in erythrocytes was higher in patients with vitiligo (n = 23) compared to healthy controls (n = 18). The geometrical mean fluorescence channel was 23.05 ± 2.11 in patients versus 17.77 ± 1.79 in controls, P = 0.039. The levels of reactive oxygen species were higher in patients with active vitiligo. Treatment of erythrocytes with Piper betle in concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 µg/ml significantly decreased the baseline levels of reactive oxygen species by 31.7% in healthy controls, and 47.6% and 44.3% in patients with active vitiligo, respectively. Piper betle effectively scavenged hydrogen peroxide, which was evident by a decrease in the geometrical mean fluorescence channel by 52.4% and 62.9% in healthy controls, and 45.0% and 57.0% in patients with active vitiligo. LIMITATIONS: The study had a small sample size. Future studies should focus on evaluation of the antioxidant role of Piper betle at the lesional site. CONCLUSION: This pilot study indicates that patients with active vitiligo demonstrate enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species in erythrocytes, which was significantly reduced following ex vivo treatment with Piper betle.

Evaluation of acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of Crassocephalum rubens leaves in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Crassocephalum rubens is found throughout tropical Africa including the Indian Ocean islands. The leaves are commonly eaten in form of soups and sauces in South-Western Nigeria, also in other humid zones of Africa. Traditionally, it is used as an antidote against any form of poisoning; used to treat stomach and liver complaints; and externally to treat burns, sore eyes, earache, leprosy and breast cancer. In this study, acute and subacute toxicity of aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves was evaluated in rats in order to assess its safety profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In acute toxicity study, rats were given a single oral administration of aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves at graded doses (250-5000mg/kg). The animals were monitored for behavioural changes and possible mortality over a period of 24h and thereafter, for 14 days. In the subacute toxicity study, rats of both sexes were administered C. rubens orally at doses of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 750mg/kg and 1000mg/kg body weight daily, for 28 days. Rats were observed weekly for any changes in general behaviour and body weights. In addition, other relevant parameters were assayed at the end of the main and reversibility study periods. RESULTS: There was no observed adverse effect; including mortality in the animals. The extract caused no significant difference in the body weights as well as organs weights of treated groups when compared with the control groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters also revealed no toxic effects of the extract on rats. Histological assessments were normal in liver and kidney. CONCLUSIONS: It can therefore be suggested based on the results from this study that aqueous extract of C. rubens leaves, at dosage levels up to 1000mg/kg, is non-toxic and could also offer protection on some body tissues. Aqueous extract of C. rubens could therefore, be considered safe. This study supports the application of Crassocephalum rubens in traditional medicine.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Ficus carica: a review.

CONTEXT: Ficus carica Linn (Moraceae) has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used in gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract infection. OBJECTIVE: This review gathers the fragmented information available in the literature regarding morphology, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Ficus carica. It also explores the therapeutic potential of Ficus carica in the field of ethnophytopharmacology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the available information on Ficus carica was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search. RESULTS: Worldwide ethnomedical uses of Ficus carica have been recorded which have been used traditionally for more than 40 types of disorders. Phytochemical research has led to the isolation of primary as well as secondary metabolites, plant pigment, and enzymes (protease, oxidase, and amylase). Fresh plant materials, crude extracts, and isolated components of Ficus carica have shown a wide spectrum of biological (pharmacological) activities. CONCLUSION: Ficus carica has emerged as a good source of traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as anemia, cancer, diabetes, leprosy, liver diseases, paralysis, skin diseases, and ulcers. It is a promising candidate in pharmaceutical biology for the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Salvadora persica in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Many synthetic antidiabetic components show toxic and/or mutagenic effects. Hence, attention has been given to naturally occurring antidiabetic components. Identification of effective antidiabetic components from plants origin is an ideal strategy for new drug development. The fresh root, bark, and leaves of Salvadora persica L. (Salvadoraceae) have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of medical problems such as cough, asthma, scurvy, piles, rheumatism, leprosy, and gonorrhea disorders. OBJECTIVE: The S. persica root extract was investigated for the reduction of the risk of diabetes in diabetic rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hydro-alcoholic root extract, 200 and 400 mg/kg, was fed to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 21 d. Blood serum glucose, lipid profile, body weight, and food intake were monitored at 0, 7, 14, and 21 d after induction of diabetes. RESULTS: S. persica hydro-alcoholic root extract was not toxic at doses up to 1200 mg/kg. Significant reduction of blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats treated with 400 mg/kg hydro-alcoholic root extract after 21 d versus diabetic control and glibenclamide-treated rats. The glibenclamide and root extract-treated group's peak values of blood glucose significantly decreased from 281.50 to 106 mg/dL and 285.50 to 150.25 mg/dL, respectively. Hence, in this study, observations showed that root hydro-alcoholic reduced the blood glucose level in diabetic rats but values did not return to normal controls. CONCLUSION: The research suggests that the root extract was significantly effective when compared with control and standard in the treatment of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. Therefore, it may be beneficial to diabetic patients.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities of ethanol root extract of Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae).

BACKGROUND: Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of rheumatic afflictions, ulcer, conjunctivitis, leprosy and skin diseases. This study sought to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer properties of the ethanol root extract of S. hispidus. METHODS: Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw edema tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory actions, whereas the antiulcer activity was investigated using ethanol-, HCl- and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer models in rats. RESULTS: S. hispidus [100-800 mg/kg orally (po)] produced significant (p<0.05) inhibition of writhing reflex with peak effect of 74.13% inhibition observed at 800 mg/kg. Similarly, S. hispidus significantly (p<0.05) attenuated formalin-induced early and late phase of nociception with peak effect of 61.84% and 89.43%, respectively, at 200 mg/kg. S. hispidus (25-800 mg/kg po) caused significant (p<0.05) inhibition of edema development in the carrageenan and egg albumin models with peak effect (93.40% and 90.10% inhibition of edema formation) observed at 50 mg/kg. With respect to antiulcer activity, S. hispidus (100-800 mg/kg) showed potent antiulcer activity with respective peak effects of 96% (ethanol-induced), 99% (HCl-induced) and 70.60% inhibition of ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study suggest that the ethanol root extract of S. hispidus possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities. This justifies the use of the extract in folklore medicine for the treatment of ulcer and inflammatory disorders.

Nephroprotective activity of Cocculus hirsutus leaf extract in 5/6 nephrectomized rat model.

BACKGROUND: Cocculus hirsutus, commonly known as broom creeper, belongs to the family Menispermaceae. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat leprosy, skin diseases, dyspepsia, etc. Hence, an effort has been made to investigate the nephroprotective potential of C. hirsutus. METHODS: The nephroprotective activity of ethanolic C. hirsutus leaf extract (ECHE) in the 5/6 nephrectomized rat model was investigated. Different parameters like postoperative survival rate, change in body weight and levels of red blood corpuscles (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, urea and uric acid were estimated in experimental rats. RESULTS: The findings revealed the postoperative survival rate of rats in the investigated novel method to be 100%. Change in the body weight of ECHE-treated groups I and II was found to be 32 and 30 g, respectively. These values suggested that ECHE treatment normalized the elevated body weight levels in experimental rats. Furthermore, ECHE treatment normalized the decreased RBC levels and the elevated Hb, triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, urea and uric acid levels in experimental rats. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that C. hirsutus has strong nephroprotective activity. However, further scrutiny is essential for isolation and characterization of the active components that can be employed to allay various human maladies.

Phytochemical investigation and radical scavenging activities of Melia azedarach and its DNA protective effect in cultured lymphocytes.

CONTEXT: Melia azedarach Linn (Meliaceae) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant which is native to India. It is traditionally used for the treatment of leprosy, inflammation, scrofula, anthelmintic, antilithic, diuretic, deobstruent and cardiac disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activities of the ethanol leaf extract of Melia azedarach (MA) and its protective effect against H2O2-induced cellular damage in cultured lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dose-dependent study of MA (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 µg/ml) was used to study in vitro radical scavenging assays. The effective dose of MA (60 µg/ml) was further used to study the H2O2-induced DNA damage (comet assay and DNA fragmentation assay) in cultured lymphocytes. RESULTS: The ethanol extract of MA (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 µg/ml) exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibition of in vitro radical scavenging assays and their corresponding IC50 values as follows: hydroxyl radical (26.50 ± 0.26 µg/ml), superoxide anion (30.00 ± 0.32 µg/ml), nitric oxide radical (48.00 ± 0.48 µg/ml), DPPH radical (30.55 ± 0.32 µg/ml) and reducing power (22.00 ± 0.22 µg/ml). The increase in the severity of DNA damage and TBARS was increased significantly (p<0.05) at 500 µM H2O2-treated cultured lymphocytes and RBC cellular membranes. The phytochemical screening studies identified 13 chemical constituents present in the leaf extract of MA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that MA offers protection against H2O2-induced cellular damage and it can be developed as an effective antioxidant during oxidative stress.

Retrostructural model to predict biomass formulations for barrier performance.

Barrier performance and retrostructural modeling of the macromolecular components demonstrate new design principles for film formulations based on renewable wood hydrolysates. Hardwood hydrolysates, which contain a fair share of lignin coexisting with poly- and oligosaccharides, offer excellent oxygen-barrier performance. A Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) model has been developed to convert the complex hydrolysate structural compositions into relevant matrix oxygen-permeability data allowing a systematic prediction of how the biomass should be formulated to generate an efficient barrier. HSP modeling suggests that the molecular packing ability plays a key role in the barrier performance. The actual size and distribution of free volume holes in the matrices were quantified in the subnanometer scale with Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) verifying the affinity-driven assembly of macromolecular segments in a densely packed morphology and regulating the diffusion of small permeants through the matrix. The model is general and can be adapted to determine the macromolecular affinities of any hydrolysate biomass based on chemical composition.

Seagrass as a potential source of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents.

CONTEXT: Halophila spp. is a strong medicine against malaria and skin diseases and is found to be very effective in early stages of leprosy. Seagrasses are nutraceutical in nature and therefore of importance as food supplements. OBJECTIVE: The antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Halophila ovalis R. Br. Hooke (Hydrocharitaceae) methanol extract were investigated and the chemical constituents of purified fractions were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant materials were collected from Pondicherry coastal line, and antimicrobial screening of crude extract, and purified fractions was carried out by the disc diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) of the purified fractions and reference antibiotics were determined by microdilution method. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were investigated in vitro. Chemical constituents of purified fractions V and VI were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the phytochemicals were quantitatively determined. RESULTS: Methanol extract inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 µg/mL and other Gram-negative pathogens at 75 µg/ml, except Vibrio vulnificus. Reducing power and total antioxidant level increased with increasing extract concentration. H. ovalis exhibited strong scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide radicals at IC(50) of 0.13 and 0.65 mg/mL, respectively. Methanol extract of H. ovalis showed noticeable anti-inflammatory activity at IC(50) of 78.72 µg/mL. The GC-MS analysis of H. ovalis revealed the presence of triacylglycerols as major components in purified fractions. Quantitative analysis of phytochemicals revealed that phenols are rich in seagrass H. ovalis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrated that the methanol extract of H. ovalis exhibited appreciable antibacterial, noticeable antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, and thus could be use as a potential source for natural health products.

Leaves of Cassia tora as a novel cancer therapeutic--an in vitro study.

Cassia tora Linn (Leguminacea) is a medicinal plant traditionally used as laxative, for the treatment of leprosy and various skin disorders. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of leaf showed the presence of polyphenols (3.7 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram dried leaves). The presence of phenolic compound prompted us to evaluate its antioxidant and antiproliferative potential. In the present study C. tora methanolic leaf extract (CTME) was evaluated for its nitric oxide scavenging activity and reducing power assays using Rutin and BHT as standards. The extract was studied for its lipid peroxidation inhibition assay using rat liver and brain. In all assays, a correlation existed between concentration of extract and percentage inhibition of free radical, reducing power and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The antiproliferative activity of CTME with Cisplatin, anticancer drug was studied using human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Proliferation of HeLa was measured by MTT assay, cell DNA content by modified diphenylamine method and apoptosis by Caspase 3 activity. The plant extract induced a marked concentration dependent inhibition on proliferation, reduced DNA content and apoptosis in HeLa. These results clearly indicate that C. tora is effective against free radical mediated diseases.