The potential anti-Alzheimer's activity of Oxalis corniculata Linn. Methanolic extract in experimental rats: Role of APOE4/LRP1, TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß, autophagy and apoptotic cues.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oxalis corniculata (O. corniculata) is a member of Oxalidaceae family, widely distributed in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, used extensively as food and its traditional folkloric uses include management of epilepsy, gastric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, together with its use in enhancing health. Numerous pharmacological benefits of O. corniculata are linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. One of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders is Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are its main pathogenic processes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our research aimed to study the neuroprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (O. corniculata ME), compared to selenium (Se) against AlCl3-induced AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male albino rats were allocated into four groups (Gps). Gp I a control group, the rest of the animals received AlCl3 (Gp II-Gp IV). Rats in Gp III and IV were treated with Se and O. corniculata ME, respectively. RESULTS: The chemical profile of O. corniculata ME was studied using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, allowing the tentative identification of sixty-six compounds, including organic acids, phenolics and others, cinnamic acid and its derivatives, fatty acids, and flavonoids. AlCl3 showed deterioration in short-term memory and brain histological pictures. Our findings showed that O. corniculata ME and selenium helped to combat oxidative stress produced by accumulation of AlCl3 in the brain and in prophylaxis against AD. Thus, Selenium (Se) and O. corniculata ME restored antioxidant defense, via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 hub, hampered neuroinflammation, via TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, along with dampening apoptosis, Aß generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, BACE1, ApoE4 and LRP1 levels. Treatments also promoted autophagy and modulated Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK3ß cue. CONCLUSIONS: It was noted that O. corniculata ME showed a notable ameliorative effect compared to Se on Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, APOE4/LRP1, Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß and PERK axes.

[Biological mechanisms of Oxalis corniculata regulating human prostate cancer PC-3 cells: An investigation based on the NF-κB pathway].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biological mechanisms underlying the effect of the Chinese herbal medicine Oxalis corniculata on human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. METHODS: Through in vitro experiment, we treated human prostate cancer PC-3 cells with different concentrations of Oxalis corniculata, assessed the viability of the cells by MTT assay, examined their apoptosis by flow cytometry, evaluated their migration and invasiveness by Transwell assay, and determined the expressions of the proteins p65, p-p65, IκBα and p-IκBα in the NF-κB pathway using protein imprinting technology. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control, Oxalis corniculata significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of the PC-3 cells (P< 0.05), suppressed their migration and invasiveness in a dose-dependent manner (P< 0.05), and upregulated the expression of IκBα and downregulated those of p-p65 and p-IκBα in the NF-κB pathway (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oxalis corniculata can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasiveness and induce the apoptosis of human prostate cancer PC cells, which may be attributed to its abilities of inhibiting the expressions of p-p65 and p-IκBα and regulating the activity of the NF-κB pathway.

A Review on Phyto-pharmacology of Oxalis corniculata.

Oxalis corniculata (Oxalidaceae) is a small decumbent and delicate appearing medicinal herb flourishing in warm temperate and tropical domains such as Pakistan and India. Main bioactive chemical constituents of Oxalis plant include several alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, and phlobatannins, along with steroids. Due to its polyphenolic, glycosides and flavonoid profile, it is proved to be protective in numerous ailments and exhibit various biological activities such as anti-fungal, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, and cardioprotective. Moreover, bioactive phytochemicals from this plant possess significant wound healing potential. Our current effort intends to emphasize on the immense significance of this plant species, which have not been the subject matter of clinical trials and effective pharmacological studies, even though its favored usage has been stated. This review proposes that Oxalis corniculata possess a potential for the cure of various diseases. However, further researches on isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds along with pre-clinical trials are compulsory to figure out its pharmacological applications.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) against multiresistant pathogens / Caracterização fitoquímica, potencial antioxidante e atividade antimicrobiana de Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) frente a patógenos multirresistentes

Abstract The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 μg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 μg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 μg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Resumo O objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar a caracterização fitoquímica, determinar fenóis totais, potencial antioxidante (AAO%) e antimicrobiano dos extratos etanólicos de carambola O estudo fitoquímico foi realizado por meio de análise qualitativa dos constituintes químicos e determinação quantitativa do teor de fenóis totais pelo teste de Folin-Ciocalteu. Os testes antioxidantes qualitativos e quantitativos foram realizados pelo método do DPPH (2,2 difenil-1- picril-hidrazila) e redução do ferro (FRAP). A concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) foi determinada por microdiluição em placas de 96 poços. Foi identificada a presença de taninos pirogálicos, esteroides e saponinas. O maior teor de fenóis totais, quantificado nas amostras, foi encontrado na casca do caule (0,0866 mg EAG/g) e no fruto (0,0734 mg EAG/g). Na avaliação antioxidante destacaram-se a 500 µg/mL os extratos do bagaço do fruto verde (AAO% 71,9%,), e casca do caule a 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) com CE50 23,7 µg/mL. Os extratos das folhas, casca do caule, bagaço do fruto maduro e bagaço do fruto verde apresentaram CIM de 100 µg/mL contra bactérias e fungos patogênicos multirresistentes.

Antibacterial Potency of Medicinal Plants including Artemisia annua and Oxalis corniculata against Multi-Drug Resistance E. coil.

Antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of two medicinal plants including Oxalis corniculata (EtOc, AqOc) and Artemisia annua (EtAa, AqAa) as well as A. annua essential oil (EoAa) was investigated on multi-drug resistance (MDR) E. coli. Microdilution and agar well diffusion methods were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) as well as the inhibition zone. The phytconstituents of these products were analyzed using Reverse-phase High- performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-mass). The order of bacteriostatic and bacteriocide rate of the products can be shown as follows: EoAa>AqOc>EtAa = AqAa>EtOc, but the bactericidal effect of A. annua extracts is higher than of O. corniculata based on the MIC/MBC ratio and the order is as follows: EoAa>EtAa = AqAa>EtOc>AqOc. The most potent product, i.e. EoAa with a 56.7% inhibition of all isolates, has the potential to substitute 13 used antibiotics including oxacillin, amoxicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, tetracycline, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefazolin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefixime (P <0.05). Different terpenoids were detected and measured in EoAa and catechin flavonoids in extracts of both plants, quercetin in extracts of O. corniculata but it was only possible to detect chlorogenic acid polyphenol in AqAa. Due to the antibacterial activities of the studied products, more effective than some antibiotics and their edible consumption, these products can be suggested as an alternative to some antibiotics and food preservatives to fight against MDR E. coli.

Phytochemical characterization, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) against multiresistant pathogens.

The objective of this work was to perform the phytochemical characterization, to determine total phenols, antioxidant (AAO%) and antimicrobial potential of the ethanolic extracts of carambola. The phytochemical study was carried out through a qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents and quantitative determination of the phenol content By the Folin-Ciocalteu test. Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant tests were performed using the DPPH method (2,2 diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazila) and iron reduction (FRAP). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution in 96-well plates. The presence of pyrogallic tannins, steroids and saponins has been identified. The highest total phenol content, quantified in the samples, was found in the stem bark (0.0866 mgEAG/g) and in the fruit (0.0734 mgEAG/g). In the antioxidant evaluation, the extracts of the green fruit bagasse (AAO% 71.9%,) and stem bark at 50 µg/mL (AAO% 94%) with CE50 23.7 µg/mL. Leaf extracts, stem bark, ripe fruit bagasse and green fruit bagasse presented MICs of 100 µg/mL against multiresistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Stabilisation of betalains and phenolic compounds extracted from red cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) by spray and freeze-drying using oca (Oxalis tuberosa) starch as drying aid.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the stabilisation of betalains and phenolic compounds extracted from red cactus pear by spray and freeze-drying. After hydroethanolic extraction and partial solvent removal under reduced pressure, the highly coloured extracts were enriched with oca starch and maltodextrin as drying aids in different ratios (100:0, 70:30, and 50:50, oca starch: maltodextrin) prior to spray and freeze-drying. The obtained microencapsulated extract powders were characterised by moisture content, hygroscopicity, solubility and morphology. In addition, the stability of the encapsulated betalains and phenolics was evaluated during storage at room temperature for 105 days. All microcapsules showed high retentions of betacyanins (69.9-86.5% after 105 days), betaxanthins (72.2-81.9%), phenolic compounds (46.5-63.5%) and antioxidant capacity (60.1-64.9%, FRAP method; 49.7-57.5%, ABTS method). The system with 70:30 starch:maltodextrin ratio as drying aids showed the highest values of retention regarding the polyphenol content (63.5%), antioxidant capacity (64.9% to FRAP method) and betacyanin content (86.5%), as well as a low degradation rate constant of betacyanins (1.23 × 10-3 days-1) and a long half-life (563 days). Oca starch used alone or in combination with maltodextrin has been shown to work adequately as a microencapsulating agent and stabilizer of pigments and antioxidants derived from red cactus pear.

Invasive Plants: Turning Enemies into Value.

In this review, a brief description of the invasive phenomena associated with plants and its consequences to the ecosystem is presented. Five worldwide invasive plants that are a threat to Portugal were selected as an example, and a brief description of each is presented. A full description of their secondary metabolites and biological activity is given, and a resume of the biological activity of extracts is also included. The chemical and pharmaceutical potential of invasive species sensu lato is thus acknowledged. With this paper, we hope to demonstrate that invasive species have potential positive attributes even though at the same time they might need to be controlled or eradicated. Positive attributes include chemical and pharmaceutical properties and developing these could help mitigate the costs of management and eradication.

A sustainable approach for graphene-oxide surface decoration using Oxalis corniculata leaf extract-derived silver nanoparticles: their antibacterial activities and electrochemical sensing.

In this work, a facile green synthesis using Oxalis corniculata leaf extract (OCLE) as a biodegradable reducing and capping/stabilizing agent was carried out for the construction of Oxalis corniculata leaf extract-derived silver nanoparticles (OCLE-AgNPs). Moreover, OCLE-AgNPΔGO nanocomposites were fashioned simply by mixing a GO suspension and supernatant OCLE-AgNPs via a one-pot environmentally benign method. The AgNPΔGO nanocomposites are biocompatible materials for potential applications such as antibacterial activities against two different types of bacterial cells, namely Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and selective electrochemical sensing to itraconazole (ITRA) at the fabricated GCE (AgNPΔGO@GCE). AgNPΔGO@GCE sensors gave excellent outcomes for ITRA as higher current response over the bare GCE. Under optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current of ITRA varied linearly with a wide range of the concentration between 26.7 µM and 103.8 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.997 and a detection limit of 0.1276 µM, for differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetric (DP-ASV) technique. In addition, the possible mechanism for the ITRA oxidation was further verified and explained by single-electron transfer (SET) and proton removal mechanism steps. The developed sensor exhibited good repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. The use of environmentally benign and renewable plant material offers enormous benefits of eco-friendliness applicability.

LC-ESI-QTOF-MS for the Profiling of the Metabolites and in Vitro Enzymes Inhibition Activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Oxalis corniculata Collected from Ramechhap District of Nepal.

The objective of this study was to profile the chemical components and biological activity analysis of crude extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Oxalis corniculata. Results revealed that the analyzed plant materials encompass the high amount of total phenolic and flavonoids content and have significant antioxidant activities. Furthermore, methanol extracts are the potential source of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, lipase, tyrosinase and elastase inhibitors. High resolution mass spectrometry revealed the presence of diverse metabolites such as quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, myricetin 3-rhamnoside, bersaldegenin 1,3,5-orthoacetate, bryophyllin C, syringic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and quercetin in B. pinnatum and isoorientin, swertisin, apigenin 7,4'-diglucoside, vitexin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ethyl gallate, 3,3',4'-trihydroxy-5,7-dimethoxyflavone, and diosmetin-7-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside in O. corniculata. Our finding suggested that these two plant species have high medicinal importance and are potential source of inhibitors for modern pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmetics industries.

Comparison of physicochemical properties of oca (Oxalis tuberosa), potato, and maize starches.

Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) represents a novel source of starch. Starches from the tubers of two commercial oca varieties were studied for various physicochemical properties. One normal potato starch and one normal maize starch were used for comparison. Oca starches showed lower gelatinization temperatures compared to both potato and maize starches. The pasting, flow, and gelation behaviors of oca starches were intermediate between potato and maize starches. Oca starch pastes were more viscous than maize starch paste and more elastic than potato starch paste. The differences in the properties could be largely due to lower amylose content, intermediate contents of phosphate groups (~400 ppm) and granule size (34.6 µm) of oca starches as compared to the other two starches. The internal unit chains of amylopectin such as the amount of fingerprint B-chains and length of B-chains could also partially explain the different physicochemical properties among oca, potato and maize starches.

Vascular effects of a polyphenolic fraction from Oxalis pes-caprae L.: role of α-adrenergic receptors Sub-types.

Oxalis pes-caprae L. is a plant of the Oxalidaceae family, from which several compounds have been previously identified. Recently, we showed that an Oxalis pes-caprae L. extract inhibits the vasopressor effect of noradrenaline. In this work we aimed to explore the mechanisms involved in this effect. The results confirmed that the flavonoid fraction present in the extract inhibits noradrenaline-induced contractions and that this effect is concentration-dependent. Also, a parallel shift to the right in the noradrenaline concentration-response curve was observed, suggesting a decrease in efficacy and also in potency. Together these results support the assumption that the extract could exert a non-competitive antagonism on the α-adrenergic receptors. However, experiments in the presence of competitive antagonists for α-adrenergic receptor sub-types (i.e. prazosin, yohimbine and phentolamine) showed that the effect may not be directly mediated by α-adrenergic receptors. Thus, the interaction of this extract with the adrenergic system remains to be confirmed.

Extract of Averrhoacarambola L. (Oxalidaceae) roots ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The root of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), a traditional Chinese medicine, was mainly used in ancient times in the treatment of urinary calculi, recurrent headache and joint pain. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our aims were to explore the potential therapeutic effect of the extract of Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae) roots (EACR) against hepatic fibrosis in CCl4-treated rats and to understand the underlying molecular mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were treated as follows: vehicle (olive oil), CCl4 alone, CCl4+colchicine, CCl4+EACR 1.0 g/kg, CCl4+EACR 0.5 g/kg and CCl4+EACR 0.25 g/kg. At the end of the 12th week, biomarkers of liver function, liver fibrosis, hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant status were assayed, and histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of liver tissue were conducted to investigate the liver damage and fibrosis degree. Furthermore, expressions of COL-1a1, α-SMA, TGF-ß1, Smad2, smad3, Smad4 and TIMP2 were examined by qPCR and/or western blot. The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were also detected using western blot analysis. RESULTS: EACR treatment markedly reduced the CCl4-induced elevation of serum aminotransferase activities, liver fibrosis indexes, and the extent of oxidative stress. EACR treatment also significantly reduced the accumulation of collagen and the immunostaining of α-SMA, TGF-ß1 and Smad2, 4 and 7 in the liver of CCl4 treated rats. In addition, EACR treatment markedly reversed the CCl4-induced increase in mRNA expression of COL-1a1, α-SMA, TIMP2, TGF-ß1, Smad2 and Smad4 and suppressed the expressions of α-SMA, TIMP2, TGF-ß1, smad2, 3 and 4, BAX and cleaved caspase-3 proteins. Meanwhile, EACR treatment also significantly elevated the mRNA expression of Smad7 and the protein expression of Smad7 and Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EACR has protective activity against liver fibrosis. The anti-fibrotic activity of EACR in vivo is associated with enhanced antioxidant, apoptosis-inhibition and increased MMP-2/TIMP-2 expression ratio, and with modulation of TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathway.

Genomic sequence and host range studies reveal considerable variation within the species Arracacha virus B.

Arracacha virus B type (AVB-T) and oca (AVB-O) strains from arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza) and oca (Oxalis tuberosa) samples collected in 1975 and two additional isolates obtained from arracacha (AVB-PX) and potato (AVB-6A) in Peru in 1976 and 1978, respectively, were studied. In its host responses and serological properties, AVB-PX most resembled AVB-T, whereas AVB-6A most resembled AVB-O. Complete genomic sequences of the RNA-1 and RNA-2 of each isolate were obtained following high-throughput sequencing of RNA extracts from isolates preserved for 38 (AVB-PX) or 32 (the other 3 isolates) years, and compared with a genomic sequence of AVB-O obtained previously (PV-0082). RNA-2 was unexpectedly divergent compared to RNA-1, with the nucleotide (nt) sequence identity of different AVB isolates varying by up to 76% (RNA-2) and 89% (RNA-1). The coat protein amino acid sequences were the most divergent, with AVB-O and AVB-6A having only 68% identity to AVB-T and AVB-PX. Since the RNA2 sequence differences between the two isolate groupings also coincided with host range, symptom, and serological differences, AVB demonstrates considerable intraspecific divergence.

Comparison of molecular structure of oca (Oxalis tuberosa), potato, and maize starches.

Oca (Oxalis tuberosa) is an underutilized species and represents a novel starch source. Composition and structure of starches from tubers of two commercial oca varieties grown in New Zealand were compared to those of normal maize and potato starches. The phosphorus content of oca starch was ∼60% of that of potato starch. The amylose content of oca starch (∼21%) was lower than that of maize and potato starches (concanavalin A precipitation method). The fine structure of oca amylopectin was much more similar to that of potato amylopectin than to that of maize amylopectin. Oca amylopectin had a shorter internal chain length and less fingerprint B-chains than potato amylopectin. The two oca starches were structurally and compositionally similar. Oca starch granules had a volume moment mean size of 34.5 µm and B-type polymorph. Comparative analysis suggested that oca starch has the potential to be developed as a novel starch source.

Endophytic actinomycetes Streptomyces spp mediated biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles as a promising tool for biotechnological applications.

In this study, two endophytic actinomycetes isolates Oc-5 and Acv-11, were isolated from healthy leaves of medicinal plant Oxalis corniculata L. These isolates were identified as Streptomyces zaomyceticus Oc-5 and Streptomyces pseudogriseolus Acv-11 using 16S rRNA gene sequence. Biomass extract of these strains were used as a greener attempt for synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs). The synthesized NPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD)' transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Green synthesized NPs showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band at 400 nm, crystalline nature, spherical-shaped with an average size of 78 nm and 80.0 nm for CuO-NPs synthesized using strain Oc-5 and Acv-11, respectively. The bioactivities of CuO-NPs were evaluated. Results revealed that CuO-NPs exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial cells (Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, unicellular and multicellular fungi). In addition, it showed antimicrobial potential against phyto-pathogenic fungal strains Fusarium oxysporum, Pythium ultimum, Aspergillus niger and Alternaria alternata. We further explored the in vitro antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity for biosynthesized CuO-NPs. The results revealed that' scavenging and total antioxidant activity for NPs synthesized using Streptomyces pseudogriseolus Acv-11 was better than those synthesized by Streptomyces zaomyceticus Oc-5. Also, the morphological changes and cell viability for Vero and Caco-2 cell line due to NPs treatments were assessed using MTT assay method. Furthermore, Larvicidal efficacy against Musca domestica and Culex pipiens was evaluated. The results obtained in this study clearly showed that biosynthesized CuO-NPs exhibited effective bioactivity and, therefore, provide a base for the development of versatile biotechnological applications soon.

Antibacterial and In Vitro Growth Inhibition Study of Struvite Urinary Stones Using Oxalis corniculata Linn. Leaf Extract and its Biofabricated Silver Nanoparticles.

BACKGROUND: Herbal drugs are gaining exponential scientific recognition due to their distinct advantages. In the last 2-3 decades, a gradual increase in worldwide patents on herbal nanoformulations has been noted to address the solubility and bioavailability issues of phytoceuticals. Struvite or ammonium magnesium phosphate hexahydrate (NH4MgPO4.6H2O) is among the important urinary infection stones causing painful urological ailment. These smaller stones may bind together to form bigger staghorn calculus. Urinary tract infections caused by some gram positive and gram negative bacteria further enhance the chance of formation of such stones. Oxalis corniculata Linn. is an edible plant, traditionally used in the treatment of bacterial infections and kidney stones. However, there is no scientific evidence to relate the use of O. corniculata against struvite kidney stones. Hence, the antibacterial and struvite stones inhibition activity of the aqueous extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. leaves and its biofabricated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was studied. METHODS: The aqueous extract of O. corniculata was prepared by Soxhlet extraction. AgNPs were synthesized using green technique and were characterized using UV and IR spectroscopy, XRD, TEM, DLS and zeta potential studies. Antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract and the silver nanoparticles was tested against E. coli (gram negative) and S. aureus (gram positive) species. Struvite stones were grown in a gel medium by in vitro single diffusion gel growth technique and its inhibition study was carried out using the extract and its biofabricated nanoparticles. RESULTS: The aqueous extract and its biofabricated AgNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative strains of bacteria. The aqueous extract also effectively repressed the growth of struvite stones and led to the dissolution of stones, but the inhibitory effect was further enhanced by its biofabricated AgNPs. CONCLUSION: The present work confirms the inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract of edible O. corniculata and its biofabricated silver nanoparticles against urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria and urolithiasis. Therefore, the consumption of O. corniculata in our daily diet may reduce the risk of UTI and urolithiasis.

In vitro larvicidal and in vivo anthelmintic effects of Oxalis tetraphylla (Oxalidaceae) hydroalcoholic extract against Haemonchus contortus in lambs.

The in vitro larvicidal and in vivo anthelmintic effects of Oxalis tetraphylla hydroalcoholic extract (HE), against Haemonchus contortus in experimentally infected lambs, were assessed. We used a microtitration plate method, comprising the following two stages. Stage 1: 20 µl of water containing 200 sheathed H. contortus infective larvae (ShHcl) were deposited in every well of three series; then, the series 2 and 3 wells were treated with 80 µl 1% ivermectin and O. tetraphylla HE at 20 mg/ml, respectively. Stage 2: the same procedure was performed replacing the ShHcl with exsheathed larvae (ExShHcl). Evaluations were performed after 24 and 48 h. The total numbers of dead and live larvae were counted. A second experiment evaluated the reduction in nematode egg populations in the faeces of lambs treated orally with the O. tetraphylla HE. The 27 lambs used were divided into Groups 1, 2 and 3 (n = 9), which were administered water (positive control), levamisole 1 m (7.5 mg/kg body weight (BW), as a unique dose) and O. tetraphylla HE (20 mg/kg BW), respectively. The plant HE was administered daily for 8 days. The in vitro assay showed 80.9% and 86.5% larval mortality of ShHcl after 24 and 48 h, respectively, while the corresponding mortality values for ExShHcl were 97 and 99%, respectively. The in vivo assay showed variability in the eggs/gram of faeces (epg) values; however, at the end of the trial, the average reduction in the epg values of the O. tetraphylla HE group was 45.6% (P < 0.05). Oxalis tetraphylla HE contains compounds that belong to the flavonol group with anthelmintic activity.

Polyphenolic characterisation and bioactivity of an Oxalis pes-caprae L. leaf extract.

The present work is focused on the characterisation of the polyphenolic content of an Oxalis pes-caprae L. leaf extract and on the evaluation of its bioactivity with particular interest on its vascular activity and antioxidant potential. The polyphenolic content was characterised by HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS. The vascular activity was evaluated according to the influence on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems of the human internal mammary artery (HIMA). Antioxidant and neuroprotective studies were also conducted. Several luteolin and apigenin derivatives were identified as main constituents of the extract, which did not present any contractile effect nor had any effect on the serotonergic system of HIMA. However, it showed antagonistic effect on the adrenergic system, inhibiting the contraction to noradrenaline (reduction of 58.44% of maximum contraction). The extract showed antioxidant activity and standardised luteolin and apigenin derivatives showed neuroprotective potential, particularly homoorientin.

Unexpected formation of gold nanoflowers by a green synthesis method as agents for a safe and effective photothermal therapy.

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) juice rich in vitamin C and polyphenolic antioxidants was used to synthesize branched gold nanoflowers. These biocompatible and stable gold nanoflowers show strong near-infrared absorption. They are successfully demonstrated to be highly efficient for both in vitro and in vivo photothermal therapy by using an 808 nm laser.