Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Durieu seeds' extracts: In vitro and in vivo studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Durieu (Apiaceae) is traditionally used in southern Algeria as a remedy against a wide range of disease due to its health-promoting properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of plant methanolic extract and its fractions in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-radical activity was assessed in vitro using ABTS•+, superoxide anion (O2•-) and nitric oxide radical (•NO). Lipid peroxidation inhibition was also investigated in the linoleic acid system. Enzyme inhibition assay was performed against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The anti-inflammatory effect of extracts was screened in vitro through thermal induction of human serum albumin, and in vivo on a skin acute inflammation model induced by λ-carrageenan paw injection, xylene and croton oil topical application. Analgesic effect was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing test. RESULTS: The highest contents of polyphenols and flavonoids was recorded by the crude extract (77.14 ± 0.01 µg GAE/mg E and 19.59 ± 0.08 µg QE/mg E, respectively). Among the extracts, ethyl acetate extract showed a promising anti-radical activity of ABTS•+, O2•- and •NO, in addition to a remarkable inhibition activity of the tested enzymes. Meanwhile, all extracts effectively protected linoleic acid against lipid peroxidation and human serum albumin structure in thermal condition even at low concentration (0.31 mg/ml). Oral administration of 200 mg/kg of crude extract successfully inhibited acetic acid induced nociception and reduced edema formation induced by xylene and carrageenan. However, a dose-dependent manner was observed to decrease ear edema by a microscopic examination in croton oil induced acute inflammation. Nitrite and malondialdehyde levels together with catalase activity were modulated in the presence of plant-derived bioactive compounds. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Ammodaucus leucotrichus is potentially rich source of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.

Anti-urolithiatic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Erica arborea flowers and leaves hydromethanolic extracts: An ethnopharmacological study.

Erica arborea L. is a medicinal plant vastly used in therapeutic purposes in several parts of the world for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic purposes, and in treating urinary infections and kidney stones. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the medicinal use of E. arborea in Algeria's Bejaia region, and to examine the anti-urolithiatic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory (in vivo), analgesic, and toxicity effects of E. arborea hydromethanolic extracts from leaves (EALE) and flowers (EALE) to give a justification for its use in the traditional medicine. The in vitro anti-urolithiathic activity of E. arborea leaf and flower hydromethanolic extracts nucleation and aggregation of crystals were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The agar disk diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination were employed to estimate the antibacterial effect of EAME against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacterial strains in vitro. In addition, the xylene and croton oil-induced ear edema methods in mice were used to examine the topical and oral anti-inflammatory potential of the extracts. Similarly, the analgesic effect of the extract was assessed via the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in mice, whereas the acute toxicity of EAME was conducted following OECD guidelines. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 171 informants with 212 questionnaire cards. Results indicated that 28.04 % of people in the studied region used E. arborea in traditional folk medicine. Additionally, results revealed the presence of epicatechin, palmitic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside in the plant extracts. Results also showed that EAME exhibits significant and dose-dependent anti-urolithiatic activity in nucleation and aggregation assays. Furthermore, results revealed that the extracts exhibit significant antibacterial activity. The E. arborea flower extract (EAFE) showed maximum antibacterial activity, especially against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, S. gallinarum, and B. cereus. In addition, a greater minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in this extract was found at 1.60 mg/mL against M. luteus strain compared to the positive control. Moreover, the EAME caused a significant inhibition influence in the xylene and croton oil-induced edematous in mice. In contrast, the topical anti-inflammatory potential showed that extracts exhibit a considerable anti-edematogenic effect in both animal models. In the writhing reaction induced by the acetic acid model, the two extracts significantly reduced abdominal contractions. Finally, results of the toxicity assay showed that EAME is safe and no deaths or changes in mice behavior were observed even when doses as high as 5 g/kg DW were used. From the ethnopharmacological studies, our consequences endorse the benefit of E. arborea in folk medicine. Results of this investigation suggest that the leaf and flower extracts of E. arborea exhibit notable anti-urolithiatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibacterial activities and are safe as a natural source of drugs with the above effects.

Phenolic composition and correlation with antioxidant properties of various organic fractions from Hertia cheirifolia extracts.

Hertia cheirifolia L. is a medicinal plant that has been used for a long time in folk Mediterranean medicine. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the phenolic profile and the antioxidant potential of organic fractions from H. cheirifolia extracts. Crude methanolic extracts were firstly prepared from the different parts of the plant. Then four different organic fractions were obtained by fractioning each extract, using different solvents with increasing polarity (hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate). The Phenolic content was analyzed using a UV-Vis colorimetric methods followed by a qualitative and quantitative analysis by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) system. After that, the antioxidant potential of the different organic fractions was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays, reducing power of iron (FRAP) and inhibition of ß-carotene oxidation tests. Our results revealed that ethyl acetate fractions (EA) contained the highest content of total phenolics (100-250 mg GAE/g). Indeed, the ethyl acetate fraction from the flower extract (EA-F) displayed the lowest IC50 values for the scavenging of DPPH and ABTS free radicals (38.83 ± 0.34 µg/ml and 23.76 ± 0.11 µg/ml, respectively). Also, the strongest iron reducing power (2628.87 ± 16.47 µmol Fe2+Eq/ml) and the best rate of inhibition of the ß-carotene oxidation (58.91 ± 5.79 %) were recorded. In sum, the present study suggests that, the organic fractions from H. cherifolia are potential natural antioxidants and this is probably related to their phenolics content and structure.

In vitro Anti-hemolytic Effect, in vivo Anti-inflammatory and in vitro Anti-oxidant Activity of Anchusa azurea Mill.

BACKGROUND: Anchusa azurea Mill. (AA) is a medicinal plant largely used traditionally in folk medicine in Algeria; it is locally named hamham. It is effective in the treatment of various diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti- hemolytic effects of phenolic fractions from Anchusa azurea Mill. METHODS: In this study, various extracts from Anchusa azurea Mill. (AA) using solvents with increasing polarity were prepared. The quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids was determined. The anti-radical activity of the different extracts was evaluated using DPPH and by measuring the inhibition of the oxidative degradation of ß-carotene. The In-vitro antihemolytic effect of the plant extracts is determined (CrE, ChE, AcE, and AqE). For each extract, four concentrations were tested: 10.59, 21.18, 42.37, 84.74 µg/ml. Vitamin C is used as a standard. The free-radical attack was measured by measuring the HT50 (Half-Hemolysis Time). The anti-inflammatory effect using PMA on mice of the methanolic extract (CrE) was evaluated. RESULTS: The quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids showed that ethyl acetate extract (AcE) contains a higher amount of polyphenols. However, chloroform extract (ChE) presents a higher amount of flavonoids. AcE showed an important scavenging activity using the DPPH radical (IC50= 68.35 µg/ml). The results showed that AcE also exhibited a significant inhibition effect on the oxidation of ß-carotene/linoleic acid (84.33 %). All extracts increased the HT50 values (Half-Hemolysis Time) in a dose-dependent manner. The three highest concentrations (21.18, 42.37, and 84.74 µg / ml) of ChE caused a very significant delay (p ≤ 0.001) of hemolysis compared to the negative control and the positive control "VIT C". The anti-inflammatory effect of using PMA on mice showed that the methanolic extract (CrE) of AA reduced the weight of the ear edema. CONCLUSION: This plant has a strong pharmacological power, which supports its traditional medicinal use.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity, and toxicity of Pituranthos scoparius stem extract: An ethnopharmacological study in rat and mouse models.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pituranthos scoparius is a medicinal plant that is used in traditional medicine in Algeria and other North African nations to treat several diseases such as asthma, rheumatism, measles, dermatoses, jaundice, and digestive disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present investigation was designed to investigate an ethnobotanical survey about Pituranthos scoparius in Setif region, Algeria, and assess the acute toxicity, in vivo anti-inflammatory potential and analgesic effect of Pituranthos scoparius hydromethanolic stem extract (PSSE) in rats and mice models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute toxicity of PSSE was carried out based on OECD guidelines 425. Both possible death and signs accompanying toxicity of animals were monitored for 14 days to establish the median lethal dose (LD50) of PSSE. Anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was evaluated using the xylene, croton oil-induced ear edema, and carrageenan-induced paw edema, whereas the analgesic activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction in mice model. RESULTS: Data from the ethnopharmacological survey showed that 24.47% of people used this plant in traditional (folk) medicine. Results also revealed that PSSE contains high amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and that the extract did not cause any deaths or changes in the behavior of treated animals; LD50 values were found to be higher than 5 g/kg BW. Additionally, no significant variations were observed in the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes, or in the levels of urea and creatinine. Oral administration of PSSE at the doses of 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition effect in both xylene and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Administration of PSSE at a dose of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) exhibited anti-edematogenic effect in the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema after 3 h. In acetic acid-induced writhing model, PSSE significantly (P < 0.05) reduced writhing at a dose of 500 mg/kg with 69.92% of inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Taken all together, PSSE is non-toxic, and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Through the ethnomedicinal study, our findings highlight the medicinal use of PSSE in traditional medicine and as an additional source of natural and safe anti-inflammatory agents.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Asphodelus microcarpus methanolic extracts.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Asphodelus microcarpus is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Liliaceae. This plant is used in traditional medicine to treat abscesses by local application of the powder; the roots are used against white spots, and specifically used for ear pain. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the present study was to assess the in vitro antioxidant effects and the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the different parts methanolic extracts of the Asphodelus microcarpus: aerial part (APME), leaf (LME), stem flowers (SFME) and root (RME). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antioxidant potency of extracts was evaluated by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS, ß-carotene bleaching assays, iron chelating, free hydroxyl radicals (HO•) assays, and reducing power. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was evaluated using the carrageenan induced rat paw edema and xylene-induced ear edema in mice. RESULTS: The estimation of polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the leave methanolic extract contains a high amount of polyphenols and flavonoids: 755.3 ±â€¯0.036 mg Gallic acid equivalent and 42.2 ±â€¯0.043 mg Rutin equivalent/g of dried material, respectively. Oral administration of the APME and RME extract produced significant (p < 0.05) anti-edematogenic effect with a dose of 500 mg/kg in the carrageenan induced paw edema after 6 h (58.04%, 58.75%, respectively). APME, LME; SFME and RME extracts at 100, 300 and 500 mg/kg, exhibited significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of xylene induced ear edema. CONCLUSION: the present study confirms the use of A. microcarpus in traditional medicine as anti-inflammatory agent.

Acute, sub-acute toxicity and antioxidant activities (in vitro and in vivo) of Reichardia picroide crude extract.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Reichardia picroide is a species mainly used for alimentary purposes, but it is traditionally known to be used as hypoglycemiant, diuretic, depurative, galactagogue and tonic. AIM OF THE STUDY: To date, there are no studies corroborating both its safety and antioxidant activities. The objective of the present study, thus, was to assess the safety profile of Reichardia picroide methanolic extract (RPE) and as well as on its antioxidant and antihemolytic activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute toxicity of RPE was carried out based on OECD guidelines 425. Signs accompanying toxicity and possible death of animals were monitored for two weeks to ascertain the median lethal dose (LD50) of the RPE. In sub-acute toxicity study, the extract was administered by gavage at the doses of 250, 500 and 1000mg/kg/day for 21 consecutive days. The antioxidant activity of RPE was investigated through various methods both in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: The admistrated doses did not produce mortality or changes in general behaviors of the tested males and females mice. The LD50 was found to be superior to 5000mg/kg DW. Moreover, daily administration of RPE at doses ranged from 500 to 1000mg/kg could result in alteration of liver and kidney histology. Significant decrease in liver enzymes (ALT and AST), urea and creatinine levels in female plasma was recorded. The RPE was, in vitro, strong in DPPH scavenging and hemolytic inhibition, benificial in lipid peroxidation inhibition and reducing power. In addition, it exhibited, in vivo, a strong effect on GSH level increasing and lipid peroxidation inhibition in liver and kidney. CONCLUSIONS: It can be suggested, based on the results of this study, that the crude extract of Reichardia picroide was non-toxic in acute administration and the use of this extract is safe at doses ≤ 250mg/kg. This study supports the application of Reichardia picroides in alimentary and traditional medicine purposes. Moreover, antioxidant activity results suggested that Reichardia picroide had potent antioxidant activities and could be utilized as new natural antioxidant in food and therapeutics.

INVESTIGATION OF ANTIHEMOLYTIC, XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITION, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF SALVIA VERBENACA L. AERIAL PART EXTRACTS.

BACKGROUND: In this study, Salvia verbenaca L. aerial part extracts (SVEs): were screened for their antihemolytic, xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To investigate SVEs antihemolytic activity, the 2,2,-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used to induce erythrocyte oxidative hemolysis. In XO inhibition test, xanthine was used as substrate and cytochrome c for generating superoxide anions. The antioxidant activity of SVEs was examined by means of reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging and iron chelating assays. In addition, SVEs were tested for their antimicrobial effects by evaluating antibacterial and antifungal activities. RESULTS: Ethyl acetate extract (EAE) contains the highest amount of total polyphenols and flavonoids (661.78 ± 4.00 mg GAE / g E) and (28.81 ± 0.38 mg QE / g E) respectively. In antihemolytic test EAE was the most active extract with an HT50 value of 165 min. SVEs gave significant inhibitory effects on XO, especially the chloroform extract (ChE) with IC50 value of 0.0088 ± 0.000 mg/ml. EAE was the most active extract in reducing power essay (EC50: 0.0047 ± 0.000 mg/ml) and in DPPH radical scavenging essay (IC50: 0.0086 ± 0.000 mg/ml). Finally, the EAE has inhibited the growth of nine bacterial strains with inhibition zone diameters of (12 to 16 mm), but no activities have found against fungal strains. CONCLUSION: S. verbenaca could be considered as a potential source of natural antihemolytic, enzyme modulator, antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Chromatographic fractionation, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Urginea maritima methanolic extract.

The present work concerns a phytochemical study of Urginea maritima L. from Algeria, and an evaluation of antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract (UMME) and its chromatographic fractions. UMME was fractionated using open glass chromatography on silica gel and antioxidant effects were evaluated using DPPH and ß-carotene/linoleate assays. The phytochemical screening revealed that the bulb of plant contains flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, reducing compounds, anthraquinones combined, anthocyanins, mucilage, triterpenes and steroids. DPPH method showed that the UMME has a scavenger effect on radical DPPH with an IC50=57.83±1.59µg/ml. The fractions isolated from U. maritima (L.) presented an IC50 ranging between 499.23 and 39.68µg/ml. In ß-carotene/linoleate test, UMME and fractions give an I% =69.56±0.08% and between 31.29±0.49% and 90.79±0.29%, respectively. UMME showed a high inhibitory effect on the xanthine oxidase (IC50=0.67±0.01 mg/ml) and on the cytochrome c reduction (IC50=0.68 mg/ml). Wide range of phytochemical constituents in Urginea maritima were detected in methanolic extract which exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activity. This plant could serve as pilot for the development of novel agents for pathological disorders.

Antioxidant Potentials and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Effect of Two Furanocoumarins Isolated from Tamus communis L.

In this investigation, the screening of two furanocoumarins; 5,8- dimethoxypsoralen (1) and heraclinin (2), isolated from the methanol root-extracts of Tamus communis L for their antioxidant activity and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effect was carried out, using different assays such as DPPH free radical scavenging effect, ß- carotene / linoleic acid, xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition and in addition to blood total antioxidant capacity. Results revealed that the two compounds have significant DPPH radical scavenging activity and effective inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation in a dose-dependent manner; 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen exhibited the highest activity with an I% = 72.69 ± 1.88%. These results indicate that the isolated compounds inhibit xanthine oxidase activity and scavenge superoxide radicals with heraclinin (2) as the more potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor, and 5,8-dimethoxypsoralen (1) as the more effective on cytochrome c reduction, the two tested compounds can effectively protect erythrocytes against hemolytic injury induced by AAPH. These results are promising for further studies of the biological and pathological effects of these natural products.

Free radical scanvenging and antioxidant effects of some anthraquinone derivatives.

In this study, the screening of five anthraquinones (purpurin, xanthopurpurin, rubiadin, kermisic acid and flavokermisic acid), for their free radical scavenging and antioxidant effects was carried out, using three complementary methods. DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) revealed that purpurin has a scavenging effect with IC50 = 3.491 ± 0.014 µg/ml. Results of ß-carotene/linoleic acid assay showed that kermisic and flavokermisic acids have significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation with I % = 76.1 ± 1.5% and 68.6 ± 2.5%, respectively. In addition, the ferrous ion chelating test showed that only purpurin, with small concentrations, interferes in a dose dependant manner with the formation of Fe2+-ferrozine complex. These results are promising for further studies of the biological and pathological effects of these natural products.

Antioxidant properties and xanthine oxidase inhibitory effects of Tamus communis L. root extracts.

This study was conducted to search for xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors from the root extracts of Tamus communis L. traditionally used in folk medicine in Algeria. Root extracts with different solvents were screened for purified milk xanthine oxidase inhibition. The root extracts (methanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate) and proteins, obtained in distilled water, inhibited bovine, sheep and human milk XO from three species in a concentration-dependent manner, with an additional superoxide scavenging capacity, which reached its highest level with ethyl acetate extract (IC(50) = 0.15, 0.04 and 0.09 g/L) for bovine XO, sheep XO and human XO, respectively. The antioxidant potential was confirmed with the non-enzymatic method, total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) assay, which showed that the Tamus communis L. extracts have a potential antioxidant activity in the same order obtained by using the reduction of cytochrome c, an enzymatic method, in which the antioxidant activity followed a decreasing order: ethyl acetate extract > chloroform extract > protein.