Phytochemical analysis, radical scavenging and glioblastoma U87 cells toxicity studies of stem bark of buckthorn (Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker).

BACKGROUND: During the past two decades, the correlation between oxidative stress and a variety of serious illnesses such as atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Alzheimer disease (AD) and cancer has been established. Medicinal plants and their derived phytochemicals have proven efficacy against free radicals and their associated diseases. The current work was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents of Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and its antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma potentials. METHODS: The bioactive compounds were analysed in Rhamnus pentapomica R. Parker stem bark extracts by GC-MS analysis, and to evaluate their antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma effects following standard procedures. The stem bark was extracted with 80% methanol for 14 days to get crude methanolic extract (Rp.Cme) followed by polarity directed fractionation using solvents including ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol to get ethyl acetate fraction (Rp.EtAc), chloroform fraction (Rp.Chf) and butanol fraction (Rp.Bt) respectively. Antioxidant assay was performed using DPPH free radicals and cell viability assay against U87 glioblastoma cancer cell lines was performed via MTT assay. RESULTS: In GC-MS analysis, thirty-one compounds were detected in Rp.Cme, 22 in Rp.Chf, 24 in Rp.EtAc and 18 compounds were detected in Rp.Bt. Among the identified compounds in Rp.Cme, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-methyl ester (7.73%), Octasiloxane (5.13%) and Heptasiloxane (5.13%), Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3.76%) and Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl Ester (3.76%) were highly abundant.. In Rp.Chf, Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl- (3.24%) and in Rp.EtAc Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl-(11.29%) were highly abundant compounds. Antioxidant studies revealed that Rp.Cme and Rp.EtAc exhibit considerable antioxidant potentials with IC50 values of 153.53 µg/ml and 169.62 µg/ml respectively. Both fractions were also highly effective against glioblastoma cells with IC50 of 147.64 µg/ml and 76.41ug/ml respectively. CONCLUSION: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of important metabolites which might be active against free radicals and glioblastoma cells. Various samples of the plant exhibited considerable antioxidant and anti-glioblastoma potentials warranting further detailed studies.

Exploring the hidden treasures of Nitella hyalina: a comprehensive study on its biological compounds, nutritional profile, and unveiling its antimicrobial, antioxidative, and hypoglycemic properties.

Macroalgae has the potential to be a precious resource in food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Therefore, the present study was carried out to identify and quantify the phyco-chemicals and to assess the nutritional profile, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic properties of Nitella hyalina extracts. Nutritional composition revealed0.05 ± 2.40% ash content, followed by crude protein (24.66 ± 0.95%), crude fat (17.66 ± 1.42%), crude fiber (2.17 ± 0.91%), moisture content (15.46 ± 0.48%) and calculated energy value (173.50 ± 2.90 Kcal/100 g). 23 compounds were identified through GC-MS analysis in ethyl acetate extract, with primary compounds being Palmitic acid, methyl ester, (Z)-9-Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester, and Methyl tetra decanoate. Whereas 15 compounds were identified in n-butanol extract, with the major compounds being Tetra decanoic acid, 9-hexadecanoic acid, Methyl pentopyranoside, and undecane. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of alcoholic phenol, saturated aliphatic compounds, lipids, carboxylic acid, carbonyl, aromatic components, amine, alkyl halides, alkene, and halogen compounds. Moreover, n-butanol contains 1.663 ± 0.768 mg GAE/g, of total phenolic contents (TPC,) and 2.050 ± 0.143 QE/g of total flavonoid contents (TFC), followed by ethyl acetate extract, i.e. 1.043 ± 0.961 mg GAE/g and 1.730 ± 0.311 mg QE/g respectively. Anti-radical scavenging effect in a range of 34.55-46.35% and 35.39-41.79% was measured for n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. Antimicrobial results declared that n-butanol extract had the highest growth inhibitory effect, followed by ethyl acetate extract. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reported to be the most susceptible strain, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, while Candida albicans showed the least inhibition at all concentrations. In-vivo hypoglycemic study revealed that both extracts exhibited dose-dependent activity. Significant hypoglycemic activity was observed at a dose of 300 mg/kg- 1 after 6 h i.e. 241.50 ± 2.88, followed by doses of 200 and 100 mg/kg- 1 (245.17 ± 3.43 and 250.67 ± 7.45, respectively) for n-butanol extract. In conclusion, the macroalgae demonstrated potency concerning antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic properties.

Chemical and Nutritional Profiling of the Seaweed Dictyota dichotoma and Evaluation of Its Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Hypoglycemic Potentials.

Seaweed has been known to possess beneficial effects forhuman health due to the presence of functional bioactive components. The n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Dictyota dichotoma showed ash (31.78%), crude fat (18.93%), crude protein (14.5%), and carbohydrate (12.35%) contents. About 19 compounds were identified in the n-butanol extract, primarily undecane, cetylic acid, hexadecenoic acid, Z-11-, lageracetal, dodecane, and tridecane, whereas 25 compounds were identified in the ethyl acetate extract, mainly tetradecanoic, hexadecenoic acid, Z-11-, undecane, and myristic acid. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of carboxylic acid, phenols, aromatics, ethers, amides, sulfonates, and ketones. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) in ethyl acetate extract were 2.56 and 2.51 mg GAE/g and in n-butanol extract were 2.11 and 2.25 mg QE/g, respectively. Ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts at a high concentration of 100 mg mL-1 showed 66.64 and 56.56 % inhibition of DPPH, respectively. Antimicrobial activity revealed that Candida albicans was the most susceptible microorganism, followed by Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed the least inhibition at all concentrations. The in vivo hypoglycemic study revealed that both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent hypoglycemic activities. In conclusion, this macroalgae exhibited antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic potentials.

Evaluation of Acacia cyanophylla for their analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory potentials.

The present paper presents results of analgesic, antipyretic activity and anti-inflammatory potential of extract obtained from Acacia cyanophylla when tested at different doses. Analgesic potential of the crude methanolic extract tested by acetic acid assay was dose dependent and maximum activity of 61.60% was measured at 400 mg/kg. Analgesic activity by hot plate method revealed that maximum activity of 36.98% was noted when the mice were exposed to 90 minutes at higher dose of 400 mg/kg. Similar pattern for antipyretic activity was observed as noted for analgesic activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was dose and time dependent when evaluated by Carrageenan-induced paw edema and Xylene-induced ear edema model. Maximum anti-inflammatory activity (43.32%) was shown by crude methanolic extract of Acacia cyanophylla at 400mg/kg-1 after 5 hours on Carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Similarly, maximum (68.80%) anti-inflammatory activity was noted when accessed by Xylene-induced ear edema model at the dose of 200mg/kg after 60 minutes. No in vivo toxicity of the extracts up to the dose of 2000mg/kg was observed using albino mice.

Extraction and Fractionation of Prokinetic Phytochemicals from Chrozophora tinctoria and Their Bioactivities.

Chrozophora tinctoria is an annual plant of the family Euphorbiaceae, traditionally used as a laxative, a cathartic and an emetic. A methanolic extract of Chrozophora tinctoria (MEC) whole plant and an n-butanol fraction of Chrozophora tinctoria (NBFC) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the phytochemicals. MEC and NBFC were tested for in vitro anti acetylcholinesterase (AChE) potential. The effect of both samples on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmolytic activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was also studied. About twelve compounds in MEC and three compounds in NBFC were tentatively identified through GC-MS. Some of them are compounds with known therapeutic activity, such as toluene; imipramine; undecane; 14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid methyl ester; and hexadecanoic acid. Both NBFC and MEC samples were checked for acute toxicity and were found to be highly toxic in a dose-dependent manner, causing diarrhea and emesis at 1 g/kg concentration in pigeons, with the highest lethargy and mortality above 3 g/kg. Both the samples of Chrozophora tinctoria revealed significant (p ≤ 0.01) laxative activity against metronidazole (7 mg/kg) and loperamide hydrochloride (4 mg/kg)-induced constipation. NBFC (81.18 ± 2.5%) and MEC (68.28 ± 2.4%) significantly increased charcoal meal intestinal transit compared to distal water (41.15 ± 4.3%). NBFC exhibited a significant relaxant effect (EC50 = 3.40 ± 0.20 mg/mL) in spontaneous rabbit jejunum as compared to MEC (EC50 = 4.34 ± 0.68 mg/kg). Similarly, the impact of NBFC on KCl-induced contraction was more significant than that of MEC (EC50 values of 7.22 ± 0.06 mg/mL and 7.47 ± 0.57 mg/mL, respectively). The present study scientifically validates the folk use of Chrozophora tinctoria in the management of gastrointestinal diseases such as constipation. Further work is needed to isolate the phytochemicals that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.

Prokinetic and Laxative Effects of Chrozophora tinctoria Whole Plant Extract.

Chrozophora tinctoria (Euphorbiaceae) has been used as an emetic, anthelminthic, and cathartic agent in traditional medicine. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the composition of ethyl acetate (EAC) and dichloromethane (DCMC) fractions from the whole Chrozophora tinctoria plant. EAC and DCMC fractions were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acute toxicity. Their effects on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmogenic activity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) muscle were also assessed. The compounds detected in both fractions were mostly fatty acids, with about seven compounds in EAC and 10 in DCMC. These included pharmacologically active compounds such as imipramine, used to treat depression, or hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, an antioxidant. Both EAC and DCMC fractions inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity with IC50 values of 10 µg and 130 µg, respectively. Both the fractions were found to be toxic in a dose-dependent manner, inducing emesis at 0.5 g or higher and lethargy and mortality from 3-5 g upwards. Similarly, both of the fractions showed laxative activity in metronidazole- and loperamide-induced constipation models. EAC relaxed the intestinal muscle at a lower dose (1 mg/mL) than DCMC. Similarly, the EAC extract showed a significant relaxation effect (EC50 = 0.67 ± 0.15 mg/mL) on KCL-induced contraction in rabbit jejunum as compared to DCMC (EC50 = 5.04 ± 0.05 mg/kg). The present study strongly supports the folklore that this valuable plant is a cathartic agent. Further work is required to isolate and validate the bioactive compounds that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.

Antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracted samples from the leaves and fruits of Capsicum annuum.

The current research describes the antimicrobial potential of methanol, n-hexane, n-butanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracted samples from the leaves and fruits tissues of Capsicum annuum. Different solvent extracted samples were screened against six pathogenic microorganisms including five bacterial and one fungal specie by disc diffusion susceptibility assay using 1, 2 and 3 mg disc-1 concentrations. When analyzed statistically the data showed that different solvent extracted samples from both leaves and fruits of Capsicum annuum revealed varying degrees of antibacterial and antifungal activities. n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracted fractions from both leaves and fruits showed significant inhibition of growth against all the tested microorganisms at 1, 2 and 3 mg disc-1 concentrations. Escherichia coli were completely resistant to aqueous extracts obtained from the leaves at all the three concentrations. Klebsiella pneumonia was resistant to n-hexane extracted fraction from leaves at 1mg disc-1 concentration, however, was susceptible at 2 and 3 mg disc-1 concentrations. The growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were effectively inhibited by all the solvent extracted fractions from the fruits while aqueous fraction was not able to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis. The growth of Candida albicans was effectively inhibited by ethyl acetate extracted fraction from leaves at 3 mg disc-1 concentration.

Introduction of Arabidopsis's heat shock factor HsfA1d mitigates adverse effects of heat stress on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) plant.

Thermal stress induces a wide array of morphological and physiological changes in potato affecting its development and economic yield. Response to thermal stress in plants is mostly regulated by heat shock factors (hsfs). The current study aimed at improving heat tolerance by transforming potato plant with heat shock factor, HsfA1d, using Agrobacterium. Gateway cloning strategy was adopted for isolation of HsfA1d from Arabidopsis thaliana and cloning into plant expression vector. The target gene was introduced into potato by infecting internodal explants with Agrobacterium strain GV3101 carrying pGWB402Ω-HsfA1d construct. Upon exposure to heat stress, the wild-type plants turned yellowish, whereas no phenotypic effect on transgenic plants was observed. Expression of HsfA1d in transgenic plants was increased by 5.8-fold under thermal stress compared to room temperature. Transgenic plants exhibited 6-fold increase in the expression of downstream HSP70 under thermal stress compared to wild-type plants. Both chlorophyll a and b were significantly decreased in wild-type plants while no such decrease was recorded in transgenic plants under thermal stress. Heat stress was found to have no significant effect on carotenoid pigments of both wild-type and transgenic plants. Significantly lower electrolyte leakage from transgenic plants was witnessed compared to wild type upon exposure to thermal stress. Transgenic plants accumulated significantly higher proline content compared to wild-type plants under heat stress. It is concluded that HsfA1d plays a vital role in plant thermotolerance and hence can be effectively used to enhance the resistance of crop plants against heat stress.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities of Tamarix dioica.

Medicinal and aromatic plants contribute to major portion of the flora. The plant materials obtained from these plants are used in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and drug industries. Tamarix dioica is locally used in the management of splenic and hepatic inflammation as well as diuretic and carminative. It also possesses cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity. The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities of the crude methanolic extract from Tamarix dioica. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured by Carrageenan Induced Paw Edema and Xylene Induced Ear Edema methods. Pyrexia induction with Brewer's yeast assay was used to determine antipyretic activity and analgesic activity was estimated by acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate methods. The data indicated that anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities of the crude methanolic extract from Tamarix dioica was dose and time dependent when measured by different assays. Exposure of model animal to increasing concentrations of the plant extract for longer period increased their anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities. Significantly highest anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic and analgesic activities were noted at highest doses of the crude methanolic extract for longer exposure compared with their respective controls.

In vitro antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of different solvent extracted samples from medicinally important Litsea glutinosa.

The present research work investigate the antimicrobial activities of crude methanolic extracted samples from the leaves of Litsea glutinosa against different microorganisms through disc diffusion assay applied in two different concentrations of 1 and 2mg disc1. The tested microbial species included B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and C. albicans. The crude methanolic extract was applied in two different concentrations of 1 and 2mg disc1. Analysis of the data revealed that crude methanolic extracted samples showed different ranges of antimicrobial activities against all the tested microbes at both concentrations. Maximum growth inhibition was measured against gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa followed by the fungal specie Candida albicans. In case of Petroleum extracted fractions maximum growth reduction was measured in Candida albicans at higher concentration. Similarly, growth inhibition was more in Pseudomonas aeruginosa at higher concentration of aqueous extracted samples. Different solvent extracted samples showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins, fats, oils, tannins, carbohydrates, sterols and saponins.

Effect of different solvent extracted samples from the leaves and fruits of Datura stramonium on the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Different solvent extracted samples from the leaves and fruits tissues of D. stramonium were tested against five pathogenic microorganisms by disc diffusion susceptibility method using 1, 2 and 3mg disc-1 concentrations. Methanol and chloroform extracted fractions from both leaves and fruits measured good growth inhibition of all the tested microorganisms at all concentrations. Bacillus subtilis was very resistant to n-butanol and aqueous extracted fractions of fruits tissues at all the tested three concentrations. The growths of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pnuemonia were efficiently reduced by all the solvent extracted fractions from the fruits while aqueous fraction was unable to restrain the growth of Bacillus subtilis. The growth of Candida albicans was effectively reduced by aqueous extracted fraction from the leaves tissue at the highest concentration. Maximum growth reduction of (77%) was shown by chloroform extracted fractions from the leaves against Klebsiella pneumonia at 3mg disc-1 concentration. Minimum zone of inhibition (35.4%) was measured by n-butanol extracted fractions from the leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the lowest concentrations of 1mg disc-1. In case of leaves the most vulnerable bacteria was Bacillus subtilis while in case of fruits Klebsiella pneumonia was the most susceptible while Bacillus subtilis was the most resistant one.

Impact of different solvent extracts from leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus globulus on growth of different bacteria and fungi.

The present research investigates the antimicrobial activities of the samples extracted from the leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus globulus through disc diffusion susceptibility assay using 1, 2 and 3mg disc-1 concentrations. Different extracted samples from the leaves and fruits of Eucalyptus globulus exhibited different degrees of antimicrobial. The data indicated that n-butanol and ethyl acetate extracted fraction of both the leaves and fruits inhibited the growth of all microorganisms at all the tested concentrations. Aqueous extracted sample of the leaves inhibited the growth of Candida albicans while the same fraction from the fruits showed no activity against Bacillus subtilis at any concentration. N-hexane extracted samples of the leaves inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the tested concentrations while no activity was recorded against Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida albicans and Stephylococcus aureus. N-butanol extracted samples from the leaves and fruits showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at the tested concentrations. In case of leaves, the most susceptible bacteria was Bacillus subtilis (gram positive) and Stephylococcus aureus (gram positive) was the most resistant one. In case of fruits the most susceptible bacteria was Stephylococcus aureus (gram positive) and E. coli (Gram negative) was the most resistant one.

Report: Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of red silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba L.).

The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activities of stem bark of Bombax ceiba L. The methanol extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening using standard procedures. The results indicated the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, reducing sugar, saponins, phlobatanins and terpenoids. The antimicrobial activity was measured by disc diffusion method. Data revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was inhibited by both methanol and ethanol extracts at the concentration of 2mg disc-1 {21.8mm (68.12%) and 21.3mm (66.56%)}. Similarly, methanol extract reduced the growth of Bacillus subtilis by 17.1mm (74.34%) at the concentration of 1 mg disc-1. However, ethanol extract showed a good activity of 18mm (121.6%) and 20.6mm (112.5%) against Xanthomonas maltophilia at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg disc-1, respectively. Aqueous extract showed 16 mm (53.33% Z.I) against Escherichia coli at 2 mg disc-1. Klebsiella pneumoniae was found resistant to all of the three extracts, while the growth of Candida albicans was inhibited by methanol through 16.5 mm (58.92% Z.I) at 1 mg disc-1. The above study concluded the medicinal potential of B. ceiba.

Fractionation of crude extracts from controlled dried and commercially available stem bark of Juglans regia and their antimicrobial effects.

The current research investigates the anti-microbial activities of methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane , n-butanol and water extracted samples from controlled dried and commercial bark of walnut (Juglans regia) against five bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacilus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and one fungal pathogenic specie (Candida albicans) by discs diffusion susceptibility assay using 0.5 and 1mg disc-1 concentrations. Our results revealed that all the extracts from controlled dried and commercial bark of walnut showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activities. Ethyl acetate fraction from both sources exhibited maximum activity against all tested microbial species followed by n-butanol and crude methanolic extraxt. N-hexane and aqueous extracted samples from controlled dried bark reduced the growth of all studied microbes except Staphylococcus aureus in case of commercial available bark. Aqueous extracted sample showed inhibitory effects against all tested microbes except Candida albicans respectively in case of commercial bark. The most susceptible gram positive bacteria were S. aureus while Bacillus subtilis was the most resistant one. Among Gram negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most susceptibility while Klebsella pneumonia showed some resistively. Compared to commercial bark samples, controlled dried bark extract and fractions were found to be more active in reducing the growth of all the tested microbes at both concentrations.

Report - Screening of medicinally important Berberis lyceum for their antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion assay.

The present research was focused on the anti-microbial activities of different solvent extracted fractions from commercial available and fresh plants of Berberis lyceum against Gram positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi using 1 and 2 mg disc-1 concentrations. Our results showed that fractions from both sources revealed different degree of antimicrobial activities. Our result indicated that Escherichia coli, Citorbacter freundii and Candida albicans were more susceptible to crude methanolic extract and the same microbes were resistant to water extracted fractions. Similarly, maximum reduction in the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Xanthomonas campestris was measured by hexane-extracted fractions and minimum growth inhibition by water-extracted fractions. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were more susceptible to ethyl acetate fraction. Majority of the tested microbes were resistant to water and butanol extracted samples. Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible gram-positive bacteria and Bacillus subtilis was resistant one. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Citorbacter freundii showed maximum susceptibility while Xanthomonas campestris revealed resistivity.

In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of different solvent extracted samples from the stem of Euphorbia heliscopia.

This paper presents the anti-microbial potentials of methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, butanol and water extracted samples from the stem of Euphorbia heliscopia against S. aureus (Gram positive), B. subtilis (Gram positive), P. aeruginosa (Gram negative), K. pneumonia (Gram negative), E. coli (Gram negative), C. albicans (fungal specie) by discs diffusion susceptibility assay using 0.5 and 1mg disc-1 concentrations. Our results showed that all the extracted samples from the stem of E. heliscopia exhibited varying degree of antimicrobial activity. Ethyl acetate extracted samples measured maximum activity against the studies microbial species followed by the n-butanol and crude methanolic extract. n-hexane extracted samples inhibited the growth of all microbial species except P. aeruginosa and E. coli at lower concentration. Aqueous fractions showed inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, K. pneumonia and C. albicans. The most susceptible gram positive bacteria were S. aureus while B. subtilis was the most resistant one. Among Gram negative bacteria, P. aeruginosa showed more susceptibility while K. pneumonia was resistant.

In vitro antimicrobial activities of different solvent extracted samples from Iris germinica.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of different solvents extracted samples of Iris germinica were carried out through disc diffusion assay. For this purpose five different solvent extracts were prepared with two concentrations (1 and 2 mg disc(-1)) and their antimicrobial activity was tested using disc diffusion assay against eight pathogenic bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, B. subtilis, Bacillus atrophaeus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Erwinia carotovara, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi and one fungal specie (Candida albicans). Butanol and ethyl acetate fraction were more effective to control the growth of different pathogens followed by chloroform, hexane and aqueous fractions respectively. C. albicans, S. aureus E. carotovara, B. atrophaeus and E. coli were comparatively susceptible inhibited by all extracts of I. germinica compared with the rest of microbes. Maximum activity was shown by ethyl acetate extracted samples against B. atrophaeus followed by the same solvent against E. carotovara. Butanol extracted samples were effective against B. subtilis showing 62% reduction in growth at 1 or 2mg disc(-1) concentration. From these results it can be concluded that different solvent extracted samples from the leaves of I. germinica possess varying degree of antimicrobial against different micro-organisms and can be a good sources of antibiotics for the treatment of certain bacterial and fungal diseases.

Improvement and transcriptome analysis of root architecture by overexpression of Fraxinus pennsylvanica DREB2A transcription factor in Robinia pseudoacacia L. 'Idaho'.

Transcription factors play a key role to enable plants to cope with abiotic stresses. DREB2 regulates the expression of several stress-inducible genes and constitutes major hubs in the water stress signalling webs. We cloned and characterized a novel gene encoding the FpDREB2A transcription factor from Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and a yeast activity assay confirmed its DRE binding and transcription activation. Overexpression of FpDREB2A in R. pseudoacacia showed enhanced resistance to drought stress. The transgenic plant survival rate was significantly higher than that of WT in soil drying and re-watering treatments. Transgenic lines showed a dramatic change in root architecture, and horizontal and vertical roots were found in transgenic plants compared to WT. The vertical roots penetrated in the field soil to more than 60 cm deep, while horizontal roots expanded within the top 20-30 cm of the soil. A physiological test demonstrated that chlorophyll contents were more gradually reduced and that soluble sugars and proline levels elevated more sharply but malondialdehyde level stayed the same (P < 0.05). Plant hormone levels of abscisic acid and IAA were higher than that of WT, while gibberellins and zeatin riboside were found to be lower. The root transcriptomes were sequenced and annotated into 2011 differential expression genes (DEGs). The DEGs were categorized in 149 pathways and were found to be involved in plant hormone signalling, transcription factors, stimulus responses, phenylalanine, carbohydrate and other metabolic pathways. The modified pathways in plant hormone signalling are thought to be the main cause of greater horizontal and vertical root development, in particular.

Distinct cellular and therapeutic effects of obatoclax in rituximab-sensitive and -resistant lymphomas.

Bcl-2 proteins represent a rheostat that controls cellular viability. Obatoclax, a BH3-mimetic, has been designed to specifically target and counteract anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. We evaluated the biological effects of obatoclax on the anti-tumour activity of rituximab and chemotherapy agents. Obatoclax induced cell death of rituximab/chemotherapy-sensitive (RSCL), -resistant cell lines (RRCL) and primary tumour-cells derived from patients with B-cell lymphomas (N=39). Obatoclax also enhanced the activity of rituximab and had synergistic activity when combined with chemotherapy agents. The ability of Obatoclax to induce PARP cleavage varied between patient samples and was not observed in some RRCL. Inhibition of caspase activity did not affect obatoclax activity, suggesting the existence of caspase-independent death pathways. Autophagy was detected by LC3 conversion and/or electron microscopy in RRCL and in patient-derived tumour cells. Moreover, obatoclax activity was inhibited by Beclin-1 knockdown. In summary, obatoclax is an active Bcl-2 inhibitor that potentiates the activity of chemotherapy agents and, to a lesser degree, rituximab. Defining the molecular events triggered by obatoclax is necessary to further its clinical development and identify potential biomarkers that are predictive of response.

An inventory of the ethnoveterinary practices for reproductive disorders in cattle and buffaloes, Sargodha district of Pakistan.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was conducted to document the ethnoveterinary practices (EVPs) used for the treatment and/or management of reproductive disorders of cattle and buffaloes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was collected using rapid and participatory rural appraisal techniques through interviews and focused group discussions with 217 traditional veterinary healers (TVHs) over a period of 16 months. RESULTS: The use of 66 plant species was documented for the treatment of reproductive disorders in the two dairy species. Most frequently reported (>or=20 times) plants represented Apiaceae, Poaceae, Pedaliaceae, Linaceae, Arecaceae, Brassicaceae, Malvaceae, Zingiberaceae, Rosaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae and Mimosaceae families. All the documented plant species were indigenous to the study area. Genital prolapse, retention of fetal membranes, silent estrous/delayed puberty, anestrous, dystokia associated with incomplete cervical dilatation and retention of lochial discharge were the frequently reported reproductive disorders. Some of the plants were reported to be used in more than one condition. Materials other than plants used for the treatment of these disorders included camel milk, butter and butter fat, minerals, eggs, organic matters, chemical substances and meat preparations. These materials were used either alone or as adjunctive therapy. CONCLUSION: Richness of EVPs in the study area and extensive variation in the doses, methods of preparation, indications, and claims regarding efficacy of plants for various disorders merit controlled studies for their validation.