Retrospective analysis of the key molecules involved in the green synthesis of nanoparticles.

Emerging nanotechnology leads to success in synthesizing and applying nanoparticles (NPs) using the green-chemistry approach. NPs synthesized using naturally derived materials are a potential alternative to chemical and physical methods because they are simple, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and lower the possibility of hazardous residues being released into the environment. Furthermore, NPs synthesized using the green synthesis approach are stable and biocompatible. However, because natural extracts contain a diverse spectrum of bioactive components, it is difficult to pinpoint the specific component involved in NP formation. Furthermore, the bioactive component contained in the extract changes based on a number of environmental factors; therefore, several studies began with the synthesis of NPs using a pure compound isolated from diverse natural sources. Hence, the present review paper makes an effort to retrospectively analyze the key compounds of the extracts which are responsible for the synthesis of the NPs. The analysis was carried out based on the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of NPs synthesized from either the extract or the pure compounds. These pure-compound-based NPs were studied for their antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. In addition, the present review also describes progress in the study of pure compound-based numerous biological activities and the underlying mechanisms of action.

Electron ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (ei-gc-ms) analysis of extracted oil from Tribulus terrestris seeds.

The fine powdered form T. terrestris seeds, was extracted with n-hexane by soxhlet apparatus. The aim of the study was to analyze the T. terrestris seed oil (sample-A) by electron ionization Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (EI-GC-MS) using full scan method within mass range from 40-700 charge to mass ratio (m/z). Out of 102 compounds (1A-102A) 11 compounds (30A, 32A, 37A, 45A, 47A, 48A, 49A, 64A, 83A, 101A and 102A) could not be identified and 91 were identified by classical interpretation of the mass spectrum and by using NIST14 library with match factor > 95 of mass spectrums. While among the 91 identified compounds 18 were found common therefore finally 73 compounds were identified in the present EI-GC-MS analysis of sample-A.

EVALUATIN OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE ACTIVITY OF SONCHUS ASPER L. IN RATS.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of aerial parts of Sonchus asper L. in normotensive, glucose and egg feed diet induced hypertensive rats. Aqueous-methanolic extract of Sonchus asper in 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses was studied in normotensive and glucose induced hypertensive rats using the non-invasive technique. The results obtained showed that the extract has significantly (p < 0.5 - p < 0.001) decreased the blood pressure and heart rate in dose dependent manner. The dose 1000 mg/kg of the extract produced the maximum antihypertensive effect and was selected for further experiments. The extract was found to prevent the rise in blood pressure of egg and glucose fed rats as compared to control group in 21 days study. The LD50 of the plant extract was 3500 mg/kg b.w. in mice and sub-chronic toxicity study showed that there was no significant alteration in the blood chemistry of the extract treated rats. It is conceivable, therefore, that the aqueous-methanolic extract of Sonchus asper has exerted considerable antihypertensive activity in rats and has duly supported traditional medicinal use of plant in hypertension.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Thymus serphyllum Linn. in mice.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of Thymus serphyllum Linn. in mice. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan and egg albumin induced paw edema in mice, while analgesic activity was assessed using formalin induced paw licking and acetic acid induced abdominal writhing in mice. For determination of antipyretic activity, pyrexia was induced by subcutaneous injection of 20% yeast. All the extracts produced significant anti-inflammatory effect however, ether extract produced maximum effect 34% inhibition (p < 0.001) against carrageenan and 22% (p < 0.01) inhibition against egg albumin induced paw edema in mice at the end of 3 h. Ether extract produced prominent analgesic effect 77% (p < 0.001) inhibition in acetic acid induced abdominal writhing and 59% inhibition in formalin induced paw licking model in mice, respectively. Ether extract also demonstrated significant (p < 0.001) antipyretic activity against yeast induced pyrexia. The plant showed no sign of toxicity up to the dose of 2000 mg/kg in mice. This study supports the use of Thymus serphyllum in traditional medicine for inflammation accompanied by pain and fever.

Pharmacological evaluation of antihypertensive effect of aerial parts of Thymus linearis benth.

Traditionally Thymus linearis Benth. have been used for treatment of various diseases including hypertension. The present study was conducted to evaluate the hypotensive and antihypertensive effect of aqueous methanolic extract of aerial parts of Thymus linearis Benth. in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Acute and subchronic studies were also conducted. The aqueous methanolic extract produced a significant decrease in SBP, DBP, MBP and heart rate of both normotensive and hypertensive rats. LDv, of the extract was found to be 3000 mg/kg. The extract also exhibited a reduction in serum ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels, while a significant increase in HDL level was observed. It is conceivable therefore, that Thymus linearis Benth. contains certain active compound(s) that are possibly responsible for the observed antihypertensive activity. Moreover, these findings further authenticate the traditional use of this plant in folklore medicine.