The Potential of Corchorus olitorius Seeds Buccal Films for Treatment of Recurrent Minor Aphthous Ulcerations in Human Volunteers.

Aphthous ulcers are very common disorders among different age groups and are very noxious and painful. The incidence of aphthous ulcer recurrence is very high and it may even last for a maximum of 6 days and usually, patients cannot stand its pain. This study aims to prepare a buccoadhesive fast dissolving film containing Corchorus olitorius seed extract to treat recurrent minor aphthous ulceration (RMAU) in addition to clinical experiments on human volunteers. An excision wound model was used to assess the in vivo wound healing potential of Corchorus olitorius L. seed extract, with a focus on wound healing molecular targets such as TGF-, TNF-, and IL-1. In addition, metabolomic profiling using HR-LCMS for the crude extract of Corchorus olitorius seeds was explored. Moreover, molecular docking experiments were performed to elucidate the binding confirmation of the isolated compounds with three molecular targets (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and GSK3). Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant potential of C. olitorius seed extract using both H2O2 and superoxide radical scavenging activity was examined. Clinical experiments on human volunteers revealed the efficiency of the prepared C. olitorius seeds buccal fast dissolving film (CoBFDF) in relieving pain and wound healing of RMAU. Moreover, the wound healing results revealed that C. olitorius seed extract enhanced wound closure rates (p ≤ 0.001), elevated TGF-ß levels and significantly downregulated TNF-α and IL-1ß in comparison to the Mebo-treated group. The phenotypical results were supported by biochemical and histopathological findings, while metabolomic profiling using HR-LCMS for the crude extract of Corchorus olitorius seeds yielded a total of 21 compounds belonging to diverse chemical classes. Finally, this study highlights the potential of C. olitorius seed extract in wound repair uncovering the most probable mechanisms of action using in silico analysis.

Phytochemical Analysis, Acute Toxicity, as well as Antihyperglycemic and Antidiabetic Activities of Corchorus olitorius L. Leaf Extracts.

Backgroundand Aim. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that has no known cure with continuous endeavors to find a therapy for the condition. According to some studies, traditional leafy vegetables could prevent and manage diabetes by modifying the carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. In this study, a phytochemical analysis, acute toxicity, as well as antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic activity testing of the methanolic, diethyl ether, and aqueous leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorius L. was performed. Materials and Methods. Methanolic, diethyl ether, and aqueous leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorius L. were prepared by serial extraction. Phytochemical analysis was performed following standard methods. 52 mice were separated into 13 groups (A-M) of 4 and received extracts' doses ranging from 1000 mg/kg to 5000 mg/kg for the acute toxicity testing. For the antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic activities testing, 48 rats were divided into 8 groups of 6 and received 500 mg/kg of each extract. 10 mg/kg of glibenclamide and distilled water were used as controls. Data were analyzed using Prism GraphPad version 8.0.2 (263). Results. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, saponins, and terpenoids. There were no acute toxicity signs observed in this study. Corchorus olitorius L. extracts demonstrated moderate antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic activities. The methanolic extract exhibited the highest degree of antihyperglycemic activity. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the extracts and the negative control (p > 0.05), but with glibenclamide (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Corchorus olitorius L. is a safe and potential postprandial antidiabetic vegetable that could minimize the rise in blood glucose after a meal. We therefore recommend further investigations into the antidiabetic properties of the vegetable using purified extracts.

Anticancer Effects of the Corchorus olitorius Aqueous Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds on Human Cancer Cell Lines.

Corchorus olitorius is a common, leafy vegetable locally known as "Saluyot" in the Philippines. Several studies have reported on its various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticancer properties. However, little is known about its effects on angiogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties, such as the antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, and antitumor activities, of the C. olitorius aqueous extract (CO) and its bioactive compounds, chlorogenic acid (CGA) and isoquercetin (IQ), against human melanoma (A-375), gastric cancer (AGS), and pancreatic cancer (SUIT-2), using in vitro and in ovo biological assays. The detection and quantification of CGA and IQ in CO were achieved using LC-MS/MS analysis. The antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic, and antitumor activities of CO, CGA, and IQ against A-375, AGS, and SUIT-2 cancer cell lines were evaluated using MTT and CAM assays. CGA and IQ were confirmed to be present in CO. CO, CGA, and IQ significantly inhibited the proliferation of A-375, AGS, and SUIT-2 cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner after 48 h of treatment. Tumor angiogenesis (hemoglobin levels) of A-375 and AGS tumors was significantly inhibited by CO, CGA, IQ, and a CGA-IQ combination. The growth of implanted A-375 and AGS tumors was significantly reduced by CO, CGA, IQ, and a CGA-IQ combination, as measured in tumor weight. Our investigation provides new evidence to show that CO has promising anticancer effects on various types of human cancer cells. CO and its compounds are potential nutraceutical products that could be used for cancer treatment.

Characterization, prebiotic and immune-enhancing activities of rhamnogalacturonan-I-rich polysaccharide fraction from molokhia leaves.

Plant-derived polysaccharides possess potential health benefits that improve intestinal health and the immune system. Molokhia leaves have a large amount of mucilage polysaccharide; in the present study, crude polysaccharide extract was prepared from molokhia leaves. The molecular weight of molokhia leaf polysaccharide fraction (MPF) was estimated to be 51.2 × 103 Da. Polysaccharide was methylated and the structure of MPF was mainly composed of rhamnogalacturonan-I structure with side chains, such as galactans and linear glucan (starch), as shown by GC-MS analysis. To study the biofunctional effects of MPF, its prebiotic and intestinal immune-enhancing activities were assayed in vitro. MPF exhibited good prebiotic activity, as shown by its high prebiotic scores, and increased contents of total short-chain fatty acids on five probiotic strains. In addition, MPF showed immune-enhancing activity on Peyer's patches, as revealed by the high bone marrow cell proliferating activity and production of immunoglobulin A and cytokines. These results demonstrate that MPF may be a potential beneficial prebiotic and intestinal immune-enhancer, which may have wide implications in the food industry.

Bioassay-based Corchorus capsularis L. leaf-derived ß-sitosterol exerts antileishmanial effects against Leishmania donovani by targeting trypanothione reductase.

Leishmaniasis, a major neglected tropical disease, affects millions of individuals worldwide. Among the various clinical forms, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the deadliest. Current antileishmanial drugs exhibit toxicity- and resistance-related issues. Therefore, advanced chemotherapeutic alternatives are in demand, and currently, plant sources are considered preferable choices. Our previous report has shown that the chloroform extract of Corchorus capsularis L. leaves exhibits a significant effect against Leishmania donovani promastigotes. In the current study, bioassay-guided fractionation results for Corchorus capsularis L. leaf-derived ß-sitosterol (ß-sitosterolCCL) were observed by spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and GC-MS). The inhibitory efficacy of this ß-sitosterolCCL against L. donovani promastigotes was measured (IC50 = 17.7 ± 0.43 µg/ml). ß-SitosterolCCL significantly disrupts the redox balance via intracellular ROS production, which triggers various apoptotic events, such as structural alteration, increased storage of lipid bodies, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, externalization of phosphatidylserine and non-protein thiol depletion, in promastigotes. Additionally, the antileishmanial activity of ß-sitosterolCCL was validated by enzyme inhibition and an in silico study in which ß-sitosterolCCL was found to inhibit Leishmania donovani trypanothione reductase (LdTryR). Overall, ß-sitosterolCCL appears to be a novel inhibitor of LdTryR and might represent a successful approach for treatment of VL in the future.

Effects of Corchorus olitorius and protacatechuic acid on diabetic rat testis tissue / Efectos de Corchorus olitorius y ácido protocatéquico en el tejido testicular de rata diabética

SUMMARY: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Protocatechuic acid and Corchorus olitorius on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rat testis tissue. Randomly selected Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups as; Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus treated with Corchorus Olitorus (STZ+CO), Diabetes Mellitus treated with Protacatechuic acid (STZ+PCA), Corchorus olitorius (CO), Protocatechuic acid (PCA) and Control. Diabetic model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg Streptozotosin. After 48 hours of the STZ injection, blood samples were collected from tail vein in order to measure blood glycose levels. Over 250 mg/dL accepted as diabetic subjets and fed with 250 mg/kg Corchorus olitorius or 20 mg/kg PCA by oral gavage for three weeks. At the end of the experiment, right testes were removed and fixed in 10 % neutral formaldehyde for paraffine embedding. Sections were stained by HE, Masson trichrome, PAS and TUNEL for microscopic evaluation. Control, PCA-only and Corchorus olitorius-only treated group testes tissues showed a normal tissue organization, when degeneration in seminiferous tubules, the vacuolization, seperations in spermatogenic cell series, outpouring of cell groups in the lumen, vesicular body formation, liquid accumulation in the interstitial region and edema were observed in STZ induced diabetic models and untreated groups. Besides, higher amount of TUNEL (+) stained cells were determined in STZ group. On the other hand, blood glucose level and number of TUNEL (+) stained cells were decreased as a result of PCA and Corchorus olitorius treatment. Because of the reduction of blood glucose level and apoptotic cell numbers, PCA and Corchorus olitorius decreace the complications of diabetes mellitus induced rat testis.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar los efectos del ácido protocatéquico y Corchorus olitorius sobre el tejido testicular de rata diabética inducida por estreptozotocina (STZ). Las ratas Wistar Albino fueron seleccionadas al azar y se dividieron en cinco grupos; Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus tratada con Corchorus olitorius (STZ + CO), Diabetes Mellitus tratada con ácido protocatéquico (STZ + PCA), Corchorus olitorius (CO), ácido protocatéquico (PCA) y Control. El modelo diabético se generó por inyección intraperitoneal de 60 mg/kg de estreptozotosina. Después de 48 horas de la inyección de STZ, se recogieron muestras de sangre de la vena de la cola para medir los niveles de glucosa. Niveles mayores a 250 mg/dL fueron considerados como especímenes diabéticos y alimentados con Corchorus olitorius de 250 mg/kg o PCA de 20 mg/kg por sonda oral durante tres semanas. Al final del experimento, se extirparon los testículos derechos y se fijaron en formaldehído neutro al 10 % para la inclusión en parafina. Las secciones se tiñeron con HE, tricromo de Masson, PAS y TUNEL para evaluación microscópica. Los tejidos de los testículos de los grupos control, tratados solo con PCA y con Corchorus olitorius mostraron una organización tisular normal. En cambio en modelos diabéticos inducidos por STZ y grupos no tratados se observó degeneración en los túbulos seminíferos, vacuolización, separaciones en series de células espermatogénicas, efusión de grupos celulares en la luz, formación del cuerpo vesicular, acumulación de líquido en la región intersticial y edema. Además, se determinó una mayor cantidad de células teñidas con TUNEL (+) en el grupo STZ. Por otro lado, el nivel de glucosa en sangre y el número de células teñidas con TUNEL (+) disminuyeron como resultado del tratamiento con PCA y Corchorus olitorius. Debido a la reducción del nivel de glucosa en sangre y el número de células apoptóticas, se observó que PCA y Corchorus olitorius disminuyen las complicaciones de los testículos de rata inducidos por diabetes mellitus.

Protective effects and chemical composition of Corchorus olitorius leaf fractions against isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury through p65NFkB-dependent anti-apoptotic pathway in rats.

Background The fractions of Corchorus olitorius leaf (COLF) were evaluated against oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury (MI) Wistar rats. Methods The n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and ethanol fractions were obtained from COLF extract. Male Wistar strains were randomly grouped into 11 groups (n = 6 in each group), which comprises normal control group, MI control group, 4 fraction groups with two doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) and enalapril (10 mg/kg). The sera were obtained for biochemical studies like AOPP (advance oxidized protein product), CRP (C-reactive protein), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), CKMB (creatine kinase-MB) and myocardial tissue obtained for GSH, p65NFkB, bax, bcl2, p53 and p65NFkB assays. Results The subcutaneous administration of ISO increased the serum level of CRP, LDH and CKMB significantly (p < 0.05) and decreased serum AOPP, tissue GSH and p65NFkB (p < 0.05) in the infarction control rats. Pretreatment with COLF and enalapril increased the tissue GSH and p65NFkB levels (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced serum CRP, AOPP, LDH and CKMB. The dichloromethane fraction (CODCM) being the most active was chosen to evaluate the anti-apoptotic effect. CODCM (50 and 100 mg/kg) and enalapril showed a significant (p < 0.05) effect through severe expression of p65NFkB, which correlates with increased bcl2 protein expression, decreased bax protein and p53 expression. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 26 compounds in CODCM. Conclusions From the present study, COLF protected the myocardial tissue against ischemic injury in rats probably via the p65NFkB-dependent anti-apoptotic pathway and attenuation of pro-inflammatory marker level.

Molokhia leaf extract prevents gut inflammation and obesity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Molokhia is highly consumed in Egypt as edible and medicinal plants, and its leaves are used for the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY: High-fat diet (HFD) induces gut dysbiosis, which is closely linked to metabolic diseases including obesity and leaky gut. The effects of molokhia (Corchorus olitorius L.) on anti-obesity and gut health were investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of a water-soluble extract from molokhia leaves (WM) on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and on body weight, gut permeability, hormone levels, fecal enzyme activity of the intestinal microflora, and gut microbiota in HFD-induced C57BL/6J mice were examined. RESULTS: WM treatment significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Mice treated with 100 mg/kg WM had 13.1, 52.4, and 17.4% significantly lower body weights, gut permeability, and hepatic lipid accumulation than those in the HFD group, respectively. In addition, WM influenced gut health by inhibiting metabolic endotoxemia and colonic inflammation. It also altered the composition of the gut microbiota; in particular, it increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased that of Desulfovibrio. CONCLUSION: Our results extend our understanding of the beneficial effects of WM consumption, including the prevention of gut dysbiosis and obesity.

Gastrointestinal and uterine smooth muscles relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects of corchorus olitorius leaf extract in laboratory animal models.

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Corchorus olitorius is reportedly used in ethno-medicine to arrest threatened miscarriage and other conditions associated with excessive uterine contractions. The plant is also used as a purgative, demulscent and an anti-inflammatory agent. AIM OF THE STUDY: Against the background of ethno-medicinal use, this current work was designed to evaluate the gastrointestinal and uterine smooth muscles relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract (COLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pieces of uterine and gastrointestinal tissues were suspended separately in organ baths containing ideal physiological salt solutions bubbled with air and were tested for responses to standard drugs and COLE, then repeated in the presence of antagonists. Anti-inflammatory study was carried out via the egg albumin-induced paw edema model in rats. RESULTS: The application of COLE to pieces of uterine tissue significantly decreased the amplitudes of contractions in a dose dependent manner such that the highest dose applied (666.67 µg/ml) achieved a 100% inhibitory effect. Oxytocin induced contractions were also significantly inhibited by both salbutamol and COLE. On the isolated rabbit jejunum, the effect of COLE was also inhibitory and like atropine, significantly inhibited acetylcholine induced contractions. In the in vivo study, the extract inhibited charcoal meal movement in test rats when compared with control. Anti-inflammatory effect of COLE was significant and compared favourably with that of aspirin following in vivo trials. CONCLUSIONS: COLE therefore, may be a good tocolytic, anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory agent and offers hope of new drug discovery for such uses.

Protective effect of Corchorus capsularis L. leaves on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesion in rats.

In Taiwan, Corchorus capsularis L. has long been cultivated and the leaves are consumed as edible vegetable. This study is to investigate the protection effect of extract of C. capsularis leaves (ECC) on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal lesion (AGML) in rats. The results of phytochemical determination in ECC for total polyphenol, flavonoid and polysaccharide were 59.88 ± 0.61 mg/g, 86.39 ± 18.0 mg/g and 320.89 ± 6.99 mg/g, respectively. ECC showed significant activity of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging with IC50 of 0.25 mg/ml. In vivo studies, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham, vehicle (control) and low-, medium-, and high-dose ECC (LECC, MECC, HECC; 200, 400, and 1,000 mg/kg/day, respectively). ECC was able to decrease significantly the ulcer index (UI) caused by 80% ethanol in a dose dependent manner. There was no significant effect on growth trend and food intake rate after the administration of ECC in the experimental period. The serum lipid parameters in ECC groups revealed significant increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dilmutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA). Significant amelioration on pathological lesion score was found in ECC groups compared with the control group (P<0.05). The overall results indicate that ECC has protective effects on ethanol-induced AGML in rats, which could be associated with its antioxidant activity.

Dietary supplementation of jute leaf (Corchorus olitorius) modulates hepatic delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity and oxidative status in high-fat fed/low streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Impaired liver function is associated with decreased hepatic delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity in diabetes mellitus. Hence, this study described the effect of dietary jute leaf (Corchorus olitorius) on hepatic δ-ALAD activity in high-fat fed combined with low-dose streptozotocin administered diabetic rats. Animals were fed diets containing 35% fat for 14 days prior to a single administration of low-dose (35 mg/kg body weight) streptozotocin to induce diabetes. Thereafter, the animals were randomly placed in groups and fed 100 mg/g jute leaf-supplemented diets for 30 days. The result showed that jute leaf supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the decreased hepatic δ-ALAD activity, increased hepatic catalase and SOD activity accompanying the decrease in serum AST and AST activities. This finding suggests that restoration of hepatic δ-ALAD activity, modulation of hepatic function biomarkers, and increase in antioxidant status could be possible underlying events mediating the hepatoprotective effect of jute leaf in diabetic conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Decrease in hepatic δ-ALAD activity has been associated with diabetes-induced hepatotoxicity arising from prolonged and uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Therefore, increased δ-ALAD activity represents improved hepatic function in diabetic situations. Antidiabetic properties of jute leaf have been demonstrated but information on its effect on hepatic δ-ALAD is lacking. Thus, this study revealed that dietary supplementation of jute leaf restored hepatic δ-ALAD activities and improved liver antioxidant status in diabetic rats which is an indication of its hepatoprotective properties.

Neuromodulatory Activity of Dietary Phenolics Derived from Corchorus olitorius L.

Dietary phenolics are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, making them promising candidates for protection against neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Hydroalcohol extract of Egyptian species of Corchorus olitorius L. (Co) leaves was investigated for its neuroprotective effects in a lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory mouse model. Twenty five metabolites were characterized from the bioactive extract using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC/PDA/HRESI/MSn , revealing 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (Co11) as one of the major constituents (5.7%), which was isolated and its identity was confirmed by spectral data as first report. Co significantly protected microglia against H2 O2 -induced cytotoxicity and immunohistochemistry showed reduced expression of the astrocytic marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the inflammatory marker, cyclooxygenase-2. These findings correlated with significant improvement of cognitive functions and reduction of LPS-induced neurodegeneration in Co-treated mice as revealed by histopathology. The current study shows promising effects of Co in limiting neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment caused by neuroinflammation and glial cell activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Information presented here shed light on the promising effects of Corchorus olitorius (Co) for the modulation of neuroinflammatory pathways improving the neuroinflammation-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. This makes Co a promising candidate as a nutraceutical supplement to be used against neuroinflammation-related disorders.

White jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) leaf extract has potent leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania donovani.

In pursuit of effective, safe and affordable antileishmanial drugs, the current study was designed to explore Corchorus capsularis L. leaf extract (CCEx) as an effective leishmanicidal substitute against Leishmania donovani. The leaf extract displays potent antileishmanial activity against L. donovani promastigotes with an IC50 value of 79.00 ±â€¯0.3 µg/ml. CCEx also significantly induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) with a concomitant decrease in the level of non-protein thiols in virulent parasites. Additionally, CCEx treatment induces substantial morphological alterations in parasites. Moreover, reagent-based phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of various phytochemical constituents. Further study is underway to identify the bioactive component(s) or fraction(s) of CCEx through bioassay-guided fractionation.

Amelioration of experimental metabolic syndrome induced in rats by orlistat and Corchorus olitorius leaf extract; role of adipo/cytokines.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of Corchorus olitorius (C. olitorius) leaf extract in the prevention of metabolic syndrome induced in rats by high-fat diet (HFD) and compare it with that of orlistat. METHODS: Phytochemical analysis was performed. Effect of orlistat and C. olitorius extract on lipase activity and acute food intake were investigated. Body weight, biochemical parameters and histopathological examination were demonstrated. KEY FINDINGS: Corchorus olitorius extract inhibited the pancreatic lipase activity, but orlistat was more potent. Cumulative food intake has not changed by the tested agents. In obese rats, C. olitorius or orlistat significantly decreased weight gain and visceral white adipose tissue. They exhibited a significant reduction in serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, IL-1ß, tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), insulin and leptin levels of obese rat groups while high density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin levels were significantly increased by them. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed that C. olitorius was more effective than orlistat in the alleviating of steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy shown in obese control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Corchorus olitorius is effective as orlistat in preventing obesity, hyperlipidaemia, steatosis and insulin resistance. These actions may be mediated by inhibiting of lipase activity, TNF-α, IL-1ß and leptin resistance along with increasing of adiponectin.

Corchorus olitorius and Urtica pilulifera extracts alleviate copper induced oxidative damage and genotoxicity in tomato.

Copper cause oxidative damage in plant cells, and plant extracts are the sources of free radical scavengers. We tested the hypothesis that whether Corchorus olitorius (jute) and Urtica pilulifera (Roman nettle) seed extract treatments of germinated seeds affect copper induced oxidative and genotoxic damage or antioxidant response in tomato. Seedlings were exposed to toxic copper concentration (30 ppm) for 7 days. In one experimental group (treatment 1), extract (100 µg mL-1) was added to media. In the other group (treatment 2), tomato seeds were pre-soaked by the extract (100 µg mL-1) prior to germination and copper application. Malondialdehyde and endogenous H2O2 levels in the groups treated with extract and copper were significantly lower than that of the untreated groups. Pre-soaking seeds with the nettle extract solution significantly enhanced catalase activity under unstressed condition. Jute treatment also enhanced catalase activity under copper stress. Ascorbate peroxidase activity remained at unstressed level in copper treated groups. Extract treatments significantly decreased copper induced DNA damage in root nuclei. Jute seed extract contained salicylic acid and quercetin which can be correlated with the evoked effects. We demonstrated protective effect of plant extract treatments against copper stress of tomato seedlings prior to germination or during seedling development.

Successful Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles using a Corchorus olitorius Extract and Their Antiproliferative Effect in Cancer Cells.

A facile bottom-up "green" synthetic route of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is described, using a leaf extract of the Malvaceae plant Corchorus olitorius as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The size and shape of the obtained nanoparticles were modulated by varying the amounts of the metal salt and the broth extract in the reaction medium. Only one hour was required for the complete conversion to Au NPs, suggesting that the reaction rate was higher or comparable to those of nanoparticles synthesized by chemical methods. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV⁻visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). While infrared spectroscopy was employed to characterize the various functional groups in the organic layer that stabilized the particles, TEM images were used to optimize the conditions for NPs growth. A low concentration of the C. olitorius extract yielded mixed triangular and hexagonal shapes; in contrast, quasi-spherical shapes of Au NPs with an average size of 37⁻50 nm were obtained at a higher extract broth concentration. The Au NPs displayed Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) bands at 535 nm. An in vitro cytotoxic assay of the biocompatible Au NPs revealed a strong cytotoxic activity in three human cancer cell lines, namely, colon carcinoma HCT-116, hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2, and breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7. In-silico bioactivity, drug-likeness, and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) predictions were conducted in order to examine the pharmacokinetic behavior of the compounds present in the C. olitorius extract.

Antibacterial efficacy of silver nanoparticles against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates from post-surgical wound infections.

In order to investigate new effective and inexpensive nano-therapeutic approach for P. aeruginosa, staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), the present study reports an eco-friendly process for rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Corchorus Capsularis (CRCP). Formation of stable Ag-NPs at different time intervals gives mostly spherical particles with diameters ranging from 5 to 45 nm. The resulting Ag-NPs were characterized using Ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). XRD study shows that the particles are crystalline in nature with face centered cubic geometry. TEM studies show the formation of Ag-NPs with average size of 20.52 nm. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized Ag-NPs was investigated against multi drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and CoNS isolates from post-surgical wound infections. The present study suggests that Ag-NPs synthesized from aqueous leaf extract of CRCP shows significant antibacterial potential against MDR isolates from post-surgical wound infections.

Potassium Dichromate Toxicities: Protective Effect of Methanol Extract of Corchorus olitorius in Albino Rats.

Exposure to hexavalent chromate compounds such as other human carcinogens is unavoidable in the developing countries of the world. Research efforts are being directed toward minimizing exposure to them, intercepting their activity in vivo, and/or prophylaxis. The present study therefore evaluates the effect of methanol extract of the leafy vegetable, Corchorus olitorius (MECO), against potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7)-induced toxicities. Negative control animals were fed distilled water, while the positive control rats received 12 mg/kg body weight K2Cr2O7 once a week for 6 weeks. Test rats were exposed daily to 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight MECO alone for 6 weeks and 12 mg/kg body weight of K2Cr2O7 once a week for 6 weeks before sacrifice. The frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (mPCEs) was monitored in bone marrow cells, while induction of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine levels, and hematological parameters were assessed in the plasma. The phytochemical analysis of MECO was also carried out. K2Cr2O7 significantly (P < .05) increased the levels of mPCEs, AST, ALT, creatinine, total white blood cells, and lymphocytes compared with the control. The percentage pack cell volume and neutrophils were, however, reduced. In contrast, MECO at different doses restored the markers toward the levels of the negative control. MECO is rich in flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones, terpenoids, and phenols, and they might be responsible for the protective effect observed in this study. Our results suggest that MECO has a promising potential in the treatment/management of chromate-induced toxicities.

The type of fortificant and the leaf matrix both influence iron and zinc bioaccessibility in iron-fortified green leafy vegetable sauces from Burkina Faso.

Leafy vegetable sauces from Burkina Faso were assessed as a potential vehicle for food fortification. First, iron and zinc bioaccessibility were measured by dialysability method in amaranth and Jew's mallow sauces and in traditional whole dishes consisting of maize paste plus leafy vegetable sauces. Iron dialysability and solubility were higher in amaranth than in Jew's mallow sauce, pointing to a marked effect of the matrix. Iron dialysability was hardly affected by the maize paste contrary to zinc dialysability, which was reduced. Second, iron and zinc bioaccessibility was assessed in the same sauces fortified with NaFeEDTA or iron sulfate. Added iron, i.e. iron supplied by fortification, represented 60% of total iron at the low fortification level and 80% at high level. In amaranth sauces with the high level of fortification using NaFeEDTA and iron sulfate, fractional dialysable iron reached respectively 66% and 26% compared to only 8.1% in the unfortified sauce. Similarly, in Jew's mallow sauces, fractional dialysable iron was 57% and 5% respectively with NaFeEDTA and iron sulfate and less than 1% in the unfortified sauce. Concomitantly, fractional dialysable zinc increased by respectively 20% and 40% in amaranth and Jew's mallow sauces fortified with NaFeEDTA whereas it remained unchanged with iron sulfate. Iron fortification could be an efficient way to greatly increase the available iron content of green leafy vegetable sauces and for this purpose NaFeEDTA is more effective than iron sulfate whatever the food matrix.

PRELIMIARY PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITIES OF CRUDE EXTRACTS OF ZALEYA PENTANDRA AND CORCHORUS DEPRESSUS LINN.

Zaleya pentandra (Zp) and Cochoms depressus Linn. (Cd) have been considered as herbs with potential therapeutic benefits. Zp and Cd belong to the important family Aizoaceae and Tiliaceae, respectively. The extractions were carried out successively with methanol and dichloromethane at room temperature for 24 h. Preliminary phytochemical screening of Zp and Cd revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, saponins, and anthraquinones. The methanolic and dichloromethane extracts of selected plants were subjected to examination of antifungal activity by using agar tube dilution. The extracts were tested against different fungi such as A. nigeir, A. flavus, F. solani, A. funigatis and Mucor. The dichloromethane extract of aerial parts of Cd showed high antifungal activity against A. niger as compared to all other tested extracts.