Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Alstonia scholaris leaves and its antimicrobial studies.

The utilization of plants for the production of metallic nanoparticles is gaining significant attention in research. In this study, we conducted phytochemical screening of Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) leaves extracts using various solvents, including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, and water. Our findings revealed higher proportions of flavonoids and alkaloids in both solvents compared to other phytochemical species. In the methanol, extract proteins, anthraquinone and reducing sugar were not detected. On the other hand, the aqueous extract demonstrated the presence of amino acids, reducing sugar, phenolic compounds, anthraquinone, and saponins. Notably, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest levels of bioactive compounds among all solvents. Intrigued by these results, we proceeded to investigate the antibacterial properties of the leaf extracts against two major bacterial strains, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). All extracts exhibited significant zones of inhibition against both bacterial isolates, with S. aureus showing higher susceptibility compared to E. coli. Notably, the methanol extract displayed the most potent I hibitory effect against all organisms. Inspired by the bioactivity of the methanol extract, we employed it as a plant-based material for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). The synthesized Cu-NPs were characterized using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observed color changes confirmed the successful formation of Cu-NPs, while the FTIR analysis matched previously reported peaks, further verifying the synthesis. The SEM micrographs indicated the irregular shapes of the surface particles. From the result obtained by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, Cu has the highest relative abundance of 67.41 wt%. Confirming the purity of the Cu-NPs colloid. These findings contribute to the growing field of eco-friendly nanotechnology and emphasize the significance of plant-mediated approaches in nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications.

Pro-apoptotic effect of chloroform fraction of Moraea sisyrinchium bulb against glioblastoma cells.

INTRODUCTION: Glioblastoma is a common malignant brain tumor, with limited therapeutic options. In our previous study, the Moraea sisyrinchium plant showed cytotoxicity against glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Among different parts of this plant (flower, stem, and bulb), the bulb showed better anticancer potential. The present work aimed to test the anticancer activity of different fractions of the bulb extract, to determine its phytochemicals, and to study its mechanism action on glioblastoma. METHODS: The bulb extract was partitioned into different fractions using immiscible solvents. The U87 glioblastoma cells were incubated with the obtained fractions. Then, the cell proliferation assay (MTT), cell migration test (scratch), cell cycle analysis (propidium iodide staining), apoptosis/necrosis assay (annexin V/propidium iodide staining), and real-time PCR (PTEN, Akt, mTOR, BAX and BCL-2 genes) were performed. Phytochemicals were determined using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. RESULTS: The chloroform fraction showed more antiproliferative effect than n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol fractions. Also, chloroform fraction induced cell cycle arrest, increased apoptosis, and inhibited cell migration ability (P < 0.05). The expression of PTEN, mTOR, and BAX genes was significantly up-regulated, while the expression of Akt and Bcl-2 showed down-regulation. The phytochemicals identified in the chloroform fraction were mainly xanthones, phytosterols, and isoflavones. CONCLUSION: The chloroform fraction of Moraea sisyrinchium bulb inhibits the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by upregulation of the PTEN gene and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The identified compounds in the chloroform fraction are potential candidates for further investigation as anticancer agents against glioblastoma.

Mosquito larvicidal, pupicidal and ovicidal effects of the extracts of Peltophorum pterocarpum flowers on Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus.

Mosquitoes are the vectors of several diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria etc. The three important mosquito species in India are Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi. Several plant extracts have been tested for their anti-mosquito activity. In this dissertation, the larvicidal, pupicidal and ovicidal activities of the successive hexane, chloroform and methanol extracts of Peltophorum pterocarpum (Fabaceae) on mosquitoes are reported. The larvicidal activity of those extracts on both Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes was found to be in a decreasing order of hexane, methanol and chloroform - the LC50 values for these extracts were 111.81 and 104.84 ppm, 121.92 and 121.56 ppm, 357.2 and 352.0 ppm respectively. Their pupicidal activity on both mosquitoes was found in the order of methanol, chloroform and hexane - the LC50 values for these extracts being 172.8 and 162.35 ppm, 425.8 respectively. Their ovicidal activity on both mosquitoes was found to be very low, even at the higher concentration of 500 ppm. This is the first report on the effect of the extracts of Peltophorum pterocarpum flowers on the two mosquito species of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus. In the present work, the results showed that the hexane extract had the highest larvicidal activity, while methanol showed the highest pupicidal activity besides larvicidal activity. Hence, the methanol extract holds promise to be used as mosquitocidal agent against the above two vectors.

Liver protective effect of chloroform extract of Bauhinia purpurea leaves is attributed partly to its antioxidant action and the presence of flavonoids.

CONTEXT: Bauhinia purpurea L. (Fabaceae) is used in the Ayurvedic system to treat various oxidative-related ailments (e.g., wounds, ulcers etc.). Therefore, it is believed that the plant also has the potential to alleviate oxidative-related liver damage. OBJECTIVE: This study elucidates the hepatoprotective activity of chloroform extract of B. purpurea leaves (CEBP) in paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver injury (PILI) rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6) were pre-treated once daily (p.o.) with CEBP (50-500 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days before being administered (p.o.) a hepatotoxic agent, 3 g/kg PCM. Liver enzyme levels were determined from the collected blood, while the collected liver was used to determine the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and for histopathological examination. CEBP was also subjected to radical scavenging assays and phytochemical analysis. RESULTS: CEBP significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the toxic effect of PCM by increasing the serum levels of AST and ALT, and the activity of endogenous catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) while reducing the liver weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio. Other than low TPC value and radical scavenging activity, CEBP had a high antioxidant capacity when evaluated using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis of CEBP showed the presence of flavonoids. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: CEBP exerts its hepatoprotective activity through a non-free radical scavenging pathway that involves activation of the endogenous enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Further study is needed to identify the responsible bioactive compounds before the plant can be developed as a future alternative hepatoprotective medicament for clinical use.

Antibacterial and antibiotic potentiating capabilities of extracts isolated from Burkillanthus malaccensis, Diospyros hasseltii and Cleisthanthus bracteosus against human pathogenic bacteria.

Antibiotics which once a boon in medicine and saved millions of lives are now facing an ever-growing menace of antibacterial resistance, which desperately needs new antibacterial drugs which are innovative in chemistry and mode of action. For many years, the world has turned to natural plants with antibacterial properties to combat antibiotic resistance. On that basis, we aimed to identify plants with antibacterial and antibiotic potentiating properties. Seventeen different extracts of 3 plants namely Burkillanthus malaccensis, Diospyros hasseltii and Cleisthanthus bracteosus were tested against multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Antibacterial activity of hexane, methanol and chloroform extracts of bark, seed, fruit, flesh and leaves from these plants were tested using, disk diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Antibiotic potentiating capabilities were tested using time-kill assay. B. malaccensis fruit chloroform extract showed the biggest zone of inhibition against MRSA (13.00±0.0 mm) but C. bracteosus bark methanol extract showed the biggest inhibition zone against MSSA (15.33±0.6 mm). Interestingly, bark methanol extract of C. bracteosus was active against MRSA (8.7±0.6 mm), MSSA (7.7±0.6 mm) (Gram-positive) and A. baumannii (7.7±0.6 mm) (Gram-negative). Overall, the leaf methanol and bark methanol extract of C. bracteosus warrants further investigation such as compound isolation and mechanism of action for validating its therapeutic use as antibiotic potentiator importantly against MRSA and A. baumannii.

Antibacterial Effects of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Leaf Extracts (Chloroform) Against Two Food Borne and Nosocomial Infection Causing Pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of Chloroform extracts isolated from Henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaf against two food born & nosocomial infection causing pathogens, gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli. This interventional study was carried out during the period of January 2021 to December 2021 in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The antibacterial activity was tested at different concentrations of Chloroform Henna leaf extracts by using disc diffusion and broth dilution method. The extract was prepared by using solvents chloroform and 0.1% DMSO. The test microorganisms were also tested for their activity against a standard antibiotic Ciprofloxacin by broth dilution method and the result was compared with that of Chloroform extracts. Chloroform Henna Extracts (CHE) were used initially in nine different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000mg/ml) and later in selected concentrations as needed to confirm the more precise margin of antimicrobial sensitivity of the extracts. Among different concentrations of the CHE, 100mg/ml and above concentrations showed inhibitory effect against Staphylococcus aureus and 300mg/ml and above concentrations showed inhibitory effect against Escherichia coli. The MIC for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 100 and 350mg/ml in CHE respectively. The MIC of Ciprofloxacin was 1µg/ml against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The MIC of Ciprofloxacin was the lowest in comparison to MICs of CHE for the test organisms. The present study showed that Chloroform Henna extracts demonstrated antibacterial effects against food borne pathogens. From this study, it is clearly observed that there is definite antibacterial effect of the chloroform extract of Henna leaves against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Antiapoptotic and antioxidative efficacy of rhizomes of Curcuma amada on the management of diabetes-induced male infertility in albino rat: An effective fraction selection study.

Men with diabetes have negative effects on reproduction that causes sexual dysfunction. Medicinal plants are non-toxic and much safer than synthetic drugs because regular use of synthetic drugs shows long-term side effects. Curcuma amada (Roxb) is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and Unani medicinal systems in India. The goal of this study is to rummage the potential efficiency of the most potent solvent fraction of effective extract of hydro-methanol 60:40 of C. amada rhizome on male gonadal hypofunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Diabetes-induced testicular hypofunction was evaluated by glycemic, spermiological, biochemical, genomic, flow cytometric, and histology of testicular tissue. The n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, and n-butanol solvent fractions of the said extract were administrated for 4 weeks at 10 mg dose/100 g body weight/day. Among all the used fractions, the ethyl-acetate solvent fraction-treated group showed maximum recovery in serum insulin (177.42%), sperm count (92.84%), sperm motility (97.15%), and serum testosterone (164.33%). The diabetic rats treated with ethyl-acetate solvent fraction also exhibited the maximum resettlement in flow cytometric analysis of sperm viability (55.84%) and sperm mitochondrial integrity (149.79%), gene expression patterns of key markers for androgenesis (Δ5, 3ß-HSD 87.50%, and 17ß-HSD 74.66%) and apoptosis (Bax 44.63%, Bcl-2 54.03%, and Caspase-3 35.77%) along with testicular histology. The ethyl-acetate fraction contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols where all of these components are not present in other fractions, may be the most effective cause for the recovery of diabetes-linked oxidative stress-mediated testicular hypofunctions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nowadays worldwide, the use of synthetic drugs are reduced due to their toxic effect. At present, synthetic drugs are replaced by several herbal drugs, the natural source of medicine which has many therapeutic values. C. amada has strong antioxidant activity due to the presence of bio-active compound(s) that can able to manage streptozotocin-induced diabetes linked to oxidative damage of male gonadal organs. Therefore, these bio-active compound(s)-containing said medicinal plant may use as a good source of antioxidative food in the food industry as nutraceuticals and in pharmaceutical industries for the development of the herbal drug to manage diabetes-linked male gonadal hypofunctions. At present, WHO also gives emphasis for developing one drug-multi-disease therapy. From such a viewpoint, this active fraction-containing phytomolecules may have corrective efficacy against diabetes as well as oxidative stress-linked testicular complications.

[Investigation of the Anti-Leishmanial Effects of Prangos ferulacea and Ferula orientalis Extracts Collected from Sirnak Province Against Leishmania tropica Isolated in Turkey]. / Sirnak Ili ve Çevresinden Toplanan Prangos ferulacea ve Ferula orientalis Ekstrelerinin Türkiye'den Izole Edilmis Leishmania tropica'ya Karsi Anti-Leishmanial Etkilerinin Arastirilmasi.

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease that is caused by the protozoa of Leishmania genus. Leishmaniasis is endemic in tropical, subtropical, and large areas of the Mediterranean basin, and covers a total of 98 countries worldwide. It is estimated, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, that approximately 350 million people are at risk in these areas, and approximately 12 million people are infected. Increased drug resistance has been documented lately, in the treatment of leishmaniasis which causes almost 1.2 million new cases annually. Thus, interest in plant-derived active substances has increased in recent years, and new anti-leishmanial agents are investigated with in vitro studies. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-leishmanial effects of Prangos ferulacea and Ferula orientalis plant extracts collected from the rural areas of Sirnak province against Leishmania tropica. The water, chloroform, and ethanol extracts of the roots, stems, and fruits of P.ferulaceae and F.orientalis plants were obtained, and the cytotoxic activity tests of the extracts were performed. L.tropica isolate obtained from the Parasite Bank in Manisa Celal Bayar University in Turkey (MHOM/TR/2012/CBCL-LT) was grown on NNN and RPMI 1640 broth medium. The cytotoxicity of each extract on the L.tropica isolate was evaluated with the XTT test. Amphotericin B (AmpB) was used as the positive control, and the IC50 values were determined. The lowest IC50 values of the plant extracts were found to be as follows: P.ferulaceae root chloroform extract 36 µg/ml and fruit chloroform extract 20 µg/ml, F.orientalis root ethanol extract 2.5 µg/ml, and fruit ethanol extract 48 µg/ml, stem chloroform extract 24 µg/ml, and fruit chloroform extract 3.1 µg/ml. It was also determined in our study that only P.ferulaceae root ethanol extract showed cytotoxic activity on the WI-38 fetal lung fibroblast cell line at 65.19 µg/ml at 72 hours. This is the first study that assessed the anti-leishmanial activities of P.ferulaceae and F.orientalis plants that grow in high altitude areas of our country. It was determined that P.ferulaceae root ethanol extract and fruit chloroform extract had the lowest IC50 values among the 18 plant extracts that we examined for their anti-leishmanial activities. The outcomes of this study will be useful in further studies for the determination of active compounds in P.ferulaceae and F.orientalis plant extracts.

Phytochemical Investigation and Therapeutical Potential of Cotinus coggygria Scop. in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Plants are a significant source for the development of new phytomedicines due to their great clinical benefits, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, fewer side effects, and more affordable therapies. Numerous plants used in traditional treatments, such as Cotinus coggygria Scop., have been effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). Therefore, the study is aimed at assessing the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antidiabetic properties of C. coggygria. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity was evaluated in Swiss male Albino mice by administering an oral dose of 150-250 mg/kg of C. coggygria extracts in alloxan-induced diabetic mice for 15 days. The antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition of the extracts were assessed by using α, α diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays and through standard chemical procedures. The effects of extracts on blood glucose, body weight, lipid profile, and biochemical parameters like total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipids (LDL), high-density lipids (HDL), plasma insulin, liver glycogen, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, and creatinine were determined according to standard procedures. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide-dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were also analyzed spectrophotometrically. The hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects with chloroform extracts of 250 mg/kg were found significant in the treatment of diabetes in alloxanised mice compared to the diabetic group. The haematological parameters such as TC, TG, HDL, LDL, creatinine, urea, AST, ALT, and ALP were significantly improved (p < 0.01) by the chloroform extract of 250 mg/kg compared to the diabetic group. Treatment for 15 days showed significant elevation (p < 0.01) of antioxidant enzymes. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), column chromatography (CC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses tentatively identified different phytoconstitutents and metabolites in C. coggygria leaves, which have been reported to possess antihyperglycemic properties. In conclusion, the chloroform extract of 250 mg/kg of C. coggygria possesses significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potential which may prove the claimed use of the plant in amelioration of diabetes and associated complications in folkloric medicine. Additional studies are required for the purification, characterization, and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds.

Hemistepsin A alleviates liver fibrosis by inducing apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via inhibition of nuclear factor-κB and Akt.

Hemistepsin A (HsA), isolated from Hemistepta lyrata (Bunge) Bunge, has the ability to ameliorate hepatitis in mice. However, the effects of H. lyrata and HsA on other types of liver disease have not been explored. In this report, we investigated the effects of H. lyrata and HsA on liver fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Based on cell viability-guided isolation, we found HsA was the major natural product responsible for H. lyrata-mediated cytotoxicity in LX-2 cells. HsA significantly decreased the viability of LX-2 cells and primary activated HSCs, increased the binding of Annexin V, and altered the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, suggesting that HsA induces apoptosis in activated HSCs. HsA reduced the phosphorylation of IKKε and the transactivation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Moreover, HsA decreased the phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream signaling molecules. Transfection experiments suggested that inhibition of NF-κB or Akt is essential for HsA-induced apoptosis of HSCs. In a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model, HsA administration significantly decreased ALT and AST activities. Furthermore, HsA attenuated CCl4-mediated collagen deposits and profibrogenic genes expression in hepatic tissue. Thus, HsA may serve as a natural product for managing liver fibrosis through inhibition of NF-κB/Akt-dependent signaling.

Protective Effect of Spirulina platensis Extract against Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats.

Inflammatory bowel disease is a multifactorial inflammatory condition. This study aimed to test the protective effects of Spirulina platensis against ulcerative colitis (UC). UC was induced in thirty-six male Wistar rats by adding dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to their drinking water, while a control group received only drinking water. UC rats were equally-divided into six groups that received a single oral daily dose of vehicle (DSS), sulfasalazine (SSZ, 50 mg/kg/day), chloroform or the hydroalcoholic extracts of Spirulina platensis (100 or 200 mg/kg/day) for 15 days, and then blood and colon samples were harvested for determination of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and histopathology. At the end of the study, compared to time-matched controls, UC rats showed increased TNF-α (1.64-fold), IL-6 (5.73-fold), ESR (3.18-fold), and MPO (1.61-fold), along with loss of body weight (24.73%) and disease activity index (1.767 ± 0.216 vs. 0 ± 0), p < 0.001. These effects were prevented by SSZ treatment (p < 0.001 vs. DSS). The hydroalcoholic extract of Spirulina platensis dose-dependently modulated all DSS-induced inflammatory changes. However, the chloroform extract significantly lowered only IL-6 and ESR, but not TNF-α or MPO levels. The protective effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Spirulina platensis against experimental UC involved mitigation of DSS-induced inflammation.

Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of Different Fractions from the Leaves of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. and Their GC-MS Profiling.

In this era of urbanization and environmental pollution, antioxidants and antimutagens derived from plants are promising safeguards for human health. In the current investigation, we analyzed the antioxidant and antimutagenic effects of the hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. leaves and determined their chemical composition. The different fractions inhibited lipid peroxidation, repressed the production of nitric oxide radicals, and prevented deoxyribose degradation. The antimutagenic activity of the leaf fractions was analyzed against 4-nitro-O-phenylenediamine, sodium azide and 2-aminofluorene mutagens in two test strains (TA-98 and TA-100) of Salmonella typhimurium. The experiment was conducted using pre- and co-incubation modes. The best results were obtained in the pre-incubation mode, and against indirect acting mutagen. The presence of a number of bioactive constituents was confirmed in the different fractions by GC-MS analysis. The study reveals the strong antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of R. arboreum leaves. We propose that those activities of R. arboreum might correspond to the combined effect of the phytochemicals identified by GC-MS analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antimutagenic activity of R. arboreum leaves.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of cudraflavanone A isolated from the chloroform fraction of Cudrania tricuspidata root bark.

CONTEXT: Cudrania tricuspidata Bureau (Moraceae) is an important source of traditional Korean and Chinese medicines used to treat neuritis and inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The anti-neuroinflammatory effects of cudraflavanone A isolated from a chloroform fraction of C. tricuspidata were investigated in LPS-induced BV2 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cudraflavanone A was isolated from the root of C. tricuspidata, and its structure was determined by MS and NMR data. Cytotoxicity of the compound was examined by MTT assay, indicating no cytotoxicity at 5-40 µM of cudraflavanone A. NO concentration was measured by the Griess reaction, and the levels of PGE2, cytokines and COX-2 enzyme activity were measured by each ELISA kit. The mRNA levels of cytokines were analysed by quantitative-PCR. The expression of iNOS, COX-2, HO-1, NF-κB, MAPKs and Nrf2 was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Cudraflavanone A had no major effect on cell viability at 40 µM indicating 91.5% viability. It reduced the production of NO (IC50 = 22.2 µM), PGE2 (IC50 = 20.6 µM), IL-1ß (IC50 = 24.7 µM) and TNF-α (IC50 = 33.0 µM) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. It also suppressed iNOS protein, IL-1ß and TNF-α mRNA expression. These effects were associated with the inactivation of NF-κB, JNK and p38 MAPK pathways. This compound mediated its anti-neuroinflammatory effects by inducing HO-1 protein expression via increased nuclear translocation of Nrf2. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests a potent effect of cudraflavanone A to prevent neuroinflammatory diseases. Further investigation is necessary to elucidate specific molecular mechanism of cudraflavanone A.

Effect of solvents on apically extruded debris and irrigant during root canal retreatment using reciprocating instruments.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of several solvents on the weight of apically extruded debris and irrigant during retreatment using a novel agar gel model. METHODS: Orange oil, turpentine oil and chloroform were used as solvents. Eighty single straight-rooted extracted human mandibular premolar teeth with a single root canal were divided into four groups (n = 20). All specimens were root canal-filled and weighed prior to their insertion into a prepared 1.5% agar gel model. The mean initial weights were measured by subtracting the weight of the specimen from the weight of the test apparatus and recorded. Following the removal of the coronal 4 mm of root filling, the test solvent was applied onto the root filling. No solvent was used in the control group. A Reciproc R25 instrument was used to remove the root filling in all groups. Apically extruded debris and test solvent were collected during retreatment procedures. The mean weights of apically extruded debris and irrigant were calculated by subtracting the mean initial weights from the weights of test apparatus without the Teflon tape and the specimen following the retreatment procedures. Data were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Use of solvents resulted in significantly less extruded debris and irrigant compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Chloroform extruded significantly more debris than orange oil and turpentine oil (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Use of solvents during root filling removal was associated with less apically extruded debris and irrigant when compared to no solvent.

Gastroprotective activity of chloroform extract of Muntingia calabura and Melastoma malabathricum leaves.

CONTEXT: Muntingia calabura L. (family Muntingiaceae) and Melastoma malabathricum L. (family Melastomaceae) are traditionally used to treat gastric ulcer. OBJECTIVE: The present study determines the mechanisms of gastroprotective activity of the chloroform extract of leaves obtained from both the plants using several in vitro and in vivo assays. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical screening, HPLC analysis, and antioxidant activity of the respective extract were carried out. Gastroprotective activity was determined using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer assay while the mechanisms of gastroprotection were determined using the pyloric ligation assay. The test solutions [8% Tween-80 (vehicle), 20 mg/kg omeprazole, and different doses of extracts (50, 250, or 500 mg/kg] were administered orally once daily for 7 consecutive days before the animals were subjected to ethanol induced gastric ulcers. RESULTS: The chloroform-extracted M. calabura (CEMC) contains tannins, polyphenolics, triterpenes, and steroids while the chloroform-extracted M. malabathricum (CEMM) contains only triterpenes and steroids. CEMC, but not CEMM, exerted remarkably strong antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)- (86% versus 16%) and superoxide- (73% versus 36%) radical scavenging assays. Both extracts demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) gastroprotection with the EC50 value recorded at 192.3 or 297.7 mg/kg, respectively. In the pylorus ligation assay, CEMC and CEMM significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total and free acidity and volume; while increased the pH of gastric juice as well as the gastric wall mucus content in comparison with the vehicle-treated group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: CEMC and CEMM exert gastroprotective effects in animals with ethanol-induced gastric ulcers via antioxidant and anti-secretory effects.

Evaluation of Melia azedarach extracts against Streptococcus mutans.

Although the incidence of caries worldwide has declined in recent years, it is necessary to search for new means to overcome this disease and its microbiological agents. Phytochemistry can become an effective alternative to antibiotics, offering a promising strategy in the prevention and therapy of dental caries. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the bactericide activity of a bioactive phytocomponent from Melia azedarach against Streptococcus mutans. The crude extract (CEx) from leaves and stem barks of M. azedarach in chloroform, petroleum ether, acetate ethyl, butanol, and aqueous fractions was evaluated using seven different concentrations. Disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays were used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. 0.12% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control. The CEx and the petroleum ether fraction from M. azedarach showed significant antibacterial activity against S. mutans, confirming its antibiotic potential.

Jellyfish skin polysaccharides: extraction and inhibitory activity on macrophage-derived foam cell formation.

In this work, response surface methodology was used to determine optimum conditions for extraction of polysaccharides from jellyfish skin (JSP). The optimum parameters were found to be raw material to water ratio 1:7.5 (w/v), extraction temperature 100°C and extraction time 4h. Under these conditions, the JSP yield reached 1.007 mg/g. Papain (15 U/mL) in combination with Sevag reagent was beneficial in removing proteins from JSP. After precipitation with ethanol at final concentration of 40%, 60% and 80% in turn, three polysaccharide fractions of JSP1, JSP2 and JSP3 were obtained from JSP, respectively. The three fractions exhibited different physicochemical properties with respect to molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, infrared absorption spectra, and glycosyl bond composition. In addition, JSP3 showed strong inhibitory effects on oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) induced conversion of macrophages into foam cells, which possibly attributed to the down-regulation of some atherogenesis-related gene expressions.

History of anaesthesia: early forms of local anaesthesia.

The direct application of volatile anaesthetic and the application of intense cold to traumatic injuries and surgical sites were important steps in 18th and 19th century anaesthesia. Local tissue temperature could be brought down by the application of ice and salt by the surgeon. Techniques used topical applications of chloroform, Dutch Oil, amyl hydrate, the vaporisation of nebulised ether, methylene and ethylene chloride applied by spray or fumigation and vaginal douche with carbonic acid gas. Mastering the projection of cold was extremely difficult. Keeping the aperture of the device used for the spraying of anaesthetic liquids clear of obstruction became a major challenge for instrument makers. To improve the precision of the jet, a different system of nozzles had to be invented. Nineteenth century medical practitioners were able to call on general anaesthesia, but some individuals and specific indications such as minor surgery called for an alternative approach. The introduction of cocaine in 1884 completely changed common practice.

Isolation, fractionation and evaluation of the antiplasmodial properties of Phyllanthus niruri resident in its chloroform fraction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antiplasmodial activity of Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) methanol extract (ME) and its fractions in mice. METHODS: P. niruri methanol extract and its chloroform, ethanol and aqueous portions were tested against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei berghei in early, established and repository models of infection using Knight and Peter's 4-day suppressive model, Ryley and Peters curative model and Peters prophylactic model respectively. RESULTS: Chemosuppression of parasitaemia (37.65%-50.53 %) was elicited by 100-400 mg/kg (b.w.) of ME. At doses of 100 mg/kg b.w., the chloroform fraction (F1) significantly (P<0.01) suppressed parasitaemia by 85.29%, while ethanol and aqueous fractions (F2 and F3, respectively) elicited 67.06% and 51.18% chemosuppression. The most active fraction, F1 was selected for further antiplasmodial screening. In established infection, ME reduced parasitaemia (15.81%-62.96%) while F1 significantly (P<0.01) reduced parasitaemia (44.36%-90.48%), with effects comparable to that of chloroquine (96.48%). The prophylactic antiplasmodial activity of ME (92.50% suppression) was also significant (P<0.01) and was more effective than pyrimethamine (85.00%). Additionally, cell membrane integrity of non-parasitized erythrocytes incubated with 125-500 mg/mL F1 was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate the antiplasmodial efficacy of P. niruri methanol extract, and the localization of this effect in its chloroform fraction.

Studies on effects of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) and Andrographis lineata nees (Family: Acanthaceae) extracts against two mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus (Say.) and Aedes aegypti (Linn.).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the studies on effects of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) (Burm.f.) and Andrographis lineata (A. lineata) nees (Family: Acanthaceae) extracts against two mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus) (Say.) and Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) (Linn.). METHODS: The aqueous and petroleum ether extracts of two plant species, A. paniculata and A. lineate were examined against the larvae of A. aegypti (L.) and Cx. quinquefasciatus with gradually increasing concentration ie. from 50 to 200 ppm of solvent extracts and to test their activity in combination with each other. RESULTS: In a 24 h bioassay experiment with plant extracts, highest mortalities were recorded at 200 ppm of concentrations for leaves of A. lineta and A. paniculata individually. For combination effect, only 150 ppm of the mixture of solvent extracts of petroleum ether: aqueous (1:1) extracts showed 100% mortality after 24 h of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that, insecticides of plant combination is ecofriend and has better larvicidal activity compared to individual extracts.