Hydroalcoholic Extract of Rabbiteye Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei) Leaves Mitigates Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Model Inducing Depressive-Like Behavior in Rats.

Several studies reported that rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) leaves present promising biological properties. To the best of our knowledge, no study investigated the possible application of their hydroalcoholic extract for treating mood disorders. Herein, we evaluated if the hydroalcoholic extract of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) leaves (HEV) promotes an antidepressant-like effect in rodents using chronic experimental approaches. The effect of repeated administration of HEV (50 mg/kg, p.o.) on the immobility time was assessed in the forced swimming test (FST) in an unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model. Repeated treatment with HEV reversed the depressive-like behavior induced by UCMS by reducing the immobility time. Besides, the exposure to HEV caused no changes in relative organ weights in rats submitted to UCMS. The results indicated that HEV administration presented antidepressant-like action devoid of toxic effects. Thus, it is possible to suggest its potential as a safe and accessible therapeutic tool in the management of depression and other related mood disorders.

The Antinociceptive Effect of a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Polygala altomontana and Its Chemical Profile Using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-HR-MS.

The hydroalcoholic extract of Polygala altomontana (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg, i.g.) showed a dose-dependent antinociceptive action during the inflammatory phase of the formalin test. In addition, the preparation (30 and 300 mg/kg, i.g.) showed anti-hyperalgesic action when tested on a mechanical nociception model. UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS data indicated the active extract contained phenylpropanoid sucrose esters, glycosylated quercetin derivatives, styrylpyrones, and coumarins. Some identified compounds, including styrylpyrones and coumarins, have previously demonstrated antinociceptive action. The results also show that P. altomontana shows potential for developing pain-relieving herbal remedies and drugs.

Protective Effects of PollenAid Plus Soft Gel Capsules' Hydroalcoholic Extract in Isolated Prostates and Ovaries Exposed to Lipopolysaccharide.

Pollen extract represents an innovative approach for the management of the clinical symptoms related to prostatitis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In this context, the aims of the present work were to analyze the phenolic composition of a hydroalcoholic extract of PollenAid Plus soft gel capsules, and to evaluate the extract's cytotoxic effects, in human prostate cancer PC3 cells and human ovary cancer OVCAR-3 cells. Additionally, protective effects were investigated in isolated prostate and ovary specimens exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The phytochemical investigation identified catechin, chlorogenic acid, gentisic acid, and 3-hydroxytyrosol as the prominent phenolics. The extract did not exert a relevant cytotoxic effect on PC3 and OVCAR-3 cells. However, the extract showed a dose-dependent inhibition of pro-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α gene expression in prostate and ovary specimens, and the extract was effective in preventing the LPS-induced upregulation of CAT and SOD gene expression, which are deeply involved in tissue antioxidant defense systems. Finally, a docking approach suggested the capability of catechin and chlorogenic acid to interact with the TRPV1 receptor, playing a master role in prostate inflammation. Overall, the present findings demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of this formulation; thus, suggesting its capability in the management of the clinical symptoms related to prostatitis and PID.

Cocoa extract with high content of flavan 3-ols, procyanidins and methylxanthines.

The health benefits of cocoa depend on the flavan 3-ols, procyanidins, and methylxanthines, which decrease from the early stages of cocoa bean processing. The objective of this research was to obtain a cocoa extract high in these compounds with (-)-epicatechin as the primary reference. An evaluation of two pretreatments of cocoa beans with a control after harvesting was made: A (untreated/control), B (Frozen), and C (Polyphenol oxidase inhibition), all followed by dehydration at 45 °C until obtaining a cocoa powder. In terms of (-)-epicatechin content, the best pretreatment was put on to a hydroalcoholic extraction. Flavan 3-ols, procyanidins, methylxanthines, and total polyphenols content (TPC), were quantified in the cocoa powders and the hydroalcoholic extract. The results showed that the control (A), significantly conserves the (-)-epicatechin (24.964 ± 0.400 mg/g) ca. 7 times more than conventionally sun-dried and fermented beans (3.742 ± 1.977 mg/g) ca. The hydroalcoholic extraction increased the (-)-epicatechin ca. 3 times more based on pretreatment A (84.738 mg/g).

Hydroalcoholic extract of leaf of Arachis hypogaea L. (Fabaceae) did not induce toxic effects in the repeated-dose toxicity study in rats.

Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of insomnia in Asia. However, studies describing the safety and toxicity profile for this plant preparation are limited. Thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the toxicity of peanut leaf hydroalcoholic extract (PLHE) repeated treatment. The extract was administered orally (100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg) in male and female Wistar rats for 28 days (OECD guideline 407). PLHE treatment did not cause mortality or weight variation in the animals. Also, there was no alteration on locomotor activity (open field test), motor coordination (rotarod test), or anxiety behaviour (elevated plus-maze test). Male rats had a reduction in relative liver weight (100 mg/kg) and an increase in total kidney weight (1000 mg/kg), but there was no change in biochemical and haematological parameters after PLHE treatment. Free extracellular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) levels was also evaluated, but PLHE treatment did not increase this parameter in rat organs. Also, the dose of 1000 mg/kg of PLHE significantly increased the total thiols in the liver of females compared with the control animals. Thus, PLHE did not induce toxicity after repeated exposure for 28 days in rats.

Comparison of the Antibacterial Activity of the Ethanol Extract vs Hydroalcoholic Extract of the Leaves of Mangifera indica L. (Mango) in Different Concentrations: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: To compare the in vitro antibacterial activity of different types of hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves of the Mangifera indica L. (mango) plant on the strain of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538™. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was experimental in vitro and determined the antibacterial activity of four dilutions: Mangifera indica L. ethanol extract (MEE) and Mangifera indica L. hydroalcoholic extract (MHE) at 50% and 100% on cultures of S. aureus ATCC 6538™ comparing with the positive control (chlorhexidine 0.12%) and negative (alcohol 96°) in Mueller Hinton agar cultures using the Kirby-Bauer diffusion method for each study group and incubating the cultures at 37°C for 24 hours. RESULTS: It was found that the 50% and 100% MEE had a smaller size of the inhibitory halo of 21.3 ± 0.5 and 24.1 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. In addition, with respect to the 50% and 100% MHE, it was found that they had a higher antibacterial activity of 24.6 ± 0.5 and 33.5 ± 1.2 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mango leaf extracts are potent antibacterial, proving 100% MHE to be more effective, thus confirming the presence of active constituents in medicinal plants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This research has a great clinical applicability due to the opening of research lines that prove the usefulness of these extracts in the therapeutic control of certain oral diseases.

Chemical Constituents of Salix babylonica L. and Their Antibacterial Activity Against Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Animal Bacteria.

The principle of animal wellbeing, which states that animals should be free from pain, injury, and disease, is difficult to maintain, because microorganisms are most frequently found to be resistant or multi-resistant to drugs. The secondary metabolites of plants are an alternative for the treatment of these microorganisms. The aim of this work was to determine the antibacterial effect of Salix babylonica L. hydroalcoholic extract (SBHE) against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes, and identify the compounds associated with the activity. The SBHE showed activity against the three strains, and was subjected to a bipartition, obtaining aqueous fraction (ASB) with moderate activity and organic fraction (ACSB) with good activity against the three strains. The chromatographic separation of ACSB, allowed us to obtain ten fractions (F1AC to F10AC), and only three showed activity (F7AC, F8AC and F10AC). In F7AC, five compounds were identified preliminary by GC-MS, in F8AC and F10AC were identified luteolin (1) and luteolin 7-O-glucoside (2) by HPLC, respectively. The best antibacterial activity was obtained with F7AC (Listeria monocytogenes; MIC: 0.78 mg/mL, MBC: 0.78 mg/mL) and F8AC (Staphylococcus aureus; MIC: 0.39 mg/mL; MBC: 0.78 mg/mL). The results indicated that the compounds obtained from SBHE can be used as an alternative treatment against these microorganisms and, by this mechanism, contribute to animal and human health.

HPLC Analysis and In Vivo Renoprotective Evaluation of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Cucumis melo Seeds in Gentamicin-Induced Renal Damage.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cucumis melo, of family Cucurbitaceae, has traditionally been used to treat variety of kidney disorders. However to best of our knowledge there is no scientific study available that validates its renaoprotective uses. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate nephroprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Cucumis melo seeds (CMHE) and to identify its phytoconstituents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HPLC was performed to identify key phytochemicals of CMHE. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) was administered to induce nephrotoxicity in Swiss albino mice for 8 days. Gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day, i.p) and oral CMHE were co-administered to mice at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg to evaluate protective effects of CMHE. Normal control group mice were administered normal saline. Changes in body weights, biochemical and histopathological studies were conducted to establish nephroprotective effects of CMHE. Results: HPLC analysis indicated presence of quercetin, m-coumaric acid, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and trans-4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid in CMHE. Mice treated with CMHE showed significant increase in body weight and decrease in kidney weight as compared with toxic control group. Dose-dependent significant decrease in total blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum urea, and uric acid levels were observed in CMHE-treated groups as compared with toxic control group. Histopathological analysis of CMHE-treated groups showed improvement in kidney structures as compared with toxic control group. Conclusions: Biochemical, histopathological, and phytochemical screening of hydroalcoholic extract of Cucumis melo seeds suggest that it has nephroprotective potential. Furthermore, standardization of extract against identified phytochemicals, as well as long-term toxicological studies are suggested before commencement of clinical trials.

Genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory evaluation of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills.

BACKGROUND: Juniperus communis L. represents a multi-purpose crop used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industry. Several studies present the possible medicinal properties of different Juniperus taxa native to specific geographical area. The present study aims to evaluate the genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory potential of hydroalcoholic extract of wild-growing Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills. METHODS: The prepared hydroethanolic extract of Juniperus communis L. was characterized by GC-MS, HPLC, UV-Vis spectrometry and phytochemical assays. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH assay, the antifungal effect was studied on Aspergillus niger ATCC 15475 and Penicillium hirsutum ATCC 52323, while the genoprotective effect was evaluated using the Allium cepa assay. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in two inflammation experimental models (dextran and kaolin) by plethysmometry. Male Wistar rats were treated by gavage with distilled water (negative control), the microemulsion (positive control), diclofenac sodium aqueous solution (reference) and microemulsions containing juniper extract (experimental group). The initial paw volume and the paw volumes at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 24 h were measured. RESULTS: Total terpenoids, phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to be 13.44 ± 0.14 mg linalool equivalent, 19.23 ± 1.32 mg gallic acid equivalent, and 5109.6 ± 21.47 mg rutin equivalent per 100 g of extract, respectively. GC-MS characterization of the juniper extract identified 57 volatile compounds in the sample, while the HPLC analysis revealed the presence of the selected compounds (α-pinene, chlorogenic acid, rutin, apigenin, quercitin). The antioxidant potential of the crude extract was found to be 81.63 ± 0.38% (measured by the DPPH method). The results of the antifungal activity assay (for Aspergillus niger and Penicillium hirsutum) were 21.6 mm, respectively 17.2 mm as inhibition zone. Test results demonstrated the genoprotective potential of J. communis undiluted extract, inhibiting the mitodepressive effect of ethanol. The anti-inflammatory action of the juniper extract, administered as microemulsion in acute-dextran model was increased when compared to kaolin subacute inflammation induced model. CONCLUSION: The hydroalcoholic extract obtained from wild-growing Juniperus communis native to Romanian southern sub-Carpathian hills has genoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Unlocking the power of Libidibia ferrea extracts: antimicrobial, antioxidant, and protective properties for potential use in poultry production.

Plant extracts are increasingly recognized as potential prophylactic agents in poultry production due to their diverse bioactive properties. This study investigated the phytochemical and biological properties of Libidibia ferrea (L. ferrea), a plant species native to the Caatinga region of northeastern Brazil. The aim of this study was to identify secondary metabolites and to demonstrate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and protective effects of the plant extract. Three extracts were produced: EHMV, a hydroalcoholic extract from the maceration of pods, and EEMC and EEMV ethanolic extracts from the maceration of peels and pods, respectively, from L. ferrea. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-MS/MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) were used to characterize the metabolites and metals. The antimicrobial activity against Salmonella Galinarum (SG), Salmonella pullorum (SP), Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) and Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) was evaluated alone and in combination with probiotic bacteria (Bacillus velenzensis) using agar diffusion and the bactericidal minimum concentration (CBM). The antioxidant potential of the extracts was evaluated in 5 in vitro assays and 6 assays in 3t3 cells. The toxicity of EHMV was tested, and its ability to combat SP infection was demonstrated using a chicken embryo model. The results showed that EHMV exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. The combination of EHMV with BV had synergistic effects, increased antimicrobial activity and induced bacterial sporulation. Composition analysis revealed the presence of 8 compounds, including tannins and phenolic compounds. In vitro antioxidant tests demonstrated that total antioxidant capacity(TAC) activity was increased, and the extract had strong reducing power and notable metal chelating effects. Analysis of 3T3 cells confirmed the protective effect of EHMV against oxidative stress. Toxicity assessments in chicken embryos confirmed the safety of EHMV and its protective effect against SP-induced mortality. EHMV from L. ferrea is rich in proteins and contains essential metabolites that contribute to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When associated with probiotic bacteria such as B. velezensis, this extract increases the inhibition of SH, SG, SP, and APE. The nontoxic nature of EHMV and its protective effects on chicken embryos make it a potential supplement for poultry.

The Antimicrobial Potency of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Melissa officinalis Extract.

Melissa officinalis is an important medicinal plant that is used and studied intensively due to its numerous pharmacological effects. This plant has numerous active compounds with biomedical potential; some are volatile, while others are sensitive to heat or oxygen. Therefore, to increase stability and prolong biological activities, the natural extract can be loaded into various nanostructured systems. In this study, different loading systems were obtained from mesoporous silica, like Mobile Composition of Matter family (MCM) with a hexagonal (MCM-41) or cubic (MCM-48) pore structure, simple or functionalized with amino groups (using 3-aminopropyl) such as triethoxysilane (APTES). Thus, the four materials were characterized from morphological and structural points of view by scanning electron microscopy, a BET analysis with adsorption-desorption isotherms, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and a thermogravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry. Natural extract from Melissa officinalis was concentrated and analyzed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography to identify the polyphenolic compounds. The obtained materials were tested against Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts and against both reference strains and clinical strains belonging to Gram-positive bacteria that were previously isolated from intra-hospital infections. The highest antimicrobial efficiency was found against Gram-positive and fungal strains. Good activity was also recorded against methicillin-resistant S. aureus, the Melissa officinalis extract inhibiting the production of various virulence factors.

Intermittent fasting along with hydroalcoholic extract of Centella-asiatica ameliorates sub-acute hypoxia-induced ischemic stroke in adult zebrafish.

Reduced blood flow (hypoxia) to the brain is thought to be the main cause of strokes because it deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients. An increasing amount of evidence indicates that the Centella-Asiatica (HA-CA) hydroalcoholic extract has a variety of pharmacological benefits, such as antioxidant activity, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory qualities, and angiogenesis promotion. Intermittent fasting (IF) has neurological benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, and the ability to enhance neuroplasticity. The current study evaluates the combined effect of IF (for 1, 6, and 12 days) along with HA-CA (daily up to 12 days) in adult zebrafish subjected to hypoxia every 5 min for 12 days followed by behavioral (novel tank and open-field tank test), biochemical (SOD, GSH-Px, and LPO), inflammatory (IL-10, IL-1ß, and TNF-α), mitochondrial enzyme activities (Complex-I, II, and IV), signaling molecules (AMPK, MAPK, GSK-3ß, Nrf2), and imaging/staining (H&E, TTC, and TEM) analysis. Results show that sub-acute hypoxia promotes the behavioral alterations, and production of radical species and alters the oxidative stress status in brain tissues of zebrafish, along with mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and alteration of signaling molecules. Nevertheless, HA-CA along with IF significantly ameliorates these defects in adult zebrafish as compared to their effects alone. Further, imaging analysis significantly provided evidence of infarct damage along with neuronal and mitochondrial damage which was significantly ameliorated by IF and HA-CA. The use of IF and HA-CA has been proven to enhance the physiological effects of hypoxia in all dimensions.

The protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ephedra pachyclada leaves on ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide in rat: An experimental study.

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug that acts as an alkylation agent after metabolism in the liver. CP has toxic effects on the body's cells, especially the reproductive system's function, and causes infertility. Moreover, medicinal plants have few side effects and are psychologically acceptable to patients. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of Ephedra pachyclada hydroalcoholic extract (EPHE) on ovarian tissue and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in rats treated with CP. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 48 adult female Wistar rats (180-200 gr, 9-10 wk) were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups (n = 8/each): (a) control; (b) sham; (c) CP; (d) CP+250 mg/kg EPHE; (e) CP+500 mg/kg EPHE; (f) CP+1000 mg/kg EPHE. On the 29th day of the experiment, serum was collected; serum concentration of the luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and antioxidant activity were measured. The number of ovarian follicles were also counted. Results: In the CP groups, serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone significantly increased, and estrogen and progesterone significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05). EPHE significantly compensated for the complications caused by CP and 1000 mg/kg had the greatest effect. Antioxidant reduction by CP was significantly enhanced by EPHE, especially at higher doses (p ≤ 0.05). The number of primordial, primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles showed a significant decrease in CP groups and EPHE groups showed a significant increase compared to the CP. EPHE showed that the concentration of 1000 mg/kg was more effective than other doses (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: In addition to proving the effect of EPHE on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, our investigation showed antioxidant properties, which can be an effective factor in CP-treated rats.

Nanoencapsulation of Vaccinium ashei Leaf Extract in Eudragit® RS100-Based Nanoparticles Increases Its In Vitro Antioxidant and In Vivo Antidepressant-like Actions.

Depression is a major psychiatric disorder in Brazil and worldwide. Vaccinium ashei (V. ashei) leaves are cultivation by-products with high bioactive compound levels. Here, a hydroalcoholic extract of V. ashei leaves (HEV) was associated with Eudragit® RS100-based nanoparticles (NPHEV) to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and in vivo antidepressant-like effects. Interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer method was used for NPHEV production. The formulations were evaluated regarding physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging and oxygen radical absorbance capacity), and antidepressant-like action (1-25 mg/kg, single intragastric administration) assessed in forced swimming and tail suspension tests in male Balb-C mice. The NPHEV presented sizes in the nanometric range (144-206 nm), positive zeta potential values (8-15 mV), polydispersity index below 0.2, and pH in the acid range. The phenolic compound content was near the theoretical values, although the rutin presented higher encapsulation efficiency (~95%) than the chlorogenic acid (~60%). The nanoencapsulation improved the HEV antioxidant effect and antidepressant-like action by reducing the immobility time in both behavioral tests. Hence, Eudragit® RS100 nanoparticles containing HEV were successfully obtained and are a promising alternative to manage depression.

In vivo evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of hydroalcoholic extracts from Handroanthus impetiginosus and their chemical composition by UPLC/MS analysis.

This study demonstrates in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves, bark and flowers from the Handroanthus impetiginosus (Bignoniaceae) plant, recognized as 'Ipê roxo' in Brazil. The extracts were evaluated in male Swiss albino mice via oral administration. Moreover, results of the in vivo paw oedema test induced by carrageenan revealed that extracts of leaves and bark displayed relevant anti-inflammatory activity potential at the dosage of 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg. Likewise, the results obtained for leaves and flowers extracts suggested potent analgesic action in the conventional hot plate test. UPLC/MS analysis of the hydroalcoholic extracts samples identified metabolites belonging to several classes, mainly naphthoquinones and iridoids derivatives as well as flavonoids. Thus, the obtained results indicate that the extracts of H. impetiginosus plant parts could be considered as a complementary herbal medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation disorders.

The Effect of Eucalyptus globulus Hydroalcoholic Extract on LH, FSH and Testosterone Concentrations and Sperm Morphology.

Scientists have been paying attention to the life-giving properties of medicinal plants for many years. Among these plants is the eucalyptus plant. This plant has various compounds such as cineole and terpenes. It also contains compounds such as flavonoids, aliphatic aldehydes, sesquiterpene, quinotanen, catechins, salts, and vitamins. In the present study, the hydroalcoholic extract of Eucalyptus leaves with concentrations of 175, 350, and 700 mg/kg body weight, and spermatogenesis were studied in 40 adult Wistar rats in five groups of eight. Adult male mice received the extract at the above concentrations by gavage for 28 days. Control mice received only solvent and water, while control mice received no substance other than municipal tap water and normal food. After the last administration of the drug, the animals were weighed and anesthetized, and then blood samples were taken from their hearts. Concentrations of LH, FSH, and testosterone were measured by an ELISA kit. The results showed that body weight and testis, seminiferous tube diameter, Leydig cell diameter, epithelium thickness, number of Leydig cells, spermatogonium, spermatocytes, spermatids, sperm, and testosterone concentration increased significantly with the group. But no significant difference was observed in the concentration of FSH and LH hormones or the number of Sertoli cells. Therefore, it can be concluded that eucalyptus leaf extract may increase the proliferation of sex cells in the seminiferous tubules of rats.

Evaluation of CNS Depressant and Anti-anxiety Activities of Leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis.

BACKGROUND: Convolvulus pluricaulis is a native plant that is commonly mentioned in Ayurveda as a Rasayana and is primarily recommended for use in mental stimulation and rejuvenation therapy. Convolvulus pluricaulis is used as a brain tonic. The plant is reported to be a prominent memory-improving drug. It is used as a psychostimulant and tranquilizer. It is reported to reduce mental tension. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to explore the protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract from the leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis along with CNS depressant and anti-anxiety activities, in models of mice. METHODS: The extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis were sequentially isolated with a mixture of water and alcohol solution in the soxhlet apparatus. An acute toxicity study was conducted as per OECD guidelines no. 423, in which 18 Albino male mice were treated with different doses (1, 10, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) of hydroalcoholic extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis and assessed for toxicity parameters for 14 days. Various psychomotor activities of hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis for 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses were performed in mice by using various tests like actophotometer, open field, rota-rod, grip strength tests, elevated plus maze, hole board test, inclined plane, chimney test. RESULTS: The hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis was found to fall under category 4 in the acute toxicity study. Therefore, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis were selected for the further pharmacological study. The results of psychomotor tests (actophotometer, open field, rota-rod, grip strength, hole board test, inclined plane, chimney test, elevated plus maze, light-dark model) for test doses 100, 200, and 300 in mice showed CNS depressant and anti-anxiety effects. CONCLUSION: Hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Convolvulus pluricaulis at the 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses has shown CNS depressant and anti-anxiety effects in mice models.

Vascular effects of Fragaria vesca L. in human arteries.

Fragaria vesca L. (wild strawberry) is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory activity and for gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and urinary disorders. A previous study with the rat aorta showed that its leaves extract elicits endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Our aim was to investigate the clinical application of Fragaria vesca in vascular disease, by assessing the vascular effects of an infusion and hydroalcoholic extract in internal thoracic arteries from patients with coronary artery disease. The extracts elicited no effects on basal vascular tone and did not induce any vasorelaxation. At low concentration (0.02 mg/mL), the infusion potentiated the noradrenaline-induced contraction, while the other concentrations did not elicit significant changes in efficacy or potency. Differences between our findings and the previous report on rat aorta may result from methodological differences, e.g. vascular bed, method of extraction and extract composition. The clinical applicability of extracts of Fragaria vesca in patients with cardiovascular disease remains to be fully validated.

Chitosan Nanoparticles for Enhanced Delivery of Sida cordifolia Extract: Formulation, Optimization and Bioactivity Assessment.

In a continuous search for an essential antidiabetic agent, Sida cordifolia hydroalcoholic (SCHA) extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SCHA-CS-NP) were optimized. The Box-Behnken design (BBD Design-Expert software, version 14) with three parameters was used to optimize the nanoparticles after creating them using the ion gelation method. The chitosan and Tween 20 contents and the stirring speed were chosen as the independent variables, and their separate and combined effects on particle size (Y1), polydispersity index (Y2) and entrapment efficiency (Y3) were observed. The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 51 nm, an entrapment efficiency of 84.54% and a polydispersity index of 0.391. Physicochemical characterization, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a drug release study, an ex vivo permeation study, and an antioxidant study were performed. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images demonstrated that chitosan nanoparticles loaded with rhodamine B-laden SCHA extract had superior penetration compared to the control (rhodamine B solution). Furthermore, compared to conventional ascorbic acid (IC50 = 45 µg/mL), a superior antioxidant activity was discovered for SCHA-CS-NPs (IC50 = 86.45 ± 2.24 µg/mL), while SCHA-CS-NPs also exhibited strong antidiabetic potential (IC50 = 93.71 ± 1.79 µg/mL) compared to standard acarbose (IC50 = 97.25 ± 1.43 µg/mL). The overall results demonstrated that SCHA-CS-NPs are a promising and efficient formulation for oral delivery.

Leaf hydroalcoholic extract and oleoresin from Copaifera multijuga control Toxoplasma gondii infection in human trophoblast cells and placental explants from third-trimester pregnancy.

The conventional treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis is mainly based on the combination of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine. However, therapy with these drugs is associated with severe side effects and resistance, requiring the study of new therapeutic strategies. There are currently many studies with natural products, including Copaifera oleoresin, showing actions against some pathogens, as Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the leaf hydroalcoholic extract and oleoresin from Copaifera multijuga against Toxoplasma gondii in human villous (BeWo) and extravillous (HTR8/SVneo) trophoblast cells, as well as in human villous explants from third-trimester pregnancy. For this purpose, both cells and villous explants were infected or not with T. gondii, treated with hydroalcoholic extract or oleoresin from C. multijuga and analyzed for toxicity, parasite proliferation, cytokine and ROS production. In parallel, both cells were infected by tachyzoites pretreated with hydroalcoholic extract or oleoresin, and adhesion, invasion and replication of the parasite were observed. Our results showed that the extract and oleoresin did not trigger toxicity in small concentrations and were able to reduce the T. gondii intracellular proliferation in cells previously infected. Also, the hydroalcoholic extract and oleoresin demonstrated an irreversible antiparasitic action in BeWo and HTR8/SVneo cells. Next, adhesion, invasion and replication of T. gondii were dampened when BeWo or HTR8/SVneo cells were infected with pretreated tachyzoites. Finally, infected and treated BeWo cells upregulated IL-6 and downmodulated IL-8, while HTR8/SVneo cells did not change significantly these cytokines when infected and treated. Finally, both the extract and oleoresin reduced the T. gondii proliferation in human explants, and no significant changes were observed in relation to cytokine production. Thus, compounds from C. multijuga presented different antiparasitic activities that were dependent on the experimental model, being the direct action on tachyzoites a common mechanism operating in both cells and villi. Considering all these parameters, the hydroalcoholic extract and oleoresin from C. multijuga can be a target for the establishment of new therapeutic strategy for congenital toxoplasmosis.