Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz: in vitro biotechnological interventions and perspectives.

Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz is a woody medicinal shrub (Lythraceae) commonly known as the "fire flame bush." W. fruticosa plant parts either alone or whole plant have a long history of recommended use in the Indian medicine systems of Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha (AUS). This plant is prominently known for its pharmacological properties, viz., antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-peptic ulcer, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antitumor, cardioprotective, analgesic, and wound healing activities. Its important phyto-constituents, woodfordin C, woodfordin I, oenothein B, and isoschimacoalin-A, exhibit in vitro or in vivo physiological activities beneficial to human health. As the plant is a rich storehouse of phyto-constituents, it is indiscriminately used in its wild habitats. Moreover, due to very poor seed viability and difficult-to-root qualities, it is placed under IUCN list of endangered plant species. For W. fruticosa, biomass production or to its conservation by in vitro regeneration is the best feasible alternative. Till date, only few important in vitro regeneration methods are reported in W. fruticosa. ISSR molecular markers based clonal fidelity and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has been demonstrated, indicating that W. fruticosa is amenable to genetic manipulation and genome editing studies. This review presents concise summary of updated reports on W. fruticosa phyto-constituents and their biological activities, while a critical appraisal of biotechnological interventions, shortcomings, and factors influencing such potential areas success was presented. The unexplored gaps addressed here are relevant for W. fruticosa scientific innovations yet to come. In this paper, for the first time, we have presented a simple and reproducible protocol for synthetic seed production in W. fruticosa. KEY POINTS: • Critical and updated records on W. fruticosa phytochemistry and its activities • In vitro propagation and elicitation of secondary metabolites in W. fruticosa • Key bottlenecks, in vitro flowering, value addition, and outlook in W. fruticosa.

Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Woodfordia fruticosa Flowers: GC-MS Analysis.

Currently, the potential utilization of natural plant-derived extracts for medicinal and therapeutic purposes has increased remarkably. The current study, therefore, aimed to assess the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of modified solvent evaporation-assisted ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers. For viable use of the extract, qualitative analysis of phytochemicals and their identification was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Analysis revealed that phenolic (65.62 ± 0.05 mg/g), flavonoid (62.82 ± 0.07 mg/g), and ascorbic acid (52.46 ± 0.1 mg/g) components were present in high amounts, while ß-carotene (62.92 ± 0.02 µg/mg) and lycopene (60.42 ± 0.8 µg/mg) were present in lower amounts. The antimicrobial proficiency of modified solvent-assisted extract was evaluated against four pathogenic bacterial and one fungal strain, namely Staphylococcusaureus (MTCC 3160), Klebsiellapneumoniae (MTCC 3384), Pseudomonasaeruginosa (MTCC 2295), and Salmonellatyphimurium (MTCC 1254), and Candidaalbicans (MTCC 183), respectively. The zone of inhibition was comparable to antibiotics streptomycin and amphotericin were used as a positive control for pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. The extract showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity during the albumin denaturation assay (43.56-86.59%) and HRBC membrane stabilization assay (43.62-87.69%). The extract showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assay and the obtained results are comparable with BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) with percentage inhibitions of 82.46%, 83.34%, and 84.23%, respectively. Therefore, the obtained results concluded that ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers could be utilized as a magnificent source of phenols used for the manufacturing of value-added food products.

Identification of plant-based multitargeted leads for Alzheimer's disease: In-vitro and in-vivo validation of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease with no availability of disease-modifying therapeutics. The complex etiology and recent failures in clinical trials indicate the need for multitargeted agents. PURPOSE: The present study aims to discover new plant-based multitargeted anti-AD leads. METHODS: A library of plant extracts was screened for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1). The secondary metabolites of active extracts were also tested, followed by enzyme-kinetics and molecular modeling to understand the mechanism of inhibition. The most active extract was investigated for in-vivo anti-dementia activity in behavioral mice models. RESULTS: Among the library of 105 extracts, Woodfordia fruticosa (SBE-80) and Bergenia ciliata (SBE-65) extracts displayed significant inhibition of all three enzymes. Gallic acid, one of the constituents of both plants, shows moderate inhibition of AChE and BACE-1. Catechin-3-O-gallate (CG), another constituent of SBE-65, inhibits EeAChE, rHuAChE, and eqBChE with IC50's of 29.9, 1.77, and 8.4 µM, respectively; along with a mild-inhibition of BACE-1. Ellagic acid, the constituent of SBE-80, inhibits BACE-1 with an IC50 value of 16 µM. The W. fruticosa extract SBE-80 at the dose of 25 mg/kg QD × 9 (PO) displayed memory-enhancing activity in Morris Water Maze and Passive Avoidance Test in Swiss albino mice. Treatment with SBE-80 also inhibits AChE in-vivo; whereas, a non-significant decrease in the serum TBARS was observed. CONCLUSION: W. fruticosa is identified for the first time as an anti-AD lead candidate. The in-vitro and in-vivo data presented herein and the documented safety profile of W. fruticosa indicate its strong potential for preclinical development as a botanical drug for dementia/AD.

Woodfordia fruticosa extract supplementation stimulates the growth of Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus with adapted intracellular and extracellular metabolite pool.

AIM: To investigate the effect of Woodfordia fruticosa extract (WfE) on two probiotic bacteria: Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. METHODS AND RESULTS: WfE supplementation at 0·5 and 1 mg ml-1 stimulated probiotic growth (P < 0·05), enhanced adhesion to CaCO2 cells (P < 0·05) while inhibiting foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (P < 0·05). 1 H-NMR based metabolomic studies indicated higher glucose : lactate and glucose : acetate in the extracellular matrix with significant variation (P < 0·05) in intracellular concentrations of lactate, acetate, glutamate, dimethylamine, phenylalanine, branched-chain amino acids and total cellular lipid composition. Fatty acid methyl ester analysis showed a chemical shift from saturated to unsaturated lipids with WfE supplementation. PCA plots indicated clear discrimination between test groups, highlighting variation in metabolite pool in response to WfE supplementation. CONCLUSION: Phytonutrient-rich WfE exhibited prebiotic-like attributes, and probiotic bacteria showed altered metabolite pools as an adaptive mechanism. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report providing insights into the prebiotic-like activity of WfE on gut representative probiotics. The extended metabolomic studies shed light on the positive interaction between phytonutrients and beneficial bacteria that possibly help them to adapt to a phytonutrient-rich WfE environment. WfE with potential prebiotic attributes can be used in the development of novel synbiotic functional products targeting gut microbial modulation to improve health.

Flavonoids from Woodfordia fruticosa as potential SmltD inhibitors in the alternative biosynthetic pathway of peptidoglycan.

SmltD is an ATP-dependent ligase that catalyzes the condensation of UDP-MurNAc-l-Ala and l-Glu to form UDP-MurNAc-l-Ala-l-Glu, in the newly discovered peptidoglycan biosynthesis pathway of a Gram-negative multiple-drug-resistant pathogen, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Phytochemical investigation of the 70% ethanol extract from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers collected in Myanmar led to the identification of anti-SmltD active flavonoids, kaempferol 3-O-(6''-galloyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (1), astragalin (2), and juglalin (3). Among them, 1 showed the most potent SmltD inhibitory activity. An enzyme steady-state kinetic study revealed that 1 exerted competitive inhibition with respect to ATP. The results of this study provided an attractive foundation for the further development of novel inhibitors of SmltD.

Antifungal Phenols from Woodfordia uniflora Collected in Oman.

Woodfordia uniflora is a flowering shrub unique to the Dhofar region of Oman and is used locally as a sedative and remedy for skin infection. However, no study to date has examined the pharmacological properties of this plant, and studies regarding phytochemicals present in W. uniflora are limited. Herein, phytochemical screening of the extract of W. uniflora was performed using LC/MS. Three new phenolic compounds, (±)-woodfordiamycin (1), woodfordic acid (2), and rhamnetin 3-O-(6″-galloyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside (3), together with 16 known compounds 4-19, were isolated from the antifungal fraction of the extract. The structures of the new compounds were established by NMR and HR-MS data, and their absolute configurations were established using chemical transformations, including Mosher's method, comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data, and gauge-including atomic orbital NMR chemical shift calculations, followed by DP4+ analysis. The isolated compounds (1-19) were tested for antifungal activity against human fungal pathogens Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans. Compounds (±)-1 and 8 showed antifungal activity against C. neoformans, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.8-1.9 µM, which was ∼10-fold lower than that of the currently available antifungal drug fluconazole, while (±)-1, 8, and 19 showed antifungal activity against C. albicans.

Meat quality and lipid fatty acid profile from wild thrush (Turdus philomelos), woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) and starling (Sturnus vulgaris): a preliminary comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the nutritional proximate composition, some qualitative traits and fatty acid profile of meat from wild thrush, woodcock and starling hunted in Southern Italy in 2017 and 2018. METHODS: Nutritive composition and physical traits of meat and lipid fatty acid profile were evaluated in breast muscle (Pectoralis major) of gamebirds. RESULTS: From findings, the meat pH was significantly (P < 0.001) higher in starling when compared to the other two species. Thrush meat was significantly (P = 0.002) darker and had higher redness (P < 0.001) and yellowness (P = 0.004) in comparison to starling and woodcock. Thrush breast muscle showed the highest (P < 0.001) level of lipids and lowest (P < 0.001) protein content. Meat from thrush showed the best lipid fatty acid profile based on the higher (P < 0.001) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and lower (P < 0.001) saturated fatty acids (SFA) concentrations. Starling breast muscle reported the highest (P = 0.002) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) level compared to both thrush and woodcock, whereas no differences were detected on total n-3. The ratio n-6/n-3 was higher (P = 0.001) in starling muscle. Thrush breast muscle had the lowest (P < 0.001) atherogenic and thrombogenic indices compared to the other gamebirds. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicated that meat from the three investigated gamebirds species may represent a healthily lipid food source for human consumption in relation to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Woodfordia fructicosa Leaves Ethanolic Extract on Adjuvant and Carragenan Treated Rats.

BACKGROUND: Woodfordia fructicosa is used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation associated with arthritis. METHODS: In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of W. fructicosa (WFE) leaves ethanolic extract was assessed in Sprague Dawley rats by giving 200 mg/kg dose orally. Inflammation was studied by using carrageenan induced paw edema, Freund's adjuvant (FA) and monosodium iodo acetate (MIA) induced arthritis as animal models. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was estimated in blood sample of animals treated with FA. The one way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: WFE significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.001) paw thickness in carrageenan induced paw edema and FA induced arthritis. The significant decrease in knee diameter (P<0.001) in MIA induced arthritis as well as inhibitory effect (P<0.001) on elevated TNF- α was observed. CONCLUSION: These results showed that the WFEexerted an inhibitory effect on TNF-α and carrageenan paw edema which may justify its traditional use in inflammatory conditions. Thus, the study shows that leaves of W. fruticose afford anti-inflammatory activity by preventing the inflammation in different animal models.

Preclinical development of gastro-protective botanical candidate from Woodfordia fruticosa (Linn.) Kurz: Chemical standardization, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Woodfordia fruticosa is traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, poisoning, menstrual disorders, ulcers and fertility. In the present study, we report a standardized extract preparation through modern scientific approach for anti-ulcer activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hydro-alcoholic extract of flowers of W. fruticosa was standardized using four chemical markers. The standardized extract was coded as ICB014. HPLC method was developed for identification and quantification of Gallic Acid, Oenothein-C, Quercetin and Kaempferol. Based on the prior published H+, K+-ATPase activity and Anti-bacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori of ICB014, was evaluated for its in-vivo efficacy in gastric ulcers models in rats followed by regulatory safety studies. RESULTS: The extract demonstrated efficacy at 31.25-62.5 mg/kg in gastric ulcer models. The extract was safe by oral route up to 2000 mg/kg in a single dose and NOAEL of 800 mg/kg in 28 days repeat study. Bioequivalent capsule formulation was prepared. CONCLUSIONS: The extract showed anti-ulcer potential and is ready for clinical evaluation.

Structure-based drug designing and identification of Woodfordia fruticosa inhibitors targeted against heat shock protein (HSP70-1) as suppressor for Imiquimod-induced psoriasis like skin inflammation in mice model.

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) emerged as a therapeutic target and it was observed that inhibition of HSP70-1 plays a pivotal role in the management of psoriasis. In-silico investigation involving techniques like molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis was performed against HSP70-1. Further, anti-psoriatic activity of bioactive immunomodulatory compounds present in ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers (Wffe) using combination of bioinformatics together with ethnopharmacological approach has been explored in this study. Myricetin (-8.024), Quercetin (-7.368) and Ellagic acid (-7.311) were the top three compounds with minimum energy levels as well as high therapeutic value/ADMET as compared to currently available marketed anti-psoriatic drug Tretinoin (-7.195). ADMET prediction was used to screen ligands for drug-likeness and efficacy. Further, biogenically Woodfordia fruticosa gold nanoparticles (WfAuNPs) were synthesized and characterized by UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. Synthesized WfAuNPs observed in the size range of 10-20 nm and were used to develop WfAuNPs-Carbopol®934 ointment gel. Subsequently, the therapeutic efficacy of WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 was checked against 5% Imiquimod-induced psoriasis like skin inflammation. WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 was found to be exerting better therapeutic effect in reducing the mean DAI score (0.63 ±â€¯0.08), serum cytokines (TNF-α, IL-22 and IL-23) levels along with reduced epidermal thickness, parakeratosis and marked decrease in the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. Results of the study revealed that the WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 could be an effective alternative treatment for psoriasis in near future.

Screening of in vitro antimicrobial activity of plants used in traditional Indonesian medicine.

CONTEXT: In many regions of Indonesia, there are numerous traditional herbal preparations for treatment of infectious diseases. However, their antimicrobial potential has been poorly studied by modern laboratory methods. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates in vitro antimicrobial activity of 49 ethanol extracts from 37 plant species used in Indonesian traditional medicine for treatment against Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The plants were collected from the Biopharmaca collection garden, Bogor, Indonesia. The plant material was dried, finely grounded, extracted using ethanol, concentrated, and the dried residue was dissolved in 100% DMSO. Antimicrobial activity was determined in terms of a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using a broth microdilution method in 96-well microplates. RESULTS: The extract of Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq. (Lamiaceae) leaf produced the strongest antimicrobial effect, inhibiting the growth of C. albicans (MIC 128 µg/mL), S. aureus (MIC 256 µg/mL), E. faecalis (MIC 256 µg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 256 µg/mL). The leaf extract of Woodfordia floribunda Salisb. (Lythraceae) also exhibited significant effect against C. albicans (MIC 128 µg/mL), S. aureus (MIC 256 µg/mL) and E. faecalis (MIC 256 µg/mL). Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. (Lamiaceae) leaf extract inhibited the growth of S. aureus (MIC 256 µg/mL) and C. albicans (MIC 256 µg/mL). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The leaf extract of O. aristatus and W. floribunda exhibited a significant anti-candidal effect. Therefore, both of these plants can serve as prospective source materials for the development of new anti-candidal agents.

Synergistic effects of Woodfordia fruticosa gold nanoparticles in preventing microbial adhesion and accelerating wound healing in Wistar albino rats in vivo.

Therapeutic effectiveness of biogenically synthesized Woodfordia fruticosa nano-gold particles (WfAuNPs) has been claimed in this study which prevents microbial adhesion and enhanced wound healing potential on Wistar albino rats. The synthesized WfAuNPs were characterized using several biophysical techniques such as UV-Visible Spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis. The synthesized WfAuNPs in the size range of 10-20nm were used to develop 1% Carbopol® 934 based nano gold formulation (WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934). The WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 nanoformulation was evaluated using viscosity and spreadability measurements. The wound healing potential of WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 monitored up to 12days was confirmed by performing wound contraction (%), epithelialization, and histopathological studies done in vivo on Wistar albino rats. The hydroxyproline content was also measured in the re-epithelized skin for quantification of collagen content. The effects of WfAuNPs on microbial adhesion leading to biofilm formation were evaluated against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans fungal strains. The respective Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC80), Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (BIC80) and Biofilm Eradication Concentration (BEC80) values of C. albicans was found to be 16, 32, 256µg/ml respectively while for C. neoformans it was recorded to be 32, 64, 256µg/ml respectively. Data obtained, confirmed the effectiveness in preventing microbial adhesion and wound healing potential of the WfAuNPs as compared to current marketed formulations.

Biotransformation of lignan glycoside to its aglycone by Woodfordia fruticosa flowers: quantification of compounds using a validated HPTLC method.

CONTEXT: Saraca asoca Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) is an important traditional remedy for gynaecological disorders and it contains lyoniside, an aryl tetralin lignan glycoside. The aglycone of lyoniside, lyoniresinol possesses structural similarity to enterolignan precursors which are established phytoestrogens. OBJECTIVES: This work illustrates biotransformation of lyoniside to lyoniresinol using Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) flowers and simultaneous quantification of lyoniside and lyoniresinol using a validated HPTLC method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The aqueous extract prepared from S. asoca bark was fermented using W. fruticosa flowers. The substrate and fermented product both were simultaneously analyzed using solvent system:toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (4:3:0.4) at 254 nm. The method was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, sensitivity and robustness as per ICH guidelines. RESULTS: The substrate showed the presence of lyoniside, however, it decreased as the fermentation proceeded. On 3rd day, lyoniresinol starts appearing in the medium. In 8 days duration most of the lyoniside converted to lyoniresinol. The developed method was specific for lyoniside and lyoniresinol. Lyoniside and lyoniresinol showed linearity in the range of 250-3000 and 500-2500 ng. The method was accurate as resulted in 99.84% and 99.83% recovery, respectively, for lyoniside and lyoniresinol. CONCLUSION: Aryl tetralin lignan glycoside, lyoniside was successfully transformed into lyoniresinol using W. fruticosa flowers and their contents were simultaneously analyzed using developed validated HPTLC method.

Evaluation of potent phytomedicine for treatment of psoriasis using UV radiation induced psoriasis in rats.

The aim of present study was to determine the effect of newly formulated gels and suspensions of extractive Phytoconstituents of Woodfordia fructicosa flowers and Gardenia gummifera leaves by using UV Radiation induced psoriasis in rats. Both plants are traditionally claimed to be useful in treatment of number of skin diseases. However, there are no established scientific reports for their potential in psoriasis. Formulated Gels and Suspensions of ethanolic extract of both plants were tested for acute dermal and oral toxicity study respectively. The results of acute dermal toxicity at concentration 1% w/w and oral toxicity at dose 1000mg/kg showed that the gels and suspensions were safe. Psoriasis was induced in Wistar rats by espousing 10% area of total body by UV radiations. Anti-psoriatic activity was performed by applying 0.1% gel and orally at a dose 100mg/kg body weight in rats. Severity Index, histological study and biochemical estimation were analyzed. The results of our studies showed that the test formulations (Gels and Suspensions) of both plant extracts exhibited potential effect in anti-psoriatic activity.

Antipsoriatic activity of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz flowers in a novel in vivo screening model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the antipsoriatic activity of ethanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers (EEWF) using a novel in vivo screening model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For induction of psoriasis, 0.1 ml of prepared complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and formaldehyde mixture (1:10 ratio) was topically applied for 7 days on the dorsum surface of the skin of Swiss albino mice. Psoriasis severity index (PSI) was evaluated by phenotypic (redness, erythema, and scales) and histological features (epidermal thickness). Therapeutic effect of 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments of EEWF was evaluated after the induction of psoriasis. Ointments of EEWF flowers were applied once daily for 3 weeks, and antipsoriatic activity was evaluated by scoring the PSI and histological examination. RESULTS: We observed the phenotypic and histological features and found a progressive reduction (P < 0.05) in the severity of psoriatic lesions (redness, erythema, and scales) from day 7 to 21st day and decreased epidermal thickness in animals treated with 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments of EEWF. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 0.05% and 0.1% (w/w) ointments of EEWF have dose-dependent beneficial effects in CFA and formaldehyde-induced psoriasis. The present investigation revealed that W. fruticosa flowers possess potent antipsoriatic activity and can be used for psoriasis treatment.

Methanolic extract of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz flowers ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic hepatic fibrosis in rats.

Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by extracellular matrix accumulation, is the common cause of chronic liver failure and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of dried flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rat model. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by CCl4 administration (150 µl/100 g rat weight, oral) twice a week for 10 weeks. In preventive model, administration of daily doses of methanolic extract of W. fruticosa (MEWF) at two different doses (100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.) and 200 mg/kg, b.w.) was started 1 week before the onset of CCl4 administration and continued for 10 weeks. In curative model, MEWF at 100 and 200 mg/kg were given for last 2 weeks after the establishment of fibrosis. MEWF at a dose of 200 mg/kg was able to exert a more pronounced effect as evidenced histologically by significant reduction in fibrotic septa formation in liver tissue, immunohistochemically by abridged expression of collagen III, and also biochemically by serum and tissue antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and hydroxyproline level. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of confertin, quercetin methyl ether, ellagic acid, and stigmasterol in MEWF, which could be responsible for its antifibrotic activity. These results indicate the effective protection exerted by MEWF against CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner.

Extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers ameliorates hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and improves ß-cell function in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The art of Ayurveda and the traditional healing system in India have reflected the ethnomedicinal importance of the plant Woodfordia fruticosa Kurtz, which demonstrates its vast usage in the Ayurvedic preparations as well as in the management of diabetes by the traditional healers. AIMS OF STUDY: The study aimed to ascertain the antidiabetic potential of W. fruticosa flower methanolic extract (WF) on Streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by STZ-nicotinamide and thereafter diabetic rats were treated with three different doses of WF (100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight) respectively and glibenclamide as a positive control. Biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide levels were measured with oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, histology of liver and pancreas was carried out to evaluate glycogen content and ß-cell structures. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed on kidney and pancreas tissues to determine renal Bcl-2, pancreatic insulin and glucose transporter (GLUT-2, 4) protein expression in all the experimental groups. RESULTS: The acute toxicity study showed non-toxic nature of all the three doses of WF. Further, studies on diabetic rats exhibited anti-hyperglycemic effects by upregulating serum insulin and C-peptide levels. Similarly, WF shown to ameliorate oxidative stress by downregulating LPO levels and augmenting the antioxidant enzyme (ABTS). Furthermore, histopathological analysis demonstrate recovery in the structural degeneration of ß-cells mass of pancreas tissue with increase in the liver glycogen content of the diabetic rats. Interestingly, protective nature of the extract was further revealed by the immunohistochemical study result which displayed upregulation in the insulin and renal Bcl-2 expression, the anti apoptosis protein. Moreover, western blot result have shown slight alteration in the GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 protein expression with the highest dose of WFc treatment, that might have stimulated glucose uptake in the pancreas and played an important role in attenuating the blood glucose levels. CONCLUSION: The overall study result have demonstrated the potential of WF in the management of diabetes and its related complications, thus warrants further investigation on its major compounds with in depth mechanistic studies at molecular level.

Pharmacological evaluation for anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory potential of Woodfordia fruticosa flower extracts.

CONTEXT: Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) flowers are ethnopharmacologically acclaimed in the Indian medicinal system to treat asthma. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate W. fruticosa flower extracts for anti-asthmatic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol, and hydro-alcohol extracts of W. fruticosa flowers were obtained successively and standardized. Ability of extracts to stabilize free radicals and compound-48/80-induced mast cell degranulation was evaluated. In vitro anti-inflammatory potential of extracts at 100 and 200 µg/ml by membrane stabilization and in vivo inhibition of rat paw edema up to 5 h (100 and 200 mg/ml; p.o.) was evaluated. In vitro bronchorelaxant effect was examined against histamine- and acetylcholine (1 µg/ml; independently)-induced guinea pig tracheal contraction. Extracts were evaluated for bronchoprotection (in vivo) ability against 0.1% histamine- and 2% acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs at 100 and 200 mg/ml; p.o. RESULTS: Standardization studies revealed that the methanol extract exhibited highest polyphenolic (62.66 GAE), and flavonoid (6.32 RE) content and HPLC fingerprinting confirmed the presence of gallic acid (Rt 1.383). IC50 values for DPPH scavenging and metal chelation by the methanol extract were 40.42 and 31.50 µg/ml. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts at 100 µg/ml exhibited 06.52 and 07.12% of histamine release. Methanol, ethyl acetate, and hydro alcohol extracts at 200 mg/kg demonstrated 32.73, 29.83, 26.75% and 32.46, 9.38, 26.75% inhibition of egg albumin and carrageenan-induced inflammation, respectively. Methanol extract exhibited 100% bronchorelaxation and 48.83% bronchoprotection. CONCLUSION: Woodfordia fruticosa flower (WFF) extracts exhibited anti-asthmatic effect by demonstrating bronchoprotection, bronchorelaxation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mast cell stabilization ability.

'Ashvagandharishta' prepared using yeast consortium from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers exhibit hepatoprotective effect on CCl4 induced liver damage in Wistar rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: [corrected] Consortium of yeasts sourced from traditionally used Woodfordia fruticosa flowers proved to be beneficial for fermenting Ashvagandharishta. It resulted in faster fermentation, acceptable organoleptic properties and demonstrable hepatoprotective potential in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. To formulate Ashvagandharishta using consortium of yeasts and to investigate its physiochemical parameters. Standardize the formulation with the help of standard withaferin-A and withanolide-A and to evaluate its hepatoprotective potential in CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in the rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ashvagandharishta was prepared using a 5% consortium of yeasts and ascertained its quality through physiochemical and phytochemical investigation. Withaferin-A and withanolide-A was simultaneously estimated by HPLC for standardization. Hepatoprotective potential was evaluated by administering 2.31 and 1.15 ml/kg doses while considering biochemical parameters like serum AST, ALT, ALP and lipid profile. Gene expression study was carried out for the expression of antioxidant and inflammatory genes such as CAT, GPx and proinflammatory gene IL-6. Histopathology of liver was also studied with the help of H&E staining. RESULTS: Ashvagandharishta was found organolepticaly acceptable with optimized physiochemical parameters. Withaferin-A and withanolide-A in Ashvagandharishta estimated as 0.3711, 0.7426 (%w/v), respectively. In the CCl4 induced hepato-toxicity model, Ashvagandharishta-2.31ml/kg dose showed significant decrease in elevated hepatic level of AST(p<0.001), ALT(p<0.01) and ALP(p<0.001). Both doses of Ashvagandharishta showed significant reduction of TG, Cholesterol, VLDL and LDL in serum, with corresponding reduction of (p<0.001) serum-HDL. Ashvagandharishta also showed increased serum protein (p<0.05) and albumin (p<0.01) with decrease in bilirubin (p<0.01). Additionally, Ashvagandharishta administration revealed up-regulation in antioxidant genes such as CAT and GPx in liver with concomitant down-regulation in proinflammatory IL-6gene (p<0.01). Histopathological parameters revealed restoration of normal tissue architecture by both doses of Ashvagandharishta. CONCLUSIONS: Consortium of yeasts from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers showed better fermentation pattern for Ashvagandharishta produced with acceptable organoleptic properties. Hepatoprotection shown by Ashvagandharishta was mainly through prevention of oxidative damage. Up-regulation of CAT and GPx genes and corresponding down regulation of proinflammatory IL6 gene was revealed as possible mechanism of its action.

Wound healing potential of flowers extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.

Wound healing or repair is the body's natural process of regenerating dermal and epidermal tissue. Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz (Family: Lythraceae) is used traditionally in wound healing by the tribals of Chhattisgarh district. However, there is a paucity of scientific data in support. In this study, we evaluated antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanolic and aqueous extracts against a diverse range of gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria along with pathogenic fungi. The wound healing activity of ethanolic extract was also evaluated at dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body wt in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models along with histopathology of wound area of skin. The ethanolic extract showed potent wound healing activity, as evident from the increase in the wound contraction and breaking strength in dose-dependent manner. Treatment with ethanolic extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body wt) showed significant dose-dependently decrease in epithelization period and scar area. Hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid and hexosamine contents, the important constituents of extracellular matrix of healing were also correlated with the observed healing pattern. During early wound healing phase, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels were found to be upregulated by the ethanolic extract treatment. The ethanolic extract exhibited a strong and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, as compared to other extracts. It showed very low Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and inhibited the growth of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in concentration of 2.5 microg/disc. Thus, the results of the present study demonstrated the strong wound healing potential and antimicrobial activities of W. fruticosa, flowers, supporting the folklore use of the plant by the tribal people of Chhattisgarh district.