Mechanistic insight into the synergistic antimicrobial potential of Fagonia indica Burm.f. extracts with cefixime.

Fagonia indica Burm.f. is known for its anti-infective character and has been studied in the present work as a synergistic remedy against resistant bacterial strains. Initially, phytochemicals were quantified in n-Hexane (n-Hex), ethyl acetate (E.A), methanol (MeOH), and aqueous (Aq.) extracts by Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) analysis. Later, after establishing an antibacterial resistance profile for extracts and antibiotics against gram-positive and gram-negative strains, synergism was evaluated in combination with cefixime through time-kill kinetics and bacterial protein estimation studies. Topographic images depicting synergism were obtained by scanning electron microscopy for Methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Resistant Escherichia coli (R.E. coli). Results showed the presence of maximum phenolic (28.4 ± 0.67 µg GAE/mg extract) and flavonoid (11 ± 0.42 µg QE/mg extract) contents in MeOH extract. RP-HPLC results also displayed maximum polyphenols in MeOH extract followed by E.A extract. Clinical strains were resistant to cefixime whereas these were moderately inhibited by all extracts (MIC 150-300 µg/ml) except Aq. extract. E.A and n-Hex extracts demonstrated maximum synergism (Fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) 0.31) against R.E. coli. The n-Hex extract displayed total synergism against R.P. a with a 4-fold reduction in cefixime dose. Time-kill kinetics showed maximum inhibition of gram-negative bacterial growth from 3 to 12 h when treated at FICI and 2FICI values with > 10-fold reduction of the extracts' dose. All combinations demonstrate > 70 % protein content inhibition with bacterial cell wall disruption in SEM images. Fortunately, FICI concentrations have low hemolytic potential (<5%). Conclusively, F. indica extracts can mitigate antimicrobial resistance against cefixime and can be investigated in detail by in vivo and mechanistic studies.

BCL11A-targeted γ-globin gene induction by triterpenoid glycosides of Fagonia indica: A preclinical scientific validation of indigenous herb for the treatment of ß-hemoglobinopathies.

Pharmacological induction of fetal hemoglobin has proven to be a promising therapeutic intervention in ß-hemoglobinopathies by reducing the globin chain imbalance and inhibiting sickle cell polymerization. Fagonia indica has shown therapeutic relevance to ß-thalassemia. Therefore, we study the ethnopharmacological potential of Fagonia indica and its biomarker compounds for their HbF induction ability for the treatment of ß-thalassemia. Here, we identify, compound 8 (triterpenoid glycosides) of F. indica. as a prominent HbF inducer in-vitro and in-vivo. Compound 8 showed potent erythroid differentiation, enhanced cellular proliferation, ample accumulation of total hemoglobin, and a strong notion of γ-globin gene expression in K562 cultures. Compound 8 treatment also revealed strong induction of erythroid differentiation and fetal hemoglobin mRNA and protein in adult erythroid precursor cells. This induction was associated with simultaneous downregulation of BCL11A and SOX6, and overexpression of the GATA-1 gene, suggesting a compound 8-mediated partial mechanism involved in the reactivation of fetal-like globin genes. The in vivo study with compound 8 (10 mg/kg) in ß-YAC mice resulted in significant HbF synthesis demonstrated by the enhanced level of F-cells (84.14 %) and an 8.85-fold increase in the γ-globin gene. Overall, the study identifies compound 8 as a new HbF-inducing entity and provides an early "proof-of-concept" to enable the initiation of preclinical and clinical studies in the development of this HbF-inducing agent for ß-thalassemia.

Chemical Elicitors-Induced Variation in Cellular Biomass, Biosynthesis of Secondary Cell Products, and Antioxidant System in Callus Cultures of Fagonia indica.

Fagonia indica is a rich source of pharmacologically active compounds. The variation in the metabolites of interest is one of the major issues in wild plants due to different environmental factors. The addition of chemical elicitors is one of the effective strategies to trigger the biosynthetic pathways for the release of a higher quantity of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effects of chemical elicitors, aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2), on the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, biomass, and the antioxidant system in callus cultures of F. indica. Among various treatments applied, AlCl3 (0.1 mM concentration) improved the highest in biomass accumulation (fresh weight (FW): 404.72 g/L) as compared to the control (FW: 269.85 g/L). The exposure of cultures to AlCl3 (0.01 mM) enhanced the accumulation of secondary metabolites, and the total phenolic contents (TPCs: 7.74 mg/g DW) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs: 1.07 mg/g DW) were higher than those of cultures exposed to CdCl2 (0.01 mM) with content levels (TPC: 5.60 and TFC: 0.97 mg/g) as compared to the control (TPC: 4.16 and TFC: 0.42 mg/g DW). Likewise, AlCl3 and CdCl2 also promoted the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA; 89.4% and 90%, respectively) at a concentration of 0.01 mM, as compared to the control (65.48%). For instance, the quantification of metabolites via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed an optimum production of myricetin (1.20 mg/g), apigenin (0.83 mg/g), isorhamnetin (0.70 mg/g), and kaempferol (0.64 mg/g). Cultures grown in the presence of AlCl3 triggered higher quantities of secondary metabolites than those grown in the presence of CdCl2 (0.79, 0.74, 0.57, and 0.67 mg/g). Moreover, AlCl3 at 0.1 mM enhanced the biosynthesis of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 0.08 nM/min/mg-FW) and peroxidase enzymes (POD: 2.37 nM/min/mg-FW), while CdCl2 resulted in an SOD activity up to 0.06 nM/min/mg-FW and POD: 2.72 nM/min/mg-FW. From these results, it is clear that AlCl3 is a better elicitor in terms of a higher and uniform productivity of biomass, secondary cell products, and antioxidant enzymes compared to CdCl2 and the control. It is possible to scale the current strategy to a bioreactor for a higher productivity of metabolites of interest for various pharmaceutical industries.

An assessment on the role of endophytic microbes in the therapeutic potential of Fagonia indica.

BACKGROUND: Natural products of animals, plants and microbes are potential source of important chemical compounds, with diverse applications including therapeutics. Endophytic bacteria that are especially associated with medicinal plants presents a reservoir of therapeutic compounds. Fagonia indica has been recently investigated by numerous researchers because of its striking therapeutic potential especially in cancer. It is also reported that endophytes play a vital role in the biosynthesis of various metabolites; therefore we believe that endophytes associated with F. indica are of crucial importance in this regard. The present study aims successful isolation, molecular identification of endophytic bacteria and their screening for bioactive metabolites quantification and in vitro pharmacological activities. METHODS: 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for the identification of isolated endophytic bacteria. Methanolic extracts were evaluated for total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TFC), DPPH free radical scavenging activity, reducing power and total anti-oxidant assays were performed. And also screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities by disc diffusion method and their MIC were calculated by broth dilution method using microplate reader. Further, standard protocols were followed for antileishmanial activity and protein kinase inhibition. Analysis and statistics were performed using SPSS, Table curve and Origin 8.5 for graphs. RESULTS: Bacterial strains belonging to various genera (Bacillus, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Erwinia and Stenotrophomonas) were isolated and identified. Total phenolic contents and total flavonoids contents varies among all the bacterial extracts respectively in which Bacillus subtilis showed high phenolic contents 243 µg/mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia showed high flavonoids contents 15.9 µg/mg quercitin equivalents (QA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) 37.6 µg/mg of extract, reducing power (RP) 206 µg/mg of extract and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity with 98.7 µg/mL IC50 value. Although all the extracts tested were active to inhibit growth of selected pathogenic microbes (bacteria and fungi), but significant antibacterial activity was observed against Klebsiella pneumonia and B. subtilis. An Enterobacter cloaca was active against Leishmania tropica with IC50 value of 1.4 µg/mg extracts. B. subtilis and Bacillus tequilensis correspondingly exhibit significant protein kinase inhibition of 47 ± 0.72 and 42 ± 1.21 mm bald zones, indicating anti-infective and antitumor potential. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that crude extracts of selected endophytic bacteria from F. indica possess excellent biological activities indicating their potential as an important source of antibiotics (antifungal, antibacterial) compounds.

GC-MS analysis of n-hexane extract of Fagonia indica Burm.f. with hypoglycaemic potential.

The present study was aimed at gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical investigation of n-hexane extract of the aerial parts of Fagonia indica to identify hypoglycaemic compounds. Also, to investigate this extract for lactase enzyme inhibition responsible for hypoglycaemic activity. Phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and lactase inhibition of n-hexane extract was performed by the standard methods. GC-MS analytical study identified 15 compounds in this extract. The maximum percentage of lactase enzyme inhibition of n-hexane extract was 26.21 ± 1.25% (IC50 value of 311.2 ± 16.09 µg/mL) at 100 µg/mL concentration. The standard acarbose showed lactase inhibition of 63.21 ± 0.92% (IC50 value of 32.51 ± 0.85 µg/mL) at the same concentration. n-Hexane extract can be a potential source in the management of diabetes due to the presence of biologically active hypoglycaemic compounds.

Insights into plastome of Fagonia indica Burm.f. (Zygophyllaceae): organization, annotation and phylogeny.

The enhanced understanding of chloroplast genomics would facilitate various biotechnology applications; however, the chloroplast (cp) genome / plastome characteristics of plants like Fagonia indica Burm.f. (family Zygophyllaceae), which have the capability to grow in extremely hot sand desert, have been rarely understood. The de novo genome sequence of F. indica using the Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology determined 128,379 bp long cp genome, encode 115 unique coding genes. The present study added the evidence of the loss of a copy of the IR in the cp genome of the taxa capable to grow in the hot sand desert. The maximum likelihood analysis revealed two distinct sub-clades i.e. Krameriaceae and Zygophyllaceae of the order Zygophyllales, nested within fabids.

Phytochemical characterization and bioactivity toward breast cancer cells of unhydrolyzed and acid-hydrolyzed extracts of Fagonia indica.

Phytochemicals from the genus, Fagonia, have been attracting increasing attention due to their potential beneficial effects on human health. Fagonia species contain various types of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, coumarins and tannins. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition of unhydrolyzed and acid-hydrolyzed extracts of Fagonia indica and their bioactivity toward breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro. The results revealed that F. indica contains phytochemicals consistent with the reported phytochemical composition of this Fagonia species, with greater amounts of aglycones detected in the hydrolyzed extract. The crude extract of F. indica without acid hydrolysis was found to be ineffective in inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 cells at doses below 1000 µg/mL. However, after acid hydrolysis (to mimic gastro-intestinal hydrolysis), the F. indica extract became growth-inhibitory to MCF-7 cells as low as 10 µg/mL and the cytotoxicity increased with increasing dose and time of treatment. The results suggest that F. indica extracts contain phytochemicals in glycosidic forms whose aglycones are active as anti-proliferative agents toward breast cancer cells in vitro.

Elemental Analysis of Medicinal Herb Fagonia indica Burm. f. and Its Rhizospheric Soil from Six Geographical Locations of South-eastern Sindh Province, Pakistan, During Spring and Summer Seasons.

This study hypothesized that seasons and geography may affect the elemental composition of Fagonia indica. The plant was sampled along with rhizospheric soil, from six hilly geographical sites of Sindh, during March (Spring) and July (Summer) and analyzed through ICP-OES. Among 20 elements detected, the elemental concentration of rhizospheric soil was significantly affected by geography rather than seasons. The rhizospheric soil elements, Fe, Mg, Hg, K, Mn, Na, Zn, Al, were hyper-concentrated, B, Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sr were moderately concentrated, and As, Cd, Ni, Rb, Ti, V were concentrated in trace levels. Contrarily, elements in Fagonia indica biomass were significantly affected by both seasons and geography. K, Na, Fe, Hg, Al, Mn, Sr, Cr, Ti, V were hyperaccumulated during summer, while Mg, Zn, As, Ba, Cd, and Cu accumulated higher during spring. PCA reveals that elements with high variances were homogenously distributed to all sites except Rohri during spring, while during summer most elements were accumulated at Johi, Dadu, Jamshoro, and Karachi. In conclusion, the plant accumulates high concentration of heavy metals during summer and higher concentration of essential nutrients during spring; therefore, its collection for oral use can be recommended during spring.

Precursor effects on the physical, biological, and catalytic properties of Fagonia indica Burm.f. mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles.

We report a facile, green and precursor-based comparative study on the biosynthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) using anticancerous Fagonia indica as effective chelating agent. Biosynthesis was carried out using zinc sulfate and zinc acetate as precursor salts to make ZnOS and ZnOA NPs under similar experimental conditions which were characterized extensively for physical and biological properties. Scherrer equation deduced a mean crystallite size of ~23.4 nm for ZnOA NPs and ~41 nm for ZnOS NPs. The nature of the NPs was compared using UV, diffuse reflectance spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis-DTA, selected area electron diffraction, EDS, zeta potential, high resolution (HR)-SEM, and HR-TEM. Detailed in vitro pharmacognostic activities revealed a significant therapeutic potential for ZnOA and ZnOS . Potential antimicrobial activities for the NPs and their nanocosmeceutical formulations are reported. ZnOA NPs were more cytotoxic to Leishmania tropica as compared to ZnOS . Significant antioxidant and protein kinase inhibition was obtained. The hemolytic assay indicated a hemocompatible nature of both ZnOA and ZnOS NPs. Catalytic degradation of crystal violet dye (CVD) by NPs was examined under different parameters (light, dark, UV). Furthermore, sonophotocatalytic degradation of CVD was also studied. Our results suggested that precursor can have a significant effect on the physical, biological, and catalytic properties of the NPs. In future, we recommend different other in vitro, in vivo biological activities, and mechanistic studies of these as-synthesized NPs.

Pharmacological evaluation of Euphorbia hirta, Fagonia indica and Capparis decidua in hypertension through in-vivo and in vitro-assays.

OBJECTIVE: This study determines the efficacy and probable underlying mode of action to the folk usage of Euphorbia hirta, Fagonia indica and Capparis decidua in hypertension. METHODS: The aqueous-methanol extracts of E. hirta (EH.Cr), F. indica (FI.Cr) and C. decidua (CD.Cr) were tested for antihypertensive effects in rats using non-invasive and in-vasive blood pressure measuring apparatus. In-vitro assays were carried out using isolated rat aortae using PowerLab station. RESULTS: EH.Cr, FI.Cr and CD.Cr at 500 mg/kg (orally) caused a fall in the mean systolic blood pressure in arsenic-induced hypertensive and normotensive rats, similar to nifedipine. In rat aortae, EH.Cr, CD.Cr and FI.Cr reversed low (20 mM), high (80 mM) K+ and phenylephrine (P.E)-driven contractions, while F. indica partially inhibited high K+ contractions. In the presence of TEA, F. indica remained unable to relax low K+ contractions. EH.Cr and CD.Cr moved Ca++ concentrations response curves to the right, like nifedipine. All fractions of EH.Cr and CD.Cr except aqueous, pet-ether and chloroform fractions of FI.Cr displayed Ca++ antagonistic activity. FI.Cr, its ethyl acetate and aqueous fraction exhibited TEA-sensitive potassium channel activation. On baseline tension, test materials also produced phentolamine-sensitive vasospasm. CONCLUSION: E. hirta, F. indica and C. decidua possess antihypertensive activity in arsenic-induced hypertensive rats possibly mediated via endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. In normotensive rats, E. hirta and C. decidua showed antihypertensive activities through endothelium-dependent and Ca++ antagonistic pathways, while F. indica exhibited potassium channel activation and Ca++ antagonistic like effects in its vasorelaxation. Additional weaker vasospastic effects were derived through α-adrenergic like pathways.

Iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles-triggered elicitation of important phenolic compounds in cell cultures of Fagonia indica.

The callus cultures of Fagonia indica could prove as factories for the production of important phytochemicals when triggered through different types of stress. In this study, we initiated callus cultures from healthy stem explants in the presence of iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Fe-ZnO-NPs). We performed experiments with the callus cultures of F. indica to determine the impact of Fe-ZnO-NPs in concentrations (15.62-250 µg/mL) on biomass accumulation, production of important phenolic and flavonoids, and antioxidative potential. Our results showed that maximum callus biomass [Fresh weight (FW) = 13.6 g and Dry weight (DW) = 0.58 ± 0.01] was produced on day 40 when the media was supplemented with 250 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Similarly, maximum total phenolic content (268.36 µg GAE/g of DW) was observed in 40 days old callus added with 125 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. Maximum total flavonoid content (78.56 µg QE/g of DW) was recorded in 20 days old callus grown in 62.5 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs containing media. Maximum total antioxidant capacity (390.74 µg AAE/g of DW) was recorded in 40 days old callus with 125 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs treated cultures, respectively. Similarly, the highest free radical scavenging activity (93.02%) was observed in callus derived from media having 15.62 µg/mL Fe-ZnO-NPs. The antioxidant potential was observed to have positive correlation with TPC (r = 0.44). HPLC analysis showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs produced compounds (e.g., Epigallocatechin gallate) that were either absent or in lesser quantities in the control group. These results showed that Fe-ZnO-NPs elicitors could increase the biomass and activate secondary metabolism in F. indica cells. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11240-021-02123-1.

Fagonia indica; A Review on Chemical Constituents, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Activities.

The family Zygophyllaceae has almost 22 genera and more than 250 species. Fagonia is an important genus of the family Zygophyllaceae. This genus comprises abundant species, which grows in different phytogeographical regions of the world. These species grow in different environmental conditions. Fagonia indica belongs to Zygophyllaceae. It is commonly known as Dhamasa, Dhamana, Sachi booti and Shoka'a and is found in deserts of Asia and Africa. The species of this family are of very high importance. This article is a review based on different studies regarding occurrence, phytochemistry, traditional uses, biochemical constituents and therapeutic uses of F. indica. The available literature review provided a base for this review. The presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, pectin and alkaloids was confirmed by different researchers. F. indica is a very important medicinal plant because it has different therapeutic and traditional uses such as antidiabetic, anticancer, anti leishmanial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects. Further in vitro and in vivo studies should be carried out to find the exact mechanisms of actions for better scientific evidence.

Comparative analysis of cp genome of Fagonia indica growing in desert and its implications in pattern of similarity and variations.

The chloroplasts genome encodes several key proteins that involves in the process of the photosynthesis and also in other metabolic processes important for growth and development, yield, biomass, and plant interactions with their environment. The present study aimed to sequencing of cp genome of Fagonia indica Burm.f (Zygophyllaceae), -a plant that occurs even in the hot desert condition of the inner zone of Rub' al-Khali (the Empty Quarter) of south-central Arabia, and its comparative analyses with the representative of the sequence of the different categories [viz. (a) with the other member of the family Zygophyllaceae, and with the representatives from: (b) different clade of the angiosperms, (c) flowering plants occurs in different major habitats, (d) different groups of plants, (e) different group of plants having range of biomass, (f) C3 and C4 plants, and (g) the representative from very common, rare and major high yielding crop of the world] to unravel the genetic pattern of similarity and variations. The comparison of F. indica genome in different categories showed strong evidence and further support for the conservative pattern of chloroplast genome, the coding and non-coding region remains conserved even in phylogenetically distant eukaryotic clades, and might not have the sole roles in organism's yield, rarity or abundance and biomass, and in encountering the stress. Nevertheless, the result could be useful for molecular phylogenetic and molecular ecological and molecular mechanism of photosynthesis.

Synergistic effects of melatonin and distinct spectral lights for enhanced production of anti-cancerous compounds in callus cultures of Fagonia indica.

Fagonia indica is one of the commercially vital medicinal plant species. It is well-known for biosynthesis of anticancer phenolics and flavonoids metabolites. The plant has been exploited for in vitro studies and production of vital phytochemicals, however, the synergistic effects of melatonin and lights remains to be investigated. In current study, we have evaluated the synergistic effects of melatonin and different light emitting diodes (LEDs) in callus cultures of F. indica. Both, light and melatonin play vital role in physiological and biochemical processes of plant cell. The highest Fresh weight (FW: 320 g/L) and Dry weight (DW: 20 g/L) was recorded in cultures under white LEDs. Optimum total phenolics content (11.3 µg GAE/mg), total flavonoids content (4.02 µg QAE/mg) and Free radical scavenging activity (97%) was found in cultures grown under white LED and melatonin. Furthermore, cultures maintained under white light were also found with highest levels of phenolic and flavonoids production (total phenolic production; 226.9 µg GAE/mg, Total flavonoid production; 81 µg QAE/mg) than other LED-grown cultures. However, the antioxidant enzymes; Superoxide dismutase (SOD: 0.53 nM/min/mg FW) and Peroxidase (POD:1.18 nM/min/mg FW) were found optimum in cultures grown under blue LED. The HPLC data showed that enhanced total production of metabolites was recorded in cultures under white LED (6.765 µg/mg DW) than other lights and control. The findings of this study comprehend the role of melatonin and influence of light quality on biomass accumulation and production of phytochemicals in callus cultures of F. indica.

Complete chloroplast genome of the hot desert herb Fagonia indica (Zygophyllaceae) from south-central Arabia.

The complete chloroplast genome sequences of the hot desert herb Fagonia indica (Zygophyllaceae) is being reported in this study. The total plastome length was 128,379 bp (GC content 34.02%). The gene order in F. indica was found similar to the angiosperm except for the loss of one copy of the IR and by the presence of a single, large inversion that reverses the order of the genes between rbcL and rps16. A total number of 115 unique coding genes which includes 80 protein-coding gene, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes were annotated. The phylogenetic analysis of representative plastomes from the Roisds revealed two distinct clades of Krameriaceae and Zygophyllaceae.

Effect of Aloe vera gel coating enriched with Fagonia indica plant extract on physicochemical and antioxidant activity of sapodilla fruit during postharvest storage.

The effect of Aloe vera (AV) gel (at 50% or 100%) alone or enriched with Fagonia indica (FI) plant extract at 1% on physiological and biochemical responses of sapodilla fruit were studied during storage at 20 °C for 12 days. Sapodilla fruit treated with AV 100% and FI 1% significantly reduced weight loss, decay incidence, soluble solids concentration, and kept a high level of firmness and titratable acidity compared to the untreated fruit. FI 1% added to AV 50% or AV 100% efficiently maintained higher ascorbic acid, total flavonoids, total phenolics and radical scavenging activity of sapodilla fruit. The panelists did not detect any negative effect of AV gel and FI plant extract on the sensory attributes of sapodilla fruit. Therefore, the addition of FI plant extract to AV gel coating could be a promising approach to prolong the shelf life and preserve the quality of sapodilla fruit during storage.

Isolation and characterization of non-sulfated and sulfated triterpenoid saponins from Fagonia indica.

Seven previously undescribed, sulfated triterpenoid glycosides, named nayabin A-G along with a known triterpenoid glycoside were isolated from the whole plant of Fagonia indica. Their structures were elucidated through spectral studies including 1D- (1H and 13C), 2D-NMR spectroscopy (HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY), and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). ß-D-Glucopyranosyl 3ß-hydroxy-23-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy-taraxast-20-en-28-oate, a known compound exerts glucose-dependent insulin secretory activity, which seems to exhibit a decreased risk of drug-induced hypoglycemia and may offer distinct advantages as anti-diabetic agent.

Preparation and characterization of a green nano-support for the covalent immobilization of glucoamylase from Neurospora sitophila.

The preparation of green nano supports for the covalent immobilization of enzymes is of special interest both from the economic and environmental point of view. In this contribution, we report on the synthesis of phytochemicals coated silver nanoparticles, which were used as a novel green support for the covalent immobilization of glucoamylase isolated from Neurospora sitophila. The aqueous extract of Fagonia indica was used as a source of reducing and capping agents for the reduction of silver ions into silver nanoparticles. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques. UV-visible spectroscopy was used to detect the characteristic surface plasmon resonance bands (426, 438nm) of the silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were mostly spherical in shapes with an average particle size of 30-40nm (TEM and DLS measurements). X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray studies confirmed the face centered cubic crystalline form and elemental composition of the biogenic silver nanoparticles respectively. FTIR study revealed that plant polyphenolics and protein were mainly involved in the reduction and capping of silver ions. Glucoamylase from Neurospora sitophila was covalently immobilized to these nanoparticles via EDC (1-(3-(dimethylamino) propyl) 3-ethylcarbodiimidehydrochloride) coupling reaction. The immobilized enzyme exhibited higher pH and thermal stabilities as compared to the free enzyme. The kinetic constant (KM) value for the immobilized glucoamylase was higher (0.73mg/mL) than its free counterpart (0.44mg/mL), whereas the Vmax value was slightly higher for the immobilized glucoamylase. The findings of this study conclude that the newly developed green method for the synthesis of green nano-support is simple, cost effective and could be successfully used for the immobilization of various enzymes and other macromolecules.

Hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Fagonia indica Burm in carbon tetra chloride induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats

Objective: To investigate hepatoprotective activity of the methanolic extract of Fagonia indica Burm. on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Animals in Group 1 served as vehicle control, Group 2 served as hepatotoxin (CCl4 2ml/kg, s.c) treated group, Group 3 served as standard (Silymarin 50mg/kg, p.o.) treated group. Group4 and 5 served as methanolic extract of Fagonia indica (MEFI) in different doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w., p.o).The degree of protection was determined by measuring levels of biochemical marker like SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Bilirubin (Total & Direct) and Cholesterol. The histopathological studies also show the hepatic protection of the test extracts. Results: The levels of the biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin and Cholesterol were significantly increased in CCl4 treated rats when compared with the normal group (P<0.05), but the MEFI (400 mg/kg, bw) treated rats showed maximum reduction of SGOT (114.83±1.51), SGPT (164.33±1.25), ALP (154.83±1.53), Total bilirubin (1.55±0.01), Direct bilirubin (0.65±0.009) and Cholesterol (193.00±1.06) in a significant manner. Histopathological studies also reveal the hepatoprotection property of MEFI in a dose dependent manner. Conclusions: These results suggest that MEFI in different doses showed significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity and this might be due to the presence of flavonoids and tannins. Further research is sought to explore the exact mechanism of action and phytoconstituents responsible for the pharmacological response.