Brine Shrimp Toxicity of Leaf and Seed Extracts of Cassia alata Linn. 
 and Their Antibacterial Potency

This study focuses on antibacterial, antioxidant and toxic potentials of Viscum album Linn, commonly known as European mistletoe associated with Acacia catechu (Khayer in Nepali). Methanol extract of the aerial parts of the Mistletoe was prepared by cold percolation method. The resulting extract was simultaneously subjected to phytochemical screening; anti-microbial activity; anti-oxidant potential and Brine shrimp toxicity test. The major biologically active phyto-constituents observed were alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. Upon antibacterial activity screening, the plant extract was found to be highly effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the zone of inhibition 16±1mm compared to 17±1mm of chloramphenicol (50 mcg). The antioxidant activity as EC50 value by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity was found to be 1.58 mg/ml while the ferric reducing capacity was measured to be 282.83±19.55 mg FeSO4.7H2O eqvt/g dry wt. of the extract during Ferric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) Assay. The LC50 value for Brine Shrimp Toxicity Assay was found to be 31.62 ppm. This study shows the medicinal value of the mistletoe associated with Acacia catechu. Further meticulous analysis of this plant might lead to identification of active biomolecules effective as drugs for various ailmentsNepal Journal of Biotechnology. Dec. 2015 Vol. 3, No. 1: 60-65

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Screening of Plants Used as Traditional Anticancer Remedies in Mkuranga and Same Districts, Tanzania, Using Brine Shrimp Toxicity Bioassay

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/3034612 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Daniel Z. Matata ◽

Olipa D. Ngassapa ◽

Francis Machumi ◽

Mainen J. Moshi

Keyword(s):

Plant Species ◽

Brine Shrimp ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Literature Search ◽

Strong Support ◽

Preliminary Evaluation ◽

Contributing Factors ◽

Anticancer Compounds ◽

Care Services ◽

Brine Shrimp Toxicity

Background.Inadequate specialized cancer hospitals and high costs are contributing factors that delay cancer patients from accessing health care services in Tanzania. Consequently, majority of patients are first seen by Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) before they access specialized services. This study presents ethnomedical information and preliminary evaluation of 25 plant species claimed by THPs in Mkuranga and Same districts of Tanzania on use for treatment of cancer. Literature search and laboratory investigation results are presented to support evaluation.Methods. This study was a single disease ethnomedical enquiry focusing on plants being used for cancer treatment.Face-to-face interviews and questionnaires were administered toeight (8) THPsin Mkuranga and Same districts on the claimed plants and their use for management of cancer. Plants were selected based on being frequently mentioned and emphasis given by THPs. Literature search and brine shrimp toxicity (BST) of methanol : dichloromethane (1:1) extracts was used as surrogates to evaluate strength of the claims.Results.This study reports 25 plant species used by the THPs in two districts of Tanzania. Eight plants (32%) have been reported in the literature to have activity against cancer cells. BST results revealed, 14 (56%) plants exhibited high toxicity against brine shrimps. The most active plants includedCroton pseudopulchellusPax (LC504.2μg/ml),Dalbergia melanoxylonGuill. & Perr. (LC506.8μg/ml),Loranthus micranthusLinn (LC504.0μg/ml),Ochna mossambicensisKlotzsch (LC503.3μg/ml), andSpirostachys africanaSond. (LC504.4μg/ml); their toxicity was comparable to that ofCatharanthus roseus(L) G. Don. (LC506.7μg/ml), an established source of anticancer compounds. Nine other plants had LC50values between (19.8 and 71.6)μg/ml, indicating also potential to yield anticancer.Conclusion.Literature search and BST results provide a strong support of the potential of the claimed plants to yield active anticancer compounds.

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