EXTRACTION, ISOLATION, CHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION AND IN VITRO UROLITHIATIC ACTIVITY OF PIPERINE FROM PIPER NIGRUM

Piper nigrum is belongs to the family Piperaceae. The aim of the present study was to extract, isolate and investigate in vitro urolithiatic activity of alkaloid (piperine) from black pepper and identification by chemical reagents. In vitro urolithiatic evaluation of piperine was performed by percentage dissolution and turbidity methods. Calcium oxalate crystals were synthetically prepared and packed in a semipermeable membrane in both methods. Results were compared statistically and it showed significant P​

Iron Oxalate Humboldtine Crystallization by Fungus Aspergillus niger

Microfungi were able to alternate solid substrate in various environments and play a noticeable role in the formation of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in subaerial biofilms on rock surfaces. The present work describes how iron oxalate dihydrate humboldtine is acquired under the influence of the acid-producing microscopic fungus Aspergillus niger on the surface of two iron- bearing mineral substrates in vitro. Pyrrhotite and siderite rocks, as well as the products of their alteration, were investigated using a complex of analytical methods, including powder X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and EDX spectroscopy. The effect of the underlying rocks with different composition and solubility and different oxidation states of iron on Fe-oxalate crystallization and on the morphology of humboldtine crystals was shown. The mechanisms of humboldtine formation were discussed. The results obtained in vitro seem promising for using fungi in bioleaching iron and other metals from processed ores and for the development of environmentally friendly biotechnologies.

Micromorphological and Pharmacognostic Studies of Leaf and Stem of Solenostemon monostachyus P. Beauv (Lamiaceae)

Solenostemon monostachyus P. Beauv (Lamiaceae), it’s ethnomedical uses include anti-plasmodial, anti-pyretic, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities. The aim of this study was to employ the quality control parameters in the evaluation of the leaf and stem of Solenostemon monostachyus to aid in the identification and standardization of the medicinal plant. The plant leaves and stems were collected, identified, air-dried, pulverized and stored in separate glass containers. Standard procedures were employed to obtain the microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, fluorescence properties, moisture contents, ash values and soluble extractive values. The results of the microscopic studies using fresh and powdered leaf samples revealed the presence of diacytic stomata on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces (amphistomatic), with stomatal index of 27.9% and 14.8% respectively. The result of the micromeritics properties of the powdered leaf and stem samples showed angles of repose of 38.0o and 46.0o, Carr’s index of 23.7% and 32.5% and Hausner’s ratios of 1.3 and 1.5 respectively. Results for the moisture content, total, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 11.7%w/w, 13.7%w/w, 1.8%w/w and 9.4%w/w for the leaf and 13.3%w/w, 17.3%w/w, 1.8%w/w and 9.2%w/w for the stem respectively. Extractive values for water-soluble, methanol-soluble and ethanol-soluble were 26.5%w/w, 32.3%w/w, 14.5%w/w and 15.5%w/w, 15.8%w/w and 14.5%w/w for the leaf and stem respectively. Chemomicroscopy indicated the presence of lignin, calcium oxalate crystals and protein in the leaf and stem. The results obtained therefore could be used to establish pharmacopoeial standard for the fresh and powdered drug products of Solenostemon monostachyus, thus preventing adulteration.

Microscopic features and phytochemistry of two Congolese medicinal plants: Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridley) K. Schum, and Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K. Schum. (Zingiberaceae).

The leaves and seeds of Aframomum alboviolaceum and Aframomum angustifolium are specifically used by traditional healers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the treatment of several pathologies. The aim of present study was to determine the microscopic characteristics and phytochemical composition of these species of the genus Aframomum. The microscopic study of these plants revealed the presence of punctate vessels, fiber cluster with calcium oxalate crystals, isolated unicellular hair, fibers, starch grains, spiral vessel fragments, fiber fragments, and indistinct parenchyma fragments. Phytochemical screening revealed several chemical groups such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, terpenes, iridoids, saponins etc. The determination of total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins gave contents ranging from 14.95 ± 0.45 and 63.98 ± 2.04 mgGAE/g, 0.16 ± 0.01 and 10.68 ± 0.32 mgQE/g and between 1.28 ± 0.03 and 28.51 ± 0.56 mg CAE/g respectively. In general, the leaves are richer in secondary metabolites, polyphenols, flavonoids and tannin than the seeds. Both plants also contain iron, magnesium, calcium and sodium. To our knowledge, this is the first time that histological elements have been identified in the leaves and seeds of A. angustifolium.

Primary meningococcal septic arthritis associated with joint calcium oxalate crystals: A case report and review of the literature

ABSTRACT Primary meningococcal septic arthritis (PMSA) is an extremely rare local infection by Neisseria meningitidis in the absence of meningitis or meningococcaemia syndrome. A 30-year-old healthy, immunocompetent man presented with arthralgia, fever, chest rash, and significant swelling of the right knee. On admission, a disseminated maculopapular and purpuric rash, oligoarthritis, neutrophilia, and elevated acute phase reactants were documented. Following arthrocentesis of the right knee, isolation of N. meningitidis and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the synovial fluid were reported. The diagnosis of PMSA was made. Histological analysis of the skin lesion showed leucocytoclastic vasculitis. He was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone plus open surgical drainage and ambulatory cefixime with adequate response. After 1 month, he presented resolution of the pathological process. We performed an extensive review of the literature, finding that the key elements supporting the diagnosis of PMSA are prodromal upper respiratory tract symptoms and skin involvement prior to or synchronous with the arthritis. Also, the most frequently involved joint is the knee. This report is the first case of a patient presenting with PMSA associated with calcium oxalate crystals in the synovial fluid. Herein, we discuss the most frequent clinical manifestations, the unusual histological features, the recommended treatment, and the reported prognosis of this rare entity.

Effect of Dolichos biflorus Seeds Based Functional Beverage on In Vitro Calcium Oxalate Crystallization in Human Urine

Calcium oxalate is the most common type of urolithiasis. The crystallization process includes nucleation, growth, and the aggregation of crystals. This study has used Dolichos biflorus seeds as a functional beverage to explore the role of its bioactive substances on the crystallization process of calcium oxalate in managing urolithiasis. A human urine model of in vitro calcium oxalate crystals was used in the study. Phytochemical screening of Functional beverage of Dolichos biflorus seeds was performed, and antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring DPPH radical-scavenging activity, reducing power assay, and Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Functional beverage of Dolichos biflorus seeds inhibited crystallization process by reducing aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals. The reduction in crystals aggregation helps prevent urolithiasis by keeping the crystals dispersed in the urine, controlling their size, and facilitating expulsion from the urinary tract. The results showed that the Functional beverage of Dolichos biflorus seeds has a significant quantity of flavonoids, glycosides, etc., and also possesses a significant antioxidant activity as evaluated by employing different antioxidant assays. Therefore, our findings suggested that the functional beverage of Dolichos biflorus seeds exhibited antiurolithiatic activity through inhibition of the crystallization process of the calcium oxalate process and significant antioxidant potential.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON LEAF OF COMBRETUM INDICUM (L.)

Combretum indicum (L.) is an extra-pharmacopeial drug with an abundance of medicinal properties. Throughout the world, different Parts of Combretum indicum (L.) is used in curing many ailments by folklore healers. In India, the drug Combretum indicum (L.) is commonly known by the name MadhuMalathi and used by the folklore healers of different areas. Especially the use of Combretum indicum (L.) is seen among the folklore Practitioners of Dakshina Kannada District in curing ailments including paediatric conditions. Thus, it is very important to explore the identity of this drug by the proper Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical analysis. Hence, the present study was aimed at Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical study on Leaf of Combretum indicum (L.). The transverse section of the midrib of the leaf shows the presence of the endodermal layer; which is single-layered, surrounds by a vascular bundle and packed with starch grains. Endodermis covers the vascular bundle and contains several starch grains. The powder microscopy shows the presence of glandular trichome, calcium oxalate crystals etc. The percentage of extractive value was maximum in methanol which was 7.18%, Preliminary phytochemical study showed the presence of Proteins, Carbohydrates, Tannins, Steroids, Alkaloids, Triterpenoids, Starch, Resin and Phenols. The total ash attained was 7.84% and the water-soluble ash was 3.4%.