In Silico Anti- HIV Analysis of FTIR identified Bioactive compounds present in Vitex altissima L and Vitex leucoxylon L

The knowledge of the traditional plants in India is a collection over millennia by our ancient people. The Siddha System of Medicine (Traditional Tamil System of medicine) is the foremost of all other medical systems in the world which provide service to the humanity for more than 5000 years in combating diseases and also in maintaining its physical, mental and moral health. Vitex species were used in siddha for its anti- viral activity for several years. However, the present study deals with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus because of its complexity and killing effects. FTIR analysis of Vitex altissima L and Vitex leucoxylon L revealed the presence of 21 and 17 bioactive compounds respectively. These compounds were analysed further for its binding affinity mechanism against one of the virulence causing protein, reverse transcriptase (target protein) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by using molecular docking and bioinformatics tools. Interaction rate was determined between bioactive compounds against the protein target based on binding free energy requirements. Molecular docking was also made to the commercially available drugs (Zidovudine, Stavudine, and Nevirapine) against the target protein. By comparing the results between bioactive compounds in the Vitex species and the commercially available drugs, it was clear that the bioactive compounds were much more effective than the commercially available drugs, thereby suitable for the treatment of AIDS. Hence, this study will form the basis for promoting therapeutic lead molecules from the traditional plants which restore the tradition and also eliminates the harmful side effects.

Vitex Species: Review on Phytochemistry and Pouch Design for Nutritional Benefits

Vitex trifolia or locally known as lemuni, is well documented for its medicinal properties including anticancer, antibacterial and wound healing. For years, the leaves and flowers were consumed for anti-aging and general well-being. It is also commonly served as nutraceuticals to post-partum women during their confinement period. Previous study showed that V. trifolia possesses high antioxidant properties that could prevent oxidative stress related diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes and many more. From the literature, V. trifolia leaves are used as poultice for rheumatic pains, sprains, antithelmintics and inflammations. Meanwhile, the fruits are utilised in amenorrhea. The roots, on the other hand, are used for the treatment of cough and fever. The plant is known to possess pharmacologically-active constituents such as the essential oil, halimane-type diterpenes, flavonoids, triterpenes, lignans, iridoids and ecdysteroids. Review papers were consistently published to justify the non-exhaustive biological exploration of this genus. Nevertheless, only 11 per cent of the total Vitex species were phytochemically examined. Apart from being eaten raw or blanched, Vitex is also taken as a food colourant in preparing lemuni rice. The process of making lemuni rice is quite tedious. First, the leaves and flowers are picked and washed. Both parts are then ground with water and sieved to give a bluish extract which is then mixed with rice and boiled to cook. Hence, the Vitex pouch is introduced to provide an easy way to prepare lemuni rice. This packaging is designed to enclose Vitex samples in a pouch that simply can be placed together with rice and boiled to cook. Such instant preparation will hopefully promote the consumption of lemuni rice among busy locals. Future plans include international marketing and production of other Vitex nutritional products.

Vitex Species: Review on Phytochemistry and Pouch Design for Nutritional Benefits

Vitex trifolia or locally known as lemuni, is well documented for its medicinal properties including anticancer, antibacterial and wound healing. For years, the leaves and flowers were consumed for anti-aging and general well-being. It is also commonly served as nutraceuticals to post-partum women during their confinement period. Previous study showed that V. trifolia possesses high antioxidant properties that could prevent oxidative stress related diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, diabetes and many more. From the literature, V. trifolia leaves are used as poultice for rheumatic pains, sprains, antithelmintics and inflammations. Meanwhile, the fruits are utilised in amenorrhea. The roots, on the other hand, are used for the treatment of cough and fever. The plant is known to possess pharmacologically-active constituents such as the essential oil, halimane-type diterpenes, flavonoids, triterpenes, lignans, iridoids and ecdysteroids. Review papers were consistently published to justify the non-exhaustive biological exploration of this genus. Nevertheless, only 11 per cent of the total Vitex species were phytochemically examined. Apart from being eaten raw or blanched, Vitex is also taken as a food colourant in preparing lemuni rice. The process of making lemuni rice is quite tedious. First, the leaves and flowers are picked and washed. Both parts are then ground with water and sieved to give a bluish extract which is then mixed with rice and boiled to cook. Hence, the Vitex pouch is introduced to provide an easy way to prepare lemuni rice. This packaging is designed to enclose Vitex samples in a pouch that simply can be placed together with rice and boiled to cook. Such instant preparation will hopefully promote the consumption of lemuni rice among busy locals. Future plans include international marketing and production of other Vitex nutritional products.

A validated high performance liquid chromatography method for determination of three bioactive compounds p-hydroxy benzoic acid, negundoside and agnuside in Vitex species

A validated rapid and simple isocratic HPLC-PDA method was developed for identification and quantification of p- hydroxy benzoic acid and two iridoids negundoside and agnuside in the extracts of two Vitex species, Vitex negundo and Vitex trifolia. The separation of the three compounds was achieved on a RP-18 (250 mm X 4 mm, 5µm) column at 25o C using acetonitrile (15%) and 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water (85%). Limit of detection (LOD) were 1, 2.5 and 2.5 μg/ml for p- hydroxy benzoic acid, negundoside and agnuside respectively. Similarly, limit of quantification (LOQ) were 2.5, 5 and 5 μg/ml for p- hydroxy benzoic acid, negundoside and agnuside respectively. Good linearity (r2 > 0.999) was observed for all the three compounds in wide concentration range. Using the developed HPLC method, the three compounds were identified and quantified in leaves and bark extracts of Vitex negundo and Vitex trifolia. The novelty of the developed HPLC method is that it does not require complex sample processing such as use of solid phase extraction as well as use of buffer in mobile phase. This is the first report of a validated HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of p- hydroxy benzoic acid, negundoside and agnuside in Vitex species.