Evaluation of Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Stevia rebaudiana

Background: Stevia rebaudiana is a shrub-like plant that belongs to the sunflower family and is commonly referred as stevia.It is 1000 times sweeter than sugar even at a very low concentration. Xanthine oxidase is an enzyme that generates oxygen species and catalyzes the production of uric acid from purine metabolism.Overproduction of uric acid results in a clinical condition called gout. The aim of this study is to explore the phytochemicals, antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of methanolic leaf extract of stevia rebaudiana. Methods: Methanolic leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana was prepared by the Hot Percolation method. Phytochemical screening was done to analyse the presence of various phytochemicals. The leaf extract was tested for its antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory potentials. The data were analyzed statistically by a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test was used to see the statistical significance among the groups. The results with the p<0.05 level were considered to be statistically significant. Results: It was observed that the methanolic leaf extract of Stevia rebaudiana has significant antioxidant potential (Ic50 of = 310 μg/ml) as well as xanthine oxidase inhibitory potentials(Ic50 of = 270 μg/ml) and the activity increased in a dose dependent manner as compared to that of standard (Vitamin C and Allopurinol respectively). Conclusion: The study proves the antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory efficacy of Stevia rebaudiana and throws light on the prospects of drug formation against oxidant activity and gout formation.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Protease-inhibitory Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg)

Introduction: Myristica fragrans is an important commercial plant used for spices. The plant has been traditionally used as an anticancer, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative hypnotics and antimicrobial agent. Plants have played an important role in maintaining human health & improving the quality of human life for thousands of years and have served humans well as valuable components of medicines. Methods: Ethanolic extract of myristica fragrans was obtained by hot percolation method. Preliminary Phytochemical screening of the extract was done .Antioxidant and anti inflammatory potential of ethanolic extract of myristica fragrans was analysed. The data were analysed statistically using two – way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s multiple range test to assess the significance of individual variations between the groups. In Tukey’s test, significance was considered at the level of p<0.05. Results: Ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg) was rich in the phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and saponins. IC50 of antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans was found to be 300 µg/ml. IC50 of anti-inflammatory potential of the ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans was found to be 360 µg/ml. Conclusion: From the study, it was evident that the ethanolic extract of myristica fragrans has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. In future, the extract can be validated as a drug formulation.

Soybean Oil Enriched with Antioxidants Extracted from Watermelon (Citrullus colocynthis) Skin Sap and Coated in Hydrogel Beads via Ionotropic Gelation

Many plants and fruits are rich in antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds, such as phenolic compounds. Watermelon is one example, as various parts of the fruit present interesting phytochemical profiles. This study demonstrates that a natural C. colocynthis (watermelon) (W) skin sap (SS) extract can effectively improve the oxidative stability of microencapsulated soybean (SB) oil. By employing a combination of alginate–xanthan gums (AXG) in a matrix hydrogel bead model with WSS extract, high encapsulation efficiency can be obtained (86%). The effects of process variables on the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of phenolic compounds from watermelon (W) skin sap (SS) using the response surface methodology (RSM), as an optimized and efficient extraction process, are compared with the effects of a conventional extraction method, namely the percolation method. The WSS extracts are obtained via UAE and RSM or the conventional percolation extraction method. The two obtained extracts and synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytolune (BHT) are added to SB oil separately and their antioxidant effects are tested and compared. The results show the improved oxidative stability of SB oil containing the extract obtained via the optimized method (20–30%) compared to the SB oil samples containing extract obtained via the percolation extraction method, synthetic antioxidant (BHT), and SB oil only as the control (no antioxidant added). According to existing studies, we assume that the use of WSS as an effective antioxidant will ensure the prolonged stability of encapsulated SB oil in hydrogel beads, as it is well known that extended storage under different conditions may lead to severe lipid oxidation.

TECHNOLOGY FOR PRODUCING LIQUID EXTRACT FROM THE PLANTS OF RHUS (RHUS TYPHINA L)

В данной статье предусмотрен технология получения жидкого экстракта из растений сумаха пушистого (rhus typhina l.). Для получения жидкого экстракта в качестве экстрагента использовали 70% этиловый спирт. В качестве эффективного и оптимального метода был использован метод перколяции. This article provides a technology for producing a liquid extract from the plants of rhus (rhus typhina l). To obtain a liquid extract, 70% ethyl alcohol was used as an extractant. The percolation method was used as an effective and optimal method.

STUDYING SEDATIVE ACTIVITY OF COMBINED TINCTURE OF MOTHERWORT AND ST JOHN'S-WORT

The paper presents studying sedative activity of the combined tincture of motherwort and St. John's wort. The combined tincture of motherwort and St. John's wort was obtained by percolation method in a ratio 1:10. Standardization of the obtained tincture was carried out with quality indicators: description, content of active ingredients and ethanol, relative density, dry residue. According to all quality indicators, the tincture obtained met the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Belarus. Specific sedative activity of the combined tincture of motherwort and St. John's wort was assessed by barbiturates hypnotic effect prolongation (sodium thiopental), by the rate of falling asleep in animals and by animals staying in lateral position in relation to the control group to which sodium thiopental was injected. In the studies carried out it was found that injection of the combined tincture of motherwort and St. John's wort at a dose of 0,1 ml / kg increases sleep by 125,63% and also accelerates the process of falling asleep by 327,75% compared with the separate injection of motherwort and St. John's wort tincture at doses of 0,1 ml/kg. It was shown that the injection of the combined tincture of motherwort and St. John's wort at a dose of 0,1 ml/kg exhibits a potentiated effect and enhances the hypnotic effect of sodium thiopental administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg.

The Hepatoprotective Effects of Basil Leaf (Ocimum sanctum L.) Extract on Paracetamol Induced Liver Damage in Male Rat

Basil leaf have antioxidants such as flavonoids, so it is thought to have a hepatoprotective effect. This study aims to investigate the effect of basil leaf extract on SGOT and SGPT levels in male rats induced by paracetamol. Basil leaf extract was carried out by the percolation method using ethyl acetate solvent, Some 20 male sprague dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Basil leaf extract (400 mg/kgBB and 600 mg/kgBB) and sylimarin (100 mg/kgBB) were carried out every day for 28 days, paracetamol was induced 24 hours after giving the last day of basil leaf extract. The parameters measured were SGOT and SGPT level to assess the effect of basil leaf extract on liver damage caused by paracetamol. The results showed that basil leaf extract (400 mg/kgBB dan 600 mg/kgBB) showed that the activities of SGOT and SGPT levels were statistically significant (p<0,05) to negative control. Basil leaf extract shows the effect of hepatoprotector on liver induced by paracetamol, however the effect given was not able to equate with positive control.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LEAF EXTRACTS OF NYCTANTHES ARBOR-TRISTIS

The present study highlights preliminary phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. Plants produce a wide range of bioactive molecules which make them as a rich source of various types of medicines. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is one of the well-known medicinal herbs of Indian origin belonging to family Oleaceae, commonly known as night Jasmine. The leaf extract is taken by percolation method. Various bioactive primary and secondary metabolites were tested using colour reactions with specific reagents. The study reveals that it contains some bioactive compounds which indicate that this plant might be used as anti-malarial, anti-viral and antidiabetic.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF LEAVES OF AVERRHOEA CARAMBOLA IN EXPERIMENTALANIMAL MODELS

To evaluate the anti-inammatory activity of the Ethanolic Extracts of leaves of Averrhoea carambola (EEAC) on experimental animal models. Materials and Methods:The ethanolic extract of Averrhoea carambola leaves was prepared by percolation method using 95% ethanol. For each of the studies four groups of albino ratsof either sex, weighing 100-150g were taken (n = 5). Group A was taken as control, group B and C as test groups, group D as standard. Acute oral toxicity test of the extract was performed as per OECD 425 (OECD Guidelines, 2001). Acute inammation was studied by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method and chronic inammation was studied by Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis method. Aspirin 100 mg/kg was taken as a standard drug. Results: The results were analysed by ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. EEAC at the doses of 200mg/kg and 400 mg/kgshowed signicant (p< 0.01) anti-inammatory activity in carrageenan induced acute inammation when compared to the control. EEAC was also effective in chronic arthritis model in dose-dependent manner. Conclusion:The present study indicates that EEAC has signicant anti-inammatory activity against both acute and chronic inammation.

Aggregate stability of cultivated vineyard soils with high rock fragment content in the Mosel area, Germany

&lt;p&gt;Within the European project Diverfarming (Horizon 2020, no 728003), which investigates crop diversification and low-input farming across Europe, we study the aggregate stability variability of soils with high rock fragment content on steep sloping vineyards in the upper Saar valley of the Mosel area (Wawern, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In the framework of the case study researched by Trier University and their partners, aromatic herbs (Oregano and Thyme) are planted in rows underneath the grapevines to minimize soil erosion, suppress unwanted weeds and to be harvested for further use. Additionally, this cultivation affects different soil characteristics such as aggregate stability.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;We analyse the aggregate stability using and comparing three different methods:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;wet sieving which is executed in two different ways &amp;#8211; slaked and rewetted treatment,&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;percolation method and&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;single drop technique.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;Aim of the study is to understand the effect of soil treatments underneath the grapevines, and to identify the method(s) being able to quantify the differences best.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Regarding the different methods, first results indicate that the quantified aggregate stabilities of each method are comparable. With this, we could identify differences between uncultivated rows (control areas), and the rows intercropped with aromatic herbs. In the latter ones, the aggregate stability underneath the grapevines is affected positively. Furthermore, there is a clear difference between slaked and rewetted treatment within the wet sieving method, where less stable aggregates are isolated.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The results indicate that the accomplished management (vine intercropped with Oregano and Thyme) improves the aggregate stability and therefore it improves the soil quality in general.&lt;/p&gt;