In-Vivo Neuropharmacological and Anti-Nutrient Study of Methanolic Extract of Lemna Minor

Medicinal plants constitute an important natural wealth of a country. They play a significant role in providing primary health care services to rural people. They serve as therapeutic agents as well as important raw materials for the manufacture of traditional and modern medicine. Lemna minor, the common duckweed is an aquatic freshwater aquatic plant of the genus Lemna. They belong to the family of Lemnaceae, which is monophyletic to the Araceae family. The study assesses In-vivo Neuropharmacological and Anti Nutrient Study of methanolic extract of Lemna minor. The plants were collected from Chandpur were extracted in methanol solvents using soxhlet apparatus. Chemical tests to identify different anti nutrients, total phenolic and flavonids were carried out using specific reagents. Several test such as open field test, hole cross test, hole board test and phenobarbital induced sleeping time test are performed to check possible neurological activity.The study of anti-nutrient properties showed a very high amount of tannin (5.625gm/kg) but a low amount of phytic acid (0.03gm/kg) & alkaloids (0.526gm/kg) comparison with standard value. Total phenolic (19.22 GAE/g dry weight) and flavonoids (7.68 QE/g dry weight) content determine that Lemna minor have a very good amount of phenolic and flavanoids content and which may act as good anti-oxidant. In the study of in-vivo neurological activity the efficacy of Lemna minorextract was compared with standard anxiolytic drug diazepam (1 mg/kg b.w.) showed limited sedation as well as anxiolytic properties in mice. The present study of in-vivo & anti-nutrient is biological evaluation of this plant forms a primary platform for further phytochemical, anti-nutrient & pharmacological studies.

Assessment of Moringa oleifera Seeds as a Natural Coagulant in Treating Low Turbid Water

This research examined the coagulating potential of Moringa oleifera seeds in treating low turbid water. The active ingredient of the seeds was extracted using Soxhlet Apparatus with hexane as the solvent, after which the coagulant was dosed from 0.03g/L to 0.4g/L and used to treat a water sample with a low Turbidity of 18.4NTU, yielding an optimum value of 4.90NTU, an optimum dose of 0.03g/L and a turbidity reduction of 100% when compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standard which is 5NTU. The study affirms Moringa oleifera as an effective natural coagulant in low turbid water treatment and it is recommended for household water treatments. Keywords— Hexane, Low turbid water, Moringa oleifera, Natural coagulant, Soxhlet apparatus

Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) Seed and Leaf Oils

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Commonly known as fennel has been used in traditional medicinal plant belonging to Apiaceae. The aim of this study was to examine quality and biological activities of fennel seed and leaf oils. The oil extraction was done in Soxhlet apparatus using hexane as a solvent. The result for physicochemical properties presented significantly higher oil yield (4.39%) and peroxide value (3.90) was observed for seed oil. Significantly higher antioxidant activities with respect to DPPH (24.45±3.74) and hydrogen peroxide (62.70±0.28) free radical scavenging activities for leaf oil. However, ascorbic acid was found to be significantly higher for seed oil (82.44±4.63). The strongest antibacterial activity with maximum zone of inhibition (14.25mm), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, 0.25µl/ml) and corresponding minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC, 0.50 µl/ml) was recorded for leaf oil extract against Staphylococcus aureus. On the other hand, the strongest antifungal activity with maximum zone of inhibition (13.50mm), MIC (0.38µl/ml, the least value) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC, 0.75µl/ml) was recorded for leaf oil against Aspergillus Niger. It can be observed from the result in this study that leaf oil extract has demonstrated more effective biological activities including both antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials.

The effect of lichen secondary metabolites on Aspergillus fungi

A systematic review of literature data on the antifungal potential of extracted lichen compounds and individual secondary metabolites against mold species of the genus Aspergillus is provided. Crude extracts from 49 epiphytic, 16 epigeic and 22 epilithic species of lichens and 44 secondary metabolites against 10 species, Aspergillus candidus, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, A. nidulans, A. niger, A. ochraceus, A. parasiticus, A. restrictus, A. stellatus and A. ustus, were analysed. Several measuring techniques were employed for such analyses. Lichen substances were extracted with alcoholic and other organic solvents mainly using the Soxhlet apparatus. Among the three most-studied mold species, the results showed that the crude extracts from the thalli of the lichens Cladonia foliacea, Hypotrachyna cirrhata, Leucodermia leucomelos, Platismatia glauca and Pseudevernia furfuracea against Aspergillus flavus, from C. foliacea, Nephroma arcticum and Parmelia sulcata against A. fumigatus and from Evernia prunastri, Hypogymnia physodes, Umbilicaria cylindrica and Variospora dolomiticola against A. niger have the greatest antifungal potential. The lichen secondary metabolites showed a higher inhibitory potential, e.g. protolichesterinic acid against A. flavus, lecanoric acid against A. fumigatus and orsellinic acid against A. niger; the other seven species of Aspergillus have been poorly studied and require further investigation. A comparison of the inhibitory potential of the tested mixtures of lichen substances and their secondary metabolites shows that they can compete with commonly used antifungal substances, such as ketoconazole and clotrimazole against A. flavus, A. nidulans, A. niger and A. parasiticus and fluconazole in the case of A. fumigatus.

Evaluation of Nutritional Value, Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Content of Protium serratum Engl and Artocarpus chama Buch.-Ham, Wild Edible Fruits Available in Tripura, a North- Eastern State of India

Background: Protium serratum Engl (Indian red peer) and Artocarpus chama Buch.-Ham (wild jackfruit) are typical wild edible fruits, which have a wide range of folk medicinal properties. Objectives: Our present study deals with the exploration of nutritional value, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content present in Protium serratum Engl and Artocarpus chama Buch.-Ham fruits. Methods: Soxhlet apparatus was used to extract crude samples. The quantitative analysis of the wild edible fruits was broadly done by proximate and ultimate analysis techniques. Results: The results showed that the moisture contents in P. serratum and A. chama Buch. are 78.53% and 74.23%, respectively. The obtained ash (8.59%), fiber (3.17%), total sugar (5.495 mg/100g), and fat (0.66%) contents are high in P. serratum. Whereas, A. chama Buch. has high content of protein (0.52%). Vitamin C content has higher in P. serratum (550 mg/100g) than that of A. chama Buch. (350 mg/100g). The result shows that the Ca and Mg contents have higher in P. serratum compared to A. chama Buch. Indian red peer shows good antioxidant property and has high total phenolic content as compared to wild jackfruit and some commercial fruits. Conclusion: The study establishes that further investigation must be done to find out new products development, processing and preservation techniques so that two underutilized fruits can get into our regular dietary habits. By doing so, we can enrich the fruit basket of the country.

Phytochemical & Pharmacological Investigation of Stems of Passiflora foetida

Aims: To carry out extraction, preliminary phytochemical analysis and invivo analgesic screening of extract of the stem of Passiflora foetida L. Methodology: Passiflora foetida L; Family: Passifloraceae, is an exotic fast-growing perennial and medicinal vine occurring in Germany, France and other European countries and USA and grown in different parts of India. Dried stems of Passiflora foetida L was coarsely powdered and maceration was done using Soxhlet apparatus. The ethanolic extract of stems of Passiflora foetida L was subjected to preliminary phytochemical tests. Then subjected to in vivo analgesic activity. Results: Phytochemical investigation of the stem of Passiflora foetida L preliminary test showed the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids and steroids. Acute toxicity study of ethanolic extract of stems of Passiflora foetida L was carried out and extracts were found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Pharmacological activities of stems of Passiflora foetida L was carried out from ethanolic extract. Conclusion: Phytochemical investigation of ethanolic extract of stems were carried out and Analgesic activity by tail flick method in rats and acetic acid induced writhing method in mice, showed statistically significant activity (P=.05) when compared to control. The ethanolic stem extract of Passiflora foetida L proved to have significant pain relieving action in a dose dependent manner.

Extraction and Identification of Phenolic Compounds from the Iraqi Heliotropium europaeum L. plant

The plants of genus Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae) are well-known for containing the toxic metabolites called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in addition to the other secondary metabolites. Its spread in the Mediterranean area northwards to central and southern Europe, Asia, South Russia, Caucasia, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and over lower Iraq, Western desert. The present study includes the preparation of various extracts from aerial parts of the Iraqi plant. Fractionation, screening the active constituent, and identification by chromatographic techniques were carried out.Heliotropium europaeum herbs were first defatted with n-hexane then extracted exhaustively by soxhlet apparatus using absolute methanol. The extract was filtered and the solvent was evaporated by applying a reduced pressure by a rotary evaporator. The residue suspended in distilled water and partitioned with chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol. The hydrolysis step was done for the two fractions (n-butanol and ethyl acetate). Phytochemical analysis for the screening and identification of bioactive substances of the Heliotropium europaeum plant was done for each fraction. The identification of n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions was carried out by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and HPLC technique. For quantitive analysis, the concentration was calculated by serial concentrations of external standard materials to build a calibration curve between concentration and its equivalent peak area. The outcomes of this study were the identifications of new six phenolic compounds from H. europaeum ethyl acetate fraction, which exhibited wide biological activity. The identified compounds were kaempferol (1), Silybin (2), caffeic acid (3), Genistein (4), Apigenin (5), in addition to syringic acid (6). In the present study, we regard the first to report such results about the phenolic compounds in H. europaeum extract. A total of six discovered phenolics were identified in this extract for the first time. Our results on H. europaeum constituents provide a scientific base to examine the pharmacological effects of this plant in the future.

Chemical assessment, antioxidant and antimicrobial of leafs extracts of Virola sebifera, an Amazonian medicinal plant

The high biodiversity of Amazon forest implies in a great number of plants with ethnopharmacological utilization. V. sebifera is one of the most important species of Virola genus, used in treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, dyspepsia, malaria, muscle pain and erysipelas. This study aimed to investigate its chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. For this, leafs extracts i) 70% ethanol in ultrasound bath (CEU); ii) 70% ethanol in Soxhlet (CES); and iii) sequential extraction in Soxhlet apparatus, starting with hexane (HE), followed by methanol (ME), and 70% ethanol extract (EE). Phenolic concentration, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were assessed. The highest phenolic and total flavonoid contents were found in CEU and EE showed the best antioxidant activity. The most relevant substances identified by GC-MS analysis were the Kusunokinin, Hinokinin and catechol, among others first time related in V. sebifera. The antimicrobial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. The CEU, CES, EM, and EE obtained positive results against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. CES and EM also inhibited S. typhimurium and E. coli. Based on these results, V. sebifera can be recognized as a promising source of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds.

Eryngium billardieri Extract and Fractions Induces Apoptosis in Cancerous Cells

Background: Eryngium is genus flowering plants in the Umbelliferae family having pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic. Given the nature of melanoma and breast cancers in recent years and the fact that the anti-cancer properties of Eryngium billardieri on mentioned cell lines have not been studied, the present study conducted to explore these properties. Objective: The mechanisms of cytotoxicity and apoptosis of aerial parts of various extracts and fractions of E. billardieri on cancerous cells and normal cells were investigated. Methods: Samples were collected from natural habitats, dried and then extracted by Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of n-Hex, DCM and methanol, respectively. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were investigated by MTT method on MCF7, B16 and HFF-2 classes for 24 and 48 hours. Flowcytometry, was also used to investigate the mechanism of cytotoxicity and confirming by Real-time PCR of p53 and Bax genes, which codes apoptosis regulator proteins. Meanwhile, volatile compounds of extracts were identified by GC-MS method. Results: The obtained data showed that the n-Hex extract of E. billardieri on B-16 and MCF7 cell lines and dichromethane extract on MCF7 cell line had the most significant cytotoxic effect compared to DMSO control (p value <0.001). Our finding showed that the mechanism of n-Hex extract with 80% and 100% vlc fractions on B16 induced apoptotic compared to HFF-2 control cells, moreover, n-Hex extract and 80% vlc fraction on MCF7 was apoptotic. The major compounds of n-Hex, DCM and 80% and 100% fractions of n-Hex extract obtained from GC-MS are non-terpenoid. Conclusion: Non-terpenoids compounds of E. billardieri can be the responsible for showing the most cytotoxic effects on MCF7 and B16 cell lines with apoptotic mechanism and n-Hex extract had the most significant inhibitory effect on cancerous cells compared to the HFF-2 control cells by the mechanism of apoptosis.

Phenol-rich alternatives for Rosa x damascena Mill. Efficient phytochemical profiling using different extraction methods and colorimetric assays

Damask rose is a well-established, abundant source of phytochemicals, as well as economically important essential oil—however, its cultivation is demanding and costly. In this paper, extracts from four raw plant materials—Salvia officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Matricaria chamomilla, Calendula officinalis, known to be rich in phenolic compounds, but also far easier to cultivate—were directly compared to those obtained from Rosa × damascena Mill. By combining diverse extraction methodologies (in a Soxhlet apparatus, ultrawave-assisted and microwave-assisted, using supercritical CO2) and complementary in vitro assays (radical scavenging, iron reducing, Folin–Ciocalteau and Al3+ complexation), it was possible to conveniently approximate and compare the phytochemical portfolios of those diverse plants. By factoring in the crop yields of different species, economically important conclusions can be reached—with pot marigold (C. officinalis) seemingly the most viable substitute for damask rose as a source of phenolics. Fatty acid and microelement analyses were also performed, to further enrich the chemical profiles of plant extracts. The paper also aims to collate and redesign multiple colorimetric assays frequently used while studying plant extracts in vitro, but criticized for their lack of correlation to in vivo activity. We show that they remain a viable tool for direct comparison of extraction methodologies, while highlighting their shortcomings.