Lithotriptic Effects of Phyllanthus fraternus Methanol Leaf Extract on Ethylene Glycol-induced Kidney Calculi in Albino Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the Lithotriptic potentials of Phyllantus fraternus methanol leaf extract on ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi in albino rats. Ethylene glycol (1% v/v) was administered in their drinking water for a period of 28 days. The Treatment was done with the extract at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg body weights. Cystone® at 500 mg/kg body weight was also given for a period of 21 days to the standard control group. The serum parameters such as calcium, phosphates, magnesium and albumin were measured and evaluated. The results for the Lithotriptic activity, where the kidney homogenates were analyzed are described as thus, the phosphate concentrations when compared were significant (p<0.05) between the groups’ 600 mg/kg body weight (9.61 ± 1.17) and the normal control (5.67 ± 0.70). Significant differences (p<0.05) for phosphates were also observed between 600 mg/kg (9.61 ± 1.17) and 200 mg/kg body weights (12.06 ± 0.51); 400 mg/kg (7.64 ± 0.44) and 200 mg/kg body weights (12.06 ± 0.51) and the 200 mg/kg and standard control groups Cystone® (7.96 ± 0.56) respectively. Significant differences (p<0.05) were also observed for phosphates concentration, when the normal control (5.67 ± 0.70) was compared to the 400 mg/kg body weight (7.64 ± 0.44) and the standard control group Cystone® (7.96 ± 0.56). From this study, it can be deduced that, the presented data indicated that, the administration of Phyllanthus fraternus methanol leaf extract to rats with ethylene glycol-induced kidney calculi, reduced and prevented the growth of kidney calculi, supporting the folklore claim regarding its Lithotriptic activity.

Pharmacological And In-Silico Investigations of Anxiolytic-like Effects of Phyllanthus Fraternus: A Probable Involvement Of GABA-A Receptor

Background:: Phyllanthus fraternus Webster Linn (family, Euphorbiaceae) is used as a traditional medication for the treatment of various disorders and has therapeutic implications. Objective:: This investigation intends investigation of the anxiolytic potential of Phyllanthus fraternus standardized extract and prediction of probable role of its marker phyto-constituents. Methods:: We have tested the standardized hydro-ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (whole plant) for Elevated plusmaze model (EPM) and Light & Dark Exploration test as classical models for anxiety. Phyto-chemical HPTLC fingerprint analysis was performed for detection of two classes of compounds lignans and tannins. HPTLC analysis of standardized extract was performed using Phyllanthin Hypophyllanthin and Corilagin as marker compounds. Additionally, GABA receptor antagonism was studied in other sets of experiments to assess the involvement of this receptor in the anxiolytic-like effects produced by Phyllanthus fraternus. Results:: The lower doses of the lignan and tannin-rich extract of the Phyllanthus fraternus possess significant anxiolyticlike activity compared to the standard diazepam. Additionally, the results of the present study suggested that high doses (400mg/kg) of Phyllanthus fraternus have exerted some sedative-like effects. Phytochemical screening and HPTLC fingerprint analysis indicate the presence of lignans and tannins, whereas HPLC analysis of the standardized extract revealed the presence of marker lignan (Hypophyllanthin) and Tannin (Corilagin). The anxiolytic-like effect of Phyllanthus fraternus observed in the mice models were blocked by Flumazenil indicating the involvement of GABAA receptors in the modulation of this effect. Our molecular docking studies also supported probable anxiolytic and sedative effects. Conclusion:: To summarize results support the use of Phyllanthus fraternus in the anxiety-like symptoms/disease condition and suggest its anxiolytic-like effect governed by the GABA-A receptors.

Pharmacological Aspects of Phyllanthus fraternus Standardized Extract (Rich in Lignans and Tannins) as a Pain Modulator

Background: The standardized extracts of P. fraternus were previously reported by us for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-arthritic biological potentials. However, we have not reported for a consequence of P. fraternus on chronic inflammatory muscle hyperalgesia. Herein, we have demonstrated chronic pain modulating effect of standardized extracts of P. fraternus. Materials and Methods: Firstly, we have collected various parts of P. fraternus plant including the dried stems, leaves, and roots. In order to produce chronic inflammations, we further allowed injection to the left gastrocnemius muscle belly of rats with a freshly prepared solution of 3% carrageenan in normal saline (100µL). Thermal/heat hyperalgesia, mechanical hyperalgesia and muscle circumferences were determined in the current experimental model. In order to estimate, chronic pain modulating potential of P. fraternus, we have also studied histopathological studies and measurement of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE2). Results: After administration of 3% carrageenan intramuscular injection, we investigated the chronic thermal and mechanical hypersensitivity of aforementioned test sample i.e. standardized extracts of P. fraternus in terms of adopting 2 gradual dosings of 200 and 400 mg/kg (administered intraperitoneally) from day 14th to 22nd. From our study, we observed significant antihyperalgesic activity; when we allowed administering standardized extracts of P. fraternus intraperitoneally. Conclusion: To conclude, we have investigated the antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials of standardized extracts of P. fraternus. These effects might be having mediation via supraspinal or spinal neuronal mechanisms, and mainly observed due to evidence of PGE2 inhibitions.

Seed protectant potential of Mitracarpus villosus and Phyllanthus fraternus extracts on germinative capability of stored food grains

Seed storage is an essential post-harvest operation that decides the success of seeds viability and germination in next generation. The study explored Mitracarpus villosus and Phyllanthus fraternus extracts as bio-insecticides seed treatments on stored wheat and green gram seeds viability and germination. M. villosus and P. fraternus plants powder were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity (Petroleum ether, hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform and methanol), concentrated and tested for insecticidal activity by fumigant toxicity. The extract which showed maximum activity, was selected for seed viability and germination test. Five replications each were made for the treatment and the control. The plant extracts strengthen the non-phytotoxic nature of plant products against seed viability and germination. Seeds treated with extracts (50-400 μg seed-1) did not lose their viability as it resulted in successful and normal germination within the range of 90 – 97.67% irrespective of the extracts concentration. While, seeds in control recorded 95.55 and 100% germination which were not significantly different (P>0.05) compared to the treated seeds. Based on findings from the study, potential exploitation of M. villosus and P. fraternus as food grains protectant in insect pest management strategies is recommended for the resource poor farmers. However, further investigations are suggested on biosafety and effects of the extracts on the organoleptic contents of the grains prior to consumption.

An In vivo Antiplasmodial Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Crude Plant Extracts of Phyllanthus fraternus Using Plasmodium berghei Infected balb/c Mice

Background: Phyllanthus fraternus is a tropical plant that has numerous pharmacological activities such as blennorrhagia, colic, diabetes, dysentery, fever, flu, tumours, jaundice, vaginitis, dyspepsia, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-diabetic, antiviral and analgesic. The study evaluated in vivo anti-plasmodial activity of aqueous and ethanol crude plant extracts of Phyllanthus fraternus using Plasmodium berghei infected Balb/c mice. Methodology: The preparation of the aqueous crude extract was done by boiling 195 g of the dried plant material in 4 L of water for 30 minutes and cooled. The resultant extract was filtered through a cotton wool and put in an oven at 50°C to concentrate it before it was pre- freeze and lyophilized into powder using a freeze dryer (Heto powder dry LL 300, Sapa). Similarly the preparation of the ethanol crude extract was obtained by simple maceration of 195 g of dried sample of the plant in 2 L aqueous ethanol (1.4 L of ethanol plus 0.6 L of distilled water) for 72 h. It was then filtered through cotton wool and subjected to rotary evaporator (ILA CCA-1111 Japanese branch) to evaporate the ethanol and then pre-freeze and freeze- dried. The crude extracts were screened for their phytochemical constituents which showed the presence of secondary metabolites. The LD50 of both extracts were investigated using Sprague-Dawley rats and found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The in vivo antiplasmodial activity (percentage parasitaemia (%P) and the percentage chemo-suppression (%C)) of the extracts were evaluated using Balb/c mice. Results: The aqueous and ethanol extracts established modest antiplasmodial activity in a dose dependent manner. The standard drug (coartem 2 mg/kg) with percentage parasitaemia (%P) of 28.57±4.70 and 2.48±0.48 caused percentage chemosupression (%C) of 44.38±7.63 and 81.27±2.07 in day four and six respectively. The test groups (aqueous and ethanol extracts) for two different doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) each administered with percentage parasitaemia (%P) 39.67±1.35, 39.58±1.64, 37.32±2.37, 36.23±1.99 and 10.24±1.32, 9.33±0.66, 8.61±0.96, 7.27±1.26 caused percentage chemosuppressions (%C) of 22.78±2.20, 22.96±2.66, 27.35±3.84, 29.48±3.23 and 22.54±9.93, 29.43±4.99, 34.87±6.66, 44.99 ±5.98 in day four and six respectively. The aqueous extract demonstrated better inhibition of plasmodium in doses 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg with chemosuppressions (27.35 ± 3.84 and 29.48 ± 3.23) respectively compared with the ethanol extract of the same doses 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg with chemosuppressions (22.78 ± 2.20 and 22.96 ± 2.66) respectively. The activity of the standard drug, coartem at 2.0 mg/kg was significantly higher (p< 0.05) with chemosupression (44.38±7.63) than those of the extracts. The extracts were also screened for phytochemicals for which some were found in the extracts which have previously been implicated as antiplasmodial agents. The LD50 of both extracts were investigated and found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. Conclusion: The aqueous and ethanol crude plant extracts of P. fraternus possess antiplasmodial activity and would be useful in the search for novel antimalarial agents.