Antibacterial Activity, Antioxidant Potential and Stigmasterol Isolation from Laggera aurita Linn (Asteraceae)

The study was aimed at the in-vitro investigation of the antibacterial activity, antioxidant potential and bioactive compound isolation from ethyl acetate crude fraction of Laggera aurita (L. aurita) Linn. The crude fraction was tested against five gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis) and three gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus subtilis) using macro dilution technique. The antioxidant potentials were evaluated using two different but complementary methods namely ferrous ion chelating activity (FICA) and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP). Phytocompound isolation was carried out on low pressure open column chromatography. The crude fraction displayed moderate to significant activity against all tested bacteria exhibiting both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. The crude fraction showed Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) in the range of 62.50-250 µg/mL and 125-1000 µg/mL respectively. The crude fraction was bactericidal to all tested pathogens except E. coli. The fifty percent effective concentration (EC50) of EDTA standard and the ethyl acetate fraction were obtained as 10.87 μg/mL and 25.77 μg/mL respectively. Similarly the FRAP determinations for ascorbic acid and ethyl acetate fraction yielded 153.63 and 134.40 Fe2+ Equivalent per g of fraction indicating 80.06% and 70.61% FRAP units respectively. The isolated phytocompound coded LAE was obtained as a white crystalline solid with melting point of 136‐138°C and Rf of 0.56 in hexane: ethylacetate (6:4). The isolated compound was identified by spectroscopic data analysis from FT-IR, GC-MS, 1D and 2D NMR and in comparison with literature. The compound was identified as stigmasterol. The observed significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties demonstrated by L. aurita in this study validate its widespread use in traditional medicine. Therefore the study had shown that L. aurita contains bioactive principles and may serve as a source for potential antibacterial and oxidative stress therapeutic agents.

Assessment of the Wound Healing Property of the Ethanolic Seed Extract of Eleusine coracana Linn using the Chorioallantoic Membrane Model

Access to readily available material for wound healing is very important. The wound healing property of Eleusine coracana a food source in Nigeria was therefore investigated. The ethanolic crude extract of the seed flour was prepared using maceration and qualitative phytochemical screening was carried out on the crude extract using standard methods. The antimicrobial activity of the E. coracana extract was determined using the disc diffusion method against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. tetani. The wound healing property assay was carried out using the Chorioallantoic Membrane Model (CAM) at 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg/ml concentration with the basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) as the positive control. The crude extract was further fractionated into Hexane, Methanolic, and Aqueous fractions and then subjected to amino acid content analysis using the Applied Biosystems Phenylthiohydantoin (PTH) Amino Acid Analyzer. The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycoside, and protein. E. coli and S. aureus were susceptible to the E. coracana extract at a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 50µg/ml while the P. aeruginosa was only susceptible at 200µg/ml and C. tetani was not susceptible at all the concentrations used. An increase in percentage angiogenesis was observed at all doses of the extract used indicating good wound healing properties. The amino acid profile reveals the presence of glycine, a proline that is important in wound healing. The E. coracana seeds, therefore, have wound healing properties based on the CAM model.

Proximate Analysis and Antinutritional Factors of Water Melon Seeds (Citrullus lenatus)

Water melon (citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is- rich in an amino - acid called citrulline and may help move blood through the body and widely used as flavouring agent and also contributes substantially towards obtaining a balanced diet. This research was aimed to evaluate the proximate and anti nutritional factors of the plant to ensure human and animal food security. The proximate composition was done by soxhlet extraction, AOAC, Kjeldhal and other standard procedures while anti nutrients were analysed using standard procedures. The results of the research revealed the proximate composition of the water melon seeds such as moisture content, crude protein, lipids, ash content, crude fibre and carbohydrate. Low moisture content (5.20±0.003) high proteins (17.844±0.012) and lipids (18.208± 0.004) with others detected in moderate amount was obtained. Anti - nutritional factors such as oxalate, phytate, cyanide, nitrate, and tannin were also analyzed which revealed low oxalate content (0.005± 0.003) with moderate amount of phytate (4.366±0141), nitrate (47.309±0.539) and cyanide (41.510±0.138). Therefore water melon seeds might be vital in maintaining an optimum nutritional status to avoid malnutrition, morbidity or mortality.

Hematological Parameters and Lipid Profile Changes in Albino Rats due to Administration of Ethanol Extract of Ipomea batatas Leaves

Leaves of I. batatas have been implicated in both the hematopoietic process and in the management of hyperlipidemia in man. The current study evaluated the hematopoietic potentials and the lipid profile stabilizing potential of ethanol leaf extract of I. batatas in albino rats. The study was carried out at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between March 2019 and October 2019. The determination of the phytochemical composition of the leaves was carried out. Sixteen albino rats weighing between 100-150g were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 4 rats each. Animals in group 1 served as the control while animals in groups 2, 3, and 4 served as the test groups and were administered 200, 300 and 400g/kg body weight respectively of ethanol leaf extract of I batata for fourteen days following standard procedures. The extract contained terpenoids in high amount, flavonoids and alkaloids in moderate amounts, while glycosides, phenolic, and steroids were present in low amounts. WBC counts increased significantly across the test groups compared to the control. PLT decreased significantly (P = 0.05) in all the test groups when compared to the control group. MCV increased significantly (P = 0.05) in all the test groups when compared to the control group. MCH increased significantly (P = 0.05) in group 2 but decreased significantly in groups 3 and 4 when compared to the control group. The lipid profile parameters; triglycerides (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) showed no significant changes but HDL-C decreased significantly in group 4 compared to the control. The outcome of this study revealed that the ethanol leaves extract of I. batatas may possess a hematopoietic effect but may not be effective in the management of hyperlipidemia.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) Leaves with on Sexual Activity of Male Rats

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the pharmacological effects of Rauvolfia vomitoria leaves on the sexual activity of animal model (male rat) Methods: Acute toxicity was performed according to OECD Guideline 423, by a dose limit of 2000 mg /kg body weight. The observations (during 14 days) focused on the number of deaths, convulsions, sleep and coma. Study of sexual activity has been realized by using 20 male rats, distributed in 4 lots of 5 animals. Group 1 treated with distilled water, group 2 treated with 5 mg/kg B.W. of sildenafil citrate and the other two batches received respectively the doses 500 and 1000 mg/kg of the aqueous extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria. Females in estrus state (in heat) were introduced for a period of 30 minutes. During this period, parameters of sexual behavior were recorded. At the end of the 8-day treatment, organs such as penis testicles, seminal vesicles, prostate, epididymis and elevator muscle were removed. These organs were studied in order to determine pharmacological effects of aqueous extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria. Results: The aqueous extract of Rauvolfia vomitoria showed no evidence of single dose toxicity (2000 mg/kg) when studying acute toxicity. Ride latency time, coitus latency time and ejaculation latency time was significantly decreased (P<0.001) with regard to negative control (distilled water). Ride frequency, coitus fraquency and ejaculation frequency was significantly increased (P<0.001) with regard to negative control (distilled water). No significant difference (P˃0.05) has been recorded on organ androgeno-dependant. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of R. vomitoria has sexual stimulating activity or an aphrodisiac potential which could justify its traditional use. The aphrodisiac potential is higher at the dose of 1000 mg/kg b.w .

Antioxidative Activity of Wakouba, a Salt Extracted from Elaeis guineensis Jacq in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Oxidative stress plays a major role in the chronic complications of diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer etc. free radicals such as superoxyde anions, hydrogen peroxides cause severe cell damage. The use of plants is increasingly recommended to treat diseases related to oxidative stress. Aims: This work aims to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Wakouba, a salt extracted from Elaeis guineensis Jacq on biochemical markers of oxidative stress. Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacodynamie-biochemical UPR, Biology and Health Laboratory and Department of Radiology, Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Services Hospital Lahore, between March 2017 and July 2018. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) by streptozotocin 55 mg / kg bw. The biochemical parameters such as insulin and glycemia, the activities and the level of markers of oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) in the aorta, heart and the kidney were determined in the absence and presence of different doses of WAKOUBA (1000 and 2500 mg / kg bw) and GLIBENCLAMIDE, a reference product at 10 and 20 mg / kg bw. Results: The results showed that the administration of streptozotocin at 55 mg / kg bw in rats caused a significant drop (P<0.05) in insulin production followed by a significant increase (P < 0.05) in blood glucose. Similarly, during diabetes, the activities, and levels of oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT and MDA) increased significantly (P < 0.05). WAKOUBA, at 1000 and 2500 mg / kg bw, significantly normalized insulin production, blood sugar levels, SOD and CAT activities and MDA levels in the aorta, heart, and kidneys in diabetic rats. The same results were obtained with GLIBENCLAMIDE at 10 and 20 mg / kg bw. Conclusion: This study showed that WAKOUBA, a salt extracted from Elaeis guineensis Jacq, lowered and normalized the activities of SOD, CAT and the level of MDA which are markers of oxidative stress in rats made diabetic by streptozocin. WAKOUBA also normalized insulin production and blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. WAKOUBA would have antioxidant properties coupled with antidiabetic properties, which might support its use in traditional medicine to treat diabetes.

Assessment of Vitamin D Status in Patients Suffering from Uncomplicated Malaria in a Health Center in the District of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire)

Aims: The pathophysiology of Plasmodium falciparum infection is most often associated with anemia and immune deficiency. Given the important role of vitamin D in the synthesis of hemoglobin and in the stimulation of the immune system, it would be essential to assess the vitamin D status of patients with malaria in order to improve the quality of treatment management. Methodology: A thick drop and a blood smear were used to determine parasite density and parasite species respectively. The complete blood count was performed using an automated analyzer labelled Sysmex XN 1000i. Biochemical parameters such as calcium and phosphorus were determined using the Cobas C311 Hitachi. The Vidas was used to determine the concentrations of 25 (OH) -vitamin D. Results: The results showed a decrease in 25 (OH) -vitamin D concentrations in relation to the parasite density and anemia observed in patients with uncomplicated malaria. Conclusion: Vitamin D status in patients with uncomplicated malaria could represent an essential biomarker in the monitoring of antimalarial treatment.

Proximate Analysis and Phytochemical Screening of Triclisia subcordata Oliv Leaf

Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of Triclisia subcordata Oliv leaf were investigated using standard analytical methods. Results of the proximate analysis showed contents for moisture (79.28±2.32%), ash (1.91±0.21%), crude fibre (1.83±0.13%), lipid (1.81±0.16%), crude protein (8.32±1.20%) and carbohydrate (6.91±0.74%). Phytochemical screening showed the presence of all six metabolites studied but at different concentrations. Saponin and flavonoids > alkaloids > phenol, tannin and cyanogenic glycoside. Tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides and phenol gave 0.01±0.00%, 5.81±0.23%, 2.32±0.13%, 6.01±0.36%, 0.20±0.00% and 0.03±0.00%. Given observed high contents of moisture, flavonoids and saponins, moderate amounts of alkaloids and low contents of lipid, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins and phenols in Triclisia subcordata Oliv leaf, this study rationalises the medicinal use of the plant, and unveils its potential as a source of micronutrients.

Bioassay Guided Screening of Cryptolepis Extracts for Onward Synthesis of Nano Ferrites

A study was designed to investigate the presence of nanoferrites in Cryptolepis buchanani. In this study, various leaves and stem organic extracts were prepared separately using the solvents viz., n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. Different phytochemical tests for alkaloids, carbohydrates, oils, amino acids and others were performed to determine their presence in the extracts. These plant extracts were used for screening of sample via UV and HPLC techniques to compare the wavelength and absorbance, and retention time on chromatogram by extracts, respectively. The results showed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates and proteins in all the samples. However, other compounds were present randomly. Spectroscopy showed highest peaks with ethyl acetate extracts and the lowest with water. The surface properties and size of nickel-zinc nano ferrites were evaluated by Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The former, showed the presence of nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) weighing 4.27⁒ of N ,6.89⁒ of C and 35.5⁒ of O in the sample which confirmed the presence of nano ferrites in leaves and stem of C. buchanani.

A Case-control Study on the Association of Mitochondrial Transcription Factor a Gene +35G/C Polymorphism and Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number with the Risk of Endometriosis in Indian Women

Aim: The Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA copy number variations are known to contribute in disease development. Genetic factors play an important role in the development of endometriosis. Therefore, this case–control study aimed to analyze the association of TFAM+35G/C polymorphism and mitochondrial copy number with the risk of endometriosis in Indian women. Study Design: This study was carried out on 418 subjects including 200 endometriosis cases and 218 controls. Methodology: Genotyping of TFAM +35G/C polymorphism (rs1937) was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Quantification of mtDNA copy number was carried out using a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Osmania University, 2014 to 2020. Results: TFAM genotype as well as allele distributions were all in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The results indicated a significant reduction of GG genotype frequency (P=0.009), high ‘C’ allele frequency (P=0.017) and significantly decreased mtDNA copy number in endometriosis cases compared to controls (P= 0.0001). Conclusion: Present study revealed a statistically significant association of decreased GG genotype of TFAM +35G/C polymorphism and mtDNA copy number with the risk of developing endometriosis in Indian women.