In vitro antioxidant, 𝛼-amylase and 𝛼-glucosidase activities of methanol extracts from three Momordica species

<p>Antioxidant based drug preparations are used in the prevention and management of complex diseases which include atherosclerosis, stroke, diabetes, alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of glucose metabolism. The management of blood glucose level is the hallmark in the treatment of this ailment, which may be achieved through the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs such as biguanides, insulin secretagogues, and 𝛼-amylase and glucosidase inhibitors. Although several biological activities had been reported for <em>Momordica</em> <em>foetida </em>and <em>Momordica</em> <em>charantia</em>; it appears there is limited information on the biological activity of <em>Momordica</em> <em>cissoides</em>. The purpose of this study is to compare the antioxidant, 𝛼-amylase and 𝛼-glucosidase inhibitory activities of <em>Momordica</em> <em>charantia </em>(M1), <em>Momordica</em> <em>foetida </em>(M2)<em>, </em>and <em>Momordica</em> <em>cissoides</em> (M3) to establish a chemotaxonomic relationship between them. The antioxidant activities measured by DPPH scavenging properties, metal ion chelation, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and ABTS revealed that <em>M. foetida</em> had the highest inhibition potential, followed by <em>M. charantia</em> and the least being <em>M. cissoides</em>. In contrast, the antioxidant activities measured by FRAP, the total phenolic content , flavonoids and tannins revealed that <em>M. cissoides</em> had the best antioxidant potential, while <em>M. foetida</em> had the least activity. The comparative α-amylase and glucosidase inhibitory studies performed demonstrated that the extracts of <em>M.cissoides </em>had the highest inhibitory potentials. Thus, the plant can be used in the management of diabetes.</p>

Ethnobotanic survey of the galactagogue plants used by Brong and Koulango, two indigenous peoples in Gontougo region/Côte d’Ivoire

<p>This study aims to inventory plants and traditional medicinal recipes used by the population of Tanda (Gontougo region, Côte d’Ivoire) to boost milk production in women.</p><p>Using a questionnaire, the methods consisted in carrying out a survey near the traditional medicine actors of 15 localities. Among 47 actors of traditional medicine aged from 34 to 80 years investigated, 70.21 % were women. These women had more knowledge on the galactagogue plants than the men (29.79 % of the actors). They were represented by matrons, specialists in lactation, healers and saleswomen of medicinal plants. Among about fifteen listed galactagogue plants, <em>Euphorbia hirta </em>(Euphorbiaceae) was the most used plant. Leaves represented the majority of the medicinal preparations (73.33 %). These preparations were in 66.67 % of the cases associated with various other biological or mineral ingredients (pepper, meat, vegetables, ash, kaolin…). The direct application of crushings on mammary glands (cutaneous way) by friction constituted the principal route of administration (66.67 % of the medical receipts).</p>Traditional medicine actors of the town of Tanda are actively interested in the search of solutions to the lacteal secretion issues which occur in the breast-feeding mothers. They have about fifteen medicinal plants which enable them to stimulate the production of maternal milk when a need is expressed.

Evaluation of in vitro Cholesterol esterase inhibitory and in vivo Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of aqueous extract of Plukenetia conophora Mull. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)

<p>Hyperlipidemia is a condition of abnormally high lipids levels in the blood which has been ranked as one of the greatest risk factors contributing to prevalence and severity of coronary heart disease. The available antihyperlipidemic drugs have been associated with some side effects however, herbal management of hyperlipidemia are relatively safe, cheap and readily available. <em>P. conophora</em> is an edible plant consumed in Nigeria as snack and speculated to have beneficial effect on blood lipid profile. The present study evaluates anti-hyperlipidemic effect of aqueous extract of cooked <em>P. conophora </em>nut using <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> experimental models.</p><p>The anti-hyperlipidemic activity was evaluated using tyloxapol induced-hyperlipidemic rats by intraperitoneal injections of Tyloxapol at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight and high cholesterol-diet induced rats by oral administration of high cholesterol diet for 60 days. Cholesterol esterase enzyme inhibition was used for the <em>in vitro</em> evaluation.</p><p class="Default">Aqueous extract of <em>P. conophora</em><em> </em>at varying doses, reduced the elevated lipid parameters in both models; the dose of 500 mg/kg showed comparable hypolipidemic effects with standard drug (Simvastatin) at 10 mg/kg (P&lt;0.01). The extract also inhibited cholesterol esterase enzyme with IC₅₀ value of 129.30±0.10μg/ml while Simvastatin with IC₅₀ value of 51.42±0.13μg/ml. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of; Flavonoids, saponin, cardiac glycoside, alkaloids, tannins, steroids and reducing sugar.</p><p class="Default"><em>P. conophora </em>extract<em> </em>exhibited strong hypolipidemic activity and the dose of 500mg/kg demonstrated equipotent activity as the standard drug; Simvastatin 10mg/kg. The extract also showed inhibitory activity against pancreatic cholesterol esterase enzyme; hence can be used to limit absorption of dietary cholesterol, prevent and treat hyperlipidemia.</p>

Anticancer and Anti-metastatic Effects of Supercritical Extracts of Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and Mango ginger (Curcuma amada Roxb.) in Human Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive, lethal and incurable primary brain tumors with a dismal prognosis in humans. Mango ginger (<em>Curcuma amada</em>) and hops <em>(Humulus lupulus</em>) are two botanicals containing phytochemicals with potential anticancer effects. We have investigated the anticancer and antimetastatic properties of supercritical CO₂ extract of mango ginger (CA) and ethanol extract of hops (HL) in the U-87MG human glioblastoma cell line. Both CA and HL individually demonstrate strong cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells. CompuSyn analysis of cytotoxicity data confirms that CA and HL are synergistic for cytotoxicity with combination index (CI) values of &lt;1.0. Additionally, CA and HL individually as well as the combination significantly inhibit MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity, tumor cell migration (transendothelial cell migration assay) and AKT phosphorylation in U-87MG cells. CA and HL inhibit glycolysis in U-87MG cells as indicated by the inhibition of ATP and lactate synthesis with the CA+HL combination demonstrating strong inhibition of glycolysis via the reduction of ATP and lactate synthesis compared to cells treated by each extract alone. CA and HL treatment down regulates the expression of proteins associated with metastasis, MMP-2 and MMP-9 and up regulates the expression of TIMP1. Proteins associated with apoptosis, inflammation and energy metabolism were also modulated by CA and HL treatment of glioblastoma cells. These results suggest that CA and HL can be combined for the therapeutic management of glioblastomas.

Induction, immobilization, modification and natural inhibitors of α-glucosidase from Penicillum chrysogenum

<em>α</em>-glucosidase (EC: 3.2.1.20) was isolated from <em>Penicillum chrysogenum</em>. The enzyme was enhanced by plant growth regulators such as gibberellic acid (GA₃), benzylaminopurine (BAP) and kinetin. Dansyl chloride inhibited the enzyme at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mM with T_0.567, 52.2, 34.4 and 23.3 min, respectively. The substrate offered partial protection for the enzyme against dansyl chloride inhibition. The enzyme was activated by Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. However, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Hg²⁺ inhibited <em>α</em>-glucosidase activity. The enzyme was immobilized on Ca alginate and the optimal concentration for 3% w/v. The optimal concentration of CaCl₂ was recorded at 3 mM. The optimal CaCl₂ concentration and the optimum time for immobilization was 3mM and 4hr. The enzyme was inhibited by aqueous extracts of <em>Datura stramonium, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Hyoscymus muticus and Cynodon dactylon</em>. The IC₅₀ values for the four extracts were 59.1, 73.6, 68.5 and 77.1 µg ml^-1, respectively.

Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young and mature mango (Mangifera indica) and avocado (Persea americana) leave extracts

<p>Polyphenols are groups of secondary metabolites in plants, known with their various biological activities, including their ability to act as antioxidants. Due to the side effects of the use of synthetic antioxidants on human’s health, the search for natural less toxic compounds has significantly increased. This study was carried out to evaluate the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of young and mature avocado (<em>Persea americana</em>) and mango leaves (<em>Mangifera indica</em>). Different extracts were prepared by maceration in methanol, ethanol, cold and hot water. The phenolic content of the extracts was determined using the Folic-Ciocalteu Method. A total of three antioxidant tests were done on the extracts: the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl test (DPPH test), the Ferric reducing antioxidant power and the Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. Results of these investigations generally showed that the mature leaves of mango and young leaves of avocado exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the antioxidant activity. They can be recommended as good sources of antioxidants to reduce the damages caused by free radicals and reactive oxygenated species in the body. They can also be recommended as a source of antioxidants for the preservation of oils, food containing lipids and pharmaceutical products.</p>

Chemical Composition of the Essential oil of The Leaves of Pimenta diocia (L.) Merr. & Pimenta racemosa (Mill.) cultivated in Egypt and Evaluation of Their in-vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities

<p>The aim of the study is to identify and characterize the chemical composition of the essential oil of both leaves of <em>Pimenta diocia</em> (L.) Merr. and <em>Pimenta racemosa</em> (Mill.) as well as to evaluate their <em>in-vitro</em> antioxidant and anti-diabetic potency. Both leaves essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS analysis. Different <em>in-vitro</em> antioxidant tests were employed, namely, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric thiocyanate (FTC), ferric reducing antioxidant power, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and β-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay. Also, the present work aims to evaluate the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition as well as glucose uptake by yeast cells of essential oils. Essential oil analysis of the leaves of <em>Pimenta racemosa</em> (Mill.) showed high amounts of eugenol (37.95%), β-Myrecene (21.01%), α-Pinene (17.82%), linalool (6.15%) and limonene (5.93%). GC-MS data of leaves essential oil revealed the presence of eugenol (30.17%), limonene (17.24), α-Pinene (16.78%), linalool (9.71), 1,8 cineole (8.31%) and β-myrecene (5.21%) . <em>Pimenta</em> <em>diocia</em> (L.) Merr. and <em>Pimenta</em> <em>racemosa</em> (Mill.) leaves essential oil having antioxidant effect using various methods. In most of the oil samples and assays the antioxidant activity was higher than the one revealed by the positive control BHT. Both plants essential oil showed potent inhibition of α-Amylase at concentration 2.00 mg as it was inhibited by (75 and 63 %); with IC₅₀ (0.95 and 1.13); respectively as well as inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme by (61.42 and 53.00%) with IC₅₀ (3.17 and 4.25); respectively. Also the percentage of glucose uptake by <em>Pimenta diocia</em> (L.) Merr. and <em>Pimenta racemosa</em> (Mill.) leaves essential oil at 2.00 mg/ml in the presence of 25 mM glucose<strong> </strong>is (63.49% and 49.61%); respectively. Conclusion: the present study clearly identified the Egyptian chemotype of <em>Pimenta diocia</em> (L.) Merr. and <em>Pimenta racemosa</em> (Mill.) leaves essential oil, it also displayed safe and promising antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. Therefore the essential oil of both species can be utilized as a natural antioxidant and antidiabetic as well as health benefits.</p>

Ethanobotanical, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. F.): A Review

<p><em>Zizyphus nummularia</em> (Burm. F.), Family: Rhamnaceae, is widely distributed in dry regions of India. It is a bushy weed used as folk medicine. The plant is valued for its nutritional edible fruits. Traditionally, it is used in mental retardation, fever, diarrhea, dysentery. The plant has been evaluated for various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifertility activity. Present review discusses phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of the drug.</p>

EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF LEAF AND LEAF CALLUS EXTRACTS OF ANISOCHILUS CARNOSUS (L) WALL.

<p>The study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of leaf and leaf callus extracts of <em>Anisochilus carnosus</em> (L) Wall. against alcohol induced toxicity using HepG2 cell line. Leaf explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog solid medium supplemented with different growth regulators. Prior to the determination of hepatoprotective property leaf and leaf callus extracts were subjected to the toxic dose study. The degree of hepatoprotection of extracts was determined by measuring cell viability percentage by MTT assay. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of leaf and leaf callus was carried out by qualitative analysis. Maximum percentage of callus formation (98%) was obtained in MS medium fortified with 3 mg/l 2,4-D. HepG2 cells were pretreated with the different concentrations (below toxic dose) of leaf and leaf callus extracts for 72 hours followed by alcohol intoxication. Results revealed that ethanolic leaf extract pretreated HepG2 cells show 94% cell viability compared to the standard silymarin pretreated HepG2 cells which showed 81% cell viability. Leaf callus extracts also exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity where ethanolic callus extract pretreated HepG2 cells showed 86% viability after intoxication with alcohol. Results revealed that HepG2 cell viability percentage is dose dependent. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of different secondary metabolites in leaf and leaf callus extracts. The bio-efficacy study confirms the presence of secondary metabolites of hepatoprotective nature in leaf and leaf callus of <em>A. carnosus.</em></p>

Phytochemistry and antibacterial activity of plants extracts compared with two commercial antibiotics against E coli responsible for avian colibacillosis in Benin

<p>Despite its prominent place in development strategies, poultry breeding faces many constraints, including pathological ones. Among pathologies that affect poultry, colibacillosis is one of the most diseases that are communicable to humans and associated with heavy economic losses. To fight efficiently against avian colibacillosis, the work aimed to evaluate antimicrobial potential evaluation of non-volatile extracts of <em>Euphorbia hirta</em> and <em>Psidium guajava</em>, as well as the essential oils of <em>Clausena anisata</em> and <em>Aeollanthus pubescens</em> extracts and two commercial antibiotics namely tetracolivit and Oxytetracyclin against <em>Escherichia coli</em>. To achieve this goal, susceptibility tests were performed on a strain of <em>E. coli</em> using agar diffusion and microdilution methods. Results obtained showed that essential oils from <em>Clausena anisata</em> and non-volatile extracts tested were not active on <em>E coli</em>. However, the essential oils extracted from <em>Aeollanthus pubescens</em> were active on the <em>E. coli</em> with MIC of 0.44 ± 0.21 mg/ml and MBC of 0.87 ± 0.41mg / ml for the oil of the whole part, followed respectively by flower oil (MBC = 0.99 mg/ml) and leaf stem oil (MBC= 1.62 mg / ml). Comparing the activity of the essential oils of <em>Aeollanthus</em> with antibiotics tested, we noticed that tetracolivit was more active with MBC =0.15±0.07mg/ml on <em>E. coli</em> than these extracts which were more active than Oxytetracyclin (MBC=2.34±1.11mg/ml). In sum, the study showed that for a better management of avian collibacillosis in Benin, the tetracolivit is suitable as antibiotic which can be substituted by <em>Aeollanthus pubescens </em>essential oils.</p>