The use of plants for medicinal purposes from past to present continues as traditional treatments. One of these plants, Echium species, is known for its high phytochemical content and its use as a sedative or in colds. In this study, the antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer properties of Echium italicum L. were investigated. Its anticancer effect was tested in HepG2 (liver cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines. Its antimicrobial effect was also investigated in Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the highest cytotoxic effect was observed in the HepG2 cell line with 23% dead cell count. This suggests that the plant is especially effective in liver cancer cell lines. It was found that the extract prepared in hexane had the largest inhibition zone diameter (15 mm) against C. albicans in terms of antibacterial activity. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in methanol extract with 37.6%. Considering the IC50 value in DPPH, hexane extract exhibited better activity than methanol extract (IC50 = 20.7 µg/ml). The data obtained from the study indicate that E. italicum has cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. It is thought that the present study may contribute to the development and design of new anticancer and antimicrobial drugs, especially in the field of cancer research and pharmacology. In addition, it was concluded that the studies on the medical potential of E. italicum should be expanded and more comprehensive studies should be conducted.
Potentilla fulgens Wall ex Sims., a local medicinal plant used by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India, has been reported to be rich in tannins, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. Although several studies have been conducted on its antidiabetic and anti-oxidant properties, most reports were done with crude polar extracts. In this study, we report the inhibitory effect of the non-polar chloroform extract of P. fulgens (NPFE) on α- amylase and α- glucosidase. The extract exhibited a potent antioxidant effect comparable to the reference standard as reflected by the IC50 values in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Further, the antihyperglycemic action of NPFE was observed in alloxan-induced diabetic mice from the Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT). Spectral and chromatographic analysis using FTIR and GC-MS/MS showed the presence of important functional groups and bioactive compounds. In silico molecular docking of the identified bioactive compounds carried out against α-amylase and α-glucosidase provided more insights into its antihyperglycemic properties.
Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (African yam bean) represent one of the under-exploited nutrient-rich legumes associated with African folklore and disease-remedy claims, that have not been fully authenticated scientifically. The wellness enhancement effect of roasted pulverized S. stenocarpa (PROSS) diet formulations on liver, renal, and hematological indices was investigated. Rats were assigned randomly into five groups (n = 5). Group I received standard rat chow. Groups II-V received a diet of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% PROSS mixed with standard rat chow to make 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After a five-week regular feeding regimen, animals were humanly sacrificed, and biochemical and histological indices were determined. Groups administered various diet formulations of PROSS showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide activity and a decrease (p < 0.05) in MDA level compared to normal control. Although serum creatinine, total protein, and potassium levels did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) across the groups, however, the chloride level increased significantly (p < 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, sodium ion level decreased at low doses (10% and 20% PROSS) (p < 0.05) but increased at higher doses (p < 0.05), while serum urea level decreased with an increase in dosage (p < 0.05). A significant increase in HDL level (p < 0.05) and a decrease in TAG, LDL, and VLDL levels (p < 0.05) were also recorded. Also, ALP, ALT, and AST activity in the serum decreased across the groups (p < 0.05), while RBC, WBC, Hb, and hematocrit (Ht) levels were elevated as the dose increased. Normal organ architectures were observed in all the groups. Our data suggest that moderate consumption of PROSS enhances hepatic and renal well-being.
The rationale behind this study was to investigate the potential of fig (Ficus carica L.) kernel oil as a source of bioactive compounds, particularly focusing on its phenolic compounds, due to the increasing interest in plant-based oils with antioxidant properties for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. The primary objective was to identify and quantify the active phenolic components present in fig kernel oil. Utilizing an additional co-solvent in the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process, specific phenolic compounds, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, and syringic acid, were exclusively identified in the CO2 + ethanol (IC-2-1) sample. Furthermore, other notable compounds, including vanillin, verbascoside, ferulic acid, luteolin 7-glucoside, hesperidin, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol, were detected in both the IC-2-1 and CO2 (IC-1-1) samples. These findings suggest that fig kernel oil with its rich phytochemical profile, is a promising alternative oil source and has significant potential as a functional food ingredient. Further research on the SFE of fig seeds and oil is recommended to expand its applications and potential health benefits.
Exposure to heavy metals like cadmium has been reported to cause severe kidney damage through oxidative stress and inflammation. Zingerone is a bioactive compound present in ginger, it contains significant anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the anti-oxidative and therapeutic role of zingerone on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. Thirty (30) adult male rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F) of 5 rats each (n = 5) randomly [A: normal control (normal saline), B: cadmium-exposed (5 mg/kg of cadmium only), C: zingerone-alone, D-F: 5 mg/kg of cadmium + 50 mg/kg, 100mg/kg, 200 mg/kg of zingerone, respectively]. Nephrotoxicity was induced by oral administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), followed by zingerone treatment orally. Renal function markers (serum creatinine and urea level), oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutases, catalase, malondialdehyde), and histopathological investigations of the kidney were assessed to evaluate the effects. Cadmium administration resulted in significant renal dysfunction, characterized by elevated serum creatinine, urea, and kidney malondialdehyde levels, along with reduced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase). Histopathological evaluation showed extensive kidney damage characterized by renal tubular damage, necrosis, and inflammation. Zingerone treatment significantly ameliorated these alterations, restoring renal function markers, reducing oxidative stress, and improving the histological architecture of the kidney. These findings suggest that zingerone exerts an anti-oxidative and therapeutic effect against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. According to these findings, zingerone shows potential as a therapeutic approach for kidney impairment caused by exposure to heavy metals.
Piper is widely distributed in subtropical regions and species of this genus are known for their potent pharmacological activities. Piper arboreum Aubl. is a traditional medicinal plant popularly known as "pau-de-angola", "jaborandi", and chili pepper, demonstrating antifungal, trypanocidal, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. The leaves of P. arboreum were extracted using Soxhlet and dichloromethane to obtain the extract, which was then fractionated using solvents of different polarities. Samples were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry equipped with an electrospray ionization source. Antifungal microdilution assays were performed, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to assess the invasion of the pretreated nail. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extract and a dichloromethane fraction were, respectively, 62.5 μg/ml and 16.0 μg/ml against Trichophyton rubrum, and 125 μg/ml and 62.5 μg/ml, and 500 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml against T. mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum, respectively. No growth was observed on nail fragments exposed to the extract (at concentrations > 64 µg/ml and then inoculated with spore suspension. Transmission electron microscopy revealed strong inhibition of hyphal growth and an irregular growth pattern following treatment with the extract and the dichloromethane fraction. Results demonstrated the antifungal properties of the P. arboreum extract and its dichloromethane fraction against dermatophytes, with the identification of three different alkaloid compounds. The cytotoxicity was specific towards the fungal cells, and morphological and ultrastructural analyses indicated damage to the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane as the potential mechanism of action. The leaf material used to generate the extract can be taken from the plant without any detrimental effect thus enabling strategies to be implemented for the exploitation of this species.
Pediatric upper respiratory infections (URIs) and otitis media (OM) significantly impact the health of children globally. Echinacea purpurea, known for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, has been historically used to treat various ailments, suggesting its potential as an adjunctive treatment in pediatric respiratory conditions. This narrative review synthesizes literature from January 2000 to December 2023 on the efficacy and safety of E. purpurea in treating pediatric URIs, including OM. It focuses on clinical trials and empirical studies that explore the mechanisms of action, such as the modulation of cytokine production, inhibition of NF-κB signaling, and antimicrobial effects. The analysis reveals mixed outcomes regarding the efficacy of E. purpurea in pediatric populations, attributed partly to variability in study designs and lack of standardized treatment protocols. While some studies report reduced severity and duration of respiratory symptoms, others indicate minimal or no significant difference compared to placebo. The review also highlights the need for specifically designed products that cater to the unique physiological and metabolic needs of children. Rigorous, well-designed clinical trials are crucial for establishing clear guidelines on the use of E. purpurea in pediatric respiratory care, ensuring its safe and effective application in improving health outcomes for children.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from natural sources offer promising solutions for combating microbial and viral infections. Catharanthus roseus (Periwinkle), renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, provides a sustainable and eco-friendly method for producing AgNPs with significant antimicrobial and antiviral effects. This study explores the cytotoxic potential of AgNPs derived from C. roseus and their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-HIV activities, highlighting the novelty of employing a green synthesis approach. AgNPs from C. roseus leaf extract (AgNP-CR) were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to determine their physicochemical properties. The antibacterial activity of AgNP-CR was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial strains, and antifungal activity was evaluated against common fungal pathogens. Additionally, anti-HIV activity was investigated through in vitro assays using HIV-infected cells. Results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity of AgNP-CR against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, AgNP-CR exhibited antifungal activity against pathogenic Aspergillus species. Importantly, AgNP-CR showed promising anti-HIV activity by inhibiting viral replication and cytopathic effects in infected cells. Cytotoxicity assays were also conducted to ensure the safety profile of the nanoparticles. Overall, this pilot study underscores the therapeutic potential of AgNPs synthesized from C. roseus in addressing bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Further research is warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimize formulations for clinical applications.
Plant-based products are gradually replacing pharmaceuticals in treating ailments, including diabetes, due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, potency, and availability. Therefore, the current study looked into the therapeutic effect of the solvent fraction of hexane leaf extract of Tapinanthus bangwensis (HEXETACF) (Loranthaceae) in alloxan-induced pathology in diabetic rats. The biochemical parameters were estimated using analytical grade kits via spectrophotometric method. The laboratory rats were distributed into group W (five rats on feed and water), group X (seven rats + 150 mg/kg alloxan solution only), group Y (seven rats + 150 mg/kg alloxan solution + 200 mg/kg BW silymarin for 21 days), and group Z (seven rats + 150 mg/kg alloxan solution + 250 mg/kg BW HEXETACF for 21 days). The results showed that HEXETACF and silymarin (SILY) reduced blood glucose concentration by 33.77% and 34.80%, respectively, after the 21st day of treatment (p < 0.05). Additionally, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in SILY and HEXETACF were significantly decreased compared to the diabetic group (p < 0.05), but no significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity was observed between the test samples and the diabetic group. Furthermore, the test samples lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, by improving glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. The HEXETACF and SILY significantly decreased triglyceride levels (TG) compared to the diabetic group at p < 0.05. They also reduced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol levels and increased the high-density lipoprotein levels compared to the diabetic group. Additionally, no significant decrease in serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, and Cl-), urea, and creatinine (including albumin and total protein) values was observed in HEXETACF and SILY, while hematological indices increased compared to the diabetic group. Histology results revealed that the test samples had normalized glomeruli, β-islet cells, and hepatocytes. However, a trace of mild congestion was noticed in the STDG. But edemic blood congestion was observed in the diabetic group. In conclusion, the current result demonstrated that HEXETACF may be a promising antidiabetic agent that could replace mSILY.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a major pathophysiologic event that presents a high risk for prostate cancer (the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men). The prognosis of conventional therapy for BPH remains poor due to treatment failures. Thus, natural remedies such as botanical drugs remain a promising alternative therapy to be explored for the treatment of BPH and prostate cancer. Citrus fruits, specifically fruit peels of Citrus reticulata (CRE) contain bioactive compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have been used in crude form in traditional settings to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, however, scientific scrutiny of this ethnobotanical claim remains incomplete. This study assessed the protective effect of CRE in testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia-like phenotypes in rats. Male Wistar rats (n = 30, 150-200 g) were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 5), and treated for 28 days as follows: control group (normal saline, 5 mg/kg s.c.), model group (testosterone,5 mg/kg, i.p.), the finasteride (1 mg/kg, p.o.), and CRE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) groups received testosterone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) in the morning and their respective treatments (either finasteride or CRE). All rats were given chow and water ad libitum. On the 28th day, the rats were sacrificed following deep anesthesia. Blood and the prostate gland were collected. Full blood count, serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), testosterone, C-reactive protein (CRP), and histology of the prostate gland were assessed. Compared to the model, treatment with C. reticulata peel extracts markedly reduced prostate weight, attenuated atresia of the prostatic glands, stromal fibrosis, and mast cell infiltration, and increased glandular secretion. Additionally, serum levels of testosterone, CRP, PSA, and white blood count were reduced in the high-dose C. reticulata peel extract-treated group. Fruit peels of C. reticulata exhibited a protective effect against BPH partly by attenuating inflammatory activity. Thus, this finding provides a rationale for further exploration of CRE for novel anti-BPH molecules that could be used to develop therapeutics against prostate cancer.
Colon cancer holds the position of the third most common type of cancer and stands as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths for both men and women. Modern strategies in cancer prevention center around the use of natural compounds, which demonstrate a range of effects, including preventive, inhibitory, and latency-inducing impacts on the progression of cancer. In the present study, aqueous extracts derived from the fruits of Prunus spinosa L. (blackthorn, Rosaceae) are employed to assess their cytotoxic potential against the HT-29 colon cancer cell line. The fruit extract is administered to the HT29 cell line in different concentrations over 24 and 48-hours to evaluate the induction of apoptosis. The MTT cell viability test is employed to quantify the cytotoxic effect, indicating the extent of the impact. Additionally, the EB/AO (ethidium bromide/acridine orange) dual staining method is utilized to gather supplementary information regarding the cytotoxic effects. Observations after 24 hours of exposure showed no significant cytotoxic effect; however, 48-hour exposure revealed IC20, IC50, and IC80 values of 1.27, 173.7, and > 1000 µg/ml, respectively, as determined by MTT analysis. Correspondingly, values of 5.06, 123.8, and > 1000 µg/ml were recorded by the EB/AO dual staining method. Our results show that P. spinosa fruit water extract has an inhibitory effect on the HT-29 cell viability by exerting cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. Toxicity studies have shown that MTT and EB/AO support each other and achieve similar results. Further extensive research into the metabolic and functional effects of P. spinosa could illuminate its potential and increase its economic importance in the field of anticancer treatments as a natural drug.
Urolithiasis is the most prevalent condition of the urinary system, characterized by the formation of stones inside the urinary tract. It is urgent to look for a natural urolithiasis therapy due to the serious side effects of conventional medications. Hydro-alcoholic (80% v/v) extract of the aerial parts of Ocimum kilimandscharicum (OK) and its ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-butanol, aqueous, and n-hexane fractions were subjected to in vitro antiurolithiatic screening as well as preliminary screening of phytochemicals. The in vitro antiurolithiatic activity of O. kilimandscharicum was studied using its hydroalcoholic extract (HAEOK). Calcium phosphate test using a colorimetric approach and calcium oxalate assay using a titrimetric model were used to determine the proportion of calcium oxalate crystals that dissolved. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were measured for the extract and fractions of OK. Ethyl acetate fraction (EAFOK) had a greater capacity to suppress crystal formation in both the calcium phosphate and calcium oxalate assays. The percent dissolution of calcium oxalate by HAEOK and EAFOK (31.48 ± 0.920% and 39.21 ± 0.903%) and calcium phosphate crystals by HAEOK and EAFOK (59.03 ± 0.820% and 66.62 ± 0.468%) was determined, respectively. At p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, differences between the results were regarded as significant. Cystone was employed as a standard drug. This study revealed that EAFOK showed significant antiurolithiatic activity. The antiurolithiatic activity of the extract/fraction was attributed to the steroids, triterpenoids, and flavonoid content of OK.
Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch (ex. Benth) is effective in treating burns, fevers, and inflammatory conditions. This study investigates the toxicity effects of the aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of L. cupanioides and its effect on stress-induced ulcers in animal models. The plant was collected and a 1:30 (g/ml) plant powder/solvent ratio was extracted using an ultrasonic bath at 50 °C for 45 min. Up-and-down procedure was used for acute toxicity. During subacute toxicity testing, a total of 20 mice were divided into four groups of five animals each. While group 1 served as control, groups 2, 3, and 4 received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract daily for 21 days. On day 22nd, animals were sacrificed and samples were collected for hematology, biochemical, and histological analyses. In the stress-induced ulcer activity, male albino mice were randomly separated into 5 groups of 5 animals, treated with the test drug, and then dissected after being stressed using the water immersion model. LD50 was > 5000 mg/kg, and in biochemical examination, there was a significant decrease in the ALP level at medium and high doses (p value < 0.05) and non-significant alterations in the values of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), body weight and hematology parameters (p > 0.05). The histology results showed no evidence of liver and kidney toxicity. In conclusion, aqueous leaf extract of L. cupanioides was safe following a single dose (at 5000 mg/kg) and following repeated doses for 21 days (at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). This study demonstrated that the extract had a significant effect on stress-induced ulcers at various dose levels when compared to the control (native, negative control, and omeprazole). The animals treated with 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the extract showed a significant increase in ulcer score, ulcer index, ulcer severity, and total acidity (p < 0.05). The ulcer protection ability of the aqueous plant extract was dose-dependent.
Polygonum equisetiforme is a perennial herbaceous plant thriving in the arid regions of Tunisia and widely used in health care and self-medication. The objective of the current study was to investigate the distribution of minerals, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant potentials in various plant parts including the fruit, stem, leaf, and root. The mineral composition was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The phenolic content of the samples was investigated using colorimetric assays and identified and quantified using HPLC-ESI/MS. The study found that the different parts of P. equisetiforme contain significant amounts of essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. The leaf and root extracts had high amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. Through LC-ESI-MS analysis, eleven flavonoids and eight phenolic acids were characterized. The most abundant compounds were gallic acid, quinic acid, catechin (+), and hyperoside. The findings suggest that different parts of P. equisetiforme are valuable sources of essential minerals and phenolic compounds, which can have potential health benefits.
Due to the spreading resistance to antimalarial drugs, new therapeutics are urgently needed, preferably with novel modes of action. Extracts from Terminalia ivorensis have previously been shown to possess activity in vitro against multidrug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains of Plasmodium falciparum. However, to the best of our knowledge, no scientific study has been published describing the antimalarial potential of these extracts through in vivo efficacy testing. This study aimed to determine the safety and antimalarial efficacy of the T. ivorensis stem bark aqueous extract (TiH2O) in a mouse model using the OECD 423 protocol and the suppressive and curative murine malaria models, and to predict in silico the pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness of two major phytochemical constituents. The in vivo antimalarial efficacy was assessed using the P. berghei NK65-infected mice. The TiH2O treatment impact on biochemical parameters was measured using established standard procedures. The pharmacokinetics prediction was achieved through the pkCSM predictor and Swiss ADME. The TiH2O extract was nontoxic in BALB/c mice at a lethal dose of 50 (LD50) > 2000 mg/kg. The TiH2O extract displayed strong antimalarial efficacy with 100% parasitemia suppression at 200 mg/kg b.w. after 4 days of treatment while its oral administration at 400 mg/kg b.w. in the curative model significantly decreased P. berghei parasitemia by 94.07% with a median efficacy dose (ED50) of 96.80 mg/kg. The administration of TiH2O extract restored the histological parameters disrupted by P. berghei, and the transaminase (ALT and AST) activity, creatinine, and bilirubin levels significantly decreased compared to the negative control mice. In silico explorations showed that the main constituents leucodelphidin (leucodelphinidin) and ellagic acid of the TiH2O extract have drug-like properties, thus indicating that T. ivorensis might constitute a promising source of antimalarial chemical entities with good pharmacokinetics and drug-like properties. The results obtained further corroborated the preliminary in vitro antiplasmodial studies of T. ivorensis stem bark aqueous extract. The metabolome of TiH2O extract should be further profiled in the prospects of characterizing novel natural product scaffolds to support antimalarial drug discovery.
Folere (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is a traditional plant cultivated in the north of Cameroon near the city of Yagoua. Calyces are used to prepare beverages while the leaves are incorporated into meals. This Cameroonian roselle is characterized by a higher intensity of red color than that found in conspecific samples from Egypt, and it was of interest to us to evaluate its beneficial activities in comparison with European pharmacopoeia standards. The samples were first subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Five samples including samples from Egypt and a white flower variety were subsequently examined according to the European pharmacopeia criteria i.e. (i) taxonomic identification, (ii) sample preparation and characterization (desiccation, TLC, coloring power, presence of foreign matter), and (iii) determination of the acidity index. Anthocyanins and anthocyanidins were obtained using three extracts from methanolic maceration, infusion, and boiling in water. Taken together, the results confirmed that the Cameroonian variety indeed belongs to H. sabdariffa and meets European Pharmacopoeia standards. All extracts contained common anthocyanins (delphinidin-3-sambioside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-sambioside, cyanidin-3-glucoside), and delphinidin and cyanidin aglycones were also found in the organic extracts. As a result of determining the amount of anthocyanins by HPLC in Cameroon samples, it was determined that they showed a high concentration of delphinidin type anthocyanins and a concentration 10 times higher than the Egyptian variety. This variety appears to be a very promising candidate for inclusion in industrial preparations, thanks to its high anthocyanin qualitative and quantitative properties, and also maintains economic interest for local populations.
Myanmar Traditional Medicine (MTM) has been used since ancient times to treat life-threatening diseases like diabetes. In this study, various in vitro assays were used to prove that four MTM formulations were effective at treating diabetes. Antioxidant activities were determined using in vitro DPPH, nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide (SO) radical scavenging assays. The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to quantify the total phenolic content, while the BSA-fluorescent antiglycation and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays were utilized to determine the antidiabetic activity of MTMs. Among the tested samples, MTM3 showed the best activities for almost all the biological assays tested in this experiment with the % inhibition of 82.89 ± 1.64 for NO and 65.02 ± 2.82 for SO radical scavenging activity, 92.12 ± 1.18 for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and IC50 of 180.29 ± 1.6 µg/ml for the antiglycation activity. It also possessed the highest total phenolic content of 149.41 ± 3.7 mg GAE/g of extract/l among the tested samples. Therefore, the findings suggested that MTM could help diabetic patients improve their quality of life through antioxidant activity against several free radicals and their antiglycation and α-glucosidase inhibitory characteristics.
Mangifera indica L. (Mango), a member of the Anacardiaceae family, is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Leaves of M. indica exhibit pharmacological potential as a panacea. The current study aimed to systematically review the phytochemistry and biological effects of M. indica leaves (MILs). Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to review the relevant literature. MILs are reported to possess remarkable medicinal properties owing to a plethora of phytochemicals, namely, minerals, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, benzophenones, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. MILs have been investigated for numerous therapeutic effects, including anticancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrheal, antiulcer, gastrointestinal, anti-obesity, cardio-protection, hypotensive, analgesic, and hepato-protection. In this review, phytochemistry, pharmacology as well as toxicology of MILs have been critically discussed. Considering their phytochemical profile and pharmacological benefits, MILs can be used for the development of valuable pharmaceutical products. However, more comprehensive clinical trials are needed to be conducted for further evaluation of its effectiveness.
This research aimed to evaluate the phytochemical components of the crude methanol extract (CME) of Pleurotus tuber-regium and its acute toxicity in mice, Mus musculus. Before being filtered and evaporated, the crushed mushroom was macerated in 70% methanol for 72 hours. The phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity were carried out using standard procedures. The CME consists of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and terpenoids. When given orally, the LD50 was shown to be greater than 5000 mg/kg with no outward symptoms of toxicity. Haematology showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, total red blood cell, and neutrophil counts in the treatment group as compared to the control group, while total white blood cell and lymphocyte counts significantly (p < 0.05) increased. On serum biochemistry, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alanine phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine was observed in the treated group. There was however no significant (p > 0.05) difference in serum albumin and total protein. In conclusion, 5000 mg/kg of extract had a significant influence on the hematological and biochemical profiles of mice but didn't cause irreparable liver and kidney damage.
Hypericum perforatum L. is a popular and widespread medicinal plant used in a wide range of therapy, including gastrointestinal diseases, heart diseases, and skin-related diseases. The rapid development of nanotechnology and its applications in pharmacology have enabled the controlled release of drugs and bioactive components. This study aimed to investigate liposomal formulation for controlled release enriched with methanol and ethanol extract of H. perforatum, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and proliferative effects. In this context, firstly, the biological activity (antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cell viability) of H. perforatum methanol (Hp-MeOH) and ethanol (Hp-EtOH) extracts obtained by ultrasonic extraction method was revealed. Hp-MeOH and Hp-EtOH extracts have a larger zone of inhibition against Enterococcus faecalis ATTC 51289 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 11778, respectively than the positive control amikacin (30mg/ml). Hp-MeOH and Hp-EtOH extracts were found to have a high total antioxidant status and low total oxidant status and oxidative stress index value. Hp-MeOH and Hp-EtOH extracts have a scavenging capacity of DPPH radicals between 23-89% and 27-90%, respectively in the studied concentration range. In addition, the effect of Hp-MeOH and Hp-EtOH extracts on cell viability of dermal fibroblast cells was evaluated for 24, 48, and 72 hours and induction of proliferation of fibroblasts was observed. Highly stable liposomes were successfully developed which encapsulated 82.6 ± 3.63% and 89.8 ± 2.74% Hp-MeOH and Hp-EtOH extracts, respectively. Liposomal structures loaded with Hp-MeOH and Hp-EtOH extracts showed a more controlled and slower release than the free extract.
