Antimicrobial Activity of Leaf Extracts of Polyalthia longifolia

Leaf extracts of P. longifolia with different solvents of increasing polarity were tested against some pathogenic fungi and bacteria. The nature of the active compound is briefly discussed in view of the observed activity in methanol extracts.     

Cytotoxic cycloartane triterpene and rare isomeric bisclerodane diterpenes from the leaves of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula

A 24-methylenecycloartane-3β, 16β, 23β-triol, Longitriol (1), rare bisclerodane imides, Longimide A (2) and previously known Longimide B (3) were isolated from ethanolic extract of the leaves of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula. This is the first example of isolation of any cycloartane triterpene from this plant source. Structures were determined by extensive (1D and 2D NMR) spectroscopic data analysis combined with ESI MS/MS fragmentation and X-ray analysis. Furthermore, Compounds 1 and 2 were evaluated for their cytotoxic effects against four human cancer cell lines and found to be most active against cervical carcinoma cell lines with IC₅₀ value of 10.03 and 4.12 μg/mL, respectively.     

Antiplasmodial constituents from the stem bark of Polyalthia longifolia var pendula

Along with two known compounds (1 and 2), four new clerodane diterpenes were isolated and identified from the stem bark of Polyalthia longifolia: cleroda-3-ene pyrrole-15,16-dione (3), cleroda-3-ene, pyrrolidine-15,16-dione (4), cleroda-3,13(14)E-diene-15,16-diamide (5), and cleroda-3-ene-15,16-diamide (6). Their structures were elucidated by combinations of NMR, MS and IR. Using the WHO Mark III Microtest assay, the isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiplasmodial effects. They showed antiplasmodial effects, with IC₅₀s ranging from 4.5 to 213.8 μM.     

Radioprotective activity of Polyalthia longifolia standardized extract against X-ray radiation injury in mice

The radioprotective effect of Polyalthia longifolia was studied in mice. P. longifolia treatment showed improvement in mice survival compared to 100% mortality in the irradiated mice. Significant increases in hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts were observed in the animals pretreated with leaf extract. Pre-irradiation administration of P. longifolia leaf extract also increased the CFU counts of the spleen colony and increased the relative spleen size. A dose-dependent decrease in lipid peroxidation levels was observed in the animals pretreated with P. longifolia. However, although the animals pretreated with P. longifolia exhibited a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, the values remained below normal in both liver and the intestine. Pre-irradiation administration of P. longifolia also resulted in the regeneration of the mucosal crypts and villi of the intestine. Moreover, pretreatment with P. longifolia leaf extract also showed restoration of the normal liver cell structure and a significant reduction in the elevated levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin. These results suggested the radioprotective ability of P. longifolia leaf extract, which is significant for future investigation for human applications in developing efficient, economically viable, non-toxic natural and clinically acceptable novel radioprotectors.     

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Polyalthia longifolia leaf extract and their in vitro antifungal activity against phytopathogen

The P. longifolia mediated silver (PL-AgNPs) nanoparticles are very stable and efficient. UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) were used to characterize the produced AgNPs. UV–Vis analysis showed a characteristic peak at 435 nm corresponding to surface plasmon resonance. The synthesis process was spectrophotometrically optimized for various parameters. After optimization, highly stable AgNPs were prepared using 3.0 ml of P. longifolia leaf extract, pH 7.0, 1.0 mM AgNO₃, and 60 °C. The zeta potential was measured by DLS, which showed ?20.8 mV and the PDI value was 5.42. TEM and SEM analysis shows a spherical shape of the synthesized nanoparticles, and the size was measured between 10 and 40 nm. EDX analysis showed intense peaks from silver and oxygen and small peaks from various metal atoms such as Na, P, S and Al indicating their presence in trace amounts. The average size of the PL-AgNPs was 14 nm. The phytochemical analysis shows that the presence of alkaloids, essential oils and saponins seems to be responsible for the synthesis of nanoparticles. PL-AgNPs were further investigated for their antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and effect of nanoparticles on cytomorphology of A. alternata have also been reported. Biosynthesized nanoparticles have proven to be inexpensive, environmentally friendly, stable, easily reproducible, and highly effective against plant-pathogenic fungi.     

Removal of chromium using Rhizobium leguminosarum

The chromium (Cr^III and Cr^VI) removal capability of Rhizobium leguminosarum was checked by estimating the amount of chromium in the medium before and after inoculation. To determine the efficiency of R. leguminosarum in removal of chromium, the influence of physical and chemical parameters such as temperature, pH and different concentrations (0.1–1.0 mM) of trivalent (Cr^III) and hexavalent (Cr^VI) chromium were studied. The chromium removal in aqueous solution by different size of active and inactivated biomass and immobilized cells of R. leguminosarum in a packed-bed column was also carried out. Results showed that in a medium containing up to 0.5 mM concentration of both Cr^III and Cr^VI, R. leguminosarum showed optimal growth. The maximum chromium removal was at pH 7.0 and 35°C. Active biomass removed 84.4 ± 3.6% of Cr^III and 77.3 ± 4.3% of Cr^VI in 24 h of incubation time. However, inactivated biomass removed maximum chromium after 36 h of incubation. Immobilized bacterial cells in a packed-bed column removed 86.4 ± 1.7% of Cr^III and 83.8 ± 2.2% of Cr^VI in 16 and 20 h of incubation time, respectively.     

窄叶火筒树叶挥发油的化学成分分析

火筒树属（Leea L．）全世界约有70种,主产亚洲热带地区,中国分布有6种。火筒树属植物除了是很好的园艺和观赏植物外,许多种类可作药用,具有活血散瘀、愈溃生肌、清热解毒等功效,可用于治疗感冒发热、风湿痹痛、疮疡肿毒、咀嚼痛、跌打损伤、乳房肿痛、毒蛇咬伤,黄疸性肝炎等疾病。国内外对火筒树属植物的药理活性,特别是有关化学成分的研究报道很少。     

In vitro cytotoxic potential of Polyalthia longifolia on human cancer cell lines and induction of apoptosis through mitochondrial-dependent pathway in HL-60 cells

Polyalthia longifolia is a lofty evergreen tree found in India and Sri Lanka. We are reporting first time the anticancer potential of P. longifolia leaves extract (A001) and its chloroform fraction (F002). Both inhibited cell proliferation of various human cancer cell lines in which colon cancer cells SW-620 showed maximum inhibition with IC(50) value 6.1 microg/ml. Furthermore, F002 induce apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells as measured by several biological end points. F002 induce apoptotic bodies formation, DNA ladder, enhanced annexin-V-FITC binding of the cells, increased sub-G(0) DNA fraction, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(mt)), release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and cleavage of poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) in HL-60 cells. All the above parameters revealed that F002-induced apoptosis through the mitochondrial-dependent pathway in HL-60 cells.     

Removal of hexavalent chromium using distillery sludge

Batch mode experiments were conducted to study the removal of hexavalent chromium from aqueous and industrial effluent using distillery sludge. Effects of pH, contact time, initial concentration and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption of Cr(VI) were studied. The data obeyed Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The Langmuir adsorption capacity was found to be 5.7 mg/g. Freundlich constants K(f) and n were 2.05 [mg/g(L/mg)(n)] and 3.9, respectively. Desorption studies indicated the removal of 82% of the hexavalent chromium. The efficiency of adsorbent towards the removal of chromium was also tested using chromium-plating wastewater.     

Apoptotic mechanisms of myricitrin isolated from Madhuca longifolia leaves in HL-60 leukemia cells

Molecular Biology Reports - Myricitrin, a naturally occurring flavonoid in Madhuca longifolia, possesses several medicinal properties. Even though our earlier work revealed its role against the...     

Removal of chromium and pentachlorophenol from tannery effluents

Three bacterial strains, including one Acinetobacter sp. PCP3, grown in the presence of minimal salt medium and pentachlorophenol (PCP) as sole carbon source in the chemostat showed higher utilization of PCP and adsorption of chromium. In sequential bioreactor, tannery effluents treated initially by bacterial consortium followed by fungus removed 90% and 67% chromium and PCP respectively, whereas in another set of bioreactor in which effluents was treated initially by fungi followed by bacteria could remove 64.7% and 58% chromium and PCP, respectively.     

Biotransformation of 16-oxacleroda-3,13(14)E-dien-15-oic acid isolated from Polyalthia longifolia by Rhizopus stolonifer increases its antifungal activity

Biotransformation of the antifungal compound 16-oxocleroda-3,13(14)E-dien-15-oic acid (1) isolated from Polyalthia longifolia leaves was achieved by Rhizopus stolonifer in broth medium containing the substrate at the sublethal concentration of 0.06?mg ml^?1. A novel derivative, 18-hydroxy-16-oxocleroda-3,13(14)E-dien-15-oic acid (2) was isolated after 4 d of incubation. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined against 11 fungal pathogens of clinical and agricultural importance. The biotransformed compound showed lower MIC values than the natural parent compound. The study showed that the fungus R. stolonifer has the potential to hydroxylate a natural fungicidal clerodane diterpene at allylic position to produce a novel hydroxylated derivative with enhanced antifungal activity.     

Studies on chromium(VI) adsorption-desorption using immobilized fungal biomass

The aim of this study was to investigate the Cr(VI) biosorption potential of immobilized Rhizopus nigricans and to screen a variety of non-toxic desorbing agents, in order to find out possible application in multiple sorption-desorption cycles. The biomass was immobilized by various mechanisms and evaluated for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution, mechanical stability to desorbents, and reuse in successive cycles. The finely powdered biomass, entrapped in five different polymeric matrices viz. calcium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylamide, polyisoprene, and polysulfone was compared for biosorption efficiency and stability to desorbents. Physical immobilization to polyurethane foam and coir fiber was less efficient than polymer entrapment methods. Of the different combinations (%, w/v) of biomass dose compared for each matrix, 8% (calcium alginate), 6% (polyacrylamide and PVA), 12% (polyisoprene), and 10% (polysulfone) were found to be the optimum. The Cr sorption capacity (mg Cr/g sorbent) of all immobilized biomass was lesser than the native, powdered biomass. The Cr sorption capacity decreased in the order of free biomass (119.2) > polysulfone entrapped (101.5) > polyisoprene immobilized (98.76) > PVA immobilized (96.69) > calcium alginate entrapped (84.29) > polyacrylamide (45.56), at 500 mg/l concentration of Cr(VI). The degree of mechanical stability and chemical resistance of the immobilized systems were in the order of polysulfone > polyisoprene > PVA > polyacrylamide > calcium alginate. The bound Cr(VI) could be eluted successfully using 0.01 N NaOH, NaHCO3, and Na2CO3. The adsorption data for the native and the immobilized biomass was evaluated by the Freundlich isotherm model. The successive sorption-desorption studies employing polysulfone entrapped biomass indicated that the biomass beads could be regenerated and reused in more than 25 cycles and the regeneration efficiency was 75-78%.     

Removal of chromium by mucilaginous seeds of Ocimum basilicum

Polysaccharides bound to bacteria or in isolated form have been shown to bind heavy metals. A limitation of this technology can be overcome by immobilization. In view of this Ocimum basilicum seeds which swell upon wetting could serve as natural immobilized source of agriculturally-based polysaccharides. The seeds consist of an inner hard core and a pectinous fibrillar outer layer. Pretreating the seeds with acid, alkali, periodate or boiling in water was found to alter the metal binding capacity. Of the various treatments given, seeds boiled in water were found to be superior in terms of mechanical stability and exhibited fairly optimal Cr(VI) uptake kinetics. The maximum adsorption capacity as calculated from the Langmuir isotherm was 205 mg Cr/g dry seeds. Biosorption of Cr(VI) was found to be pH dependent with maximum uptake at pH 1.5 wherein sorption was not affected by the presence of other metal ions such as Cd(2+), Cu(2+), Ca(2+) and Na(+). Seeds were used in a packed bed reactor for the continuous removal of Cr(VI). Thus O. basilicum seeds may have application as a potential bioresource in tropical countries such as India where they are widely available.     

Hexavalent chromium removal by viable, granular anaerobic biomass

Hexavalent chromium in industrial wastewater is a major concern due to its extreme toxicity. This study investigates the removal of Cr(VI) using viable anaerobic granular biomass as a biosorbent. The effect of Cr(VI) concentration on biogas content and COD removal using batch studies indicated that the phase II (methanogenic-rich) culture was more sensitive than the phase I (acidogenic-rich) culture. Toxicity indices for both cultures using COD removal were developed based on linear-log interpolation. The median inhibition Cr(VI) concentration (IC(50)), for phase II cultures was found to be 263mg/L, while that for phase I cultures was 309mg/L. A sorption study was conducted on viable and non-viable (dried) phase I-rich biomass: both followed the Langmuir model. In addition, the biosorption capacity for metabolically inhibited biomass was 25% less indicating some level of cellular uptake associated with Cr(VI) removal. This study demonstrated the potential for a two-phase anaerobic treatment system for a Cr(VI)-contaminated effluent.     

Similarity of epiphyte biomass distribution on Posidonia and artificial seagrass leaves

Epiphyte biomass on Posidonia australis Hook f. and artificial seagrass leaves was analysed in relation to distance from leaf tip at different time periods following the autumnal shedding. The distribution pattern indicated no significant difference in the exponential nature of biomass increase.Similarities between epiphyte biomass distribution on real and artificial leaves is consistent with the hypothesis that biomass distribution on real leaves is not influenced significantly by metabolic interactions between host plant and epiphytes. Although a time component is involved in epiphyte biomass accumulation, the major factor in determining epiphyte biomass distribution is the relative position along the leaf.     

Biosorption and elution of chromium from immobilized Bacillus coagulans biomass

Bacillus coagulans, a tannery wastewater isolate, previously shown to bind dissolved Cr(VI), retained its ability to biosorb Cr(VI) in different matrices. Polymeric materials like agar, agarose, calcium alginate and polyacrylamide were screened. Agarose emerged as the suitable candidate for biomass immobilization mainly due to its higher stability and integrity in acidic pH. Aptness of agarose as the matrix for B. coagulans biomass was revealed during Cr(VI) biosorption from natural wastewater.     

Removal of hexavalent chromium in tannery wastewater by Bacillus cereus

Bacillus cereus was used to remove chromium (Cr(VI)) from medium containing tannery wastewater under different conditions. The maximum rate of Cr(VI) removal was attained at a temperature of 37?°C, pH of 7.0-9.0, and biomass of 20 g/L when the initial Cr(VI) concentration was less than 50?mg/L. Under the optimum conditions, the Cr(VI) in tannery wastewater was treated with each cellular component of B. cereus to detect its ability to reduce Cr(VI). The results showed that the removal rate of Cr(VI) for the cell-free extracts could reach 92.70%, which was close to that of the whole cells (96.85%), indicating that the Cr(VI) reductase generated by B.?cereus is primarily intracellular. Additionally, during continuous culture of the B. cereus, the strain showed good consecutive growth and removal ability. After treatment of 20?mg/L Cr(VI) for 48?h, the B. cereus was observed by SEM and TEM-EDX. SEM images showed that the B.?cereus used to treat Cr(VI) grew well and had a uniform cellular size. TEM-EDX analysis revealed large quantities of chromium in the B. cereus cells used to treat Cr(VI). Overall, the results presented herein demonstrate that B. cereus can be used as a new biomaterial to remove Cr(VI) from tannery wastewater.