Antioxidant and radioprotective effect of the active fraction of Pilea microphylla (L.) ethanolic extract

The ethanolic extract of Pilea microphylla (L.) was defatted, successively fractionated with acetone and the residue so obtained was found to be most potent when subjected to detailed free radical scavenging and in vivo radioprotection studies. The most active fraction reacts with free radicals, such as DPPH (50 microM), ABTS(.)(-) (100 microM) and (.)OH (generated by Fenton reaction) with IC(50) value of 23.15 microg/ml, 3.0 microg/ml and 310 microg/ml, respectively. The most active fraction inhibited iron-induced lipid peroxidation in phosphatidyl choline liposomes with an IC(50) of 13.74 microg/ml. The kinetics of scavenging of DPPH and ABTS(.)(-) radicals were followed at different concentrations of the fraction by employing stopped-flow studies. The observed first order decay rate constants at 200 microg/ml and 50 microg/ml of fraction with DPPH (50 microM) and ABTS(.)(-) (50 microM) were found to be 0.4s(-1) and 2.1s(-1), respectively. The fraction when screened for in vivo radioprotection in Swiss albino mice showed 80% protection at a dose of 900 mg/kg and with a DRF of about 1.12. The fraction was also found to protect livers of irradiated mice from depletion of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like glutathione, GST, SOD, catalase and thiols. The fraction also protected the villi height, increased the number of crypt cells while offering general protection to the intestine from acute radiation effects. The fraction also protected the hematopoietic system as assessed by endogenous spleen colony assay, contributing to the overall radioprotective ability.     

Antioxidant effect of ethanolic onion (Allium cepa) husk extract in ageing rats

The role of natural antioxidants in preventing of age-relating diseases is evident. The vegetable industry generates a large amount of waste, which is a good source of antioxidants.The aim of the study was the investigation of the antioxidant effect of long-term consumption of ethanolic yellow onion husk extract in ageing laboratory rodents.Twenty male Wistar albino rats were divided randomly into two groups (n = 10): a control group and an experimental group that received ethanolic yellow onion husk extract (2 mL/rat diluted with distilled water; activity of 4.44 µmol-equiv. quercetin) for 188 days. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays were used to determine the total antioxidant capacity of the extract, which amounted to 941.4 ± 32.7 µmol equiv. Trolox/g raw material and 167.4 ± 16.4 µmol-equiv. quercetin/g raw material, respectively. Oral intake of the onion husk extract affected the indicators of the antioxidant system of the liver and the brain but not of the blood and plasma, mainly due to elevations in the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the liver by 44.4% and 79.1%, respectively, and in the brain by three-fold and 79.1%, respectively.The availability, cheapness and high antioxidant potential of onion waste qualifies it a good source of functional ingredients and bioactive substances applicable in the food and pharmaceutical industries.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Suaeda maritima (L.) dumort ethanolic extract on concanavalin-A induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort on concanavalin-A induced stress in Wistar albino rats have been reported. Rats were administered with ethanolic extract of Suaeda maritimna at the concentration of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of body wt. for 9 days and concanavalin-A was administrated (iv) 12 mg/kg on 9th day. Rats in concanavalin-A administered group showed elevated levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilurubin. Pretreatment of rats with ethanolic extract (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced these serum parameters compared to concavalin-A administered group. Histopathological examination of liver sections showed that, normal liver architecture was disturbed by hepatotoxin intoxication. The extract treated group and silymarin treated group retained the normal cell architecture, although less visible changes were observed. Preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of triterpenioids and may be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity. The LD50 was calculated as 3 g/kg of the body weight. IC50 values of hydroxyl (52.21+/-1.32 microg/ml) and nitric oxide radicals (09.14+/-0.94 microg/ml) scavenging results showed comparable activity with vitamin-C. Results of this study may be useful for the development of herbal medicine from Suaeda maritima for the treatment of hepatitis.     

Antioxidant,antimicrobial, toxicity and analgesic properties of ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root

Background

This study was subjected to investigate different pharmacological properties of ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root.

Results

The extract contains flavonoid, alkaloid, saponin and steroid compounds. The extract exhibited excellent antioxidant activity in DPPH radical scavenging activity. The extract also showed potent activity in brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC₅₀ value was found to 44.677 μg/ml. The extract showed better anti-bacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria. In antifungal assay, the maximum 79.31% of anti-mycotic activity was observed against Aspergillus ochraceus while minimum 44.2% against Rhizopus oryzae. MIC value ranged between 1500–3000 μg/ml. The extract was found moderately toxic with a 24-hr LD₅₀ value of 81.47 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice. The degree of inhibition by the ethanolic extract of the root was found less than that of standard analgesic drug diclofenac sodium. The extract also showed moderate anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity and anti-diabetic property. Reducing power of the extract was comparable with standard ascorbic acid. Moderate in vitro thrombolytic activity, lipid peroxidation inhibition property, metal chelating ability and stress-protective activity was also observed.

Conclusion

Ethanol extract of Solena amplexicaulis root can be valuable for treatment of different diseases.     

甘草根茎乙醇提取物抗菌活性研究

本实验采用琼脂扩散法和微量肉汤稀释法,研究了甘草根茎乙醇提取物对5种细菌(表皮葡萄球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、大肠杆菌和绿脓杆菌)和2种真菌(白色念珠菌和黑曲霉)的抗菌活性。结果表明,甘草根茎乙醇提取物对革兰氏阳性菌非常敏感,而对革兰氏阴性菌和真菌不敏感,80%乙醇提取物对革兰氏阳性菌的MIC范围为0.156～0.312 mg·mL^-1,而10%乙醇提取物对革兰氏阳性菌的MIC范围为0.625～1.250 mg·mL^-1,表明甘草根茎抗菌活性成分在高浓度乙醇中溶解度较大,为临床上应用甘草根茎醇提物作为抗菌制剂提供了科学依据。     

Antioxidant components of Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Murr. fruit bodies

Antioxidant activity of fruit bodies of Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.: Fr.) Murr. (Polyporales) obtained by the natural plantation growing method in Pribaikal'e (Irkutsk region) has been studied. It was determined that the ethyl acetate fraction of L. sulphureus, which was chromatographically separated into seven compounds identified as quercetin, kaempferol, (+)-catechin, p-coumaric, gallic, caffeic, and chlorogenic acids was characterized with more expressed antioxidant activity. All compounds were extracted from this basidiomycete species for the first time. The quantitative amount of the substances isolated from L. sulphureus was determined by HPLC. It was found that antioxidant activity of preparations obtained from L. sulphureus is conditioned by phenolic compounds.     

Haematopoietic properties of ethanolic extract of Ageratum conyzoides (Goat weed) in Albino rats.

The potential haematological effects associated with the administration of ethanolic leaf extract of Ageratum conyzoides was investigated in rats. 27 rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group had 6 rats and served as control, the remaining 3 experimental groups and had 7 rats each. These later groups were gavaged with the extract of Ageratum conyzoides in concentrations of 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively for 30 days at a dose of 0.1 ml/body weight. The control group was gavaged with 0.9% sodium chloride at a dose of 0.1 m1/body weight as placebo. The extract at the doses administered was found to increase in a dose-related fashion PCV and Hb ([P < 0.01] for 200 mg/kg and [P < 0.001] for 400 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg), RBC ([P < 0.05] for 400 mg/Kg and 500 mg/kg) and marginal increases that were not significant for 200 mg/kg); MCH and MCV ([P < 0.05] and [P < 0.01] for 400mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively) 200 mg/kg was not significant. MCHC recorded no significant change. WBC recorded marginal increases that were not significant, similarly, the differential white blood cell recorded marginal increases that were not significant, except lymphocytes that recorded significant increase in group 4 [P < 0.05]. Marginal Decreases in body weight were also observed, these decreases were however not significant. The result of this study thus indicate haematopoietic potentials of the extract and could possibly remedy anaemia.     

Antioxidant potential and antimicrobial efficacy of seaweed (Himanthalia elongata) extract in model food systems

Extracts from marine sources exhibit antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in vitro and there has been great interest within the food industry to move towards natural methods of food preservation. Natural extracts from seaweeds could potentially have a multiple functionality within the food industry to increase safety and enhance the quality of food products. The present study is aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of a hydrophilic extract from the fucoid brown alga Himanthalia elongata in model food systems. Carbohydrate and protein model food systems (CMFS and PMFS, respectively) were studied at varying concentrations (1 %, 5 % and 10 %) and bacterial inhibition of the extract was investigated against Salmonella abony and Listeria monocytogenes. The extract provided up to 100 % inhibition of the bacteria with a bactericidal effect in CMFS, while a bacteriostatic effect was seen in PMFS. In general, there was a significant difference (P?<?0.05) between the efficacies of the extract against S. abony as compared to L. monocytogenes with higher inhibition for S. abony. In terms of antioxidants; the extract had a total phenolic content of 34.0 mg GAE g^?1 of extract and a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity of 139.8 mg AAE g of extract. The results of the present study are promising as it provides an insight for the inclusion of seaweed extracts into real food systems.     

Antioxidant,antimicrobial and cytotoxicity potential of n-hexane extract of Cayratia trifolia L

It is of interest to analyze the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity activity of n-hexane extract of Cayratia trifolia L. (C. trifolia). The antimicrobial activity of n-hexane extract of C. trifolia was determined using disc diffusion method against six selected pathogenic microorganisms. The cytotoxicity potential of n-hexane plant extract was also studied against A2780 cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results, n-hexane extract of C. trifolia possess significant antioxidant activity with significant IC50 values in radical scavenging assays. In antimicrobial studies, the maximum zone of inhibition was found in the range of 19.0 ± 0.1 to 22.0 ± 0.1 mm. In MTT assay, inhibition of cell growth with minimal IC50 values of 46.25±0.42μg/mL against A2780 cell lines was observed. Thus, n-hexane extract of C. trifolia is a possible antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity agent.     

Antioxidant properties of a North American ginseng extract

A North American ginseng extract (NAGE) containing known principle ginsenosides for Panax quinquefolius was assayed for metal chelation, affinity to scavenge DPPH-stable free radical, and peroxyl (LOO·) and hydroxyl (·OH) free radicals for the purpose of characterizing mechanisms of antioxidant activity. Dissociation constants (Kd) for NAGE to bind transition metals were in the order of Fe²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Fe³⁺ and corresponded to the affinity to inhibit metal induced lipid peroxidation. In a metal-free linoleic acid emulsion, NAGE exhibited a significant (p 0.05) concentration (0.01-10 mg/mL) dependent mitigation of lipid oxidation as assessed by the ammonium thiocyanate method. Similar results were obtained when NAGE was incubated in a methyl linoleate emulsion containing haemoglobin catalyst and assessed by an oxygen electrode. NAGE also showed strong DPPH radical scavenging activity up to a concentration of 1.6 mg/mL (r² = 0.996). Similar results were obtained for scavenging of both site-specific and non site-specific ·OH, using the deoxyribose assay method. Moreover, NAGE effectively inhibited the non site-specific DNA strand breakage caused by Fenton agents, and suppressed the Fenton induced oxidation of a 66 Kd soluble protein obtained from mouse brain over a concentration range of 2-40 mg/mL. These results indicate that NAGE exhibits effective antioxidant activity in both lipid and aqueous mediums by both chelation of metal ions and scavenging of free radicals.     

Antioxidant properties of prunes (Prunus domestica L.) and their constituents

Prunes contain large amounts of phenolics and show high antioxidant activity. The aim of this study is to clarify the contents of caffeoylquinic acid (CQA) isomers, and to estimate the contribution of these isomers to the antioxidant activity of prunes. Furthermore, structural elucidation and evaluation of antioxidant activity of prune components were also performed. CQA isomers in prunes were quantified by HPLC analysis, and it has become apparent that prunes contain relatively high amount of 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid. The contribution of CQA isomers to the antioxidant activity of prunes was revealed to be 28.4% on the basis of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC); hence, it was indicated that residual ORAC is dependent on unknown antioxidant components. Total 28 compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS analyses. Four abscisic acid related compounds, a chromanon, and a bipyrrole were novel. Each CQA isomer in prunes showed high antioxidant activities when measured by the oil stability index (OSI) method, O2- scavenging activity, and ORAC. Other isolated compounds such as hydroxycinnamic acids, benzoic acids, coumarins, lignans, and flavonoid showed high ORAC values. Furthermore, a novel chromanon indicated a remarkable synergistic effect on ORAC of CQA isomers.     

Germination characteristics of the grass weed Digitaria nuda (Schumach.)

The effect of various pre-treatments and their interaction with temperature on cumulative percentage and the rate of germination were evaluated for Digitaria nuda. Stored and fresh seeds were pre-treated with either 0.02 M KNO₃, soaked in water for 24 h (priming), sterilized with 0.5% NaOCl or heat treated at 60 °C. Seeds were germinated at constant temperatures of 25 and 30 °C and fluctuating temperature regimes of 25/10 and 30/15 °C. The effect of pre-chilling on germination of stored and fresh seed was evaluated at 30/15 °C, and seed emergence in two soil types at different burial depths (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 cm) was also determined. The pre-treatment of stored seed with KNO₃ resulted in the highest germination percentage (100%), whereas the pre-treatment of fresh seed with water for 24 h gave the best germination (99%), at constant temperatures of 25 and 30 °C. Pre-chilling of seed increased germination by more than 30%. Emergence from clay loam soil was greater compared with the emergence from sandy loam soil. Total seedling emergence decreased exponentially with increasing burial depths with only 5% of seed germinating from a burial depth of 6 cm. Results from this study showed that germination requirements are species specific and knowledge of factors influencing germination and emergence of grass weed seed can assist in predicting flushes in emergence allowing producers to implement control practices more effectively.     

Antifungal properties of ethanolic extract and its active compounds from Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana (Florin) heartwood

The ethanolic extract of Calocedrus macrolepis var. formosana heartwood was screened for antifungal compounds by agar dilution assay and liquid chromatography. Two compounds, beta-thujaplicin and gamma-thujaplicin, responsible for the antifungal property of C. macrolepis var. formosana heartwood were isolated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and identified by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. The antifungal activities of these two compounds were further evaluated against total 15 fungi, including wood decay fungi, tree pathogenic fungi and molds. The hexane soluble fraction showed the strongest antifungal activities among all fractions. beta-Thujaplicin and gamma-thujaplicin exhibited not only very strong antifungal activity, but also broad antifungal spectrum. The MIC values of beta-thujaplicin and gamma-thujaplicin were in the range of 5.0-50.0 microg/ml. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to study the structural change of fungal hyphae induced by beta-thujaplicin. Strong cell wall shrinkage indicated the fungicidal effect could be attributed to the combined actions of metal chelating and cytoplasm leakage. It also suggests that the role of metal chelating is indispensable in the design of environmental-friendly fungicides.     

Antioxidant properties ofErigeron annuus extract and its three phenolic constituents

The antioxidant activity of the extract ofErigeron annuus was assessed by means of two differentin vitro tests: bleaching of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH test) and the scavenging of authentic peroxynitrite in company with peroxynitrite generation from 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1). In both tests, the 85% aq. MeOH andn-BuOH soluble fractions of the crude extract showed a significant scavenging effect on peroxynitrite and DPPH radical in comparison to L-ascorbic acid. And bioassay-guided fractionation of then-BuOH soluble fraction led to the isolation of three compounds: Apigenin (1), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (2), and caffeic acid (3). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data and their antioxidant activities were measured by determining their capacity to scavenge peroxynitrite and the DPPH radical.     

Diuretic and antilithiasic activities of ethanolic extract from Piper amalago (Piperaceae)

ObjectivePiper amalago is used in Brazilian folk medicine as diuretic and for the treatment of urinary calculus disease, although no scientific data have been described to support these effects. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the diuretic effects and antilithiatic activity of the ethanolic extract of P. amalago (EEPam).Materials and methodsEthanolic extracts of P. amalago (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally administered in male Wistar rats (n = 5) and urinary excretion was measured at intervals of up to 24 h after administration. The antilithiasic effect of EEPam on calcium oxalate urolithiasis crystallization was examined in a turbidimetric model.ResultsThe oral administration of all doses of EEPam significantly increased urine output after 24 h when compared to control group. Moreover, the application of EEPam, induced an inhibitory effect on calcium oxalate crystallization.ConclusionsAccording to results, P. amalago extracts showed diuretic and natriuretic activity and antilithiasic effects.     

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanolic extract of Lagenaria breviflora whole fruit in rat and mice

The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of an ethanol extract of whole fruit of Lagenaria breviflora (LB) in rat and mice. Analgesic activity was measured by hot plate, formalin-induced paw licking, and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing tests, while anti-inflammatory activity was determined by inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Extract-treated animals exhibited significantly (P.     

大粒裸燕麦（莜麦）（Avena nuda L.）起源及分类问题的探讨

燕麦属（Avena L.）植物中有5个栽培种即普通栽培燕麦（A. sativa L.）、埃塞俄比亚燕麦（A. abyssinica Hochst.）、地中海燕麦（A. byzantina Koch）、砂燕麦（A. strigosa Schreb.）和大粒裸燕麦又称莜麦（A. nuda L.）,其中大粒裸燕麦的子粒不带稃皮为裸燕麦,其他物种均带稃皮为皮燕麦。国际上主要种植皮燕麦,而我国主要种植大粒裸燕麦,由此不难看出,大粒裸燕麦在世界燕麦中占有特殊的地位。然而,关于大粒裸燕麦的起源和分类地位问题,迄今学者们的意见仍不尽相同。笔者通过参阅有关文献和研究实践,对这两个问题进行探讨,认为大粒裸燕麦起源于我国山西和内蒙古一带,在植物学分类上应为一个独立的物种即A. nuda L.。     

大粒裸燕麦(Avena nuda L.)遗传连锁图谱的构建

以“元莜麦”和“555”杂交得到的281个F2单株为作图群体,利用20对AFLP引物、3对SSR引物和1个穗型性状构建了一张大粒裸燕麦遗传连锁图。该图谱全长1544.8cM,包含19个连锁群,其上分布有92个AFLP标记、3个SSR标记和1个穗型形态标记,不同连锁群标记数为2-14个,长度在23.7-276.3cM之间,平均长度为81.3cM,标记间平均距离为20.1cM。穗型标记分离比符合3：1,11个AFLP标记表现为偏分离,偏分离比为11.5%。该图谱符合遗传连锁框架图的要求,为今后大粒裸燕麦的QTL定位、分子标记辅助育种和比较基因组学等研究奠定基础。