Phytochemical Profiling,Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Stemodia viscosa Roxb. of Western Ghats Region,India

The present study shows the chemical profile, antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and apoptotic effects of Stemodia viscosa extracts. Thirteen bioactive compounds were identified in the 80 % ethanolic extract by GC/MS analysis. The acetone extract exhibited a higher content of flavonoids and phenols of 805.10 μg QE/mg DW and 89.31 μg GAE/mg DW extracts, respectively. Furthermore, the acetone extract possessed the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀=9.96 μg/mL). The 80 % ethanolic extract exhibited significant antimicrobial activity; the highest activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 25±0.51 mm, MIC value of 4 mg/mL, and MBC value of 8 mg/mL. The antiproliferative results revealed the presence of anticancer activity with an IC₅₀=91.562 and 74.362 μg/mL against the B16F10 skin and COLO205 colon cancer cells, respectively. The flow cytometric analysis shows that the plant extracts cause cancer cell death through the induction of apoptosis. Our findings confirmed that Stemodia viscosa is a potential source of biologically active compounds.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of rosemary extracts linked to their polyphenol composition

Rosmarinus officinalis extracts were investigated by a combination of bioassays and biochemical analysis to identify bioactive compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydracyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging method, Folin–Ciocaulteau method and HPLC chromatography were used to study the distribution and levels of antioxidants (AOXs). Antimicrobial activity analysis was carried out using the disk diffusion and broth dilution techniques. A good correlation between the AOX activities and total phenol content in the extracts was found. Although all rosemary extracts showed a high radical scavenging activity, a different efficacy as antimicrobial agent was observed. Methanol extract containing 30% of carnosic acid, 16% of carnosol and 5% of rosmarinic acid was the most effective antimicrobial against Gram positive bacteria (minimal inhibition concentration, MIC, between 2 and 15 μg/ml), Gram negative bacteria (MIC between 2 and 60 μg/ml) and yeast (MIC of 4 μg/ml). By contrast, water extract containing only 15% of rosmarinic acid showed a narrow activity. MIC value of the methanol and water extracts is in a good correlation with the values obtained with pure carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, respectively. Therefore, our results suggested that the antimicrobial rosemary extracts efficacy was associated with their specific phenolic composition. Carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid may be the main bioactive antimicrobial compounds present in rosemary extracts. From a practical point of view, rosemary extract may be a good candidate for functional foods as well as for pharmaceutical plant-based products.     

GC/MS and LC/MS Phytochemical Analysis of Vigna unguiculata L. Walp Pod

Vigna unguiculata (L. Walp) or Cowpea pod methanolic extracts phytochemical analysis, total phenolic content (TPC), and secondary metabolite profiling were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis. GC/MS analysis revealed twenty compounds in the extract, while LC/MS analysis identified twenty-four compounds. GC/MS chromatogram analysis suggested the presence of opioid α-N-Normethadol a major constituent found in methanolic extract and fatty acid esters carotenoid is found second major constituent. LC/MS chromatogram and the mass spectral analysis demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, carotenoids, and alkaloids as major phytochemicals. We investigated the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant activity of pod methanolic extract. The extract was found equally effective against E. coli, S. pyogenes, and P. aeruginosa with MIC 100 μg/mL similar to the standard Ampicillin (MIC 100 μg/mL). C. albicans were found to be most susceptible to Vign unguiculata pods methanolic extract with a MIC of 250 μg/mL. The pod extract showed significant DPPH scavenging activity (IC₅₀=78.38±0.15) which suggests its antioxidant potential.     

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of rosemary extracts linked to their polyphenol composition

Rosmarinus officinalis extracts were investigated by a combination of bioassays and biochemical analysis to identify bioactive compounds. The 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydracyl hydrate (DPPH) radical scavenging method, Folin-Ciocaulteau method and HPLC chromatography were used to study the distribution and levels of antioxidants (AOXs). Antimicrobial activity analysis was carried out using the disk diffusion and broth dilution techniques. A good correlation between the AOX activities and total phenol content in the extracts was found. Although all rosemary extracts showed a high radical scavenging activity, a different efficacy as antimicrobial agent was observed. Methanol extract containing 30% of carnosic acid, 16% of carnosol and 5% of rosmarinic acid was the most effective antimicrobial against Gram positive bacteria (minimal inhibition concentration, MIC, between 2 and 15 μg/ml), Gram negative bacteria (MIC between 2 and 60 μg/ml) and yeast (MIC of 4 μg/ml). By contrast, water extract containing only 15% of rosmarinic acid showed a narrow activity. MIC value of the methanol and water extracts is in a good correlation with the values obtained with pure carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, respectively. Therefore, our results suggested that the antimicrobial rosemary extracts efficacy was associated with their specific phenolic composition. Carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid may be the main bioactive antimicrobial compounds present in rosemary extracts. From a practical point of view, rosemary extract may be a good candidate for functional foods as well as for pharmaceutical plant-based products.     

Evaluation of in vitro antifungal activity of medicinal plants against phytopathogenic fungi

Fourteen medicinal plants belonging to 13 families were collected and extracted with petroleum ether (PE), chloroform, methanol and water to yield 60 crude extracts. Using agar diffusion method, these extracts were evaluated for antifungal activity on the growth of five phytopathogenic fungi. Among all the extracts tested, PE, chloroform and methanol extracts of Piper betle L. and PE and chloroform extracts of Allamanda cathartica exhibited promising antifungal activity. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the above promising extracts were determined using broth dilution technique and observed that chloroform extract of P. betle L. exhibited the least MIC value ranging from 280 to 1130 μg ml^?1. In this study, we report chloroform extract of P. betle L. to be thermally stable even when steam sterilised for the first time and that it could be stored at 4°C with almost no change in its activity for a period of 180 days.     

Assessment of Phytochemical Analysis,Nutritional Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of<i> Moringa oleifera</i>

Moringa oleifera is a miracle plant rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and antibiotic properties. Present study was designed to evaluate various biochemical attributes of leaves and flowers of M. oleifera. Plant parts (leaves, flowers) of M. oleifera, collected from different roadsides of Multan district, Punjab, Pakistan, were used as experimental material. Result indicates that alkaloids, saponin, carbohydrates, fats, and protein had a high value in the aqueous extract of both leaves and flowers of M. oleifera. Whereas phenol content was high in methanolic leaves extract and the phenol contents were high in aqueous extract of flowers. The extract yield of M. oleifera leaves and flowers both showed a higher percentage in aqueous extract (57.5%), followed by methanol extract and lowest in ethyl acetate extract. Flavonoids contents were higher in ethyl acetate extract of leaves (33.67%) and aqueous extract of flowers (53.71%). While crude fiber was high in methanolic extract of leaves (12.40%) and in flowers crude fiber was high in ethyl acetate extract (15.86%). The moisture contents were higher in leaves (8.87%) than flowers (7.3%) and similarly, ash percentage in flowers (52.60%) than leaves (41.84%). Ethyl acetate extracts of M. oleifera leaves show antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa while methanolic extract of M. oleifera flowers shows antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas sp. Maximum growth inhibits show in all extracts of leaves against Aspergillus flavus, F. oxysporum, and P. glabrum except for the concentrated aqueous extract of leaves. While in flowers maximum growth inhibits all extracts against P. glabrum, A. niger, and A. flavus except the diluted ethyl acetate extract. Phytochemicals present in different parts of moringa have significant edible and commercial potential. Moringa extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, therefore have applications in pharmaceuticals.     

刺山柑多酚类物质含量及其抗氧化活性研究

采用Folin-Ciocalteu法,测定南疆地区刺山柑不同时期不同器官多酚类物质含量,并用DPPH法对其抗氧化活性进行比较研究。结果表明:(1)多酚类物质在不同时期刺山柑不同器官中均有分布,刺山柑不同器官中花蕾中多酚类物质含量最高,茎中多酚类物质含量最少;其中5～8月份花蕾中多酚类物质含量随月份的增加而减少,茎中多酚类物质含量随月份的增加而增加,其他器官中多酚类物质含量变化与花蕾基本相似。(2)不同时期刺山柑的不同器官均有清除DPPH自由基的能力,花蕾的抗氧化活性最强,且花蕾的抗氧化活性随月份的增加而减弱,茎的抗氧化活性最弱。     

Production of fermented needle extracts from red pine and their functional characterization

Pine needle (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc.) extract is being used for millennia in treatment of multiple ailments in Asia Pacific region. The extract is a composite mixture of a number of organic compounds. Terpenoid is one of such complex compounds that exhibit useful effects. To remove harmful substances with improving functionality of the extract, people adopt traditional spontaneous fermentation followed by aging. To assess the fermentation induced effectiveness we analyzed composition of the volatile terpenoid in fresh to the 7 years old self-fermented extracts along with their anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. Simultaneously, we also analyzed the effect of remarkably changed 1,8-cineole and camphor. SFPEs (self-fermented pine needle extracts), 1,8-cineole, and camphor inhibited growth of bacterial strains like Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis. Comparative studies between pine needle extracts, 1,8-cineole and camphor showed that the self-fermented pine needle extracts retard the bacterial growth effectively and have relatively higher antioxidant activities. PE (pine needle extract) and SFPEs showed nearly 95% DPPH radical scavenging activities, 1,8-cineole 84% while camphor showed no scavenging activities. The results showed that self-fermentation and aging improves the effects of the extract therefore it could be a good source for nutraceutical product.     

Laserpitium zernyi Hayek Flower and Herb Extracts: Phenolic Compounds,and Anti‐edematous,Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities

Phenolic compounds and different biological activities of the dry MeOH extracts of the flowers and the herb (aerial parts without flowers) of Laserpitium zernyi Hayek (Apiaceae) were investigated. The total phenolic contents in the extracts were determined spectrophotometrically using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. In both extracts, apigenin, luteolin, their 7‐O ‐glucosides, and chlorogenic acid were detected by HPLC . Identified phenolics were quantified in both extracts, except luteolin in L . zernyi herb extract. The extracts (p.o .) were tested for anti‐edematous activity in a model of carrageenan (i.pl .) induced rat paw edema. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by FRAP assay and DPPH and ^?OH radicals scavenging tests. Antimicrobial activity was investigated using broth microdilution test against five Gram ‐positive and three Gram ‐negative bacteria, as well as against two strains of Candida albicans . The polyphenol‐richer flower extract exerted higher anti‐edematous and antioxidant activities. The herb extract exhibited better antimicrobial effect against Micrococcus luteus , Enterococcus faecalis , Bacillus subtilis , and Pseudomonas aeruginosa , while against other tested microorganisms, the activity of both extracts was identical. Demonstrated biological activities of L . zernyi flower and herb extracts represent a good basis for their further investigation as potential new herbal medicinal raw materials.     

Antibacterial activity of extracts and neolignans from Piper regnellii (Miq.) C. DC. var. pallescens (C. DC.) Yunck

The evaluation of the activity of the aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves of Piper regnellii was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The aqueous extract displayed a weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1000 micrograms/ml. The ethyl acetate extract presented a good activity against S. aureus and B. subtilis with MIC and MBC at 15.62 micrograms/ml. In contrast to the relative low MICs for gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria were not inhibited by the extracts at concentrations < or = 1000 mg/ml. The ethyl acetate extract was fractionated on silica gel into nine fractions. The hexane and chloroform fractions were active against S. aureus (MIC at 3.9 micrograms/ml) and B. subtilis (MIC at 3.9 and 7.8 micrograms/ml, respectively). Using bioactivity-directed fractionation, the hexane fraction was rechromatographed to yield the antimicrobial compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 identified as eupomatenoid-6, eupomatenoid-5, eupomatenoid-3, and conocarpan, respectively. The pure compounds 1 and 2 showed a good activity against S. aureus with MIC of 1.56 micrograms/ml and 3.12 micrograms/ml, respectively. Both compounds presented MIC of 3.12 micrograms/ml against B. subtilis. The pure compound 6 named as conocarpan was quite active against S. aureus and B. subtilis with MIC of 6.25 micrograms/ml. The antibacterial properties of P. regnellii justify its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds, contaminated through bacteria infections.     

Phytochemicals Content,Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Sophora viciifolia

The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of ethanol extracts from different parts of Sophora viciifolia. The content of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity were investigated, and individual polyphenols and alkaloids were analyzed and quantified by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The microdilution method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of extracts from S. viciifolia on six strains. The results for extracts from the different parts (flowers, leaves, and fruit) were compared in varying concentrations to determine whether one extract source is superior to another. Testing verified that extracts from the different parts of S. viciifolia did vary, as expected. For example, extract from the leaves had the best antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Candida albicans, but all extracts had good antimicrobial activity against the six tested strains. These results reveal that the active substances in S. viciifolia are abundant and have good antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which can provide theoretical support for the subsequent development and utilization of S. viciifolia extracts.     

Anatomical,Morphological, and Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Gagea taurica Steven (Liliaceae): A New Record for the Turkish Flora

Gagea genus, which is native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has attracted significant attention due to its biodiversity and potential health benefits. In this study, the biochemical composition and biological activities of methanol extracts from various parts of G. taurica were investigated, along with their anatomical and morphological characteristics. The best antimicrobial activity was found to be MeOH extracts of corm and leaf against several Candida strains with MIC=640 μg/mL. The highest level of phenolics together with significant results of antioxidant activities were observed in flowers extracts. The α-amylase inhibition assay results showed that the highest inhibition percentage was observed with acarbose (59 %), followed by leaf extract (43 %). Leaf exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity in AChE inhibition assay, whereas flower demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity in BChE inhibition assay. Hesperidin was found as 1621.0001 ng/ml value in flower extract and 283.9339 ng/ml value leaf.     

Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the crude extracts of Dietes bicolor leaves,flowers and rhizomes

The crude extracts of Dietes bicolor leaves, flowers and rhizomes were subjected to comparative antimicrobial screening against two Gram-positive, two Gram-negative bacteria and four fungal strains using the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the tested extracts were also determined. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity was evaluated. D. bicolor extracts generally demonstrated notable broad spectrum antimicrobial activities (MIC values ≤ 500 μg/mL) against all tested pathogens. D. bicolor leaf extract showed potent broad spectrum antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging between 0.24 and 31.25 μg/mL against all tested pathogens. Moreover, the flowers extract exhibited promising antimicrobial activities, displaying MIC values ranging between 1.95 and 125 μg/mL against the tested bacteria and fungi. However, the rhizomes extract showed moderate antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging between 31.25 and 500 μg/mL. Despite the potent antimicrobial activity of D. bicolor extracts, they were ineffective as cytotoxic agents against nine tested cancer cell lines, displaying 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values above 100 μg/mL. The reported potent antimicrobial activity along with the lack of measurable cytotoxic activity indicated that the antimicrobial activity of D. bicolor crude extracts is mediated through a mechanism other than cytotoxicity. These results suggest that D. bicolor can act as a potential source for natural antibacterial and antifungal agents with a good safety profile at a preliminary level.     

Biological Insights and NMR Metabolic Profiling of Different Extracts of Spermacoce verticillata (L.) G. Mey.

Spermacoce verticillata (L.) G. Mey. is commonly used in the folk medicine by various cultures to manage common diseases. Herein, the chemical and biological profiles of S. verticillata were studied in order to provide a comprehensive characterization of bioactive compounds and also to highlight the therapeutic properties. The in vitro antioxidant activity using free-radical scavenging, phosphomolybdenum, ferrous-ion chelating and reducing power assays, and the inhibitory activity against key enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase of S. verticillata extracts (dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water) were investigated. The highest total phenolic and flavonoid content were observed in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. Exhaustive 2DNMR investigation has revealed the presence of rutin, ursolic and oleanoic acids. The methanolic extract, followed by aqueous extract have showed remarkable free radical quenching and reducing ability, while the dichloromethane extract was the best source of metal chelators. The tested extracts showed notable inhibitory activity against cholinesterases (AChE: 1.63–4.99 mg GALAE/g extract and BChE: 12.40–15.48 mg GALAE/g extract) and tyrosinase (60.85–159.64 mg KAE/g extract). No inhibitory activity was displayed by ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts against BChE and tyrosinase, respectively. All the tested extracts showed modest α-amylase inhibitory activity, while only the ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts were potent against α-glycosidase. This study further validates the use of S. verticillata in the traditional medicine, while advocating for further investigation for phytomedicine development.     

Identification of vibriocidal compounds from medicinal plants using chromatographic fingerprinting

The aim of the present study was to investigate the vibriocidal activity of bark of Syzygium cumini, leaves of Lawsonia inermis, fruits of Terminalia bellerica and identify the bioactive compounds. The vibriocidal activity of plant extracts was determined in aqueous and organic solvents, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Vibrio spp. using the disk diffusion method was established. The chemical constituents of the plant extracts were analysed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), the vibriocidal compounds were determined by TLC-bioautography and were further confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant inhibitory activity was observed with ethanol extract of plants against the test bacteria while less antibacterial activity was observed in acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts. The MIC of the plant extracts ranged between 2.5 and 20 mg/ml. The TLC, TLC-bioautography and HPLC analysis showed that gallic acid and tannin present in ethanol extracts of S. cumini, tannin present in L. inermis and gallic acid present in T. bellerica may be responsible for the vibriocidal activity. S. cumini, L. inermis and T. bellerica can be used for the treatment of gastroenteritis, diarrhoea and cholera diseases after detailed investigations. We also conclude that the plants rich in gallic acid and tannin can be used as an alternative to search for new vibriocidal drugs.     

Evaluation of Antioxidant,Anti-Inflammatory and Antityrosinase Potential of Extracts from Different Aerial Parts of Rhanterium suaveolens from Tunisia

The genus Rhanterium (Asteraceae) is a widely distributed medicinal plant throughout western North Africa and some Rhanterium species are used in folk medicine. The aim of research was to investigate methanolic extracts from different parts (flowers, leaves, and stems) of Tunisian Rhanterium suaveolens as potential sources of bioactive products useful for healthy purposes. In particular, were analyzed the phenolic composition of these extracts and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tyrosinase properties. The phytochemical analyses were performed using standard colorimetric procedures, HPLC-DAD and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS. Then, several in vitro cell-free assays have been used to estimate the antioxidant/free radical scavenging capability of the extracts. Moreover, in vitro, and in vivo anti-melanogenesis activities of these extracts were tested, respectively, with the tyrosinase inhibition assay and the Zebrafish embryo model. Finally, the anti-inflammatory potential of these extracts in an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation in differentiated Caco-2 cells was evaluated. The R. suaveolens extracts under study appeared particularly rich in flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids and all extracts appeared endowed with good antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties, being the flower extracts slightly more active than the others. Moreover, R. suaveolens flowers extract was able to inhibit in vitro tyrosinase activity and exhibited bleaching effects on the pigmentation of zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, all extracts showed good anti-inflammatory activity in intestinal epithelial cells as demonstrated by the inhibition of TNF-α-induced gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8. R. suaveolens aerial parts may be considered as a potential source of whitening agents, as well as of agents for the treatment of disorders related to oxidative stress and inflammation.     

Phytogenic compounds from avocado (Persea americana L.) extracts; antioxidant activity,amylase inhibitory activity,therapeutic potential of type 2 diabetes

Diabetes is a worldwide public health disease. Currently, the most effective way to treat diabetes is to mitigate postprandial hyperglycemia by inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolysis enzymes in the digestive system. Plant extracts are rich in bioactive compounds, which can be used in diabetes treatment. This study aims to evaluate the polyphenols content in ethanolic extracts of avocado fruit and leaves (Persea americana Mill.). Additionally, their antioxidant activity using DPPH, while the inhibition ability of α-amylase was examined by reacting different amounts of the extracts with α-amylase compared to acarbose as standard inhibitor. The active compounds were detected in the extracts by LC/MS. The obtained results showed that the leaf extract recorded a significant content of total phenolic compounds compared to the fruit extract (178.95 and 145.7 mg GAE /g dry weight, respectively). The total flavonoid values ??ranged from 32.5 to 70.08 mg QE/g dry weight of fruit and leaves extracts, respectively. Twenty-six phytogenic compounds were detected in leaf and fruit extract by LC/MS. These compounds belong to fatty acids, sterols, triterpenes, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of the extracts is due to the exist of phytogenic compounds, i.e., polyphenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity increased in a concentration dependant manner. Avocado fruit extract (1000 µg/mL) scavenged 95% of DPP? while leaf extract rummaged 91.03% of free radicals compared with Vit C and BHT. Additionally, higher α-amylase inhibitory activity was observed in fruit extract than the leaf extract, where the fruit and leaf extract (1000 μg/ml) inhibited the enzyme by 92.13% and 88.95%, respectively. The obtained results showed that the ethanolic extracts of avocado could have a significant impact on human health due to their high content of polyphenols.     

Antioxidant Activity,Total Phenolic,Tannin, and Flavonoid Content of Five Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in Penjamo,Guanajuato

In Mexico, plants are commonly used to alleviate various ailments, including controlling some chronic degenerative diseases through the regular consumption of decoctions, infusions, and teas. However, there is little scientific evidence consolidating traditional medicine within health systems. Therefore, this work determined the phytochemical profile of the most used plants to treat various ailments (Cedro rojo, Cancerina, Ortiguilla, Hierba de la golondrina, Hierba de arlomo) and their general consumption as infusions. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were generated, while the phytochemical compound content in the extracts obtained was quantified. The results indicate that the ethanolic extracts showed the highest phenolic compound and tannin content, with the highest contents for Cedro rojo (831.04 mg L⁻¹) and Cancerina (864.80 mg L⁻¹). The antioxidant activity was also determined, and a significant difference was observed (p<0.05). The extracts with the highest antioxidant capacity were the ethanolic extracts ranging from 250 to 907 μMET mL⁻¹, while the aqueous extracts ranged from 112 to 390 μMET mL⁻¹. The compounds identified by high-performance liquid chromatography characterization on the aqueous extracts highlighted the presence of chlorogenic acid>cinnamic acid>quercetin. In ethanolic extracts, the presence of chlorogenic acid>cinnamic acid>quercetin>gallic acid>ferulic acid>coumaric acid was highlighted. The correlation between bioactive compounds, type of extract, and antioxidant activity suggests a significant affinity of these phytochemical compounds for the ethanol solvent. The results indicate that these plants are good sources of antioxidant phenolics and can be incorporated for use as functional beverages. However, more studies are needed to corroborate their beneficial effect.     

Phytoconstituents screening and antimicrobial activity of the invasive species Nicotiana glauca collected from Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia

Nicotiana glauca belonging to the family Solanaceae is an exotic perinnial bushy species that recently has invaded the mountainous areas of Al-Baha region at the south-west of Saudi Arabia, causing degredation to soil and vegetation composition of those mountains. Accordingly, this plant must be either removed or exploited as a source of useful products such as medicines as it has been proven to contain many effective compounds with therapeutic properties. Thus, the current study aimd to screening N. glauca preliminary phytoconsitiuents and its anticmicrobial activity. Results showed that varying amounts of alkaloids, steroid, tannins, flavonoid, were present in the extracts of N. glauca leaves, stems and flowers. Saponins were present only in the flowers extract. However, all previuos bioactive compounds were absent in the roots except alkaloids, therefore, roots posses lesser amount of the phytoconstituents compared to the other parts of the plants. Leaves extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli (16.3 ± 0.71 mm) and also inhibited the growth of S. aureus (11.0 ± 0.23 mm), while, the flower extracts also inhibited the growth of E. coli (6.7 ± 0.65 mm), and also inhibited the growth of S. aureus (15.8 ± 0.52 mm). This result coincide with the previous results of the screening of N, glauca phytochemicals where the highest amounts found in leaves and flowers extracts. The inhibition zone of the antibiotic gentamycin (reference control) were 32 mm in S. aureus and 38 mm in E. coli. The inhibition zone of gentamycin (reference control) were 32 mm in S. aureus and 38 mm in E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethyl acetate was ranged (1.5–2 mg/ml). The lower MIC is an indication of high effectiveness of extract. Therefore, such bioactive property would support the idea that removing N. glauca from the mountainous areas of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, is not the only solution, but the plant can be exploited as a beneficial source of medicinal and economic purposes such as; antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal, however, further comprehensive exploration is recommended to confirm such propreties.     

Mollicute Anti-Adhesive and Growth Inhibition Properties of the Methanolic Extract of Propolis from the Brazilian Native Bee Melipona quadrifasciata

Hydroalcoholic propolis extracts from the bee species Melipona quadrifasciata have been shown to possess antimicrobial activity against different mollicute strains, but a methanolic extract (ME) could contain an increased diversity of nonpolar bioactive components with a potentially higher antimicrobial activity. The ME obtained by maceration of the propolis sample was fractionated with solvents of different polarities and then, purified by silica gel column chromatography through biomonitoring of its antimicrobial activity against mollicute strains. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) enabled the identification of compounds using the NIST library. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the samples were determined by broth microdilution. Anti-adhesive assays were performed with Mycoplasma pneumoniae cells. The hexane (MIC=62.5 mg/L) and dichloromethane (MIC=125 mg/L) fractions presented the most promising results against M. pneumoniae. They were fractionated into 74 subfractions, and even the best ones did not show better results (MIC>250 mg/L) than their original fractions, likely due to the loss of terpene compounds that seem to act in synergy. The dichloromethane subfraction FD4 was highlighted in the anti-adhesive assay with an inhibitory activity of 21.6 %. A synergistic effect of the nonpolar compounds in M. quadrifasciata propolis may be responsible for its antibacterial activity, but several purified components can improve its anti-adhesive properties.