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.     

Isatis tinctoria – From the rediscovery of an ancient medicinal plant towards a novel anti-inflammatory phytopharmaceutical

An account on the reinvestigation of the old dye and medicinal plant Isatis tinctoria as an anti-inflammatory and current research on the active principles in woad is given. In a broad-based screening, a dichloromethane extract from the leaves displayed significant activities on several clinically relevant targets of inflammation. The cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory principle was identified with the aid of HPLC-based activity profiling as the alkaloid tryptanthrin. In cell based assays, tryptanthrin strongly inhibited eicosanoid synthesis catalyzed by cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase. A supercritical carbon dioxide extraction process was developed to replace the dichloromethane extract. Dichloromethane and carbon dioxide extracts showed in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in topical and oral application. With the aid of electrospray ionization liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled skin microdialysis, tryptanthrin was found to penetrate the skin. The penetration from the extract was better than for the pure alkaloid. A screening of 67 woad samples of different geographic origin revealed up to 30-fold differences in tryptanthrin content in leaves. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The effect of age, season and growth conditions on anti-inflammatory activity in Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. Plant extracts

Eucomis (Family Hyacinthaceae) bulbs are greatly valued in traditionalmedicine for the treatment of a variety of ailments, predominantly thoseinvolving pain, fever and inflammation. The COX-1 assay was used to screenethanolic extracts prepared from the dried leaves, bulbs and roots of E. autumnalis (subspecies autumnalis) to determine the variation ofanti-inflammatory activity with age and season of harvest. Young plantswere found to have large amounts of COX-1 inhibitory activity, particularlyin the leaves. As the plant matured, greater activity was associated with thebulb and root extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf, bulb androot extracts varied slightly throughout the year, with the greatest levelsdetected towards the end of the growing season, shortly before the onsetof dormancy. A seaweed application (Kelpak) decreased the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf, bulb and root extracts, while increasedtemperature/increased light intensity had no significant effect on theCOX-1 inhibitory activity of the leaf extracts. The bulb extracts fromtreated plants harvested towards the end of the growing season showed asignificant decrease in anti-inflammatory activity, while the anti-inflammatory activity of the corresponding not root extracts increased.     

Metabolic Profiling of Vasorelaxant Extract from Malvaviscus arboreus by LC/QTOF-MS

We aimed to develop a standardized methodology to determine the metabolic profile of organic extracts from Malvaviscus arboreus Cav. (Malvaceae), a Mexican plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension and other illnesses. Also, we determined the vasorelaxant activity of these extracts by ex vivo rat thoracic aorta assay. Organic extracts of stems and leaves were prepared by a comprehensive maceration process. The vasorelaxant activity was determined by measuring the relaxant capability of the extract to decrease a contraction induced by noradrenaline (0.1 μM). The hexane extract induced a significant vasorelaxant effect in a concentration- and endothelium-dependent manner. Secondary metabolites, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, terpenes and one flavonoid, were annotated by liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC/QTOF-MS) in positive ion mode. This exploratory study allowed us to identify bioactive secondary metabolites from Malvaviscus arboreus, as well as identify potentially-new vasorelaxant molecules and scaffolds for drug discovery.     

Cotinus coggygria Scop.: An overview of its chemical constituents,pharmacological and toxicological potential

The Anacardiaceae Lindl. family comprises of many species which are used in nutrition and in traditional folk medicine for the treatment of several human diseases. Cotinus coggygria Scop. commonly known as “smoke tree”, is a commercial ornamental plant with high medicinal usages, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. The present review provides a comprehensive report of empirical investigations on important pharmacological activities and phytochemical screening of essential oils and extracts. Relevant information was collected from scientific journals, books, and reports via library and electronic search using Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus. The plant has been extensively investigated in a broad range of studies to provide scientific evidence for folklore claims or to find new therapeutic uses. Numerous activities namely antioxidative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antigenotoxic, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory have been demonstrated for all parts of these plants by in vivo and in vitro studies. Essential oils and extracts showed various pharmacological and biological properties which make them an effective remedy for various kinds of illnesses. Considering data from the literature, it could be demonstrated that C. coggygria possesses diverse bioactive properties and immense utilization in medicine, health care, cosmetics and as health supplements.     

Pharmacological insight into the anti-inflammatory activity of sesquiterpene lactones from Neurolaena lobata (L.) R.Br. ex Cass

PurposeNeurolaena lobata is a Caribbean medicinal plant used for the treatment of several conditions including inflammation. Recent data regarding potent anti-inflammatory activity of the plant and isolated sesquiterpene lactones raised our interest in further pharmacological studies. The present work aimed at providing a mechanistic insight into the anti-inflammatory activity of N. lobata and eight isolated sesquiterpene lactones, as well as a structure–activity relationship and in vivo anti-inflammatory data.MethodsThe effect of the extract and its compounds on the generation of pro-inflammatory proteins was assessed in vitro in endothelial and monocytic cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Their potential to modulate the expression of inflammatory genes was further studied at the mRNA level. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the chemically characterized extract was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats.ResultsThe compounds and extract inhibited LPS- and TNF-α-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory molecules E-selectin and interleukin-8 in HUVECtert and THP-1 cells. LPS-induced elevation of mRNA encoding for E-selectin and interleukin-8 was also suppressed. Furthermore, the extract inhibited the development of acute inflammation in rats.ConclusionsSesquiterpene lactones from N. lobata interfered with the induction of inflammatory cell adhesion molecules and chemokines in cells stimulated with bacterial products and cytokines. Structure–activity analysis revealed the importance of the double bond at C-4–C-5 and C-2–C-3 and the acetyl group at C-9 for the anti-inflammatory activity. The effect was confirmed in vivo, which raises further interest in the therapeutic potential of the compounds for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.     

Antibacterial activity of certain plant extracts against bacterial wilt of tomato

Abstract

Five isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum were isolated from a naturally wilted root of tomato plants grown in Assiut governorate. The antibacterial activity of extract of Datura, Garlic and Nerium were tested in controlling R. solanacearum in vitro and in vivo. Garlic exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against bacterial wilt in vitro and in vivo followed by Datura and then Nerium. Cold water extracts of these plant species were more effective than hot water extract in the development of the disease in vivo. In greenhouse experiments, the application of the tested plant extract to soil at the time of inoculation, two days before inoculation and two days after inoculation the pathogen, significantly reduced the disease index of wilt on Super Marmande tomato cultivars. The application of plant extracts at the same time as inoculation resulted in the highest reduction of disease index.     

Antifungal activity of some plant extracts on some pathogenic fungi

The inhibitory activity of five plant extracts viz. Artemisia absinthium L., Rumex obtusifolius L., Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wiggers, Plantago lanceolata L. and Malva sylvestris L. were evaluated against the mycelial growth of three fungi Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Penicillium expansum Link ex Thom. and Mucor piriformis Fisher that cause rot diseases in fruits and vegetables resulting in low yield and quality of fruits and vegetables. Results revealed that all the concentrations of plant extracts brought about significant inhibition in the mycelial growth of these pathogenic fungi. However, the highest concentration caused maximum inhibition in the mycelial growth followed by lower concentrations of plant extracts. The extract of A. absinthium leaves at highest concentration (S) proved highly effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of all these pathogenic fungi followed by other plant extracts. These plants thus may have potential as the new natural fungicide for management of fungal rot diseases.     

Cocculus hirsutus extract inhibits the Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae,the bacterial leaf blight pathogen in rice

Plant-derived natural bactericides and their possible applications in agriculture to control plant bacterial diseases has intensified as this approach has enormous potential to inspire and influence modern agro-chemical research. Naturally occurring and biologically active plant products such as essential oils and organic extracts could be a source of alternative classes of natural biopesticides to serve as templates for new and more effective compounds in controlling plant pathogenic micro-organisms. In the present study, the efficacy of six plants extracts from different solvent system were tested for their antibacterial activity aganist Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae both in vitro and in vivo. Among these extracts, Cocculus hirsutus leaf chloroform extract exhibits significant antibacterial activity against X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Data obtained from the experiments such as minimum inhibitory concentration, effect of C. hirsutus leaf chloroform extract on the incidence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae, phytotoxicity test and effect of C. hirsutus leaf chloroform extract on seed germination and seedling vigour, along with the in vivo experiments under greenhouse conditions showed significant improvement over controls. Thus, the present study demonstrated that the C. hirsutus leaf chloroform extract posses antibacterial activity against bacterial leaf blight pathogen of rice.     

Kiwifruit extracts inhibit cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages, and intestinal epithelial cells isolated from IL10 gene deficient mice

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract involving an inappropriate immune response to commensal microorganisms in a genetically susceptible host. This study examined the effects of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of gold kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) or green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) using in vitro models of IBD. These models comprised primary macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells isolated from C57BL/5J and interleukin-10 gene deficient (Il10^−/−) mice and RAW 264.7, a murine macrophage-like cell line. All four kiwifruit extracts reduced the activation of these models after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, decreasing nitric oxide and cytokine secretion by both Il10^−/− and wild-type cells. The ethyl acetate extracts exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity, with almost complete suppression of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage activation. These results suggest that kiwifruit extracts have significant anti-inflammatory activity relevant to IBD. We suggest that the Il10^−/− mouse is a suitable model for further study of these compounds.     

Comparison of Phytochemical Profile and Bioproperties of Methanolic Extracts from Different Parts of Tunisian Rumex roseus

The genus Rumex (Polygonaceae) is distributed worldwide and the different species belonging to it are used in traditional medicine. The present study aimed at the evaluation of the phytochemical profile and the biochemical properties of methanolic extracts from different parts (roots, stems, and leaves) of Rumex roseus, a wild local Tunisian plant traditionally used as food. The phytochemical analysis on the extracts was performed using standard colorimetric procedures, HPLC-DAD, and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS; then, several in vitro cell-free assays have been used to estimate their antioxidant/free radical scavenging capability (TAC-PM, DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, SOD-like activity, and HOCl-induced albumin degradation). Additionally, anti-inflammatory effect of these extracts was evaluated in an in vitro model of acute intestinal inflammation in differentiated Caco-2 cells. The results showed that the methanolic extracts from stems and, especially, leaves contain substantial amounts of flavones (apigenin and luteolin, together with their derivatives), while the extract from roots is characterized by the presence of tannins and quinic acid derivatives. All the extracts appeared endowed with excellent antioxidant/free radical scavenging properties. In particular, the extract from roots was characterized by a remarkable activity, probably due to its different and peculiar polyphenolic composition. Furthermore, both Rumex roseus roots and stems extracts demonstrated an anti-inflammatory effect in intestinal epithelial cells, reducing TNF-α-induced gene expression of IL-6 and IL-8. In conclusion, R. roseus methanolic extracts have shown to be potential sources of bioactive compounds to be used in the prevention and treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress and inflammation.     

Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Genus Doronicum (Asteraceae)

The genus Doronicum, belonging to tribe Senecioneae (Fam. Asteraceae), is found mainly in the Asia, Europe and North Africa. This genus of plant has always been used in traditional medicinal treatments due to the many biological properties shown such as killing parasitic worms and for relieving constipation, as well as to improve heart health, to alleviate pain and inflammation, to treat insect bites, etc. According to the World Flora the genus Doronicum contains 39 subordinate taxa.^[1–3] The purpose of this article, which covers data published from 1970 to 2021 with more than 110 articles, aims to carry out a complete and critical review of the Doronicum genus, examining traditional uses and reporting the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity shown from crude extracts or essential oils, and from single isolated compounds. Furthermore, critical considerations of the published data have been highlighted by comparing them with the results obtained from species of other genus belonging to the Asteraceae family.     

Antimicrobial and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitory activities of Sclerocarya birrea and Harpephyllum caffrum (Anacardiaceae) plant extracts

The growing demand of medicinal plants is posing a major threat to biodiversity conservation. Sclerocarya birrea and Harpephyllum caffrum (Anacardiaceae) are traditionally used to treat numerous ailments increasing their susceptibility to overexploitation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the medicinal efficacy of renewable aerial parts of the plants using in vitro assays, thus providing a conservation measure by plant part substitution. Plant samples were sequentially extracted with petroleum ether, dichloromethane and 80% ethanol, sonicated on ice and concentrated under vacuum. Antimicrobial activities were determined by the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) using the micro-dilution assay. The ability of extracts to inhibit COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity. Ethanolic extracts of S. birrea and H. caffrum exhibited high antibacterial activity (MIC < 1.0 mg/ml). S. birrea twig extract was the most active with a total activity of 1609.1 ml/g against Bacillus subtilis and an MIC of 0.098 mg/ml. Petroleum ether and dichloromethane extracts exhibited high COX-1 (90.7–99.8%) and COX-2 (69–92.6%) enzyme inhibition at a concentration of 250 μg/ml. The extracts of S. birrea and H. caffrum exhibited high antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on these results, plant part substitution can be a practical conservation strategy for the two species.     

Anti-fungal properties of 43 plant species against Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea

Investigation of plants containing natural anti-microbial metabolites for plant protection has been identified as a desirable method of disease control. Crude methanolic extracts of 43 plant species belonging to 27 families, which most of them are medicinal plants, mostly collected from the west of Iran were screened for anti-fungal activity against two economically important phytopathogenic fungi, Alternaria solani and Botrytis cinerea during 2010–2012. Bioassay of the extracts was conducted by agar diffusion method on agar plate cultures with five replications. Among all the 43 plant methanolic extracts, mycelia growth of A. solani and B. cinerea was reduced by 28 (65%) and 30 (70%) plant extracts when compared to the control, respectively. The strongest extracts with more than 50% inhibition against A. solani were Elaeagnus angustifolia, Dodonaea viscosa, Haplophyllum perforatum and inflorescence of Allium hirtifolium, respectively. Leaves of A. hirtifolium, H. perforatum, inflorescence of A. hirtifolium and D. viscosa showed highest inhibitory effect (≥50%) against B. cinerea. Moreover, complete inhibition of leaves of A. hirtifolium against B. cinerea was due to their fungistatic activity. The results of this experiment and high number of plants with anti-fungal activity showed that the flora in the west of Iran could be regarded as a rich source of plants with anti-fungal activity. Therefore, further screening of other plant species, identifying active fractions or metabolites and in vivo application of active extracts are warranted.     

Antifungal activity of several medicinal plants extracts against the early blight pathogen (Alternaria solani)

The antifungal activity for several medicinal plants against the early blight fungus (Alternaria solani) has been investigated. These plants were Syrian marjoram (Majorana syriaca), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Greek sage (Salvia fruticosa), roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and cotton lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus). The inhibitory effect of these extracts on the radial mycelial growth as well as on spore germination was measured in vitro at various concentrations of crude extract (0.5 g dry plant powder/ml medium). Extracts of M. syriaca and H. sabdariffa were most effective causing total inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination at 8–10% concentration. Extract of R. officinalis also caused total inhibition of the above two parameters but at double the concentration (20%). Extracts of S. fructicosa and S. chamaecyparissus produced relatively moderate antifungal activity. At 25% concentration, these extracts showed an incomplete inhibition in mycelial growth being around 75–85% and 70–90%, respectively. However, at this same concentration both plant extracts produced total inhibition of spore germination. Results of this study indicated that both extracts of M. syriaca and H. sabdariffa were strong inhibitors of this fungus and to levels comparable to standard fungicides. Further studies are required to determine the effect of these extracts in vivo to evaluate their potential as natural treatments for this disease.     

Phytochemical Diversity,Classification and Antibacterial Activity of Some Medicinal Plant Species from Tabuk (Saudi Arabia)

The main objectives of this study were to investigate the intra-specific and inter-specific phytochemical diversity and classification of nine important medicinal plant species from Tabuk region (KSA), namely (Pulicaria undulata L., Pulicaria incisa Lam., Artemisia herba-alba Asso., Artemisia monosperma Delile, Artemisia judaica L. and Achillea fragrantissima Forssk. from Asteraceae family, Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. from Apiaceae family, Thymus vulgaris L. and Lavandula coronopifolia Poir. from Lamiaceae family); to evaluate the antibacterial potentials of the plant extracts, and to inspect the possible associations between phytochemical diversity and contents of different phytochemical classes with the antibacterial activities of plant extracts. GC/MS technique was used to identify phytochemicals in the plant extracts. The standard disk diffusion technique was used to conduct the antibiotic susceptibility against four pathogenic bacterial species (two Gram positive: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and two Gram negative species: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. A total of 160 different phytochemicals belonging to 30 compound classes were separated and identified. A. fragrantissima had the highest phytochemical diversity and P. incisa had the lowest one. Phytochemical beta diversity was 6.2362. Ethanol outperformed other extraction solvents in terms of antibacterial activity, while Pulicaria undulata and T. vulgaris ranked highest among plants in this regard. Gram positive bacterial species were more sensitive to plant extracts compared to Gram negative species. Phytochemical diversity and antibacterial activity of plant extracts against E. coli and P. aeruginosa were positively correlative, terpenoid and benzene & substituted derivative contents exhibited significant (p<0.05) positive correlations with the antibacterial activity against E. coli, terpenoid contents also showed positive correlation with activity against P. aeruginosa; benzene & derivative showed positive correlation with activity against the rest of bacterial species,     

Metabolomic Profile by GC/MS and Antioxidant,Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Green Solvent Extracts of Heterospathe elata Leaves

Plants are the prime source of phytoconstituents that can act as potent agents for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Heterospathe elata is a plant belonging to the Arecaceae family having numerous medicinal properties. The present study was undertaken to prepare crude extracts of Heterospathe elata leaves with solvents of different polarity dimethyl carbonate (DMC), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), hydro alcohol (HYA) and water (WTR) by using successive Soxhlet extraction method. Further, the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed by the spectrophotometric method and possible bioactive phytoconstituents from the hydro alcohol extract of Heterospathe elata leaves using GC/MS. In our study, it was found that the GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of nineteen bioactive phytoconstituents. The highest antioxidant activity was found in the water extract. In antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity highest potential was shown by hydro alcohol extract and the lowest was in the dimethyl carbonate extract. These findings support the Heterospathe elata leaves showed the high biological potential attributed to a high amount of bioactive phytoconstituents and could be utilized as value-added functional food and medicine.