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Lemongrass (genus Cymbopogon) is commonly used in foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and material science. Cymbopogon ambiguus A. Camus, the Australian Native Lemongrass, is a lesser-known member of the genus Cymbopogon, and research on this plant is scarce. Australian Indigenous people use the stalks and leaves of C. ambiguus as teas. Dried chopped leaves are also used as herbs in cooking. The aim of this study was to determine the proximate composition and bioactive properties of Australian native lemongrass (C. ambiguus). Antimicrobial capacity was carried out using the well diffusion method, antioxidant capacity by the FRAP method, and antidiabetic capacity by using the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity assay. The results obtained in the current study were compared with previously published literature on lemongrass (C. citratus). The results showed that C. ambiguus has lower fat and protein content and lower antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities than C. citratus, but it is very rich in fibre (67.55%) and has strong α-glucosidase inhibitory capacity. The total phenolic and total flavonoid content determined in the aqueous extract of C. ambiguus are also notable. The results of the present study showed that Australian native lemongrass has promising bioactive potential to be used as an alternative native herbal tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic led to the rapid spread of the use of ultraviolet C (UVC) sterilizers in many public facilities. Considering the harmful effects of prolonged exposure to UVC, manufacturing of safe skin care products is an important countermeasure. In continuation of our recent study of water-soluble herbal extracts, the present study aimed at searching for anti-UVC components from fat-soluble herbal extracts. Materials and Methods: Human dermal fibroblast and melanoma cells were exposed to UVC (1.193 W/m²) for 3 min. Viable cell number was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell-cycle analysis was performed using a cell sorter. UVC-protective activity was quantified by the selective index (SI), i.e., the ratio of the 50% cytotoxic concentration for unirradiated cells to the concentration that restored viability of UVC-treated cells by 50%. Results: Only lemongrass extract, among 12 fatsoluble herbal extracts, showed significant anti-UVC activity, comparable to that of lignified materials and tannins, but exceeding that of N-acetyl-L-cysteine and resveratrol. Lemongrass extract was highly cytotoxic, producing a subG1 cell population. During prolonged incubation in culture medium, the anti-UVC activity of lemongrass extract, sodium ascorbate and vanillic acid declined with an approximate half-life of <0.7, 5.4-21.6, and 27.8-87.0 h, respectively. Conclusion: Removal of cytotoxic principle(s) from lemongrass extract is crucial to producing long-lasting UVC-protective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic microflora is source of several bioactive compounds. Endophytes isolated from Coleus species are yet to be fully explored for their bioactive potential. In this study, bacterial endophytes were isolated from three different species of Coleus. Isolated endophytes were characterized by using Gram staining and by sequencing 16S rRNA region. Further, solvents with different polarities were used to prepare extracts which were used for assessment of different bio-activities including in vitro cytotoxicity, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activities. Also, the pure endophytic bacterial cultures were evaluated for their antiphytopathogen potential as well as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and protease production. Advanced studies on the endophytes with promising activities may lead to the isolation of novel natural products for drugs as well as in industrial and agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Indian biodiversity is a hub for medicinal plants. Extensive research has been carried out to select plants with numerous properties which can be used for human welfare. Present research is about Cymbopogon citratus , an economically valuable medicinal plant. In this study Cymbopogon citratus was elected as a subject plant over the five selected plants (Azadirachta indica , Plumeria obtuse , Sapindus mukorossi , Capsicum annuum and Phyllanthus emblica) on the basis of antibacterial effect against dominating pathogenic species of gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria. Further, bioactive agents behind antibacterial potential of Cymbopogon citratus was analyzed using analytical method (Phyto-chemical, FTIR, NMR and GC-MS). Due to the broad antimicrobial spectrum, silver nanoparticles have turned into a noteworthy decision for the improvement of new medication. Therefore, this investigation further elaborated in the development of Cymbopogon citratus silver nano-particles (CNPs). Antibacterial potential of CNPs examine in a range of C25–C150 (μg/ml) through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) where, C25 (μg/ml) concentration of CNPs were recorded as the MIC for all bacterial species and C25 (μg/ml) and C50 (μg/ml) noted as the MBC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis , respectively. In agar disk diffusion assay of CNPs, maximum diameter of zone of inhibition was observed for C150 (μg/ml) concentration Bacillus cereus (20.12 ± 0.42), Bacillus licheniformis (22.34 ± 0.4), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.23 ± 0.46) and Escherichia coli (31.87 ± 0.24). Involvement of bioactive component as a reducing and capping agent can be confirmed through FTIR spectrum of CNPs. Moreover XRD, EDXRF and SEM showed crystalline and cuboidal nature of CNPs with ∼35 nm sizes. Prominently, cytotoxic analysis was conducted to understand the toxic effect of CNPs. This research highlights the potential of CNPs due to the bioactive components present in Cymbopogon citratus extract: Polyphenols (phenol; 1584.56 ± 16.32 mg/L, Flavanoids) and mixture of terpenoids (Citral, Myrcene, Farnesol, β-myrcene and β –Pinene) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate radioprotective effect of extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark and its fractions on rat splenocytes by using bioassay-guided isolation in order to obtain the best active fraction. Materials and Methods: P. koraiensis bark was ground and extracted with water, 40% acetone, 95% ethanol. Bio-guided assay was selected as an evaluation method to further fractionate radioprotective component from P. koraiensis bark extract. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in fractions were also measured. Rat splenocytes were prepared by using mechanical trituration method. DNA damage was assessed as comet parameters (tail DNA%, tail length, tail moment, olive tail moment). The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) in cultured rat splenocytes were also measured. Results: The radioprotective effects decreased from rutin >95% ethanol extracts of Pinus koraiensis bark (95EEP) >40AEP > WEP. The stimulating effects decreased from rutin > n-butanol extract (NBE) > EAE. The results demonstrate that there exists toxic ingredients (PEE and dichloromethane extract), proliferative-promoting, radioprotective component (EAE and NBE) in 95EEP. fraction eluted from n-butanol fractions of 95EEP with 50% methanol solution (NBEPKB-50ME), a fraction of NBE result from bio-guided isolation, demonstrates good radioprotective efficacy on rat splenocytes. NBEPKB-50ME pretreated rat splenocytes demonstrated progressively reduced levels of MDA when compared with γ-ray exposed cells. Different dose of NBEPKB-50ME pretreatment with 8 Gy-irration showed an increase in enzymatic antioxidant. Conclusions: Proliferative-promoting efficacy, radioprotective effect of different solvents extracts of the bark of P. koraiensis were investigated in this work. NBEPKB-50ME was the best elution in NBE, especially in restoring SOD, CAT activities, content of GSH, decreasing DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: Rutin (RUT) and quercetin (QRT) which are dietary compounds were investigated for their ability to protect against ionizing radiation (IR)-induced genotoxicity in human lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: The radiation antagonistic potential of RUT and QRT was assessed by alkaline comet and cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. Results: Treatment of lymphocytes with RUT and QRT (25 µg/ml) prior exposure to 2 Gy gamma radiation resulted in a significant reduction of frequency of micronuclei as compared to the control set of cells evaluated by CBMN assay. Similarly, treatment of lymphocytes with RUT and QRT before radiation exposure showed significant decrease in the DNA damage as assessed by comet parameters, such as percent tail DNA and olive tail moment. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the protective effect of RUT and QRT against IR-induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes, which may be partly attributed to scavenging of IR-induced free radicals and also by the inhibition of IR-induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The herb Coleus aromaticus belonging to Lamiaceae family and Coleus genus is known by numerous names in different parts of the world and several language specific vernacular names. The herb has been extensively studied as well as reported in several fields of science. The multiple potential of the herb includes allelopathic potential, antibacterial property, antimicrobial activity, insecticidal property; free radical scavenging and radio-protective components from herb extracts and most recently the appetizing potential of the herb have been reported. The herb has carvacrol and thymol as the major components responsible for the flavour; while chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid etc. as the phenolic components. The herb has been used in therapeutic and medicinal applications as well as in culinary preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the angiogenesis modulation by Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract and its fractions on Chorioallantoic membrane and tumour induced angiogenesis. Powdered leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus were extracted with methanol using soxhlet apparatus. The dried extract was subjected to qualitative, quantitative analysis and assessed for its potential free radical scavenging activity. The effect of crude methanol extract on vascularisation was assessed in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. The extract was then fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and the fractions were evaluated for angiogenesis inhibitory activity by CAM assay. The potent fraction and crude extract were evaluated for angiogenesis inhibitory activity in murine ascites tumour model of Erhlich ascites carcinoma. The fraction was subjected to Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The crude methanol extract showed a significant inhibitory activity on vascularisation in CAM model. Among the fractions, n-butanol fraction showed a potent angiogenesis inhibition in CAM model. In peritoneal lining of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice, crude methanol extract and n-butanol fraction showed a significant decrease in number of blood vessels compared to EAC control mice. The preliminary qualitative and quantitative analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds and showed a potent free radical scavenging activity. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of (1) Phenol 2-methyl-6-(2-propenyl)-, (2) Phenol 2,6-dimethoxy, (3) 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, (4) Phenol 4-methoxy-2,3,6-trimethyl (5) 3-Methyl-4-isopropylphenol in n-butanol fraction of Plectranthus amboinicus. These results demonstrate the anti-angiogenic activity of Plectranthus amboinicus leaves. The plant may serve as potential source for protection and treatment of cancer and could bring hope to millions of sufferers with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian borage/Karpurvalli (Coleus aromaticus) is an herb with aromatic leaves with ajwain like flavour known for stimulating properties. The paper deals with the development of a shelf stable ready-to-reconstitute appetizer soup mix, convenient to the consumer. The central composite design with two ingredient variables i.e. karpurvalli leaves powder & green gram flour resulted in 13 experimental combinations with the help of Design expert® statistical software. All these combinations for the appetizer were processed by dehydration and proportionate dry blending using pre-processed ingredients and evaluated for quality parameters. The optimized product had the proximate composition of 19.1% protein, 6.3% fat, 8.3% ash, 5.2% crude fibre and 54.4% carbohydrate (by difference). The appetizer soup mix packed in metalized polyester pouches had a shelf life of 6 months at 28 ± 5oC as well as 37oC storage. The RTR (Ready-to-reconstitute) appetizer based on Coleus aromaticus was developed with excellent sensory properties and shelf stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radioprotective potential of bioflavonoid, rutin (RUT) and quercetin (QRT) was investigated in Swiss albino mice exposed to gamma radiation. The radioprotective potential of RUT and QRT was assessed in pre-treatment group of mice followed on radiation-induced changes in glutathione (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were also analyzed. Elevation in the GSH, GST, SOD, CAT, and decreased LPO levels were observed in RUT and QRT pretreated group when compared to the irradiated animals. Furthermore, it was observed that RUT and QRT treatment was found to inhibit various free radicals generated in vitro, viz., 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), O2·, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS)·+, and OH· in a concentration-dependent manner. This study clearly demonstrates the free radical scavenging action of RUT and QRT, indicating that it may have its potential as a radioprotective agent. Furthermore, the presence of a phenolic group in RUT and QRT is known to contribute to scavenging the radiation-induced free radicals and inhibition of oxidative stress. Present findings demonstrate the potential of RUT and QRT in mitigating radiation-induced oxidative stress, which may be attributed to the inhibition of radiation-induced decline in the endogenous antioxidant levels and scavenging of radiation-induced free radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Radiation therapy is the prime treatment modality against various cancers. However, its use is limited due to the effects of radiation on normal tissues. Aims: In view of this, present study was carried out to evaluate the radioprotective potential of Rutin (RUT) and Quercetin (QRT) in Swiss Albino mice exposed to the whole body gamma radiation. To gain insight into the mechanism of action, RUT and QRT were tested for its antioxidant levels in mice. Settings and Designs: Optimum protective dose of RUT and QRT against radiation induced animal mortality was selected by administration of various doses of the RUT and QRT before 10 Gy gamma irradiation. Materials and Methods: Swiss Albino mice were used for the assessment of radiation induced sickness along with the survival analysis and anti-oxidative properties of RUT and QRT. Statistical Analysis Used: Survival studies were determined using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: The maximum survival was observed with 10 mg/kg. b. wt. and 20 mg/kg. b. wt. of RUT and QRT respectively, this dose was considered as an optimal dose for radioprotection. Treatment of mice with RUT and QRT before irradiation delayed the onset of mortality as compared with the untreated irradiated controls. The oral administration of RUT and QRT resulted in an increase in the radiation tolerance and the dose reduction factor was found to be 1.15 and 1.11 respectively. RUT and QRT pre-treatment significantly (P < 0.01) elevated levels of reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and a decreased lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenate at 24 h after exposure to 4.5 Gy. Conclusions: Present findings demonstrate the potential of RUT and QRT in mitigating radiation-induced mortality, which may be attributed to the elevation in the antioxidant status, anti-lipid peroxidative potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingerone (ZO), a dietary phenolic compound was investigated for its ability to protect against radiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in Chinese hamster fibroblast cells (V79). Cells treated with optimal dose of ZO (25 μg/ml), 1 h prior radiation exposure resulted in a significant (P < 0.01) elevation of cell survival and decreased the genotoxicity (micronuclei and comet assays). Further, pretreatment with ZO significantly reduced radiation-induced oxidative stress as indicated by decreased reactive oxygen species levels and inhibition of mitochondrial depolarisation. The experiments conducted to evaluate the intracellular antioxidant activity in ZO-pretreated cells demonstrated a significant (P < 0.01) increase in the various antioxidants like glutathione, gluthione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in malondialdehyde levels versus irradiation alone. Further, ZO scavenged various free radicals generated in vitro (OH·, O2·, DPPH·, ABTS·+ and NO·) in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-apoptotic effect of ZO pretreatment was by the inhibition of the activation of capase-3, by upregulating Bcl-2 and down-regulating Bax proteins. Our study demonstrates the antagonistic effect of ZO against radiation-induced cytotoxicity. Further, ZO rendered anti-genotoxic, anti-apoptotic and anti-lipid peroxidative potency, plausibly ascribable to its antioxidant/free radical scavenging ability and also by the suppression of radiation-induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shade-dried powder of leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng was subjected to successive extraction using the various solvents (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and water) in increasing order of polarity. The preliminary phytochemical analyses were carried out for all the extracts. The analyses of the leaves revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids, quinine, tannins, phenolic compounds and terpenoids. Since the phytoconstituents present in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were similar, both the extracts were selected for further study. The diuretic properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts were evaluated by determination of urine volume and electrolyte concentration in male albino rats. Furosemide (10 mg/kg) was used as standard while normal saline (0.9%) was used as control. Both ethanolic and aqueous extracts (500 mg/kg) have shown significant increase in the volume of urine and urinary concentration of Na, K and Cl ions. Thus, from the is study it may be concluded that the leaves of P. amboinicus (Lour) Spreng possess diuretic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]