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Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Indigofera linifolia (L.f.) Retz. is used in subcontinent for liver disorders, in wounds, febrile eruption and as diuretic., Aim of Study: The current study evaluates the protective effects of the methanol extract of Indigofera linifolia (ILM) on CCl 4 -induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in liver of rat., Methods: ILM was analyzed for phytochemical classes, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) as well as multidimensional in vitro antioxidant assays. Male (Sprague Dawley) rats were dispersed into seven groups (6 rats/group) receiving 0.9% saline (1 ml/kg bw), CCl 4 (1 ml/kg bw) diluted in olive oil (3:7 v/v), silymarin (200 mg/kg bw) + CCl 4 (30% v/v), ILM (150 mg/kg bw) + CCl 4 (30% v/v), ILM (300 mg/kg bw) + CCl 4 and ILM alone (either 150 mg/kg bw or 300 mg/kg bw)., Results: ILM extract was constituted of different phytochemical classes. Co-administration of ILM along with CCl 4 to rat revert the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in blood serum and antioxidant parameters in liver. Further, CCl 4 increased the level of ER stress markers and inflammatory mediators while decreased level of GCLC and Nrf-2 in liver tissues of rat. CCl 4 -induced histopathological variations were reduced with ILM co-administration in liver tissues., Conclusion: The results suggest that active phyto-constituents of I. linifolia might be responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gene-regulating activities., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Arisaema jacquemontii is traditionally used in treatment of different diseases. In this study, phytochemical, in vitro biological and chemo-preventive screening of A. jacquemontii was carried out to explore its pharmacological potential., Methods: The dried tuber of A. jacquemontii was extracted in 11 organic solvent mixture of different polarity. The extracts were screened for phytochemical assays (phenolics and flavonoids), antioxidants potential (free radical scavenging activity, total antioxidant activity, reducing power), biological activities (antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, antileishmanial, protein kinase inhibition), and chemopreventive activities using different cell lines through standard protocols., Results: Significant amount phenolic contents were determined in EtOH and MeOH extracts (210.3 ± 3.05 and 193.2 ± 3.15 μg GAE/mg, respectively). Maximum flavonoid content was determined in MeOH extract (22.4 ± 4.04 μg QE/mg). Noteworthy, DPPH scavenging activity was also recorded for MeOH extract (87.66%) followed by MeOH+EtOAc extract (85.11%). Considerable antioxidant capacity (7.8 ± 0.12 μg AAE/mg) and reducing power (3.1 ± 0.15 μg AAE/mg) was observed in extract of MeOH. The LC 50 against brine shrimp and leishmanial parasite was found 9.01 and 12.87 μg/mL for n-Hex and CHCl 3 extracts, respectively. The highest zone of inhibition against Streptomyces hyphae formation (12.5 ± 1.77 mm) by n-Hex extract. Growth zone of inhibition 13.8 ± 1.08 mm was recorded for EtOAc and MeOH extracts, respectively against Micrococcus luteus while 10.0 ± 0.11 mm for MeOH extract against Aspergillus flavus. In-vitro cytotoxic assay showed that n-Hex extract had higher cytotoxicity against DU-145 prostate cancer and HL-60 cancer cell lines. NF-kB and MTP potential showed 34.01 and 44.87 μg/mL for n-Hex and CHCl 3 extracts, respectively in chemo-preventive potential., Conclusion: The study concludes that Arisaema jacquemontii bears significant phytochemical activity and pharmacological activities, this plant can be further explored for isolation of active component against a number of aliments.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The leaves of W. heynei (family: Rubiaceae) are used by the folklore in swelling, wounds and body aches. In this study anti-inflammatory potential of W. heynei leaves has been evaluated during in vitro studies and in rat., Methods: Methanol extract of the leaves of W. heynei (WHLM) and its fractions; n-hexane (WHLH), chloroform (WHLC), ethyl acetate (WHLE), n-butanol (WHLB) and residual soluble aqueous (WHLA) were screened for phytochemical analysis and several active constituents (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, β-carotene and lycopene) were also quantified. Heat induced albumin denaturation assay and in vitro cell cultures was carried out for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, while various in vivo assays like TPA induced ear edema, croton oil induced anus edema, formalin and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alterations on levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and prostaglandins (PGE 2 ) induced with WHLE was studied in serum after carrageenan induced paw edema in rat. Meanwhile, the dose dependent WHLE inhibition of NFκB pathway via regulation of the phosphorylation of IKKs, IκBα, and p65 subunit was studied in LPS-induced rat peritoneal macrophages. On account of marked anti-inflammatory activity of WHLE its bioactive components were analyzed by HPLC-DAD analysis., Results: The phytochemical analysis yielded alkaloids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, glycosides, quinones and vitamin C in WHLM and in all fractions. Fraction (WHLE) was enriched with alkaloids (20.20 ± 2.5%), flavonoids (25.26 ± 2.11%) and tannins (307.2 ± 2.03 mg of GAE/g of extract), while terpenoids (21.60 ± 1.65%) were the major constituents of WHLH. Ethyl acetate fraction convincingly protected heat induced albumin denaturation. WHLE exhibited highest edema inhibition in models of TPA-induced ear edema (74.51 ± 2.05) and croton oil-induced anal edema (75.38 ± 2.83). The pretreatment with WHLE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the paw edema with formalin (78.99 ± 2.26%) assessed after 6 h and in carrageenan (75.71 ± 4.46%) was detected after 4 h. Level of anti-inflammatory markers; IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE 2 in carrageenan induced paw edema in serum of rat was significantly (p < 0.001) decreased with WHLE pretreatment to rat. WHLE significantly inhibited the NFκB by reducing the phosphorylation of IKKs, IκBα, and p65 subunit in LPS-induced inflammation in rat peritoneal macrophages. HPLC-DAD analysis of WHLE indicated the presence of rutin, gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid and myricetin., Conclusions: It is concluded that WHLM fractions have marked anti-inflammatory activity and this study endorsed the folklore use of W. heynei leaves for swelling related disorders., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this study hepatoprotective aptitude of Brachychiton populneus against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) instigated liver injuries in rats was investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) analysis of methanol extract of B. populneus (BPM) indicated existence of rutin, catechin and myricetin. Administration of CCl 4 to rat decreased (p < 0.01) the level of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), soluble protein and reduced glutathione (GSH) whereas elevated the concentration of H 2 O 2 , thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite in hepatic samples. In serum the level of hepatic markers; aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin increased with CCl 4 treatment against control animals. In hepatic samples the expression level of endoplasmic reticulum stress associated genes like glucose regulated protein (GRP78), x-box binding protein- 1 total (XBP-1 t), x-box binding protein- 1 spliced (XBP-1 s), x-box binding protein- 1 unspliced (XBP-1 u), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was elevated many fold with CCl 4 administration to rat. Co-administration of BPM along with CCl 4 to rats decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of above genes except GCLC where expression level was enhanced as compared to CCl 4 treatment. Histopathology of liver showed injuries of hepatocytes, infiltration of leukocytes and damaged central lobule in CCl 4 treated rats. However, BPM administration to CCl 4 intoxicated rats restored the altered parameters towards the control rats. These results suggested the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents in methanol extract of B. populneus., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

In the present study the antioxidant capacity of Periploca hydaspidis was assessed through various in vitro assays and by the hepatoprotective potential on CCl 4 induced toxicity in rat. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts of P. hydaspidis indicated existence of various phytochemical classes. HPLC-DAD analysis of methanol extract indicated the existence of rutin, gallic acid and caffeic acid. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) exhibited significant (p < 0.05) correlation with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide, hydroxyl ion, inhibition of β-carotene oxidation, iron chelation, reducing power and total antioxidant capacity. In hepatic sample of rat, CCl 4 administration increased (p < 0.05) the level of nitrite, hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) whereas a decline was recorded in antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT) and in reduced glutathione (GSH). Concentration of alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST) and globulin increased (p < 0.05) whereas level of total protein and albumin decreased in serum of CCl 4 treated rats. Level of pro-inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and resistin was increased (p < 0.05) in serum whereby anti-inflammatory markers; interleukin-10 (IL-10), adiponectin and nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf-2) decreased (p < 0.05) in hepatic tissues of CCl 4 treated rats. DNA damages and histopathological alterations were induced with administration of CCl 4 to rat. The altered levels of various parameters provoked by CCl 4 toxicity restored towards the control level by the methanol extract of P. hydaspidis in a dose dependent manner. These results suggested the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phyto-constituents in methanol extract of P. hydaspidis., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Stem bark of Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. (family Betulaceae) is used by local communities in northern areas of Pakistan as a remedy for swelling, injuries and pain. However no pharmacological study of this plant has been reported to confirm these activities. In this study anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of A. nitida stem bark have been evaluated., Methods: Powder of the stem bark of A. nitida was extracted with methanol (ANBM) and partitioned in escalating polarity to get the n-hexane (ANBH), chloroform (ANBC), ethyl acetate (ANBE) and the residual soluble aqueous (ANBA) fractions. The methanol extract and derived fractions were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using in vitro heat induced albumin denaturation assay and various in vivo assays; carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method, Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, histamine induced paw edema and xylene induced ear edema in Sprague Dawley rat. The extracts/fractions were also evaluated for analgesic effects by using hot plate analgesic test and acetic acid induced writhing test in rat. The ANBM composition was analyzed by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analysis., Results: Results of heat induced albumin denaturation activity indicated that among the extract/fractions ANBC at concentration range of 100-500µg/ml remarkably protected the heat induced albumin denaturation. The pretreatment with ANBC significantly reduced the carrageenan induced edema with 90.81±1.6% after 4h, comparing with 86.63±3.42% reduction produced by the reference drug diclofenac potassium. Histopathological alterations of the gastric and hind paw were decreased with the extract/fractions. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effects of ANBC were evident in Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, histamine induced paw edema and xylene induced ear edema. The latency time in hot plate analgesic assay with ANBC (61.59±0.38%) after 90min was comparable to standard drug morphine (69.31±2.67%) and aspirin (67.24±2.08%). Similarly ANBC significantly (p<0.01) inhibited the pain sensation in acetic acid induced writhing test in rat. HPLC-DAD analysis of ANBM indicated the presence of gallic acid, catechin and rutin while the GC-MS analysis of ANBM indicated the presence of 30 compounds predominantly of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15 tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol, vitamin E and linalool., Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the presence of polyphenols, sterols, terpenoids and other constituents might contributed towards the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude methanol extract of A. nitida bark and its derived fractions. This study endorsed the folklore use of A. nitida bark for inflammation related disorders., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To review red algae bioactive compounds and their pharmaceutical applications. Content: Seaweed sources are becoming attractive to be used in health and therapeutics. Among these red algae is the largest group containing bioactive compounds utilized in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food industry, manure and various supplements in food formula. Various significant bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides (aginate, agar, and carrageenan), lipids and polyphenols, steroids, glycosides, flavanoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, triterpenoids, antheraquinones and cardiac glycosides have been reported in red algae. The red algae have rich nutritional components Different polysaccharides of red algae possess the antiviral potential namely agarans, carrageenan, alginate, fucan, laminaran and naviculan. Sulfated polysaccharides and carraginans of red algae are rich source of soluble fibers which can account for antitumor activities depending upon chemistry of various secondary metabolites and metabolism of cell line. Flavons-3-ols containing catechins from many red algae block the telomerase activity in colon cancer cells. Contraceptive agents were tested from red algae as a source for post-coital. Lectin of red algae showed pro-healing properties and anti-ulcerogenic activities. Carragenates from red algae also conferred a positive influence on diabetes. Red algae depicted a reducing effect on plasma lipids and obesity. Porphyran from red alga can act as anti-hyperlipidemic agent also reduces the apolipoprotein B100 via suppression of lipid synthesis in human liver. Summary: The polyphenolic extracts of Laurencia undulate, Melanothamnus afaqhusainii and Solieria robusta extract show anti-inflammatory effects against multiple genera of devastating fungi. Antioxidants such as phlorotannins, ascorbic acids, tocopherols, carotenoids from red algae showed toxicity on some cancer cells without side effects. Red algae Laurencia nipponica was found insecticidal against mosquito larvae. Red algae fibers are very important in laxative and purgative activities. Gracilaria tenuistipitat resisted in agricultural lands polluted with cadmium and copper. Outlook: In the recent decades biotechnological applications of red algae has been increased. Polysaccharides derived from red algae are important tool for formulation of drugs delivery system via nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]