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In modern era, the great interest and demand among chemists and researchers for metal nanoparticles is increasing in the application of biomedical fields, textiles, cosmetics and various sectors. Consequently, the present study reports an eco-friendly, cost-effective, rapid and easy method to produce environment-friendly metal nanoparticles to prevent exhaustion of metal resources. In this context, gold and silver metal nanoparticles were green synthesized using the Root Extract of Coleous forskohlii (RECo) as capping and reducing agent. The synthesized gold (GNPs) and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were characterized using UV–Visible spectrophotometer, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Particle size analysis (PSA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD). Their clinical importance was analysed using anti-oxidant assay (DPPH - 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and Phosphomolybdenum PMA) and cytotoxicity (MTT assay) against HEPG2 (liver cancer cell lines). Further, the antimicrobial activity against two microorganisms were tested using disc diffusion method against Proteus vulgaris pathogen and Micrococcus luteus pathogen. RECo-GNPs and SNPs were found to be stable in aqueous medium for a longer time and exhibited favorable anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activity. The phytoconstituents present in the root extract of Coleous forskohlii was elucidated using GC–MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of Asparagus racemosus aqueous root extract on cellular immune reaction of Labeo rohita (Hamilton) fingerlings with response to bacterial infection caused by Aeromonas hydrophila at cool hilly mid altitude region of Meghalaya. Four concentrates mixtures of pelleted diet were formulated viz. without A. racemosus aqueous root extract (control); with 50 mg A. racemosus aqueous root extract/kg of diet (AR1); with 100 mg A. racemosus aqueous root extract/kg of diet (AR2); and with 150 mg A. racemosus aqueous root extract/kg of diet (AR3). Feeding trial was conducted for 60 days. Immune reactions, viz. NBT level, phagocytic activity, total immunoglobulin level, lysozyme activity, antiprotease activity and myeloperoxidase activity of fish were determined at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of feeding. Fish were infected with A. hydrophila 60 days post feeding, mortalities (%) and agglutination antibody titre were recorded over 14 days post infection. The results showed that in the treatment group AR2, AR3, there was significantly enhanced NBT level, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin level, antiprotease activity and myeloperoxidase activity compared to control. The treatment group AR1 NBT level, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, myeloperoxidase activity were significantly enhanced whereas immunoglobulin level and antiprotease activity were nonsignificant compared to control. The highest survival was recorded in the AR2 (43.36±0.65) group, followed by AR3 (24.32±0.14), AR1 (17.26±0.45) and lowest were recorded in the control (3.42±0.02). The highest agglutination antibody titre was recorded in the AR2 (87.36±0.65) group followed by AR3 (49.32±0.14) and AR1 (38.26±0.45) group and lowest in control (17.42±0.02) against A. hydrophila infection. Thus, from the present study it can be deduced that feed containing A. racemosus aqueous root extracts/kg diet can influence immune reaction in L. rohita; however, AR2 group showed better result in terms of immune reaction and protection against pathogenic A. hydrophila at cool hilly mid altitude region of Meghalaya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to investigate antibacterial activity of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), an Indian traditional medicinal plant against Escherichia coli O78, a pathogenic strain. Materials and Methods: Two-fold serial dilutions of 20% aqueous W. somnifera root (WSR) extract were inoculated with E. coli O78 @ 1x107 colony forming units grown in nutrient broth. Following inoculation, turbidity optical density was measured by spectrophotometer at 600 nm in all the tubes at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h of incubation at 37°C. Result: The results revealed that the maximum inhibition of bacterial growth was observed at 1:8 dilution of WSR extract. The highest dilution of the extract that showed inhibited growth of the test organism when compared with control was 1:16. Therefore, the minimum inhibitory concentration of aqueous extract of WSR is 1:16. Conclusion: It is concluded that WSR possessed good antibacterial activity, confirming the great potential of bioactive compounds and its rationalizing use in health care.

Objective(s): Perovskia abrotanoides Kar., from family Lamiaceae, is a little known medicinal plant growing in various regions of Iran. In the present study, cryptotanshinone (CT), tanshinone 2A (Tan2A), and hydroxycryptotanshinone (HCT) were isolated and purified from the roots of P. abrotanoides. In addition, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of total root extract (TE) and three purified tanshinones were investigated in human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. Materials and Methods: Alamar Blue® assay was used to determine cell viability. Cell apoptotic rate was detected using propidium iodide staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak). The PARP cleavage, as the sign of apoptosis, was investigated by Western blotting. Results: The results revealed that CT, Tan2A, HCT, and TE exhibited significant cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. All of these compounds caused apoptosis in treated cells and induced sub-G1 peak in the related flow cytometry histograms. HCT was found to have the highest anti-proliferative activity on cancer cells. Western blotting analysis showed cleavage of PARP protein in MCF-7 cells treated with purified tanshinones and TE after 48 hr contact with cells. Conclusion: The findings suggest that root extract of P. abrotanoides and purified tanshinones especially Tan2A and HCT have cytotoxic and apoptotic effects against cancer cell lines. So, they may serve as potential cytotoxic agents for future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roots deposit labile carbon compounds directly into the soil via exudation. Within the root system, exudation rates are not homogenous; often the sites of exudation are spatially constrained to different morphologies. Younger roots, root tips and the fine root fraction are likely the primary sites of exudation, yet few studies have tracked heterogeneities in exudation quantity and quality within the root system. Understanding the vertical gradients in exudation is important for properly representing the interfacial area with the anaerobic zone, and correctly estimating the flux of C compounds available to the methanogenic community. Root exudates from Eriophorum vaginatum and Rhododendron groenlandicum , grown in ombrotrophic bog cores removed from the field, were sampled by placing individual root segments of excavated roots into custom-designed root traps. Root extracts were also collected to profile the internal cell concentration. Total root exudation rates for all identified compounds varied by species, with exudation by E. vaginatum totaling 205.9 nmol g −1 dry weight hr −1 compared to 365.2 nmol g −1 dry weight hr −1 for R. groenlandicum . For each species, variations in root extract and root exudation rates between identified root classes were statistically significant for a number of compounds, often sugars, lactate, malate, oxalate, succinate and tartarate. The strong dependence of exudation on root morphology was confirmed by TOC analysis, which revealed that carbon exudation in E. vaginatum root classes ranged from 1.24 to 2.55 μg C g −1 d.wt. hr −1 between immature and senior roots, whereas non-haired R. groenlandicum roots had relatively low exudation rates between 0.22 and 0.56 μg C g −1 d.wt. hr −1 compared to 18.22 and 10.47 μg C g −1 d.wt. hr −1 for fine and coarse haired roots. These finding document important composition differences between bog species and considerable variability in exudates rates between R. groenlandicum root morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citronella grass ( Cymbopogon nardus) is a perennial herb. Many researchers have studied the exploitation of the active compounds in this plant for medicinal purposes, but there have been no studies on its phytotoxic compounds. Therefore, we investigated the phytotoxic active compounds in the roots of C. nardus. A significant inhibition was observed on the germination of cress ( Lepidium sativum L.), lettuce ( Lactuca sativa L.), barnyard grass ( Echinochloa crus- galli L.), and Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum Lam.) by the aqueous methanol extract of C. nardus roots. The extract decreased the total germination percentage (GP) and germination index (GI, progressive total of daily cumulative germination), and extended the time required for 50% germination ( T ) of all test species. A phytotoxic compound of the extract was isolated and identified as N-octanoyl tyramine by spectral analysis. This compound showed the inhibition on the germination of cress and barnyard grass. The decline in GP, GI, and T was observed at concentrations of 30-2000 μM of N-octanoyl tyramine. The compound also showed the significant inhibition on the growth of cress and barnyard grass seedlings at concentrations greater than 100 and 300 μM, respectively. This study suggests that C. nardus could produce phytotoxic compounds, and N-octanoyl tyramine may be responsible for its phytotoxic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this paper is on the analytical methodologies, which include the extraction, fractionization and identification of active ingredients of root extract of medicinal tree Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. The genus Oroxylum indicum (L.) Vent. (Family Bignoniaceae] is a small deciduous, soft wooded tree. Every part of tree produces a broad spectrum of valuable compounds mainly flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Root of O. indicum has long been used in different ayurvedic preparations like Dashmularisht and Chyavanprash. A comparative study of compounds present in the chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of root extract through gas chromatography mass spectroscopy was performed. Maximum number of compounds (50) were isolated in chloroform fraction, whereas in ethyl acetate, n-butanol and in aqueous fractions the number of compounds isolated simultaneously were 35, 24 and 22. Two compounds (9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid and baicalein) were common in all fractions. Other important compounds isolated were myristyl myristate, hydroxy methyl furfural, ascorbic acid 6-hexadecanoate, pseudopelletierine and squalene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research study focuses to formulate the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles for the first time from silver acetate using methanolic root extracts of Diospyros sylvatica , a member of family Ebenaceae. TEM analysis revealed the average diameter of Ag NPs around 8 nm which is in good agreement with the average crystallite size (10 nm) calculated from X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. Further the study has been extended to the antimicrobial activity against test pathogenic Gram (+) ve, Gram (−) ve bacterial and fungal strains. The bioinspired Ag-NP showed promising activity against all the tested bacterial strains and the activity was enhanced with increased dosage levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the local anesthetic activity of root extracts of the Anacyclus pyrethrum, and to check its effect of interaction at the site of injection in guinea pigs. Materials and Methods: The study sample included thirty guinea pigs each weighing 450-500 g, maintained under standard conditions. The root extracts were prepared using three solvents, in 1% and 2% concentration and injected in guinea pigs. The animals were divided into five groups, six in each group based on the type of extract used along with a control and a standard drug. All the animals received 0.5 ml of intradermal injection of the prepared extract, with 1% concentration in the left and 2% in the right dorsal flank of the animal and were checked for local anesthetic activity by a pinprick test. After 72 h, biopsy was done from the injected site to check for drug interaction. Results: The number of negative response obtained from 2% ethanol extract is more effective when compared to other extracts. Histological samples showed inflammatory changes in 1% aqueous extract in a single animal. Conclusion: Among the test compounds, 2% ethanol showed more significant effect; hence, it is suggested to synthesize more compounds in this series and evaluate their pharmacological actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine (i) whether plant nutritional strategy affects the composition of primary metabolites exuded into the rhizosphere and (ii) the impact of exuded metabolites on denitrification activity in soil. We answered this question by analysing primary metabolite content extracted from the root-adhering soil (RAS) and the roots of three grasses representing different nutrient management strategies: conservative (Festuca paniculata), intermediate (Bromus erectus) and exploitative (Dactylis glomerata). We also investigated the impact of primary metabolites on soil microbial denitrification enzyme activity without carbon addition, comparing for each plant RAS and bulk soils. Our data show that plant nutritional strategy impacts on primary metabolite composition of root extracts or RAS. Further we show, for the first time, that RAS-extracted primary metabolites are probably better indicators to explain plant nutrient strategy than root-extracted ones. In addition, our results show that some primary metabolites present in the RAS were well correlated with soil microbial denitrification activity with positive relationships found between denitrification and the presence of some organic acids and negative ones with the presence of xylose. We demonstrated that the analysis of primary metabolites extracted from the RAS is probably more pertinent to evaluate the impact of plant on soil microbial community functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was aimed to investigate: (1) distribution and population of Chromolaena odorata (siam weed) in different land-uses (paddy field, untreated land, houseyard, roadside and river/irigation side) in Bandar Lampung, South Lampung, Tanggamus, and East Lampung; (2) effect of C. odorata extract on in-vitro growth of Phytophthora palmivora, (3) effect of C. odorata extract on development of fruit rot symptom caused by P. palmivora on cocoa pod in the laboratory and in the field. Collecting of P. palmivora isolates and recording distribution and population of C. odorata were conducted in several locations known as endemic areas of cocoa pod rot disease. The effect of C. odorata extract on the growth of P. palmivora on agar media and cocoa pods was determine in the Laboratory of Plant Disease, Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. Field experiment was performed in a cocoa plantation in Kemiling, Bandar Lampung. The results showed that C. odorata weed can be found in all of the land-uses surveyed, but the highest population was found in the untreated land-use. The tips (young leaves and stems) extract of C. odorata showed a greater inhibition effect on the growth of P. palmivora compared to the root extract. The tips extract showed the best inhibition in-vitro growth of P. palmivora at 40% concentration level, inhibited symptom development on cocoa pods in the laboratory at 50% concentration level, and on cocoa pods in the field at 60% concentration level.

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles has received attention because of the development of economic and environmentally friendly technology for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The study develops a convenient method for the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by utilizing fresh root extract of the four-year oldPanax ginsengplant, and evaluated the antimicrobial applications of silver nanoparticles against pathogenic microorganisms.P. ginsengis a well-known herbal medicinal plant, and its active ingredients are mainly ginsenosides. The fresh root of the 4 year oldP. ginsengplant has been explored for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles without the use of any additional reducing and capping agents. The reduction of silver nitrate led to the formation of silver nanoparticles within 2 h of reaction at 80°C. The gold nanoparticles were also successfully synthesized by the reduction of auric acid at 80°C, within 5 min of reaction. The biosynthesized gold and silver nanoparticles were characterized by techniques using various instruments, viz. ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis spectroscopy), field emission transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), elemental mapping, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the silver nanoparticles have shown antimicrobial potential againstBacillus anthracis, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, andBacillus cereus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the discovery and subsequent widespread use of antibiotics, a variety of bacterial species of human and animal origin have developed numerous mechanisms that render bacteria resistant to some, and in certain cases to nearly all antibiotics, thereby limiting the treatment options and compromising effective therapy. In the present study, the green synthesis of nanoparticles is carried out by the reduction of silver acetate in the presence of crude methanolic root extracts of Diospyros paniculata , a member of family Ebenaceae. The UV–Vis absorption spectrum of the biologically reduced reaction mixture showed the surface plasmon peak at 428 nm, a characteristic peak of silver nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the face-centered cubic crystalline structure of metallic silver. The average diameter of Ag NPs is about 17 nm from Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) which is in good agreement with the average crystallite size (19 nm) calculated from XRD analysis. Further the study has been extended to the antimicrobial activity against test pathogenic Gram (+), Gram (−) bacterial and fungal strains. The biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles showed promising activity against all the tested pathogenic strains and the activity has been enhanced with the increased dose levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) commonly known as Shatavari or satavar belongs to family of Liliaceae. It is grown in tropical areas of India, Sri Lanka and Himalayas. Shatavari crop generally shows resistance to pest and insects and unaffected with diseases. The crop grows well in tropical and hot climate. Well drained fertile black soil is most preferred for the cultivation of crop. The dried root extracts of the plant are used as drug. The root extracts are proved for to possess pharmacological efficacies such as antioxidant potential, antimicrobial property, anti-tumor potential, hepatoprotective role and antidiabetic activity. The present article explores the therapeutic properties of A. racemosus root which are reported so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Withania somnifera (WS), Indian ginseng/ashwagandha, is a common household plant. Its commercially available aqueous or ethanolic root powder extract containing the active substance withanolides is known to enhance physical endurance (stamina). The potency of crude root powders, especially post-extraction, is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of crude root powder of WS post-extraction with commercial root preparation in enhancing the physical endurance of mice using forced swim endurance model. Materials and Methods: Male Swiss albino mice, 6–8 weeks old with mean (standard deviation) weight of 35.17 (3.36) g, were randomized into three groups of six animals each: control – carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5%, standard – commercial root preparation of WS (100 mg/kg), and test – crude root powder post-extraction (100 mg/kg). Drugs were administered per oral, once daily, for 7 days. On the 8th day, animals were allowed to swim till exhaustion in a propylene tub of dimension 25 cm radius and 30 cm height, with water level at 15 cm. The end point of swim endurance was when the mice near drowned. Results: There was no significant difference in body weight of mice between groups. One-way ANOVA between groups for drowning time was significant (F[2,15] = 12.771, P = 0.001). Tukey's post hoc test was significant for test versus control (P < 0.001) and standard versus control (P = 0.047). However, test versus standard was not statistically significant (P = 0.069). Conclusion: Hence, we conclude that crude root powder of WS after extraction also possesses physical endurance enhancing property and may be used to enhance the stamina. Abbreviations Used: ANOVA: Analyis of Variance; CI: Confidence Interval; CMC: Carboxy Methyl Cellulose; HPLC: High Performance Liquid Chromatography; MeSH: Medical Subject Heading; SD: Standard Deviation; TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography; WS: Withania somnifera [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, accounting for 3% of all malignant cancers. Phytochemicals and their related compounds are found in various parts of the plant Eichhornia crassipes and have a variety of pharmacological actions. The current research was intended to compare and evaluate the anti-proliferative action of methanolic extracts of E. crassipes roots and petioles against the Sloan Kettering Melanoma (SK-Mel-5) cell line. Materials and methods The waters around Ezhikkara, Ernakulum, Kerala, were discovered to contain E. crassipes . We used a Soxhlet extractor to get this concentrated liquid. For this test, we employed a methanolic extract of roots and petioles to determine the extent to which different concentrations of the extract inhibited cell proliferation. Data on absorbance were reported as a mean standard deviation. Using Probit analysis, the IC 50 was calculated by evaluating the gradient of the regression line to get a value. Results Concentrations of methanolic root and petiole extracts of 12.5 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, and 200 µg/ml were analyzed. The methanol petiole extract reduced the viability of SK-Mel-5 cells more than the root extract, with IC 50 values of 323.59 µg/ml and 174.70 µg/ml of the test sample concentration, respectively. The regression equation for the root extract was y = -0.1264x + 90.902 and R 2 = 0.845, and for the petiole extract, it was y = -0.2187x + 88.206 and R 2 = 0.917. Conclusion The current study found that increasing the concentration of methanolic extracts of roots and petioles of E. crassipes exhibited an increased cell growth inhibition rate. However, methanolic petiole extracts were more cytotoxic than the roots. Thus, the current study demonstrated the therapeutic use of E. crassipes as an anticancer agent, thereby providing a valuable alternative for enabling the early management of melanoma., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, P et al.)

Eurycoma longifolia jack (Tongkat Ali) has been known to possess many important biological properties and its uses are gradually expanding. To test the presence of antifungal activity of the ethanolic Eurycoma longifolia Jack (E.L) root extract. E.L. roots were extracted using ethanol. Two types of fungal strains were used; Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Disc diffusion assay and Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were used to determine the antifungal activity. The extract was prepared into three concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 mg/ml, Nystatin was used as positive control. The ethanolic extract of E. longifolia Jack root showed positive antifungal activity against C.albicans and A.fumigatus. The antifungal activity, measured through the zone of growth inhibition on the agar disc diffusion assay, against A.fumigatus was recorded to be 3.78±0.63, 6.11±1.45, 9.89±0.74mm, while for C.albicans was 4.44±0.5, 6.56±0.50, 8.44±0.90 mm for the extract concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 mg/ml respectively. The results of MIC showed the inhibition of visible growth of A.fumigatus and C.albicans at the minimum concentration of 12.5 and 25 mg/ml respectively. E.L root extract possesses potent antifungal properties and has the potential to be used as a medicinal product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently, researchers are aiming to explore herbal plants to replace synthetic drugs because herbal plants contain high active compounds and fewer side effects. Our study was done to determine the antibacterial activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (E. longifolia) root using ethanol based extract. Methods: Five types of pathogenic bacterial strains were used; Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Disc diffusion assay and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) tests were used to determine the inhibition zone and turbidity of suspension which reflects the antibacterial activity of the extract. Results: The ethanolic extract of E. longifolia Jack root extract showed positive results against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. cereus) and Gramnegative (S. typhi). B.cereus and S.typhi showed inhibition zone values of 11.76mm and 14.33mm at the extract concentration of 150mg/ml that were higher than the positive control values (9.00, 12.67mm) respectively. However, E. coli and P. aeruginosa did not show any inhibition by the ethanol-based extract. Conclusion: From the results we can conclude that E.Longifolia root extract possesses antibacterial activity that can be further explored to produce new medicinal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Toddalia asiatica is a commonly used medicinal plant in East Africa for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions. The present study investigated the antinociceptive and the anti-inflammatory effects of T. asiatica in Swiss albino mice. METHODS: The antinociceptive and the anti-inflammatory effects of T. asiatica were investigated using formalin-induced pain test and the carrageenin-induced oedema paw. The extract solvent (vehicle), aspirin and indomethacin were employed as negative and positive controls respectively. Eight mice were used in each experiment. RESULTS: In the early phase of the formalin test, the 100mg/kg dose showed no significant antinociceptive activity while the 200mg/kg showed significant (p 0.01) antinociceptive activity. The 100 mg/kg dose showed highly significant antinociceptive activity (p 0.001) in the late phase of the formalin test while the 200mg/kg dose showed no significant antinociceptive activity. A reduction in carragenin induced acute inflammation paw oedema was significant (p 0.01) following administration of 100mg/kg dose but not with the 200mg/kg dose.CONCLUSION: The present study therefore lends support to the anecdotal evidence for use of T. asiatica in the management of painful and inflammatory conditions.

Background: Phytochemical investigation of hydroalcoholic extract of the root of Inula racemosa Hook. Materials and Methods: Open silica gel column chromatographic techniques with different solvent systems was used for isolation of aliphatic and eudesmalolide esters from hydroalcoholic extract of the root of Inula racemosa. The structure elucidation of the compounds was done on the basis of spectral data analysis, chemical reactions and comparision with literature data. Results: Phytochemical investigation of the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of Inula racemosa Hook. f. led to the isolation of (5z, 13z)-n-decanyl-n-docos-5, 13-dienoate, a new fatty acid ester, two new sesquiterpenic ester identifi ed as 15-[(13z, 18'z, 20'z)-n-tricos-13, 18, 20-trienyl]-eudesmal-4 (11), 6, 12 (13)-trien-8,14-olide-15-oate and 15- [(16'z), (21'z)-n- tetracos-16', 21'-dienyl]-eudesmal-4 (11) 6, 12 (13)-trien-8, 14-olide-15-oate, two new eudesmanolide ester i.e. 15-[(16z)-n-monadec-16'-enyl]-eudesmal-4 (11) 6, 12 (13)-trien-8,14-olide-15-oate and 15-[(16'z)-n-tetracos-16'-enyl]-endesmal-4 (11), 6, 12 (13)-trien-8,14-olide-15-oate along with the known compound n-Hexadecanyl n-docosanoate. Conclusion: Five new phytoconstituents were identifi ed along with one known compound as aliphatic and eudesmalolide esters from the hydroalcoholic extract of the root of Inula racemosa, as mentioned above. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azadirachta indica, used in antidiabetic herbal drugs, was reported to contain α-glucosidase inhibitor. Bioassay guided purification characterized the inhibitor as nimbidiol (a diterpenoid), present in root and stem-bark of the tree. Nimbidiol inhibited intestinal (mammalian) maltase-glucoamylase, sucrase-isomaltase, lactase, trehalase and fungal α-glucosidases. Nimbidiol showed a mixed competitive inhibition on intestinal carbohydrases. IC50, Ki and Ki′ (µM) were 1.35 ± 0.12, 0.08 ± 0.01, 0.25 ± 0.11, respectively, for maltase-glucoamylase (maltotetraose as substrate). Nimbidiol was more potent inhibitor of isomaltase (IC50 0.85 ± 0.035 µM), lactase (IC50 20 ± 1.33 µM) and trehalase (IC50 30 ± 1.75 µM) than acarbose, voglibose, salacinol, kotalanol and mangiferin. Ki and Ki′ values (µM) for intestinal sucrase were 0.7 ± 0.12 and 1.44 ± 0.65, respectively. Development of nimbidiol as an antidiabetic drug appears to be promising because of broad inhibition spectrum of intestinal glucosidases and easy synthesis of the molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Elevated CO2 respiration rates have been observed in soils treated with complex mixtures versus single low molecular weight (LMW) organic substrates, and it has been postulated that a more diverse range of soil microorganisms responds to increasingly complex mixtures of LMW organic substrates. To test this hypothesis, 13C-labelled substrates (glycine, an amino acid mixture and an extract of water soluble compounds from plant roots) were applied at 15 μg C g−1 soil to an arable top soil. The soils were incubated and destructively sampled after 8, 24, 48, 120 and 240 h, and the 13C content of biomarker PLFA for Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, Actinobacteria and fungi was determined. There was no significant increase in the concentration of the biomarker PLFA, apart from Actinobacteria at the end of the incubation (120 and 240 h). However there were significant changes in total PLFA concentration due to increases in the 16:0 and 18:0 PLFA, which cannot be assigned to specific functional groups of microorganisms. 13C incorporation into the biomarker PLFA of all microbial groups was significant at every time point, but more 13C was determined in the biomarker PLFA of all microbial groups after the application of the amino acid mixture compared to glycine. Calculations of the proportion of the incorporated of 13C in the different biomarker PLFA suggested the routing of substrate 13C between the microbial groups over time. This was related to the broad functional ecology (‘r’ or ‘K’ strategy) of the different microbial groups. In conclusion, we observed that the response of all microbial groups (detected as 13C incorporation) was increased by the addition of more complex mixtures of LMW organic substrates, but that different microbial groups responded differently over time. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim: A decoction of Elephantopus scaber (Asteraceae) root is used to treat liver disorders in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. The study was designed to examine the dose response effects of E. scaber methanolic extract on rats exposed to N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) induced hepatotoxicity (0.02% NDEA in water five days per week, per oral) in preventive and curative models. Methods: In preventive groups, NDEA was administered for six weeks. Daily doses of E. scaber methanolic extract (200 and 100 mg·kg-1) started one week before the onset of NDEA intoxication and continued for six weeks. In curative animals, NDEA was administered for six weeks followed by treatment with the methanolic n-hexane extract of E. scaber (200 and 100 mg·kg-1) for ten days. Results: E. scaber extract treatment significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the levels of AST, ALT, and MDA in both experimental groups. The extract also enhanced the antioxidant enzyme and protein levels in rats intoxicated with NDEA. Treatment with the extract dose dependently protected the liver from NDEA-induced hepatotoxicity with normal hepatocytes and uniform sinusoids, but in some areas showed degenerating hepatic cells in both treatment groups. Conclusion: E. scaber methanolic extract dose dependently prevented and reversed the hepatotoxicity induced by NDEA in both experimental models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to assess the antioxidant capacities and phenolic constituents of methanol and aqueous extracts of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew. root from Trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging capacity of the root extracts increased in a dose-dependent manner (up to 0.1 mg/mL) and root extract concentrations required for 50% inhibition of radical scavenging effect ( IC50) were recorded as 0.013 and 0.014 mg/mL (for DPPH) and 0.016 and 0.017 mg/mL (for ABTS) for methanol and aqueous extracts, respectively. The total antioxidant power of the extract was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Total polyphenol and phenolic acid content of methanol and aqueous extracts were 112.24, 59.06, 39.02, and 16.95 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract, respectively. Total flavonoid and flavonol contents were estimated to be 30.2, 17.67, 20.68, and 7.38 mg quercetin equivalent/g of extract, respectively. In all antioxidant capacity assays, the methanol extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant capacity than that of aqueous extract due to the presence of significantly higher amount of vital phytoconstitiuents, viz. polyphenol, phenolic acid, and flavonol. GC/MS analysis showed that phytosterols, alkyl halide, phenols, and fatty acid esters were major phytochemical clusters. On the other hand, monoterpenes, fatty acids, tocopherols, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and ethers were found to be present in comparatively less amount in the methanol extract. Hence, our study signifies that this high-altitude medicinal herb could be used as the natural source of antioxidants and supports its use in traditional system of medicine to ameliorate oxidative stress and high-altitude maladies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Toddalia asiatica is a commonly used medicinal plant in East Africa for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions. The present study investigated the antinociceptive and the anti-inflammatory effects of T. asiatica in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The antinociceptive and the anti-inflammatory effects of T asiatica were investigated using formalin-induced pain test and the carrageenin-induced oedema paw. The extract solvent (vehicle), aspirin and indomethacin were employed as negative and positive controls respectively. Eight mice were used in each experiment. Results: In the early phase of the formalin test, the 100mg/kg dose showed no significant antinociceptive activity while the 200mg/kg showed significant (p < 0.01) antinociceptive activity. The 100 mg/kg dose showed highly significant antinociceptive activity (p < 0.001) in the late phase of the formalin test while the 200mg/kg dose showed no significant antinociceptive activity. A reduction in carragenin induced acute inflammation paw oedema was significant (p < 0.01) following administration of 100mg/kg dose but not with the 200mg/kg dose. Conclusion: The present study therefore lends support to the anecdotal evidence for use of T asiatica in the management of painful and inflammatory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha gossypifolia root bark is used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of various diseases and infections. We have studied the phytochemistry and evaluated the anticancer activity of J. gossypifolia root extract. Phytochemical investigation of the root of J. gossypifolia resulted in the isolation and characterization of one new diterpenoid along with four well-known compounds. The new compound was established by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and x-ray analysis, while spectral (H, C NMR, and ESI-MS) characteristics of the known compounds were compared with reported data. The new compound showed potent proliferation inhibitory activity against A-549 human cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim of the study: Croton membranaceus root and leaf extracts are used in the Bahamas to aromatize tobacco, in Nigeria to improve digestion, and in Ghana, for benign prostate hyperplasia. Despite claims of success there is paucity of information on its toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine if Croton membranaceus has acute toxicity properties. Materials and methods: Roots were air-dried in a solar dryer for one week before milling. The powder was extracted with 96% ethanol, freeze-dried and re-extracted with distilled water and freeze-dried. 15 male Sprague–Dawley rats (180–200g) were divided equally into 2 treatment groups [low dose (LD) and high dose (HD)], plus a control group (C). LD and HD received 1500 and 3000mg/kg b.wt. Croton membranaceus aqueous extract, respectively, one time and observed for 14 days. Haematological [Full Blood Count and haemoglobin (Hb)], biochemical [bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatise (ALP), γ-glutamyltranspetidase (GGT), urea, creatinine, creatinine kinase – Muscle and Brain (CK-MB), creatinine kinase – Total (CK-R)] examinations were performed. Results: Control group''s CK-MB (5444±534U/L) and LD group CK-MB (4014±1016U/L) were significantly different (p <0.05). Control and the HD group CK-MB (3955±1135U/L) were significantly different (p <0.05). Both LD and HD CK-R levels (697±197U/L and 732±203U/L, respectively), were lower than the control (1139±220U/L) at 48h and 14 days (p <0.05, p <0.05, respectively). γ-GT levels of the HD group was 4.8±0.4U/L compared to the Control group value of 0.9±0.2U/L (p <0.05). Conclusions: Taking all factors into consideration, Croton membranaceus ingestion does not produce general acute toxicity. However, its creatinine kinase lowering ability could be explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Roots of Asparagus racemosus were used as a source of inulin for the production of inulinase from Kluyveromyces marxianus YS-1. Root extract prepared at 10kg/cm2 for 10min showed the maximum production of inulinase. Various parameters of fermentation have been examined in order to improve overall enzyme yield. Inulinase yield of 40.5IU/mL in an optimized medium containing inulin (3.5%), beef extract (0.5%), MnSO4 (0.5mM), CoCl2 (0.05mM), SDS (0.4mM) and pH 6.5 at 30°C under agitation (150rpm) for 60h has been obtained at shake flask level. After optimization the enzyme production has been increased 6.1 times at flask level. In a bioreactor (working volume 1L) fermentation medium containing 4% inulin has shown maximum inulinase production (47.3IU/mL) under optimized parameters of 200rpm, 0.75vvm aeration at 30°C after 60h. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study was undertaken to investigate the antiulcer properties of the ethanol root extract of Cissampelos mucronata A. Rich (Menispermaceae). Three models of experimental ulcer induction in rats were employed in the study. Oral median lethal dose (LD 50 ) was determined in mice using Lorke's method, and the isolated tissue preparations were used to investigate the effect of the extract on calcium ion mobilization in the ileum and H 2 -receptor blocking property in nongravid rat uterine strip. Study of the acute toxicity test indicated an LD 50 of 288.53 mg/kg. Antiulcer study showed that the extract exhibited dose-dependent antiulcer properties in the order indomethacin > histamine > stress-induced ulcers. The ulcer index recorded for the extract against ulcer induced by indomethacin and histamine were significant at p [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six quinones were isolated from the chloroform extract of the roots of Diospyros sylvatica and identified as 2-methyl-anthraquinone, plumbagin, diosindigo, diospyrin, isodiospyrin and microphyllone. The effect of the root extract on the orientation and survival of the subterranean termite, Odontotermes obesus was tested. In addition, four of these quinones were tested on the survival of the subterranean termite. In a direct-choice experiment, exposure to an extract-treated filter disc had a significantly repellent effect over the solvent-treated filter disc. The no-choice experiment revealed the toxic property of the extract as well as the tested quinones and showed high mortality of the O. obesus workers after 48 h on forced exposure. The major termiticidal components identified were plumbagin, isodiospyrin and microphyllone while diospyrin was not toxic to termites at the concentration tested. All the quinones are reported for the first time from D. sylvatica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extracts from mycorrhizal roots, non-mycorrhizal roots obtained from mycorrhizal root systems, and non-inoculated maize roots were fractionated by gel chromatography and their effects on the hyphal growth of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices were studied under aseptic conditions. Low-molecular (MW lower than 3000) extracts obtained from mycorrhizal roots contained the fraction that most rapidly suppresses the hyphae growth. This was not observed for the fastest fraction obtained from non-mycorrhizal roots. The increased content of some inorganic ions, mainly potassium, was recorded in the fastest fraction of the mycorrhizal root extracts. At the same time, higher contents of two unidentified major organic compounds were revealed in this fraction of the mycorrhizal root extract compared to the non-mycorrhizal one. Some of these compounds, which are locally accumulated in the mycorrhizal parts of the root, are probably responsible for the effect observed. Potassium alone, even at a high concentration, cannot be responsible for the supression observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]