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Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw. (= Caesalpinia pulcherrima f. flava (O. Deg.) H. St. John, Caesalpinia pulcherrima var. flava Bailey & Rehder) is an ornamental plant with medicinal values belonging to the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and the genus Caesalpinia. The plant is a native of tropical America and is extensively cultivated in gardens globally for its beautiful flowers. The plant is well-mentioned in the ethnomedicine that led the researchers to use modern pharmacological methods to discover the diverse phytochemicals in different parts of C. pulcherrima with bioactive potential. The current review discusses on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological aspects of C. pulcherrima along with a brief note on the biosynthesis of major classes of phytochemicals in this plant. Altogether 70 articles published between 2007 and 2023 that are related to the phytochemicals in C. pulcherrima and their biosyntheisis were collected from online scientific databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ACS and Google Scholar. The isolated phytochemicals from C. pulcherrima were tested for various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antidiabetic and insecticidal activities discussed in the current review will pave the way for the discovery of new drugs. [Display omitted] • One hundred and twenty-six phytochemicals were reported in Caesalpinia pulcherrima till 2023. • Antimicrobial activity of the Caesalpinia pulcherrima phytochemicals is the most studied pharmacological activity. • Pharmacological studies confirm the ethnomedicinal claims on Caesalpinia pulcherrima. • Non-toxic effect of Caesalpinia pulcherrima phytochemicals was proven with limited in vivo studies. • Detailed studies on the mechanism of action of isolated phytochemicals to exhibit pharmacological effects is neglected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractFour new homoisoflavonoids, 7-hydroxy-3-[hydroxy(4′-methoxyphenyl)methyl]-benzopyran-4-one (1), (3R)-7, 8-dihydroxy-3-(4′-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (2), 7-hydroxy-3-(2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one (3), and 7-hydroxy-3-(2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxybenzyl)-benzopyran-4-one (4), were isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The structures of new compounds were elucidated by MS and NMR spectra. Their absolute configurations were assigned using electronic circular dichroism spectrum. Compounds 2 and 4 exhibited cytotoxic effects on MCF-7/TAM cells with the IC50 values of 101.4 ± 0.03 and 93.02 ± 0.03 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Previous research showed that seasonal variations affected the amount of phytoconstituents, which in turn affected the biological activities of the plant materials. • The two solvated (ethanol and water) bark extracts of caesalpinia pulcherrima (CP) Linn. were tested on female rats to determine their effects on β-sitosterol and their antifertility potential. • The amount of beta-sitosterol in the caesalpinia pulcherrima extract changes with the seasons. It was higher in the rainy season than the summer season which has a significant contribution to their abortifacient potential. • The study supports the use of caesalpinia pulcherrima bark as an abortifacient in folk medicine and lends credence to the utilization of caesalpinia pulcherrima bark as an herbal abortifacient that is secure, dependable, and effective. Previous research has shown that seasonal variations in phytoconstituent levels eventually lead to alterations in the biological activities of the plant materials. The research assessed the effects of seasonal changes on β-sitosterol levels and the anti-fertility properties of two solvated bark extracts (ethanol and water) from Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CP) Linn. in female rats. Soxhlet and hot reflux extraction with ethanol and water solvents were used to separate the active components from the barks. The phytochemical screening, characterization, and in-vivo antifertility activity in female rats were carried out to determine the presence of bioactive components. Two dosages of the extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg) were chosen based on the results of an acute toxicity investigation. Uterine tissue histopathology was performed to analyze the effects of various treatments. The data was statistically examined and p value less than 0.05 was considered to reflect the significance. The extracts were characterized for the presence of beta-sitosterol using FT-IR, H1-NMR, and HR-Mass. The animals were able to withstand a dose of up to 2000 mg/kg without exhibiting any toxicological signs or symptoms. Based on in vivo investigations, an ethanolic extract of the bark showed 88.93 % and 77.21 % anti-implantation action at 200 and 400 mg/kg, while an aqueous extract showed 78.31 and 70.52 % activity at the same doses. When compared to the control, the anti-implantation and estrogenic actions of both extracts were shown to be statistically significant (p <0.001). The abortifacient effect in the rainy season ethanolic extract was linear and dose-dependent, as compared to the control (p <0.001). The findings of this study suggest that the presence of the phytosterol beta Sitosterol in Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CP) Linn. is responsible for its post-coital antifertility effect. It appears that the amount of beta-sitosterol in the plant, which may have an antifertility effect, is greatly affected by seasonal change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the anticancer effect of the aqueous extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw in 7,12-Dimethlbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) – induced mammary cancer. Methods: Tumors were induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (dissolved in olive oil) at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight to the test rats and allowed to develop for about four months. They were treated with cyclophosphamide and an aqueous extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima at doses of 10 and 250 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activity, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and cytochrome p450 oxidase (cytp450) activity, as well as other diagnostic enzymes, were estimated. Results: The result revealed that DMBA is associated with a significant (p

For the unique physical, chemical and biological characteristics, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in a variety of applications in the sectors of health and wellness as well as consumer and industrial products. We describe here the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using activated carbon from locally accessible biowaste of theCaesalpinia pulcherrima pod is the goal of this work, which aims to characterise the activated carbons generated by oxidation of activated carbons of comparable porosity with Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, respectively. Using Caesalpinia pulcherrima plant extract as a reducing agent, silver particles may be made. TEM was used to determine the particle size, distribution, shape, shape heterogeneity, and aggregation. Analysis of the silver nanoparticle's composition has been done using EDAX. According to the findings, activated carbon derived from Caesalpinia pulcherrima pod is ideal for the adsorption of textile dyes such as Eriofast Blue (EB) and Erionyl Orange (EO) and might be employed as a low-cost efficient adsorbent in the treatment of industrial wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common banded awl butterfly, Hasora chromus (Cramer, 1780) (Hesperiidae: Lepidoptera) is a defoliator of Pongamia or Indian beech tree, Millettia pinnata (L). (Fabaceae). The younger instar caterpillar feeds on the newly emerged leaf buds of M. pinnata. The later instar caterpillars move to feed on the older leaves resulting in complete defoliation of the tree. Mass feeding of caterpillars of H. chromus was recorded in the avenue plantation of ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR) Yelahanka Campus, Bengaluru from March to April 2022. After the completion of the feeding phase of the caterpillars in M. pinnata, the caterpillars usually pupate in the leaves during a normal situation. An unusually high population of caterpillars during this outbreak, they were not pupating on Pongamia for want of sufficient leaves due to severe defoliation. The caterpillars started coming down from Pongamia trees in large numbers like 'armyworms' and moving to other plants in the vicinity for pupation. We documented different plant species in the area for pupation by the later instar caterpillars. The caterpillars were found to pupate on 38 different species of plants from 22 different families. The mean number of rolls made by the late instar caterpillar for pupation in different plants ranged between 0.60 to 4.40 per leaf with a mean number of 1.00 to 5.83 pupae per leaf roll. The caterpillars also preferred tiny leaflets of Caesalpinia pulcherrima for pupation by mere webbing together of the leaflets. The mean number of pupae per stem in C. pulcherrima was 38.40 ± 19.58. On average, the mature caterpillar webbed 5.60 leaflets for enclosing their pupae. Predation of the later instar caterpillars during the movement towards the plants by birds (Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817, Acridotheres tristis L.), solitary wasp Polistes sp., black ant Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1787), and red ant Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius, 1775) was documented. Documentation of plants preferred for pupation and pupation behavior will help in the conservation of the naturally occurring population of H. chromus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three undescribed cassane-type diterpenoids (CAs), caesalpulcherrins K-M (1–3), together with three known ones (4–6) were isolated from the aerial parts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw (Fabaceae). Their structures were elucidated via analysis of NMR (1 D and 2 D) and HRESIMS data. The character for caesalpulcherrin K possessing the olefin bond at C-11 and C-12 in its cassane skeleton was observed, which belonged to a small group among more than 450 CAs. That is, only fifteen derivatives have been reported up to now, to our knowledge. Biological evaluation revealed that compounds 1–6 exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC50 value from 6.04 ± 0.34 to 8.92 ± 0.65 μM. Furthermore, compounds 5 and 6 exhibited significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity at 10 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pride of Barbados is a therapeutic herb which has wide traditional applications in the treatments and management of diverse ailments. Diseases pose great threats to human race. This research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados in order to provide a scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic herb. All analyses were carried out using already established methods; the antioxidant potential was examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were used to evaluate the antiinflammatory and analgesic activities, respectively. Phytochemicals detected were alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The moisture content, crude fibre, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and total ash were 9.02 ± 0.02%, 9.04 ± 0.01%, 2.78 ± 0.02%, 1.20 ± 0.00% and 4.35 ± 0.13%, respectively. The IC50 values for the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the pod extract and ascorbic acid (standard) were 50.05 ± 0.50 and 5.20 ± 0.85 μg/mL, respectively. The oral administration of crude ethyl acetate pod extract of Pride of Barbados to Swiss mice was not toxic even up to a dose of 5,000 mg/kg. The pod extract showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the formation of formalin-induced oedema and the number of writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in a concentration (dose) dependent manner. This study confirms the phytomedicinal use of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados with rich pharmacological and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative energy sources from vegetable products are developing as a response to the depleting fossil fuel reserves and the environmental damage caused by their burning. Among these different possible resources, biodiesel has received a lot of interest as a diesel engine fuel substitute because it is renewable, non-toxic, eco-friendly, etc. This study evaluated the quality assessment of production of biodiesel from Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The sample oil was extracted from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima using a soxhlet extractor with n-hexane; the results obtained showed low yield of 27 ± 0.1 % for the extracted oil. The physicochemical properties of the oils sample were found to be as follows: Saponification value: 142.87 mgKOH/g, peroxide value: 7.70 mEq O2/kg, acid value: 30.49 mg KOH/g, iodine value (IV): 23.15 g I2/100g, viscosity: 5.83 mm2 /sec, specific gravity: 0.90. The value of free fatty acid gotten was 15.43. The oil was transesterified using two-step transesterification due to their high free fatty acid (FFA) using sodium hydroxide as catalyst. The biodiesel produced was analyzed for its fatty acid profile using GC-MS and fuel properties using ASTM Methods. The Caesalpinia pulcherrima oil obtained for use in the production of biodiesel was clear, viscous, and yellowish in color. The result of the transesterification reaction was a transparent yellowish color liquid (biofuel) and the percentage yield was 71.73 %. The density of 0.86, pour point of -5.03 oC, cloud point of 5.83 oC, the specific gravity of 0.895, the kinematic viscosity of 5.37 mm2 /s, and an acid value of 1.1 MgKOH/g were all within the ASTM D6751 specification for biodiesel fuel. respectively. Results obtained infer that oil from Caesalpinia pulcherrima possesses properties that are suitable for biofuel production using ASTM standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize food and feed production in Nigeria and meet protein demands, viable options need to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Freshly harvested Pride of Barbados leaves were obtained from three different locations in Benin City and processed for its leaf protein concentrate and bagasse using heat coagulated method. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse were analysed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis revealed that the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen free extract contents of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrates were 91.17%, 31.12%, 8.33%, 7.92%, 8.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. Pride of Barbados bagasse had a lower crude protein (9.22%) but higher fibre content (10.72%) compared to those of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate. Na, K, Ca, and Mg were the most abundant minerals in Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Chromium was very low in the leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Proximate compositions were significantly (p<0.05) affected by location. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse can be used as livestock feed ingredient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small carpenter bees Ceratina smaragdula (F.) and C. hieroglyphica Smith (Xylocopinae: Apidae) are the major pollinators of many agricultural and horticultural crops. Nesting sites of these native bee pollinators were located at dried twigs of peacock flower tree Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and a total of 199 nests were collected from 2019-2021. Both species constructed linear nests at soft pithy region of stems with a maximum of 12 cm depth and individual cells ranged 6 to 10 mm in length which were separated with partitions of 2 to 4 mm. There were no significant differences in height of the nests constructed from ground level. The younger cells were near to the entrance, whereas the mature cells were arranged towards the innermost side. The nests of bees consisted of egg, larva, pupa and adult stages; and C. smaragdula took 15.51± 0.19 days while C. hieroglyphica took 15.93± 0.27 days for completion of larval period. Total pupal period of C. smaragdula ranged from 20.71± 0.26 days whereas C. hieroglyphica ranged from 18.56± 0.16 days. Total lifecycle for C. smaragdula and C. hieroglyphica took 49.15± 0.40 and 43.19± 0.58 days under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of potential biopolymers for developing edible films as alternatives for plastic packaging is a recent trend. Among the biopolymers used in edible film making, galactomannan is a good film-forming agent. Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed gum is a rich source of galactomannan and could be used as an edible film making material. The main objective of this study was to identify the ability of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed gum in making a food packaging film and assessing its performance. In this study, the gum was extracted from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds and dissolved in distilled water along with the plasticizer glycerol. In preparing film-forming solutions, a previously selected range of glycerol concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) was used. After casting and drying, the resultant films were analyzed for their physical and mechanical properties. In the present study, the film prior to incorporating glycerol was brittle, less flexible and had a strong film matrix. With the increase of glycerol content, the film became more flexible, sticky and weak. Further, the physical properties namely thickness, moisture content, swelling index, water solubility of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed gum-based films were increased from 0.039 ± 0.001 to 0.076 ± 0.001 mm, from 62.92 ± 0.51 to 69.40 ± 0.15%, from 5.39 ± 0.17 to 8.45 ± 0.17, from 55.69 ± 0.51 to 66.66 ± 0.45%, respectively, with the increase of glycerol content from 0.0 to 1.5%. Concerning the mechanical properties, the tensile strength and Young's module were decreased from 10.90 ± 0.08 to 2.11 ± 0.05 MPa and from 48.46 ± 0.24 to 3.47 ± 0.09 MPa, respectively, and the elongation was increased from 22.50 ± 0.05 to 60.84 ± 0.04% with increasing the glycerol content from 0.0 to 1.5%. Due to its physical and mechanical properties, Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed gum is a potential source for edible packaging film manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To optimize food and feed production in Nigeria and meet protein demands, viable options need to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Freshly harvested Pride of Barbados leaves were obtained from three different locations in Benin City and processed for its leaf protein concentrate and bagasse using heat coagulated method. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse were analysed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis revealed that the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen free extract contents of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrates were 91.17%, 31.12%, 8.33%, 7.92%, 8.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. Pride of Barbados bagasse had a lower crude protein (9.22%) but higher fibre content (10.72%) compared to those of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate. Na, K, Ca, and Mg were the most abundant minerals in Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Chromium was very low in the leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Proximate compositions were significantly (p

Abstract Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The current options to treat Acanthamoeba infections have limited success. Silver nanoparticles show antimicrobial effects and enhance the efficacy of their payload at the specific biological targets. Natural folk plants have been widely used for treating diseases as the phytochemicals from several plants have been shown to exhibit amoebicidal effects. Herein, we used natural products of plant or commercial sources including quercetin (QT), kolavenic acid (PGEA) isolated from plant extracts of Polyalthia longifolia var pendula and crude plant methanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CPFLM) as antiacanthamoebic agents. Furthermore, these plant-based materials were conjugated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to determine the effects of the natural compounds and their nanoconjugates against a clinical isolate of A. castellanii from a keratitis patient (ATCC 50492) belonging to the T4 genotype. The compounds were conjugated with AgNPs and characterized by using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. Quercetin coated silver nanoparticles (QT-AgNPs) showed characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 443 nm and the average size distribution was found to be around 45 nm. The natural compounds alone and their nanoconjugates were tested for the viability of amoebae, encystation and excystation activity against A. castellanii. The natural compounds showed significant growth inhibition of A. castellanii while QT-AgNPs specifically exhibited enhanced antiamoebic effects as well as interrupted the encystation and excystation activity of the amoebae. Interestingly, these compounds and nanoconjugates did not exhibit in vitro cytotoxic effects against human cells. Plant-based compounds and extracts could be an interesting strategy in development of alternative therapeutics against Acanthamoeba infections.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the most threatening element for shelf life of packaged food. Mainly increase ROS is related to enzymatic, photochemical and pathogen action in the packaged food. In this study the cascade in ROS is observed in the presence of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with gallic acid. This is an efficient and promising approach for decreasing oxidative damage and physiological deterioration of packaged food. Firstly, the amine stabilized AuNPs were synthesized to meet the demand of high stability and long shelf-life. The surface functionalization of gold nanoparticles with gallic acid from extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima to get gallic acid conjugated AuNPs (GA-AuNPs) reduces the toxicity of chemically stabilized AuNPs. Characterization techniques like dynamic light scattering, SEM, UV–vis spectroscopy evaluated morphology and electrochemical technique such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) estimated free radical scavenging by GA-AuNPs. The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for GA-AuNPs were also investigated for pure gallic acid (GA) and its derivatives. The excellency of GA-AuNPs for free radical scavenging was proved by remarkable shift in peak potential and decrease in peak current with high binding constant (Kb) value of 1.99 M−1. Moreover, a lower IC50 value 4 × 10−9 g/mL synergistically contributes to higher antioxidant coefficient (Ka) against superoxide radical (O2-∙). The potential free radical scavenging ability and green catalytic action against microbes attributes GA-AuNPs the most suitable food packaging lining in food industry without any side effect.

Peacock flower (Caesalpinia pulcherrima L.) leaves contain essential oils which can be used as an ingredient in cosmetics, perfume, aromatherapy, medicine, and supplements. The study was conducted to obtain essential oils from peacock flower leaves and determine the antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Antibacterial activity test was carried out by the agar diffusion method, using paper discs. Measurements were made for the inhibition zone diameter (IZD) that appeared, while the essential oil component was analyzed using GC-MS. The results showed that the peacock flower leaves (C. pulcherrima) had a moderate to strong antibacterial effect at a concentration of 7.5%-20% against gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis and S. aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). Gram-negative E. coli bacteria are relatively more sensitive to peacock flower leaf essential oil compared to other test bacteria. Peacock flower (C. pulcherrima) leaf essential oil is composed of 7 main components namely β-Cubebene 33.87%; Caryophyllene 23.00%; γ-Elemene 13.18%; α-Pinene 10.96%; Cadina-1(10),4-diene 10.20%; Copaene; 7.09%; β-Pinene 1.70%.

The title cassane-type diterpenoid known as pulcherrimin C, C34H36O8·H2O, systematic name 5,6-bis(benzoyloxy)-4a-hydroxy-4,7,11b-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b-dodecahydrophenanthro[3,2-b]furan-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate, was isolated as a monohydrate from the medicinally important plant Caesalpinia pulcherrima, found in the tropical regions of south and south-east Asia. The molecule is composed of three trans-fused six-membered rings having chair, chair and half-chair conformations, and a five-membered planar furan ring. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules into chains parallel to the b axis. Weak C—H...π interactions are also observed. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the contribution of O...H interactions towards the total generated Hirshfeld surface is 21.5%.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-ferlility activity of Caesalpinia pulcherrima Linn in rats. The plant Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a shrub or small tree. The plant is normally considered to be an ornamental shrub which is planted in gardens and parks for its beautiful red or yellow flowers. The phytochemical screening of the plant has shown the presence of various chemical constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and triterpenes. The bark extracts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima have exhibited significant estrogenic activity. Both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts have produced reduction in ovarian and increase in uterine weight in a dose dependent manner. Also there is a significant increase in antiimplantation and resorption in a dose dependent manner. The activity shown can be attributed to the presence of phytochemical constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the anticancer activity of Caesalpinia pulcherrima leaf extract against Erlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) in mice. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice with Erlich Ascites Carcinoma were used for the present study. Ethanolic extract of C. pulcherrima (EECP) was administered p.o. in three different doses i.e. 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight, after 24 hr of tumor inoculation in mice for 14 days. Effect of EECP on haematological parameters, liver enzymes marker, biochemical parameters/ antioxidants was evaluated after 14 days treatment. Results: Effect of EECP on Haematological parameters were evaluated and Hb, Lymphocytes, RBC and Monocytes showed significant increase in their count when compared to Disease. WBC and neutrophil count was decreased in EECP group compared to disease. Effect of EECP on Serum parameters were evaluated and showed significant decrease in ALP, TC, AST, ALT and TG compared to disease. TP was significantly increased in EECP groups compared to DISEASE group. Effect of EECP on Antioxidant activity showed significant increase in CAT, SOD, GSH and GPx counts compared to Disease. LPO level was significantly reduced in all the treated groups compared to Disease group. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of C. pulcherrima leaf exhibited significant antioxidant and anticancer activity against Erlich Ascites Carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, C29H36O5, a cassane-type diterpenoid {systematic name: (4aR,5R,6R,6aS,7R,11aS,11bR)-4a,6-dihydroxy-4,4,7,11b-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b-dodecahydrophenanthro[3,2-b]furan-5-yl 3-phenylprop-2-enoate}, was isolated from a medicinally important plant, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Fabaceae). In the molecule, three cyclohexane rings are trans-fused and adopt chair, chair and half-chair conformations. In the crystal, molecules are linked via O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a tape structure along the b-axis direction. The tapes are further linked into a double-tape structure through C—H...π interactions. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the contributions to the crystal packing are H...H (65.5%), C...H (18.7%), O...H (14.5%) and C...O (0.3%).

Abstract Background Urtica dioica, Taraxacum officinale, Calea integrifolia and Caesalpinia pulcherrima are widely used all over the world for treatment of different illnesses. In Mexico, these plants are traditionally used to alleviate or counteract rheumatism and inflammatory muscle diseases. In the present study we evaluated the activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of these four plants, on the replication of dengue virus serotype 2 (DENV2). Methods Extraction process was carried out in a Soxtherm® system at 60, 85 and 120 °C; a chemical fractionation in silica gel chromatography was performed and compounds present in the active fractions were identified by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn. The cytotoxic concentration and the inhibitory effect of extracts or fractions on the DENV2 replication were analyzed in the BHK-21 cell line (plaque forming assay). The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and the selectivity index (SI) were calculated for the extracts and fractions. Results The methanolic extracts at 60 °C of T. officinale and U. dioica showed the higher inhibitory effects on DENV2 replication. After the chemical fractionation, the higher activity fraction was found for U. dioica and T. officinale, presenting IC50 values of 165.7 ± 3.85 and 126.1 ± 2.80 μg/ml, respectively; SI values were 5.59 and 6.01 for each fraction. The compounds present in T. officinale, were luteolin and caffeoylquinic acids derivatives and quercertin diclycosides. The compounds in the active fraction of U. dioica, were, chlorogenic acid, quercertin derivatives and flavonol glycosides (quercetin and kaempferol). Conclusions Two fractions from U. dioica and T. officinale methanolic extracts with anti-dengue activity were found. The compounds present in both fractions were identified, several recognized molecules have demonstrated activity against other viral species. Subsequent biological analysis of the molecules, alone or in combination, contained in the extracts will be carried out to develop therapeutics against DENV2.

Three common green plants from the southern coastal areas of China were screened to determine their salt tolerance. Seedlings from Delonix regia, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, and Samanea saman were salt-treated at three concentrations for 15 days[0 mmol·L-1(CK), 100 mmol·L-1(N1), and 200 mmol·L-1 sodium chloride(N2)]. The growth and physiological indexes were measured, and the salt tolerances were compared via the membership function method. The results showed that the growth of the D. regia roots and aboveground parts were inhibited in low salt concentrations and were further restricted in high salt concentrations. The growth of C. pulcherrima and S. saman roots and aboveground parts increased in low salt concentrations, but there were no differences in high salt concentrations. The relative conductivities of the seedlings increased with increasing salt concentrations; the highest increase was in C. pulcherrima. As the salt concentration increased, malondialdehyde(MDA) content in D. regia decreased and then increased, but MDA content gradually increased in the other species. The activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD), peroxidase(POD), and catalase(CAT) and the ascorbic acid(AsA) content trended downwards in D. regia as the salt concentration(i.e., stress) decreased. C. pulcherrima SOD activity and the AsA content significantly increased when treated with low and high salt concentrations, but the CAT activity increased only under the high salt concentration treatment. The activities of POD, CAT, and ascorbate peroxidase and the AsA content in S. saman were significantly higher than those in the control in both salt treatments. The analyses showed that S. saman was the most salt-tolerant, and D. regia was the least salt-tolerant plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CP) flower extract has been shown to have antidiabetic effects on pancreatic beta cell regeneration and improved skeletal muscle glucose utilisation. However, little is known about its effect on adipocytes, particularly insulin resistant adipocytes. This study investigated the possibility of improving glucose uptake in adipocytes obtained from chickens which are naturally insulin resistant via direct effects of water extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima flowers. The extract was prepared by boiling air dried CP flowers in a water based modified Krebs Ringer Bicarbonate buffer for 5mins and sterilizing the filtrate via vacuum filtration. A glucose load of 18mM and 10% ITS was added to the extract. In the absence of adipocytes, the glucose concentration of the CP extract remained unchanged (p=0.5087). Insulin resistance in the chicken adipocytes was confirmed by delayed and limited glucose uptake (maximum 2.9% + 1.62% in 60mins). This was reversed via the addition of the water extract of the CP flowers as concentrations as low as 2.8mg/ml doubled glucose uptake and concentrations as low as 5.6mg/ml increased the rate of glucose uptake to that of insulin sensitive cells. These results suggest that water extract of CP flowers directly modulate glucose uptake into insulin resistant cells at concentrations as low as 2.8mg/ml following a 5mins decoction preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the high prevalence of insulin resistance, antidiabetic strategies that enhance insulin action or act independent of insulin are desirable. Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CP) flowers are known to have antidiabetic properties, but more work is required with respect to this action in insulin resistant adipocytes, particularly, its dependence on insulin and its therapeutic equivalence and/or interactions with other antidiabetic drugs. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the insulindependency of the water extract of CP flowers (CP extract) hypoglycemic effects, compare its antidiabetic action in diabetic and non-diabetic glucose loads, and explore its therapeutic equivalence and interactions with metformin. CP extract was prepared by boiling the air-dried flowers in cell culture media prepared in Krebs Ringer Bicarbonate buffer for 5mins. Metformin solution was prepared from a Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablet to obtain low and therapeutic levels of metformin. Insulin resistant (IR) adipocytes were exposed to CP extract in cell culture containing either 8mM or 18mM glucose and one of three insulin concentrations. CP extract allowed an efficient glucose disposal in the IR adipocytes in an insulin independent manner (p<0.0001). The percentage of glucose uptake did not significantly differ by models of diabetic and non-diabetic conditions (p=0.4727) although the significantly higher glucose concentration taken up by the IR adipocytes in the presence of IR adipocytes suggest an enhancement of antidiabetic action in hyperglycemic conditions. Expectedly metformin had a higher potency than the CP extract with its therapeutic dose of 1.8-2.4mg/L corresponding to 280mg/l of CP extract (p=0.9996). Additionally, metformin and CP extract appear to compete for similar sites which suppressed the hypoglycemic activity of CP extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). The current options to treat Acanthamoeba infections have limited success. Silver nanoparticles show antimicrobial effects and enhance the efficacy of their payload at the specific biological targets. Natural folk plants have been widely used for treating diseases as the phytochemicals from several plants have been shown to exhibit amoebicidal effects. Herein, we used natural products of plant or commercial sources including quercetin (QT), kolavenic acid (PGEA) isolated from plant extracts of Polyalthia longifolia var pendula and crude plant methanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (CPFLM) as antiacanthamoebic agents. Furthermore, these plant-based materials were conjugated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to determine the effects of the natural compounds and their nanoconjugates against a clinical isolate of A. castellanii from a keratitis patient (ATCC 50492) belonging to the T4 genotype. The compounds were conjugated with AgNPs and characterized by using ultraviolet visible spectrophotometry and atomic force microscopy. Quercetin coated silver nanoparticles (QT-AgNPs) showed characteristic surface plasmon resonance band at 443 nm and the average size distribution was found to be around 45 nm. The natural compounds alone and their nanoconjugates were tested for the viability of amoebae, encystation and excystation activity against A. castellanii. The natural compounds showed significant growth inhibition of A. castellanii while QT-AgNPs specifically exhibited enhanced antiamoebic effects as well as interrupted the encystation and excystation activity of the amoebae. Interestingly, these compounds and nanoconjugates did not exhibit in vitro cytotoxic effects against human cells. Plant-based compounds and extracts could be an interesting strategy in development of alternative therapeutics against Acanthamoeba infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesalpinia pulcherrima, or peacock flower, has been a subject of cancer therapeutics research, showing promising anti-cancer and anti-metastatic properties. The present research aims to investigate the anti-metastatic potential of the flower, through bioinformatics approaches. Metastasis targets numbering 471 were identified through overlap analysis following NCBI gene, Gene Card and OMIM query. Phytocompounds of the flower were retrieved from PubChem and their protein interactions predicted using Super-PRED and TargetNet. The 28 targets that overlapped with the predicted proteins were used to generate STRING >0.7. Enrichment analysis revealed that C. pulcherrima may inhibit metastasis through angiogenesis-related and leukocyte migration-related pathways. HSP90AA1, ESR1, PIK3CA, ERBB2, KDR and MMP9 were identified as potential core targets while and 6 compounds (3-[(4-Hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]-7,8-dimethoxychromen-4-one (163076213), clotrimazole (2812), Isovouacapenol A (636673), [(4aR,5R,6aS,7R,11aS,11bR)-4a-hydroxy-4,4,7,11b-tetramethyl-9-oxo-1,2,3,5,6,6a,7,11a-octahydronaphtho[2,1-f][1]benzofuran-5-yl] benzoate (163104827), Stigmast-5-en-3beta-ol (86821) and 4,2'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxychalcone (592216)) were identified as potential core compounds. Molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations investigations revealed that ERBB2, HSP90AA1 and KDR, along with the newly discovered 163076213 compound to be the most significant metastasis targets and bioactive compound, respectively. These three core targets demonstrated interactions consistent with angiogenesis and leukocyte migration pathways. Furthermore, potentially novel interactions, such as KDR-MMP9, KDR-PIK3CA, ERBB2-HSP90AA1, ERBB2-ESR1, ERBB2-PIK3CA and ERBB2-MMP9 interactions were identified and may play a role in crosslinking the aforementioned metastatic pathways. Therefore, the present study revealed the main mechanisms behind the anti-metastatic effects of C. pulcherrima , paving the path for further research on these compounds and proteins to accelerate the research of cancer therapeutics and application of C. pulcherrima. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the anticancer effect of the aqueous extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw in 7,12-Dimethlbenz[ a ]anthracene (DMBA) - induced mammary cancer., Methods: Tumors were induced via a single intraperitoneal injection of DMBA (dissolved in olive oil) at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight to the test rats and allowed to develop for about four months. They were treated with cyclophosphamide and an aqueous extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima at doses of 10 and 250 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Serum levels of cancer antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activity, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and cytochrome p450 oxidase (cytp450) activity, as well as other diagnostic enzymes, were estimated., Results: The result revealed that DMBA is associated with a significant ( p  < 0.05) increase in the serum levels of CA125, CEA, COX-2, cytp450, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the rats, thus suggesting tumor-promoting and hepatotoxic effects of DMBA. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of serum levels of these cancer and liver biomarker enzymes in the groups treated with cyclophosphamide and Caesalpinia pulcherrima compared to the untreated group, thus suggesting anticancer activity of Caesalpinia pulcherrima . The anticancer effect of Caesalpinia pulcherrima was further confirmed by the disappearance of infiltrative fibrous cells and the absence of inflammatory cells from the photomicrographs of the rats treated with Caesalpinia pulcherrima ., Conclusion: Our findings show that Caesalpinia pulcherrima possesses anticancer activity, and could protect against mammary cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors.)

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Swartz is a species that originates in India and Central America and is widely distributed in the world. This plant presents important biological properties, due to the presence of some secondary medicinal metabolites, such as tannins, glycosides, flavonoids and diterpenes. In folk medicine, C. pulcherrima is used in different diseases as bronchitis, asthma, infections, wounds and eye irritations. The aim of this study was to perform a phytochemical screening and evaluate which biological properties the saline extract of leaves from C. pulcherrima have against microorganisms and animal cells. Results showed that 15 majority compounds could be found in saline extract distributed among phenol, coumarin and quercetin groups.Saline extract of leaves from C. pulcherrima also showed good results in antioxidant test and showed significant antifungal property against Candida strains. Moreover, the saline extract did not showed cytotoxicity against mice splenocytes and promoted proliferation in these cells. These results may be predictive for future studies using the saline extract from C. pulcherrima leaves as cell stimulant agent in a pharmaceutical phytotherapic formulation used in cicatricial and in vitro immunostimulant assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title cassane-type diterpenoid known as pulcherrimin C, C34H36O8·H2O, systematic name 5,6-bis(benzoyloxy)-4a-hydroxy-4,7,11b-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b-dodecahydrophenanthro[3,2-b]furan-4-carboxylic acid monohydrate, was isolated as a monohydrate from the medicinally important plant Caesalpinia pulcherrima, found in the tropical regions of south and south-east Asia. The molecule is composed of three trans-fused sixmembered rings having chair, chair and half-chair conformations, and a fivemembered planar furan ring. In the crystal, O--H...O hydrogen bonds link molecules into chains parallel to the b axis. Weak C--H...π interactions are also observed. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the contribution of O...H interactions towards the total generated Hirshfeld surface is 21.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Plant lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins, which can interact with cell surfaces to initiate anti-inflammatory pathways, as well as immunomodulatory functions. Here, we have extracted, purified and part-characterized the bioactivity of Jacalin, Frutalin, DAL and PNA, before evaluating their potential for wound healing in cultured human skin fibroblasts. Only Frutalin stimulated fibroblast migration in vitro, prompting further studies which established its low cytotoxicity and interaction with TLR4 receptors. Frutalin also increased p-ERK expression and stimulated IL-6 secretion. The in vivo potential of Frutalin for wound healing was then assessed in hybrid combination with the polysaccharide galactomannan, purified from Caesalpinia pulcherrima seeds, using both hydrogel and membrane scaffolds formulations. Physical-chemical characterization of the hybrid showed that lectin-galactomannan interactions increased the pseudoplastic behaviour of solutions, reducing viscosity and increasing Frutalin's concentration. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy revealed –OH band displacement, likely caused by interaction of Frutalin with galactose residues present on galactomannan chains, while average membrane porosity was 100 μm, sufficient to ensure water vapor permeability. Accelerated angiogenesis and increased fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation were observed with the optimal hybrid recovering the lesioned area after 11 days. Our findings indicate Frutalin as a biomolecule with potential for tissue repair, regeneration and chronic wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of essential oils from four varieties; yellow, pink, red and orange; of Caesalpinia pulcherrima was determined. The GC/MS analyses identified 22 components in yellow variety. Caryophyllene oxide (49.13%), epi-α-muurolol (4.96%), α-cadinol (4.47%) and α-copaene (4.25%) were the main components. The essential oil of the orange variety had 30 components. α-Pinene (25.65%), E-caryophyllene (16.28%), α-cadinol (5.05%), β-pinene (4.88%) and germacrene D (4.69%) were the important constituents. In red variety 30 components were identified of which caryophyllene oxide (31.18%), α-copaene (25.52%), epi-α-muurolol (5.50%) and α-cadinol (5.16%) were significant while in pink variety 20 identified components contained germacrene D (33.42%), E-caryophyllene (20.56%) and α-cadinene (6.61%) were detected. The difference in the chemical composition profile among Caesalpinia pulcherrima flower varieties indicates that they may present different biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title compound, C29H36O5, a cassane-type diterpenoid {systematic name: (4aR,5R,6R,6aS,7R,11aS,11bR)-4a,6-dihydroxy-4,4,7,11b-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,- 4a,5,6,6a,7,11,11a,11b-dodecahydrophenanthro[3,2-b]furan-5-yl 3-phenylprop- 2-enoate}, was isolated from a medicinally important plant, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Fabaceae). In the molecule, three cyclohexane rings are transfused and adopt chair, chair and half-chair conformations. In the crystal, molecules are linked via O--H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a tape structure along the b-axis direction. The tapes are further linked into a double-tape structure through C--H...π interactions. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the contributions to the crystal packing are H...H (65.5%), C...H (18.7%), O...H (14.5%) and C...O (0.3%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Caesalpiniaceae) is an ornamental plant with several ethnomedicinal uses. The present study was designed to investigate the brine shrimp cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity of oil obtained from C. pulcherrima root. The powdered root was extracted with methanol and then defatted with petroleum ether (40-60oC) to obtain a viscous oil. The oil was investigated for its brine shrimp cytotoxicity and insecticidal activity in vitro. The chemical constituents were identified by Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry. The oil showed significant lethal effect against Artemia salina (Brine shrimp) with LC50 of 23.85 μg/mL and mild insecticidal activity against Tribolium castaneum and Callosbruchus analis with percentage mortality of 20% and 40% respectively at 1 mg/cm2. GC-MS analysis identified 37 compounds mainly steroids, terpenoids and fatty acids. Keywords: Caesalpinia pulcherrima, chemical constituents, cytotoxicity, insecticidal activity.

Background: Caesalpinia pulcherrima, belongs to Caesapiniaceae, is a known medicinal plant widely distributed in India and is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Many phytochemicals are reported from the plant as potential source of crude drug. Materials and Methods: An efficient and simple reproducible protocol was developed for callus production using leaf explants of C. pulcherrima. The combination of 2, 4-D, kin and BA, was used for the callus induction. Subsequently, cell suspension culture and quercetin synthesis from in vitro callus was attempted. Role of effect of elicitors (Sucrose, ABA and salicylic acid) in cell suspension culture was carried in MS medium containing 2,4-D + BA + kinetin. Flavonoids was purified, fractionated by HPLC-DAD and NMR. Results: 2, 4-D (2.5 mg/L), BA (2.5 mg/L) + kin (1 mg/mL) was effective for maximum callus induction from leaf explants. Significant cell suspension culture was noticed with liquid MS medium containing 2,4-D (2 mg/L)+ BA (1mg/L)+ kinetin (1.5 mg/L). Sucrose, ABA and salicylic acid (SA) at different concentrations influenced cell biomass and quercetin accumulation. The addition of ABA/SA along with sucrose was found to have no remarkable effect on cell biomass and also quercetin synthesis. However, cells cultured in the medium fortified with 45 g/L sucrose without ABA/SA showed the highest quercetin content (16.5 mg/g). Flavonoids was purified, fractionated by HPLC-DAD and NMR revealed the presence of 9 components such as quercetin, isoquercetin, quercetrin, rutin, quercetin 3-O-ß-D-xyloside, quercetin 3-Oarabinopyranoside, quercetin 3-O-a-arabinopyranosyl (1-2) ß-galactopyranoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside and an unknown compound. Conclusion: C. pulcherima reveals significant synthesis of quercetin. Quercetin content recorded in cell suspension culture was significantly higher compared with in vivo plants grown in fields and the compounds were identified by NMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]