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In connection to search for safe and alternative plant-based drugs, the wound healing mechanisms of an Indian ethnomedicine Couroupita guianensis fruit pulp was analyzed in this project work. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis revealed the existence of phytochemicals such as 2-furoic acid, 2,4-heptadienal, pyrazole and 8-hydroxyquinoline in the methanol extract. Methanol extract of C. guianensis exhibited remarkable radical scavenging activity against 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (89.88%), superoxide (91.51%), hydrogen peroxide (24.25%) and hydroxyl radicals (73.62%). Further, it showed remarkable anti-inflammatory (24.09-62.16%) and anti-bacterial activity (zone of inhibition, ZOI: 13.00 mm, minimum inhibitory concentration, MIC: 6.25 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration, MBC: 12.51 mg/mL) and also controlled the growth rate of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within 30 min of treatment. The angiogenic potential of C. guianensis was proved in chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and it does not exhibit any toxicity in peripheral blood monocyte cells (PBMC) model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound care management aims at stimulating and improving healing process without scar formation. Although various plants have been reported to possess wound healing properties in tribal and folklore medicines, there is a lack of scientific data to validate the claim. In this aspect, it becomes inevitable to prove the efficacy of naturally derived products at pharmacological levels. Couroupita guianensis as a whole plant has been reported to exhibit wound healing activity. The leaves and fruit of this plant have been utilized in folkloric medicine to cure skin diseases and infections for many years. However, to the best of our knowledge, no scientific studies have been conducted to verify the wound healing properties of C. guianensis fruit pulp. Therefore, the present study seeks to investigate the wound healing potential of C. guianensis fruit pulp using an excision wound model in Wistar albino male rats. This study indicated that the ointment prepared from crude ethanolic extract of C. guianensis fruit pulp facilitated wound contraction that were evidenced by a greater reduction in the wound area and epithelialization period and increased hydroxyproline content. The experimental groups treated with low and mid dose of C. guianensis ethanol extract (CGEE) ointments had shown a wound closure of 80.27% and 89.11% respectively within 15 days, which is comparable to the standard betadine ointment which showed 91.44% healing in the treated groups. Further, the extract influenced the expression of genes VEGF and TGF-β on post wounding days that clearly explained the strong correlation between these genes and wound healing in the experimental rats. The animals treated with 10% CGEE ointment showed a significant upregulation of both VEGF and TGF-β as compared with other test and standard groups. These findings provide credence to the conventional application of this plant in the healing of wounds and other dermatological conditions, and may represent a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to analyze the in vitro antibacterial, antioxidant, larvicidal and cytotoxicity properties of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using aqueous extracts from fruits of Lagerstroemia speciosa and flowers of Couropita guinensis. Synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV-DRS, FTIR, XRD, DLS, and High-Resolution SEM and TEM analyses. Absorption wavelength was observed at 386 nm by UV-DRS analysis and energy band gap was calculated as 3.24 eV. FTIR analysis showed the existence of various functional groups in the aqueous extract and in the NPs. DLS analysis showed the stability and particle size of the synthesized Ag NPs. SEM analysis revealed that Ag NPs are in a face centered cubic symmetry and spherical shape with a size of 23.9 nm. TEM analysis showed particle size as 29.90 nm. Ag NPs showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. DPPH scavenging trait of Ag NPs was ranging from 20.0 ± 0.2% to 62.4 ± 0.3% and observed significant larvicidal activity (LC50 at 0.742 ppm and LC90 at 6.061 ppm) against Culex quinquefasciatus. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of Ag NPs was also tested against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and fibroblast cells (L-929) and found that cells viabilities are ranging (500 to 25 µg/mL) from 52.5 ± 0.4 to 94.0 ± 0.7% and 53.6 ± 0.5 to 90.1 ± 0.8%, respectively. The synthesized Ag NPs have the potential to be used in the various biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a new rout to synthesize of copper nanoparticles with aqueous extracts from Couroupita guianensis Aubl. This is an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and time-saving method of producing nanoparticles. The aqueous extracts of petals, stems, bark, and leaves were used to synthesize the nanoparticles. Plant extracts induce the reduction of Cu2+ ions into CuNP and act as protection and stabilization agents. The formation of CuNPs was monitored throughout the synthesis process by absorption spectra from the UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The new synthesized nanoparticles exhibited good antibacterial activity against Bacillus Subtilis and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial properties have also proven to be a good result for bacteria reduction with using copper nanoparticles as a low cost-effective production for sustainable applications from Couroupita guianensis Aubl extract.

Cannonball (Couroupita guianensis) fruits are large sized with disagreeable odor. However, it is widely used traditionally for cold, wound, headache, stomach ache, antibacterial, antifungal and medicinal drink. The present investigation was focused to determine the total phenol and flavonoids as well as the antioxidant properties of fruit pulp of Couroupita guianensis extracted with four different solvents. Additionally, chemical constituents of fruit pulp were also evaluated. Successful extraction was carried out with different solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol and aqueous alcohol using Soxhlet apparatus. The different extracts were assessed for quantitative total phenol and total flavonoid contents, and their antioxidant activity were determined by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) assay. The extract presenting higher total phenol and flavonoid was subjected to Gas chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to explore the chemical constituents. Ethanol extract presented higher total phenol and total flavonoid and was found to be 206.98±0.40 mg GAE/g and 83.18±0.42 mg QE/g respectively. Similarly, % inhibition of DPPH was higher in the ethanol extract exhibiting IC50 value of 52.59. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of about 30 different chemical components. Among the different components, 2,5-Furandione, 3 methyl and hydroxymethylfurfural were found to be the major components in the ethanol extract. The present investigation confirmed that the ethanol extract had showed higher total phenol and flavonoid which can be correlated to its highest % inhibition than other extracts. Hence, considering the obtained result, the ethanol extract can be explored for pharmacological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic diabetes extensively complicates the glucose metabolism to onset and progress the complication. Concurrently, several contemporary medicines, especially organo-metallic formulations, are emerging to treat hyperglycemia. The current study aims to emphasize the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) potential for glucose metabolism regulation in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to detect the mRNA expression of Glucose transporters 2 (GLUT2), Glucokinase (GK) and Glucose 6 Phosphatase (G-6-Pase). The study shows remarkable results such as the prognostic effect of GNPs in reinforcing the repression of enzyme complex G-6-Pase about 13.3-fold when compared to diabetes control. Also, molecular docking studies showed significant inhibition of G-6-Pase by the terpenoid ligands with alpha and beta amyrin from leaf extract of Couroupita guianensis. Thus the study explored the novel mechanism of G-6-Pase downregulated by GNPs intervention that majorly contributes to the regulation of circulatory glucose homeostasis during diabetes.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has become a public health challenge in the current scenario with a single causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) causing the highest morbidity and mortality affecting almost 1.7 million of the population. Furthermore, there has been no novel drug discovery for the past five decades, and the emergence of latent, multiple drug-resistant, and extensively drug-resistant species has given rise to an alarming necessity for a novel compound/s for treating this highly untamable microbe. In developing countries, plant-based drugs have shown promising results in combating TB or its symptoms; naturally occurring secondary metabolites can act as lead-drug molecules or can be co-administered with conventional drugs. Therefore, the present study was focused to identify and characterize potential antimycobacterial compounds found in the screened ethnobotanical plants, Tithonia diversifolia (TD) and Couroupita guianensis (CG). These plants are used for treating respiratory disorders and allergies in the traditional medicinal systems. Methods: These plant leaf extracts were detected and purified using chromatographic techniques for potent antitubercular phytochemicals, and the purified eluents were tested on Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSM) as a surrogate for MTB; further, the fractions inhibiting growth of MSM were characterized through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A toxicity test of the purified samples was also assessed by an in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction and hemolytic assays. Results: The analyzed plant extracts showed the presence of a C-15 sesquiterpene, zingiberene in TD, and a phthalate ester, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, in CG leaf extracts. The toxicity assessment proved the purified fractions to be moderately toxic at higher concentrations (≥100 μg/mL). Conclusion: Therefore, the identified compounds can be promising antitubercular agents; however, further in vivo investigations will add substantial value to the compounds being pharmacologically useful.

The present study aimed to analyze the in vitro antibacterial, antioxidant, larvicidal and cytotoxicity properties of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using aqueous extracts from fruits of Lagerstroemia speciosa and flowers of Couropita guinensis. Synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using UV-DRS, FTIR, XRD, DLS, and High-Resolution SEM and TEM analyses. Absorption wavelength was observed at 386 nm by UV-DRS analysis and energy band gap was calculated as 3.24 eV. FTIR analysis showed the existence of various functional groups in the aqueous extract and in the NPs. DLS analysis showed the stability and particle size of the synthesized Ag NPs. SEM analysis revealed that Ag NPs are in a face centered cubic symmetry and spherical shape with a size of 23.9 nm. TEM analysis showed particle size as 29.90 nm. Ag NPs showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. DPPH scavenging trait of Ag NPs was ranging from 20.0 ± 0.2% to 62.4 ± 0.3% and observed significant larvicidal activity (LC50 at 0.742 ppm and LC90 at 6.061 ppm) against Culex quinquefasciatus. In vitro cytotoxicity activity of Ag NPs was also tested against human breast cancer (MCF-7) and fibroblast cells (L-929) and found that cells viabilities are ranging (500 to 25 µg/mL) from 52.5 ± 0.4 to 94.0 ± 0.7% and 53.6 ± 0.5 to 90.1 ± 0.8%, respectively. The synthesized Ag NPs have the potential to be used in the various biomedical applications.

This paper explores the novel approach towards bio-reduction using Couroupita guianensis flower extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles. The experiments were conducted at a constant temperature of 3 2 ± 2 ∘ C. The surface plasmon resonance band of silver and gold nanoparticles occurred at 420 nm and 540 nm, respectively. The investigation proved that the formation of silver nanoparticle started within 7 min and it was completed at end of 6 h, while in the case of gold nanoparticles the reaction completed in 5.30 h. The characterization of the formed nanoparticles was performed using transmission electron microscope, zeta potential and x-ray diffraction studies. The size of the silver and gold nanoparticles ranged between 10 nm and 18 nm and 5 nm and 28 nm, respectively. The effectiveness of cotton fabric impregnated with silver and gold nanoparticles was tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic diabetes extensively complicates the glucose metabolism to onset and progress the complication. Concurrently, several contemporary medicines, especially organo-metallic formulations, are emerging to treat hyperglycemia. The current study aims to emphasize the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) potential for glucose metabolism regulation in Streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out to detect the mRNA expression of Glucose transporters 2 (GLUT2), Glucokinase (GK) and Glucose 6 Phosphatase (G-6-Pase). The study shows remarkable results such as the prognostic effect of GNPs in reinforcing the repression of enzyme complex G-6-Pase about 13.3-fold when compared to diabetes control. Also, molecular docking studies showed significant inhibition of G-6-Pase by the terpenoid ligands with alpha and beta amyrin from leaf extract of Couroupita guianensis. Thus the study explored the novel mechanism of G-6-Pase downregulated by GNPs intervention that majorly contributes to the regulation of circulatory glucose homeostasis during diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couroupita guianensis Aubl. is an important medicinal tree. This tree is rich in various phytochemicals, and is therefore used as a potent antioxidant and antibacterial agent. This plant is also used for the treatment of various diseases. Here, we have improved its medicinal usage with the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Couroupita guianensis Aubl. flower extract as a reducing and capping agent. The biosynthesis of the AgNPs reaction was carried out using 1 mM of silver nitrate and flower extract. The effect of the temperature on the biosynthesis of AgNPs was premeditated by room temperature (25 °C) and 60 °C. The continuous stirring of the reaction mixture at room temperature for approximately one hour resulted in the successful formation of AgNPs. A development of a yellowish brown color confirmed the formation of AgNPs. The efficacious development of AgNPs was confirmed by the characteristic peaks of UV–Vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy spectra. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity through a DPPH antioxidant assay. These AgNPs also showed potent antibacterial activity against many pathogenic bacterial species. The results of molecular dynamics simulations also proved the average size of NPs and antibacterial potential of the flower extract. The observations clearly recommended that the green biosynthesized AgNPs can serve as effective antioxidants and antibacterial agents over the plant extract.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) has become a public health challenge in the current scenario with a single causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) causing the highest morbidity and mortality affecting almost 1.7 million of the population. Furthermore, there has been no novel drug discovery for the past five decades, and the emergence of latent, multiple drug-resistant, and extensively drug-resistant species has given rise to an alarming necessity for a novel compound/s for treating this highly untamable microbe. In developing countries, plant-based drugs have shown promising results in combating TB or its symptoms; naturally occurring secondary metabolites can act as lead-drug molecules or can be co-administered with conventional drugs. Therefore, the present study was focused to identify and characterize potential antimycobacterial compounds found in the screened ethnobotanical plants, Tithonia diversifolia (TD) and Couroupita guianensis (CG). These plants are used for treating respiratory disorders and allergies in the traditional medicinal systems. Methods: These plant leaf extracts were detected and purified using chromatographic techniques for potent antitubercular phytochemicals, and the purified eluents were tested on Mycobacterium smegmatis (MSM) as a surrogate for MTB; further, the fractions inhibiting growth of MSM were characterized through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A toxicity test of the purified samples was also assessed by an in vitro 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction and hemolytic assays. Results: The analyzed plant extracts showed the presence of a C-15 sesquiterpene, zingiberene in TD, and a phthalate ester, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, in CG leaf extracts. The toxicity assessment proved the purified fractions to be moderately toxic at higher concentrations (≥100 μg/mL). Conclusion: Therefore, the identified compounds can be promising antitubercular agents; however, further in vivo investigations will add substantial value to the compounds being pharmacologically useful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to screen the phytochemical compounds, antibacterial activity, and mycelial growth inhibition of three different medicinal plants, namely Couroupita guianensis, Morinda tinctoria, and Tabernaemontana divaricata. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of methanolic leaf extracts was determined by well diffusion method. Antifungal activity was determined by seeded agar technique and its phytochemical screening was also performed. Results: Among three plants, C. guianensis methanolic leaf extract shows better antibacterial activity. In mycelial growth inhibition, all three plants possess complete mycelial growth inhibition against some tested fungi, but C. guianensis leaf extract possesses better inhibition against all tested fungi. Conclusion: Among three different plants, C. guianensis methanolic leaf extract exhibited better antimicrobial activity and this may be due to the presence of phenolic compounds, tannin, and terpenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couroupita guianensis is commonly known as cannonball tree, belonging to the family Lecythidaceae. This tree has enormous medicinal values since most of its parts are used as medicines traditionally. In this work, two major aspects were studied. Firstly, the phytochemical screening and biological activities of various extracts of leaf, flower and fruit are prepared and studied. Secondly, silver nanoparticles were synthesized from these parts, characterized instrumentally and checked for its antibacterial activity. This study reveals that except the aqueous extracts, all other extracts have good antioxidant and antibacterial activity hence stating the presence of bioactive compounds. Flower mediated nanoparticles showed better results than others which may be due to the presence of certain phytochemical compounds responsible for the reduction and capping of silver nanoparticles. These results showed the potential of Couroupita guianensis and further investigation to isolate such pharmacologically active compounds that can be used in the production of novel drugs for various diseases would be promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non‐enzymatic glycation of macromolecules resulting into advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that constituents lead secondary complication in diabetes. Currently, scientists are focusing on identifying a novel compound that possibly inhibits AGEs without affecting normal cellular function. So far a number of natural and synthetic compounds were reported. This study intended to evaluate the gold nanoparticles (GNPs) on carbohydrate digestive enzymes inhibition and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping ability. Initially, GNPs were synthesised using Couroupita guianensis and characterised. Further, remarkable inhibition of α‐amylase, and glucosidase was found through calorimetric techniques. In addition, the results concluded that GNPs limited the glucose uptake and lead to AGEs inhibition. Also, the mechanistic link behind this study illustrated as MGO inhibition will restrict further glycation of macromolecules, eventually control the complication progression. Collectively, GNPs have significant inhibition of digestive enzymes, MGO and AGEs on dose‐dependent manner and metal coated polyphenols have an ideal therapeutic role in controlling diabetes and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couroupita guianensisis known in Brazil as ‘Abricó-de-Macaco’ and it has some attributes such as: antihypertensive, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract and fractions ofC. guianensisflowers and isolation of bioactive component. These extracts and fractions were subjected to agar diffusion, MIC, TLC and bioautography to bacteria, filamentous fungi and yeasts. Among the fractions of EtOH extract, the DCM fraction was the most active, particularly against Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) with MIC of 156 μg/mL. The active compound in this fraction was identified as Tryptanthrin, which showed promising antibacterial activity for MRSA showing MIC of 62.5 μg/mL. Ultrastructural analysis of MRSA incubated in the presence of Tryptanthrin by transmission electron microscope showed significant alterations in the cellular structure. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that DCM fraction and Tryptanthrin showed low toxicity, which makes it a promising candidate for alternative therapies to control and combat diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Oxidative stress is a crucial factor in diabetes, where the abnormal metabolic ambience leads to hyperglycemia resulting in the onset of several vascular complications. Under homeostasis, innate antioxidants efficiently inhibit the oxidative stress, thereby restrain further progression of diabetes. In the present study, a potential antioxidant marker was identified from hepatic tissue of diabetic Wistar rats after oral administration of biogenic gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Diabetic animals treated with GNPs showed increase in insulin level and subsequently reduced the concentration of blood glucose level to normal. Further, GNPs favoured to retain the hepatic enzymatic markers, serum lipid levels and followed by renal biochemical profile in the rats. In addition, GNPs treated rats displayed an elevated level of lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase enzymatic activity. Consequently, GNPs treated rats showed diminished level of histological injury in the hepatic, renal, and pancreatic tissues. Taken together, these results suggested that among the several antioxidant enzymes, catalase elucidated the highest area under curve (AUC) with 0.80 accomplished by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Collectively, our findings enlighten that GNPs treated rat able to alleviate the hyperglycemic condition due to the enzymatic activity of catalase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation demonstrates Couroupita guianensis flower buds extract mediated synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Instant formation of AgNPs was primarily confirmed by the appearance of yellowish brown colour and characteristic silver SPR band in the UV-visible spectrum. Elemental and crystalline natures of the AgNPs were identified from EDX and XRD pattern, respectively. Spherical morphology and the monodisparity were revealed from TEM and AFM images. The particle size ranged from 5 to 30 nm and average size of 17 nm was consistent in XRD, TEM and AFM measurements. Possible reduction and stabilizing agents, viz., phenolics, flavonoids and proteins were identified from the characteristic FTIR peaks representing their functional groups. The strong antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria exhibited the potential for the formulation of synergistic bactericides by combining antibacterial properties of Couroupita flower buds extract and silver salts for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation demonstrates Couroupita guianensis flower buds extract mediated synthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Instant formation of AgNPs was primarily confirmed by the appearance of yellowish brown colour and characteristic silver SPR band in the UV-visible spectrum. Elemental and crystalline natures of the AgNPs were identified from EDX and XRD pattern, respectively. Spherical morphology and the mono-disparity were revealed from TEM and AFM images. The particle size ranged from 5 to 30 nm and average size of 17 nm was consistent in XRD, TEM and AFM measurements. Possible reduction and stabilizing agents, viz., phenolics, flavonoids and proteins were identified from the characteristic FTIR peaks representing their functional groups. The strong antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria exhibited the potential for the formulation of synergistic bactericides by combining antibacterial properties of Couroupita flower buds extract and silver salts for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In vitro propagation methods using seeds and nodal segments of a 21-year old Couroupita guianensis - a medicinally important but threatened tree have been developed. Hundred percent of the seeds germinated on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 2.0 mg l indole-3 butyric acid (IBA). Nodal segments were found most suitable for the establishment of cultures. About 90 % explants responded and 4.1 ± 0.23 shoots per node were induced after five weeks of inoculation on MS medium +4.0 mg l 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP). Further shoot multiplication was achieved by repeated transfer of mother explants and subculturing of in vitro produced shoots on fresh medium. Maximum number (8.2 ± 0.17) of shoots were regenerated on MS medium with 1.0 mg l each of BAP and Kinetin (Kin) + 0.5 mg l α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) with additives (50 mg l of ascorbic acid and 25 mg l each of adenine sulphate, L-arginine and citric acid). The multiplied shoots rooted (4.3 ± 0.26 roots/shoot) on half strength MS medium with 2.5 mg l IBA. All the shoots were rooted ex vitro when pulse treated with 400 mg l of IBA for five min with an average of 7.3 ± 0.23 roots per shoot. Nearly 86 % of these plantlets were acclimatized within 7-8 weeks and successfully transferred in the field. Biologically significant developmental changes were observed during acclimation particularly in leaf micromorphology in terms of changes in stomata, veins and vein-islets, and trichomes. This study helps in understanding the response by the plants towards outer environmental conditions during acclimatization. This is the first report on micropropagation of C. guianensis, which could be used for the large-scale multiplication, restoration and conservation of germplasm of this threatened and medicinally important tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composition of volatile components in Couroupita guianensis Aubl. flowers was analyzed using headspace-solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME), followed by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) separation and identification. In all, 75 compounds were identified accounting for 96.32% of the total volatiles present. The major groups of compounds present were oxygenated terpenoids (35.66%), alcohols (26.92%), esters (17.36%), mono-and sesqui-terpenoids (8.64%), aldehydes and ketones (4.71%), hydrocarbons (1.68%), phenols (0.18%), acids (0.754%) and heterocyclic compounds (0.42%) constituted a small proportion of the volatile profile. The most abundant individual constituent was eugenol (18.95%) followed by nerol (13.49%), (E,E) farnesol (12.88%), (E,E)-farnesyl acetate (6.68%), trans ocimene (6.02%), nootkatone (4.64%), geraniol (2.94%), 2-isopropenyl-5- methyl-4-hexenyl acetate (2.69%), cedr-8-en-13-ol (2.58%), (E,Z)-farnesyl acetate (2.40%) and methyl (11E)-11- hexadecenoate (2.041%). Analytical comparison of composition of volatiles in the flowers, obtained by different methods of extraction, viz., solvent extraction, micro-simultaneous extraction and headspace-solid phase microextraction, revealed specific variations in relative concentrations of the constituent chemicals. Linalool was the major chemical (21.5% and 14.9%) in solvent extract and micro-simultaneous extract, respectively, but appeared in negligible quantity (0.16%) in head-space analysis.

Currently bioactive principles of plants and their nanoproducts have been extensively studied in agriculture and medicine. In this study Couroupita guianensis Aubl. leaf and fruit extracts were selected for rapid and cost-effective synthesis of silver nanoparticles (leaf-LAgNPs and fruit-FAgNPs). Various physiological conditions such as temperature, pH, concentration of metal ions, stoichiometric proportion of reaction mixture and reaction time showed influence on the size, dispersity and synthesis rate of AgNPs. Generation of AgNPs was initially confirmed with the surface plasmon vibrations at 420 nm in UV–visible spectrophotometer. The results recorded from X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) supports the biosynthesis of cubic crystalline LAgNPs & FAgNPs with the size ranges between 10–45 nm and 5–15 nm respectively. Surface chemistry of synthesized AgNPs was studied with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), it reveals that water soluble phenolic compounds present in the extracts act as reducing and stabilizing agent. Leaf, fruit extracts and synthesized AgNPs were evaluated against IV instar larvae of Aedes aegypti (Diptera; Culicidae). Furthermore, different extracts and synthesized AgNPs showed dose dependent larvicidal effect against A. aegypti after 24 h of treatment. Compare to all extracts such as ethyl acetate (leaf; LC 50 – 44.55 ppm and LC 90 – 318.39 ppm & fruit; LC 50 – 49.96 ppm and LC 90 – 568.84 ppm respectively) and Methanol (leaf; LC 50 – 85.75 ppm and LC 90 – 598.63 ppm & fruit; LC 50 – 67.78 ppm and LC 90 – 714.45 ppm respectively) synthesized AgNPs showed extensive mortality rate (LAgNPs; LC 50 – 2.1 ppm and LC 90 – 5.59 ppm & FAgNPs; LC 50 – 2.09 ppm and LC 90 – 5.7 ppm). Hence, this study proves that C. guianensis is a potential bioresource for stable, reproducible nanoparticle synthesis (AgNPs) and also can be used as an efficient mosquito control agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on a new rout to synthesize of copper nanoparticles with aqueous extracts from Couroupita guianensis Aubl. This is an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and time-saving method of producing nanoparticles. The aqueous extracts of petals, stems, bark, and leaves were used to synthesize the nanoparticles. Plant extracts induce the reduction of Cu2+ ions into CuNP and act as protection and stabilization agents. The formation of CuNPs was monitored throughout the synthesis process by absorption spectra from the UV–Vis spectrophotometer. Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The new synthesized nanoparticles exhibited good antibacterial activity against Bacillus Subtilis and Escherichia coli. The antibacterial properties have also proven to be a good result for bacteria reduction with using copper nanoparticles as a low cost-effective production for sustainable applications from Couroupita guianensis Aubl extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants serve as primary source of medication and have also proved to be effective against innumerable pathogens. Ethnobotanical plants Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and Couroupita guianensis Aubl., were considered for this study against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). The two purified and isolated components Zingiberene (ZGB) and Bis 2- (ethyl hexyl) phthalate (BEHP) from both plant leaves were tested for their drug susceptibility, synergy and in silico molecular docking against MTB H37Ra. At a concentration of 60 g/mL, the microorganism showed drug sensitivity to BEHP, whereas ZGB was futile. Synergy studies of the components showed fractional inhibitory concentration indices exhibiting an overall additive effect. Meanwhile the docking studies, BEHP-inhA gene complex alone gave the lowest binding energy of −7.31 Kcal/mol when docked with potential drug target genes of MTB H37Ra. Therefore, plant-derived BEHP can be considered as a potent antimycobacterial component. • The study includes antimycobacterial synergy, drug susceptibility, and mode of action. • Potent components, zingiberene and bis 2- (ethyl hexyl) phthalate was isolated. • The overall synergy index and drug susceptibility proved tuberculosis sensitive. • In silico and ADME studies validated the potentiality of mycobacterial strain H37Ra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the nano revolution unfolds, it is imperative to integrate nanoscience and medicine. The secret gleaned from nature have led to the generation of biogenic technologies for the fabrication of advanced nanomaterials. Present investigation discloses the gold nanoparticles biosynthesizing capability of the flower of pharmacologically important tree Couroupita guianensis. Rapid, cost-effective, one-step process of synthesis has been achieved. Newly genre gold nanoparticles were characterized by involving UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. Interestingly, as a result of extensive screening on the application of newly synthesized gold nanoparticles their anticancer potential has been discovered using MTT assay, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis by DAPI staining, and comet assay for DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Couroupita guianensis Aublet, ‘macacarecuia’, ‘abricó-de-macaco’, ‘castanha-de-macaco’ and ‘amêndoa-dos-andes’, is found in tropical regions and is widely used in the treatment of tumors, pain, and inflammatory processes. Aim of the study: Ethanol extract and hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated in models of inflammatory pain (formalin-induced licking) and acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced peritonitis). Materials and methods: Ethanol extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions (10, 30 or 100mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drugs dexamethasone (5mg/kg), morphine (5mg/kg, s.c.), and acetylsalicylic acid (100mg/kg, p.o.) were tested in formalin-induced licking response and carrageenan-induced peritonitis. Results: All three doses from Couroupita guianensis fractions significantly reduced the time that the animal spent licking the formalin-injected paw in first and second phases. However, only higher doses (30 and 100mg/kg) were able to inhibit the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after carrageenan injection. In this model, the 100mg/kg dose almost abolished the cell migration. It was also observed that protein concentration resulted from extravasation to the peritoneum and nitric oxide (NO) productions were significantly reduced. Cytokines production was differently affected by the treatment. TNF-α production was reduced after ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction pre-treatment whereas hexane fraction had effect only with 100mg/kg dose. IL-1β production was inhibited only after hexane fraction pre-treatment. The inhibitory effect observed was not due to a direct cytotoxic effect on cells nor to a NO-scavenger activity. The effect was due to a direct inhibition on NO production by the cells. Conclusions: The results show that Couroupita guianensis fractions have anti-inflammatory effect, partly due to a reduction on cell migration and a inhibition on cytokines and inflammatory mediators production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]