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One new indole alkaloid, reflexin A (1), and two known indoles, macusine B (2) and vinorine (3), were isolated from the bark of Rauvolfia reflexa. Their structures were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR, UV, IR, and MS spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 displayed anticancer activity against HCT-116 colon cancer cells with an IC50 value of 30.24 ± 0.75 µM. The results implied that the newly isolated 1 induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, suggesting its possible role as an anticancer agent. In vivo acute toxicity study was performed on compound 1 to evaluate its safety profile.

One new aporphine named tavoyanine A (1), along with four known aporphines laetanine (2), roemerine (3), laurolitsine (4), and boldine (5), and one morphinandienone type sebiferine (6) were isolated from the leaves of Phoebe tavoyana (Meissn.) Hook f. (Lauraceae). The isolation was achieved by chromatographic techniques, and the structural elucidation was performed via spectral methods. This paper also reports the antiplasmodial activity of roemerine (3), laurolitsine (4), boldine (5), and sebiferine (6). The results showed that 3-6 have a potent inhibitory activity against the growth of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 clone, with IC50 values of 0.89, 1.49, 1.65, and 2.76 µg/ml, respectively.

Occupational accidents can be caused by different factors and can have many consequences, such as minor or fatal injury, equipment damage, permanent disability, or, in some cases, fatality. Therefore, it is essential to identify the causes of accidents to prevent them from recurring in the future and minimize injury, ill-health, and business costs. It is crucial, by determining the causes of the incident in the workplace, to analyse those that happened and take practical preventive steps to minimize the likelihood of them occurring again. A safe and accident-free working environment can allow the company to function efficiently and effectively. This study examined whether the age and experience of the employees, as determined by the demographics, have significant differences in the mean scores of the compliance towards safety culture within the company.

BIM is an easy method to design sustainable buildings for professionals like architects and engineers. By using the real measurable environment, software tools can shape building concepts such as geometry, spatial relations, geographical details and the design of structural composites and buildings, and the usage of energy annual like energy costs and life-cycle costs can be estimated and calculated. This study revealed the findings of the energy consumption within one year can provide valuable insights into the projected resources in the UNITEN Administrative Building. The application of these data would simplify energy cost calculation, an essential component of the costs of operating a property. With the purpose of maximizing energy efficiency in green buildings, the outcomes can be used as guidance to advice occupant management in optimizing occupant actions.

This study aims to analyze and investigate the influencing factors for factor of safety (FOS) in slope stability analysis. The study proposes the grey relational analysis (GRA) method to analyze the influencing factors to the slope stability based on previous case studies reported in the literature. The six influencing factors including unit weight (γ), cohesion, (c), internal friction angle (φ), slope angle (β), slope height (H), and pore water pressure ratio (ru) with FOS were analyzed based on grey relational grade (GRG) value to determine the relationships between these factors. From the study, it was found that slope height (H) is the most influencing factor to the slope stability by giving the mean GRG value of 0. 704, while slope angle (β), and pore water pressure (ru) are the less influencing factors by giving the lowestmean GRG with 0.628 and 0.629, respectively. The analysis results play an important role in slope stability analysis as well as slope design and reinforcement.

Pseuduvaria macrophylla (Family: Annonaceae) is commonly used as medicinal plant in Malaysia. A recent study with the Pseuduvaria species showed antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. This study aimed to ascertain antidiabetic potential of methanolic extract of Pseuduvaria macrophylla bark (PM) using streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rat models. Various phytochemical and biochemical properties of the plant have been evaluated. The results showed that the extract has potentially normalized the elevated blood glucose levels by upregulating the insulin and C-peptide levels and alleviated oxidative stress by improving glutathione (GSH) and reducing lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the diabetic rats. In addition, PM has drastically downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Histopathological examination of the pancreas in PM treated diabetic rats showed significant recovery of the pancreatic structural degeneration and thus reflected the protective role of PM against peroxidation damage by a rise in insulin level as evidenced by the immunohistochemistry study. The improved expressions of GLUT-1, GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 further confirmed the restoration of β-cell mass by PM. Interestingly, the findings demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic potential of PM which may provide future lead for the management of type-2 diabetes.

Bioassay-guided isolation protocol was performed on petroleum ether extract of Peperomia blanda (Jacq.) Kunth using column chromatographic techniques. Five compounds were isolated and their structures were elucidated via one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR, gas chromatography mass sectroscopy (GCMS), liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (LCMS), and ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) analyses. Dindygulerione E (a new compound), and two compounds isolated from P. blanda for the first time-namely, dindygulerione A and flavokawain A-are reported herein. Antimicrobial activity was screened against selected pathogenic microbes, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were recorded within the range of 62-250 μg/mL. Assessment of the pharmacotherapeutic potential has also been done for the isolated compounds, using the Prediction of Activity spectra for Substances (PASS) software, and different activities of compounds were predicted. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and molecular mechanics/Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) calculations have proposed the binding affinity of these compounds toward methylthioadenosine phosphorylase enzyme, which may explain their inhibitory actions.

One new indole alkaloid, reflexin A (

One new aporphine named tavoyanine A (

The design and construction of a tunnel depends on the mechanical properties of the rock mass around the tunnel. Seismic method can be used to characterize the dynamic properties of rocks. The technique is mostly conducted in geophysical surveys and geotechnical investigations. The method utilizes reflected sound waves that can be used to describe the dynamic properties of rocks. Physical properties of carbonate rocks such as water content, density, hardness, permeability, porosity, wave velocity and abrasivity can be assessed and estimated using P-wave velocity. One of the important characteristics in rock is its ability to remain stable. In this research, seismic refraction survey was applied to measure the strength of carbonate rocks for tunnel stability design. The findings revealed that the regression between the primary velocity and the uniaxial compressive strength R2 was 0.8592, indicating that the rock was firm and solid. Observation by physical visual test showed that the rock samples with yellowish-grey and light grey colours were categorized in the weathering grade II and III, respectively. The results have concluded that the rocks in the proposed area met the full requirements for tunnelling construction.

Ethnopharmacological relevance The art of Ayurveda and the traditional healing system in India have reflected the ethnomedicinal importance of the plant Woodfordia fruticosa Kurtz, which demonstrates its vast usage in the Ayurvedic preparations as well as in the management of diabetes by the traditional healers. Aims of study The study aimed to ascertain the antidiabetic potential of W. fruticosa flower methanolic extract (WF) on Streptozotocin (STZ)–nicotinamide-induced diabetic rat model. Materials and methods Diabetes was induced in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by STZ–nicotinamide and thereafter diabetic rats were treated with three different doses of WF (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) respectively and glibenclamide as a positive control. Biochemical parameters such as blood glucose, serum insulin and C-peptide levels were measured with oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, histology of liver and pancreas was carried out to evaluate glycogen content and β-cell structures. Moreover, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis were performed on kidney and pancreas tissues to determine renal Bcl-2, pancreatic insulin and glucose transporter (GLUT-2, 4) protein expression in all the experimental groups. Results The acute toxicity study showed non-toxic nature of all the three doses of WF. Further, studies on diabetic rats exhibited anti-hyperglycemic effects by upregulating serum insulin and C-peptide levels. Similarly, WF shown to ameliorate oxidative stress by downregulating LPO levels and augmenting the antioxidant enzyme (ABTS). Furthermore, histopathological analysis demonstrate recovery in the structural degeneration of β-cells mass of pancreas tissue with increase in the liver glycogen content of the diabetic rats. Interestingly, protective nature of the extract was further revealed by the immunohistochemical study result which displayed upregulation in the insulin and renal Bcl-2 expression, the anti apoptosis protein. Moreover, western blot result have shown slight alteration in the GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 protein expression with the highest dose of WFc treatment, that might have stimulated glucose uptake in the pancreas and played an important role in attenuating the blood glucose levels. Conclusion The overall study result have demonstrated the potential of WF in the management of diabetes and its related complications, thus warrants further investigation on its major compounds with in depth mechanistic studies at molecular level.

The current study aimed to ascertain the antidiabetic potential of Pseuduvaria monticola bark methanolic extract (PMm) using in vitro mechanistic study models. In particular, the study determined the effect of PMm on cellular viability, 2-NBDG glucose uptake, insulin secretion, and NF-κB translocation in mouse pancreatic insulinoma cells (NIT-1). Furthermore, in vivo acute toxicity and antidiabetic studies were performed using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 and STZ-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rat models to evaluate various biochemical parameters and markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Five isoquinoline alkaloids and three phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in the PMm by LC/MS Triple TOF. The study results showed that PMm is non-toxic to NIT-1 cells and significantly increased the glucose uptake and insulin secretion without affecting the translocation of NF-κB. Moreover, the non-toxic effects of PMm were confirmed through an in vivo acute toxicity study, which revealed that the serum insulin and C-peptide levels were significantly upregulated in type 2 diabetic rats and that no significant changes were observed in type 1 diabetic rats. Similarly, PMm was found to downregulate the levels of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetic rats by alleviating hyperglycemia. Therefore, we conclude that PMm may be developed as an antidiabetic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes-associated conditions.

The Pseuduvaria species belong to the family Annonaceae which is rich in bioactive compounds. They are commonly found in Malaysia, Thailand, Burma and Indonesia and in the northeastern part of Queensland, Australia. Currently, there are about 52Pseuduvaria species that were classified and documented but only a few were investigated chemically and biologically. This paper will briefly describe the bioactive compounds from the Pseuduvaria species based on previous studies.

This study aimed to ascertain the potential of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds methanolic fraction (CAMFs) for the management of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. CAMFs was initially tested on β-TC6 cells for H2O2-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) translocation effects. The result displayed that CAMFs significantly inhibited NF-κB translocation from cytoplasm into the nucleus, dose-dependently. Furthermore, a 12-week sub-chronic CAMFs study was carried out on streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide–induced type 2 diabetic rat model to evaluate glycemia, essential biochemical parameters, lipid levels, oxidative stress markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines level. Our study result showed that CAMFs reduced hyperglycemia by increasing serum insulin, C-peptide, total protein, and albumin levels, significantly. Whereas, elevated blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipids and enzyme activities were restored to near normal. CAMFs confirmed antioxidant potential by elevating glutathione (GSH) and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in diabetic rats. Interestingly, CAMFs down-regulated elevated tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the tissues and serum of the diabetic rats. We conclude that CAMFs exerted apparent antidiabetic effects and demonstrated as a valuable candidate nutraceutical for insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes and its associated complications such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Floods are natural phenomena of geo-hazards that usually happened when experiencing prolonged heavy rainfalls. Floods in Malaysia can be categorized into monsoon floods and flash floods. Monsoon floods is caused of Northeast Monsoon season commences in early November and ends in March that brings heavy rainfall, particularly to the east coast states of Peninsular Malaysia and western Sarawak. Flash floods usually occur in areas with rapid development by a rapid rise in water level, high velocity, and large amounts of debris. Flooding that occurred in December 2014 can be classified as worst floods that affected several states in Peninsular Malaysia, and the worst affected is Kelantan state. This disaster was recorded more than 200,000 people were affected with 21 people were killed and gives a massive impact on people, properties, agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure facilities. Following the worst floods that hit Malaysia in 2014, the opinions and views from various parties such as subject matter experts was needed to produce mitigations and prevents of the flood disaster at once to minimize vulnerability to hazard.

Soil stabilization using bio-grouting method based on microbial induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology has been developed recently to improve the engineering properties of the soil. This new technology could provide an alternative to traditional methods of soil stabilization using soil-cement and chemical grouting. Vegetable waste is a good source for the growth of various kinds of microorganisms which is suitable to be applied as bio-grouting material. The bio-grout extract known as vege-grout was able to induce bio-cementation and bio-clogging process. In this study, vege-grout from vegetable waste was injected into the soil to strengthen the slope and improve the mechanical properties of the affected area. The changes in the subsurface soil after treatment with vege-grout were evaluated by electrical resistivity measurement. Resistivity test showed the resistance in the soil has increased after the grouting using vege-grout. Results indicated that the underneath soils have transformed from medium dense sand to dense sand. The water containment in the subsurface appeared to shift deeper into the ground. SEM analysis showed evidence of bio-clogging process as a result of microbial activities in the soil. This analysis showed that the vege-grout from vegetable waste has successfully strengthened and stabilized the slope from soil erosion.

Urban heat island (UHI) is a condition where urban area experiences increase in temperature than rural area caused by the affect from the modification of land surfaces. In urban areas, roads are one of the main elements that contribute to UHI as roads are mostly paved with dark pavement. When pavements become hotter, the excess heat is radiated back into the atmosphere resulting in a higher surrounding temperature than those in rural areas. The objective of this study is to develop a new coating material for pavers from VG2S that can reduce surface heat. Two methods were used in this study, immersed and layered methods for comparing standard paver with new innovated paver with VG2S coating. FLIR thermal imaging camera and infrared thermometer gun are used for measuring surface heat. The surface heat result shows reduction in surface temperature by 5°C to 10°C compared to uncoated standard sample and white paint color pave sample (control) which are slightly lower by 1°C to 2°C from coating sample. The studies demonstrated that VG2S coating can be applied as cool coatings and contribute to a significant reduction of the cooling demand in warm climates.

There are many factors that influence slope failure such as natural disasters and human activities. Amongst the major causes are the rise of groundwater and infiltration of prolonged and antecedent rainfalls. Together with its geographical condition; high lands and mountains, Malaysia is prone to have landslides especially at the Main Range area where most of the soil is residual soil. This study investigated a slope which had a history of landslide due to circular failure landslide using Slope/W, resistivity and seismic surveys to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the on-site materials. Based on the resistivity survey, the existence of groundwater level has been detected at a depth of 10.0 m from the ground level. Seismic analysis showed that the subsurface area was made up of Weathered Granite Grade VI (sandy soil) which is loose to medium dense. SLOPE/W analysis showed that the factor of safety (FOS) was 0.186 which was unstable for slope stability condition. The assessment showed that the slope condition is still not stable despite slope stabilization measurement using cement grouting. It is proposed that erosion control measures on the slope surface should be implemented to prevent recurrent of slope failure and to ensure slope stability.

Studies have reported that the calcite precipitation induced by ureolytic bacteria through the hydrolysis of urea was influenced by several important factors including the concentration of calcium ions, the surrounding pH and temperature. Recently, the microbial induced calcite precipitations (MICP) were further explored using natural elements and microorganisms from the environment. Vegetable waste provides a proper substrate for microorganism’s growth and activities. In this study, the calcite forming ability of indigenous bacteria in the vegetable waste was investigated by mixing the extract of vegetable waste known as vege-grout with sandy soil. The vege-grout optimum content was determined by unconfined compression test to find the suitable ratio of vege-grout content. The results showed that there was an increase of compressive strength after 28 days of curing with vege-grout and significant improvement in soil shear strength. SEM and EDX analysis showed aggregation of soil particles and formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Microbiological analysis of vege-grout extract indicated the presence of ureolytic bacteria that could be responsible for the bio-cementation process. ICP-MS analysis showed that the vege-grout contained a rich source of carbon, nitrogen and calcium elements. The findings have demonstrated the potential application of vegetable waste for microbial cementation of soil particles.

Segari - Ayer Tawar rock materials were generally characterized as slightly weathered (Grade II) to moderately weathered (Grade III). Laboratory tests such as Brazilian tensile strength and point load strength index including direct shear strength were carried out using collected weathering sample from borehole to assess the rock strength. Hence, index testing was used to predict geological strength index, rock failure criterion from Hoek-Brown and deformation modulus mainly for the classification of rock mass engineering properties. The relationship between the uniaxial compressive strength and geological strength index of rocks were used in proposing suitable methods for cutting the rock slope.

Seven isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from the bark of Actinodaphne macrophylla in this study demonstrated in vitro antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 with IC50 values of 0.08 µM, 0.05 µM, 1.18 µM, 3.11 µM, 0.65 µM, 0.26 µM, and 1.38 µM for cycleanine, 10-demethylxylopinine, reticuline, laurotetanine, bicuculine, α-hydrastine and anolobine, respectively, which are comparable with the reference standard, chloroquine. 10-Demethylxylopinine was found to be the most active of these compounds.

This study has investigated the antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of Pseudovaria macrophylla bark extract on streptozotocin–nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats. LCMSQTOF and NMR experiments were done to determine the chemical composition in the methanolic bark extract. For in vivo experiments, the STZ (60 mg/kg/b.w, 15 min after 120 mg/kg/1 nicotinamide, i.p.) induced diabetic rats were treated with methanolic extract of Pseuduvaria macrophylla (200 and 400 mg/kg·bw) and glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg) as positive control respectively. Biochemical parameters were assayed in the blood samples of all groups of rats. The pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant status and plasma transforming growth factor βeta-1 (TGF-β1) were evaluated. The histological study of the pancreas was examined and its expression level of insulin was observed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT 1, 2 and 4) were assessed in pancreas tissue by western blot analysis. The outcomes of the study displayed that the bark methanol extract of Pseuduvaria macrophylla has potentially normalized the elevated blood glucose levels and improved serum insulin and C-peptide levels with significant increase in the antioxidant enzyme, reduced glutathione (GSH) and decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Additionally, the extract has markedly decreased the levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Histopathology analysis demonstrated that Pseuduvaria macrophylla has the potential to protect the pancreas of diabetic rats against peroxidation damage by downregulating oxidative stress and elevated hyperglycaemia. Furthermore, the expression of insulin protein, GLUT-1, GLUT-2 and GLUT-4 in pancreatic cells was enhanced. The findings of this study support the anti-diabetic claims of Pseudovaria macrophylla bark., {"references":["Arya, A., Yeng Looi, C., Chuen Cheah, S., Rais Mustafa,M., Ali Mohd,\nM., 2012. Anti-diabetic effects of Centratherum anthelminticum seeds\nmethanolic fraction on pancreatic cells, β-TC6 and its alleviating role in\ntype 2 diabetic rats. J. Ethnopharmacol. 144, 22-32.","Chung, H.S., Shin, J.C., 2007. Characterization of antioxidant alkaloids\nand phenolic acids from anthocyanin-pigmented rice (Oryza sativa cv.\nHeugjinjubyeo). Food Chem. 104, 1670-1677.","Hu, X., Sato, J., Oshida, Y., Xu, M., Bajotto, G., Sato, Y., 2003. Effect\nof Gosha-jinki-gan (Chinese herbal medicine: Niu-Che-Sen-Qi-Wan) on\ninsulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes Res.\nClin. Pract. 59, 103-111.","Jung, U.J., Lee, M.-K., Park, Y.B., Jeon, S.-M., Choi, M.-S., 2006.\nAntihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of caffeic acid in db/db\nmice. Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 318, 476-\n483.","King, H., Aubert, R.E., Herman, W.H., 1998. Global burden of diabetes,\n1995–2025: prevalence, numerical estimates, and projections. Diabetes\nCare 21, 1414-1431.","Latiff, A., Faridah Hanum, I., Zainudin Ibrahim, A., Goh, M., Loo, A.,\nTan, H.W., 1999. On the vegetation and flora of Pulau Tioman,\nPeninsular Malaysia. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 47, 11-72.","Li, A.R., 2007. Phytochemical study on Meiogyne Virgata Blume\nMiq.(annonaceae)/Abd. Rashid Li. Universiti Teknologi MARA\n(UiTM).","Lombardo, Y.B., Chicco, A.G., 2006. Effects of dietary polyunsaturated\nn-3 fatty acids on dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in rodents and\nhumans. A review. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry 17, 1-13.","Mahesh, T., Menon, V.P., 2004. Quercetin allievates oxidative stress in\nstreptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. Phytother. Res. 18, 123-127.\n[10] Ong, H.C., Ahmad, N., Milow, P., 2011. Traditional medicinal plants\nused by the temuan villagers in Kampung Tering, Negeri Sembilan,\nMalaysia. Ethno Med 5, 169-173.\n[11] Rajavel, V., Sattar, M.Z., Chung, I., Abdulla, M.A., Kassim, N.M.,\nAbdullah, N.A., 2013. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of oil palm\n(Elaeis guineensis) leaves extract in experimental diabetic nephropathy:\na duration-dependent outcome. BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 13,\n242.\n[12] Robertson, R.P., Zhang, H.-J., Pyzdrowski, K.L., Walseth, T.F., 1992.\nPreservation of insulin mRNA levels and insulin secretion in HIT cells\nby avoidance of chronic exposure to high glucose concentrations. J.\nClin. Invest. 90, 320.\n[13] Schuit, F.C., Huypens, P., Heimberg, H., Pipeleers, D.G., 2001. Glucose\nSensing in Pancreatic β-Cells A Model for the Study of Other Glucose-\nRegulated Cells in Gut, Pancreas, and Hypothalamus. Diabetes 50, 1-11.\n[14] Taha, H., Arya, A., Paydar, M., Looi, C.Y., Wong, W.F., Vasudeva\nMurthy, C., Noordin, M., Ali, H.M., Mustafa, A., Hadi, A.H.A., 2014.\nUpregulation of insulin secretion and downregulation of proinflammatory\ncytokines, oxidative stress and hyperglycemia in STZnicotinamide-\ninduced type 2 diabetic rats by Pseuduvaria monticola\nbark extract. Food and Chemical Toxicology 66, 295-306.\n[15] Taha, H., Hadi, A.H.A., Nordin, N., Najmuldeen, I.A., Mohamad, K.,\nShirota, O., Nugroho, A.E., Piow, W.C., Kaneda, T., Morita, H., 2011.\nPseuduvarines A and B, two new cytotoxic dioxoaporphine alkaloids\nfrom Pseuduvaria rugosa. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin 59,\n896-897."]}

A natural source of medicine, Enicosanthellum pulchrum is a tropical plant which belongs to the family Annonaceae. In this study, methanol extract from the leaves and stems of this species was evaluated for its gastroprotective potential against mucosal lesions induced by ethanol in rats. Seven groups of rats were assigned, groups 1 and 2 were given Tween 20 (10% v/v) orally. Group 3 was administered omeprazole 20 mg/kg (10% Tween 20) whilst the remaining groups received the leaf and stem extracts at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. After an additional hour, the rats in groups 2-7 received ethanol (95% v/v; 8 mL/kg) orally while group 1 received Tween 20 (10% v/v) instead. Rats were sacrificed after 1 h and their stomachs subjected to further studies. Macroscopically and histologically, group 2 rats showed extremely severe disruption of the gastric mucosa compared to rats pre-treated with the E. pulchrum extracts based on the ulcer index, where remarkable protection was noticed. Meanwhile, a significant percentage of inhibition was shown with the stem extract at 62% (150 mg/kg) and 65% (300 mg/kg), whilst the percentage with the leaf extract at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg was 63% and 75%, respectively. An increase in mucus content, nitric oxide, glutathione, prostaglandin E2, superoxide dismutase, protein and catalase, and a decrease in malondialdehyde level compared to group 2 were also obtained. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining of groups 4-7 exhibited down-regulation of Bax and up-regulation of Hsp70 proteins. The methanol extract from the leaves and the stems showed notable gastroprotective potential against ethanol.

Persea declinata(Bl.) Kosterm is a member of the Lauraceae family, widely distributed in Southeast Asia. It is from the same genus with avocado (Persea americanaMill), which is widely consumed as food and for medicinal purposes. In the present study, we examined the anticancer properties ofPersea declinata(Bl.) Kosterm bark methanolic crude extract (PDM). PDM exhibited a potent antiproliferative effect in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, with an IC50value of 16.68 µg/mL after 48 h of treatment. We observed that PDM caused cell cycle arrest and subsequent apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, as exhibited by increased population at G0/G1phase, higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and DNA fragmentation. Mechanistic studies showed that PDM caused significant elevation in ROS production, leading to perturbation of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell permeability, and activation of caspases-3/7. On the other hand, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that PDM treatment increased the expression of the proapoptotic molecule, Bax, but decreased the expression of prosurvival proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, in a dose-dependent manner. These findings imply that PDM could inhibit proliferation in MCF-7 cells via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent worthy of further development.

Two new limonoids, chisomicines D and E (1 – 2) have been isolated from the bark of Malaysian Chisocheton ceramicus (Miq.) C. DC. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D-NMR data analysis.

Pseuduvarines A (Ia) and B (Ib) show cytotoxicity against the human cancer cell lines MCF7, HepG2, and HL-60.

Pseuduvarines A (1) and B (2), two new dioxoaporphine alkaloids with an amino moiety, were isolated from the stem bark of Pseuduvaria rugosa and their structures were elucidated by combination of 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis. Pseuduvarines A (1) and B (2) showed cytotoxicity against MCF7, HepG2, and HL-60 (1: IC₅₀, 0.9, 21.7, and >50.0 µM, respectively, 2: IC₅₀ >50.0, 15.7, and 12.4 µM, respectively).

Seven isoquinoline alkaloids isolated from the bark of Actinodaphne macrophylla in this study demonstrated in vitro antiplasmodial activities against Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 with IC50 values of 0.08 μM, 0.05 μM, 1.18 μM, 3.11 μM, 0.65 μM, 0.26 μM, and 1.38 μM for cycleanine, 10-demethylxylopinine, reticuline, laurotetanine, bicuculine, α-hydrastine and anolobine, respectively, which are comparable with the reference standard, chloroquine. 10-Demethylxylopinine was found to be the most active of these compounds.