Edible Rhus tripartita fruit as source of health-promoting compounds: characterization of bioactive components and antioxidant properties

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Evaluation of the Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Abutilon indicum

BACKGROUND

In Indian traditional medicine, the Abutilon indicum plant, colloquially known as "Country mallow" or "Thuthi", has been vouched for its efficacy in treating conditions such as bronchitis and diabetes. The study aimed to explore the chemical constituents and antioxidant strength of the ethanolic extracts derived from the leaves of this plant (ELEAI).

OBJECTIVES

To qualitatively pinpoint the phytochemicals in the ethanolic extract of abutilon indicum leaves (ELEAI), utilize high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) to quantitatively analyze the identified compounds within the ELEAI, and gauge its antioxidant capability through the DPPH method, benchmarking the outcomes against the recognized standard, ascorbic acid.

METHODS

Abutilon indicum leaves, originating from Telangana, were authenticated by taxonomists at Osmania University. After cleaning and drying, the leaves were powdered. A mixture of ethanol and water (70:30 ratio) was then used to extract the compounds in a Soxhlet extractor for a duration of 72 hours at a temperature of 60°C. The liquid extract was subsequently evaporated to form a light-brown powder, which was stored at 20°C under shade for later use.

RESULTS

Preliminary analyses indicated that ELEAI was rich in both primary and secondary metabolites. Luteolin, a known phytochemical, was quantitatively confirmed in the extract using HPTLC. Impressively, the DPPH assay highlighted ELEAI's remarkable antioxidant capabilities.

CONCLUSION

Abutilon indicum showcases notable therapeutic potential with its rich phytochemical content and strong antioxidant activity, making it a promising candidate for further pharmacological research and natural drug formulation.

Rhus tripartite methanolic extract alleviates propylparaben-induced reproductive toxicity via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, 5-α reductase in male rats

Evidence showed that herbal medicine could be beneficial for protection against diseases that may be exist in consequence of exposure to environmental toxicants. Propylparaben (PrP) is used as preservative in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is classified as one of endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs). This study evaluated the protective effect of Rhus tripartita methanolic extract (RTME) against reproductive toxicity induced by PrP in male rats. A total of 60 Wister albino rats were divided into four groups (15 rats for each group). Group I (control): rats received the vehicle (DMSO), group II: normal rats received RTME (10 mg/kg/day), group III: rats received PrP (10 mg/kg/day), and group IV: rats received PrP (10 mg/kg/day) and RTME (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment, levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 5α-reductase were analyzed in sera. Data obtained showed a significant reduction in the levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and 5α- reductase in rats given PrP versus control (p < 0.001) and RTME treatment improved these parameters but not returned to normal. Data obtained showed a significant elevation in levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the testis of rats given PrP versus control (p < 0.001), these inflammatory mediators were significant reduced in rats treated with RTME compared with untreated rats (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between level of DHT and antioxidant enzymes activities (r = 0.56). A significant elevation in the levels of MDA with reduction in the activities of GST, GSPx, SOD, and catalase (p < 0.001) in rat testicular tissues of PrP group versus control (p < 0.001) was found. Treatment with RTME significantly reduced the levels of MDA and enhanced activities of GST, GSPx, SOD, and catalase (p < 0.001) compared to untreated group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the active ingredient components of RTME abrogate the toxicity of PrP by exhibiting antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing 5-α reductase with improved hormonal status against PrP- induced testicular damage. Toxicity of propylparaben, and effect of Rhus tripartita methanolic extract.

Protective effect of leaf extract of Abutilon indicum on DNA damage and peripheral blood lymphocytes in combating the oxidative stress

The current research explores in vitro antioxidant characteristics, radiation-induced DNA damage protection and quenching effects of the oxidative stress by the ethanolic leaf extract of Abutilon indicum (EEAI) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). PBLs were incubated with various concentrations of EEAI accompanied by pre- and post-treatment with hydrogen peroxide. Cell viability was investigated by MTT assay. In addition, quenching of free radicals were measured in vitro using DPPH, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, reducing power and nitric oxide radical scavenging assays. These activities were compared with ascorbic acid as standard antioxidants. Furthermore, inhibition of UV radiation-induced strand break formation in plasmid pBR322 DNA and anti-Fenton reactions in calf thymus DNA was evaluated. Cytotoxic effects of hydrogen peroxide on PBLs were significantly reduced with EEAI pre-treatment compared to post-treatment in a dose-dependent manner comparable with similar cytoprotective effects of ascorbic acid (p > 0.05). EEAI has shown strong antioxidant effects in the scavenging of DPPH, superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide. EEAI also has a strong protective effect of UV-induced plasmid pBR322 DNA cleavage and Fenton-induced DNA damage. Overall, the results revealed that Abutilon indicum has a cytoprotective, potent antioxidant and DNA protective effect that provide pharmacological credence to justify its overall biological activity. Furthermore, future studies to identifying bioactive molecules and its molecular mechanisms responsible for promising therapeutic applications in the rescue of disease-induced cellular oxidative damage.

Phytochemical Diversity and Pharmacological Properties of Rhus coriaria

Rhus coriaria L. (Anacardiaceae), sumac, is a common condiment, appetizer and souring agent in the Mediterranean region that has a long history in traditional medicine. R. coriaria has been prescribed for the treatment of many ailments including diarrhea, ulcer, hemorrhoids, hemorrhage, wound healing, hematemesis, and eye ailments like ophthalmia and conjunctivitis. The plant is also used as diuresis, antimicrobial, abortifacient and as a stomach tonic. Sumac is known to be rich in different classes of phytochemicals including tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids and essential oils and continues to be a hot topic for extensive research work designed for revealing its phytochemical constituents and evaluating its bioactive properties. This review summarizes the recent phytochemical and diverse bioactivity studies on R. coriaria, especially those concerned with antitumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory studies.