Antimicrobial activity of Cassia alata from Malaysia

Bioherbicidal Activity and Metabolic Profiling of Allelopathic Metabolites of Three Cassia species using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and Molecular Networking

INTRODUCTION

Compared to synthetic herbicides, natural products with allelochemical properties can inhibit weed germination, aiding agricultural output with less phytotoxic residue in water and soil.

OBJECTIVES

To identify natural product extracts of three Cassia species; C. javanica, C. roxburghii, and C. fistula and to investigate the possible phytotoxic and allelopathic potential.

METHODS

Allelopathic activity of three Cassia species extracts was evaluated. To further investigate the active constituents, untergated metabolomics using UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS and ion-identity molecular networking (IIMN) approach was performed to identify and determine the distribution of metabolites in different Cassia species and plant parts.

RESULTS

We observed in our study that the plant extracts showed consistent allelopathic activity against seed germination (P < 0.05) and the inhibition of shoot and root development of Chenopodium murale in a dose-dependent manner. Our comprehensive study identified at least 127 compounds comprising flavonoids, coumarins, anthraquinones, phenolic acids, lipids, and fatty acid derivatives. We also report the inhibition of seed germination, shoot growth, and root growth when treated with enriched leaf and flower extracts of C. fistula, and C. javanica, and the leaf extract of C. roxburghii.

CONCLUSION

The present study recommends further evaluation of Cassia extracts as a potential source of allelopathic compounds in agricultural systems.

Physicochemical and phytochemical standardization, and antibacterial evaluation of Cassia alata leaves from different locations in Indonesia

Physicochemical analysis for simplicia and extract, respectively: water content 2.12–4% for simplicia; drying losses 3.93–5.47% and 8.51–19.76%; total ash 5.14–9.41% and 6.22–17.07%; total ash acid-insoluble content 0.29–5.41% and 0.52–3.82%; total ash water-soluble content 1.26–7.14% and 1.43–8.54%; water-soluble content 19.60–39.43% and 58.45–77.51%; ethanol-soluble content 13.99–33.76% and 59.79–75.39%. The phytochemical analysis showed that the extracts contain alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Total flavonoids and total phenolics content were 9.86–15.74% QE/g and 6.67–7.65% GAE/g, respectively. Based on LC-MS results, the extract contained emodin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside. The extracts possessed antibacterial activity against bacteria tested.

The genus Cassia L.: Ethnopharmacological and phytochemical overview

Nature gifts medicinal plants with the untapped and boundless treasure of active chemical constituents with significant therapeutic potential that makes these plants a beneficial source in the development of phytomedicines. Genus Cassia, with approximately 500 species, is a large group of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. Cassia species are widely distributed throughout different regions mainly tropical Asia, North America, and East Africa. In the folk medicinal history, these plants are used as laxative and purgative agents. In the Ayurveda system of medicine, they are used to cure headache and fever. Cassia plants exhibit pharmacological activities at large scales such as antimicrobial, anticancer, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hyperglycemic, antimutagenic, and antivirals. The phytochemical investigations of genus Cassia demonstrate the presence of more than 200 chemical compounds, including piperidine alkaloids, anthracene derivatives (anthraquinones), flavonoids, pentacyclic triterpenoids, sterols, phenylpropanoids, and γ-naphthopyrones. The literature illustrated anthraquinones and flavonoids as major secondary metabolites from this genus. However, some Cassia plants, with rich contents of anthraquinones, still show toxicology properties. As Cassia plants are used extensively in the herbal system of medicine, but only senna dosage forms have achieved the status of the pharmaceutical market as standard laxative agents. In conclusion, further investigations on isolating newer biologically active constituents, unknown underlying mechanisms, toxicology profiles, and clinical studies of Cassia species are needed to be explored. This review article specifies the systematic breach existing between the current scientific knowledge and the fundamentals for the marketization of genus Cassia products.

Identification and characterization of anti-diabetic principle in Senna alata (Linn.) flower using alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The age-long folkloric use of Senna alata flower (SAF) was recently substantiated with scientific evidence. However, the study did not account for the anti-diabetic principle(s) in SAF.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to identify and characterize the bioactive principle(s) responsible for the anti-diabetic activity in SAF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety-one male Wistar rats were used for the two phases of this study. In phase 1, forty-two of these were allotted into six groups (A-F) of seven rats each. Animals in group A received distilled water while those in groups B-F were made diabetic by treatment with 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) of alloxan. Group B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D and E were treated each with 75 mg/kg b.w. of ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous residual fractions of SAF, while F received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. In the second phase, forty-nine rats were assigned into seven groups (A-G) of seven rats each. Group A received distilled water. Animals in Groups B-G were also made diabetic by alloxan treatment. B received 0.5 mL of distilled water; C, D, E and F were treated with 5.77, 25.96, 15.40, 27.87 mg/kg b.w (equivalent dose of 75 mg/kg b.w.) of sub-fractions obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of SAF respectively whereas G received 2.5 mg/kg b.w. of glibenclamide. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lipids, albumin, globulin, liver glycogen, urine ketone, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities, α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities and cardiac function indices were evaluated using standard methods. Compounds D, E and F isolated from ethyl acetate sub-fraction B were evaluated for in vitro anti-diabetic activity. The structure of the anti-diabetic compound was identified using FTIR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, HCOSY, HSQC and HMBC. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Alloxan treatment increased the levels of FBG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, urine ketone and cardiac function indices and reduced the levels of globulin, albumin, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, liver glycogen, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities. Ethyl acetate fraction and sub-fraction B reversed the level and/or activities of these biochemical indices to levels and/or activities that compared favourably with the distilled water treated non-diabetic animals. Of the three compounds (D, E and F) that were obtained from the sub-fraction B, compound E which was Emodin (1, 3, 8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) produced the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities.

CONCLUSION

Emodin is one of the bioactive constituents present in Senna alata flower.

Chemical constituents, usage and pharmacological activity of Cassia alata

Cassia alata or locally known as Ketepeng Cina (Indonesia) and Gelenggang (Malaysia) has been used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases, especially skin diseases. In addition, C. alata has been reported to have potential anti allergic, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antifungal. Metabolite compounds that have been isolated from C. alata include flavones, flavonols, flavonoids glycosides, alatinon, alanonal and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside. The compounds have been isolated mainly from the leaves. Further identification is needed to discover the secondary metabolites from other parts of the plant such as seed, flower and bark which are reported to have potent antibacterial and antifungal activity. Therefore, this article highlights the secondary metabolites and biological activity of this plant which has been shown to have pharmacological properties against selected diseases.

Antioxidant and antibacterial capabilities of phenolic compounds and organic acids from Camellia oleifera cake

There is growing interest in the antioxidants and antibacterial activity from natural substances. The purpose of the research was to gain and distinguish phenolic substances and organic acids in the Camellia oleifera cake, and to study their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The extraction and purification of them were achieved by solvent extraction and column separation, respectively. The conclusions displayed that purity of the phenolic substances was 94.1 ± 0.5% w/w and that of organic acid was 96.0 ± 0.3% w/w; Fifteen phenolic substances were certificated using HPLC-ESI-MS technology; oxalic, citric, acetic, malic, and succinic acids are discovered to be main organic acids. In addition, the phenolic substances and organic acids both have good antioxidant activity and obvious inhibition against six species of bacteria. These conclusions can be useful in the reuse of the waste of Camellia oleifera oil industry in the future.

Alkaloids derived from flowers of Senna spectabilis, (-)-cassine and (-)-spectaline, have antiproliferative activity on HepG2 cells for inducing cell cycle arrest in G1/S transition through ERK inactivation and downregulation of cyclin D1 expression

Cancer is one of the most critical problems of public health in the world and one of the main challenges for medicine in this century. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed at advanced stage, when the treatment options are palliative. Consequently, the search for novel therapeutic options is imperative. In the context, the plants represent an important source for discovering of novel compounds with pharmacological potential including antineoplastic agents. Herein, we aimed to investigate in vitro antiproliferative and cytotoxic potentials of an alkaloid mixture derived from Senna spectabilis, (−)-cassine (1) and (−)-spectaline (2). These alkaloids reduced cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner of six tumor cell lines. From initial screening, HepG2 cells were selected for further investigations. We show that alkaloids 1/2 have an important antiproliferative activity on HepG2 cells due to their ability in inducing cell cycle arrest in G1/S transition. This effect was associated to ERK inactivation and down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression. In addition, we evidenced a disruption of the microfilaments and microtubules in a consequence of the treatment. Taken together, the data showed by the first time that alkaloids 1/2 strongly inhibit cell proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Therefore, they represent promise antitumor compounds against liver cancer and should be considered for further anticancer in vivo studies.

Assessment of antibacterial activity of crude leaf and root extracts of Cassia alata against Neisseria gonorrhea

BACKGROUND

Gonorrhea is a major sexually transmitted disease worldwide and for its control, effective treatment is essential. However as more strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae continuously develop resistance to several drugs, this strategy obliges scientists to discover newer effective drugs.

OBJECTIVES

To ascertain whether crude leaf and root extracts of Cassia alata (Caesalpiniaceae) have antimicrobial activity against clinically resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria. To determine and compare the MICs of their ether and methanol extracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ether and methanol extracts were prepared from the plant parts. 12-375mg/ml of serially diluted ether extracts in DMSO and methanol extracts in water were tested using agar-well diffusion method against Neisseria gonorrhea clinical isolate cultured on MTM agar. MICs were determined from corresponding concentration-response curves. Ceftriaxone was used as positive control, whereas DMSO and water as negative controls.

RESULTS

All the crude extracts showed concentration-dependent Neisseria gonorrhea inhibition. Ether extracts for both leaves and roots gave lower MICs compared to those of methanol. Ether root extract showed the highest potency.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the leaf and the root of Cassia alata plant have activity against clinically resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae; the root having the higher activity. Lipophilic solvent, ether, give more potent antigonorrhoeal extracts. As expected Cassia alata plant in Central Uganda also has antibacterial activity.

Leishmanicidal activity of the crude extract, fractions and major piperidine alkaloids from the flowers of Senna spectabilis

Senna spectabilis (sin. Cassia excelsa, C. spectabilis) is an endemic tree of South America and Africa, very common in Brazil, where it is known as "canafistula-de-besouro" and "cassia-do-nordeste". In folk medicine, this plant is indicated for the treatment of constipation, insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy, malaria, dysentery and headache. Phytopharmacological studies have also confirmed anticonvulsive, sedative, anti-malarial, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of many parts of S. spectabilis. In this communication, we present a comparative study of the leishmanicidal activity of the crude ethanolic extract, its fractions and also the two major alkaloidal metabolites (-)-cassine/(-)-spectaline, trying to establish a relationship between the presence of piperidine alkaloidal constituents and leishmanicidal activity. The growth inhibitory effect of promastigote forms of Leishmania major was determined for the crude extract, fractions of the flowers of S. spectabilis and a mixture of (-)-cassine/(-)-spectaline in comparison to pentamidine used as standard drug. The cytotoxic effects were assessed on macrophage strain J774 by lactate dehydrogenase assay. Fractions dichloromethane (FL-DCM) and n-butanol (FL-Bu) and a mixture of (-)-cassine/(-)-spectaline (∼7:3) exhibited significant activity against the parasite Leishmania major (IC50 values of 0.6±0.1 μg/ml, 1.6±0.9 μg/ml and 24.9±1.4 μg/ml, respectively), without toxic effects on murine macrophages. Due to the promising results elicited, further studies in vivo need to be performed to confirm the therapeutic potential of Senna spectabilis.

Integration of botanicals and microbials for management of crop and human pests

Insect pests inflict damage to humans, farm animals, and crops. Human and animal pests put more than 100 million people and 80 million cattle at risk worldwide. Plant pests are the main reason for destroying one fifth of the world's total crop production annually. Anopheles stephensi is the major vector of human malaria in Middle East and South Asian regions. Spodoptera litura is a polyphagous pest of vegetables and field crops. Because of its broad host range, this insect is also known as cluster caterpillar, common cutworm, cotton leafworm, tobacco cutworm, tobacco caterpillar, and tropical armyworm. The toxic effects of methanolic extract of Senna alata and microbial insecticide, Bacillus sphericus, were tested against the polyphagous crop pest, S. litura (Fab.), and the malarial vector, A. stephensi. Results from the present study states that B. sphericus is more toxic than S. alata to both the crop pest and mosquito. The malarial vector, A. stephensi, was found to be susceptible than the crop pest, S. litura. Both the botanical and microbial insecticide showed excellent larvicidal, pupicidal, longevity, fecundity, and growth regulatory activities. Median lethal concentrations of B. sphericus and methanolic extract of S. alata observed to kill the third instar of S. litura were 0.52 and 193.09 ppm and A. stephensi were 0.40 and 174.64 ppm, respectively.

Antimicrobial activity of saponin-rich fraction from Camellia oleifera cake and its effect on cell viability of mouse macrophage RAW 264.7

BACKGROUND

As a by-product of oil production, several million tons of Camellia oleifera cake is discarded every year in China. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a saponin-rich fraction isolated from C. oleifera cake and investigate its effect on the cell viability of RAW 264.7, a macrophage-like cell line present in almost all mouse tissues.

RESULTS

The saponin-rich fraction was isolated from C. oleifera cake in several steps and had a saponin content of 95.42 ± 0.10% (w/w). It showed significant inhibitory activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and the fungi Mucor racemosus, Aspergillus oryzae, Rhizopus stolonifer, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Penicillium glaucum, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 31.3, 31.3, 62.5, 250, 250, 250, 31.3 and 125 µg ml(-1) respectively. In addition, mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 pretreated with the saponin-rich fraction (80-200 µg mL(-1) ) exhibited a significant loss of cell viability in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION

These results may be useful for the future application of saponins from C. oleifera cake. However, the potential use of the saponin-rich fraction as an antimicrobial agent should be decided according to the target micro-organisms in order to avoid causing harm in humans.

Acromyrmex octospinosus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) management: effects of TRAMILs fungicidal plant extracts

Leaf-cutting ants, Acromyrmex octospinosus (Reich), are considering among the most important pest species of the New World. Until now, the main insecticides used for controlling these ants were synthetic chemicals. Leaf-cutting ants live in obligate symbiosis with abasidiomycete fungus, Leucocoprinus gongylophorus (Heim) Moeller. The crucial role of this symbiotic partner in the nest of leaf-cutting ants has prompted us to focus on A. octospinosus management through the use of fungicides in our study. Five parts of plants identified for their antifungal potential through TRAMIL ethnopharmacological surveys were tested: 1) bulbs of Allium cepa L.; 2) seed pods of Allium sativum L.; 3) green fruits of Lycopersicon esculentum L.; 4) leaves of Manihot esculenta Crantz; and 5) leaves of Senna alata (L.) Roxburgh. One plant extract with strong fungicidal activity (S. alata) against L. gongylophorus was found. The other extracts had lesser fungistatic or fungicidal effects depending on the concentrations used. The data presented in this study showed that TRAMILs fungicidal plant extracts have potential to control the symbiotic fungus of leaf cutting ants, in particular a foliage extract of S. alata.

Cassia alata L: potential role as anthelmintic agent against Hymenolepis diminuta

The efficacy of Cassia alata against cestode Hymenolepis diminuta was evaluated in our study. Worms were maintained between rat model and beetle. Air-dried leaves of C. alata were subjected to ethanol extraction. Different concentrations (10-80 mg/ml) of the extract were prepared in phosphate buffer saline and tested on the parasite in vitro. Parasites treated with C. alata showed a decrease in motility with an increase in concentrations and complete immobilization took lesser time compared to control. The paralyzed parasites were further processed for electron microscopic studies. Ultrastructural micrographs revealed swelling of the tegument and blebbing on the tegumental surface throughout the body accompanied with destruction of microtriches and changes such as shrinkage in the scolex region. Depletion of parenchyma cells and destruction in the connective tissues along with sparsely cytoplasmic cytons were also observed, and these observations are similar with worms treated with a known drug praziquantel. These results may suggest that the plant leaves could be considered for controlling helminth infection and can represent a step forward in the search for alternative anthelmintic drug.

Bioguided Fractionation Shows Cassia alata Extract to Inhibit Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Growth and Biofilm Formation

Plant extracts have a long history to be used in folk medicine. Cassia alata extracts are known to exert antibacterial activity but details on compounds and mechanism of action remain poorly explored. We purified and concentrated the aqueous leaf extract of C. alata by reverse phase-solid phase extraction and screened the resulting CaRP extract for antimicrobial activity. CaRP extract exhibited antimicrobial activity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. CaRP also inhibited biofilm formation of S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa. Several bacterial growth-inhibiting compounds were detected when CaRP extract was fractionated by TLC chromatography coupled to bioautography agar overlay technique. HPLC chromatography of CaRP extract yielded 20 subfractions that were tested by bioautography for antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Five bioactive fractions were detected and chemically characterized, using high-resolution mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS/MS). Six compounds from four fractions could be characterized as kaempferol, kaempferol-O-diglucoside, kaempferol-O-glucoside, quercetin-O-glucoside, rhein, and danthron. In the Salmonella/microsome assay CaRP showed weak mutagenicity (MI < 3) only in strain TA98, pointing to a frameshift mutation activity. These results indicate that C. alata leaf extract contains a minimum of 7 compounds with antimicrobial activity and that these together or as single substance are active in preventing formation of bacterial biofilm, indicating potential for therapeutic applications.

In vitro screening for cestocidal activity of three species of Cassia plants against the tapeworm Raillietina tetragona

Different species of Cassia plant are widely available in India and are commonly used either for their laxative, antimicrobial or antibacterial activity. In the present study the effectiveness in vitro of the crude alcoholic extracts of three species, namely Cassia alata, C. occidentalis and C. angustifolia, in the early paralysis and mortality of the fowl tapeworm Raillietina tetragona at concentrations ranging from 5 to 80 mg/ml was investigated. Time of paralysis and death were monitored frequently. Immediately after paralysis the tapeworms were processed for electron microscopic studies. While the untreated or control parasites survived for 81.93 ± 5.85 h, the parasites treated with C. alata took less time (1.68 ± 0.27 h) to be paralysed, followed by those treated with C. angustifolia (2.95 ± 0.29 h). Although C. occidentalis took more time (4.13 ± 0.31 h) to paralyse, in combination with either C. alata or C. angustifolia the time taken to paralyse became shorter. All the plant-treated parasites showed irrevocable changes in the scolex and proglottids as compared with the control, and these observations are comparable with those obtained with praziquantel. These results indicate that the three plants tested can be claimed to have anthelmintic activity in addition to their known properties, both when used individually and in combination. Further investigations will be required to evaluate their mechanism of action.

Antifungal activity of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae) leaf extract on dermatophytes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of Aegle marmelos leaf extracts and fractions on the clinical isolates of dermatophytic fungi like Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, Microsporum gypseum and Epidermophyton floccosum.

METHODS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of various extracts and fractions of the leaves of Aegle marmelos were measured using method of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS).

RESULTS

Aegle marmelos leaf extracts and fractions were found to have fungicidal activity against various clinical isolates of dermatophytic fungi. The MIC and MFC was found to be high in water and ethyl alcohol extracts and methanol fractions (200µg/mL) against dermatophytic fungi studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Aegle marmelos leaf extracts significantly inhibites the growth of all dermatophytic fungi studied. If this activity is confirmed by in vivo studies and if the compound is isolated and identified, it could be a remedy for dermatophytosis.

Anticandidal activity of Cassia fistula and its effect on ergosterol biosynthesis

CONTEXT

Cassia fistula Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) has been used in folk medicine. Anthraquinone derivative rhein having antimicrobial properties is actively present in C. fistula fruit. Although, as yet there has been no study of its anticandidal potential.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to determine the phytochemical composition of fruit pulp and seed extract and their effect on Candida albicans ATCC 10261, Candida glabrata ATCC 90030 and Candida tropicalis ATCC 750, respectively.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fruit pulp and seed extracts were tested for phytochemicals by various standard methods and rhein was identified by thin-layer chromatography. The anticandidal activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), growth curve studies, cytotoxicity and ergosterol estimation assay.

RESULTS

The fruit pulp and seed extracts showed high content of phenolic compounds. Rhein was identified in both extracts, Rf 0.38. MICs of seed extract obtained with C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata is 350, 300 and 300 μg/ml. However, for fruit pulp extract, these values significantly reduced to 150, 250 and 100 μg/ml, respectively. Comparative MIC values for fluconazole were 16, 16 and 04 µg/ml. At MICs, pulp reduced ergosterol content in cell membrane of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata by 54.42, 48.78 and 68.0%, seed extract by 38.11, 47.0 and 45.0%, whereas, fluconazole showed 93.56, 89.21 and 98.0%, respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

C. fistula fruit pulp and seed extract possessed anticandidal activity. The result was significantly correlated between the MICs, cytotoxicity and ergosterol inhibition. It was concluded that the crude extract is a promising source for anticandidal compounds.

Amberlite-IRA-402 (OH) ion exchange resin mediated synthesis of indolizines, pyrrolo [1,2-a] quinolines and isoquinolines: antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of the products

A number of indolizines and pyrrolo[1,2-a]quinolines/isoquinolines were prepared from phenacyl pyridinium, quinolinium and isoquinolinium salts derived from the reaction of the heterocycles with 2-bromo acetophenone with alkynes and alkenes using amberlite-IRA-402 (OH) ion exchange resin as the base. Antibacterial and antifungal studies were carried out against thirteen bacterial and four fungal strains, which revealed that three derivatives (4a, 4b, 7a) out of fifteen are effective against all the thirteen strains and one derivative, 10, showed dual antibactericidal and antifungal efficacy.

In vitro antifungal activity of indirubin isolated from a South Indian ethnomedicinal plant Wrightia tinctoria R. Br

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acalypha indica, Cassia alata, Lawsonia inermis, Punica granatum, Thespesia populnea and Wrightia tinctoria are folklore medicines extensively used in the treatment of ringworm infections and skin related diseases in Tamil Nadu, India.

AIM

The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro antifungal activity of certain medicinal plants and the pure compound indirubin isolated from Wrightia tinctoria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hexane, chloroform, methanol and ethanol extracts of six different plants were investigated against dermatophytes, non-dermatophytes and yeasts. Chloroform extract of Wrightia tinctoria leaf was fractionated using column chromatography and the major compound was identified using spectroscopic techniques. Antifungal activity was studied by spore germination test using agar dilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using broth microdilution method.

RESULTS

Wrightia tinctoria showed promising activity against dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi. Leaf chloroform extract showed activity at 0.5 mg/ml against Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Aspergillus niger and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. The major compound, identified as indirubin, exhibited activity against dermatophytes such as Epidermophyton floccosum (MIC=6.25 μg/ml); Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans (MIC=25 μg/ml); Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton simii (MIC=50 μg/ml). It was also active against non-dermatophytes (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus sp.) within a MIC range of 0.75-25 μg/ml.

CONCLUSION

The indole compound indirubin from Wrightia tinctoria showed antifungal activity and may be useful in the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Preliminary investigation on the phytochemistry and antimicrobial activity of Senna alata L. flower

Preliminary studies on the phytochemistry and extracts of water, methanol, chloroform and petroleum ether, of Senna alata flowers were examined for antimicrobial properties. Extracts tested at a final concentration of 500 microg mL(-1) produced in vitro antimicrobial activities in assays against clinical isolates of Staphylococus aureus, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonans aureginosa and Bacillus subtilis. The zones of inhibitions produced by the extracts in agar diffusion assay against the test micro organisms ranged from 4 to 10 mm while the gentamycin antibiotic control, produced zones that measured 5 mm. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts showed the presence of phenols, tannins, anthraquinoes, saponins, flavonoids.

Antinociceptive profile of 2,3,6-trisubstituted piperidine alkaloids: 3-O-acetyl-spectaline and semi-synthetic derivatives of (-)-spectaline

In early studies, we have reported the antinociceptive profile of (-)-spectaline, a piperidine alkaloid from Cassia spectabilis. The present study describes the synthesis, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a series of 2,3,6-trialkyl-piperidine alkaloids: the natural (-)-3-O-acetyl-spectaline (LASSBio-755) and ten semi-synthetic spectaline derivatives. Structure-activity relationship (SARs) studies were performed. The structures of all synthesized derivatives were confirmed by means of nuclear magnetic resonance. Compounds were evaluated for their analgesic (acetic acid-induced mouse abdominal constrictions, hot-plate test, formalin-induced pain test) and some of them for the anti-inflammatory activities (carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test). The pharmacological results showed that several of the new compounds given orally at a dose of 100 micromol/kg significantly inhibited the acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions, but they were less active than (-)-spectaline. LASSBio-755 and LASSBio-776 were the most actives with 37% and 31.7% of inhibition. In the formalin-induced pain only LASSBio-776 was able to inhibit by 34.4% the paw licking response of the inflammatory phase, (-)-spectaline and LASSBio-755 did show any activity. In the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, only (-)-spectaline exhibited an anti-inflammatory profile, showing an ED(50) value of 56.6 micromol/kg. Our results suggest different mechanisms of action for the analgesic activity observed for LASSBio-776 (3-O-Boc-spectaline), LASSBio-755 (3-O-acetyl-spectaline) and (-)-spectaline (LASSBio-754). The antinociceptive profile of some of the semi-synthetic spectaline derivatives extends our research concerning the chemical and pharmacological optimization of isolated natural products in the search of new drug candidates from Brazilian biodiversity.

Determination of pharmacologically active compounds in root extracts of Cassia alata L. by use of high performance liquid chromatography

A simple high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of six phenolic compounds, five anthraquinones (rhein, aloe-emodin, emodin, chrysophanol and physcion) and a flavonoid (kaempferol), in root extracts from Cassia alata L. Solid-phase extraction, using C(18) cartridges, was used to remove interfering substances from the root extracts. The extracts were analyzed on a C(18) column using an isocratic mobile phase which consisted of acetonitrile, methanol, and 10mM aqueous ammonium acetate (25:55:20, v/v). Identification of the analytes was performed by use of standards and on-line mass spectrometric detection using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The concentration of the phenolic compounds in the root extracts was determined using HPLC with ultraviolet detection at 260nm. The limits of detection obtained for the anlytes were in the range of 0.23-4.61ppm. The overall R.S.D. precision values (intra- and inter-day) for the retention times and peak-areas were lower than 0.16 and 2.10%, respectively. In addition, the recovery of the developed method for the analysis of these phenolic compounds was determined, and ranged from 81.2+/-4.3 to 106+/-2%.

Effect of Garcinia mangostana on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes

The present study was aimed to investigate the activity of Thai medicinal plants on inflammation caused by Propionibacterium acnes in terms of free radical scavenging and cytokine reducing properties. P. acnes have been recognized as pus-forming bacteria triggering an inflammation in acne. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH scavenging and NBT reduction assay. The result showed that Garcinia mangostana possessed the most significant antioxidant activity and reduced reactive oxygen species production. Houttuynia cordata, Eupatorium odoratum, and Senna alata had a moderate antioxidant effect. In addition, Garcinia mangostana extracts could reduce the TNF-alpha production as determined by ELISA. Garcinia mangostana was highly effective in scavenging free radicals and was able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study has identified the promising source of anti-inflammatory agent which could be useful in treatment of acne vulgaris.

A survey of toxic plants on the market in the district of Bamako, Mali: traditional knowledge compared with a literature search of modern pharmacology and toxicology

In Mali, the empirical knowledge on plant medicine is held by traditional practioners. Scientific studies have been carried on some plants and they have confirmed their local uses, but few data are available on the toxicity of Malian medicinal plants. In the present work, we record the toxic plants used as medicines in the Bamako district, Mali, with the aim to evaluate the knowledge of traditional healers and herbalists on the toxicity of the plant used. A survey was carried out on the market places in the Bamako district and 106 healers and herbalists were interviewed. A survey of the scientific literature was conducted to verify or sustain the claimed toxicological data. Nineteen plants are arranged according to their frequency of quotation based on the questionnaire. The information includes the botanical name, literature survey on the pharmacology of the plants, the healers' knowledge on plant toxicity and its prevention by some of the healers.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of ethanol and water extracts of Cassia alata

Crude ethanol and water extract of leaves and barks from Cassia alata were tested in vitro against fungi, (Aspergillus fumigatus and Microsporum canis), yeast (Candida albicans) and bacteria (Staphylococcus aereus and Escherichia coli). C. albicans showed concentration-dependent susceptibility towards both the ethanol and water extracts from the barks, but resistant towards the extracts of leaves. The degree of susceptibility varied, the water extract from barks showed bigger inhibition zone than the ethanol extracts (12-16 and 10-14 mm, diameter respectively). The growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Microsporum canis were not affected by all types of the plant extracts. Results were comparable to standard antifungal drug Tioconazole (18 mm diameter) at equivalent concentration. The anti-bacterial activity of C. alata extracts on S. aureus was detected with only the leaves extracts using water and ethanol. The water extract exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the ethanol extract from leaves (inhibition zones of 11-14 and 9-11 mm, respectively). E. coli showed resistance to all types of extracts. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that this plant has antimicrobial activity, which is as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs against certain microorganisms.

Antimicrobial activity of Alstonia macrophylla: a folklore of bay islands

The methanolic crude and methanol-aqueous extract of Alstonia macrophylla leaves and n-butanol part of the crude extract showed antimicrobial activity against various strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. mentagrophytes and Microsporum gypseum. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranges from 64 to 1000 microg/ml for bacteria and 32-128 mg/ml for dermatophytes. However, the strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella sp. and Vibrio cholerae showed resistance against in vitro treatment of the extracts up to 2000 microg/ml concentration, while the two yeast species were resistant even at 128 mg/ml concentration. The stem bark extract prepared similarly was found to be less active compared to the leaves. Phytochemical study indicates that the crude extract contains tannins, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, triterpene and reducing sugars. Further fractionation and purification of n-butanol part of the extract showed the presence of beta-sitosterol, ursolic acid, beta-sitosterol glucoside and a mixture of minor compounds only detected in TLC.

Antimicrobial activity of Cassia alata

The methanol extracts of leaves, flowers, stem and root barks of Cassia alata showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The activity was increased on fractionation (petrol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate), the dichloromethane fraction of the flower extract being the most effective. No activity was shown against tested moulds.

Anti-Cryptococcus activity of combination of extracts of Cassia alata and Ocimum sanctum

The paper reports the anti-Cryptococcus activity of combination of ethanolic extracts of leaves of Cassia alata and Ocimum sanctum. The activity of combination of the extracts was heat-stable and worked at acidic pH.

Anticandidal activity of certain South Indian medicinal plants

The anticandidal activity of 20 household South Indian medicinal plants and/or plant products was studied using 30 Candida albicans isolates obtained from vaginal candidiasis patients of Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital and compared with the anticandidal activity of garlic. Water and ethanol extracts were prepared and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFC) were determined. Water extracts of three plants did not show any anticandidal activity, while Murrya koenigii did not exhibit any anticandidal activity in either extract. Other plants exhibited more activity in ethanol extracts showing that their active principle is more soluble in a non-polar solvent.

Evaluation of antibacterial activity of belizean plants: an improved method

The influences of medium type, inoculum density, and a cold incubation on antimicrobial assay sensitivity were tested. The largest and most distinct zones were produced using nutrient agar and the 1/10 4 inoculum density for Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis but a 1/10 12 inoculum density for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli . The greatest number of zones were detected without cold incubation. Using this method, eight plants from Belize were screened for antibacterial activity. Six plants showed activity against the four organisms tested. Both inoculum density and medium type played important roles in assay sensitivity; however, inoculum density was of more practical significance.