Larvicidal activity of saponins from Balanites aegyptiaca callus against Aedes aegypti mosquito

Efficacy of maturase K and rpL20 protein extracted from C. procera leaves on Anophelesstephensi

The present work is carried out to protein isolation, purification, and characterization from leaves, stem, and seed of C. procera and to evaluate the larvicidal potential on Anopheles stephensi. The whole protein was isolated using protein extraction buffer and precipitated by ammonium sulphate and larvicidal active protein was purified by the column chromatography. The homogeneity of larvicidal protein was confirmed by the SDS-PAGE. The identification of protein was done by the HPLC and LC-MS/ESI-MS. The crude protein from leaves showed 100% mortality of 3rd instar larvae of An. stephensi at the concentration of 5.5 mg/ml after 24 h of exposure. The crude protein from stem showed 25% mortality and no mortality observed was observed in seed protein. The leaves crude protein was further purified by ion exchange chromatography and eluted fractions were tested for larvicidal potential. The purified single protein fractions L2 and L3 from C. procera leaves showed 100% mortality at concentration of 0.06 mg/ml. The homogeneity of purified protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and two bands of 26 kDa and 15 kDa protein were observed. The peptide sequence "R.SQMLENSFLIENVMKR.L" was identified in the trypsin digested homogenous protein fraction L2 and "R.DRGSQKR.N" peptide sequence in L3 fraction by LC-MS/ESI-MS. The CprL2 peptide showed the sequence similarity with the protein maturase K and CprL3 peptide showed the sequence similarity with ribosomal protein L20 of C. procera. The conserved functional domain was also identified in both the CprL2 and CprL3 peptide. The identified proteins showed strong larvicidal efficacy at very low concentration. The identified proteins are novel and natural larvicidal agents against An. stephensi and hence can be used to control the malaria.

Critical Review on Balanites aegyptiaca Delile: Phytoconstituents, Pharmacological Properties and Nanointerventions

Balanites aegyptiaca Delile (BA) is an enduring xerophytic woody and spinous flowering tree and is commonly known as desert date or Ingudi (Hingot). It belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, which is specific to be drought areas of Nigeria, Africa, South Asia and India (Rajasthan). In Ayurveda, this traditional medicinal plant is reported for the management of jaundice, syphilis, yellow fever, metabolic disorders, liver, and spleen problems. The main aim of the review is to compile its medicinal uses and further advancements to showcase the promises inherited in various parts of the plant for the benefit of mankind. As per the literature survey, various researchers have focused on the detailed investigation of BA including the phytopharmacological evidence, chemical constituents, nano-formulations, commercialized products, and clinical trials. Several remarkable scaffolds and isolated compounds like diosgenin, yamogenin, balanitin1/2, balanitin 3, bal4/5, bal6/7, rutin-3-glycosides, 3,7-diglycosides, (3, 12, 14, 16)-(12-hydroxycholest-5-ene-3,16-diyl-bis)-D-glucopyranoside and balanitoside have been identified. Additionally, this traditional plant has been scientifically proven by in vitro and in vivo. Based on the complete review of this plant, most of the compounds have been isolated from the fruit and kernel part. Additionally, based on the literature, a histogram was developed for pharmacological activity in which antidiabetic study was found to be more compared to other pharmacological activity. As a spinous desert dates, this plant needs to be explored more to bring out newer phytochemicals in the management of various diseases.

Exploring Natural Alkaloids from Brazilian Biodiversity as Potential Inhibitors of the Aedes aegypti Juvenile Hormone Enzyme: A Computational Approach for Vector Mosquito Control

This study explores the potential inhibitory activity of alkaloids, a class of natural compounds isolated from Brazilian biodiversity, against the mJHBP enzyme of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is a significant vector of diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya. The interactions between the ligands and the enzyme at the molecular level were evaluated using computational techniques such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and molecular mechanics with generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA) free energy calculation. The findings suggest that these compounds exhibit a high binding affinity with the enzyme, as confirmed by the binding free energies obtained in the simulation. Furthermore, the specific enzyme residues that contribute the most to the stability of the complex with the compounds were identified: specifically, Tyr33, Trp53, Tyr64, and Tyr129. Notably, Tyr129 residues were previously identified as crucial in the enzyme inhibition process. This observation underscores the significance of the research findings and the potential of the evaluated compounds as natural insecticides against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These results could stimulate the development of new vector control agents that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Gradual reduction of susceptibility and enhanced detoxifying enzyme activities of laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti under exposure of temephos for 28 generations

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Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were exposed to temephos for 28 generations.

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This exposure led to a 7.83-fold decrease in temephos toxicity.

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With increase in generational time, Ae. aegypti exhibited increased detoxification.

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Increased detoxification correlated with increase in detoxifying enzymes.

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Repeated exposure of Ae. aegypti to temephos could lead to pesticide resistance.

Temephos, an organophosphate insecticide, is widely accepted for the control of Aedes aegypti, vector of infectious diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and zika. However, there are claims that repeated and indiscriminate use of temephos has resulted in resistance development in exposed mosquito populations. The present study attempts to evaluate the continuous performance of temephos on the Ae. aegypti population, in laboratory conditions, in terms of toxicity and the effect on marker enzymes associated with metabolic resistance. Results of the toxicity bioassay showed that after the initial exposure, toxicity increased till F4 generation by 1.65 fold, and continuous exposure resulted in a 7.83 fold reduction in toxicity at F28 generation. Percent mortality result showed a marked reduction in mortality with the passage of generations while using the same series of concentrations, viz. 2 ppm, which was 100 % lethal at the initial nine generations, could kill only 22.66 % at F28. Resistance to organophosphates is mainly governed by metabolic detoxifying enzyme families of esterases, glutathione-s-transferase, and cytochrome P450. Analysis of these metabolic detoxifying enzymes showed an inverse trend to toxicity (i.e. toxicity increased in early generations as enzyme activity dropped and then dropped as enzyme activity increased). At the initial exposure, enzyme activity decreased in 2–4 generations, however, repeated exposure led to a significant increase in all the metabolic detoxifying enzymes. From the toxicity level as well as marker enzyme bioassay results, it can be inferred that mosquitoes showed increased detoxification in generational time with an increase in enzymes associated with metabolic detoxification. In conclusion, repeated application of temephos led to resistance development in Ae. aegypti which may be associated with the increase in metabolic detoxifying enzyme activities.

Larvicidal and ovicidal activities of Artocarpus blancoi extracts against Aedes aegypti

CONTEXT

Dengue control may be done by targeting its vector. In this study, we used Artocarpus blancoi (Elm.) Merr. (Moraceae) leaves, an endemic hematophagous insect repellent as a larvicide and ovicide.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the larvicidal and ovicidal activities of its soluble crude ethanol extract and the hexane, aqueous, and ethyl acetate fractions against Aedes aegypti.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Third to early fourth instar A. aegypti larvae were exposed to 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm of crude ethanol; to 10, 20, 40, 60 and 80 ppm of ethyl acetate; and to 500, 750, 1000, 1250 and 1500 ppm of hexane fractions of A. blancoi; 48 h LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were determined. For the ovicidal assay, an average of 25 eggs/paper strip was used; inhibition of egg hatchability was counted 72 h after exposure. Fractions were screened qualitatively for phytochemicals.

RESULTS

Ethyl acetate soluble fraction gave the lowest LC₅₀ value (18.59 ppm) followed by the crude ethanol (411 ppm), hexane (685 ppm) and aqueous (20,158 ppm) fractions. Similarly, ethyl acetate soluble fraction appeared to be the most ovicidal (80 ppm). Larvicidal and ovicidal activities of the fractions were dose dependent. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed moderate presence of glycosides and sterols and trace amounts of triterpenes, flavonoids, saponins and tannins.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

A. blancoi is a potential larvicide and ovicide against A. aegypti, and future studies isolating the specific components responsible for such actions would be significant.

Plant triterpenoid saponins: biosynthesis, in vitro production, and pharmacological relevance

The saponins are a diverse class of natural products, with a broad scale distribution across different plant species. Chemically characterized as triterpenoid glycosides, they posses a 30C oxidosqualene precursor-based aglycone moiety (sapogenin), to which glycosyl residues are subsequently attached to yield the corresponding saponin. Based on the chemically distinct aglycone moieties, broadly, they are divided into triterpenoid saponins (dammaranes, ursanes, oleananes, lupanes, hopanes, etc.) and the sterol glycosides. This review aims to present in detail the biosynthesis patterns of the different aglycones from a common precursor and their glycosylation patterns to yield the functionally active glycoside. The review also presents recent advances in the pharmacological activities of these saponins, particularly as potent anti-neoplastic pharmacophores, antioxidants, or anti-viral/antibacterial agents. Since alternate production pedestals for these pharmacologically important triterpenes via cell and tissue cultures are an attractive option for their sustainable production, recent trends in the variety and scale of in vitro production of plant triterpenoids have also been discussed.

Pistacia Atlantica Desf., a Source of Healthy Vegetable Oil

Pistacia atlantica, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, is an important species for rural people in arid and semi-arid areas. The fruit, rich in oil, is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. The oil extracted from this species growing in a northern area of Algeria and its fatty acid composition were previously studied. However, the largest areas where this species is present (traditional cultivation) is located in southern Algeria. Moreover, studies on oil fatty acid composition and essential oil were always conducted separately. This study was performed in order to assess the fatty acid and volatile organic compound composition of P. atlantica vegetable oil. The seeds were collected randomly from Djelfa (300 km South of Algiers, Algeria). Oil content and fatty acid composition were determined by Soxhlet extraction. The seeds contained high concentrations of oil (32–67%). The major fatty acids were oleic (39–49%), linoleic (23.6–31%), and palmitic (21.3–26.6%) acids. The ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) indicated that the content of unsaturated fatty acids was approximately three times higher than that of SFA. This ratio is widely used in epidemiological studies and research on cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. The ratios of -acids, i.e., -9/-6 and -6/-3, were 1.3–2 and 18.5–38.3, respectively. Crushed seeds were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. More than 40 compounds were identified, mainly monoterpenes (C10H16), such as α-terpinene and terpinolene, but also sesquiterpenes (C15H24) at lower levels. The value of this species as a source of healthy oil rich in -3 acid and its effects on cardiovascular disease risk are discussed.

The desert wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba) - From Arabian folk medicine to a source of green and effective nanoinsecticides against mosquito vectors

The development of eco-friendly and effective insecticides is crucial for public health worldwide. Herein, we focused on the desert wormwood (Artemisia herba-alba), a plant widely used in Arabian traditional medicine, as a source of green nanoinsecticides against mosquito vectors, as well as growth inhibitors to be employed against microbial pathogens. Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) fabricated with the A. herba-alba extract were tested on Indian and Saudi Arabian strains of Anopheles, Aedes and Culex mosquitoes. The chemical profile of the A. herba-alba extract was determined by LC-DAD-MS and ¹H NMR studies. Then, AgNPs were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, and EDX analyses. Artemisia herba-alba-synthesized AgNPs showed high larvicidal toxicity against mosquitoes from both Indian and Saudi Arabian strains. LC₅₀ of AgNPs against Indian strains was 9.76 μg/ml for An. stephensi, 10.70 μg/ml for Ae. aegypti and 11.43 μg/ml for Cx. quinquefasciatus, whereas against Saudi Arabian strains it was 33.58 μg/ml for Ae. aegypti and 38.06 μg/ml for Cx. pipiens. In adulticidal experiments, A. herba-alba extract showed LC₅₀ ranging from 293.02 to 450 μg/ml, while AgNP LC₅₀ ranged from 8.22 to 27.39 μg/ml. Further, low doses of the AgNPs inhibited the growth of selected microbial pathogens. Overall, A. herba-alba can be further considered as a source of phytochemicals, with special reference to saponins, for effective and prompt fabrication of AgNPs with relevant insecticidal and bactericidal activity against species of high public health importance.

Induction of Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells Through Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways by Balanites aegyptiaca Furostanol Saponins and Saponin-Coated SilverNanoparticles

The aim of this investigation is to examine the anticancer activities of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit extract with its biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against colon and liver cancer cells. B. aegyptiaca aqueous extract was fractionated according to polarity and by biosynthesized AgNP. The cytotoxicity of the extract, semi-purified fractions, and the AgNPs was examined on noncancerous cell lines. The safer fraction was subjected to ultra-performance liquid chromatography-MS to identify the major active constituents. The anticancer activities of the nontoxic doses of all the used treatments were tested against HepG2 and CaCo2 cells. The nontoxic dose of the B. aegyptiaca (0.63 mg/ml) extract showed high anti-proliferative activities against HepG2 and CaCo2 with a percentage of 81 and 77%, respectively. The butanol fraction was safer than the other two fractions with 46.3 and 90.35% anti-proliferative activity against Caco2 and HepG2 cells, respectively. The nontoxic dose of AgNPs (0.63 mg/ml) inhibits both HepG2 and Caco2 cells with a percentage of 84.5 and 83.4%, respectively. In addition, AgNPs regulate the expression of certain genes with folding higher than that of crude extract. Saponin-coated AgNPs showed great abilities to select the most anticancer ingredient(s) from the B. aegyptiaca extract with a more safety pattern than the polarity gradient fractionation.

Bioefficacy of ecbolin A and ecbolin B isolated from Ecbolium viride (Forsk.) Alston on dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

Ecbolin A and ecbolin B were isolated from ethyl acetate extract of Ecbolium viride (Forsk.) Alston root and evaluated for larvicidal and growth disturbance activities against Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). For larvicidal activity, the third instar larvae of A. aegypti were exposed to different concentrations viz., 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 ppm for each compound. Among the two compounds screened, ecbolin B recorded highest larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 0.70 and 1.42 ppm, respectively. In control, the larval behaviour was normal. The active compound ecbolin B was tested for growth disruption activity at sub lethal concentrations viz., 0.5, 1.0 ppm and observed for malformation like larval gut elongation, larval longevity, intermediates, malformed adults, failed adult emergence and compared with methoprene. The results showed significant level of larva-pupa intermediates, pupa-adult intermediates, malformed adult emergence and less adult formation against A. aegypti. The histopathological results revealed a severe damage on the midgut epithelial columnar cells (CC) and cuboidal cells (CU) in ecbolin B treated larvae of A. aegypti. Similarly peritrophic membrane (pM) was also observed to be damaged in the treated larvae. The present results suggest that, ecbolin B could be used as a larvicidal agent against dengue vector A. aegypti.

Anti-Melanogenic Potentials of Nanoparticles from Calli of Resveratrol-Enriched Rice against UVB-Induced Hyperpigmentation in Guinea Pig Skin

We already reported that genetically engineered resveratrol-enriched rice (RR) showed to down-regulate skin melanogenesis. To be developed to increase the bioactivity of RR using calli from plants, RR was adopted for mass production using plant tissue culture technologies. In addition, high-pressure homogenization (HPH) was used to increase the biocompatibility and penetration of the calli from RR into the skin. We aimed to develop anti-melanogenic agents incorporating calli of RR (cRR) and nanoparticles by high-pressure homogenization, examining the synergistic effects on the inhibition of UVB-induced hyperpigmentation. Depigmentation was observed following topical application of micro-cRR, nano-calli of normal rice (cNR), and nano-cRR to ultraviolet B (UVB)-stimulated hyperpigmented guinea pig dorsal skin. Colorimetric analysis, tyrosinase immunostaining, and Fontana-Masson staining for UVB-promoted melanin were performed. Nano-cRR inhibited changes in the melanin color index caused by UVB-promoted hyperpigmentation, and demonstrated stronger anti-melanogenic potential than micro-cRR. In epidermal skin, nano-cRR repressed UVB-promoted melanin granules, thereby suppressing hyperpigmentation. The UVB-enhanced, highly expressed tyrosinase in the basal layer of the epidermis was inhibited by nano-cRR more prominently than by micro-cRR and nano-cNR. The anti-melanogenic potency of nano-cRR also depended on pH and particle size. Nano-cRR shows promising potential to regulate skin pigmentation following UVB exposure.

Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using floral extract of Chrysanthemum indicum L.--potential for malaria vector control

Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths every year. The use of synthetic insecticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance and adverse environmental effects in addition to high operational cost. Insecticides synthesized of natural products for vector control have been a priority in this area. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were green-synthesized using a floral extract of Chrysanthemum indicum screened for larvicidal and pupicidal activity against the first to fourth instar larvae and pupae of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized by using UV-vis absorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy techniques. The textures of the yielded Ag NPs were found to be spherical and polydispersed with a mean size in the range of 25-59 nm. Larvae and pupae were exposed to various concentrations of aqueous extract of C. indicum and synthesized Ag NPs for 24 h, and the maximum mortality was observed from the synthesized Ag NPs against the vector A. stephensi (LC50 = 5.07, 10.35, 14.19, 22.81, and 35.05 ppm; LC90 = 29.18, 47.15, 65.53, 87.96, and 115.05 ppm). These results suggest that the synthesized Ag NPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of A. stephensi. Additionally, this study provides the larvicidal and pupicidal properties of green-synthesized Ag NPs with the floral extract of C. indicum against vector mosquito species from the geographical location of India.

Effect of niloticin, a protolimonoid isolated from Limonia acidissima L. (Rutaceae) on the immature stages of dengue vector Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the mosquitocidal activity of fractions and a compound niloticin from the hexane extract of Limonia acidissima L. leaves on eggs, larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae). In these bioassays, the eggs, larvae and pupae were exposed to concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0ppm for fractions and 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0ppm for compound. After 24h, the mortality was assessed and the LC50 and LC90 values were calculated for larvae and pupae. Per cent ovicidal activity was calculated for eggs after 120h post treatment. Among the sixteen fractions screened, fraction 8 from the hexane extract of L. acidissima generated good mosquitocidal activity against Ae. aegypti. The LC50 and LC90 values of fraction 8 were 4.11, 8.04ppm against Ae. aegypti larvae and 4.19, 8.10ppm against Ae. aegypti pupae, respectively. Further, the isolated compound, niloticin recorded strong larvicidal and pupicidal activities. The 2ppm concentration of niloticin showed 100% larvicidal and pupicidal activities in 24h. The LC50 and LC90 values of niloticin on Ae. aegypti larvae were 0.44, 1.17ppm and on pupae were 0.62, 1.45ppm, respectively. Niloticin presented 83.2% ovicidal activity at 2ppm concentration after 120h post treatment and niloticin exhibited significant growth disruption and morphological deformities at sub lethal concentrations against Ae. aegypti. The structure of the isolated compound was identified on the basis of single XRD and spectral data ((1)H NMR and (13)C NMR) and compared with literature spectral data. The results indicate that niloticin could be used as a potential natural mosquitocide.

Strong larvicidal potential of Artemisia annua leaf extract against malaria (Anopheles stephensi Liston) and dengue (Aedes aegypti L.) vectors and bioassay-driven isolation of the marker compounds

Malaria and dengue are the two most important vector-borne human diseases caused by mosquito vectors Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti, respectively. Of the various strategies adopted for eliminating these diseases, controlling of vectors through herbs has been reckoned as one of the important measures for preventing their resurgence. Artemisia annua leaf chloroform extract when tried against larvae of A. stephensi and A. aegypti has shown a strong larvicidal activity against both of these vectors, their respective LC50 and LC90 values being 0.84 and 4.91 ppm for A. stephensi and 0.67 and 5.84 ppm for A. aegypti. The crude extract when separated through column chromatography using petroleum ether-ethyl acetate gradient (0-100%) yielded 76 fractions which were pooled into three different active fractions A, B and C on the basis of same or nearly similar R f values. The aforesaid pooled fractions when assayed against the larvae of A. stephensi too reported a strong larvicidal activity. The respective marker compound purified from the individual fractions A, B and C, were Artemisinin, Arteannuin B and Artemisinic acid, as confirmed and characterized through FT-IR and NMR. This is our first report of strong mortality of A. annua leaf chloroform extract against vectors of two deadly diseases. This technology can be scaled up for commercial exploitation.

Bioefficacy of crude extract of Cyperus aromaticus (Family: Cyperaceae) cultured cells, against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the growth inhibition activity of the crude extract of Cyperus aromaticus (C. aromaticus) cultured cells against the 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti (Linn.) and Aedes albopictus Skuse (Ae. albopictus) under laboratory conditions, and determine the sublethal effects (EI50) of the crude extract of C. aromaticus cultured cells on some biological and morphological parameters of both Aedes mosquito species during two generations as well.

METHODS

The cell suspension cultures of C. aromaticus were activated from five callus lines (P4, Pa, Z1, Z6 and Ml) derived from the root explants of in vitro plantlets. The cultured cells were extracted in chloroform and used as plant material for the present study. For detection of juvenile hormone III, the crude extracts were analyzed by HPLC. Then the crude extracts of the three C. aromaticus cultured cell lines which contained varied amounts of juvenile hormone III [high level (P4 cell line), medium level (Z1 cell line) and low level (Ml cell line)] were tested against Aedes mosquito species. Laboratory evaluation was performed against late third instar larvae of the Vector Control Research Unit strains of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus using the standard WHO method. The effects of EI50 of the C. aromaticus cultured P4 cells on fecundity, fertility, growth period, sex ratio, adult size and longevity of Aedes mosquitoes were assessed.

RESULTS

Bioassay tests presented the remarkable growth inhibition activity of the crude extracts of C. aromaticus cultured cells against the two Aedes mosquitoes. Between the two mosquito species, Ae. albopictus was more susceptible to the crude extracts with lower EI50 values. EI50 of the crude extract of C. aromaticus cultured cells (P4) increased the sterility indices in the parental generation females in both Aedes mosquito species. A significant delay in the pupal formation and adult emergence were observed in the parental generation of the both mosquito species. The sex ratio of the adult population either parental or F1 generation of the Aedes mosquito species was not significantly affected by the EI50 dosage of the crude extract of C. aromaticus cultured P4 cells. A significant decrease in the wing length of the treated adult (female and male) of Aedes aegypti as well as the treated female of Ae. albopictus were observed. Longevity of the adult female of the parental generation of both Aedes mosquitoes as well as females of F1 generation of Ae. albopictus were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed the potential of the crude extract of C. aromaticus cultured cells in controlling vector mosquito populations in the effort to reduce the transmission of vector borne diseases.

A review on Balanites aegyptiaca Del (desert date): phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, and pharmacological activity

Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae), known as ‘desert date,’ is spiny shrub or tree up to l0 m tall, widely distributed in dry land areas of Africa and South Asia. It is traditionally used in treatment of various ailments i.e. jaundice, intestinal worm infection, wounds, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy, dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, asthma, and fever. It contains protein, lipid, carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, and organic acid. Present review summarizes the traditional claims, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of B. aegyptiaca Del reported in scientific literature.

Larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Eclipta prostrata leaf extract against filariasis and malaria vectors

Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases, causing millions of deaths every year. Use of synthetic insecticides to control vector mosquitoes has caused physiological resistance and adverse environmental effects in addition to high operational cost. Insecticides of synthesized natural products for vector control have been a priority in this area. In this study, larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing aqueous extract from Eclipta prostrata, a member of the Asteraceae was investigated against fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus say and malaria vector, Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). The synthesized AgNPs characterized by UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). SEM analyses of the synthesized AgNPs were clearly distinguishable measured 35-60 nm in size. Larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extract of synthesized AgNPs for 24h. The maximum efficacy was observed in crude aqueous, and synthesized AgNPs against C. quinquefasciatus (LC(50)=27.49 and 4.56 mg/L; LC(90)=70.38 and 13.14 mg/L), and against A. subpictus (LC(50)=27.85 and 5.14 mg/L; LC(90)=71.45 and 25.68 mg/L) respectively. The chi-square value were significant at p<0.05 level. These results suggest that the synthesized AgNPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the Culex tritaeniorhynchus and A. subpictus. This method is considered as a new approach to control vectors. Therefore, this study provides first report on the mosquito larvicidal activity of synthesized AgNPs against vectors.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antimalarial Activity Assays of Seeds from Balanites aegyptiaca: Compounds of the Extract Show Growth Inhibition and Activity against Plasmodial Aminopeptidase

Balanites aegyptiaca (Balanitaceae) is a widely grown desert plant with multiuse potential. In the present paper, a crude extract from B. aegyptiaca seeds equivalent to a ratio of 1 : 2000 seeds to the extract was screened for antiplasmodial activity. The determined IC(50) value for the chloroquine-susceptible Plasmodium falciparum NF54 strain was 68.26 μg/μL ± 3.5. Analysis of the extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry detected 6-phenyl-2(H)-1,2,4-triazin-5-one oxime, an inhibitor of the parasitic M18 Aspartyl Aminopeptidase as one of the compounds which is responsible for the in vitro antiplasmodial activity. The crude plant extract had a K(i) of 2.35 μg/μL and showed a dose-dependent response. After depletion of the compound, a significantly lower inhibition was determined with a K(i) of 4.8 μg/μL. Moreover, two phenolic compounds, that is, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-phenol and 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenol, with determined IC(50) values of 50.29 μM ± 3 and 47.82 μM ± 2.5, respectively, were detected. These compounds may contribute to the in vitro antimalarial activity due to their antioxidative properties. In an in vivo experiment, treatment of BALB/c mice with the aqueous Balanite extract did not lead to eradication of the parasites, although a reduced parasitemia at day 12 p.i. was observed.

Some biomedical applications of Balanites aegyptiaca grown naturally in radioactive area, Southeastern Desert, Egypt

Balanites aegyptiaca is a naturally grown desert plant at some radioactive places in Wadi El-Gemal area, Southeastern Desert. The aim of the present study was to highlight on the B. aegyptiaca species grown naturally at radioactive places in Wadi El-Gemal area (fruit part) on the ability of using the fruit in some biomedical application (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and diabetes). The investigated plant was collected from different location at Wadi El-Gemal area. The uranium content was determined previously and different concentrations from the fruit with highest uranium content were used to examine the effect of B. aegyptiaca (fruit part) on the glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol (HDL and LDL-cholesterol) levels using experimental rats. Different analysis techniques were used in order to determine different parameters. The obtained data suggest the beneficial role of B. aegyptiaca fruit as an anti-diabetic and hypo-lipidimic agent.

Effect of Moringa oleifera lectin on development and mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae

Aedes aegypti larvae have developed tolerance to many insecticides used for mosquito control. Moringa oleifera seeds contain a water-soluble lectin (WSMoL) and this paper reports the effect of M. oleifera seed extracts (MoE(1-15)) and WSMoL on development and survival of A. aegypti larvae. WSMoL peptide from in-gel trypsin digestion is also described. MoE(1-15) showed hemagglutinating activity and WSMoL had similarity with flocculating proteins from M. oleifera seeds. MoE(1) and MoE(3) delayed larval development which stopped in the third instar (L3) in MoE(6) and MoE(15). Significant (p<0.0001) larval mortality was only detected in MoE(15). Native WSMoL showed larvicidal activity (LC(50) 0.197 mg mL(-1)) and heated lectin, without hemagglutinating activity, did not kill fourth instar (L4) larvae. Optical microscopy showed that live L4 from MoE(1) presented underlying epithelium, increased gut lumen and hypertrophic segments; dead L4 from WSMoL were absent of underlying epithelium, had increased gut lumen and hypertrophic segments. The presence of hemagglutinating activity in the extracts suggests that soluble lectin promotes the delay of larval development and mortality; furthermore, the absence of larvicidal activity in heat-denatured WSMoL strengthens the involvement of lectin in this activity mechanism.

Larvicidal activity of lectins from Myracrodruon urundeuva on Aedes aegypti

Aedes aegypti transmits etiologic agents of yellow fever and dengue. Vaccine for dengue virus is not available and vector control is essential to minimize dengue incidence. This report deals with the larvicidal activity of lectins isolated from Myracrodruon urundeuva bark (MuBL) and heartwood (MuHL). The lectins were isolated by ammonium sulphate treatment of crude extracts followed by chromatography on chitin. MuBL and MuHL were evaluated by electrophoresis under native (PAGE) and denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE). Carbohydrate specificity of lectins was evaluated by hemagglutinating activity (HA) inhibition assay using N-acetyl-d-glucosamine and by affinity chromatography on N-acetyl-D-glucosamine immobilized in agarose gel. Larvicidal activity against A. aegypti was investigated with the extracts, salt fractions and isolated lectins. MuBL and MuHL were characterized by PAGE as basic proteins of molecular masses of 14.0 and 14.4 kDa, respectively. The interaction of lectins with N-acetylglucosamine was detected by inhibition of HA by monosaccharide and lectin adsorptions on N-acetyl-D-glucosamine matrix. All M. urundeuva preparations promoted larvae mortality. LC16, LC50 and LC84 values of 0.077, 0.125, 0.173 for MuBL and 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 mg/mL for MuHL were obtained. To our knowledge this is the first report of larvicidal activity of lectins against A. aegypti.

Larvicidal activity of saponin from Achyranthes aspera against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

The acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, hexane and methanol leaf extracts of Acalypha indica, Achyranthes aspera, Leucas aspera, Morinda tinctoria and Ocimum sanctum were studied against the early fourth-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti L and Culex quinquefasciatus Say. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h exposure. All extracts showed moderate larvicidal effects; however, the highest larval mortality was found in the ethyl acetate extract of A. aspera. In the present study, bioassay-guided fractionation of A. aspera led to the separation and identification ofa saponin as a potential mosquito larvicidal compound, with LC50 value of 18.20 and 27.24 ppm against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectral data confirmed the identification of the active compound. This is the first report on the mosquito larvicidal activity of the saponin from the ethyl acetate extract of A. aspera. This study investigates the potential of crude extracts from commonly used medical herbs in India as an environmentally safe measure to control the vector of dengue and lymphatic filariasis.