Bioactive flavonoids from the black locust tree, robinia pseudoacacia

Cytotoxic effect and antioxidant activity of pterocarpans from Millettia aboensis root

Chemical analysis of the methanol extract of the root bark of Millettia aboensis led to the isolation of homopterocarpin (1), secundiflorol I (2), and maackain (3). The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on their MS and NMR spectra. The crude methanol root extract was screened for its cytotoxic activity on mouse lymphoma cell line (L5178Y), and the isolated compounds were tested for their antioxidant activity using a 2, 2-diphenylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging model. The crude methanol root extract gave a percentage growth inhibition of 87.5% on the mouse lymphoma cell line (L5178Y). Compound 3 gave the highest antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of 83 µg/ml. These compounds can serve as leads for anticancer agents.

Machaerium opacum Vogel (Fabaceae): phytochemical study and toxicity to Atta sexdens Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

In this work was described the phytochemical investigation of Machaerium opacum Vogel (Fabaceae) leaves as well as the insecticidal activity of its crude extract and fractions against Atta sexdens Linnaeus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The phytochemical study led to the identification of α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupeol, phytol, isomucronulatol and rutin, described for the first time in M. opacum and mucronulatol. Insecticidal activity was assessed by the ingestion of the crude extract and fractions incorporated into an artificial diet at three different concentrations (0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 mg mL^-1). Statistical analysis revealed that all the samples of M. opacum at all concentrations tested showed significant results when compared to the pure diet control.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Black Locust (Robiniae Pseudoacaciae) Flowers and Comparison with Conventional Methods

The aim of this study was to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from black locust (Robiniae pseudoacaciae) flowers using central composite design. The ethanol concentration (33-67%), extraction temperature (33-67 °C), and extraction time (17-33 min) were analyzed as the factors that impact the total phenolic content. The liquid-to-solid ratio of 10 cm3 g-1 was the same during extractions. The optimal conditions were found to be 59 °C, 60% (v/v) ethanol, and extraction time of 30 min. The total phenolic content (TPC = 3.12 gGAE 100 g-1 dry plant material) and antioxidant activity (IC50 = 120.5 µg cm-3) of the extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction were compared with those obtained by maceration (TPC = 2.54 gGAE 100 g-1 dry plant material, IC50 = 150.6 µg cm-3) and Soxhlet extraction (TPC = 3.22 gGAE 100 g-1 dry plant material, IC50 = 204.2 µg cm-3). The ultrasound-assisted extraction gave higher total phenolic content and better antioxidant activity for shorter extraction time so that it represents the technique of choice for the extraction of phenolic compounds. The obtained extract, as the source of antioxidants, can be applied in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

The Phytochemistry of Cherokee Aromatic Medicinal Plants

Background: Native Americans have had a rich ethnobotanical heritage for treating diseases, ailments, and injuries. Cherokee traditional medicine has provided numerous aromatic and medicinal plants that not only were used by the Cherokee people, but were also adopted for use by European settlers in North America. Methods: The aim of this review was to examine the Cherokee ethnobotanical literature and the published phytochemical investigations on Cherokee medicinal plants and to correlate phytochemical constituents with traditional uses and biological activities. Results: Several Cherokee medicinal plants are still in use today as herbal medicines, including, for example, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), and blue skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). This review presents a summary of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and biological activities of Cherokee aromatic and medicinal plants. Conclusions: The list is not complete, however, as there is still much work needed in phytochemical investigation and pharmacological evaluation of many traditional herbal medicines.