Antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities of gold nanoparticles green synthesized using Mangifera indica seed aqueous extract

In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesised using seed extract of mango (Mangifera indica) which is considered as waste and generally thrown away into the environment. The bioactive molecules in the seed act as reducing agent to synthesise AuNPs without using any external agent. The characterisation of green synthesised AuNPs was done using various spectroscopic techniques. Visual colour change from colourless to ruby red colour confirmed the formation of AuNPs which was further confirmed by maximum absorption peak at 550 nm by UV-spectra. Crystalline nature was confirmed by XRD technique while round, triangle and irregular shape and 19.45 nm size was confirmed by TEM and SAED analysis. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alcohol or phenol, carboxylic acid, ketones, amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides and alkynes in M. indica seed which were responsible for the reduction of gold to AuNPs. The green synthesised AuNPs were evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential. They showed moderate antibacterial, cytotoxic and dose-dependent antioxidant activity. Seeds of M. indica instead of discarding can be successfully utilised for AuNPs synthesis which can be used as a natural source of antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer agent. Highlights Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from fruit (Mangifera indica) waste (seed). Characterisation using various spectroscopic techniques: UV-Vis spectroscopy, Zeta potential, FTIR, XRD and TEM analysis. Synthesized AuNPs were round, triangle and irregular in shape and 19.45 nm in size. Antimicrobial activity of AuNPs against 14 microorganisms. Antioxidant activity of AuNPs in terms of DPPH, SO and ABTS. Cytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF-7 and fibroblast normal cell lines.

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Ziziphus nummularia leaf extract and evaluation of their antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential (4-in-1 system)

This study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate by leaf extract of a medicinal plant Ziziphus nummularia. The leaf extract acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the formation of nanoparticles. The green synthesized AgNPs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FITR) spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis and evaluated their antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. The UV-Vis spectroscopy showed a characteristic absorption peak at 430 nm due to surface plasma resonance. TEM analysis showed that synthesized AgNPs were spherical and oval with an average size of 25.96 nm. AgNPs showed effective antimicrobial activity (lowest MIC-0.625 µg/mL against Escherichia coli), synergistic antimicrobial activity (lowest ΣFIC 0.09 with chlormaphenicol against Corynebacterium rubrum) and antibiofilm activity. AgNPs showed strong DPPH activity with IC₅₀ - 520 µg/mL and ABTS activity IC₅₀ - 55 µg/mL and reducing capacity assessment. In vitro cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT assay against HeLa cells, breast cells and fibroblast cells. Genotoxic effect was evaluated by comet assay. AgNPs displayed dose-dependent cytotoxic and genotoxic effect. Our findings indicated that synthesized AgNPs could be considered as multifunctional and have great potential for use in biomedical applications.HighlightsSilver nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf extract of Ziziphus nummulariaCharacterization was done by various spectral techniquesAntimicrobial efficacy was demonstrated against an array of bacteriaAgNPs exhibited significant cytotoxic effect against HeLa cell lineAgNPs showed cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner.

Facile green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Mangifera indica seed aqueous extract and its antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential (3-in-1 system)

A novel approach for the utilisation of fruit waste is attempted in the present investigation. Mangifera indica seed aqueous extract was utilised for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The phytoconstituents in the seed acted as reducing and stabilising agent for AgNP formation. UV-Vis, Zeta potential, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SAED, EDX analysis were used to characterise the green synthesised AgNPs. UV-vis spectra showed characteristic spectra at 450 nm; XRD and SAED confirmed the crystalline nature while TEM revealed the shape to be round and average size was 26.85 nm. FT-IR revealed functional groups like alcohol or phenols, carboxylic acids, ketones, amines, aromatic amines, aliphatic amines, alkyl halides and alkynes which were responsible for AgNP formation. The nanoparticles showed more antibacterial activity than antifungal activity and antibacterial activity towards Gram-negative bacteria was more than Gram-positive bacteria. Dose dependent antioxidant activity (DPPH, SO and ABTS) and dose dependent cytotoxic effect against HeLa, MCF-7 and normal fibroblast cell lines was envisaged. The green synthesised AgNPs exhibited three different bioactivities (3-in-1 system) i.e. dose dependent antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Fruit waste can be successfully utilised for silver nanoparticles formation which can be therapeutically useful and effective.[Figure: see text]HighlightsSilver nanoparticles were synthesised from M. indica fruit waste i.e. seedCharacterisation by spectroscopic techniques: UV-Vis, Zeta, FTIR, XRD, SAED, EDX and TEM analysis.Silver nanoparticles were 26.85 nm in size and round in shapeAntimicrobial activity against 14 microorganismsAntioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, SO and ABTSCytotoxic activity against HeLa, MCF-7 and Fibroblast normal cell lines.

Determination of phytochemical profile and antioxidant efficacy of Lavendula bipinnata leaves collected during Magha Nakshatra days and Normal days using LC-QTOF-MS technique

In the present work, we determined the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of Lavendula bipinnata leaves collected during Magha Nakshatra (NAK-leaf) and Normal (NOR-leaf) days. The extraction was done using decoction and maceration (DCE and MCE) and microwave assisted extraction and ultra sonic assisted extraction (MAE and UAE) methods and in all 16 extracts were obtained. Total phenol, flavonoid, flavonol, phenolic acid and proanthocyanidin content was estimated in all the extracts. Antioxidant efficacy of all the extracts was assessed by four different in vitro antioxidant assays viz. DPPH, super oxide, ABTS radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power. The obtained results revealed that MAE extracts of NAK-leaf showed better phytochemical content and antioxidant activity which was better than the standards revealing its excellent antioxidant potential. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that phenolic and non-phenolic compounds were responsible for the antioxidant activity. LC-QTOF-MS based metabolic profiling of MAE extract revealed 35 compounds in NAK- leaf and 33 compounds in NOR-leaf; their structure was determined and many of them were pharmacologically active. Hence, it can be concluded that the leaves of Lavendula bipinnata can be a good natural source of antioxidant compounds which can definitely be used in drug designing to fight against oxidative stress related diseases.

Nutrient profile of five freshwater fish species

The nutrient profile of five freshwater fish species viz., Mystus vittatus, Ompok bimaculatus, Channa striata, Wallago attu and Pangasianodon hypophthalmus were studied. The proximate composition data shows that the moisture and fat content differed significantly (P<0.01) among the fish species. The fat content was significantly higher in P. hypophthalmus and M. vittatus. The moisture was significantly higher in C. striata. The potassium content was significantly (p<0.01) higher in C.striata. M.vittatus shows higher content of calcium. The other trace minerals like iron, copper and zinc contents of fish did not differ significantly among the species. The vitamin A content is maximum in O.bimaculatus whereas vitamin D content is higher in Mystus vittatus. The palmitic acid was significantly (p<0.01) higher in M. vittatus. The oleic acid was significantly (p<0.01) higher in C. striata and W. attu. The linoleic acid content was significantly (p<0.05) higher in P. hypophthalmus. One of the important PUFA i.e. DHA was significantly higher in O. bimaculatus and C.striata. The PUFA content was significantly (p<0.05) higher in O.bimaculatus and P.hypophthalmus. Among the amino acids, arginine, histidine, threonine and isoleucine were higher in P.hypophthalmus. C.striata and W. attu contain high amount of Tryptophan. Glutamic acid was high in O.bimaculatus and Aspartic acid was high in C. striata. The energy content was maximum in P. hypophthalmus. The nutrient profile of these fish species revealed that they were rich in all the essential nutrients required by human being. The information on nutrient profile of fish will give a guideline to dieticians, nutritionists, medical practitioners, researchers to advice consumers to take fish in their daily diet as a health food. SAARC J. Agri., 16(2): 25-41 (2018)

Community-Based Cancer Screening Program: The DESH (Detect Early Save Her, Him) Initiative of Piramal Swasthya

Background and context: Two-thirds of global cancer deaths are from less developed countries. Late stage presentation and inability to access care are observed to be higher in lower and middle-income countries resulting in avoidable deaths and disability. Kamrup district in Assam has the fourth highest incidence of cancers in India. Detect Early Save Her, Him (DESH) initiative by Piramal Swasthya in Kamrup district focuses on reducing late-stage diagnosis and mortality. Aim: To reduce the proportion of late-stage diagnosis and mortality from breast, cervical and oral cancers through a community based screening and referral program. Strategy: 1. Community level interventions to increase awareness, improve knowledge, alter attitudes and motivate and mobilize people to undergo screening. 2. Evidence based highly sensitive screening and referral through mobile cancer screening unit. 3. Partnering with a regional cancer care institute (Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute - BBCI) to ensure end to end care to the patients. Program: DESH initiative in partnership with BBCI was launched in November 2017. The Mobile Cancer Screening Unit (MCSU) is fully equipped with state-of-the-art cancer screening facilities including a mammography unit. It is staffed by trained medical doctor, two nurses, a radiographer, two community mobilization officers, a counselor, a driver and a helper. Apart from the driver and the helper, the entire staff is women. In consultation with community networks, a schedule is prepared to conduct awareness programs at the community level. Subsequently, the MCSU visits the village and the staff screen the adult population over the age of 30 years for the presence of oral, breast and cervical cancer. A vehicle ferries those who are screened positive, to BBCI for diagnostic tests. The program is also supported by a helpline, which provides tele-counseling for suspected cases of cancer. Outcomes: A total of 1750 beneficiaries have been screened for oral, breast and cervical cancers through 43 screening clinics in 18 villages of Kamrup district from November 2017 through March 2018. Of them, 57% were females. 57 beneficiaries (3.25%) were screen-positive. Majority were positive for oral cancers (n=50) followed by breast and cervical cancers. Out of the 15 beneficiaries who visited BBCI, 3 were confirmed to have oral cancer. What was learned: Rural community of Kamrup district has been very receptive of the screening program with 1750 people screened in a short duration of time. Many screen-positive patients have not yet to visited the hospital for diagnostic tests, due to their financial difficulties. With financial support from the government through a special scheme, the number of screen-positive patients reaching the hospital for diagnostic tests is expected to increase substantially. DESH initiative aims to screen 15,000 individuals in the next 12 months and the results will provide better insights about the scalability and impact of the program.

Abstract P1-10-15: Development of humanized anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies with differentiated functional profiles

CD47 is a cell surface transmembrane protein that binds to signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) on macrophages and results in a “don't eat me” signal that inhibits phagocytosis. Breast cancer cells, both primary and metastatic, frequently overexpress CD47 and exploit this pathway to evade macrophage-mediated destruction. Anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) block the CD47/SIRPα interaction and promote tumor cell destruction via phagocytosis. Anti-CD47 mAbs also contribute to an anti-tumor T-cell response in immune-competent mice. Therefore, anti-CD47 antibodies represent a new class of immune checkpoint inhibitors that modulate both the innate and adaptive immune systems.

CD47 is expressed on multiple cell types, including tumor cells and normal cells. Many anti-CD47 mAbs block the CD47/SIRPα interaction and cause phagocytosis of tumor cells, but do not directly induce the death of human tumor cells. Tioma has created new humanized anti-CD47 mAbs with novel and differentiated functional profiles to enhance functional heterogeneity. Ti-104, Ti-176 and Ti-108 block the binding of SIRPα to CD47 and increase phagocytosis of human tumor cells. They also induce cell death of human hematological and solid tumor cell lines (including breast cancer lines) in a cell autonomous manner. Cell death was determined by an increase in phosphatidylserine-positive/7AAD-positive tumor cells assessed by flow cytometry following incubation in media containing anti-CD47 mAb or a negative control immunoglobulin. In vitro, these mAbs bind to human tumor cell lines with apparent binding affinities ranging from low pM to low nM, depending on the cell line and method of analysis (solid-phase or cell-based ELISA, flow cytometry or surface plasmon resonance). In vitro, Ti-104 and Ti-108 bind to human RBCs, whereas Ti-176 has markedly reduced binding to human and cynomolgus monkey RBCs.

In a four-week (once-weekly dosing) exploratory safety study in cynomolgus monkeys with Ti-176 and Ti-108, no dose-limiting toxicity or gross pathological or microscopic findings were identified after an initial dose of 5 mg/kg (Week 1) followed by doses of 50 mg/kg (Weeks 2, 3, and 4). Ti-176 treatment resulted in minimal decrease in red cell mass, hemoglobin and hematocrit, which corresponded in vitro to markedly reduced binding to cynomolgus monkey RBCs. Ti-108 caused transient reduction of RBC parameters comparable to some previously reported anti-CD47 mAbs.

Ti-104, Ti-176 and Ti-108 showed potent, dose-dependent efficacy in multiple mouse tumor models, including in the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer orthotopic model.

These data provide the preclinical rationale for further evaluation of Ti-104, Ti-176 and Ti-108 as breast cancer treatments.

Citation Format: Karr RW, Liu K, Hiebsch R, Capoccia B, Donio M, Crowley K, Puro R, Chanda S, Manning P. Development of humanized anti-CD47 monoclonal antibodies with differentiated functional profiles [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-15.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles formation from Caesalpinia pulcherrima stem metabolites and their broad spectrum biological activities

The present work illustrates eco-friendly, rapid and cost effective method of AgNPs synthesis using C. pulcherrima stem extract. Initially, various physico chemical factors were optimized. Characterization was done by different spectroscopic and microscopic analysis. AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 8 nm. AgNPs showed good synergistic antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activity. The cytotoxicity effect against HeLa cancer cell line was dose dependent while genotoxic study revealed the non toxic nature of AgNPs at lower concentration. The results suggest that AgNPs from C. pulcherrima stem extract have great potential in biomedical applications.

Nutrient profile of Indian climbing perch, Anabas testudineus

The proximate composition, fatty acid, amino acid and fat soluble vitamins of Indian climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, locally called “Koi” were assayed in relation to its body weight. The fish samples were collected from different geographical locations and were grouped as small (10-50g) and big (52-150g) sizes. The proximate composition, essential amino acid (EAA) and non-essential amino acid (NEAA) contents in Koi did not differ significantly between the groups. The monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content was significantly (P<0.05) higher in bigger sized Koi. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content was 23.67±0.85 and 13.62±1.02 (%) respectively in the small and big sizes of Koi, while the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was significantly higher in small Koi. The vitamin A content was 85.77±0.35 and 93.90 ±1.34 (I.U./100g) respectively in small and big Koi. Vitamin D content was significantly higher in small Koi compared to big one. Vitamin E and K were significantly (P<0.05) higher in big Koi. The results indicated that Anabas testudineus is a good source of protein, fat, vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids.SAARC J. Agri., 15(1): 99-109 (2017)

Characterization, synergistic antibacterial and free radical scavenging efficacy of silver nanoparticles synthesized using Cassia roxburghii leaf extract

In this work, we report for the first time, synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cassia roxburghii leaf extract and evaluate its synergistic antibacterial efficacy and antioxidant potential. The synergistic antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles with commercial antibiotics against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi was evaluated. The antioxidant potential of synthesized silver nanoparticles was evaluated by FRAP and ABTS radical scavenging antioxidant assays. UV–Vis spectra peak at 473 and color change from colorless to brown color confirmed the formation of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern confirmed the crystalline nature of synthesized nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed the average size of particles to be 15–20 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the functional groups C. roxburghii leaf that was responsible for the reduction and capping process of nanoparticles. C. roxburghii leaf extract synthesized AgNPs showed good synergistic antimicrobial against Gram-negative bacteria even better than some of the antibiotics used as positive control; they also showed antioxidant potential. The results suggest that the synthesized nanoparticles can be used to treat multidrug resistant microorganisms and stress related diseases and disorders.

Characterization, antifungal and cytotoxic evaluation of green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ziziphus nummularia leaf extract

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Ziziphus nummularia leaf extract. The characterization was done by various spectral analysis and antifungal (anti-candidal) activity against multidrug resistant clinical isolates and their cytotoxic potential was evaluated. The ZnO NPs were 17.33 nm in size and were spherical/irregular in shape. The antifungal activity of ZnO NPs was better than four standard azole antibiotics and they also showed potent cytotoxic effect against HeLa cancer cell line. The results strongly suggest the applicability of green synthesized ZnO NPs as antifungal agent and also its use in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Caesalpinia pulcherrima flower extract and assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities

Caesalpinia pulcherrima flower extract mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles was attempted in the present work including optimization of some procedure parameters. Characterization of synthesized silver nanoparticles was done by various spectral analyses. The size of synthesized silver nanoparticles was 12 nm and they were spherical in shape. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles were further evaluated for antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic activities; they showed good antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic effects. Genotoxic study revealed non-toxic nature at lower concentration. Overall results suggest that the synthesized silver nanoparticles have pronounced applicability in pharmaceutical and biomedical field.

Crisaborole and its potential role in treating atopic dermatitis: overview of early clinical studies

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by intense pruritus and eczematous lesions with up to 90% of patients presenting with mild to moderate disease. Current topical treatments for AD have not changed in over 15 years and are associated with safety concerns. In AD, overactivity of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), leads to inflammation and disease exacerbation. Crisaborole Topical Ointment, 2%, is a novel, nonsteroidal, topical anti-inflammatory PDE4 inhibitor currently being investigated for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. Preliminary studies in children and adults demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profiles. Crisaborole may represent an anti-inflammatory option that safely minimizes the symptoms and severity of AD and that can be used for both acute and long-term management.

Tavaborole topical solution, 5% for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis

Tavaborole topical solution, 5% (tavaborole) is a novel, boron-based, antifungal pharmaceutical agent indicated for treatment of toenail onychomycosis due to the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum or Trichophyton mentagrophytes. In preclinical studies, tavaborole effectively penetrated through full-thickness, non-diseased cadaver fingernails, including those with up to four layers of nail polish. Limited systemic absorption was observed following topical application of tavaborole. In phase III clinical trials involving patients with distal subungual onychomycosis affecting 20-60% of a target great toenail, significantly more patients treated with tavaborole versus vehicle achieved completely clear nail with negative mycology following daily application for 48 weeks. Treatment-emergent adverse events reported by at least 1% of patients treated with tavaborole and at a greater frequency versus vehicle included ingrown toenail, exfoliation, erythema and dermatitis. Treatment discontinuations were uncommon. Results from preclinical studies and phase III clinical trials establish tavaborole as a safe and efficacious treatment for toenail onychomycosis.

Morphological and toxigenic variability in the Aspergillus flavus isolates from peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production system in Gujarat (India)

Morphological and toxigenic variability in 187 Aspergillus flavus isolates, collected from a major Indian peanut production system, from 10 districts of Gujarat was studied. On the basis of colony characteristics, the isolates were grouped as group A (83%), B (11%) and G (6%). Of all the isolates, 21%, 47% and 32% were found to be fast-growing, moderately-fast and slow-growing respectively, and nosclerotia and sclerotia production was recorded in 32.1% and 67% isolates respectively. Large, medium and small number of sclerotia production was observed in 55, 38 and 34 isolates respectively. Toxigenic potential based on ammonia vapour test was not found reliable, while ELISA test identified 68.5%, 18.7% and 12.8% isolates as atoxigenic, moderately-toxigenic and highly-toxigenic, respectively. On clustering, the isolates were grouped into 15 distinct clusters, 'A' group of isolates was grouped distinctly in different clusters, while 'B' and 'G' groups of isolates were clustered together. No association was observed between morphological-diversity and toxigenic potential of the isolates. From the present investigation, most virulent isolates were pooled to form a consortium for sick-plot screening of germplasm, against Aspergillus flavus. In future, atoxigenic isolates may be evaluated for their potential to be used as bio-control agent against toxigenicisolates.

A comparative immunological analysis of CoCl2 treated cells with in vitro hypoxic exposure

The hypoxic preconditioning of mammalian cells has been shown to have beneficial effects against hypoxic injuries. However, very little information is available on the comparative analysis of immunological responses to hypoxic and hypoxia mimetic exposure. Therefore, in the present study, mouse peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes were subjected to hypoxia exposure (0.5 % O2) and hypoxia mimetic Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) treatment to evaluate their effect on immune response and delineate the underlying signaling mechanisms. The results obtained indicated that super oxide generation increased while TLR4 expression and cell surface markers like CD25, CD40 and CD69 were suppressed in both the treatments as compared to normoxia. Cobalt chloride treatment increased NF-κB expression, nitric oxide (NO) and iNOS expression, cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 as compared to hypoxia exposure. Our study showed that CoCl2 stabilizes HIF-1α to create hypoxia like conditions but it mainly influences the inflammatory response via NF-κB signaling pathway by skewing the production of proinflammatory molecules like TNF-α, IL-6 and NO.

Inhibition of microbial pathogens using fruit and vegetable peel extracts

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the antimicrobial potency of some vegetable and fruit peels. The extraction was done by individual cold percolation method using various solvents with increasing polarity (Hexane, ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and aqueous). The antimicrobial activity was done by agar well diffusion assay against five Gram positive bacteria, five Gram negative bacteria and four fungi. All extracts demonstrated varied level of antimicrobial activity. The peel extracts showed highest zone of inhibition against Gram negative bacteria as compared to Gram positive bacteria and fungi. Amongst studied peel extracts Citrus limon followed by Manilkara zapota and Carica papaya showed good antimicrobial activity indicating its potency as a promising source of natural antimicrobics. The results confirm the belief that agro waste can be therapeutically used.

Comparative Study of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Momordica charantia L. against Foodborne Pathogens

The antimicrobial effect of 24 different hydroalcoholic extracts (100, 75, 50 and 25% methanol and water) obtained from four parts (leaf+stem (aerial), peel, pulp and seed) of Momordica charantia L. were investigated against five Gram-positive, six Gram-negative and four fungal strains. The extraction was done by individual cold percolation method using hexane, different hydroalcoholic solvent (100, 75, 50 and 25% methanol) and water. The antimicrobial activity was done by agar well diffusion assay. The extracts, which showed >15 mm zone of inhibition, were further screened to determine minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration using a broth dilution method performed in 96-well microtitre plate. The extractive yield was highest in aqueous extracts of all the four parts closely followed by 25% methanol. Micrococcus flavus was the most susceptible Gram-positive bacteria and Pseudomonas testosteroni was the most susceptible Gram-negative bacteria. The highest antibacterial activity was shown by 100% methanol. The Gram-negative Pseudomonas spp. was more susceptible towards all the extracts than the Gram-positive bacteria or fungal strains investigated. One hundred percent and 50% methanol extracts of seed showed lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values, that is <39 and 625 μg/ml, respectively, against Pseudomonas pictorum. Therefore, these extracts would be of interest in the control of Pseudomonas spp. in food industry as well as used for therapeutic purposes.

Acute oral toxicity of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula leaf extract in Wistar albino rats

CONTEXT

Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thw. var. pendula (Annonaceae), a tall evergreen tree, is cultivated all over India. The plant is used in traditional systems of medicine for the treatment of fever, skin diseases, and hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated the acute oral toxicity of Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula leaf extract in Wistar albino rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The parameters evaluated daily after oral drug administration of the extract (540, 1080, 2160 and 3240 mg/kg body weight) were mortality, signs of toxicity, feed and water consumption and body weight changes up to 14 days. The effect of different doses of the extract on organ weight, biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated on the 15th day.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Methanol extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaf up to the dose level 3240 mg/kg body weight did not produce any toxic effects or deaths; the extract was well tolerated by the rats. It did not alter body weight, feed and water consumption. The organ weight, biochemical and hematological analysis did not show any dose-dependent changes in any of the parameters examined in animals of both sexes. The acute oral administration of the methanol extract of Polyalthia longifolia leaf was not toxic and safe in a single dose.

Assessment of effect of hydroalcoholic and decoction methods on extraction of antioxidants from selected Indian medicinal plants

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of extraction methods on antioxidant activities of selected Indian medicinal flora.

METHODS

Different parts of plants were extracted by hydroalcoholic and decoction methods using water and various concentrations of methanol (ME) viz. 75%, 50% and 25% ME. The antioxidant activity of all the different extracts was evaluated using two different antioxidant assays viz. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and superoxide anion radical scavenging assay. Total phenol and flavonoid content was also estimated.

RESULTS

The results showed that the extracting solvent significantly altered the antioxidant property estimations of screened plants. High correlations between phenolic compositions and antioxidant activities of extracts were observed. High levels of antioxidant activities were detected in Manilkara zapota (M. zapota) as compared with other screened plants.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained appear to confirm the effect of different methods on extraction of antioxidants and antioxidant property of M. zapota.

Brine Shrimp Cytotoxicity, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz Flowers

The present study was designed to assess the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers. Cytotoxic activity of methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers was tested using Artemia salina (Brine shrimp) bioassay. Two doses (400 and 600 mg/Kg) were evaluated for the anti-inflammatory activity against the carrageenan, histamine, dextran, serotonin and formaldehyde-induced rat paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and formaldehyde-induced analgesia in rats. In cytotoxicity study, extract caused 73% mortality of Brine shrimp larvae after 24 h at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL. The results of the anti-inflammatory study showed that the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) decrease in paw volume in different models of paw edema. The extract also inhibited the formation of granuloma in cotton pellet-induced granuloma and reduced the frequency of formaldehyde-induced paw licking. These results showed that the methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers have weak cytotoxic and potent anti-inflammatory compounds and justifies the traditional uses for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Protective effect of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers against acetaminophen-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

CONTEXT

The flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) are commonly used for the treatment of several ailments which includes rheumatism, leucorrhea, menorrhagia, asthma, liver disorder, and inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hepatoprotective property of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers against acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury in rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Acetaminophen (3 g/kg bw)-induced hepatotoxicity study was carried out by observing the effect of methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers (400 and 600 mg/kg, bw) on some serum marker enzymes, albumin, blood urea nitrogen levels as well as liver total protein, nonenzymetic glutathione reduced content, and enzymatic antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, with histopathological evidence.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Pretreatment of rats with methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers effectively prevented the acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage as indicated by the serum marker enzymes aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase and other biochemical parameters (albumin and blood urea nitrogen). Parallel to these changes, the methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers also prevented acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress in the rat liver by inhibiting depletion of liver total protein and restoring the levels of nonenzymatic antioxidant glutathione reduced. The biochemical changes were consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of the methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that methanol extract of Woodfordia fruticosa flowers possesses protective effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Antimicrobial Activity of Terminalia catappa, Manilkara zapota and Piper betel Leaf Extract

Aqueous and methanol extract of the leaves of Terminalia catappa L., Manilkara zapota L. and Piper betel L. were evaluated for antibacterial activity against 10 Gram positive, 12 Gram negative bacteria and one fungal strain, Candida tropicalis. Piperacillin and gentamicin were used as standards for antibacterial assay, while fluconazole was used as standard for antifungal assay. The three plants showed different degree of activity against the microorganisms investigated. The methanolic extract was considerably more effective than aqueous extract in inhibiting the investigated microbial strains. The most active antimicrobial plant was Piper betel.