Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles from Murraya koenigii and its corrosion resistivity on Ti-6Al-4V dental alloy

The present work describes green-mediated copper oxide nanoparticles as a potential corrosion inhibitor for the dental alloy Ti-6Al-4V. The salt of copper was reduced to metal nanoparticles using Murraya koenigii leaves, which helps with the agglomeration and nanocluster formation through a reduction mechanism. The current synthesis is a single-step process and is cost-effective. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized using UV, FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential and Particle size analyzer, SEM, and EDX. The particles were then electrodeposited on Ti-6Al-4V alloy, and the corrosion resistivity in the dental medium was analyzed using Electrochemical parameters such as Corrosion current, Corrosion potential, and anodic and cathodic intercepts through the Tafel and Nyquist plots. The synthesized nanoparticles showed characteristic absorbance at 359 nm. FTIR peaks confirm the phytochemical constituents present in the Murraya koenigii that accounts for the formation of nanoparticles. The XRD predicts the crystalline nature, which is further studied using SEM and EDX. The Zeta potential and Particle size analyzer confirms the negative-negative interactive nature of the synthesized CuO NPs. The NPs showed explicit corrosion inhibition properties with an overall inhibition efficiency of 58.15% and 25.6%, respectively. The study confirms the advantage of using Copper Oxide nanoparticles as a potential coating agent in dental implant alloys in increasing its corrosion efficiency.

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Murraya Species

Murraya is a plant genus within the Rutaceae family comprising over 17 species, which are widely distributed in Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Furthermore, these species have been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, pain, and dysentery. Several reports have also extensively studied the leaves, seeds, stembark, and bark of Murraya from 1965 to 2023 to explore their natural product composition. Various phytochemical studies have revealed the isolation of 413 compounds recorded, comprising coumarins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and aromatics, as well as alkaloids, which constitute the largest proportion (46.9%). These isolated compounds have long been known to exhibit different bioactivities, such as cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. Cytotoxic activity has been observed against HCT 116, HeLa, HepG2, and other cell lines. Previous studies have also reported the presence of antifungal, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant effects. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of Murraya species, highlighting their phytochemistry, biological activities, and potential as a source of active natural compounds.

Biomonitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack in South Kolkata, West Bengal, India: spatial and temporal variations

Attempts have been made in the present study for ascertaining the concentrations of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using passive biosamplers in preference to conventional air sampling methods. Mechanical stirring, sonication, Soxhlet technique and microwave-assisted Soxhlet extraction (MASE) were employed to extract PAHs from an evergreen plant (Murraya paniculata) leaves (having long life-span) sampled from polluted places of South Kolkata, India, with dense population and heavy traffic. Effects of extraction methods and operational parameters (solvent and time) on the recovery levels of PAHs were also investigated. Purified extracts, acquired through adsorption chromatography, were subjected to GC-MS and HPLC-UV analyses for qualitative and quantitative assessment of PAHs. Spatio-temporal distribution of accumulated PAHs across the sampling sites was monitored over premonsoon, postmonsoon and winter supported by pollutant source characterization. The results displayed that the extraction yields of Soxhlet (272.07 ± 26.15 μg g-1) and MASE (280.17 ± 15.46 μg g-1) were the highest among the four techniques. Conditions of extraction with toluene for 6 h were found to be most favorable for PAHs. In spatio-temporal analysis, total concentrations of PAHs in the foliar samples varied from 200.98 ± 2.72 to 550.79 ± 10.11 μg g-1 dry weight, and the highest values being recorded in the samples of Exide More because of daylong inexorable traffic flow/crowding increasing the burden of ambient PAHs. Widespread changes in meteorology exerted influence on seasonal concentrations of PAHs in plant leaves, and extent of leaf contamination by PAHs was observed extreme in winter followed by postmonsoon and then, premonsoon. Foliar accretion of PAHs differed in the study sites with diverse sources of emission from motor vehicles, fossil fuel and biomass burning along with other human interferences.

In vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity of Murraya koenigii leaf extract intercedes ZnO nanoparticles

Nanotechnology is an emerging field with tremendous potential and usage of medicinal plants and green preparation of nanoparticles (NPs) is one of the widely explored areas. These have been shown to be effective against different biological activities such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc. The current studies focus on the green synthesis of zinc NPs (ZnO NPs) from aqueous leaf extract of Murraya koenigii (MK). The synthesized Murraya koeingii zinc oxide NPs (MK ZnO NPs) were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The synthesized MK ZnO NPs were evaluated for their in vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity. They demonstrated significant antidiabetic and cytotoxic activity, as well as moderate free-radical scavenging and antibacterial activity.

Influence of Murraya koenigii extract on diabetes induced rat brain aging

Food supplements are used to improve cognitive functions in age-related dementia. This study was designed to determine the Murraya koenigii leaves' effect on Alloxan-induced cognitive impairment in diabetic rats and the contents of oxidative stress biomarkers, catalase, reduced glutathione, and glutathione reductase in brain tissue homogenates. Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (six rats per group). Group I received saline water (1 ml, p.o.), Diabetes was induced in Groups II-VII with Alloxan (120 mg/kg/p.o). Group III was provided with Donepezil HCl (2.5 mg/kg/p.o.), Group IV, V, VI, and VII with Murraya koenigii ethanol extract (200 and 400 mg/kg/p.o.) and aqueous extract (200 and 400 mg/kg/p.o.), respectively, for 30 days. Behavior, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, oxidative stress status, and histopathological features were determined in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Administration of Murraya koenigii ethanolic and aqueous extracts significantly (P<0.05, P<0.001) increased the number of holes crossed by rats from one chamber to another. There was an increase in the (1) latency to reach the solid platform, (2) number of squares traveled by rats on the 30^th day, and (3) percentage of spontaneous alternation behavior compared to the control group. Administration for successive days markedly decreased AChE activity (P<0.05), decreased TBARS level, and increased catalase, GSH, and GR levels. Murayya koenigii could be a promising food supplement for people with dementia. However, more research into sub-chronic toxicity and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics interactions is essential.

and their anti-inflammatory activities

Fifteen previously undescribed coumarin derivatives, murratins A-M, including two pairs of coumarin enantiomers with a cyclopropane unit, two benzocoumarins, a dimeric coumarin, and eight C-8-substituted coumarins, together with six known analogues were isolated from the extract of the leaves and twigs of Murraya exotica L., a medicinal plant named "Jiulixiang" in Chinese. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations were assigned via comparison of the specific rotations, the ECD exciton coupling method, comparison of experimental and calculated ECD data, and the ECD data of in situ formed transition metal complexes. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 cells, and five coumarin derivatives showed moderate inhibitory activities. The possible mechanism for NO inhibition of undescribed bioactive compounds was deduced to interact with iNOS protein via molecular docking. The above results shed some light on a better understanding of the traditional anti-inflammation effect of M. exotica and coumarins are disclosed to be its potential anti-inflammatory constituents.

Girinimbine from curry leaves promotes gastro protection against ethanol induced peptic ulcers and improves healing via regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms

Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) are a leafy spice used in Indian cookery for its fragrant aroma. Many bioactive functional compounds have been identified, and among them carbazole alkaloids have attracted wide attention due to their multi-dimensional medicinal value. Even though it has been established that the carbazole alkaloid is responsible for the anti-ulcer effect showed by this culinary herb, there is no further evidence to say which phytochemical is responsible for this. In the present study, we investigated the gastro-protective effects and mechanism of girinimbine, a major carbazole alkaloid present in curry leaves. Rats were administered with ethanol to produce gastric ulcers, and the prophylactic effect of girinimbine was evaluated. A macroscopic and histological examination was carried out to examine the lesions. Furthermore, the mucus production, NO production, PGE2 synthesis, mucosal nonprotein sulphydryls, glutathione (GSH) level, lipid peroxidation (MDA) level and COX inhibition were assessed. In addition, in particular, TNF-α and IL-6, two important cytokines, were evaluated. Immunohistochemical and gene expression studies were conducted to determine the HSP70 and iNOS biomarkers. Our results indicated that girinimbine significantly reduced the ulcer index and totally safeguarded the mucosa from lesions. The protective effect of girinimbine was complemented through the restoration of the reduced GSH and NP-SH level. This was associated with a reduction of MDA, which was elevated by the administration of ethanol. Pre-treatment of the ethanol induced ulcer with girinimbine reduced the NO concentration in the plasma and elevated PGE2 together with a decreased level of TNF-α and IL-6. Girinimbine had shown suppressing effects on COX-2 enzymes, but not on COX-1. In addition, significantly upregulated HSP70 and downregulated iNOS were observed in girinimbine treated rat tissue at both the transcriptional and translational level. Our results clearly indicated that girinimbine displayed a significant gastro-protection effect, via the capacity to inhibit inflammatory responses and antioxidant potential.

Coumarin and spirocyclopentenone derivatives from the leaves and stems of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack

Seven previously undescribed compounds, including five coumarins, (+/-)-murpanitin A and murpanitins B-D, and a pair of spirocyclopentenone enantiomers, (+/-)-murrayaspiroketone, along with 14 known coumarin derivatives were isolated from the leaves and stems of Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and HRMS spectroscopic data, and the absolute configurations were assigned via calculated and experimental ECD data. Three compounds showed moderate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in BV-2 microglial cells with IC₅₀ values of 53.2 ± 8.9, 57.7 ± 5.8, and 53.2 ± 4.4 μM, respectively.

Mini Review: Wound healing potential of edible plants

Wound healing is a natural intricate cascade process involving cellular, biochemical and molecular mechanism to restore the injured or wounded tissue. Malaysia's multi-ethnic social fabric is reflected in its different traditional folk cuisines with different nutritional important ingredients. Despite these differences, there are some commonly used pantry ingredients among Malaysians and these ingredients may possess some healing power for acute and chronic wounds. These essential nutritional ingredients are included Amla (Ribes uva-crispa), Cinnamon (Cinnamomun venum), Curry Leaves (Murraya koenigii), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Garlic (Allium indica), Onion (Allium cepa) and Tamarind (Tamarindus indica). This article provides a review of the remedies with confirmed wound healing activities from previous experiments conducted by various researchers. Most of the researchers have focused only on the preliminary studies through appropriate model; hence detailed investigations which including pharmacological and pre-clinical studies are needed to discover its molecular mechanisms. In this review article, we have discussed about the wound healing potential of few commonly used edible plants and their known mechanism.

Uptake and Translocation of Styrene Maleic Anhydride Nanoparticles in Murraya exotica Plants As Revealed by Noninvasive, Real-Time Optical Bioimaging

This work reports the in vivo uptake and translocation of PNPs in the one-year grown terrestrial plant, Murraya exotica ( M. exotica), as investigated by two-photon excitation and time-resolved (TPE-TR) optical imaging with a large field of view (FOV, 32 × 32 mm²) in a noninvasive and real-time manner. The PNPs (⟨ R_h⟩ = 12 ± 4.5 nm) synthesized from poly(styrene- co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) were Eu-luminescence labeled (λ_L ≈ 617 nm). On exposing the roots of living M. exotica plants to the colloidal suspension of SMA PNPs at different concentrations, the spatiotemporal evolution of SMA PNPs along plant stems (60 mm in length) were monitored by TPE-TR imaging, which rendered rich information on the uptake and translocation of PNPs without any interference from the autofluorescence of the plant tissues. The TPE-TR imaging combined with the high-resolution anatomy revealed an intercell-wall route in the lignified epidermis of M. exotica plants for SMA PNP uptake and translocation, as well as the similar accumulation kinetics at different positions along the plant stems. We modeled the accumulation kinetics with Gaussian distribution to account for the trapping probability of a SMA PNP by the lignified cell walls, allowing the statistical parameters, the average trapping time ( t_m) and its variance (σ), to be derived for the quantification of the PNP accumulation in individual plants. The TPE-TR imaging and the analysis protocols established herein will be helpful in exploring the mechanism of plant-PNP interaction under physiological condition.

Growth-disrupting Murraya koenigii leaf extracts on Anopheles gambiae larvae and identification of associated candidate bioactive constituents

Plant-based constituents have been proposed as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for control of mosquito vectors of malaria. In this study, we first screened the effects of methanolic leaf extracts of curry tree (Murraya koenigii) growing in tropical (Mombasa, Malindi) and semi-arid (Kibwezi, and Makindu) ecological zones of Kenya on third instar An. gambiae s.s. larvae. Extracts of the plant from the semi-arid region, and particularly from Kibwezi, led to high mortality of the larvae. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic extract of the leaves of the plants from Kibwezi was then undertaken and the most active fraction (20 fold more potent than the crude extract) was then analyzed by Liquid chromatography quadruple time of flight coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-QtoF-MS) and a number of constituents were identified, including a major alkaloid constituent, Neplanocin A (5). Exposure of the third instar larvae to a sub-lethal dose (4.43 ppm) of this fraction over 7-day periods induced gross morphogenetic abnormalities in the larvae, with reduced locomotion, and delayed pupation. Moreover, the few adults that emerged from some pupae failed to fly from the water surface, unlike in the untreated control group. These results demonstrate subtle growth-disrupting effects of the phytochemical blend from M. koenigii leaves on aquatic stages An. gambiae mosquito. The study lays down some useful groundwork for the downstream development of phytochemical blends that can be evaluated for integration into eco-friendly control of An. gambiae vector population targeting the often overlooked but important immature stages of the malaria vector.

Interference mechanism of Sophora alopecuroides L. alkaloids extract on host finding and selection of the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Manipulating insect behavior through the deployment of semiochemicals offers a promising opportunity for protecting crops in a sustainable manner. Therefore, there is still a significant opportunity for the development of natural crop protectants as eco-friendly tools in pest management. In this context, the aim of the current investigation is to find a novel prophylactic against the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) and to gain a better understanding of the host-finding and selection ability of the ACP towards Murraya paniculata seedlings treated with Sophora alopecuroides alkaloids extract (SAAE). Our results indicate that foliar application of SAAE influences the psyllid host-finding and selection process. The behavioral assay with M. paniculata seedlings treated with 15 and 30 mg/mL of SAAE, with masked visual cues, revealed that only 6.6 and 10.4% psyllids were able to locate the host in the vials. The results also indicate that citrus psyllids mainly rely on both visual and olfaction in host-finding and selection. In choice settling experiments, psyllids settled almost completely on control seedlings rather than on seedlings treated with SAAE at a concentration of 30 mg/mL. Chemical analyses of the alkaloids extract revealed the presence of sophocarpine (33.90%), sophoridine (6.23%), anagyrine (2.77%), matrine (2.38%), lupanine (1.68%) aphylline (0.89%), and sophoramine (0.75%). In further behavioral bioassays with the dominant alkaloids sophocarpine and sophoridine, the alkaloids repelled ACP at higher concentrations of 50 and 70 mg/mL as compared to SAAE. Furthermore, the 50 mg/mL (1:1, v/v) combination of sophocarpine and sophoridine displayed a synergistic effect and showed the maximum behavioral effect as compared to the individual alkaloid. Based on our results, SAAE makes M. paniculata seedlings unattractive to the psyllids, and therefore, alkaloids could be used in reducing the colonization of citrus plants, subsequently curtailing HLB infection.

The anti-inflammatory activity of several flavonoids isolated from Murraya paniculata on murine macrophage cell line and gastric epithelial cell (GES-1)

Context Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack (Rutaceae), Qianlixiang in Chinese, is distributed in China. As an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it demonstrates many bioactivities, such as febrifuge, astringent, anti-dysenteric, and tonic.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of three flavonoids isolated from M. paniculata in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine macrophage cell line and ethanol-induced gastric damage on gastric epithelial cell (GES-1). Materials and methods Three identified flavonoids were isolated from stems and leaves of M. paniculata using ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Cell viability was measured with MTT, mouse peritoneal macrophages and GES-1 cells were incubated with 0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μM P1, P3 and P8 for 24, 48, and 72 h. The inhibitory effect of pretreatment with various concentrations of 5,7,3',4',5'-pentamethoxyflavone (P1), 5,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (P3), or 5-desmethylnobiletin 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,3',4'-pentameth-oxyflavone (P8) ranging from 0.03 to 30 μM on nitric oxide (NO) secretion was quantified by the Griess assay for 24 and 48 h, while interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured by ELISA for 24 and 48 h. Results The effects of P1, P3, and P8 on mouse peritoneal macrophages and GES-1 cells were not attributable to cytotoxic effects at the doses of 0-10 μM. The IC50 value of P1 is 53.40 μM, P3 is 120.98 μM, and P8 is 10.73 μM. The concentration of the three flavonoids had the best effects of anti-inflammation upon NO inhibition at the dose of 3 μM. P3 had the highest inhibition on IL-6 production. The GES-1 cells pretreated with three flavonoids showed a significant increase in the level of NO (P1: 7.94 ± 0.0635 μM, P3: 8.81 ± 0.0159 μM, and P8: 8.51 ± 0.0522 μM) at 24 h and a more significant increase at 48 h (P1: 9.34 ± 0.0975 μM, P3: 11.9 ± 0.0672 μM, and P8: 9.34 ± 0.0454 μM). Discussion and conclusion The current results suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity of three flavonoids was mainly manifested in the reduction of production of NO and IL-6 production. Analysis of the structure-activity relationship indicated that the double bond at C2-C3 and the position of the B ring at C2/C3 seemed to be indispensable for the anti-inflammatory activity.

ameliorates insulin resistance in dexamethasone-treated mice by enhancing peripheral insulin sensitivity

BACKGROUND

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. is an important medicinal plant used traditionally as an antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal agent and blood purifier and as a medicine for a variety of ailments. This study investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of M. koenigii (MK) on diabetes-associated insulin resistance induced in mice by chronic low-dose injection of dexamethasone.

RESULTS

Mice treated with dexamethasone exhibited hyperglycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Treatment with MK reduced the extent of dexamethasone-induced hyperglycaemia and decreased insulin resistance as indicated by improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin-stimulated AKT phosphorylation in skeletal muscle tissue. Further evaluation in clonal skeletal muscle cell lines suggested that MK increased glucose uptake in L6 skeletal muscle cells by increasing cell surface GLUT4 density via an AKT-mediated pathway.

CONCLUSION

MK can ameliorate dexamethasone-induced hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance in part by increasing glucose disposal into skeletal muscle.

Ethnopharmacology guided screening of traditional Indian herbs for selective inhibition of Plasmodium specific lactate dehydrogenase

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants traditionally used to treat malaria can provide quality leads towards identifying novel anti-malarial drugs. Here we combined this approach with target based drug discovery and explored Plasmodium specific lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitory activity of 8 Indian plants which are ethnically used to treat malaria.

METHODS

LDH from Indian Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax strains, were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, followed by purification of recombinant enzymes (rPfLDH and rPvLDH respectively). Extracts of 8 plants in different organic and aqueous solvents, were screened for their inhibitory activity on rPfLDH, rPvLDH and mammalian LDHs. Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract was further tested for in vitro parasiticidal activity.

RESULTS

Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. and chloroform extract of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. exhibited profound and exclusive inhibitory effect on Plasmodium falciparum LDH (IC(50)=11.2 μg/ml ± 0.4) and Plasmodium vivax LDH (IC(50)=6.0 μg/ml ± 0.6) respectively. Moreover, Phyllanthus amarus aqueous extract also demonstrated antiplasmodial activity in vitro, on Chloroquine sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum (IC(50)=7.1 μg/ml ± 0.5 and 6.9 μg/ml ± 0.7 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Target specific screening of traditional herbs used in malaria treatment has proffered Phyllanthus amarus and Murraya koenigii extracts as hits which can optimistically provide novel antimalarial drugs.

Multimodal cues drive host-plant assessment in Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri)

Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) transmits the causal agent of Huanglongbing, a devastating disease of citrus trees. In this study we measured behavioral responses of D. citri to combinations of visual, olfactory, and gustatory stimuli in test arenas. Stimuli were presented to the psyllids in droplets or lines of an emulsified wax formulation in two different arena types in no-choice tests. First, when placed on a colored ring situated halfway between the center and perimeter of a petri dish, D. citri spent more time on yellow versus gray rings; however, this response disappeared when either gray or yellow wax droplets were applied. When the psyllids were presented with droplets scented with terpenes, the response to both scent and color was increased. The addition of a dilute (≍0.1 M) sucrose solution to the wax droplets increased the magnitude of D. citri responses. Next, groups of D. citri were placed on plastic laboratory film covering a sucrose solution, to mimic a leaf surface. Test stimuli were presented via two 'midribs' made from lines of emulsified wax formulation. Probing levels were measured as a function of color saturation and scent composition, and concentration. The test scents were based on qualitatively major volatiles emitted by Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle, and C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck. The highest probing response was observed on the middle concentration (20-μl scent/10 ml wax formulation) of the C. aurantifolia-scented wax lines. Results indicate that there are interactive effects between the different sensory modalities in directing host-plant assessment behavior.

An update on Murraya koenigii spreng: a multifunctional Ayurvedic herb

Murraya koenigii Spreng (Rutaceae), a medicinally important herb of Indian origin, has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Leaves, fruits, roots and bark of this plant are a rich source of carbazole alkaloids. These alkaloids have been reported for their various pharmacological activities such as antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, diuretic and antioxidant activities. Apart from these activities, the plant is reported to possess a wide spectrum of biological activities. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of this plant make a demand of an exhaustive review of its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent for the treatment and management of various ailments frequently affecting humans. The present review gives a detailed description of the phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and pre-clinical works carried out on this medicinal herb and also throws light on its therapeutic potential.

Beneficial effect of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng (Rutaceae) on diabetes-induced renal damage in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng (curry leaf) is widely used as a nephroprotective agent in kidney's infirmities among diabetics by the traditional practitioners in Malaysia. However, the latter role of curry leaf has been grossly under reported and is yet to receive proper scientific evaluation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) on diabetes-induced renal damage in vivo with regard to prove its efficacy by local traditional practitioners in the treatment of kidney frailties in diabetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous (AQ) extract of the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) was administered to both normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male rats (Sprague-Dawley strain). Animals were divided into six groups (n=6) and treated with variable dose levels of AQ extract (200 and 400mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days. At the end of 30 days, animals were sacrificed, blood was collected, processed and stored at -70°C for the zestimation of serum urea and creatinine, changes in plasma antioxidant capacity by FRAP assay, and glutathione peroxidase levels, in the normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Histological changes of the kidneys of these animals were also evaluated by light microscopy to determine the beneficial effect of the leaves.

RESULTS

Daily oral administration of variable dose levels of the AQ extract for 30 days, produced significant dose dependant decrease in serum urea and creatinine levels (p<0.001), and marked increase in the levels of plasma antioxidant capacity (p<0.01) in diabetic treated rats, compared to the control (non-diabetic) subjects. However, the normal treated rats showed minimal variation in these parameters in comparison to normal controls. Histological studies of the kidneys of these animals showed comparable tissue regeneration by the AQ extract.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study scientifically support the traditional belief for using the leaves of Murraya koenigii (Linn.) as adjuvant, in the treatment of pain disorders related to renal impairments among diabetics.

The effects of host, geographic origin, and gender on the thermal requirements of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is the vector of the bacteria that causes citrus greening and is considered one of the world's most important citrus diseases. We examined how host, geographic region, and gender affect the thermal requirements of D. citri. The insects were reared in climatic chambers at constant temperatures of 18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, and 32 +/- 1 degrees C, 70 +/- 10% RH, and a 14 h photophase. Host plants for D. citri included orange (Citrus sinensis [Rutaceae]) varieties Pêra and Natal, the rootstock, Rungpur lime (C. limonia [Rutaceae]) and the natural host, Orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata [Rutaceae]). To study the influence of geographic origin on thermal requirements, we studied D. citri populations from Piracicaba, SP (warmer region) and Itapetininga, SP (cooler region). The duration and survival of the development stages and the duration of the total development (egg-adult) did not differ significantly on the different hosts, but it did vary with temperature. Nymphs of D. citri created on the different hosts have the same thermal requirements. The thermal requirements for this species collected from the two climate regions were identical; males and females also had the same thermal requirements.

Plant foods in the management of diabetes mellitus: spices as beneficial antidiabetic food adjuncts

Diet has been recognized as a corner stone in the management of diabetes mellitus. Spices are the common dietary adjuncts that contribute to the taste and flavour of foods. Besides, spices are also known to exert several beneficial physiological effects including the antidiabetic influence. This review considers all the available information from animal experimentation as well as clinical trials where spices, their extracts or their active principles were examined for treatment of diabetes. Among the spices, fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenumgraecum), garlic (Allium sativum), onion (Allium cepa), and turmeric (Curcuma longa) have been experimentally documented to possess antidiabetic potential. In a limited number of studies, cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), mustard (Brassica nigra), curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) have been reported to be hypoglycaemic.

Hypoglycemic effects of Murraya koenigii on normal and alloxan-diabetic rabbits

In past there have been many medicinal plants, which have been used in traditional medicines for their antidiabetic properties without any scientific support and pharmacological evidence. The aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii leaves has been taken to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity in normal and alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. This plant is promising as it is widely and regularly used as a spice for food flavoring and as such it appears to be without any side effects and toxicity. Adequate characterization of hypoglycemic activity of aqueous extract has not been yet done, as no such reports are available in the literature though the activity is reported. The scientific evaluation of its hypoglycemic activity was, therefore, explored and also compared with the effect of a standard hypoglycemic drug, tolbutamide. A single oral administration of variable dose levels (200, 300 and 400 mg/kg) of aqueous extract led to lowering of blood glucose level in normal as well as in diabetic rabbits. The maximum fall of 14.68% in normal and 27.96% in mild diabetic was observed after 4 h of oral administration of 300 mg/kg. The same dose also showed a marked improvement in glucose tolerance of 46.25% in sub-diabetic (AR) and 38.5% in mild diabetic rabbits in glucose tolerance test after 2 h. The findings from this study suggest that the aqueous extract of these leaves may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment for controlling diabetes mellitus.

Effect of extracts of Murraya koenigii leaves on the levels of blood glucose and plasma insulin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The effect of daily oral administration of aqueous extract (600 mg/kg b.wt.) and methanol extract (200 mg/kg b.wt.) of Murraya koenigii Spreng leaves for a period of eight weeks was studied on blood glucose and plasma insulin level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels of diabetic rats treated with aqueous and methanol extracts of Murraya koenigii Spreng showed significant reduction (P<0.05) as compared to diabetic control groups. Plasma insulin showed significantly high on 43rd and 58th days of treatment in aqueous and methanol extracts of Murraya koenigii treated groups. This suggests that the hypoglycemic effect may be mediated through stimulating insulin synthesis and/or secretion from the beta cells of pancreatic islets of Langerhans.

Effect of feeding Murraya koeingii and Brassica juncea diet on [correction] kidney functions and glucose levels in streptozotocin diabetic mice

Purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of daily oral feeding 15% of powdered leaves of Murraya koeingii (MK) (commonly called as Curry patta) and 10% powder of seeds of Brassica juncea (BJ) (commonly called as Rai) for 60 days on serum glucose concentrations and kidney functions in streptozotocin (STZ; 100mg/kg) diabetic rats. Serum glucose levels, body weight, urine volume, serum creatinine, and urinary albumin (UAE) levels were monitored on day 0, 10, 25, 40, and 70 of the experiment. After 60 days of STZ administration, urine volume per day and UAE levels were significantly higher (P<0.0005) in diabetic controls (DC) as compared to normal controls (NC). Although feeding of the MK/BJ showed a trend towards improvement in most of the parameters, results were not statistically different from the DC except in serum creatinine values in BJ-fed rats on day 70. Thus, these plants can be best utilized by promoting them as preferable food adjuvants for diabetic patients.

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of Murraya koenigii leaves in diabetic rats

The commonly used spice curry patta (Murraya koenigii) is traditionally consumed by diabetics in southern part of India. Feeding of diet containing various doses of curry leaves (5, 10 and 15%) to normal rats for 7 days as well as mild diabetic (blood glucose levels >175 mg/dl induced by alloxan 35 mg/kg IP) and moderate diabetic rats (blood glucose levels >250 mg/dl induced by STZ 60 mg/kg IP) for 5 weeks showed varying hypoglycemic and anti-hyperglycemic effect. In normal rats, reduction in blood glucose was almost negligible (approximately 4% with 10 and 15% diet). In mild and moderate diabetic rats, feeding of 5, 10 and 15% diet caused a maximal reduction in blood sugar by 13.1, 16.3 and 21.4% (NS, P<0.05 and 0.005) and 3.2, 5.58, 8.21% (NS), respectively. The mechanism of action is further discussed in light of results of previous and the present study.