Plant Extract

Abstract- Phaseolus vulgaris is an economically important crop. The most important disease which hampers its production is anthracnose which is found in almost every bean growing region of the world. Anthracnose in beans is caused by a hemibiotrophic fungus, namely Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Use of resistant genotypes will provide a long lasting solution to the economic losses caused by anthracnose as this method is biologically safe as well as cost effective. For the present investigation, nearly ten C. lindemuthianum isolates collected from Baramulla, Kashmir were used. Inoculum of each isolate was produced by inoculating bean extract medium with a monosporic culture of C. lindemuthianum, incubated at 25ºC for seven days, the spore suspension culture filtered through double layered muslin cloth and inoculum load was adjusted to 1.2 X 10 6 spores per milliliter with the help of a haemocytometer. Seed dip method was used for the inoculation of the test plant. The inoculated seed...

Populus tremula x Populus alba] 71 17.32/4.32 2(0) 13 Protein synthesis gi|226505926 Elongation factor 1-delta [Zea mays] 71 24.77/4.39 2(0) Protein synthesis gi|357130500 Uncharacterized protein LOC100844455 [Brachypodium distachyon] 32 73.58/8.02 1(0) Unknown 8 gi|356516563 Elongation factor 1-delta-like [Glycine max] 113 25.02/4.42 2(2) Protein synthesis gi|356568196 Cationic peroxidase 1-like [Glycine max] 72 34.41/5.01 3(0) Defense gi|224037304 Putative elongation factor 1-beta, partial [Populus tremula x Populus alba] 56 17.32/4.32 1(1) Protein synthesis gi|356525022 Potassium transporter 17-like [Glycine max] 40 80.91/8.65 1(0) Transport 9 gi|356568196 Cationic peroxidase 1-like [Glycine max] 179 34.41/5.01 4(1) 14 Defense gi|1633130 Chain A, Peanut Peroxidase 119 31.16/8.06 3(1) 13 Defense gi|27448344 Peroxidase 2 [Lupinus albus] 73 37.29/9.47 2(1) Defense 10 gi|255630726 Unknown [Glycine max] 80 22.33/4.83 1(1) Unknown gi|2506470 Alpha-1,4 glucan phosphorylase L isozyme 34 113.51/5.63 1(0) Metabolism gi|5817720 Maturase-like protein (chloroplast) [Adesmia volckmannii] 30 61.15/8.98 1(0) Protein synthesis 11 gi|356507341 Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like [Glycine max] 724 54.91/8.43 14(7) 34 Metabolism gi|356500825 Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, cytoplasmic isozyme-like [Glycine max] 553 38.24/7.12 12(6) 34 Metabolism 12 gi|356507341 Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like [Glycine max] 850 54.91/8.43 21(10) 34 Metabolism 13 gi|356504480 NADP-dependent alkenal double bond reductase P1-like [Glycine max] 220 37.81/7.01 4(2) 12 Metabolism gi|388506034 Unknown [Lotus japonicus] 220 35.56/5.33 4(3) 17 Unknown gi|255529745 Isoflavone reductase-like protein [Coffea arabica] 85 34.36/5.55 2(1) Metabolism gi|356538694 Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase 2, chloroplastic-like [Glycine max] 82 42.93/8.24 2(1) Metabolism 14 gi|357499099 Aldose 1-epimerase family protein expressed [Medicago truncatula] 136 36.86/5.94 2(1) Metabolism gi|359806880 Uncharacterized protein LOC100809668 [Glycine max] 113 37.90/5.94 5(0) 18 Unknown gi|356538694 Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase 2, chloroplastic-like [Glycine max] 91 42.93/8.24 2(1) Metabolism gi|224482653 UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase [Annona cherimola] 70 51.29/5.81 2(0) Metabolism gi|22597178 Alcohol dehydrogenase 1 [Glycine max] 66 39.98/6.19 1(1) Metabolism

Two movement proteins (BV1 and BC1) facilitate the intra-and intercellular transport of begomoviruses in plants. In contrast to other geminiviruses the movement protein BC1 of Abutilon mosaic virus (AbMV) remained in the supernatant after centrifuging plant extracts at 20,000 g. To test whether this unusual behavior results from a distinct intracellular distribution of the protein, the BC1 gene has been fused to the gene of green fluorescent protein (GFP). The resulting plasmids were delivered into nonhost plants (Allium cepa) as well as into mature and immature cells of host plants (Nicotiana tabacum, N. benthamiana) by biolistic bombardment for transient expression in planta. BC1 directed GFP to two different cellular sites. In the majority of nonhost cells as well as in mature cells of host leaves, BC1 was mainly localized in small punctate flecks at the cell periphery or, to a lesser extent, around the nucleus. In sink leaves of host plants, GFP:BC1 additionally developed disc-like structures in the cell periphery. Cobombardment of GFP:BC1 with its cognate infectious DNA A and B did not change their subcellular distribution patterns in source leaves but led to the formation of peculiar needle-like structures in sink leaves. The nuclear shuttle protein (BV1) of AbMV accumulated mainly inside the nuclei as shown by immunohistochemical staining and GFP tagging. In sink cells of host plants it was mobilized to the plasma membrane and to the nucleus of the neighboring cell by coexpressed BC1, GFP:BC1, BC1:GFP, or after cobombardment with the cognate viral DNA. Only under these conditions were GFP:BC1 and BC1:GFP also found in the recipient cell.

Extracts from five indigenous Palestinian medicinal plants including Rosmarinus officinalis, Pisidium guajava, Punica granatum peel, grape seeds and Teucrium polium were investigated for antimicrobial and free radical scavenging activities against eight microorganisms, using well diffusion method. The microorganisms included six bacterial isolates (i.e. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginos, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus) and two fungal isolates (i.e. Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). A standard antioxidant assay was performed on the plant extracts to assess their capability in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Of the five tested plant extract, only Rosmarinus offcinalis extract contained significant antimicrobial activity against all eight microbial isolates including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extracts from other four plants exhibited a variable antimicrobial activity against all microorganisms, except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Significant antioxidant activity was detected in all plant extracts. However, extracts from Pisidium guajava leaves contained significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to the other extracts tested. The antimicrobial and scavenging activities detected in this in vitro study in extracts from the five Palestinian medicinal plants suggest that further study is needed to identify active compounds to target diseases caused by a wide-spectrum pathogens.

Context: Gallic acid and quercetin in sikkam leaves (Bischofia javanica) have scientific potential as antidiabetic agents. Quercetin suppresses hyperglycemia by inhibiting active glucose transport. Meanwhile, gallic acid acts as an antidiabetic is closely related to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidant compounds neutralize cells that experience oxidative stress by donating their hydrogen atoms. Aims: To analyze the degree of insulitis and insulin expression in the pancreatic cells of rats induced diabetes mellitus (DM) after giving B. javanica leaves extract. Methods: The treatment groups consisted of G0: negative control (-); G1: positive control (alloxan induction + standard feed); G2: alloxan induction + 300 mg/kg BW of B. javanica leaves ethanol extract; G3: alloxan induction + 600 mg/kg BW of B. javanica leaves ethanol extract; G4: alloxan induction + ethanol extract of B. javanica leaves 900 mg/kg BW and G5: alloxan induction + glibenclamide 4.5 mg/kg BW. At day 28, the rat...

Development of edible films proves to be a potential alternative for conventional synthetic plastic based preservation employed in food packaging industry, since the use of chemical additives has raised questions for the consumption of such preserved foods. Application of antimicrobial compounds from natural resources such as plants would be better substitutes when incorporated into biodegradable edible films thus enhancing their safety. Several compounds which have been proposed to have such antimicrobial activity against food borne pathogens are found to be extracts or essential oils from plant origin. Studying the physicochemical properties of such compounds incorporated in edible films will provide a better insight in improving the mechanical strength and stability of the films and enable their successful development. This review focuses on the use of edible coatings as carriers of natural antimicrobials which can be used to preserve fruits and vegetables for increasing their sh...

The aim of this study was to screen and evaluate the antimicrobial activity of indigenous Jordanian plant extracts, dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide, using the rapid XTT assay and viable count methods. XTT rapid assay was used for the initial screening of antimicrobial activity for the plant extracts. Antimicrobial activity of potentially active plant extracts was further assessed using the "viable plate count" method. Four degrees of antimicrobial activity (high, moderate, weak and inactive) against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, were recorded. The plant extracts of Hypericum triquetrifolium, Ballota undulata, Ruta chalepensis, Ononis natrix, Paronychia argentea and Marrubium vulgare had shown promising antimicrobial activity. This study showed that while both XTT and viable count methods are comparable when estimating the overall antimicrobial activity of experimental substances, there is no strong linear correlation between the two methods.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies distinguished by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Extracts of the V. album leaves was reported to exert a beneficial effect to alleviate the symptoms of diabetes in local medicines. The aim of present investigation is to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of V. album extracts on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Thirty two female Wistar albino rats, aging 6-7 weeks, were included in the present study. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group I (Control), Group II (V. album), Group III (Diabeteic), Group IV (Diabetic + V. album). After experimental period, all animals were decapitated, blood was collected and sera were separated. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, cholesterol, triglyceride, folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and glucose were determined by using automatic analyzer. Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Oxidative Status (TOS) analyses were measured ELISA. The levels of glucose (p≤0.05), vitamin B12 (p≤0.05), TOS (p≤0.05) were significantly decreased and TAC (p≤0.05) increased in diabetic+V. album group compared to diabetic group. In conclusion extracts of V. album have antidiabetic effects that significantly decreased glucose level when treated with V. album only 20 days of experiment. Viscum album had a stronge antioxidant activity that can help to prevent the formation of diabetic complications.

Aim of the study: Mint (Mentha L.) is a genus of the family Lamiaceae. It includes approximately 39-42 species. Water mint (M. aquatica L.) is used as a medicinal, decorative, insecticidal plant. Essential oil of mint is widely used in perfumery and medicine. Material and Methods: An overview of the botanical characteristics of mint water, its uses and cultivation is given. Various sources for the study of this species, biotechnological research and the composition of its essential oil were analyzed. Results: Among the most common ones, there are species that can be used in the preparation of food products, in cosmetics (Japanese mint (M. japonica (Miq.) Makino) and peppermint (M. piperita L.)), in phytotherapy and aromatherapy (water mint, peppermint, pennyroyal (M. pulegium L.)), in pharmacology (peppermint, pennyroyal). M. aquatica is capable for spontaneous interspecific hybridization within the genus. It has several chemotypes with different essential oil compositions. Essentia...

A micropropagação da videira é utilizada com diversos objetivos, entre eles a multiplicação rápida de plantas, propagação de novos híbridos e obtenção de matrizes livres de patógenos. A utilização de extratos vegetais com ação antiviral na micropropagação mostra-se como uma forma alternativa e mais econômica na obtenção de matrizes livres de vírus. Este trabalho teve como objetivo testar os extratos aquosos de Dalbergia monetaria (spray-dryer e liofilizada) e os óleos essenciais de Melaleuca alternifolia e Calendula officinalis em diferentes concentrações na micropropagação de videira cv. Bordô. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: número de estacas, comprimento médio dos brotos, número de folhas, número de raízes por micro-estaca e comprimento da raiz principal. O extrato de D. monetaria spray-dry, reduziu o número de estacas e folhas, porém, foi efetivo no aumento do comprimento médio dos brotos e da raiz principal. D. monetaria liofilizado aumentou o número de raízes. Para calêndula não houve efeito, porém para Melaleuca alternifólia houve uma redução no número de estacas de modo linear com o aumento da concentração. Embora não se tenha benefícios diretos na micropropagação, este estudo serve de base na busca por substâncias antivirais, pois os mesmos não foram fitotóxicos.

A micropropagação da videira é utilizada com diversos objetivos, entre eles a multiplicação rápida de plantas, propagação de novos híbridos e obtenção de matrizes livres de patógenos. A utilização de extratos vegetais com ação antiviral na micropropagação mostra-se como uma forma alternativa e mais econômica na obtenção de matrizes livres de vírus. Este trabalho teve como objetivo testar os extratos aquosos de Dalbergia monetaria (spray-dryer e liofilizada) e os óleos essenciais de Melaleuca alternifolia e Calendula officinalis em diferentes concentrações na micropropagação de videira cv. Bordô. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: número de estacas, comprimento médio dos brotos, número de folhas, número de raízes por micro-estaca e comprimento da raiz principal. O extrato de D. monetaria spray-dry, reduziu o número de estacas e folhas, porém, foi efetivo no aumento do comprimento médio dos brotos e da raiz principal. D. monetaria liofilizado aumentou o número de raízes. Para calêndula não houve efeito, porém para Melaleuca alternifólia houve uma redução no número de estacas de modo linear com o aumento da concentração. Embora não se tenha benefícios diretos na micropropagação, este estudo serve de base na busca por substâncias antivirais, pois os mesmos não foram fitotóxicos.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) of <em>Syzygium cumini</em> against <em>Vibrio cholerae</em> particularly two serogroups <em>Ogawa</em> and <em>Inaba</em>. The phenolic content of the ELE was found high which is comparable to ascorbic acid. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was then performed to check the cytotoxic effects of ELE. The lower LC50value of ELE obtained indicated its less cytotoxic properties. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was then evaluated by the disc diffusion method against multi-drug resistant <em>Vibrio </em>serogroups <em>Ogawa</em>and <em>Inaba</em>. The extract effectively inhibited the growth of both serogroups. Altogether, the results demonstrated that the ELE of <em>S. cumini</em> has a significant vibriocidal activity that might be useful as a drug for the treatment of cholera.

Background Spices traditionally have been used as coloring agents, flavoring agents, preservatives, food additives and medicine in Bangladesh. The present work aimed to find out the antimicrobial activity of natural spices on multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli isolates. Methods Anti-bacterial potentials of six crude plant extracts (Allium sativum, Zingiber officinale, Allium cepa, Coriandrum sativum, Piper nigrum and Citrus aurantifolia) were tested against five Escherichia coli isolated from potable water sources at kushtia, Bangladesh. Results All the bacterial isolates were susceptible to undiluted lime-juice. None of them were found to be susceptible against the aqueous extracts of garlic, onion, coriander, pepper and ginger alone. However, all the isolates were susceptible when subjected to 1:1:1 aqueous extract of lime, garlic and ginger. The highest inhibition zone was observed with lime (11 mm). Conclusion Natural spices might have anti-bacterial activity against enteric ...

The present study evaluated the effects of a novel plant extract (PE) product (GrazixTM) on the performance and gut health of weaned piglets challenged withEscherichia coli.The PE was a standardised mixture of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) obtained by using the LiveXtractTMprocess. A total of 144 piglets were weaned at 24 days and allocated to 8 for a 35-day experiment with a 2×2×2 factorial design comparing different treatments (water without product (CT) or 8 μl/kg per day PE in drinking water (PE)), feeding regimens (ad libitum(AD) or restricted (RE)) and oralE. colichallenges on day 9 (sham (−) or infected (+)). There were six pens per group with three piglets per pen. On day 35, 24 of the RE feeding piglets were slaughtered. It was found that PE supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) from day 28 to day 35 (P=0.03) and increased the gain to feed ratio (G : F) from day 7 to day 14 (P=0.02). RE feeding led to lower fee...

The aim of this work was to test the potential use of plant-derived extracts and compounds to control Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens. Over a 7-wk feeding period, birds were fed a commercial diet with or without plant extracts (Acacia decurrens, Eremophila glabra), essential oil [lemon myrtle oil (LMO)], plant secondary compounds [terpinene-4-ol and α-tops (including α-terpineol, cineole, and terpinene-4-ol)], and the antibiotic virginiamycin. Traditional culture and real-time quantitative PCR techniques were used to enumerate the numbers of C. jejuni in chicken fecal and cecal samples. In addition, BW and feed intake were recorded weekly for the calculation of BW gain and feed conversion ratio. The mean log10 counts of C. jejuni were similar (P > 0.05) across treatments. However, significantly lower levels of fecal Campylobacter counts (P < 0.05) were recorded at d 41 for the α-tops treatment by culture methods. No differences (P > 0.05) in BW gain were obtained f...

Many reports have been published about the biogenesis of silver nanoparticles using several plant extracts such as Pelargonium graveolens (P.graveolens- geranium) and Azadirachta indica (neem) but the capacity of their natural reducing constituents to form silver nanoparticles has not yet been studied. In this research the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using geraniol has been investigated. We successfully synthesized uniformly dispersed silver nanoparticles with a uniform size and shape in the range of 1 to 10 nm with an average size of 6 nm. Also the cytotoxicity of the prepared silver nanoparticles was investigated using a cancer cell line (Fibrosarcoma-Wehi 164). The cytotoxicity analysis of the sample shows a direct dose-response relationship; cytotoxicity increased at higher concentrations. At concentration of 1 µg/ml, silver nanoparticles was able to inhibit the cell line's growth by less than 30%. Conversly, the presence of 5 µg/ml of silver nanoparticlse significantl...

Antimicrobial resistance is a subject of great concern in public health and also in the designing of strategies for current therapeutic protocols all over the world. New drugs, including those necessary for a reserve armamentarium and exhibiting less side effects deserve special attention. In rural areas, particularly in Brazil, a huge number of natural products, in different artisanal preparations, mainly from plants, have been used by traditional populations to cure diseases. Despite some of these plants have been studied, many of them are awaiting to have their compounds chemically characterized and investigated their pharmacodynamics properties. Further, as well known, the environment plays a crucial role in the metabolism of these plants, yielding different and varied molecular complexes depending on the period of collection, climate conditions, kind of soil and also the plant speciation. In this report, ethanol crude extract of 10 different botanical specimens from the Amazon ...

Non-parenchymal cells might play an important role in the modulation of xenobiotic metabolism in liver and its pharmacological and toxicological consequences. Therefore, the role of cell-to-cell interactions in herbal induced liver toxicity was investigated in monocultures of cells from the human hepatocyte cell line (HepG2) and in co-cultures of cells from the HepG2 cell line and cells from the human monocyte cell line (THP1). Cells were treated with various concentrations (1–500 µg ml−1) of extracts ofPistacia palaestina,Juglans regiaandQuercus ithaburensisfor 24 h. Extracts fromCleome droserifolia, a known toxic plant, were taken as positive control. In the co-culture system, toxic effects were observed after exposure to extracts ofPistacia palestinaandC. droserifolia. These two extracts significantly reduced by cell viability as measured the MTT test and the LDH assay. Whereas in hepatocyte cultures, only extracts ofC. droserifoliawere found to affect the cell viability. The pro...

This work aimed to investigate the antidiabetic, antiglycation, and antioxidant potentials of the ethanol extract of seeds of Passiflora cincinnata (EPCIN) in vitro. The EPCIN was evaluated from the following assays: total phenolic content (TPC – mg of Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE)/g of dry extract), Radical Scavenging Assays (DPPH•, HOCl-scavenging assay), and protective effects against glycation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with methylglyoxal (MGO) or a mixture of reducing sugars, fructose and glucose, as well as the potential for MGO capture by derivatization with ortho-phenylenediamine (OPD). To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of EPCIN in vitro, we used the assays of enzymes α-amylase (4 U/mL), α-glucosidase (0.25 U/mL), and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4 – 3.125 mU). The cell viability of EPCIN-pretreated normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) alone or in the presence of the carcinogen 4-[(acetoxymethyl)nitrosamine]-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNKOAc) was measured u...

INTRODUCERE Interesul în antioxidanţi naturali, în special cei proveniţi din plante medicinale, a crescut în ultimii ani, inclusiv prin multiple studii și publicaţii. Este cunoscut faprul că tot mai multe plante se caracteriează cu valoare biologică sporită prin polifenoli, acizi fenolici, flavonoide, substanţe tanante și alţi compuși chimici ce au proprietatea de a capta radicalii liberi. Plecând de la ideea că una dintre direcţiile curente de dezvoltare a industriei farmaceutice este obţinerea și utilizarea plantelor cu diverse principii active bogate în antioxidanţi, publicarea dată prezintă cercetări efectuate în scopul evaluării unor plante din colecţie: Agrimonia eupatoria L. și Cichorium inthybus L. SCOPUL LUCRĂRII Evaluarea capacităţii antioxidante a plantelor medicinale: Agrimonia eupatoria L., Cichorium intybus L., specii din colecţia Centrului ȘtiinţificoPractic în Domeniul Plantelor Medicinale (CȘPDPM) a USMF ”Nicolae Testemiţanu”. MATERIALE SI METODE Activitatea antioxi...

We describe a chromatographic method that uses isocratic elution and pulsed amperometric detection to determine soluble carbohydrates in plant tissues. Such a method provides a rapid and convenient means to obtain a complete profile of the sugar components of leaves and roots from olive (Olea europaea L. cv. Coratina) plants. A simple purification of plant extracts using pure water was developed, which is far less time-consuming and retains a high level of accuracy. Excellent separation of myo-inositol, galactinol, mannitol, galactose, glucose, fructose, sucrose, raffinose, and stachyose was achieved with an anion-exchange column and 12 mM NaOH spiked with 1 mM barium acetate as an eluent. At a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, the time of analysis was less than 25 min, and repeatability of the method on the order of 2.2% as RSD or better for retention times and lower than 5.2% for peak areas. Recoveries approximated 100% (range 97.2-104.5%), and the method provided good precision with a coefficient of variation which ranged between 0.9 and 3.3%. Among identified carbohydrates extracted from leaves and roots of olive plants, glucose and mannitol were major compounds. Their molar ratio was estimated to be 1.2 (0.1 and 2.2 (0.3 for olive leaves and roots, respectively. The occurrence of soluble galactinol in plant tissues was also validated. Green plants produce carbohydrates through the process of photosynthesis. These compounds are used either as energy sources for vegetative growth and development or as precursors in the biosynthesis of a wide range of molecules, including lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides. 1 Selected plant species appear to have evolved the biochemical processes and physiological conditions necessary for withstanding unfavorable environmental variables, including drought, flooding, salinity, irradiance, and both high and low temperatures. 2,3 Nonstructural carbohydrates, among other solutes, are involved as osmoregulators and osmoprotectants

The chemical composition of leaf (B-1) and flower (B-2) essential oils of Buddleja polystachya was investigated by GC-MS. Moreover, the essential oils were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using the broth micro-dilution assay for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). The crystal violet staining method (CVS) was used for evaluation of their cytotoxic activity on HepG-2 and MCF-7 human cell lines. The chemical investigation of the oils led to the identification of thirty three constituents in B-1, and thirty seven in B-2, representing 99.02 % and 99.64 % of the oils respectively. Oxygenated monoterpenes were found to be the major group in both B-1 (54.80 %) and B-2 (82.44 %). It was found that B-1 consisted mainly of camphor (48.96 %), camphene (12.89 %), α-guaiene (12.09 %), bulnesol (6.36 %), limonene (4.42 %), camphol (3.92 %), α-pinene (3.54 %), 3-carene (2.93%), β-pinene (1.10%) and α-terpineol (1.01%). B-2 was characterized by high contents of camphor (77.51 %), camphene (6.79 %), camphol (3.81 %), α-pinene (2.21 %), nopol (2.18 %), β-eudesmol (1.64 %) and limonene (1.35 %). Both oils showed moderate antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive strains and C. albicans. However, no activity was shown against Gram-negative bacteria for B-2, while B-1 showed moderate activity on E. coli. B-1 and B-2 showed cytotoxic activity against both MCF-7 and HepG-2 carcinoma cell lines. Both B-1 and B-2 exhibited a significant cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (IC 50 = 1.2 and 2.1 μg/ml, respectively) compared to vinblastine sulphate as reference drug (IC 50 = 4.6 μg/ml).

The present study was to evaluate the antifertility (oestrous cycle study) potential of Curcuma longa leaves extract (ethanol) on female Wistar rats. The antifertility activity of the ethanol extract of leaf (Curcuma longa) was evaluated by one method namely oestrous cycle study in female rats. In estrous cycle study, the extract (50mg and 100mg/kg b.w) was administered for 15 days to cover three regular estrous cycles. A vaginal smear from each animal was observed every morning and the duration of each stage of the cycle was noted. The ethanolic extract showed significant increase (p<0.05) in duration of di oestrous phase and significant decrease (p<0.05) in duration of meta oestrous phase as compared to control group. The ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa leaf has Antifertility activity due to presence of phytochemical like flavonoids which justifies the use of this plant for fertility control.

Cynara scolymus L. (CS), usually known as globe artichoke, is a Mediterranean plant with antioxidant properties due to its content of polyphenols, including caffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids. The use of bioactive ingredients or phytochemicals extracted from plant tissues in cosmetics is increasing, thus artichoke extract due to its promising constituents can be incorporated in topical formulations. The aim of this study was the chemical characterization of different CS extracts in order to investigate the antioxidant and the sun protection potential in topical formulations. Aqueous extracts were analyzed by HPLC to quantify target compounds, such as cynarin, chlorogenic acid and cynaroside. Antioxidant activity by DPPH assay and ROS scavenging activity in HaCaT cells, as well as cytotoxicity assays and sun protection factor were assessed. The results showed that CS extract and CSC fraction, one of the purified fractions, were rich in polyphenols and presented antioxidant and photoprotective activity. Then, both fractions were incorporated in two topical formulations: O/W emulsion and hydrogel. Physicochemical characterization, microbiological control, cytotoxicity assays and ROS scavenging activity in HaCaT cells were performed to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the products developed. In vivo studies, Human Repeat Insult Patch Testing and an assay to determine their antioxidant capacity, were also performed. Besides the excellent antioxidant and photoprotective activity, the final formulations proved to be also suitable and safe for topical use.

Speciation of arsenic (As) compounds in environmental samples requires rigorous analytical procedures at each stage of sample collection, treatment and measurement. In view of the very high number of As species occurring in environmental samples, this article deals with only those that are considered toxic, including As-containing warfare agents and arsenobetaine (AB), because this is the most abundant As species in marine fish. With the exception of the tetramethylarsonium ion, acute toxicity generally decreases with increasing degree of methylation. The warfare agents considered are mostly phenylarsenic compounds. During storage, events, such as changes in oxidation state or induced by microbial activity or losses by volatilization or adsorption, have to be avoided. Extraction of arsenicals from soils and sediments is still a critical step that is not very well controlled. As long as marine animals are considered, extraction efficiencies >90% are commonly obtained [K.A. Francesconi, D. Kuehnelt, Analyst (Cambridge, UK) 129 (2004) 373]. This is logical, since marine animals are rich in AB, and this small molecule is soluble in water and methanol and in mixtures of them. In terrestrial organisms and plants, extraction efficiencies can be much lower and vary according to the extraction conditions. Since most environmental As species are generally present in soluble forms, liquid-separation techniques, first high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) but also capillary electrophoresis (CE), are most frequently used for separating As species. Fast separations can be performed with narrow-bore reversed-phase HPLC columns. Pre-column derivatizations with hydride generation [e.g., As(III), As(V), MA, DMA] and mercaptans/dimercaptans (e.g., Clarks I and II and Pfiffikus) allow separation of the arsenicals by gas chromatography (GC). The most popular detectors are inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), especially after HPLC separation and hydride formation, increasingly replacing atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), while HPLC-MS or HPLC-MS-MS (HPLC-MS2) is the detector of choice for (less toxic) arsenosugars and arsenolipids. For phenylarsenic warfare species, ultraviolet (UV) detection is also still used frequently. Finally, as other measurement fields, speciation analysis requires the availability of suitable reference materials (RMs) for verification of accuracy and quality assurance. We address these important aspects although the number of certified RMs is rather limited.

Cancer is a disease that involves uncontrolled cell growth has a potential to invade and spread in other parts of the body. They form neoplasm or a tumor a group of cells often converts into a mass or lump. Drugs which are used to treat it are known as antineoplastic or anti cancerous agents. There may be different causative factors which lead cancer. Hepatitis B virus, cigarette smoking, benzopyrene, asbestos, exposure of radiations have Cancer originating ability. Various naturally occurring as well as synthetic drugs have been investigated to treat it, Chemotherapy and radio therapy are frequently used today. But due to their huge side effects researches are going on. Among these use of naturally occurring anti cancerous drugs are rather more safe and cost effective.

The head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera:Pediculidae), is an obligate ectoparasite of humans that causes pediculosis capitis, a nuisance for millions of people worldwide, with high prevalence in children. Pediculosis capitis has been treated by methods that include the physical remotion of lice, various domestic treatments and conventional insecticides. None of these methods render complete protection, and there is clear evidence for the evolution of resistance and cross-resistance to conventional insecticides. Non-toxic alternative options are hence needed for head lice treatment and/or prevention, and natural products from plants, especially essential oils (EOs), are good candidates for safer control agents that may provide good anti-lice activity and low levels of evolved resistance. A few EOs have been tested as repellents with promissory results, although often in vitro tests and clinical trials produce contradictory results. A handful of fixed extracts and several EOs and their individual components have also been tested as contact pediculicides or fumigants. The studies have focused mainly on plant families characterized for the production of EOs. While many EOs and individual compounds showed pediculicide activity, comparing results is difficult due to the diverse bioassay methodologies. Studies of anti-lice activity of individual EO components provide the basis for preliminary conclusions of structure-activity relationships, although no clear patterns can yet be drawn. We here attempt to provide a concise compilation of the available information on anti-lice activity of plant extracts and plantderived compounds, which we hope may be of help for future developments in this area.

Asparagus racemosus Wild root has been used traditionally in Ayurveda for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery. However, the claims of Ayurveda need to be validated by a suitable experimental model. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus for its antidiarrhoeal potential against several experimental models of diarrhoea in Albino Wistar rats. The antidiarrhoeal activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus root was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhoea model in rats. Further, we evaluated the effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts on gastrointestinal tract motility after charcoal meal administration and PGE2 induced intestinal fluid accumulation (enteropooling). Loperamide was used as positive control. The plant extracts showed significant (P &lt; 0.05) inhibitor activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats when tested at 200 mg/kg. Bo...

We have studied the occurrence of native acylated (with acetates and/or p-coumarates) lignin in a large set of vascular plants, including both angiosperms and gymnosperms by DFRC and HSQC-NMR. Acylated lignin units were found in all angiosperms, including mono-and eudicotyledons, but were absent in the gymnosperms analyzed. Acylation occurred exclusively at the γ-carbon of the lignin-side chain and predominantly on syringyl units. In some plants (e.g. sisal, kenaf, abaca, curaua or hornbeam), lignin acylation occurred at a very high extent, up to 80 %. The structure of these highly-acylated lignins was characterized by a very high syringyl/guaiacyl ratio, a predominance of β-O-4´ linkages (up to 94% of all linkages) and a very low proportion of β-β´ linkages, which indeed are completely absent in the lignins from abaca and curaua. In all cases, acylation appears to occur at the monomer stage and sinapyl and coniferyl acetates have been demonstrated to behave as real lignin monomers participating in lignification.

RESUMO: Várias pesquisas vêm sendo desenvolvidas e direcionadas no descobrimento de novos agentes antimicrobianos provenientes de extratos de plantas e outros produtos naturais, para serem aplicados em produtos farmacêuticos e cosméticos. Atualmente, existem vários métodos para avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica dos extratos vegetais. Os mais conhecidos incluem método de difusão em ágar, método de macrodiluição e microdiluição. A proposta dessa revisão é apresentar diferentes métodos comumente utilizados na pesquisa de novos agentes antimicrobianos, provenientes de extratos vegetais, e elucidar os principais fatores interferentes. Dessa maneira, contribuir como fonte de pesquisa para o desenvolvimento de futuros trabalhos relacionado ao estudo de atividade antimicrobiana de produtos naturais. Unitermos: Atividade antimicrobiana, difusão em ágar, microdiluição, macrodiluição, concentração mínima inibitória (CMI), extrato vegetais. ABSTRACT: "Methods for evaluation of the antimicrobial activity and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of plant extracts". Several researches have been developed to search for new antimicrobial agents from extracts of plants and other natural products to be used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Nowadays there are many methods to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the plant extracts. The most known assays have been based on diffusion in agar; and micro and macrodilution methods. The purpose of this review is to describe the different methods commonly used for the determination of new antimicrobial agents from the plants extracts and elucidate the main interference factors. Moreover, this contributes as research source for future development of investigations related to the study of antimicrobial activity from natural products.

Antifungal Activity of Three Fern Extracts on Causative Agents of Groundnut Early Leaf Spot and Rust DiseasesAntimycotic activity of three fern extracts fromHemionitis arifolia(Burm.f.) Moore.,Pteridium aquilinum(Linn.) Kuhn. andChristella parasitica(Linn.) H. Lev. were evaluated against groundnut early leaf spot and rust disease causative agentsviz., Puccinia arachidisSpeg. andPhaeoisariopsis personata(Berk & M.A. Cuortis) Vanarx., espectively by mycelial dry weight method. Both the fungi were sensitive to all the three fern extracts tested. Among the extracts, chloroform extract ofH. arifoliawas found to have maximum antifungal activity against both fungi. Between these two fungi,P. personatawas found to be more sensitive to the tested plant extracts thanP. arachidis.From this study it is concluded that chloroform extract fromH. arifoliacan be utilized for managing rust and leaf spots diseases on groundnut.

In this study we planned to identify and quantify the lipid composition of Saudi Lepidium sativum seed and to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of the extracted fixed oil . GC- MS analysis of the fixed oil revealed the presence of 16 components. Major constituents are :β-amyrin(31.33%) ,9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid methyl ester(15.97%) ,9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester(11.93%),α-amyrin(9.32%) , 11-eicosenoic acid methyl ester (6.64%), 9,12– octadecadienoic acid (6.03%) , hexadecanoic acid methyl ester(5.24%) . In cup plate agar diffusion bioassay, the oil which was extracted by two different methods (soxhlet and maceration) was evaluated for antimicrobial activity and the effect of .the method of extraction on the the antimicrobial potency was investigated.

An experiment to study the effect of sea water on different samples of steel was conducted. Samples of steel-U8, steel-45 and alpha-Iron were immersed in a solution of NaCl prepared in the laboratory and their changes in mass studied for a certain period at room temperature. It was found out that steel-45 is more likely to undergo corrosion than steel-U8.

The antiquity of the use of hunting poisons has received much attention in recent years. In this paper we present the results of a pilot study designed to detect the presence of organic compounds, typically of less than 1200 Da, from poisonous plants that may have been used as hunting poisons in the past. We used ultra-performance liquid chromatography connected to a Synapt G2 high-resolution MS-QTOF mass spectrometer (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to provisionally identify plant-based toxins present in (1) extracts of fresh plant material, (2) a blind control recipe consisting of three plant ingredients and (3) a Hei||om arrow poison of unknown ingredients. Although not all expected toxic compounds were identified, those that were identified compared favourably with those reported in the literature and confirmed through databases, specifically the Dictionary of Natural Products and ChemSpider. MS/MS fragmentation patterns and accurate mass were used for tentative identification of compounds becaus...