Pharmacological Research - Natural Products最新文献

Introduction

Ocimum known as Tulsi has various health benefits mentioned in Ayurveda. Ocimum polysaccharides are used in pharmacology as the capacity to prevent ageing, boost immunity, suppress tumor growth, reduce diabetes mellitus and function as an antioxidant. Therefore, the goal of the current investigation was to examine the antibacterial and antifungal activities of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum essential oils.

Method

Essential oils of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Ocimum gratissimum were extracted by hydrodistillation method and antibacterial and antifungal activities were done by agar well diffusion and broth micro dilution method. Furthermore, In silico toxicity analysis was done by the SwissADME server.

Result

Ocimum gratissimum essential oil was found to have an extraction yield of 2.75 ± 0.5 % and 3.90 ± 0.5 % for O. tenuiflorum. α-thujene (15.33 %), eugenol (16.11 %) and β-terpineol (7.75 %) were the major phytocompounds of O. tenuiflorum whereas chavibetol (17.70), α-pinene (15.16 %) and bicyclosesquiphellandrene (9.07 %) were the major phytocompounds of O. gratissimum essential oil. Forging ahead, essential oil of O. tenuiflorum showed MIC of 0.078 % against E. coli ATCC29213, 0.3125 % against K. pneumoniae MTCC39, 0.078 % against S. aureus ATCC25922, 0.625 % against both C. albicans, MTCC277 and ATCC90028, however, essential oil of O. gratissimum showed MIC of 1.25 % against E. coli ATCC29213, followed by K. pneumonia MTCC39 (2.5 %) and S. aureus ATCC25922 (2.5 %) and 5.0 % against both C. albicans MTCC277 and ATCC90028. Certainly, phytocompounds of both the Ocimum spp. also fulfilled the Lipinski rule and showed characteristics similar to drugs. β-terpinole demonstrated the best antibacterial activity with a P_a value of 0610 and β-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide had the best antifungal activity with a P_a value of 0647.

Conclusion

To conclude, the current study showed that O. tenuiflorum and O. gratissimum have good antibacterial and antifungal activity and on the basis of further experimentation, can be used as a source of natural antimicrobials.

Background

Terminalia catappa is a traditional medicinal plant used for several ailments among the local folks. Among the locals, the stem bark is an important constituent of polyherbal remedies for the treatment of cancer and metabolic diseases; however, there is a paucity of scientific reports on it. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antierectile dysfunction effects of Terminalia catappa stem bark extract (TSBE).

Methods

The HPLC phytochemical profiling, total phenol content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity of the extract were delineated. The inhibitory effects of TSBE on activities of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), arginase, phosphodiesterase-5′ (PDE-5′), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ecto-5 nucleotidase (Ecto-5-NTD) were estimated following standard procedures.

Results

HPLC of TSBE profiled ferulic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, rutin, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, apiginin and quercetin. TSBE had IC₅₀ values of 49.19 µg/mL and 55.42 µg/mL in terms of scavenging DPPH and NO radicals, respectively. The TSBE inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities with IC₅₀ values of 71.53 µg/mL and 105.11 µg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effects of TSBE on AChE, arginase, PDE-5′, and ACE revealed IC₅₀ values higher than that of standards. TSBE demonstrated a stimulatory effect on ecto-5-NTD activity.

Conclusion

TSBE revealed promising antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and antierectile dysfunction (anti-ED) properties which may be associated with the bioactive compounds present in the extract.

Background

The worldwide incidence of morbidity and mortality linked to diabetes mellitus is on the ascent, with insulin resistance (IR) standing out as a key characteristic. Given the restricted safety and effectiveness observed in current therapeutic approaches, there exists a demand for novel anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals. This study aims to explore the impact of Hentriacontane, a naturally occurring long-chain alkane hydrocarbon, in an experimental model of IR induced by dexamethasone. The animals were administered dexamethasone (0.08 mg/kg b.w. s.c.) for six weeks to produce IR in the experimental animals. The animals distributed into five groups (n = 6) were: Normal group, IR group, IR + Hentriacontane low dose (2 mg/kg b.w./day p.o.), IR + Hentriacontane high dose (5 mg/kg b.w./day p.o.), and IR + Metformin (250 mg/kg b.w./day p.o.). Following the experimental period, blood/serum samples were taken for the assessment of various biochemical parameters, and a histopathological investigation of the pancreas was carried out.

Results

The inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of Hentriacontane in various in-vitro assays targeting anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant effects indicates its efficacy in mitigating diabetes and scavenging free radicals. Findings from in-vivo studies demonstrate that this phytoconstituent notably lowers fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels in dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats. Administration of hentriacontane effectively counteracts dexamethasone-induced impairments in oral glucose tolerance tests. Further, Hentriacontane normalizes lipid profiles and restores beta-cell function in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

This study has provided scientific support and evidence that Hentriacontane has a positive hypoglycemic impact on insulin-resistant rats induced by dexamethasone. Additional studies are required to ascertain the most effective dosage, duration of therapy and molecular mode of action.

Introduction

Manilkara zapota, commonly referred to as Sapodilla, Chikoo, or Sapota, is a well-known member of the Sapotaceae family and is used for traditional medicinal purposes all over the world. It is a prominent commercial crop cultivated extensively in Indonesia, India, Malaysia, as well as Sri Lanka. Numerous phytochemicals have been extracted from different portions of the plant, and various parts of the tree have historically been employed to cure illnesses like dysentery, fever, and diarrhoea. This paper provides a summary of the botanical, taxonomical, pharmacological, and phytochemical components of Manilkara zapota. This article also discusses the bioactivities of the plant, such as its antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, anthelmintic, anticancer, and antiarthritis properties.

Method

We used electronic databases like ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and Scopus to perform a comprehensive literature investigation in order to collect enough relevant and sufficient records for our review paper. Only scholarly works that were released between 2000 and 2024 are taken into account.

Results

The medicinal potential of Manilkara zapota is vast, encompassing a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anthelminthic, analgesic, and antiaging effects. Approximately 21 compounds have been identified and isolated from various parts of the plant, exhibiting significant pharmacological activities. However, to fully unlock and understand the therapeutic capabilities of Manilkara zapota and its isolated chemical constituents, further in vivo pharmacological and toxicological studies are necessary.

Conclusion

These studies will not only deepen our understanding of the plant's medicinal properties but also pave the way for its broader and more effective application in clinical settings. Thus, continued exploration and investigation are essential for realizing the full potential of Manilkara zapota in medical practice.

Background and aim

Pterygota alata (Roxb.) R. Br. is a large, broad-leaved evergreen plant in the family Malvaceae (formerly Sterculiaceae). The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of methanolic extract of the leaves (200 mg/kg bw and 400 mg/kg bw) of P. alata focusing on analgesic, hypoglycemic, and anti-diarrheal potentials on the Swiss Albino mice model.

Methods

Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was employed to identify the bioactive compounds from the plant species. The tail flicking procedure and acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition were carried out to estimate central and peripheral analgesic properties. The anti-diarrheal property of the herbaceous extractive was assessed employing the castor oil-induced antidiarrheal approach, while the hypoglycemia was estimated employing the tail-tipping method.

Results

The study reported a total of thirty-seven phytoconstituents by using GC-MS analysis, where erucamide (25.5 %), 8,11,14-Docosatrienoic acid, methyl ester (14.58 %), methyl linoleate (12.67 %), and methyl palmitate (9.23 %) were most abundant in the plant species. In evaluating central analgesia, the leaf extract of P. alata exerted significant central analgesic (200 mg/kg bw and 400 mg/kg bw) efficacy. The acetic acid-induced writhing was inhibited by 45.84 % and 66.67 % at both doses, demonstrating a promising peripheral analgesic effect compared to diclofenac sodium (75.00 %). On the contrary, hypoglycemic actions remained dosage and time-dependent. In the antidiarrheal activity assay, the number of diarrheal feces was reduced significantly by 40.00 % (200 mg/kg) and 68.00 % (400 mg/kg), correspondingly, which was comparable to the positive control loperamide (72.00 %). In addition, the study of acute oral toxicity revealed that the extracts of the plant species were found to be safe, with a median lethal dose (LD₅₀) value greater than 1000 mg/kg.

Conclusion

The current study supports the assertion that the P. alata plant species is rich in numerous phytoconstituents and has the potential for traditional application in managing pain, hyperglycemia, and diarrhea. Nonetheless, additional investigation is necessary to extract and identify the bioactive compounds from the plant, which is crucial for advancing the discovery of novel medicinal compounds aimed at addressing a range of health conditions.

Background

Forest bathing is a traditional Japanese custom that involves immersing oneself in forest settings for extended periods. It is recognized for its positive impacts on psychological and physiological well-being. Phytoncides play a key role in the benefits of forest bathing and have begun to be investigated for their immunotherapeutic potential. It is important to investigate their immunomodulating effects within both forest and clinical settings.

Purpose

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of phytoncides on immune functioning.

Materials and methods

A PICO-SD framework was used to screen studies from databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, and Trent University’s Omni portal. Selection criteria involved studies of adults aged 18+ exposed to phytoncides, comparing those exposed with control groups. The outcomes of eligible studies focused on immunological measures, excluding survey and qualitative research. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized controlled trials and the ROB-2 for randomized controlled trials. Six studies (79 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis included standardized mean difference effect sizes (Cohen’s d) with a random effects model using the Hartung-Knapp adjustment and 95 % confidence intervals for continuous data.

Results

This review found favourable immunological outcomes of phytoncide treatment, including increases in NK cells, T-cells, and cytotoxic effector molecules. Meta-analysis indicated a significant increase in NK cell activation (Effect Size: 2.50; 95 % CI [1.94–3.05]; p < 0.05; I² = 50.47 %).

Conclusions

The evolving landscape of phytoncide research calls for randomized controlled trials using specific phytoncides to establish the efficacy and safety of phytoncides in diverse healthcare settings.

The present study was aimed at examining the anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extracts obtained from an endemic plant, Jatropha maheshwarii through employing different assays. The ethanol extract of J. maheshwarii, at a concentration of 500 µg/ml, exhibited a membrane stabilizing effect (78.21 %) on human red blood cells. As regards proteinase inhibitory activity, the ethanol extract showed the higher activity (80.32 %) and the lower by aqueous extract (79.61 %) at a concentration of 500 µg/ml. The protein denaturation inhibition assay showed the higher activity for ethanol (78.26 %) and the lower by aqueous (75.73 %) extracts at a concentration of 500 µg/ml. The anti-inflammatory activity of the plant extracts can be reasoned to the bioactive principles of the plant. On this basis, the phytoconstituents were assayed using preliminary qualitative screening and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analyses; phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and cardiac glycosides were detected in the crude extracts. Twenty-two bioactive compounds were identified in the ethanol and aqueous extracts that includes13-docosenamide, (Z)- ((Z)-docos-13-enamide) (15.65 %), 4-propylbenzaldehyde (15.20 %), dibutyl phthalate (dibutyl benzene-1, 2-dicarboxylate) (15.10 %), behenic alcohol (Docosan-1-ol) (14.48 %), gamma-sitosterol (14.45 %), cetyl alcohol (Hexadecane-1-ol) (13.62 %), Tetradecyl trifluoroacetate (Tetradecyl 2, 2, 2-Trifluoroacetate) (11.49 %) and1-pentadecene (Pentadic-1-ene) (11.24 %).

Syzygium samarangense is a plant well known for its various medicinal and therapeutic properties. In this research work, the phytochemical constituents or bioactive compounds present in different extracts of the leaves of this plant, as well as the anti-microbial activity of these leave extracts were studied in three different solvents (aqueous, ethanolic, and hexane) of varying polarity. The dried Syzygium samarangense leaves were employed and the extracts were obtained via cold maceration technique at room temperature. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the leave extracts unearthed the presence of some bioactive components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. The UV-Visible and the FT-IR spectroscopic analysis of the three crude extracts indicated the presence of alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, amines, aromatic compounds, carboxylic acids, nitro-containing compounds, and phenols. The total phenolic and flavonoids contents were found to be 162.03±0.05–90.42±0.28 ppm and 148.24±0.07–99.64±0.08 ppm, respectively. The extracts were subjected to anti-microbial activities in order to ascertain the medicinal and therapeutic properties. The antibacterial activity of Syzygium samarangense leaves extract was determined by disc diffusion method with slight modification. The crude extracts of Syzygium samarangense (hexane, ethanol, and aqueous, with Ciprofloxacin as control) were tested against 4 pathogenic bacteria species: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Salmonella paratyphi A, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial activity expressed as inhibition zone diameters of the Syzygium samarangense extracts (hexane, ethanolic, and aqueous) at concentrations 1 mg disc-1 against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella paratyphi A, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. It was observed that the ethanol extract of Syzygium samarangense offered a maximum inhibition zone of 22.03±0.096 mm and 17±0.182 mm against the E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. These results indicate that the crude extracts from Syzygium samarangense leaves have the potential to act as natural antimicrobial agents against pathogenic bacteria.

Numerous plants and their phytochemicals have been identified as having potential medicinal values and are used to treat different ailments worldwide. (±) Citronellal (CTL) is a monoterpene phytochemical with potential therapeutic benefits including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial actions.

Aim

The present study aimed to evaluate the membrane-stabilizing and clot-lysis activities of CTL through in vitro studies. For this, we performed hypotonic solution-induced erythrocyte lysing and human blood clot lysis methods to check the membrane-stabilizing and clot lysis capacities of CTL using acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and streptokinase (STK) as standards, respectively. CTL exhibited concentration-dependent membrane-stabilizing activity with an IC₅₀ = 28.83 ± 1.19 µg/mL. In the clot lysis test, CTL also showed a concentration-dependent clot lysing capacity, where it exhibited 50.46 ± 3.81 % clot lysis at a concentration of 160 μg/mL. In the latter case, the IC₅₀ value was I158.22 ± 2.21 µg/mL. CTL exhibit potent membrane-stabilizing and moderate clot-lysis activity. We suppose that CTL may exert these effects, possibly through its capacity to inhibit inflammatory mediators. Further in vivo and in silico studies are required to elucidate CTL’s exact molecular mechanisms behind these biological effects.

Sickle cell disease affects millions of people worldwide and has been recognized as a global health concern by WHO. Presently, there is no cure for sickle cell disease. Treatment options which include bone marrow, stem cell transplantation, blood transfusions, and hydroxyurea are not only expensive but have their side effects. Medicinal plants are often employed in the treatment of diseases because of the therapeutic effects of the secondary metabolites in them. Vigna subterranean an important leguminous crop in Africa, is used in some parts of the world for the treatment and management of sickle cell disease. However, there are no established link between the use of Vigna subterranean and their pharmacological effects. The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of Vigna subterranean on a variant of sickle cell disease known as sickle cell beta thalassemia. Parameters such as reversibility test, polymerization test, osmotic fragility test, deoxygenation test, beta synthesis and oxy-haemoglobin concentration were used to study the anti-sickling potentials of sickle cell beta thalassemia. The result showed that the plant extract reversed the sickled cells, reduced the rate of polymerization, maintained the stability of the cell membrane, increased beta globin synthesis and increased the oxy-haemoglobin concentration. This suggests that Vigna subterranean possesses anti-sicking properties and could be used as an effective therapeutic for the treatment and management of sickle cell beta thalassemia.