Cytotoxic action and proliferation in vitro and Analgesic Activity in vivo of Resin from Hymenaea stigonocarpa Keyla Laisa Araújo E Saldanha, Vanessa de Andrade Royo, Francine Souza Alves Da Fonseca, Elytania Veiga Menezes, Dario Alves De Oliveira, Afrânio Farias De Melo, Kamylla Santos Teixeira, Murilo Malveira Brandão, Marcel Nani Leite, Guilherme Ferreira Caetano, Marco Andrey Cipriani Frade Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):193-200 Background: Hymenaea stigonocarpa Mart. (Fabaceae ) is one of the plant species commonly found in Brazilian cerrado. It is popularly known as jatobá-do-cerrado. Phytochemical studies of different parts of the plant demonstrated the presence of sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and oligosaccharides. The species produces an opaque, translucent, pale yellow, or almost white resin rich in labdanóides compounds, widely used in folk medicine, but without proving its pharmacological actions. Objective: To analyze the H. stigonocarpa resin to confirm its pharmacological actions through specific tests for cicatrization, nociception, and cytotoxicity and to evaluate the chemical composition through the gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Materials and Methods: The cell proliferation/migration capacity was evaluated using the scratch assay method and the cell viability determined by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]–tetrazolium 2,5-diphenyl-bromide cytotoxicity assay. In the pharmacological tests were performed Abdominal Contortions induced by acetic acid and Nociceptive Response evaluated by the Formalin Test. GC-MS was used to trace the profile of the bioactive compounds of the resin. Results: It was possible to verify the presence of terpene compounds with the labdanos skeleton. Structures that revealed important pharmacological actions regarding healing, evidenced by the scratch assay test and nociceptive activity demonstrated by the animal tests. No cytotoxic activity was detected at the dosages tested. Conclusion: The results obtained confirm the pharmacological action of the species and can be used to elaborate on new therapies, which will increase the therapeutic arsenal available to the population.

Modulation of chicken cecal microbiota by a phytogenic feed additive, Stodi®: A metagenomic analysis Saravana Kumar Marimuthu, Brindhalakshmi Balasubramanian, Ramasamy Selvam, Prashanth D'Souza Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):201-209 Background: The cecal microbiota plays a critical role in gut health and utilization of nutrients left undigested in the small intestine. Objective: The impact of Stodi® on the composition of cecal microbiota was evaluated in broilers using high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Materials and Methods: A total of 960 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks were allocated to four groups, namely, normal diet (ND), negative control (NTC; challenged with 1.7% magnesium chloride [MgCl2]), and Stodi® treatment groups which comprise NTC plus Stodi® (500 and 750 g/ton of feed). MgCl2was used to increase the cecal moisture content, and in turn, to disturb the cecal microbiota. Results: Birds challenged with MgCl2exhibited poor performance traits as compared to ND group, whereas the supplementation of Stodi® (500 and 750 g/ton) improved the performance of broilers. MgCl2did not produce a notable change in the microbiota, but supplementation of Stodi® (500 and 750 g/ton) produced a statistically significant shift in the microflora in comparison with ND. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly elevated in comparison to ND. The abundance of energy harvesting bacteria belonging to specific families of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were increased by Stodi® supplementation, especially at 500 g/ton of feed. Conclusion: The supplementation of Stodi® was effective in modulating the cecal microbial population in a manner conducive for gut health and performance of broilers, as revealed by the increase in abundance of favorable microflora.

Inhibitory effects of ficus deltoidea extracts on UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and glutathione s-transferase drug-metabolizing enzymes Mohd Halimhilmi Zulkiffli, Norliyana Mohd Salleh, Roziahanim Mahmud, Sabariah Ismail Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):210-218 Background: Mas cotek or Ficus deltoidea is conventionally used to treat various diseases and often consumed with other medication and this may give rise to herb–drug interaction. The potential of F. deltoidea for interactions with drug-metabolizing enzymes of UDP-gucuronosytranserase (UGT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) have not been investigated. Objective: We had evaluated the potential of methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts of F. deltoidea to cause UGT- and GST-mediated herb–drug interaction in vitro. Materials and Methods: The total phenolic content and total phenolic content were determined using modified colorimetric method. In the UGT study, para -nitrophenol (p -NP) was employed as a substrate to determine the UGT enzymes activity in rat liver microsomes (RLM) and human liver microsomes (HLM). For the GST study, 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene was employed as a substrate to determine GST activity in rat liver cytosolic fraction. Results: The total phenolic content in F. deltoidea extracts can be ranked as follows: Methanol extract > aqueous extract > ethanol extract, whereas the content of flavonoid compounds in F. deltoidea extracts can be ranked as: Methanol extract > ethanol extract > aqueous extract. Assessment using the UGT enzymes of RLM (IC50 [Half-maximal inhibitory concentration] = 881.40 ± 1.14 μg/mL) and HLM (IC50 =63.44 ± 1.20 μg/mL) showed that the methanol extract of F. deltoidea significantly inhibited p -NP glucuronidation compared with ethanol and aqueous extracts. For GST inhibition study, methanol extract strongly inhibited GST activity (IC50 =70.73 ± 1.07 μg/mL), whereas no IC50values were determined for ethanol and aqueous extracts. Conclusion: The methanol extract of F. deltoidea containing the highest flavonoid content highlights the possibility of herb–drug interaction through the modulation of p -NP UGT and GST activity.

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the volatile compounds from the ethanol extracts of Bulbine asphodeloides and Helichrysum petiolare Wilfred Otang-Mbeng, Idowu Jonas Sagbo Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):219-223 Background: Bulbine asphodeloides and Helichrysum petiolare are important medicinal plants that commonly used in folklore medicine in South Africa for the management of skin ailments such as acne, burns, wounds, eczema, shingles, hives, psoriasis, sores, rosacea, and rashes. Despite their extensive use in traditional medicine, the chemical profiles of these medicinal plants have not been elucidated. Objective: The present study was carried out to identify and compare the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiles of the volatile components from the ethanol extracts of both plants. Materials and Methods: The fresh leaves of both plants were collected from Alice, Eastern Cape, South Africa, and later oven dried and subjected for extraction and these extracts were further subjected to GC–MS analysis using standard procedures. Results: The GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of bioactive terpenes in the volatile components of the ethanol extracts of B. asphodeloides and H. petiolare. Conclusion: The findings reveal the presence of various bioactive compounds which therefore validates the therapeutic importance of these plants in the treatment of skin-related diseases.

Evaluation of phytochemical content of white tea clone 100 and changes the expression of tumor suppressor genes on colorectal cancer cell line HCT116 Fereydoon Bondarian, Asa Ebrahimi, Frouzandeh Mahjoubi, Eslam Majidi Hervan, Reza Azadi Gonbad Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):224-229 Aim/Background: Colorectal carcinoma cancer is one of the main types of cancer with high death rate of patients, according to their non-healthy lifestyle. In this research, we evaluated inhibitory of white tea clone 100 extract on colorectal cancer cell line HCT-116, and its effectiveness in expression level of three tumor suppressor genes. Materials and Methods: Total polyphenolic content in all samples were measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and free radical adsorption investigated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to evaluate the white tea extract inhibitory effect on HCT-116 cells. Results: Among different extraction methods, the white tea aqueous extracts produced the highest amount of polyphenols and DPPH radical scavenging activity (36.67 ± 0.54 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight and 71.74% ± 0.42%, respectively). Cell survival analysis in the MTT assay indicated that aqueous white tea extract could reduce the viability of HCT-116 cells in 8, 16, and 24 h considerably, related to the concentration-dependent manner. The real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated the significantly increased expression level (P < 0.05) of tumor suppressor genes DCC , TGFBR2 , and P53 in the concentration of 1000 mg/ml at 24 h. Conclusion: White tea aqueous extract because of having hydroxyl group in its structure at optimal concentration in all three times of experimental, could lead to a positive changes effect on gene expression in the tumor suppressor family. Key words: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, HCT-116 cell line, radical scavenging activity, tumor suppressor genes, white tea

Acute toxicity of flower extracts from Dolichandrone serrulata in mice Teeraporn Katisart, Ampa Konsue Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):230-235 Context: Dolichandrone serrulata flowers are widely used as vegetables in northern and eastern Thailand. However, there is no report on the toxicities of this plant. Objective: The present study was aimed to determine the acute toxicity of aqueous flower extracts from D. serrulata in ICR mice. Materials and Methods: The extract at dose of 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg was orally administered once to mice in order to investigate an acute toxicity. Results: The extract did not produce any sign or symptom of toxicity. Dead mouse was not found within the first 24 h and for further 14 days. The body weight increased in comparison to the controls. However, the relative organ weight between the treated and control mice was not different. The hematological values were not altered by the treatment of the extracts. The liver function parameters including aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase among treated mice were not different. The extract did not alter the kidney function parameters (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). The lipid profiles in treated mice were not changed in comparison to the controls. In addition, histopathological features of the liver and kidney are not altered by the administration of the extracts. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that the maximum dose of D. serrulata flower extracts (2000 mg/kg) does not cause the acute toxicity in male and female mice.

Mitigation of radiation-induced oxidative stress by methanolic extract of Tragia involucrata in swiss albino mice Nivya Machettira Thimmaiah, Chandrashekhar Gajanan Joshi, Rajashekhar K Patil, Ajay S Khandagale, HM Somashekarappa, D Ananda, HM Manjunath Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):236-243 Background: Tragia involucrata L. has been used in Indian traditional medicine since centuries to treat various ailments. The plant remains unexplored for its radioprotective properties and hence the present study. Objective: The main objective of the study is to ascertain the radioprotective effects of T. involucrata methanolic extract (TME) in Swiss albino mice against whole-body gamma radiation. Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity of TME was evaluated. The optimal protective dose of TME against radiation-induced mortality in mice was determined by survival analysis using the Kaplan–Meier curves. To understand the mechanism of radioprotection, TME was tested for hematological changes and antioxidant levels in mice by injecting100 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 5 days and irradiated with a sublethal dose of 6 Gy gamma radiation. Results: The lethal dose 50%/of TME was about 645.65 mg/kgbw. The pretreatment of mice with 100 mg/kgbw of TME increased its survivability to 30% compared with the radiation control group and hence is considered as a radioprotective dose. The lethal dose 50%/30% of the irradiation alone group was found to be 9 Gy and 10.35 Gy for the TME + irradiation group. Hence, the dose reduction factor was about 1.15. The radiation decreased the hematological parameters in the blood, but on pretreatment with TME (100 mg/kgbw), increase in levels was noted. The antioxidant enzyme levels in the mice liver homogenate were found to be replenished in the test group compared with the radiation control. Conclusion: The present study indicates the protective role of TME against gamma radiation-induced mortality and oxidative stress. Hence, it is proposed as a candidate for radioprotection.

Phytochemical content and antioxidant activities of pomelo peel extract Zead Helmi Abudayeh, Ihab Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Shaimaa M Mohammed, Asser Ashraf Ahmad Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):244-247 Background: There is an increasing interest in the antioxidant measurement of some plant constituents. Plant component, especially fruit, has antioxidant components which are safe, economic, and powerful to reduce oxidative stress and replace synthetic ones. Objective: To quantitatively measure the flavonoids, Vitamin C, and carotenoid content of hydroalcoholic extract and to estimate the antioxidant activity of pomelo peel extract (PPE) and minimum inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of the extract using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) ethanolic solution. Materials and Methods: Hydroalcoholic PPE was prepared; total flavonoids using aluminum chloride method, Vitamin C using thiourea and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine method, and carotenoid content of the extract were estimated using 95% ethanol solution. All measurements were estimated using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer. Antioxidant activity and IC50of PPE were measured using DPPH method. Results: Flavonoids, Vitamin C, and carotenoid content were measured as 21.20 mg/100 g, 15.13 mg/100 g, and 62.98 μg/g, respectively, of dry PPE. The DPPH radical scavenging activity exhibits a significant dose-dependent inhibition of DPPH radical color, with IC50being at a concentration of 68.55 μg/ml of the extract, comparable to 55.87 μg/ml IC50of Vitamin C standard antioxidant. Conclusion: From the study results, we could conclude that pomelo peel possesses high antioxidant properties and it is potentially rich sources of natural antioxidants.

Evaluation of antioxidant and analgesic activities of three medicinal plants Amir Hossain, Akbar Hossain, Sultana Juhara Mannan Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):248-253 Background: Medicinal plant species with antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties contemplate in high number of flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. This present study has been designed to evaluate antioxidant and analgesic activities of three Bangladeshi medicinal plants. Materials and Methods: In this study, after the phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity of the crude methanol extracts of three medicinal species naming Bougainvillea glabra (Nyctaginaceae ), Licuala grandis (Arecaceae ), and Anthurium crystallinum (Araceae ) were evaluated using the spectrophotometric 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl-free radical scavenging assay. In addition, total phenolic and total tannin contents have also been determined using standard gallic acid. Finally, analgesic activities of these plants have also been evaluated by acetic acid writhing inhibition and tail flick test in mice. Results: The inhibitory concentration 50% values of methanol crude extract of B. glabra , L. grandis , and A. crystallinum were 1.72, 2.18, and 13.21 μg/mL, whereas the standard (ascorbic acid) showed the value 3.90 μg/mL. The extracts of B. glabra , L. grandis , and A. crystallinum also showed the total phenolic contents as 40.97 ± 0.004, 247.272 ± 0.016, and 302.22 ± 0.011 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g, and the total tannin contents as 2172 ± 0.002, 435.7 ± 0.01, and 2414.98 ± 0.028 mg GAE/100 g of dried plant extract, respectively. The three-plant extracts have reduced the pain by both these methods in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: In sum, it can be said that the three-plant species showed potent antioxidant and analgesic activities.

Evaluation of the protective effect of ethanolic extract of seed kernel of Caesalpinia bonducella Flem (EECB) on forced swimming-induced chronic fatigue syndrome in mice Phulen Sarma, Mukundam Borah, Swarnamoni Das Pharmacognosy Research 2019 11(3):254-259 Objective: To study the protective effect of Ethanolic extract of seed kernal of caessalpinia bonducella Flem on forced swimming-induced chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in mice. Materials and Methods: Male albino mice of 25–40 g were grouped into five groups taking 5 mice in each group. Group A served as naïve control, Group B as stress control, and Group C and D received EECB at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Group E was given the standard drug (imipramine 20 mg/kg). All animals received their respective agent orally daily for 7 days. Except for Group A animals, animals in all other groups were subjected to force swimming 6 min daily for 7 days to induce a state of chronic fatigue. Animals were assessed for duration of immobility on day 1, 3, 5, and 7. Level of anxiety (elevated plus maze and mirrored chamber test) and locomotor activity (open field test) were assessed 24 h after the last force swimming which was followed by estimation of oxidative biomarkers in brain homogenate. Results: Treatment with EECB (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) and imipramine resulted in statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in anxiety and duration of immobility, and there was significant increase in locomotor activity when compared to stress control group. Significant reduction in malondialdehyde level and increase in catalase level were seen in EECB and imipramine-treated group compared to stress control group. Conclusion: The study confirms that EECB has protective effect against experimentally induced CFS.