Chromatographic fractionation, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Urginea maritima methanolic extract

The present work concerns a phytochemical study of Urginea maritima L. from Algeria, and an evaluation of antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract [UMME] and its chromatographic fractions. UMME was fractionated using open glass chromatography on silica gel and antioxidant effects were evaluated using DPPH and beta-carotene/linoleate assays. The phytochemical screening revealed that the bulb of plant contains flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, reducing compounds, anthraquinones combined, anthocyanins, mucilage, triterpenes and steroids. DPPH method showed that the UMME has a scavenger effect on radical DPPH with an IC[50]=57.83 +/- 1.59 micro g/ml. The fractions isolated from U. maritime [L.] presented an IC[50] ranging between 499.23 and 39.68 micro g/ml. In beta-carotene/linoleate test, UMME and fractions give an I% =69.56 +/- 0.08% and between 31.29 +/- 0.49% and 90.79 +/- 0.29%, respectively. UMME showed a high inhibitory effect on the xanthine oxidase [IC[50]=0.67 +/- 0.01 mg/ml] and on the cytochrome c reduction [IC[50]=0.68 mg/ml]. Wide range of phytochemical constituents in Urginea maritima were detected in methanolic extract which exhibited antioxidant and antibacterial activity. This plant could serve as pilot for the development of novel agents for pathological disorders

Phytochemical analysis, hypotensive effect and antioxidant properties of Myrtus communis L. growing in Algeria

Objective: To analyze Myrtus communis chemically and evaluate the hypotensive effects and antioxidant properties of methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts from the leaves of this plant. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the antioxidant potential of methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts have been investigated by using different in vitro methods. The hypotensive effects of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated in anaesthetized rats by using the method of invasive blood pressure recording. Moreover, ethyl acetate extract was subjected to analysis by different chromatographic methods in order to identify new compounds. Results: Chemical analysis of ethyl acetate extract revealed the presence of myrecitin-3- O-α-rhamnoside. Ethyl acetate extract was found to have the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents with the values of 435.37 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried weight and 130.75 mg quercetin equivalent/g dried weight, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract also exhibited the highest activity in scavenging 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2'-azinobis-(3- ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), hydroxyl radical and reducing power; whereas, methanol extract exhibited higher chelating activity than ethyl acetate extract did. Chloroform was found to be strong inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in β-carotene bleaching assay (91.19%), ferric thiocyanate method (87.55%), and thiobarbituric acid method (82.59%) as compared to butylated hydroxytoluene. Intravenous administration of methanol and ethyl acetate extract (0.04 to 12 mg/kg body weight) decreased the maximum mean arterial blood pressure with values of 20.6% and 32.49% at 12 mg/kg body weight, respectively in anesthetized rats. Conclusions: This study provides a scientific basis for the use of Myrtus communis in traditional medicine as hypertensive agent as well as additional resources for natural antioxidants.

Comparison of xanthine oxidase levels in synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other joint inflammations

To search whether xanthine oxido-reductase [XOR] present in the synovium is also liberated, to determine its activity in synovial fluid and to establish a possible relationship between XOR levels in rheumatoid arthritis [RA] and non-RA patients. This study was carried out in the Laboratory of Immunology, University Ferhat Abbas, Setif, Algeria from 2001-2008. This study is a retrospective controlled study matching cases with RA to non rheumatoid joint inflammations. Synovial fluid [SF] samples were collected with consent of the patients, at Setif University Hospital, from adults suffering from RA [n=36] or only with joint inflammations [n=52]. After its detection in SF with indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and dot-immunobinding, using anti-bovine XOR as first antibodies, XOR was assayed with capture ELISA. Xanthine oxidoreductase is found in all studied SF. Capture ELISA showed levels up to 0.762 and 0.143 mg/mL in SF of RA and other joint inflammations patients, respectively. In most cases, more than 50% of synovial XOR is present as oxidase form. Positive correlation was observed between enzyme level and the disease severity since RA patients had a significantly high enzyme amount compared to patients with other less severe arthritic pathologies. These results suggest that the enzyme could well be involved in joint inflammation probably by producing reactive oxygen species

Anti-xanthine oxidase antibodies in sera and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other joint inflammations

To study anti-bovine milk xanthine oxidoreductase XOR antibody levels in synovial fluid as well as in serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid affections to assess a possible correlation between antibody titres and severity of disease. Sera and synovial fluids were collected from volunteer donors at Setif University Hospital, Setif, Algeria from 2001-2007 with the consent of patients. Human IgG and IgM levels of free and bound anti-bovine milk XOR antibodies were determined using bovine XOR as antigen, with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA. Serum IgG anti-bovine milk XOR titres in 30 healthy normal subjects 2.74 +/- 2.31 microgram/mL are in agreement with that reported in the literature. Immunoglobulin G and IgM anti-bovine milk XOR antibody titres were found to be significantly higher in serum from patients with rheumatoid arthritis RA, and latex positives subjects. Synovial IgM antibody titres to bovine XOR were found to be significantly higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to patients with other joint inflammations. In rheumatoid arthritis patients, high concentrations of antibodies against XOR were noticed. These antibodies may play a major role in RA by inhibiting both xanthine and NADH oxidase activities of XOR. They may also play a key role in eliminating XOR from serum and synovial fluid positive role but unfortunately, immune complex formation could also activate complement and participate in self maintenance of inflammation