HPTLC method for the determination of some natural compounds in phytopharmaceuticals

High performance thin layer chromatographic method for quantitative estimation of esculin and capsaicin in some phytopharmaceuticals was presented. Acid hydrolysis of esculin and alkaline hydrolysis of capsaicin were carried out for the preparation of their degradation products. The degradates were isolated, identified and confirmed by UV, Mass and IR spectroscopy. The proposed method based on the determination of esculin in presence of its degradates at 365 nm using mobile phase; butanol: glacial acetic acid: water [5:1:4:v/v/v], linearity range is 2.0 - 10.0 micro g/spot. Capsaicin was determined in presence of its degradates at 254 nm using mobile phase; toluene: diethyl ether: dioxane, [62.5: 21.5: 16 v/v/v], linearity range is 4.0 - 16.0 microg/spot. The suggested method was applied for the determination of esculin and capsaicin in pure form, and different dose forms as stability indicating method. The validity was assessed by applying the standard addition technique, and all validation parameters were performed according to ICH guidelines. Statistical analysis was carried out recording an accurate, precise, and reproducible results compared to the published methods

Chemical and biological studies of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. Seeds growing in Egypt

The crude expressed oil of Luffa aegyptiaca Mill seeds [18% w/w] [family Cucurbitaceae] was subjected to physical and chemical investigations. GC/MS analysis of the expressed oil revealed that it is built up mostly of linoleic [51.14%], palmitic [21.06%] and oleic [19.30%] acids beside lesser amounts of stearic [7.57%] myristic [0.70%] and eicosanic [0.23%] acids. Vitamin E was determined in the expressed oil by HPLC analysis and found to be 0.015%. In addition a mixture of free fatty acids; palmitic [58.89%] and stearic [41.11%] acids were isolated from the petroleum ether percolate. Identification of constituents was done through GLC analysis and comparing the relative retention time of peaks with those of authentic materials. The expressed oil showed significant anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and moderate progesterone like effects. The oil also exhibited antibacterial and antifungal activities

Effect of some growth regulators on callus formation and some constituent of Digitalis Lanata L. cultivated in vitro

The influence of certian auxins and cytokinins on the growth and chemical constituents of Digitalis Lanata L. leaves calli was investigated. Indole acetic acid [IAA], 2, 4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid [2, 4-D] and kinetin [Kin.] were added to the culture media [Murashige and Skoog] in different concentrations alone or in combination. Digitalis Lanata L. plantlet leaves calli growth was more vigorous with [0.5 mg/L2, 4-D + I mg/L Kinetin] or [0.5 mg/L 2, 4 - D + 0.5 mg/L Kinetin], or [I mg/L 2, 4 -D] added to the media. Phytochemical screening of the formed calli revealed the presence of sterols and cardenolides, but the absence of anthraquinones compared with the controls. Quantitative estimation of the cardenolides in the leaves calli by spectrophotometric method was performed. Media containing [0.5 mg/L 2, 4-D + 1 mg/L Kinetin] gave the highest cardenolide contents [140 mg%]