Evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of different fractions of methanolic extract of Baccaurea ramiflora (Lour.) fruits.

Chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions of the crude methanolic extract of the fruits of Baccaurea ramiflora (Lour.) have been investigated for the evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity and free radical scavenging activity method was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the chloroform soluble fraction showed greater cytotoxic activity (LC50 value 74.2 μg/ml) than petroleum ether soluble fraction (LC50 value 129 μg/ml) compared to the standard drug vincristine sulfate (LC50 value 0.54 μg/ml). In free radical scavenging activity method (DPPH assay method), the chloroform soluble fraction showed greater antioxidant activity (IC50 value 49.78 μg/ml) than petroleum ether soluble fraction (IC50 value 75.31 μg/ml) compared to the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 value 24.51μg/ml). This study reveals that Baccaurea ramiflora fruit possesses cytotoxic and antioxidant activity hence can be a potential source for the isolation of active principle(s) for different therapies.

Evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of different fractions of methanolic extract of Baccaurea ramiflora (Lour.) fruits.

Chloroform and petroleum ether soluble fractions of the crude methanolic extract of the fruits of Baccaurea ramiflora (Lour.) have been investigated for the evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity and free radical scavenging activity method was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the chloroform soluble fraction showed greater cytotoxic activity (LC50 value 74.2 μg/ml) than petroleum ether soluble fraction (LC50 value 129 μg/ml) compared to the standard drug vincristine sulfate (LC50 value 0.54 μg/ml). In free radical scavenging activity method (DPPH assay method), the chloroform soluble fraction showed greater antioxidant activity (IC50 value 49.78 μg/ml) than petroleum ether soluble fraction (IC50 value 75.31 μg/ml) compared to the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (IC50 value 24.51μg/ml). This study reveals that Baccaurea ramiflora fruit possesses cytotoxic and antioxidant activity hence can be a potential source for the isolation of active principle(s) for different therapies.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of Crude methanolic extract and other fractions of Sterculia villosa barks.

Crude methanolic extract and other fractions of Sterculia villosa barks were investigated for their antimicrobial, cytotoxic and antioxidant activity in this study. Antimicrobial activity of different extract was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the zone of inhibition against gram-positive & gram-negative bacteria and fungi using Ciprofloxacin as a standard antimicrobial agent. Free radical scavenging activity for the same extracts was determined by DPPH assay where BHT was used as positive control and Cytotoxicity was determined by Brine Shrimp nauplii where the minimum inhibitory concentration was assessed by serial dilution technique. Mild antimicrobial activity was found; crude methanolic extract showed effect against all the organisms, while other extracts showed effect for some of the organisms. The LC50 value for cytotoxicity assay was found 0.3, 2.95, 3.76, 35.33 & 55.98 μg/ml for CSV, PESV, CTSV, DCMSV & EASV extracts respectively where LC50 value of Vincristine Sulfate was 0.544 μg/ml. Ethyl acetate fraction showed good antioxidant properties and except Pet Ether fraction all other extracts showed considerable antioxidant activity. The bark of Sterculia villosa can be considered for further research for finding potent compounds of antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity.

In-vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Anthelmintic Activity of Luffa acutangula, Luffa aegyptiaca and Momordica cochinchinensis.

Aims: The study was designed to investigate cytotoxic and anthelmintic activity of aerial parts of Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb. (Family: Cucurbitaceae, locally known as ‘Jhinga’), Luffa aegyptiaca Mill. (Family: Cucurbitaceae, locally known as ‘Dhundul’) and Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng. (Family: Cucurbitaceae, locally known as ‘Kakrol’) extracted with various solvents (petroleum ether & methanol). Study Design: Determination of cytotoxic and anthelmintic activity of aerial parts of three (Cucurbitaceae family) Bangladeshi plants. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342. Performed between November 2011- September 2012. Methodology: The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by Brine Shrimp lethality bioassay and anthelmintic activity by in-vitro test using earth worm Pheretima posthuma (Annelida) as test animals. Results: In Brine Shrimp lethality bioassay, methanol extract of M. cochinchinensis and L. aegyptiaca were found to be highly toxic to Brine Shrimp nauplii, having LC50 of 1.91±0.79 μg/ml and 3.97±0.61 μg/ml respectively. The three methanol extracts of aerial part of L. acutangula, L. aegyptiaca and M. cochinchinensis showed moderate anthelmintic activity. 50mg/ml concentration of methanol extract of M. cochinchinensis showed maximum activity showing death in test animals at 43±1.3 min which is comparable to the standard (Piperazine Citrate, 10 mg/ml) which killed the test animal at 38 ± 0.63 min. Conclusion: Further studies are suggested to be undertaken to understand the underlying mechanism of the observed cytotoxic and anthelmintic activity of these three Bangladeshi (Cucurbitaceae family) plants.

In vivo antipyretic, antiemetic, in vitro membrane stabilization, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of different extracts from Spilanthes paniculata leaves

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic, and membrane stabilization activities, and in vivo antiemetic and antipyretic potentials of ethanolic extract, n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of Spilanthes paniculata leaves for the first time widely used in the traditional treatments in Bangladesh. RESULTS: In antipyretic activity assay, a significant reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the temperature in the mice tested. At dose 400 mg/kg-body weight, the n-hexane soluble fraction showed the effect (36.7 ± 0.63°C ) as like as the standard (dose 150 mg/kg-body weight) after 5 h of administration. Extracts showed significant (P < 0.001) potential when tested for the antiemetic activity compared to the standard, metoclopramide. At dose 50 mg/kg-body weight, the standard showed 67.23% inhibition, whereas n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions showed 37.53% and 24.93% inhibition of emesis respectively at dose 400 mg/kg-body weight. In antimicrobial activity assay, the n-hexane soluble fraction (400 µg/disc) showed salient activity against the tested organisms. It exerts highest activity against Salmonella typhi (16.9 mm zone of inhibition); besides, crude, and ethyl acetate extracts showed resistance to Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio cholera respectively. All the extracts were tested for lysis of the erythrocytes. At the concentration of 1mg/ml, ethanol extract, and n-hexane and ethyl acetate soluble fractions significantly inhibited hypotonic solution induced lysis of the human red blood cell (HRBC) (27.406 ± 3.57, 46.034 ± 3.251, and 30.72 ± 5.679% respectively); where standard drug acetylsalicylic acid (concentration 0.1 mg/ml) showed 77.276 ± 0.321% inhibition. In case of heat induced HRBC hemolysis, the plant extracts also showed significant activity (34.21 ± 4.72, 21.81 ± 3.08, and 27.62 ± 8.79% inhibition respectively). In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the n-hexane fraction showed potent (LC50 value 48.978 µg/ml) activity, whereas ethyl acetate fraction showed mild (LC50 value 216.77 µg/ml) cytotoxic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the n-hexane extract has better effects than the other in all trials. In the context, it can be said that the leaves of S. paniculata possess remarkable pharmacological effects, and justify its folkloric use as antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic agent. Therefore, further research may be suggested to find possible mode of action of the plant part.

Preliminary cytotoxic activity of different extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi (fruits).

The crude methanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. (Oxalidiaceae) fruits and its different fractions have been investigated for the evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic potential. The dried and powder fruits were extracted with methanol at room temperature and the concentrated methanolic extract was fractionated by the modified Kupchan partitioning method to provide pet-ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions. Brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality bioassay was used to investigate the cytotoxic potential of A. bilimbi. Compared to vincristine sulfate (with LC50 of 0.839 μg/ml) methanolic extract, carbon tetrachloride and pet-ether soluble fractions demonstrated a significant cytotoxic potential (having LC50 of 0.005μg/ml, 1.198μg/ml and 0.781μg/ml, respectively). The LC50 values of chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions were 5.691μg/ml and 6.123μg/ml, respective-ly. This study reveals that A. bilimbi possesses effective cytotoxic properties and hence can be a potential source for the isolation of active principle(s) for cancer therapy.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and cytotoxic potential of Cryptocoryne ciliata.

Cryptocoryne ciliata belonging to the Araceae family has been investigated for isolation of its secondary metabolites and evaluation of biological activities of the crude extractives with special emphasis to the antioxidant activity and brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The whole plant was extracted with methanol and concentrated extract was parti-tioned using petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride and ethyl acetate. Aqueous soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. The carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of the methanolic extract and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed moderate antioxidant activity as compared to free antioxidant activity of tert-butyl-1-hydroxytolunene. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, among all extracts of whole plant of C. ciliata, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed strong cytotoxic activity. Aqueous soluble fraction of the methanolic extract, methanolic crude and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed mild cytotoxity as compared to that of vincristine sulphate. The study confirms the mild to moderate antioxidant and moderate potent cytotoxic activities of C. ciliata plant extract as compared to reference standards and therefore demands the isolation of active principles and thorough bioassay.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Ageratum conyzoides stems.

Modern civilization is facing more than hundreds of disorders associated with free radicals and natural antioxidants from non-edible plants are gaining importance to fight these disorders. The intention of this report is to evaluate a well known medicinal weed Ageratum conyzoides stems for its antioxidant and cytotoxic Effects. Antioxidant potentiality of the crude methanolic extract of the Ageratum conyzoides (AC) stems was investigated on DPPH scavenging activity, reducing ability, total antioxidant capacity as well as total phenolic contents. Cytotoxic study was done by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and vincristin sulphate was used as standard. The total phenols and total antioxidant capacity of AC was found to be 38.125 ± 2.01mg/g equivalent of gallic acid and 333.37 ± 4.22mg/gm equivalent of ascorbic acid, respec-tively. The percentage (%) scavenging of DPPH free radical of the extract was found to be concentration dependent with IC50 value 46.01 ± 2.23μg/ml while IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid was found to be 29.56 ± 0.11μg/ml. The reducing power of AC was found to be concentration dependent. The cytotoxicity exhibited by AC was found promising with LC50 value 1.32μg/ml, comparing with the LC50 (0.689μg/ml) values of vincristin sulphate. The present investigation suggests that Ageratum conyzoides possesses remarkable antioxidant and cytotoxic property.

Preliminary cytotoxic activity of different extracts of Averrhoa bilimbi (fruits).

The crude methanolic extract of Averrhoa bilimbi Linn. (Oxalidiaceae) fruits and its different fractions have been investigated for the evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic potential. The dried and powder fruits were extracted with methanol at room temperature and the concentrated methanolic extract was fractionated by the modified Kupchan partitioning method to provide pet-ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions. Brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality bioassay was used to investigate the cytotoxic potential of A. bilimbi. Compared to vincristine sulfate (with LC50 of 0.839 μg/ml) methanolic extract, carbon tetrachloride and pet-ether soluble fractions demonstrated a significant cytotoxic potential (having LC50 of 0.005μg/ml, 1.198μg/ml and 0.781μg/ml, respectively). The LC50 values of chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions were 5.691μg/ml and 6.123μg/ml, respective-ly. This study reveals that A. bilimbi possesses effective cytotoxic properties and hence can be a potential source for the isolation of active principle(s) for cancer therapy.

Evaluation of antioxidant activity and cytotoxic potential of Cryptocoryne ciliata.

Cryptocoryne ciliata belonging to the Araceae family has been investigated for isolation of its secondary metabolites and evaluation of biological activities of the crude extractives with special emphasis to the antioxidant activity and brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The whole plant was extracted with methanol and concentrated extract was parti-tioned using petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride and ethyl acetate. Aqueous soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. The carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of the methanolic extract and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed moderate antioxidant activity as compared to free antioxidant activity of tert-butyl-1-hydroxytolunene. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, among all extracts of whole plant of C. ciliata, the carbon tetrachloride soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed strong cytotoxic activity. Aqueous soluble fraction of the methanolic extract, methanolic crude and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the methanolic extract showed mild cytotoxity as compared to that of vincristine sulphate. The study confirms the mild to moderate antioxidant and moderate potent cytotoxic activities of C. ciliata plant extract as compared to reference standards and therefore demands the isolation of active principles and thorough bioassay.

Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Ageratum conyzoides stems.

Modern civilization is facing more than hundreds of disorders associated with free radicals and natural antioxidants from non-edible plants are gaining importance to fight these disorders. The intention of this report is to evaluate a well known medicinal weed Ageratum conyzoides stems for its antioxidant and cytotoxic Effects. Antioxidant potentiality of the crude methanolic extract of the Ageratum conyzoides (AC) stems was investigated on DPPH scavenging activity, reducing ability, total antioxidant capacity as well as total phenolic contents. Cytotoxic study was done by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and vincristin sulphate was used as standard. The total phenols and total antioxidant capacity of AC was found to be 38.125 ± 2.01mg/g equivalent of gallic acid and 333.37 ± 4.22mg/gm equivalent of ascorbic acid, respec-tively. The percentage (%) scavenging of DPPH free radical of the extract was found to be concentration dependent with IC50 value 46.01 ± 2.23μg/ml while IC50 value of standard ascorbic acid was found to be 29.56 ± 0.11μg/ml. The reducing power of AC was found to be concentration dependent. The cytotoxicity exhibited by AC was found promising with LC50 value 1.32μg/ml, comparing with the LC50 (0.689μg/ml) values of vincristin sulphate. The present investigation suggests that Ageratum conyzoides possesses remarkable antioxidant and cytotoxic property.

Evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of methanolic extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves and barks.

Methanolic extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa leaves (MLL) & barks (MBL) have been evaluated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant & cytotoxic activity. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against 11 Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and 3 fungi using disk diffusion technique. Kanamycin (30μg/disc) was used as standard. Antioxidant potentiality of the extracts was investigated on DPPH scavenging activity, Total antioxidant capacity, Reducing ability as well as total phenolic contents. Cytotoxic study was done by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and vincristin sulphate was used as standard. In antimicrobial study, the average zone of inhibition exhibited by MLL & MBL (each 500μg/disc) was 10-20 mm & 12-21mm respectively. In DPPH scavenging activity, IC50 value was found 27.89 ± 0.83μg/ml,21±0.61 μg/ml and 16.76 ± 1.11μg/ml for MLL, MBL and standard ascorbic acid, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity was found 0.22 ± 398.37 mg/g and 4.02 ± 346.37 mg/g equivalent of ascorbic acid for MLL & MBL, respectively. Reducing ability was found concentration dependent for both the extracts. The total phenolic content was found 71.06 ± 2.01 and 60.65 ± 2.16 mg/g equivalent of gallic acid for MLL & MBL, respectively. The cytotoxicity exhibited by MLL was promising with LC50 value 9.602μg/ml, comparing with the LC50 (6.25 μg/ml) values of standard vincristin sulphate as a positive control. The results suggest into the plant extracts could be used as a potential therapeutics in many pathological conditions.

Cytotoxicity Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Cochlospermum tinctorium Perr Ex A. Rich Rhizome.

Cytotoxicity activity experiment was carried out on the polar fractions of Cochlospermum tinctorium using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay method. The LC50 values of the extracts were determined by linear regression analysis method. It was observed that the 80% acetone extract LC50 value was 240 ± 3 μg/ ml, which was more potent compared to n-butanol extract with LC50 value of 437 ± 8 μg/ ml. Phytochemical test performed on both extracts showed that they contained cardiac glycosides, saponins and carbohydrates, while only the 80% acetone extract contains anthraquinones, flavonoids and tannins. These secondary metabolites present in both extracts, may likely accounts for their cytotoxic activity

Assessment of Thrombolytic & Cytotoxic Activity of Herbal Preparations Originated from Botanical Source of Bangladesh.

An in vitro thrombolytic model was used to check the clot lysis effect of four herbal extracts viz., Honey, Nigella sativa, Capsicum frutescens, Brassica oleracea, combination of Honey & Nigella sativa and Honey & Capsicum frutescens along with Streptokinase as a positive control and water as a negative control. And also brine shrimp lethality bio-assay was done using brine shrimp Nauplii and 5% of DMSO as a solvent for the ethanol extracts of Nigella sativa & Capsicum frutescens and Honey. Using an in vitro thrombolytic model, Honey, Nigella sativa, Capsicum frutescens, Brassica oleracea, combination of Honey & Nigella sativa and Honey & Capsicum frutescens showed 26.82%, 47.13%, 57.40%, 62.44%, 56.58% and 44.54% clot lysis effect respectively. From our study we found that Brassica oleracea, Capsicum frutescens, and combination of Honey & Nigella sativa showed significant % of clot lysis effect with reference to Streptokinase. Again from in vitro brine shrimp lethality bio-assay, we found that the LC50 of Honey, Capsicum frutescens & Nigella sativa were 129.62 μg/ml, 83.33 μg/ml & 45.45 μg/ml respectively.

Cytotoxicity of Wedelia paludosa D.C. extracts and constituents / Citotoxidade de extratos e constituintes de Wedelia paludosa D.C

Wedelia paludosa D.C. (Asteraceae) is an ornamental species occurring in many regions of Brazil. Aiming to find new cytotoxic compounds, the hydromethanol extract of W. paludosa (HME), as well as the dichloromethane (DF) and water (WF) fractions resulting from its partition, were submitted to the brine shrimp lethality bioassay (BSLB) in order to evaluate their cytotoxicity. Dichloromethane fraction (DF) was shown to be the most cytotoxic fraction (LC50 = 140.6 μg/mL), and its analysis by reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) revealed ent-kaurenoic (1, 6.22 ± 0.23 percent) and grandiflorenic (2, 3.22 ± 0.31 percent) acids as important constituents. HME (LC50 = 980 μg/mL), DF (LC50 = 140.6 μg/mL), 1 (LC50 = 15.9 μg/mL) and 2 (LC50 = 29.8 μg/mL) were found to be cytotoxic, while the water fraction (WF, LC50 >> 1000 μg/mL) was inactive. As conclusion, the cytotoxicity observed for HME and DF is mainly due to the presence of 1 and 2 in their constitution.

Wedelia paludosa D.C. (Asteraceae) é uma planta ornamental facilmente encontrada em várias regiões do Brasil, principalmente nos estados de Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Bahia e Pernambuco. Objetivando descobrir novas substâncias citotóxicas a partir desta espécie, o extrato hidrometanólico de W. paludosa (HME) e as frações diclorometânica (FD) e aquosa (FA) resultantes de sua partição em CH2Cl2-H2O foram avaliados utilizando-se o bioensaio em Artemia salina. A fração diclorometânica (FD) apresentou a maior atividade citotóxica (CL50 = 140,6 μg/mL), e sua análise por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência empregando-se fase reversa (FR-CLAE) revelou os ácidos caurenóico (1, 6,22 ± 0,23 por cento) e grandiflorênico (2, 3,22 ± 0,31 por cento) como constituintes majoritários. As amostras HME (CL50 = 980 μg/mL), FD (CLC50 = 140,6 μg/mL), 1 (CL50 = 15,9 μg/mL) e 2 (CL50 = 29,8 μg/mL) foram citotóxicas contra A. salina, enquanto que a fração aquosa (FA, CL50 >> 1000 μg/mL) mostrou-se inativa. Conclui-se que a citotoxidade observada para HME e FD pode ser atribuída à presença dos ácidos caurenóico (1) e grandiflorênico (2) nestes extratos.