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Medicinal plants, also calledherbal medicine, have been used intraditional medicinepractices since prehistoric times. The phytochemical screening of root and shoot extracts of Euphorbia hirta plant commonly known as asthma weed was evaluated using soxhlet and aqueous extract as a solvent to determine the active components. Maceration methodwas used in extracting the active properties/component. Phytochemical screening of root and shoot extracts revealed presences of saponins, anthranoid anthroqunione, phenol, alkaloid, tannins, phylobatanninsand cardiac glycoside. Antibacterial screening of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes, using disk diffusion method, showed that in both the aqueous root and shoot extract Streptococcus pyogeneshas the highest zone of inhibition of 120mg with 12mm while least is Escherichia coli that had no inhibition at all. The aqueous extractthe root and shoot were more active than the soxhlet solution. Using the aqueous shoot extract Streptococcus at 120mg with 12mm zone of inhibition of Staphylococcus at 90mg with 9mm. While in the aqueous root extract, Staphylococcus aureus at 100mg with 10mm, Streptococcus pyogenes at 90mg with 9m and Salmonella typhi at 80mm with 8mm. Antifungal screening with clinical isolate of candidaalbicanshad highest zone of inhibition 130mg with 13mm at root aqueous extract while penicilliumspp, Aspergillus, spp and Microsporium spp showed no zones of inhibition atboth root and shoot extracts. The results obtained suggested that Euphorbia hirta plant can be used in the treatment of ailments caused by the test microorganisms, with particular attention being paid to its aqueous extract
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Aim: To enhance the productivity of lovastatin from Fusarium nectrioides isolate with liquid cheese whey as a major carbon source and to optimize the media components using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Fuzzy Logic System (FLS). Methodology: Euphorbia hirta was collected, surface sterilized and incubated on potato dextrose agar medium amended with ampicillin and streptomycin sulphate. F. nectrioides was isolated from E. hirta and identified using morphological and molecular methods. Primarily, media components were screened by Plackett Burman design (PBD). Further, the effect of significant nutrients was predicted using RSM and FLS and compared with experimental yield. Results: Molecular identification by gene sequencing confirmed the isolate to be F. nectrioides, given an accession number (MH173849) the sequence was submitted in the gene bank. PBD revealed that peptonized milk (which is an enzymic digest of high grade skimmed milk powder), corn steep liquor, liquid cheese whey and histidine were significant variables. The optimum levels of these significant variables in different combinations were studied by RSM in which the predicted yield of lovastatin was 1.2 gl-1. Further, it was analyzed by FLS with 14 set of fuzzy rules and the maximum production obtained was 1.8 g100 ml-1 which was closer to the experimental yield of 1.75 g100 ml-1. Therefore, compared to RSM, FLS was more suitable technique to determine the optimum levels of significant nutrients for enhanced lovastatin production. Interpretation: This study suggests that F. nectrioides (MH173849) can be used as a potent producer of lovastatin and the production highly influenced by glucose, corn steep liquor, liquid cheese whey and histidine.
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Aim: To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo exposure effects of Euphorbia hirta decoction on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cells and in albino rats, respectively. Materials and Methods: Extract of the plant was obtained after boiling and the filtrate dried. In vitro cytotoxic effect was evaluated on Baby Hamster Kidney (BHK-21) cells by examination of cell morphology under the microscope after exposure to 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml concentrations of extract while the in vivo toxicity on some biochemical; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Albumin, Urea, Creatinine and electrolytes), haematological (Full Blood Count) and histological (Liver and Kidney) indices were evaluated after daily oral administration of the extract to four groups (n =8) of albino rats at dose of 0, 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg body weight, respectively for 14 days. Results: In vitro evaluation showed a concentration dependent increase in cytopathic effect (CPE) in BHK-21 cells ranging from dark single particles indicative of early sign CPE at 25 µg/ml to severe CPE and apoptosis at 200 µg/ml. The in vivo evaluation revealed significant increases (p<0.05) in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP with values ranging from 11-15, 22-35 and 168-308 iu/l respectively in serum when compared to the control group. The concentrations of urea (243.71-270.60 mmol/lit) and creatinine (168.07-280.71 µmol/lit) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the test groups compared to the control group. Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney revealed varying degrees of alterations (sinusoidal dilatation, congestion, haemorrhage, centrilobular degeneration, tubular necrosis and tubular degeneration). Conclusion: The decoction of Euphorbia hirta is cytotoxic to BHK-21 cells and toxic to the liver and kidney of albino rats at the tested concentrations and dosages respectively. Until safe doses are determined, its uncontrolled consumption should be discouraged.
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@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> There is a growing interest in the use of Euphorbia hirta Linn. as herbal remedy for dengue, supposedly based on folkloric practice. However, there has been no ethnobotanical documentation of such use in the Philippines. Because of this, the medical community cautions the public against the sole use of E. hirta in treating dengue.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> To describe the ethnomedicinal uses of Euphorbia hirta Linn. In selected communities in the Philippines. Specific Objectives. (1) To identify the vernacular names of the plant; (2) to identify the earliest known use of the plant against dengue infection and for other indications; (3) to document the methods of preparation and administration, side effects, and contraindications of use.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Cross-sectional descriptive design using the snowball sampling of interviewer-guided key informants for the ethnobotanical interview.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>LIMITATIONS:</strong> The results of this study may be limited by its convenient sampling design and the use of plant pictures with different magnifications.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:</strong> Majority of the respondents were female (93%), 41-60 years old (39%), had high school education (43%), and resided in Quezon City (31%). The plant is locally known as tawatawa, butobutonesan, malagatas, and mangagaw. It has been used to treat fever in the Philippines as early as 1948. Its use as a treatment for dengue started only in the 1980s. The plant is either squeezed, crushed, or boiled, and is administered topically or orally. The only reported side-effect is increased urinary frequency.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>RECOMMENDATIONS:</b> It is recommended that more comprehensive and large scale studies be conducted, including (1) identification of folkloric uses of E. hirta for the treatment of other diseases; (2) determination of different concentrations of extract (crude or semicrude) using the various reported preparations for optimal outcomes for the different reported medicinal uses.</p>
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Plants , Euphorbia , Medicine, Traditional , PhilippinesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To isolate, identify and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective potentials, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, tannin content of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungus Achaetomium sp., isolated from Euphorbia hirta.@*METHODS@#Hepatoprotectivity of ethyl acetate extract of Achaetomium sp., was evaluated by CCl induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and subsequently analysed for cell viability using MTT assay. It also demonstrates antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials by DPPH radical scavenging assay and well diffusion assay respectively. Quantification of total phenolic content, tannin content and flavonoid content were assessed by spectroscopic methods.@*RESULTS@#Phenols, flavonoids and tannins were the phytochemicals present in ethyl acetate extract of Achaetomium sp., with rich phenolic content exhibited potent hepatoprotective, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The hepatoprotective activity was recorded as of 72.13% ± 2.948% of cell viability at a concentration of 150 μg/mL, whereas the standard silymarin showed 93.260% ± 0.784%. It was observed to be dose dependent, when CCl exposed HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of ethyl acetate extract. Antibacterial activity showed significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The antioxidant activity ranged from 66.890% ± 1.385% to 87.340% ± 0.289% with (44.02 ± 1.57) μg of total phenolics, (54.54 ± 1.82) μg of flavonoid content and (18.790 ± 1.018) μg of tannin content. Ascorbic acid, BHT (butylated hydroxyl toluene) Gallic acid and Pyrogallol were used as standards which showed 98.370% ± 0.763%; 97.080% ± 0.636%; 94.890% ± 1.103% and 96.980% ± 0.098% reducing potential respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results reveal that the metabolites produced by endophytic fungi isolated from Euphorbia hirta could be novel natural products that could lead to new drug discovery.
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Objective To isolate, identify and evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective potentials, total phenolic content, flavonoid content, tannin content of ethyl acetate extract of endophytic fungus Achaetomium sp., isolated from Euphorbia hirta. Methods Hepatoprotectivity of ethyl acetate extract of Achaetomium sp., was evaluated by CCl
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Objective To optimize the extraction process of Euphorbia hirta L.by Central composite design/response surface methodology with ethanol by the ultrasonic extraction technology.Methods Based on the single factor experiment and central composite design-response surface methodology,the content of quercitroside was regarded as evaluation index,select ethanol concentration,extraction time,and solid-liquid ratio as three evaluation factors to achieve the purpose. Results The results indicated that the optimal extraction process was obtained as follows:10 times the amount of 60% ethanol under ultrasound for 2 times,50 min each;the average content of the quercitroside was 2.39 mg/g.Conclusion The method to optimize the extraction process is simple and reasonable.
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The present study deals with the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of the two medicinal plants, Tinospora cordifolia and Euphorbia hirta those are commonly available in India. Results of antimicrobial activity revealed that these medicinal plant extracts were very effective against Serratia marcescens, E. coli, Streptococcus thermophilus, Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus niger while these extracts showed very less inhibition against Trichoderma reesei. Phytochemical analysis of these plants confirms the presence of various phytochemical like alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, steroidal terpenes in Euphorbia hirta and alkaloids, flavonoids, Saponin, tannins, steroidal terpenes, reducing sugar in Tinospora cordifolia. While other phytochemical like, glycosides, phylobatamins, xanthoproteins, phenolic compounds were found to be absent in these extracts. These plants can be a source of useful drugs but further studies are required to isolate the active component from the crude plant extract for proper drug development.
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Objective To establish the RP-HPLC method for the determination of myricetrin and quercitroside in Euphorbia Hirta L.Methods The ZORBAX SB-C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm,5 μn) column was used,the mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile:0.1％ H3PO4(21 ∶ 79),the flow rate was 0.8 ml/min,the column temperature was 30℃ the detecting wavelength was at 256 nm.Results The cablibration curve was linear within a range of 0.013～0.26 mg/ml and 0.008～0.16 mg/ml,the average recovery was 99.1％,98.9％and the RSD was 0.91％,1.55％,respectively.Conclusion The method is simple,repeatable and accurate,it can be applied in quantitative determination of myricetrin and quercitroside in Euphorbia Hirta L..
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Objective:To evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity activity of Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) in MCF-7 cell line model using comet assay. Methods: The cytotoxicity of E. hirta extract was investigated by employing brine shrimp lethality assay and the genotoxicity of E. hirta was assessed by using Comet assay. Results: Both toxicity tests exhibited significant toxicity result. In the comet assay, the E. hirta extract exhibited genotoxicity effects against MCF-7 DNA in a time-dependent manner by increasing mean percentage of DNA damage. The extract of E. hirta showed significant toxicity against brine shrimp with an LC50 value of 620.382 μg/mL (24 h). Comparison with positive control potassium dichromate signifies that cytotoxicity exhibited by the methanol extract might have moderate activity. Conclusion:The present work confirmed the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of E. hirta. However, the observed toxicity of E. hirta extracts needs to be confirmed in additional studies.
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AIM@#To investigate the chemical constituents of the stems, leaves and roots of Euphorbia hirta, and to test for the cytotoxic and antimicrobial potentials of the major constituents of the plant.@*METHODS@#The compounds were isolated by silica gel chromatography and their structures were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The cytotoxicity tests were conducted using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, while the antimicrobial tests employed the agar well method.@*RESULTS@#The air-dried stems of E. hirta afforded taraxerone 1, a mixture of 25-hydroperoxycycloart-23-en-3β-ol (2a) and 24-hydroperoxycycloart-25-en-3β-ol (2b) (sample 2) in a 2 : 1 ratio, and another mixture of cycloartenol (3a), lupeol (3b), α-amyrin (3c) and β-amyrin (3d) (sample 3) in a 0.5 : 4 : 1 : 1 ratio. The air-dried leaves of E. hirta yielded sample 2 in a 3 : 2 ratio, sample 3 in a 2 : 3 : 1 : 1 ratio, phytol and phytyl fatty acid ester, while the roots afforded sample 2 in a 2 : 1 ratio, sample 3 in a 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 ratio, a mixture of cycloartenyl fatty acid ester 4a, lupeol fatty acid ester 4b, α-amyrin fatty acid ester 4c and β-amyrin fatty acid ester 4d (sample 4) in a 3 : 2 : 1 : 1 ratio, linoleic acid, β-sitosterol and squalene. Compound 1 from the stems, sample 2 from the leaves, and sample 3 from the stems were assessed for cytotoxicity against a human cancer cell line, colon carcinoma (HCT 116). Sample 2 showed good activity with an IC50 value of 4.8 μg·mL(-1), while 1 and sample 3 were inactive against HCT 116. Sample 2 was further tested for cytotoxicity against non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma (A549). It showed good activity against this cell line with an IC50 value of 4.5 μg·mL(-1). Antimicrobial assays were conducted on 1 and sample 2. Results of the study indicated that 1 was active against the bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, but was inactive against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Sample 2 was active against the bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungi: Candida albicans and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. It was inactive against Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The triterpenes: 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d were obtained from the stems, roots and leaves of E. hirta. Taraxerol (1) was only isolated from the stems, the leaves yielded phytol and phytyl fatty acid esters, while the roots afforded 4a-4d, linoleic acid, β-sitosterol, and squalene. Triterpene 1 and sample 2 were found to exhibit antimicrobial activities. Thus, these compounds are some of the active principles of E. hirta which is used in wound healing and the treatment of boils. The cytotoxic properties of sample 2 imply that triterpenes 2a and 2b contribute to the anticancer activity of E. hirta.
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Humans , Anti-Infective Agents , Chemistry , Toxicity , Bacteria , Cell Line , Cell Survival , Euphorbia , Chemistry , Fungi , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Molecular Structure , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Toxicity , Triterpenes , Chemistry , ToxicityABSTRACT
Dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus isolated from degenerated wound, Gram-negative Salmonella typhi isolated from stool, and Gram-negative Escherichia coli from a high vaginal swab were assayed. Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity of the test organisms by ethanol extract of Euphorbia hyssopifolia, and Euphorbia hirta, were determined and compared to standard antibiotics (Ciprofloxacin and Gentamycin). The total dehydrogenase assay was done using 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) as the artificial electron acceptor which was reduced to the red-coloured triphenyl-formazan (TPF). Response of the bacterial isolates varied with extract concentration. Dehydrogenase activity was progressively inhibited in a logistic dose-response fashion in the test organism by the extracts and standard drugs. All extract and standards achieved at least 70% inhibition within the tested doses (0-2000µg/ml), except for Euphorbia hirta against Staphylococcus aureus. Threshold inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for Euphorbia hyssopifolia against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli were 59.92µg/ml, 234.90µg/ml, and 492.46µg/ml respectively, while for Euphorbia hirta IC50 against Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli was 99.67µg/ml,and 165.90µg/ml with no significant inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus. Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity in the test organism by the extract compared well with the standard antibiotics. Euphorbia hyssopifolia was effective against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus implicated in delayed wound healing than Gram-negative Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli implicated in typhoid fever and urinary tract infections respectively, while Euphorbia hirta was effective against Gram-negative organisms implicated in typhoid fever and urinary tract infections, but not effective against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Secondary plant metabolites found in the extracts may be acting in synergy to bring about their pharmacologic functions and may explain reasons for ethno-medical usage.
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The toxic effect of binary and tertiary combinations of Euphorbia hirta Linn latex powder with other plant molluscicidal compounds, were evaluated against the freshwater snails Lymnaea (Radix) acuminata and Indoplanorbis exustus in pond. These combinations showed significant time and dose dependent effect against both the snails. These compounds at higher doses were also lethal to freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch) (Channidae {Ophicephalidae}), which shares the habitat with these snails, but the LC90 (24h) doses of snails have no apparent killing properties in fish populations when treated in mixed population of snails and fish.
Os efeitos tóxicos das combinações binárias e terciárias do pó de látex da Euphorbia hirta Linn assim como outros compostos vegetais moluscicidas foram avaliados em sua ação sobre caramujos de água doce Lymnaea (Radix) acuminata e Indoplanorbis exustus em represas. Estas combinações mostraram significante efeito dose e tempo dependente contra ambos os caramujos. Estes compostos em doses altas foram também letais para peixes de água doce Channa punctatus (Bloch) (Channidae {Ophicephalidae}), que compartilham o ambiente com estes caramujos mas a dose LC90 (24h) para caramujos aparentemente não tem propriedade de matar as populações de peixes quando uma população mista de peixes e caramujos são tratadas.
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Animals , Euphorbia/chemistry , Latex , Molluscacides , Plant Extracts , Snails , Disease Vectors , Lymnaea , Latex/isolation & purification , Molluscacides/isolation & purification , Snails/classificationABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the major changes in the microstructure of Candida albicans (C. albicans) after treatment with Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) L. leaf extract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the ultrastructural changes caused by E. hirta extract on C. albicans cells at various exposure time.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was found that the main abnormalities were the alterations in morphology, lysis and complete collapse of the yeast cells after 36 h of exposure to the extract. Whereas the control cultures showed a typical morphology of Candida with a uniform central density, typically structured nucleus, and a cytoplasm with several elements of endomembrane system and enveloped by a regular, intact cell wall.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The significant antifungal activity shown by this methanol extract of E. hirta L. suggests its potential against infections caused by C. albicans. The extract may be developed as an anticandidal agent.</p>
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Candida albicans , Cell Biology , Euphorbia , Chemistry , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , Pharmacology , Plant Leaves , ChemistryABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the major changes in the microstructure of Candida albicans (C. albicans) after treatment with Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) L. leaf extract. Methods: Transmission electron microscopy was used to study the ultrastructural changes caused by E. hirta extract on C.albicans cells at various exposure time. Results: It was found that the main abnormalities were the alterations in morphology, lysis and complete collapse of the yeast cells after 36 h of exposure to the extract. Whereas the control cultures showed a typical morphology of Candida with a uniform central density, typically structured nucleus, and a cytoplasm with several elements of endomembrane system and enveloped by a regular, intact cell wall. Conclusions: The significant antifungal activity shown by this methanol extract of E. hirta L. suggests its potential against infections caused by C. albicans. The extract may be developed as an anticandidal agent.
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Four adult sexually matured and clinically healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) rams aged between 24 and 30 months were used for the study. The rams were first used as control and later as experimental animals upon being orally dosed with Euphorbia hirta extract at 400mg/kg body weight for 14 days. Semen samples were collected from the rams a day after the administration of the plant extra and seven days after. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of Euphorbia hirta on the semen picture of WAD rams. There were significantly differences (P <0.05) in the semen picture as reflected in a reduction of sperm motility from 80% to 47.5% and live-dead ratio from 90.75% to 32.5% in the control and post-experimental stages of the study respectively. This indicates that the fertilization capacity and livability of spermatozoa were negatively affected. There were no significant differences in the values of body parameters measured across the stages of the study. The plant is therefore not recommended for medicinal purpose in male animals.
Cuatro carneros enanos adultos de África Occidental sexualmente maduros y clínicamente sanos, con edades comprendidas entre los 24 y 30 meses, fueron utilizados para este estudio. Los carneros fueron utilizados como control y, más tarde, como animales de experimentación al ser medicados por vía oral con extracto de Euphorbia hirta en 400mg/kg peso corporal durante 14 días. Se recogieron muestras de semen de los carneros un día después de la administración de la planta y siete días después. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar el efecto de Euphorbia hirta en las imágenes de esperma de carneros enanos África Occidental. Hubo diferencias significativas (P <0,05) en la imagen del semen como reflejo de una reducción de la motilidad espermática del 80% al 47,5% y un ratio de vivos-muertos de 90,75% a 32,5% en la etapa control y después de las fases experimentales del estudio, respectivamente. Esto indica que la capacidad de fertilización y calidad de vida de los espermatozoides fueron afectados negativamente. No hubo diferencias significativas en los valores de los parámetros corporales medidos a través de las etapas del estudio. La planta por tanto no es recomendable para fines medicinales en los animales machos.