Actividad antiinflamatoria in vitro de Plantago major L. y Piper aduncum L. sobre la fosfolipasa A2 del veneno de la serpiente Lachesis muta muta / In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Plantago major L. and Piper aduncum L. on phospholipase A2 from the venom of snake Lachesis muta muta

Objetivo. Evaluar la actividad inhibitoria in vitro de los extractos de Plantago major «llantén» y Piper aduncum «matico» sobre Fosfolipasa A2 (PLA2) del veneno de la serpiente Lachesis muta muta. Materiales y métodos. Esta investigación fue de tipo explicativa con diseño experimental. Se recolectaron hojas de P. major y P. aduncum en la provincia de Huarochirí en Lima, Perú. Se prepararon extractos alcohólicos diluidos en agua destilada y se realizaron los ensayos fitoquímicos, la cuantificación de fenoles y flavonoides, la cromatografía de capa fina (CCF) en celulosa y la actividad enzimática con PLA2. Se analizó la capacidad de inhibir la PLA2 con los extractos en estudio y sus fracciones. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba de Kruskal Wallis y comparaciones múltiples de Bonferroni. Resultados. Tanto en P. major como en P. aduncum se identificó cualitativamente la presencia de fenoles, flavonoides y taninos; además, P. aduncum presentó saponinas. La inhibición de la actividad de la PLA2 del veneno por el extracto total de P. major fue del 45,3%, y sus fracciones mostraron valores de inhibición: LLF-1 con 31,1%, LLF-2 con 66,3% y LLF-3 con 65,5%. En P. aduncum, los valores de inhibición para el extracto total fueron de 86,9%, y sus fracciones presentaron inhibiciones: MF-1 con 34,3%, MF-2 con 67,1% y MF-3 con 54,9%. El análisis estadístico demostró diferencias significativas en la inhibición de la PLA2 (p=0,009) por los extractos. Conclusión. Los ensayos realizados demostraron una asociación entre el efecto antiinflamatorio de los extractos y la inhibición de la PLA2.

Objective. To evaluate the in vitro inhibitory activity of Plantago major "llantén" and Piper aduncum "matico" extracts on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from the venom of the snake Lachesis muta muta. Materials and methods. We carried out an explanatory study with experimental design. Leaves of P. major and P. aduncum were collected in the province of Huarochirí in Lima, Peru. Then, we prepared alcoholic extracts diluted in distilled water and conducted phytochemical assays, quantification of phenols and flavonoids, thin layer chromatography (TLC) on cellulose and enzymatic activity with PLA2. The ability to inhibit PLA2 with the extracts under study and their fractions was analyzed. The Kruskal Wallis test and Bonferroni multiple comparisons were used during statistical analysis. Results. Phenols, flavonoids and tannins were qualitatively identified in both P. major and P. aduncum; in addition, P. aduncum presented saponins. The inhibition of PLA2 activity of the venom by the total extract of P. major was 45.3%, and its fractions showed the following inhibition values: 31.1% for LLF-1, 66.3% for LLF-2 and 65.5% for LLF-3. The inhibition values for the total extract of P. aduncum were 86.9%, and its fractions showed the following inhibition rates: 34.3% for MF-1, 67.1% for MF-2 and 54.9% for MF-3. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the inhibition of PLA2 (p=0.009) by the extracts. Conclusion. The tests demonstrated an association between the anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts and PLA2 inhibition.

Extraction of Essential Oil from a Leaf of Piper betle L. (Paan) by Hydro-distillation Method

Piper betle leaf commonly known to be a Paan in India is eaten raw and sometimes with a mixture of areca nut. The leaf is consumed usually after a lunch or dinner. Traditionally the leaf is well known for a health benefits and also chewed as a mouth freshener. A wide range of researches on a Piper betle leaf suggest excellent nutritional benefits on the health. The edible leaf is also known for its specialized essential contents. The current research attempt is carried out to extract the essential oil from the leaf of Piper betle L. by a Hydro distillation method (Clevenger method). The research successfully concludes the extraction of oil with its efficacy towards the percentage of oil achieved during an extraction process.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L. sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Resumo Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-1) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria / Impacto de extratos de folhas da dieta de pimenta-do-reino Piper nigrum L sobre o crescimento, parâmetros hematológicos e imunológicos de Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultivado em aquários de vidro

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. After acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-¹) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-¹) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Impact of dietary leaf extracts of Black pepper Piper nigrum L. on the growth, hematological and immunological parameters of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822) cultured in glass aquaria

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Piper nigrum (black pepper) leaf extract on on the growth performance, proximate composition, hematological parameters, and immune response of Labeo rohita fingerlings with an average weight of 22.14 ± 0.98g. Aftrer acclimation for two weeks, fish (n=25) were randomly selected and placed in four glass aquaria (T0, T1, T2 and T3) at constant water temperature (30.0 ± 1.0 °C), pH (7.50 ± 0.5) and total hardness (200 ± 2.0 mgL,-1) for a period of 12 weeks, with three replicates each. Fish were fed with P. nigrum leaf extract supplemented feed @ 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% in T0, T1,T2 and T3, respectively. At the end of experiment, five fish were randomly selected from each aquaria for proximate composition, gut and skin microbial load, hematological parameters. Total proteins, albumins, and globulins were also recorded to evaluate immunological memory. The result revealed that fish in T2 showed better growth performance with an average weight gain of 56.11 ± 0.51 g. Thus, it had been concluded that Piper nigrum, a medicinal plant, can also be used to enhance the growth performance and immune response of Labeo rohita as attractive alternatives against antibiotics and vaccines and has shown no negative side effects on fish health as well as on its environment.

Resumo Um estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito do extrato da folha de Piper nigrum (pimenta-do-reino) sobre o desempenho de crescimento, composição centesimal, parâmetros hematológicos e resposta imune de alevinos de Labeo rohita com peso médio de 22,14 ± 0,98g. Após aclimatação por duas semanas, os peixes (n = 25) foram selecionados aleatoriamente e colocados em quatro aquários de vidro (T0, T1, T2 e T3) em temperatura constante da água (30,0 ± 1,0 °C), pH (7,50 ± 0,5) e dureza total (200 ± 2,0 mgL-1) por um período de 12 semanas, com três repetições cada. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração suplementada com extrato de folha de P. nigrum @ 0,0%, 1,0%, 2,0% e 3,0% em T0, T1, T2 e T3, respectivamente. Ao final do experimento, cinco peixes foram selecionados aleatoriamente de cada aquário para composição centesimal, carga microbiana intestinal e cutânea e parâmetros hematológicos. Proteínas totais, albuminas e globulinas também foram registradas para avaliar a memória imunológica. O resultado revelou que os peixes em T2 apresentaram melhor desempenho de crescimento com ganho de peso médio de 56,11 ± 0,51 g. Assim, concluiu-se que Piper nigrum, uma planta medicinal, também pode ser usado para melhorar o desempenho de crescimento e resposta imunológica de Labeo rohita como alternativas atraentes contra antibióticos e vacinas e não mostrou efeitos colaterais negativos na saúde dos peixes, bem como sobre seu ambiente.

Determination and effect of five alkaloids from extracts of Piper longum on rats with experimental myocardial ischemia induced by injection of pituitrin / 药学实践杂志

Objective To determine the content of five alkaloids from extracts of Piper longum and test the pharmacodynamic effect of them on rats with experimental myocardial ischemia induced by injection of pituitrin. Methods The content of five alkaloids was determined simultaneously by HPLC. The experimental myocardial ischemia in rats was induced by injection of pituitrin, and the absolute value of T wave change and change of heart rate before and after model establishment were chosen to be the observation index. The effects of large, medium and small dose groups were evaluated. Results Three batches of samples were analyzed, with the contents of piperine for 56.1%, 49.7%, 51.6%; N-isobutyl-(2E,4E)-octadecatrienamide for 4.5%, 4.2%, 4.3%; guineensine for 0.46%, 0.38%, 0.40%; piplartine for 1.73%, 1.67%, 1.70% and piperamide for 0.55%, 0.46%, 0.49%, respectively. All dose groups from extracts of piper longum had significantly reduced the absolute value of T wave and almost have no effect on the change of heart rate, except the high dose group showed the effect of reducing heart rate at some time . Conclusion The HPLC method was suitable for the simultaneous determination of five alkaloids from extracts of Piper longum. It was shown that extracts of Piper longum had good bioactivity in anti-myocardial ischemia.

Development of microparticles and microparticulated tablets containing piperine

Abstract Piper nigrum (black pepper) is used in Indian traditional medicine and its main alkaloid, Piperine (PIP), presents antioxidant, antitumor and neuroprotective pharmacological properties. This substance is insoluble in aqueous media and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Aiming to avoid these inconvenient characteristics and enable PIP oral administration, this study suggested the PIP microencapsulation through the emulsion-solvent evaporation method and the preparation of microparticulated tablets by direct compression. An UV-spectroscopy method was validated to quantify PIP. Microparticles and microparticulated tablets were successfully obtained and the microparticles exhibited excellent flow. The scanning electron microscopy images showed that PIP microparticles were intact after compression. The in vitro release showed a controlled release of PIP from microparticles and PIP microparticles from tablets in comparison to PIP and PIP tablets. The release profiles of PIP microparticles and the microparticulated tablets were similar. Therefore, tablets containing PIP microparticles are promising multiparticulated dosage forms because a tablet allows microparticles administration and the intact ones promote a controlled release, decreasing its irritating potential on the mucosa.

Actividad insecticida de aceites esenciales sobre Blatella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) / nsecticidal activity of essential oils against Blatella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Blattella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) es una especie de cucaracha considerada plaga de la salud pública por estar asociada a gran número de microorganismos causantes de enfermedades al hombre. Para su control se utilizan diferentes tipos de formulaciones a base de insecticidas sintéticos a los cuales en su gran mayoría es resistente. En este contexto existe un interés creciente por los insecticidas botánicos. En el siguiente trabajo se evaluaron los aceites de Citrus aurantium (L.,1753), Ocimum basilicum (L.,1753), Piper aduncum subsp ossanum (C.DC. Saralegui) y Eucalyptus globulus (Labill, 1800) mediante aplicación tópica de un microlitro en el primer esternito abdominal de los individuos. Los cuatro aceites mostraron actividad insecticida sobre adultos de B. germanica con CL50 que oscilaron entre 58 µg/µL para O. basilicum y 250 µg/µL para P. aduncum(AU)´

Blattella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) is a cockroach species considered a public health pest, since it is associated with a great number of disease-causing microorganisms in humans. For its control, different types of synthetic-based insecticidal formulations are used, to which it is mostly resistant. In this context, there is a growing interest in botanical insecticides. In this research, oils from Citrus aurantium (L., 1753), Ocimum basilicum (L., 1753), Piper aduncum subsp. ossanum (C.DC. Saralegui), and Eucalyptus globulus (Labill, 1800) were evaluated by topical application of 1 µL to the first abdominal sternum of the individuals. The four essential oils evaluated showed insecticidal activity against adult B. germanica with LC50 ranging from 58µg/µL for O. basilicum to 250µg/µL for P. aduncum(AU)´

Piper nigrum and Morinda lucida Possess Antioxidant Capacities and Regulate the Activities of Key Carbohydrate and Lipid Digestive Enzymes

Introduction: Carbohydrate and lipid digestive enzymes are instrumental in the absorbability of nutrients associated to diabetes and obesity. This study evaluated hydroethanolic extracts of Piper nigrum leaf and Morinda lucida stem bark for antioxidant capacity and enzymes (carbohydrate and lipid digestive) inhibition. Methods: Colorimetric assays determined enzyme (?-amylase, ?-glucosidase, lipase and cholesterol esterase) inhibition and antioxidant capacity (total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, radical scavenging activity (DPPH, ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) of hydroethanolic ethanolic extracts, ethyl acetate and hexane fractions. Results: At 1 mg/ml extracts of P nigrum and M lucida inhibited ?- amylase (9.82±1.05 - 36.63±0.69 %) and ?-glucosidase (22.47±0.34 - 67.77±0.58 %) activities. At 100 µg/ml extracts and fractions inhibited lipase (56.72±1.11 - 81.61±0.71 %) and cholesterol esterase (18.14 ±0.79 - 36.84±0.70 %) activities. IC50 for ?- amylase (2.20±0.02 - 7.8±1.42 mg/ml), ?-glucosidase (0.16±0.01 - 3.74±0.01 mg/ml), lipase (8.58±2.57 - 53.03±5.20 µg/ml) and cholesterol esterase (172.20±5.12 - 419.80±4.55 µg/ml) were registered. At 4 mg/ml, P. nigrum presented a higher TPC (153.78±8.31 - 354.63±6.33 mg/ml), TFC (21.65±1.14 -33.86±0.00 mg/ml) than M lucida TPC (10.21±0.11 - 169.89±6.54 mg/ml), TFC (ND - 87.32±6.14 mg/ml). P nigrum presented radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) activity with IC50 0.12±0.00 - 1.27±0.01 mg/ml compared to 1.31±0.02 - 3.44±0.12 mg/ml of M lucida. The FRAP IC50 values were better for P nigrum (3.38±0.14- 4.48±1.05 mg/ml) than M lucida (3.34±1.32 - 15.4±2.03 mg/ml). Conclusion: P nigrum presented better antioxidant capacity and more effective on lipid digestive enzymes while M lucida was more effective on carbohydrate digestive enzymes.

Antibacterial activity of Sireh (Piper betle L.) leaf extracts for controlling bacterial leaf blight diseases in rice plant

Aims@#This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of Piper betle L. leaf extract against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae that causes bacterial leaf blight in rice plant.@*Methodology and results@#The antibacterial activity of the P. betle leaf extract (100, 50, 25 and 12.25 mg/mL) with four different solvents (methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and acetone) was evaluated using a disc diffusion assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. The inhibition zone of methanolic extract appeared to have the maximum diameter compared to those of other extracts, which is 32.67 mm at a concentration of 100 mg/mL, followed by 30.33 mm, 22.00 mm and 20.30 mm for the concentrations of 50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MBC values of the methanolic extract were 0.625 mg/mL suggesting that the extract has a bactericidal effect on X. oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). The time-kill curve studies revealed that the 1× MIC (0.625 mg/mL) concentration of methanolic extract had a time and concentration-dependent killing effect on Xoo. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of methanol extract revealed the presence of eugenol acetate (29.53%), 4-allyl-1,2-diacetoxybenzene (29.51%) and 2,3-dimethyl benzoic acid (22.82%) as major compounds.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The methanolic leaf extract of P. betle was proven to have an effective inhibitory effect on Xoo and may have the potential to be used as an alternative management strategy for controlling rice diseases. In the future study, the methanolic leaf extract of P. betle is one of the recommendations to be applied in glasshouse and field trials.

Inhibitory effects of Piper umbellatum Linn. leaf extracts on α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities

Background@#Alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase are essential enzymes in converting food into energy inside the body. However, the proper management of these enzymes is needed to maintain normal blood glucose levels in the body. Thus, inhibiting these carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes is necessary for managing hyperglycemia and alleviating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus complications. Studies have reported that the Piper species have inhibitory properties on these digestive enzymes. However, the locally cultivated P. umbellatum has not yet been studied. @*Objectives@#The study evaluated the inhibitory potentials of the locally grown P. umbellatum leaf extracts against α-amylase and α-gluiosidase. @*Methodology@#The P. umbellatum leaf extracts were screened for in vitro inhibitory α-amylase and α-glucosidase tests. The most active crude extract was subjected to semi-purification and fractions were subjected to inhibitory enzymatic tests. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses were conducted. @*Results@#Among all crude extracts, the KMB-HE exhibited the highest activities comparable to that of the acarbose standard (p>0.05). The KMB-HE showed inhibitions of 81.01%±1.66 and 89.51%±3.03 on α-amylase and α-glucosidase at 250 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, it contained the highest phenolic (195.00 ±3.60 GAE mg/gram) and flavonoid (4.55±0.06 QE mg/gram) contents that may be linked to the observed activities. The semi-purification of KMB-HE collected 24 fractions with PF10 demonstrating inhibitions of 68.07%±13.48 and 74.21%±2.22 in α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively. Also, the PF10 contained the highest phenolic (204.75±2.42 GAE mg/gram) and flavonoid (4.00±0.07 QE mg/gram) compounds among all the active fractions tested. The PF10 satisfied the recommended criteria for plant natural inhibitors: a moderate-to-low α-amylase and stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. @*Conclusion@#The P. umbellatum exhibited good inhibitory activities on carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes. These may lead to further analysis of the P. umbellatum for future development of a safer, locally available natural remedy in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Piper umbellatum Linn. leaf extracts

Background@#Earlier studies reported the anti-inflammatory activity in several species of Piper, and Piper umbellatum Linn. leaves containing some phytochemicals that are potent anti-inflammatory agents. However, there was no thorough investigation on the anti-inflammatory activity of the locally grown P. umbellatum in the Philippines. @*Objective@#The study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of Piper umbellatum leaves using in vitro and in vivo assays. @*Methodology@#Crude extracts were obtained from P. umbellatum leaves using polar and non-polar solvents. The anti-inflammatory activities of all crude extracts were determined using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test in mice and phytochemical analysis. The crude extract with the highest activity was partially purified using column chromatography. The fractions with similar TLC profile were pooled and tested for antiinflammatory activity. COX-1 and COX-2 enzyme inhibitory activity were determined in pooled fractions that showed initial activity in animal model. @*Results@#Among the crude extracts of P.umbellatum, the crude ethyl acetate extract exhibited a significant dose-dependent inhibition on paw edema test with doses of 500 mg/kg bw, 1,000 mg/kg bw and 1,500 mg/kg bw (p<0.05). Among the 20 pooled fractions (PF) collected from the ethyl acetate extract, PF58, PF60 and PF64 had the highest COX-2 enzyme inhibitions of 83.12 %, 84.78% and 77.47%, respectively (p<0.05). PF60 also exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity on paw edema with inhibitions of 62.45% at low dose (250 mg/kg bw) and 76.10 % at high dose (1,000 mg/kg bw) in mice. @*Conclusion@#The ethyl acetate extract of P. umbellatum leaves and its fraction-PF60 exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity in in vitro and in vivo assays and contained high amounts of total phenolic and total flavonoid.

Optimisation of asarone removal from Piper sarmentosum Roxburgh leaves using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction: the Box-Behnken design

Abstract Piper sarmentosum is a herbaceous shrub with numerous pharmacological benefits. However, the presence of two toxic phenylpropanoids (α- and β-asarone) limits the medicinal usage of the plant. In this study, the extraction of three asarone isomers, namely α-, β-, and -asarone was optimised using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SC-CO2) combined with Box-Behnken experimental design. Comparison of asarone contents in different conventional solvent extracts of P. sarmentosum leaves prior to and after SC-CO2 extraction was performed. The SC-CO2 method successfully maximised the extraction of α-, β-, and ɣ-asarone at P = 81.16 bar, T = 50.11°C, and t = 80.90 min, yielding 13.91% α-asarone, 3.43% β-asarone, and 14.95% ɣ-asarone. The SC-CO2 residue of the leaves re-extracted with conventional solvents showed a significant decrease of asarone ranging from 45% to 100% (p<0.001) compared to their counterparts without SC-CO2 treatment. α-, β-, and ɣ-asarone were completely removed in the ethanol extract of the residue. These findings suggested that the optimised SC-CO2 extraction parameters may serve as a quick treatment step for the selective removal of asarone from P. sarmentosum to develop safer extracts for the food and nutraceutical industries applications.

Piper aduncum L. (matico) utilizado como tratamiento para el daño pulmonar y Covid-19

Resumen El objetivo principal fue conocer las propiedades antimicrobianas del Piper aduncum L. (matico) para el tratamiento de prevención del Covid-19. El aceite esencial, como los extractos de las hojas y la corteza son muy valiosos como agente cicatrizante, antibacterianos y antifúngico. De esta manera los componentes los flavonoides presentes en el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) fortifican la conectividad de los tejidos mediante la inhibición de algunas de las enzimas que pueden hidrolizar el proteoglicano y la malla proteica, lo cual podría aumentar el efecto antibacteriano al obstaculizar la difusión de la infección al tejido, su actividad antibacterial frente a Staphylococus aureus y Echerichia coli; obteniéndose como resultado que los metabolitos secundarios como flavonoides, compuestos fenólicos, esteroides y alcaloides cuentan con acción antibacterial. La planta del Piper aduncum L. (matico) es un buen cicatrizante y antifúngico se está comercializando como producto farmacéutico en gel. La conclusión que el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) no ayuda a prevenir ni mucho menos a eliminar el nuevo coronavirus y su composición química del matico solo ayuda a prevenir algunas de los síntomas del Covid 19.

Abstract The main objective was to know the antimicrobial properties of Piper aduncum L. (matico) for the prevention treatment of Covid-19. The essential oil, like the extracts of the leaves and the bark, are very valuable as a healing agent, antibacterial and antifungal. In this way, the flavonoid components present in the essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (matico) fortify the connectivity of the tissues by inhibiting some of the enzymes that can hydrolyze the proteoglycan and the protein mesh, which could increase the effect antibacterial by hindering the spread of the infection to the tissue, its antibacterial activity against Staphylococus aureus and Echerichia coli; As a result, secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds, steroids and alkaloids have antibacterial action. The Piper aduncum L. (matico) plant is a good healing and antifungal agent. It is being marketed as a pharmaceutical gel product. The conclusion that the essential oil of Piper aduncum L. (matico) does not help prevent, much less eliminate the new coronavirus and its chemical composition of the matico only helps prevent some of the symptoms of Covid 19.

Resumo El principal objetivo fue conocer las propiedades antimicrobianas de Piper aduncum L. (matico) para el tratamiento preventivo de Covid-19. El aceite esencial, al igual que los extractos de las hojas y la corteza, son muy valiosos como agente curativo, antibacteriano y antifúngico. De esta forma, los componentes flavonoides presentes en el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) fortalecen la conectividad de los tejidos al inhibir algunas de las enzimas que pueden hidrolizar el proteoglicano y la malla proteica, lo que podría incrementar el efecto antibacteriano al obstaculizar la propagación de la infección al tejido, su actividad antibacteriana contra Staphylococus aureus y Echerichia coli; Como resultado, los metabolitos secundarios como flavonoides, compuestos fenólicos, esteroides y alcaloides tienen acción antibacteriana. La planta Piper aduncum L. (matico) es un buen agente curativo y antifúngico. Se comercializa como un producto farmacéutico en gel. La conclusión de que el aceite esencial de Piper aduncum L. (matico) no ayuda a prevenir, mucho menos eliminar el nuevo coronavirus y su composición química del matico solo ayuda a prevenir algunos de los síntomas de Covid 19.

Caracterização hidrogeoquímica de águas subterrâneas utilizadas para abastecimento público na porção nordeste do Sistema Aquífero Guarani / Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater for public supply in the Northeastern portion of the Guarani Aquifer System

RESUMO O Sistema Aquífero Guarani (SAG) compreende um dos mais importantes aquíferos do mundo, tanto pela grande reserva quanto pela qualidade de suas águas subterrâneas. Entretanto, nem todas as regiões, nas quais o SAG é utilizado no abastecimento público, possuem estudos a respeito do quimismo de suas águas e de sua associação com a geologia. Este trabalho apresenta a caracterização hidrogeoquímica das águas subterrâneas do SAG utilizadas no abastecimento público em São Carlos, São Paulo, região nordeste do SAG, por meio de amostras provenientes de 27 poços tubulares profundos. A captação de água subterrânea é proveniente principalmente do SAG. Entretanto, também é possível verificar a presença das formações Botucatu, Piramboia, Serra Geral, Itaqueri, Adamantina e sedimentos cenozoicos. Apesar de pouco mineralizadas, verifica-se variabilidade iônica na composição das águas subterrâneas, evidenciada na distribuição espacial da condutividade elétrica na área de estudo. Os resultados hidroquímicos apontam para a existência de quatro fácies hidroquímicas: bicarbonatadas mistas, bicarbonatadas cálcicas, bicarbonatadas sódicas e sódica fluoretada, em ordem decrescente de representatividade. A heterogeneidade geológica interfere na concentração de íons na água, por meio da dissolução mineral, e possibilita a mistura das águas subterrâneas. A análise de componentes principais constatou que 62,7% da variabilidade total do conjunto amostral é explicada, principalmente, por dois fatores. O primeiro grupo de variáveis representa 38,7% da variabilidade, atribuída principalmente aos íons provenientes da dissolução de minerais (HCO3−, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+) e aos parâmetros relacionados a esse processo (pH e condutividade elétrica). O segundo revelou 24% da variabilidade total, que pode estar associado a origens antrópicas, como a presença dos íons Cl−, N-NO3−, SO42-, F− e K+.

ABSTRACT The Guarani Aquifer System (GAS) comprises one of the most important aquifers in the world due to its large water reserve and its groundwater quality. However, some regions that comprise the GAS groundwater for human supply are not thoroughly characterized on water chemistry and its relation with the local geology. This work presents the hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater from the northeast region of the GAS used for human public supply in São Carlos (São Paulo, Brazil) based on samples from 27 deep boreholes. The groundwater exploration occurs mainly from GAS. However, it is also possible to verify the presence of the Botucatu, Piramboia, Serra Geral, Itaqueri, Adamantina, and Cenozoic sediments. Although little mineralized, there is a large ionic variability in the groundwater composition, also evidenced by spatial distribution of the electrical conductivity in the research area. These results explain four hydrochemical water types: mixed bicarbonate; calcium bicarbonate; sodium bicarbonate; and sodium fluoride, in decreasing order of representativeness. The concentration of ions in groundwater reflects the geological heterogeneity, through mineral dissolution and possible groundwater mixing. A Principal Component Analysis demonstrated that 62.7% of the total sample set variability is explained by two main factors. The first one represents 38.7% of the variability; mainly attributed to ions from minerals dissolution (HCO3−, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+) and parameters related to this process (pH and electrical conductivity). The second group showed 24.0% of the total variability, which may be associated with anthropic activities origins, such as the presence of Cl−, N-NO3−, SO42-, F−, and K+.

Antimicrobial efficacy and activity of ethanolic extract of Piper betle L. on Staphylococcus aureus-infected wound in mice and clinical isolates of multiple drug-resistant bacterial pathogens

@#This study aimed to determine the in vivo effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of Piper betle L. leaves against Staphylococcus aureus-infected wounds in mice and its antimicrobial properties on clinical isolates of multiple drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Twenty mice were divided into four groups. Wounds were created in all mice under anesthesia by excision from the dorsal skin down to the subcutaneous fat and inoculating with S. aureus. After 24 h, the wound of each mouse was treated once daily by application of the respective cream. Group I was treated with mupirocin antibacterial cream; Group II received a cream base containing no active ingredient; Groups III and IV were treated with 2.5% and 5.0% concentrations of P. betle cream, respectively. Further, an in vitro study was performed by adding undiluted, 1:50 and 1:100 dilutions of the four studied creams in normal saline containing 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL of the following bacteria: antimicrobial-susceptible S. aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, metallo-βlactamase-producing P. aeruginosa and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. The mice in Groups III and IV had significantly faster wound contraction and significantly shorter reepithelialization time than Group II (p < 0.05), which were not significantly different from Group I (p > 0.05). P. betle creams inhibited all studied bacterial strains at full concentration and at a dilution of 1:50. The inhibitory effect was more significant than Groups I and II (p < 0.05), except on S. aureus. Specifically, S. aureus inhibition was not significantly different for Groups III and IV (p > 0.05) when compared with Group I. Cream formulations derived from P. betle ethanolic extract have great potential as antimicrobial agents for the treatment of wound infection. Further clinical tests are recommended to determine the safety and efficacy of these formulations in other mammalian species.

Hydroxychavicol, a polyphenol from / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

This study aims to elucidate the antiproliferative mechanism of hydroxychavicol (HC). Its effects on cell cycle, apoptosis, and the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HT-29 colon cancer cells were investigated. HC was isolated from

Anti-acanthamoebic activity of methanolic extract of Piper sarmentosum leaves

Aims@#Piper sarmentosum or locally known as Kaduk, is a tropical herb plant that was investigated for its phenolic content by previous researchers. The present study aimed at the analysis of crude methanolic extract of P. sarmentosum leaves for phenolic compounds identification and its anti-amoebic properties against pathogenic Acanthamoeba castellanii.@*Methodology and results@#Folin-Ciocalteu assay was used to determine P. sarmentosum leaves methanolic extract (PSLME)’s total phenolic content (TPC). The extract was further characterized by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses to determine the chemical constituents in methanolic PSLME extract. The cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated through the determination of inhibition concentration for half of cell population (IC50) of pathogenic A. castellanii followed by cell morphological analysis using inverted light and scanning electron microscopies. Acridine-orange/Propidium iodide (AOPI) staining was also conducted to determine the integrity of cell membrane for quantitative analysis. The results demonstrated that the TPC from PSLME was 142.72 mg [GAE]/g with a total of 33 phenolic compounds identified. The IC50 value obtained for A. castellanii was low (74.64 μg/mL) which indicates promising anti-acanthamoebic activity. Microscopy analyses showed that the plant extract caused cells encystment, in which exhibited by distinctive morphological changes on the cells shape and organelle, as well as shortening of acanthopodia. The dual staining and its quantitative analysis prove compromised membrane integrity in the treated amoeba.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This finding provides the evidence that PSLME contains active phenolic compounds contributing to the anti-acanthamoebic activity on pathogenic Acanthamoeba species.

Volatile chemical composition of Piper sancti-felicis Trel essential oil and its biocidal action against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

This research assessed the fumigant activity of the essential oil from Piper sancti-felicis Trel and five of its components on the Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) biological model. Hydrodistillation was used for extraction of the essential oil, with separation and identification of the compounds through gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The fumigant was evaluated through gas dispersion on the T. castaneum. The majority compounds found in the EO were b-nerolidol (15.4%), 3-carene (14.9%), p-cymene (9.1%), spathulenol (8.2%), a-cubebene (6.2%) and calamenene (5.2%). Piper sancti-felicis displayed fumigant activity with a LC50 = 108.5 & 956;g L-1 air, and other individual monoterpenes tested such as & 945;-terpinolene (LC50 = 110.1 & 956;g L-1 air), p-cymene (LC50 = 120.3 & 956;g L-1 air), 3-carene (LC50 = 130.6 & 956;g L-1 air), (R) -limonene (CL50 = 189.6 & 956;g L-1 air), and a-pinene (LC50 = 213.1 & 956;g L-1 air), were significantly less toxic than methyl pyrimiphos used as a positive control, CL50 = 87.4 & 956;g L-1 air. The essential oil of P. sancti-felicis can be considered as a natural source of biocides.

Morphological and molecular characterization of Fusarium spp. associated with Fusarium wilt disease of Piper nigrum L. in Northwestern region of Sarawak

Aims@#Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) is an economically important commodity plant in Malaysia, which generated RM 200.95 million from pepper export in the year of 2018. However, the increase in pepper production is restricted by diseases. Fusarium wilt is one of the major diseases of P. nigrum L. The objectives for this study were to isolate Fusarium spp. associated with Fusarium wilt of P. nigrum L. from selected pepper farms in the northwestern region of Sarawak and to characterize the Fusarium spp. isolated morphologically and molecularly.@*Methodology and results@#Fusarium spp. were isolated from diseased root samples. The pathogen was grown on potato dextrose agar (PDA) under dark condition at circa (ca.) 25 °C for morphological characterisation. Molecular characterisation was done by using internal transcribed spacer (ITS). Phylogenetic tree was constructed to study the genetic relationship of the isolates. Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum were the three Fusarium species identified. There were variations in morphological characters observed between and among the species, including the colony form, margin, elevation, surface appearance and pigmentation. No distinctive morphological characteristic was specific to a location. In addition, growth rate, macroconidia sporulation rate, and microconidia sporulation rate of the isolates were not correlated. In molecular phylogeny, the three Fusarium species were separated into three distinct clades representing the three identified species. The genetic relatedness between isolates within each species was depicted in the tree. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Variations were observed among isolates in this study based on morphological and molecular characterization. This study would contribute information on the variations of Fusarium spp. associated with Fusarium wilt of P. nigrum L. from the northwestern region of Sarawak.