Croton stipulaceus Kunth, a native Mexican medicinal plant with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities / Croton stipulaceus Kunth, planta medicinal mexicana con actividad antioxidante y antiinflamatoria

Leaves of Croton stipulaceuswere extracted (EHex, ECHCl3and EEtOH extracts) to assesstheir antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory activity in murine models and acute toxicity. EEtOH showed the highest effect in DPPH (37.80% inhibition), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) and total polyphenols (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). EHex was the most active, ~ 50% inhibition of TPA-induced ear edema; while EEtOH (dose of 2 mg/ear) showed the highest inhibition in the chronic model (97% inhibition), and inhibited MPO activity (48%). In carrageenan-induced edema, ECHCl3(dose 500 mg/kg) was the most active. None of the extracts showed acute toxicity (LD50) at 2 g/kg (p.o.). This work is the first report that supports the traditional use of C. stipulaceusas an anti-inflammatory.

De las hojas de Croton stipulaceusse obtuvieron diferentes extractos (EHex, ECHCl3y EEtOH) evaluando el potencial antioxidante y la actividad antiinflamatoria en modelos murinos y la toxicidad aguda. El EEtOH mostró mayor efecto en DPPH (37.80% inhibición), FRAP (1065.00 ± 55.30 µmolFe2+) y polifenolestotales (231.24 ± 9.05 meq AG/gM). El EHex fue el más activo, cercano al 50% de inhibición del edema auricular inducido con TPA; mientras que el EEtOH (dosis de 2 mg/oreja) mostró la mayor inhibición en el modelo crónico (97% inhibición), e inhibió la actividad de la MPO (48%). En el edema inducido con carragenina, el ECHCl3(dosis 500 mg/kg) fue el más activo. Ninguno de los extractos mostró una toxicidad aguda (DL50) mayor a 2 g/kg (p.o). Este trabajo es el primer reporte que sustenta el uso tradicional de C. stipulaceuscomo antiinflamatorio.

Characterisation and traceability of extra virgin olive oil and table olive of Azapa variety marketed in Chile using Microsatellite Molecular Markers / Caracterización y trazabilidad de aceite de oliva virgen extra y aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa comercializados en Chile mediante marcadores moleculares microsatélites

Chile has two certified origin olive products: Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) from Huasco valley and the Azapa variety table olive from the Azapa valley. However, efficient methodologies are needed to determine the varieties and raw materials involved in the end products. In this study, we assessed the size of alleles from ten microsatellites in 20 EVOOs and in leaves and fruits of 16 olive varieties cultivated in Chile to authenticate their origins. The identification of varieties relied on specific allele sizes derived from microsatellites markers UDO99-011 and DCA18-M found in leaves and fruit mesocarp. While most Chilean single-variety EVOOs matched the variety declared on the label, inconsistencies were observed in single-variety EVOOs containing multiple varieties. Our findings confirm that microsatellites serve as a valuable as diagnostic tools for ensuring the quality control of Geographical Indication certification for Azapa olives and EVOO with Designation of Origin from Huasco.

Chile cuenta con dos productos de oliva de origen certificado: El aceite de oliva virgen extra (AOVE) del valle del Huasco y la aceituna de mesa de la variedad Azapa del valle de Azapa. Sin embargo, se necesitan metodologías eficientes para determinar las variedades y materias primas involucradas en los productos finales. En este estudio, evaluamos el tamaño de los alelos de diez microsatélites en 20 AOVEs y en hojas y frutos de 16 variedades de aceituna cultivadas en Chile para autentificar sus orígenes. La identificación de las variedades se basó en los tamaños alélicos específicos derivados de los marcadores microsatélites UDO99-011 y DCA18-M encontrados en las hojas y el mesocarpio de los frutos. Aunque la mayoría de los AOVEs chilenos monovarietales coincidían con la variedad declarada en la etiqueta, se observaron incoherencias en los AOVEs monovarietales que contenían múltiples variedades. Nuestros hallazgos confirman que los microsatélites sirven como valiosas herramientas de diagnóstico para asegurar el control de calidad de la certificación de Indicación Geográfica para aceitunas de Azapa y AOVE con Denominación de Origen de Huasco.

Growth and functional leaf traits of coppice regrowth of Bertholletia excelsa during an El Niño event in the central Amazon / Crescimento e características funcionais foliares de rebrotas de Bertholletia excelsa durante um evento de El Niño na Amazônia Central

The most severe drought of this century in the Amazon rainforest, which was caused by El Niño, occurred from 2015 to 2016. With a focus on the ecophysiology of the regrowth of the Brazil nut tree, Bertholletia excelsa, it was investigated how the progression of the drought of 2015-2016 affected the physiological traits of the coppice regrowth of B. excelsa. The experiment was carried out in a ten-year-old plantation of Brazil nut trees, which had been subjected to thinning and coppice regrowth two years earlier. In the sprouts grown on the stumps of cut trees, the following treatments were applied: (T1) thinning to one sprout per stump; (T2) thinning to two sprouts per stump, and (T3) maintenance of three sprouts per stump. Thinning treatments did not alter the growth and ecophysiological traits of the Brazil nut tree sprouts, though the phosphorus content of the leaves was higher in T1. However, the progression of the drought in 2015-2016 negatively affected the growth (height) and gas exchange of sprouts of all treatments. In addition, an increase of around 37% was observed in the intrinsic wateruse efficiency. Concerning photochemical performance, no alterations were observed. Therefore, drought stress promoted a negative effect on sprout growth and affected traits related to the photosynthesis of the B. excelsa sprouts independently of the number of sprouts per stump.(AU)

A seca mais severa deste século na floresta amazônica, causada por El Niño, ocorreu de 2015 a 2016. Com foco na ecofisiologia da rebrota da castanheira da Amazônia, foi investigado como a progressão da seca de 2015-2016 afetou as características fisiológicas das rebrotas de uma talhadia de B. excelsa. O experimento foi realizado em uma plantação de castanheiras com dez anos, a qual havia sido submetida a um desbaste e rebrota de talhadia dois anos antes. Nas rebrotas crescidas sobre os tocos das árvores cortadas foram aplicados os seguintes tratamentos: (T1) desbrota para manter um broto por cepa; (T2) desbrota para manter dois brotos por cepa; e (T3) manutenção de três brotos por cepa. Os tratamentos de desbrota não alteraram o crescimento e as características ecofisiológicas dos brotos da castanheira, exceto para o teor foliar de fósforo, que foi maior em T1. Porém, a progressão da seca em 2015-2016 afetou negativamente o crescimento em altura e as trocas gasosas dos brotos de todos os tratamentos. Além disso, foi observado um aumento de cerca de 37% na eficiência intrínseca do uso da água. Quanto ao desempenho fotoquímico, não foram observadas alterações. Portanto, o estresse hídrico promoveu efeito negativo no crescimento da brotação e afetou características relacionadas à fotossíntese das brotações de B. excelsa, independentemente do número de brotações por cepa.(AU)

Does amount of cut vegetal residue on the canopy influence growth and the structural characteristics of marandu palisadegrass?

The pasture mowing in late winter removes the old forage, improving the pasture structure in spring and summer. However, the residue after mowing can affect tillering, thus limiting forage production and the structural characteristics of pasture. We hypothesized that the high amount of cut vegetal residues on the plants in late winter causes a decrease in forage production and modifies the structural characteristics of the forage canopy during the spring and summer. The treatments were four cut vegetal residues (0; 2,000; 4,000 and 8,000 t ha-1 of natural material) deposited on Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu canopy in late winter. After that, the forage production and structure characteristics were evaluated during the spring and summer for two years. The complete randomized block design, with four replications, was used. The defoliation management was characterized by the adoption of pre- and post-cut heights of 25 and 15 cm, respectively. For both years, there was no effect of cut vegetal residue on all the characteristics evaluated. No variable was affected by the interaction cut vegetal residue amount × year of evaluation. The dead leaf blade percentage was greater in year 2 (6.9%) than in year 1 (3.5%). The average values of variables were live leaf blade percentage = 84.2%; live stem percentage = 8.7%; dead stem percentage = 1.9%; number of vegetative tiller = 653 tiller/m2; number of reproductive tiller = 5 tiller m-2. The forage production rate presented an average value of 46 kg/ha/day of dry matter. The cut vegetal residue amount of up to 8,000 t/ha of natural material on the plants in late winter does not affect the forage production or modifies the structural characteristics of marandu palisadegrass during the subsequent spring and summer.

Diversidad y estructura arbórea en afloramientos de carbonato de calcio en Calakmul, México / Tree diversity and structure in carbonate calcium banks in Calakmul, Mexico

Resumen Introducción: La vegetación arbórea de selvas que se desarrolla en ambientes kársticos dominados por carbonato de calcio enfrenta la restricción de agua y nutrientes, lo que condiciona su desarrollo. Objetivo: Analizar la composición, diversidad y estructura de la vegetación arbórea que se desarrolla en afloramientos de calcio (yesales) y sus condiciones edáficas comparándolas con las presentes en vegetación secundaria (VS). Métodos: Se emplearon 17 parcelas de 1 000 m², 14 en yesales y 3 en VS. Se obtuvo una muestra compuesta de suelo por parcela y estimamos pH, conductividad eléctrica (CE-salinidad), % de carbonatos de calcio (CaCO3), materia orgánica (MO), fósforo (P) y nitrógeno (N). La diferencia en la composición de especies se evaluó mediante un análisis de similitud (ANOSIM). Empleamos métodos de rarefacción y extrapolación, estimando la diversidad mediante los números de Hill (q = 0, q = 1 y q = 2). Se utilizó un análisis de regresión linear para evaluar la influencia de las características edáficas en la diversidad, el diámetro y la altura promedios. Resultados: Los suelos en yesales presentaron concentraciones bajas de MO, P y N, valores altos de CE-salinidad y altos porcentajes de CaCO3. Se registraron 6 443 individuos de 54 especies en yesales y 594 individuos de 62 especies en la VS, siendo la composición significativamente diferente. La diversidad, los valores promedio de altura y diámetro fueron menores en yesales respecto de VS, estas diferencias estuvieron relacionadas con las condiciones edáficas. Conclusiones: La vegetación arbórea en yesales tiene una composición semejante a la de selvas subperennifolias de Calakmul. Las tallas pequeñas de los árboles están relacionadas con el alto porcentaje de CaCO3 y los altos valores de CE que condicionan la disponibilidad de MO, N y P. Este estudio apoya la idea de que precarias condiciones edáficas tienen una influencia negativa en la diversidad y la estructura horizontal y vertical de la vegetación arbórea.

Abstract Introduction: Tree vegetation of forests that develops in karst environments dominated by calcium carbonate faces the restriction of water and nutrients, which negatively affects its development. Objective: Analyze the composition, diversity, and structure of tree vegetation that develops in calcium outcrops (yesales) and their edaphic conditions compared to those present in the adjacent secondary vegetation (VS). Methods: Plots of 1 000 m² were used, 14 in yesales and 3 in VS. For soil sampling, we obtained a sample composed of each plot, and estimate pH, electrical conductivity (EC-salinity), % of calcium carbonates (CaCO3), organic matter (OM), phosphorus (P) and nitrogen content (N). The difference in species composition was estimated by similarity analysis (ANOSIM). We used rarefaction and extrapolation methods to standardize sample, and estimate diversity by Hill numbers (q = 0, q = 1 and q = 2). Linear regression was used to determine the relative influence of edaphic characteristics in diversity, average diameter, and height. Results: Soils in yesales presented low concentrations of OM, P, and N, with high values of EC-salinity and high percentages of CaCO3. In yesales, 6 443 individuals were recorded in 54 species and in the secondary vegetation 594 individuals and 62 species, the species composition being significantly different between both conditions. Diversity, average values of height, and diameter were significantly lower in yesales regarding the secondary vegetation, these differences were significantly related to edaphic conditions. Conclusions: Tree vegetation in yesales has a composition like the sub-evergreen forests of Calakmul. Small sizes in the arboreal individuals are related to the high percentage of CaCO3 and the high EC values, which partly condition the low availability of OM, N and P affecting the growth of the trees. This study supports the idea that precarious edaphic conditions have a negative influence on the diversity and horizontal and vertical structure of tree vegetation.

Structural and compositional shifts in Cerrado fragments in up to 11 years monitoring

The Cerrado has a wide diversity of fauna and flora, and the knowledge of its horizontal structure, in different time intervals allows the prediction of its structural and floristic characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in structure and composition of tree community in three fragments of Cerrado with low anthropization, in an interval of 11 years at Minas Gerais state. Rectangular plots of fixed size were sampled, measuring stem diameter and height of all living arboreal individuals with diameter at 1.30 meters above ground (DBH) ≥ 5 cm. The tree vegetation dynamics study of the areas was performed, as well as the floristic analysis and the diametric structure. Considering all fragments and years of measurement, the recruitment of trees surpassed its mortality. The basal area varied between 3.67 and 13.07 m².ha-1. The studied areas, considering all fragments and years of measurement, showed a Shannon diversity index (H') from 3.43 to 3.87 nat.ind-1 and Pielou equitability index (J') ranged an interval between 0.77 and 0.82. The similarity calculated by the Jaccard index (J), when performed per plot considering the three fragments, showed a value of 0.2653. Also, related to the development and growth of the study areas, it can be inferred that all fragments and their respective years of measurement had a J-inverse pattern. In conclusion, it can be inferred that the three fragments maintained a representative growth in number of individuals and basal area.

Man-made soil drainage alters the vegetation structure and woody species distribution in campo de murundus

Campos de murundus work as recharge zones and are important for the maintenance of water resources in Brazilian Cerrado. However, with the expansion of the agricultural frontier, this ecosystem may disappear or suffer high anthropogenic disturbances. The aim of the study was to evaluate the structure and distribution of woody species, after the implantation of artificial drainage channels in campo de murundus, in plots near and distant of the drains in the soil. We sampled woody individuals with ≥ 3 cm diameter at the base, and established 20 permanent plots of 20×50 m, 10 of which were between 0-20 m of the drains (edge) and 10 between 150-200 m distant from the drains (interior), totaling two hectares of survey. We recorded 47 species with total density of 230.5 ind.ha-1 and total basal area of 1.331 m2 ha-1. The diversity index of species was H’ = 3.18. We recorded higher density and basal area in the edge, and differential distribution and occupation of woody species in the microrelief of the murundus. This provides us strong evidence that the drains have altered the vegetation structure, especially in the edge of the remnant campos de murundus turning the vegetation woodier and denser.

Pharmacobotanical study of Manilkara zapota (L. ) P. Royen (Sapotaceae)

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, popularly known as sapoti or sapota (sapodilla), is a tree bearing an important fruit, in addition to different parts of the plant being widely used in folk medicine in the management of inflammation, pain, fevers, coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, among other ailments. This study aimed to conduct a pharmacobotany standardization study of M. zapota. Semi-permanent slides, containing transversal sections of stem, petiole, leaf blade and fruit; and paradermic sections of leaf blade were prepared, and analyzed by light microscopy. Histochemical tests were also performed in cross-sections of the leaf blade. Microscopic analysis allowed the identification of important elements in the diagnosis of the species; while the use of histochemical techniques on the leaf blade showed evidence of the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, triterpenes and steroids, lipophilic compounds, starch, lignin and calcium oxalate crystals. The results presented contributed to characterization of the species.

Wood anatomy of Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae) in mangrove and transitional forest, Southern Brazil / Anatomía de la madera de Laguncularia racemosa (Combretaceae) en manglar y bosque de transición en el sur de Brasil

Abstract Mangroves represent an environment of great heterogeneity and low diversity of plant species that have structural and physiological adaptations linked to a high salinity environment. Laguncularia racemosa is a typical tree species in mangroves and transitional zones. This study aimed to compare the wood anatomy of L. racemosa (Combretaceae) in two different forests (mangroves and transitional forests), which have different soil conditions. For this, we obtained wood and soil samples in March 2016. We analyzed soil nutritional contents in one 15 cm deep soil sample per forest type. In addition, we selected five mangrove trees in each formation for wood anatomy analysis and took one wood sample per individual, per area. We prepared histological slides and separated materials following standard methods for wood anatomy studies. Soil analysis showed that mangrove soils had higher phosphorus, potassium and calcium contents. The transitional soil had lower pore water salinity and soil pH, probably due to high aluminum levels. Anatomical attributes differed between different forest populations. In the different wood aspects evaluated, we obtained higher values in mangrove individuals when compared to the transitional forest population: vessel elements length (375.79 mm), tangential vessels diameter (75.85 mm), frequency of vessels (11.90 mm) and fiber length (889.89 mm). Moreover, parenchyma rays height was larger in the samples of the transitional forest (392.80 mm), while the mangrove population presented wider rays (29.38 mm). The structure of the secondary xylem in the studied species apparently responds to edaphic parameters and shows variations that allow it to adjust to the environmental conditions. The population of the transitional forest showed a secondary xylem that invests more in protection than the mangrove population. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 647-657. Epub 2018 June 01.

Resumen Los manglares representan un ambiente de gran heterogeneidad y baja diversidad de especies vegetales que tienen adaptaciones estructurales y fisiológicas ligadas a un ambiente de alta salinidad. Laguncularia racemosa es una especie de árbol típico en los manglares y en zonas de transición. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la anatomía de la madera de L. racemosa (Combretaceae) en dos bosques distintos (manglares y bosques de transición) que tienen diferentes condiciones edáficas. Para esto se obtuvieron muestras de madera y suelo en marzo 2016. Se analizaron los contenidos nutricionales de una muestra de suelo de 15 cm de espesor por tipo de bosque. Además, se seleccionaron cinco árboles de mangle en cada formación para el análisis de la anatomía de la madera y se tomó una muestra de cada individuo por área. Se prepararon láminas histológicas y se separaron los materiales siguiendo métodos convencionales para estudios de anatomía de la madera. El análisis del suelo mostró que en el manglar hay mayor contenido de fósforo, potasio y calcio. El suelo del bosque de transición tiene menor salinidad del agua capilar y pH del suelo, probablemente debido a los altos niveles de aluminio. Los atributos anatómicos difirieron entre las distintas poblaciones de bosque. En los distintos aspectos de la madera evaluados, se obtuvieron valores más altos en los individuos del manglar comparados con los de la población del bosque de transición: longitud de los elementos de los vasos (375.79 mm), diámetro de los vasos tangenciales (75.85 mm), frecuencia de vasos (11.90 mm) y longitud de la fibra (889.89 mm). Además, la altura de los rayos de parénquima fue mayor en las muestras del bosque de transición (392.80 mm) mientras que la población de manglar presentó rayos más anchos (29.38 mm). La estructura del xilema secundario en la especie estudiada aparentemente responde a los parámetros edáficos y muestra variaciones que le permiten adecuarse a las condiciones ambientales. La población del bosque de transición mostró un xilema secundario que invierte más en protección que la población del manglar.

[Phytochemical and morpho-physiological changes lavender (lavandula officinalis l.) in response to different culture media]

Background: Since the essential oil of lavender [Lavandula officinalis L.] was used for the treatment of diseases related to the nervous system and rheumatism, phytochemical evaluation of this plant is essential especially in terms of cultivation and production

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different culture media on the amount of essential components, chlorophyll content, nutrients, growth characteristics, and rooting of lavender

Methods: The experiment was done the basis of randomized complete blocks design [RCBD] in 10 treatments and 3 replications. Substrates and culture media for plant production in this study were Ml; sand, M2; sandiperlite [2:1], M3; sand:peat-moss [2:1], M4; sand:vermicompost [2:1], M5; sand:perlite:peat-moss [2:1:1], M6; sand:perlite:vermicompost [2:1:1], M7; sand:peat-moss:vermicompost [2:1:1] M8; sand:vermicompost:peat-moss:perlite [2:1:1:2], M9; sand:vermicompost:peat-moss:perlite [4:1:1:2], and M10; sand:vermicompost:peat-moss:perlite [6:1:1:2]

Results: Results showed that culture media had significant effect on the all characteristics of rooting, chlorophyll and nutrient content and essential oil components in lavender plants. Limonene, borneol, and camphor were the highest amount of essential oil compounds in lavender, respectively

The highest content of limonene and oxygenated monoterpenes in Ml, rooting percentage and number of main root in M3, camphor and chlorophyll content and root dry weight in M5, borneol content in M8, and hydrocarbon monoterpenes in M10 were observed. Conclusion: The application of different culture media in the production and propagation of lavender in addition to changes in morpho-physiological characteristics of lavender can directly alter the properties of essential oil and phytochemical compounds

Stabilization studies of sunflower oil with antioxidants extracted from green and black cardamom

Abstract: Extracts from green and black cardamom have been used to evaluate their antioxidant potential for sunflower oil samples for a period of 45 days. Synthetic antioxidants BHA/ BHT were also used parallel over a period of 45 days for comparison. Antioxidant potential of natural and synthetic antioxidants were evaluated by measuring free fatty acids [FFA], peroxide value [PV] and iodine value [IV] values by ambient storage of sunflower oil. The results showed that green cardamom extracts were more effective compared to black cardamom extracts. However compared to BHA and BHT [200ppm], these were found to be effective at higher concentrations

Antibacterial activity of different plant extracts and antibiotics on pathogenic bacterial isolates from wheat field water

The present work was carried out to study bacterial pathogens isolated from wheat field water and also effect of some plant extracts on these bacterial pathogens. Five bacterial strains were isolated from wheat field water. Different morphological and biochemical tests were performed to identify and characterize bacterial pathogens. Among isolated strains two belonged to genus Staphylococcus sp., other two were Pseudomonas spp. and one strain belonged to genus Salmonella sp. Effect of various parameters such as temperature, pH, antibiotics and heavy metals of these pathogens were also studied. Optimum temperature for all bacterial strains was 37°C and optimum pH was 7 except strain 3 which had pH 6. Different antibiotics with different potency were applied to check the resistance of bacterial strains against them. Among these antibiotics Cloxacillin and Teicoplanin were most potent while Oxacillin was as less potent antibiotic because three bacterial strains were resistant against it. While remaining antibiotics proved as potent. Seven heavy metals which were zinc [Zn[+2]], copper [Cu[+2]], Ferrous [Fe[+2]], mercury [Hg[+2]], Nickel [Ni[+2]], chromium [Cr[+2]]and cobalt [Co[+2]] with different concentrations were applied to bacterial strains. Minimum inhibitory concentration of heavy metals for all bacterial was different. Different plant extracts [Artemezia incise, Colebrookia oppositifolia, Rhynchosia pseudocajan] checked for their antibacterial activity against these pathogens. These plant extracts showed antibacterial activity against antibiotic and metal resistant bacterial isolates

Antioxidant, antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of pumpkin (cucurbit) peel and puree extracts - an in vitro study

Natural resources right from the beginning of the human civilization has paved the way to human being to combat different challenges. The big challenge was to safe the human being from diseases and shortage of food. Plants helped the man in both areas very efficiently. No doubt when plants are used as food actually we are also taking lot of compounds of medicinal values in an excellent combination which naturally reduce the risk of diseases. Extraction and purification of several medicinally important compounds also gave the way to develop pharmaceutical industry in addition to its own therapeutic effects against different lethal diseases. Pumpkin is one of the several medicinal important vegetables used in different way on the behalf of its admirable power to combat different diseases. Antioxidant and biological studies showed very important results. A good coherence was found among extraction yield [10.52 to 18.45%], total phenolics [1.13 to 6.78 mg GAE/l00g], total flavonoids [0.23 to 0.72mg CE/l00g] and antioxidant potential [-70%]. Antibacterial assays of peel and puree extracts advocated good potential to stop the growth and division of pathogenic bacteria. Further biological activity study was carried out using MDBK cancer cell line. The growth inhibitory effect on cancer cell line using MTT assay showed methanol extracts of peel and puree both remained efficient to inhibit growth [-35%] and cell division of cancer cells. Our results showed that extracts of pumpkin puree and its waste, peel, may be utilize to prepare functional food against pathogenic born diseases and most active compounds may also be extracted, concentrated and converted into tablets or suspension form for therapeutic purposes

Anti-avian influenza virus H[9]N[2] activity of aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinalis [Ginger] and Allium sativum [Garlic] in chick embryos

In the present study, anti-Avian influenza virus H9N2 activity of aqueous extracts [5, 10, 15, 20, 25%] of Zingiber officinalis and Allium sativum was evaluated. Embryo-toxicity was evaluated by histopathological scoring of Chorio-allantoic membrane of chick embryos. Cytotoxicity of extracts was determined by MTT assay on Vero cells. Aqueous extract of ginger had antiviral activity at 10, 15, 20 and 25% while garlic had activity at 15, 20 and 25%. Histopathological scoring of chorio-allantoic membrane for aqueous extracts [5, 10, 15, 20, 25%] of ginger [0.66+/-0.57, 1.33+/-0.57, 1.66+/-0.57, 2.66+/-0.57, 3.66+/-0.57, respectively] and garlic [1.00+/-0.00, 1.33+/-0.57, 2.00+/-0.00, 2.33+/-0.57, 3.66+/-0.57, respectively] was concentration dependant. MTT assay revealed cytotoxicity of both plants was also concentration dependent. Extracts of ginger [5, 10, 15, 20, 25%] had lower cytotoxicity [71, 59, 28, 22, 0 % cell survival, respectively] as compared to garlic [61, 36. 20, 11, 3% cell survival, respectively]. Overall results revealed that concentration of aqueous extract of ginger [10%], showing antiviral activity against H[9]N2, was less toxic to vero cells [> 50% cell survival]. It is insinuated that ginger may have anti- Avian influenza virus H9N2 potential and its active compounds needs further investigations

Anti-Inflammatory and antiviral effects of water-soluble crude extract from Phragmites australis in vitro

Phragmites australis [P. australis], a world wide distributed wetland grass, is traditionally used as food-making helper and spice in China. The pharmacological effect of this plant is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide [LPS]-induced production of inflammatory mediators nitric oxide [NO] and reactive oxygen species [ROS], and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-a [TNF-alpha] and interleukin-lp [IL-1P] in RAW264.7 macrophage were significantly inhibited by the crude extract. The inflammation pertinent signaling extra cellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 [Erkl/2], P38MAPK, C-Jun and NF-kappaB [NF-KB] activated by LPS could be dramatically inhibited by this extract. It also remarkably inhibited bovine herpes virus type 1 [BoHV-1] replication in MDBK cells. Taken together, here, for the first time we provided P. australis

In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of different solvent extracted samples from the stem of Euphorbia heliscopia

This paper presents the anti-microbial potentials of methanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, butanol and water extracted samples from the stem of Euphorbia heliscopia against S. aureus [Gram positive], B. subtilis [Gram positive], P. aeruginosa [Gram negative], K. pneumonia [Gram negative], E. coli [Gram negative], C. albicans [fungal specie] by discs diffusion susceptibility assay using 0.5 and Img disc[+1] concentrations. Our results showed that all the extracted samples from the stem of E. heliscopia exhibited varying degree of antimicrobial activity. Ethyl acetate extracted samples measured maximum activity against the studies microbial species followed by the n-butanol and crude methanolic extract, n-hexane extracted samples inhibited the growth of all microbial species except P. aeruginosa and E. coli at lower concentration. Aqueous fractions showed inhibitory activity against B. subtilis, K. pneumonia and C. albicans. The most susceptible gram positive bacteria were S. aureus while B. subtilis was the most resistant one. Among Gram negative bacteria, P. aeruginosa showed more susceptibility while K. pneumonia was resistant

In vitro immune potentials of a water-soluble polysaccharide extract from Dioscorea opposita planted in Henan Province, China

Dioscorea opposita is an edible and medicinal plant available in many areas of China. This study aimed to assess in vitro immune potentials of a water-soluble polysaccharide extract from D. opposita planted in Henan Province, China. In vitro effects of the extract on three immune cells [macrophages, natural killer cells and splenocytes] from mice and secretion of eight immune-related molecules in macrophages and splenocytes were evaluated. In total, the extract exhibited a dose-dependent manner on these immunological responses. The extract at dose level of 50ug/ml enhanced respective splenocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, and natural killer cell activity by 150%, 18% and 47%, increased secretion of interleukin-2 and interferon-y [from 41.4 and 24.6 pg/ml to 48.8 and 91.5 pg/ml, respectively] but decreased secretion of interleukin-4 [from 38.9 to 27.9 pg/ml] in splenocytes. The extract at the same dose level also stimulated inducible nitric oxide synthase and lysozyme in macrophages, and enhanced secretion of interleukin-6, interleukin-1 p and tumor necrosis factor-a [from 26.6, 73.4 and 39.6 pg/ml to 60.2, 131.0 and 144.7 pg/ml, respectively]. It is concluded that water-soluble polysaccharides from D. opposita have immune potentials to the body, via activating immune cells and regulating the secretion of immune-related molecules

Antibacterial, anticandidal and antioxidant properties of Tanacetum argenteum [Lam.] Willd. subsp.flabellifolium [Boiss. and Heldr.] grierson

In the present study hydrodistilled essential oil and total methanol extracts of Tanacetum argenteum subsp. flabellifolium have been evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The chemical composition of the oil and the crude extract were determined by GC/FID, GC/MS and LC/DAD/ESI-MS systems respectively. [3-thujone [47.1%], a-pinene [19.1%] and a-thujone [10.5%] were the main compounds of the essential oil while the 5-0-caffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-0-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-0-dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified as flavonoid content of the crude extract. The oil and the methanol extract were demonstrated moderate antimicrobial effects [MIC range; 0,062-2,0 mg/mL] against 21 different pathogenic micro organism. Total phenolic content was determined as 63 mg GAE in g extract and the DPPH radical scavenging effect was determined as 0.16 mg/mL [IC[50]] and TEAC was determined as 0.21mMol

Neuroprotective effect ofBacopa monnieri against morphine-induced histopathological changes in the cerebellum of rats

Opioid addiction is associated with oxidative cell injury in neuronal cells. In this study, Bacopa monnieri [L.], a reputed nootropic plant, was evaluated against morphine-induced histopathological changes in the cerebellum of rats. B. monnieri methanolic extract [mBME] [40 mg/kg, p.o] and ascorbic acid [50 mg/kg, i.p] were administered two hours before morphine [20 mg/kg, i.p] for 14 and 21 days. The in vitro antioxidant activity of mBME was determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] free-radical scavenging assay. Morphine produced vacuolization of basket and stellate cells and reduced the size of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum after 14 days. However, treatment for 21 days was associated with severe shrinkage of Purkinje cells with loss of their characteristic flask-shaped appearance as well as degeneration of basket, stellate and granule cells. Pretreatment with mBME and ascorbic acid for 14 and 21 days attenuated the morphine-induced histopathological changes in the cerebellum. The EC50 for the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay of mBME [39.06 [microg/mL] as compared to ascorbic acid [30.25 microg/mL] and BHT [34.34 microg/mL] revealed that mBME strongly scavenged the free-radicals and thus possessed an efficient antioxidant propensity. These results concluded that B. monnieri having strong antioxidant activity exerted a protective effect against morphine-induced cerebellar toxicity

Antioxidant activity of different extracts from the aerial part of Moringa peregrina [Forssk.] Fiori, from Jordan

The antioxidant activities of methanol [M], ethyl acetate [E] and hexane [H] extracts from leaves [L] and seeds [S] of Moringa [Moringa peregrine] were evaluated using different model systems in vitro. Free radical scavenging activities were assessed by measuring the scavenging activities of leaves and seeds different polar extracts separately using ABTS, Hydroxyl [OH] and DPPH radicals. Effect of extracts on ferrous ions chelating ability and total antioxidant capacity were also investigated for each extract. In addition, total phenolics, flavonoids and flavonols content of Moringa leaves and seeds extracts were determined. The leaves methanol [LM] extract showed significantly the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity [IC[50]]value of 5.3+/-0.2microg/ml], followed by leaves ethylacetate extract [LE] and seeds methanolic extract [SM] with IC[50] values of 7.1+/-0.2 and 7.2+/-0.4microg/ml, respectively. LE extract showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity with IC5ovalue of 49.1+/-2.7p,g/ml, followed by LM extract with IC5ovalue of 61.2+/-1.2 microg/ml, whereas the highest hydroxyl radical [OH] inhibition activity was found for LM and SM extracts with IC5ovalues of 76.9+/-0.8 and 77.5+/- 1.2microg/ml, respectively. The total antioxidant activity was the highest in LM, LE and SM extracts [294.3, 244.5 and 231.6microg ascorbic acid equivalent for Img extract, respectively]. LM, LE and SM extracts at concentration of l00microg/mlshowed the highest chelating activity against ferrous ions [98.4, 91.1 and 90.7%, respectively]. All Moringa leaves and seeds extracts showed pronounced antioxidant activities in a dose dependent manner and the effects depend strongly on the solvent used for extraction. The results showed that extracts of both leaves and seeds of Moringa exhibit antioxidant potential suggesting that M. peregrina is a promising plant