Laboratory Studies on Chromatographic Profile, Toxicity and Repellent Activity of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Seed Extract

Plant extracts have toxic substances that can kill termites and other insect pests. Many plant extracts including Annona squamosa have been identified for their anti-termiticidal activity. This study aims to determine the chemical profile, toxicity, and repellent activities of petroleum ether extract against Odontotermes anamallensis and Microcerotermes fletcheri. The GC-MS/MS findings of petroleum ether extract of Annona showed the presence of 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)- as the predominant compound followed by Octadecanoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester. The probit analysis revealed LC50 values of 2.38 per cent and 3.06 per cent for O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri, respectively. Petroleum ether extract showed repellency with the repellency percent of 48.33 and 31.67 by O. anamalensis and M. fletcheri respectively. These findings suggest that Annona seed extract is a viable source of natural insecticides against termites.

Chemical constituents from the stem of Callerya nitida Benth.var.hirsutissima Z.Wei / 中国药科大学学报

@#The chemical constituents from 70% ethanol petroleum ether and n-butanol extractions of Callerya nitita Benth.var.hirsutissima.Z.Wei. were separated by preparative high-performance liquid chromatographic techniques, including repeated column chromatography over macroporous adsorption resin, silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20. The structures of the compounds were identified by their physicochemical properties, spectral data, and mass spectrometry data, in comparison with literature. In our research, one triterpenoids, taraxerone (1), and twenty flavonoids, including genistein-4′-O-β-glucoside (2), 5-hydroxy-4′-methoxyisoflavone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), biochanin A 7-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→5)-β-D-apiofuranosyl- (1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), formononetin-7-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (5), 5,7-dihydroxy-3′,4′-dimethoxyisoflavone (6), biochanin A-7-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), 5, 7-dihydroxyisoflavone-4′-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), formononetin-7-O-D-apio-β-D-furanosyl(l→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), 4′-hydroxy-3′-methoxyisoflavone-7-O-β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), prunetin (11), prunetin 4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12), pratensein7-O-β-D-glucoside (13), 8-methoxyisoformononetin (14), genistein (15), 3′-hydroxybiochanin A (16), biochanin A (17), 5,7-dihydroxy-3′,5′-dimethoxyisoflavone (18), ononin (19), isoformononetin (20), 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxyflavone (21) were isolated from the two extract parts.Compounds 1-10, 12-14, 16-18, 20 were obtained from this plant, and it is the first time to investigate the plant for the first time.

Protective effects of active compounds from on heart and brain of mice at simulated high altitude / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To investigate the active compounds from on the heart and brain of mice at simulated high altitude.Fifty healthy male adult BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal control group, hypoxic model group, acetazolamide group, petroleum ether extract of (PESI) group and octacosan group with 10 mice in each group. Acetazolamide group, PESI group and octacosan group were treated with acetazolamide PESI (200 mg/kg) or octacosan by single tail vein injection, respectively. Except normal control group, the mice were exposed to a simulated high altitude of for in an animal decompression chamber. After the mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the heart and brain were histologically observed by HE staining; superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, total anti-oxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma, heart and brain tissues were detected by WST-1 method, ABTS method and TBA method, respectively; lactic acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in plasma, heart and brain tissues were detected by colorimetric method and microwell plate method, respectively; ATP content and ATPase activity in heart and brain tissues were detected by colorimetric method. PESI and octacosane significantly attenuated the pathological damages of heart and brain tissue at simulated high altitude; increased SOD activity, T-AOC and LDH activity, and decreased the contents of MDA and lactic acid in plasma, heart and brain tissues; increased the content of ATP in heart and brain tissues; increased the activities of Na-K ATPase, Mg ATPase, Ca ATPase and Ca-Mg ATPase in myocardial tissue; and increased the activities of Mg ATPase, Ca-Mg ATPase in brain tissue. PESI and octacosan exert anti-hypoxic activity by improving the antioxidant capacity, reducing the free radical levels, promoting the anaerobic fermentation, and alleviating the energy deficiency and metabolic disorders caused by hypoxia in mice.

Therapeutic Effect of Ershen Pill () Extract on Pi (Spleen)-Shen (Kidney) Yang Deficiency-Induced Diarrhea in Rat Model / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether Ershen Pill (ESP, ) could alleviate the symptom of Pi (Spleen)-Shen (Kidney) yang deficiency (PSYD)-induced diarrhea in rat model and explore its anti-diarrhea mechanism.@*METHODS@#Seventy-five Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups by a random number table, including control, positive, model, low-dose (LD) and high-dose (HD) ESP groups, 15 rats in each group. All the rats, except those in the control group, were developed PSYD induced-diarrhea based on its pathology and etiology. The rats in positive, LD and HD ESP groups were treated with Shenling Baizhu Pill (), LD (1.05 g/kg) or HD (3.50 g/kg) ESP petroleum ether extract once a day for 2 weeks, respectively. Body weight change and diarrhea index were measured. The histology scores of the kidney were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) expression in the colon was analyzed by immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the model group, oral administration of LD and HD ESP prevented body weight loss and inhibited diarrhea after 2-week treatment (P<0.05). Kidney deterioration was impeded, and the histology score in LD and HD ESP groups were 8.2 and 10.5, respectively, which were both higher than those in the model group (P<0.05). In addition, ESP treatment alleviated rat colitis, and HD ESP significantly improved the AQP3 positive staining intensity in the colon tissue compared with the model group. The result from Western blot revealed that AQP3 protein synthesis in colon tissue of LD and HD ESP groups increased by 2.1- and 5.9-fold compared with the model group (P<0.05). qRT-PCR result showed that AQP3 gene expression in the HD ESP group was also up-regulated by 2.5-fold normalized to the model group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#ESP extract effectively alleviates the symptoms of PSYD and relieves PSYD-induced diarrhea by improving AQP3 synthesis in the colon.

Quantitative proteomics of inhibitory mechanism of Dendrobium denneanum ether extract on lung cancer cells / 中国中药杂志

Dendrobium denneanum have been used for a long time as rare medicinal herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Our previous works found that ether extract of D. denneanum had higher anticancer activities than alcohol or water extract,thus with better development prospects. Quantitative proteomics based on SILAC technique was used to investigate the anticancer mechanism of D. denneanum on lung tumor cell line A549,and 4 855 proteins were detected in A549 cells. Quantitative proteomics experiments found that 193 proteins of A549 cells were up-regulated,and 44 proteins were down-regulated by ether extract of D. denneanum. Those proteins are associated with synthesis,transport and metabolism of biological macromolecules,chaperone,DNA repair,oxidoreductase,cell adhesion,cell cycle,apoptosis and autophagy. Through the function analysis of differentially expressed proteins,it was inferred that ether extract of D. denneanum caused cell protein metabolism disorder,endoplasmic reticulum stress response,abnormal self-repair mechanism of cells,damage of cell adhesion and proliferation; besides,it caused a dramatic increase in ROS level in A549 cells,and upset the balance of intracellular oxidation reduction system. Affected by the above factors,lung cancer cells initiated apoptosis and autophagy,which accelerated cell death. This research explains the anticancer mechanism of D. denneanum from the perspective of quantitative proteomics,and lays a foundation for future research and development of new anticancer drugs based on ether extract of D. denneanum.

Effects of the active constituents from Saussurea involucrata on metabolism of mice at simulated high altitude / 药学实践杂志

Objective To investigate the anti-hypoxia effects of octacosane and the petroleum ether extract from Saus-surea Involucrate(PESI)on the water,sugar,lipid and protein metabolism of mice at simulated high altitude.Methods The healthy adult male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into normal control group,hypoxic model group,acetazolamide group, the petroleum ether of Saussurea involucrata group and octacosane group.Drugs were administered i.v 20 mins before the mice were exposed to a simulated high altitude of 6 000 m for 8 hours in an animal decompression chamber.The mice were sacrificed at the end of 8 hours.Organ water content,organ indexes and metabolism indicators of sugar,protein and lipid were deter-mined.Results The edema of heart,brain and lung was reduced notably(P<0.05,P<0.01)in the mice received PESI at 200 mg/kg and octacosane at 100 mg/kg.In the treated groups,the increase of blood sugar,muscle glycogen,TG(triglycer-ide),TC(total cholesterol)were all significantly inhibited,the decrease of liver glycogen,the protein content of heart and brain was also remarkably blocked(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion PESI and octacosane effectively regulate the metabolism of hypoxic mice and reserve the body′s energy for survival by lowering the basic metabolism.

Pharmacodynamics of the effective anti-hypoxia constituents in Saussurea involu-crat a / 药学实践杂志

Objective To study pharmacodynamics of the effective anti-hypoxia components in the petroleum ether ex-tract of Saussurea Involucrate(PESI)and octacosane.Methods PESI and octacosane were first evaluated by normobaric hy-poxia model,acute decompression model and followed by chemical induced hypoxic models with potassium cyanide,sodium ni-trite and isoprenaline hydrochloride poisoning.Results PESI and octacosane can effectively prolong the survival time of hypo-baric hypoxic mice(P<0.01)and reduce the mortality of acute hypobaric hypoxia mice(P<0.01)in a dose-dependent man-ner.Anti-hypoxic potency of PESI and octacosane obtained by chemical induced hypoxic model indicated that they significantly increase survival time(P<0.05)of hypoxia mice than acetazolamide.Conclusion PESI and octacosane have good anti-hypoxia activity.

Effect of petroleum ether extract of Eclipta prostrate on biochemical parameters and histopathology of kidney in STZ induced diabetic rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of petroleum ether extract of Eclipta prostrata(PEEEP) on biochem-ical parameters such as blood glucose, insulin, total glycerides,total cholesterol,creatinine,urea nitrogen, uric acid levels and histopathology of kidney in STZ in-duced diabetic rats. Methods The model of type 2 diabetic rats was established by feeding with high ener-gy diet for 8 weeks and injecting streptozotocin(30 mg ·kg-1), after making the model successfully, the rats were randomly divided into model control group, metformin positive control group and experimental group, and gavaged with distilled water, metformin (400 mg·kg-1) and different dose of PEEEP (100, 200,400 mg·kg-1) for 4 weeks, respectively. The contents of blood glucose,insulin,total glycerides,to-tal cholesterol, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid were detected by corresponding kit, the pathological changes of kidney were observed by light microscopy, and the expression of TNF-α protein was detected by Western blot. Results Compared with model control group, PEEEP could reduce blood glucose, total glyc-erides, total cholesterol, creatinine, urea nitrogen, u-ric acid and increase the content of insulin in a dose-dependent manner (P <0.01 or P <0.05). It also could alleviate the pathological damage of kidney tis-sues and down-regulate the expression of TNF-α in kidney tissues. Conclusions PEEEP could effectively improve related biochemical parameters in streptozoto-cin induced diabetic rats, and it has protective effect on the kidney, providing the theoretical basis for fur-ther exploitation and utilization of Eclipta prostrata.

Digestibilidade das dietas formuladas com diferentes níveis de L-glutamina e zinco para frangos de corte / Digestibility of the diets formulated with different levels of L- glutamine and zinc for broilers

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adição de L-glutamina e zinco sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos nutrientes e balanço de nitrogênio no período de 9 a 15 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 140 pintos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 (1 e 2% de L-glutamina) x 3 (0, 90 e 120 mg de zinco/kg de ração) e um tratamento controle, com cinco repetições com 4 aves cada. Não houve efeito da combinação de L-glutamina e zinco sobre o coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca. Nos níveis 1 e 2% de L-glutamina, o zinco, influenciou de forma linear crescente e quadrática, respectivamente. O coeficiente de digestibilidade do extrato etéreo e todos os tratamentos testados apresentaram maiores valores quando comparados com o controle. O tratamento com 2% de L-glutamina combinado com 120 mg de zinco/kg de ração apresentou maior excreção de nitrogênio, menor coeficiente de digestibilidade da proteína e menor eficiência de utilização do nitrogênio. As dietas com a adição de 1 e 2% de L-glutamina associada com todos os níveis de zinco suplementar proporcionam o aumento do coeficiente de digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. O tratamento com a associação de 1% de L-glutamina com 90 e 120mg de zinco/kg e 2% de L-glutamina sem a adição zinco de propiciam a maior retenção de nitrogênio.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition of L-glutamine and zinc on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in the period 9-15 days old. Were used 140 chicks, distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial 2 (1 and 2% glutamine) x 3 (0.0, 90.0 and 120.0 mg zinc / kg diet) and control treatment, with five replications, with four birds each. No effect of the combination of L-glutamine and zinc on the coefficient of digestibility of dry matter. At levels 1 and 2% L-glutamine, zinc, influenced increasingly and quadratic linear form, respectively, ether extract digestibility, and all treatments showed higher values when compared to the control. The treatment with 2% L-glutamine combined with 120 mg of zinc/kg feed showed higher nitrogen excretion, lower coefficient of digestibility of protein and lower use efficiency of nitrogen. The diets with the addition of 1 and 2% L-glutamine associated with all levels of zinc further provide increased ether extract digestibility. The treatment with the combination of 1% L-glutamine with 90 and 120mg of zinc/kg and 2% L-glutamine, without the addition of zinc to provide greater retention of nitrogen

Anti-Inflammatory Action and Mechanism on the Adjuvant Arthritis Mouse Model of Petroleum Ether Extract from Citrullus lanatus Vine / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To study the pharmacological function of the petroleum ether extract from Citrullus lanatus vine (PEECLV) in treating adjuvant arthritis(AA) and explore the mechanism. METHODS: AA in mice was made to observe the anti-inflammatory effect of PEECLV. Arthritis index was calculated by 5 grades evaluation. Thymus and spleen index were measured. The content of RF, PGE2, COX-1, COX-2 in serum were measured. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β in serum were measured. RESULTS: PEECLV can suppress the foot swelling degree in model mice. It can increase thymus index, reduce spleen index and AI of AA in mice. High-dose group can significantly reduce serum PGE2, IL-1β, COX-2 and COX-1 levels in AA in mice. All groups can reduce TNF-α and RF levels. CONCLUSION: PEECLV has a certain degree therapeutic effect on AA, and the possible mechanism is to affect the production of inflammatory mediators and antioxidant.

Portulaca oleracea inhibit vincristine induced peripheral neuropathy: involvement of ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Background: The Portulaca oleracea belonging to portulacaceae family. It is a herbaceous plant widely distributed throughout the world and used in traditional medicine for many ailments. The present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive action of petroleum ether extract of P. oleracea in vincristine induced peripheral neuropathic pain and the possible mechanisms involved. Methods: Peripheral neuropathy was induced in rats by administration of vincristine sulfate (50 μg/kg i.p.) for 10 consecutive days. The cold tail hyperalgesia was assessed by cold water tail immersion test. To identify the possible mechanisms involved in the antinociceptive action of petroleum ether extract of P. oleracea, acetic acid writhing method was employed. Mice were pretreated with naloxone, glibenclamide before petroleum ether extract treatment to identify the involvement of opioid and potassium channels, respectively. Results: The administration of petroleum ether extract of P. oleracea (100 and 200 mg/kg p.o.) for 10 days significantly attenuated vincristine-induced cold hyperalgesia. Pre-treatment with glibenclamide reversed the antinociceptive effect of P. oleracea, but the naloxone pre-treatment did not reverse the antinociceptive activity of P. oleracea. Conclusion: The results of the present study reveal the antinociceptive effect of P. oleracea in vincristine induced peripheral neuropathy and involving ATP-sensitive potassium channels pathway.

Study on Anti-inflammatory Effects and Mechanism of Petroleum Ether Extract from Citrullus lanatus Vine / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This article was aimed to study anti-inflammatory effects of petroleum ether extract from Citrullus lanatus vine (PEECLV) and explore the mechanism. The methods of ear swelling with xylene, increasing of peritoneal capil-lary permeability, and paw edema with egg albumin were used in the establishment of mice models, respectively. Granuloma with cotton pellet, and paw edema with carrageenan were used in the establishment of rat models, re-spectively. Observation was made on anti-inflammatory effects of PEECLV. The content of nitrous oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), as well as the level of TNF-α and IL-1β in blood serum were measured among granu-loma with cotton pellet rat models. Contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), 5-HT, histamine (His), and protein in inflammatory exudates from the paw edema with carrageenan rat model, as well as contents of NO and NOS in blood serum, and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in order to study the possi-ble anti-inflammatory effects. The results showed that PEECLV can suppress the ear swelling with xylene, the in-creasing of peritoneal capillary permeability, and the paw edema with egg albumin in mice, as well as granuloma with cotton pellet, paw edema with carrageenan in rats. It had anti-inflammatory effects at different degrees. The content of NO and NOS, as well as the level of TNF-α and IL-1β in blood serum were reduced in granuloma with cotton pellet rat models. The content of MDA, PGE2, 5-HT, His, and protein content were reduced in inflammatory exudates from the paw edema with carrageenan rat model. The increasing of NO and NOS in blood serum was inhib-ited. And the activity of SOD was increased. It was concluded that PEECLV had certain anti-inflammatory effects. Its mechanism may be related to the influence of the production of inflammatory mediators and antioxidant.

Qualidade da carne de bovinos superprecoces terminados em confinamento / Quality of meat from super-young cattle finished in feedlot

Avaliou-se a qualidade da carne de 10 bovinos F1 Guzerá-Nelore e 10 F2 Pardo Suíço-Guzerá-Nelore, inteiros, e abatidos precocemente. Na avaliação da carne, foi utilizado o músculo Longissimus dorsi. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso. Verificaram-se para F1 e F2, respectivamente, médias para umidade de 75,3 e 75,1, extrato etéreo de 1,4 e 1,5, proteína de 23,7 e 23,6 e cinzas de 1,04 e 1,06. Cor em L* de 28,9 e 30,3, médias para cor em a* de 22,6 e 23,4 e cor em b* de 15,3 15,4, força de cisalhamento de 3,4 e 3,5, perda de peso pelo descongelamento de 9,8 e 10,5 e perda pelo cozimento de 15,9 e 15,6. Não houve diferença estatística para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas entre os grupos genéticos.

The purpose of this study was to use instrumental analysis to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of 10 cattle Guzerath-Nellore (F1) and 10 Brown Swiss-Guzerath-Nellore (F2), intact and feedlot finished and slaughtered at 13 months. The Longissimus dorsi was used for meat evaluation. The experimental design was completely randomized. Humidity for F1 and F2 was respectively 75,3 and 75,1 averages, 1,4 and 1,5 averages for ether extract, proteins were 23,7 and 23,6 and 1,04 and 1,06 averages for ash. The results for F1 and F2, respectively, with averages for color to L * of 28,9 and 30,3, averages for the color to a* of 22,6 and 23,4 and color to b * 15,3 and 15,4, averages for shear force of 3,4 and 3,4, weight loss by thawing of 9,8 and 10,5 and weight lost by cooking of 15,9 and 15,4. There were no differences in genetic groups analysis.

In–Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Pet – Ether Extract of Portulaca Oleracea (LINN.) Against Pheritima Posthuma.

Present study was carried out to investigate the anthelmintic potential of petroleum-ether extract of Portulaca oleracea against Pheretima posthuma as a species of earthworm. Various concentrations (25‐100 mg/ml) of petroleum-ether extract were evaluated for anthelmintic activity by recording the time required for paralysis and death of worms. Albendazole was used as standard. Result indicates that petroleum-ether extract significantly (p<0.01) exhibited paralysis at lower doses of 50, 75 and 100 mg/ml and causes death of worms at doses of concentrations 75 and 100 mg/ml when compared with standard. The present study indicates that the petroleum-ether extract of Portulaca oleracea has a potential anthelmintic activity can be used as anthelmintic drug.

Influence of Extract from T. Ramosissima on the Skin-wounded Mice / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective]To research the effect of acetic ether extract from T. ramosissima on the skin-wounded mice. [Methods]The acetic ether extract of T. ramosissima was administrated to skin-wounded mice by gavage methods. [Results] The experimental groups in different dosages had significant difference ,compared to the control group, with the areas of wound healing 17.68 mm2, 17.90 mm2, 20.18 mm2 and 31.48 mm2,after the acetic ether extract of T. ramosissima administration to skin-wounded mice by gavage methods. [Conclusions] It was suggested that the acetic ether extract of T. ramosissima had some protective effects on improving the wound healing.

Antidepressive effects of petroleum ether extract from Ranae Oviductu and its possible mechanism / 中草药

Objective: To study the antidepressive effect of the petroleum ether extract from Ranae Oviductus (PERO) on chronic mild stress depressive rat model and its mechanism. Methods: The rats were divided into control, model, Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, positive control), and different doses (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg) of PERO groups. The rats in PERO groups were administered once daily for 21 d, while the rats in the control and model groups were administered with equivalent normal saline. After 1 h for the rats in PERO and model groups and 0.5 h for the rats in Fluoxetine group of the last administration, the chronic unpredictable mild stress for 21 d was used to induce the depression in rats. The body weight was measured and the depressive-like behaviors were evaluated by the open-field test and sucrose preference test. Then the corticosterone level in the rat plasma was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in the hippocampus were measured by Western blotting analysis. Results: Compared with the control group, the body weight, sucrose preference, and motion distance in open-field test of rats were decreased, the corticosterone level in plasma was increased, and the BDNF level in hippocampus was decreased. Compared with the model group, PERO treatment alleviated the body weight decreasing, increased the sucrose preference and motion distance, reduced the corticosterone level in the plasma of rats, and increased the BDNF level in hippocampus of rats. Conclusion: The antidepressive effect of PERO is likely mediated by modulating the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and increasing the expression of BDNF in brain tissues.

Evaluation of anxiolytic effect of pet–ether extract of portulaca oleracea (linn.) in mice.

The usage of benzodiazepines, the major class of anxiolytic drugs is invariably accompanied by many side effects like sedation and myorelaxation leading to incoordination of movements. Intense research is going on all over the world to find out most effective and safer anxiolytic compounds. In the present study, portilaca oleracea has been investigated in detail for its anxiolytic in mice. The anxiolytic activity was screened by using two well validated methods namely elevated plus maze, stair case test. Portilaca oleracea displayed a dose-dependent anxiolytic effect similar to diazepam in the animal models of anxiety as revealed by a significant increase in the time spent in open arms of the elevated plus maze and significant reduction in the number of rearing responses in staircase test, the results of the present study have identified the novel anxiolytic compound.

Evaluation of anti arthritic activity of pet – ether extract of portulaca oleracea (Linn.).

To investigate the antiarrthritic activity of petroleum-ether extract of Portulaca oleracea. The petroleum-ether extract of Portulaca oleracea was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. Acute toxicity studies were carried out in Male Wistar rats and anti-arthritic activity by Fruends adjuant arthritis model. Phytochemical evaluation revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins and triterpenoids. Acute toxicity studies showed that the extract was non-toxic upto a maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. Petroleum-ether extract exhibited significant anti-arthritic activity. The present study indicates that the petroleumether extract of Portulaca oleracea has a potential anti-arthritic activity can be used as anti-arthritic drug.

Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of the Petroleum Ether Extract of Solanum macrocarpum L. (Local Name: Gorongo).

Aims: To investigate the petroleum ether extract of the unripe fruit of Solanum macrocarpum L. (Solanaceae) for its chemical components and its antimicrobial properties against Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi. Study Design: Experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria, between October 2007 and July 2009. Methodology: After authentication of the plant, extracts were prepared from the fruits of S. macrocarpum using Soxhlet apparatus. The petroleum ether extract was investigated for its chemical composition using GC-MS after it had been fractionated earlier using AGC. The extract was also evaluated for its antimicrobial activities by disc diffusion antimicrobial selectivity test using gentamicin (10μg/disc), ciprofloxacin (5μg/disc) and tetracycline (2.5x105μg/disc) as standards. Results: All the microorganisms used were resistant to the effect of the petroleum ether extract. However, a total of sixty eight (68) compounds were identified in the extract and its four (4) fractions, whilst only thirty eight (38) chemical structures of the identified compounds were shown because some of the compounds were common to all the fractions. Conclusion: The detection of 2-methoxy furan, 4-0-methyl-mannose, 2-hydroxy-ϒ- butyrolactone, 2, 3-dihydroxypropyl 9-octadecanoate, 3-hydroxyisovaleric acid and butanoic acid validates the antihyperlipidaemic property of the fruit of S. macrocarpum, so consumption of this fruit is recommended as a nutraceutical.

Larvicidal activity of plant extracts on Aedes Aegypti L

Objective: To evaluate the larvicidal activity of plant extracts on Aedes aegypti. Methods:Petroleum ether, Chloroform and aqueous extracts obtained from Acalypha indica, Aerva lanata,Boerhaavia diffusa, Commelina benghalensis, Gompherna sps, Datura stramonium, Euphorpia hirta, Cynodon dactylon, Lantana camara and Tridax procumbens were used for larvicidal activity at concentration of 1000μg/ml and the mortality rate was calculated after 24 and 48hrs . The LC50 for the extracts were also estimated after 24 hrs. Results: The petroleum ether extract ofLantana camara, Tridax procumbens and Datura stramonium showed 100% mortality after 48hrs of incubation. Tridax procumbens petroleum ether extract had the least LC50 of 219 μg/ml followed by Lantana and Datura with 251and 288 μg/ml respectively. A combination of petroleum ether extracts of Aerva lanata and Cynodon dactylon, Boerhaavia diffusa and Commelina benghalensis exhibited 100% mortality of larvae. Formulation-1 inhibited the metamorphosis of the larvae by retaining 60% in its larval stage. Petroleum ether extracts of Lantana, Tridax, Datura and a combination of extracts were effective larvicide. The formulations proved to be effective in inhibiting the metamorphosis. Alkaloids and flavonoids were present in datura petroleum ether extract . Conclusions: Either the crude extracts of Datura stramonium, Lantana camara and Tridax procumbens or its phytochemicals can be used as effective vector control agents individually or in combination.