Phenolic Profile, Essential Oil Composition and Bioactivity of Lasia spinosa (L) Thwaites

Abstract Lasia spinosa (L.) Thwaites is a widely used ethnomedicinal plant in Bangladesh. In this study, we investigated phenolic contents, volatile compounds and fatty acids, and essential oil components of extracts prepared from aerial parts of the plant. The main volatile compounds were methyl ester of oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid as determined by GC/MS. Phenolic contents of the extracts were determined qualitatively and quantitatively by HPLC/TOF-MS. Six phenolic compounds (syringic acid, morin, gentistic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, cinnamic acid, and apigenin) were found in the extracts. GC/MS analysis of steam distilled essential oil showed camphor, α-pinene and δ-3-carene as the main constituents. In DPPH radical scavenging assay, the highest free radical scavenging activity was observed for the methanol extract with an IC50 value of 0.48 ± 0.04 mg/mL, whereas, in metal chelating activity on ferrous ions (Fe2+) assay, the highest chelating activity was observed for hexane extract (IC50 = 0.55 ± 0.08 mg/mL). The extracts and essential oil were tested against five severe human pathogenic bacteria using disc diffusion assay and subsequent MIC values were also determined. All the extracts (except methanol extract) and the essential oil were found to possess potential antimicrobial activity with corresponding inhibition zone and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 9-23 mm and 62.5-500 µg/mL. This study has been explored the plant Lasia spinosa can be seen as a potential source of biologically active compounds.

Phytochemical Analysis and Hepatoprotective Activity of Algerian Santolina chamaecyparissus L. Extracts

Aims: This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Santolina chamaecyparissusaqueous and ethanol extracts against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methodology: Phytochemical analysis of Santolina chamaecyparissus aqueous and ethanol extracts was conducted, and then the hepatoprotective activity of these extracts was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats by assessing serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase alkaline phosphatasen, lactate dehydrogenase activities and assessing catalase, superoxide dismutase and malonaldialdehyde in liver. Total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides were also determined. Moreover, hepatic tissue damage was verified. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids in aqueous and ethanol extracts of Santolina chamaecyparissus leaves. Both extracts contain chlorogenic acid as significant constituent (1958.21, 2726.57 mg/kg of extract, respectively), while apigenin-7-glycoside was detected as the significant flavonoid (42.44, 66.63 mg/kg of extract, respectively). The intra-peritoneal administration of CCl4to rats induced remarkable hepatotoxicity by increasing hepatic damage. However, oral administration of both extracts at 30, 150 and 300 mg/kg during 7 days significantly prevented liver injury by decreasing aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglyceride and malondialdehyde were also decreased, while superoxide dismutase activity was restored. On the other hand, aqueous and ethanol extracts protected liver tissue against steatosis and hepatocytic necrosis. The hepatoprotective effect of both extracts was similar to that of 100 mg/kg of silymarin, used as a reference. Conclusion: The present study revealed that Santolina chamaecyparissus aqueous and ethanol extracts are rich in phenolic compounds and exhibit hepatoprotective activity, so they can constitute a promising natural source to develop novel therapeutic drugs for treating liver disorders.

Phenolic Content and Biomolecule Oxidation Protective Activity of Globularia alypum Extracts

ABSTRACT The protective activity of methanolic (Met E) and aqueous (Aq E) extracts of Globularia alypum L. (G. alypum) against DNA, lipid and protein oxidative damage was investigated. Moreover, the scavenging, chelating, and reducing power activities of the extracts were also evaluated. Phytochemical analysis was performed to determine phenolic compounds. Results showed that Met E and Aq E were rich in phenolic compounds, and were able to scavenge DPPH˙ with IC50 values of 48.61 µg/mL and 51.97 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, both extracts were able to chelate ferrous ions. At 300 μg/mL, the chelating activity was 97.53% and 91.02%, respectively. The reducing power of these extracts was also remarkable and concentration dependent. At 100 µg/mL, both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidatin by only 42.45% and 4.03%. However, the DNA oxidation damage was inhibited dose-dependently in the presence of G. alypum extracts. At 1 mg/mL, both extracts suppressed DNA cleavage by 83%-84%. The protein oxidation was also inhibited by G. alypum extracts. At 1 mg/mL, Aq E and Met E protected BSA fragmentation by 77%-99%. The overall results suggest that G. alypum extracts exerted antioxidant activity and protect biomolecules against oxidative damage; hence it may serve as a potential source of natural antioxidants.