Phytochemicals, in vitro antioxidant, total phenolic contents and phytotoxic activity of Cornus macrophylla Wall bark collected from the north-west of Pakistan

Plants are one of the precious creatures of Allah, producing a verity of useful bioactive compounds having definite pharmacological actions on human body. Keeping in view this idea, the methanolic extract from the bark of Cornus macrophylla was investigated for phytochemicals, antioxidant, total phenolic contents [TPC] and phytotoxic activities. Phytochemical analysis of Cornus macrophylla revealed the presence of tannins, anthraquinones, glycosides, reducing sugar, saponins and flavonoids. The percent free radicals scavenging potential of DPPH at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 micro g/ml was 72.69%, 73.32%, 73.51, 73.83% and 74.33% respectively and were compared to ascorbic acid [84.6%, 92.83%, 95.36%, 96.40% and 98.03%], gallic acid [85.49%, 92.47%, 95.14%, 98.22% and 98.03%] and quercetin [95.35%, 96.30%, 97.16%, 98.02% and 98.28%] as standards. The IC[50] value of Cornus macrophylla was 14.5/ micro g/ml. The TPC of the methanolic bark extract was 2.916 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of extract. The extract have shown excellent phytotoxic activity against the tested plant Lemna minor and inhibited the growth at 1000 micro g/ml. Our findings revealed that the crude methanolic extract of Cornus macrophylla is a potential source of natural antioxidants and herbicidal

Larvicidal, insecticidal, brine shrimp cytotoxicity and anti-oxidant activities of Diospyros kaki [L.] reported from Pakistan

Diospyros kaki is cultivated in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, especially in Malakand division. The current study was designed to investigate the hide potential of the vulnerable species of the plant. Aqueous extracts of Diospyros kaki leaves were screened for larvicidal, insecticidal cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. The extract exhibited moderate to outstanding larvicidal activity [100 to 28%] at 100, 80, 70, 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10% concentrations respectively after 24 hours, showing 42% LCso. Permitrin displayed 100% lethality at 0.3%. The extract demonstrated outstanding cytotoxic action against brain shrimps nauplii [Artemia salina], showing 10 ppm LC[50] which is closed to the LC[5]o [9.8jtig/ml] of standard drug Etoposide. Similarly profound insecticidal potential [100%] was recorded after 15 min against Cimex lectularius. In DPPH scavenging activity the extract demonstrated moderate 30.22%, while Quercetin, Gallic acid and Acetic acid showed 98, 96 and 97% activity respectively at lOOppm. Thus on the basis of our finding it could be concluded that the decoction of the leaves of D. kaki is a good natural alternative for the control of insects and neoplasia

Estimation of heavy metals in the seeds of blue and white Capitulum's of Silybum marianum grown in various districts of Pakistan

About 70-80% of the world population relies on herbal products, especially in the developing countries. Herbal products are available in various dosage forms for different types of ailment. Contamination of medicinal plants with heavy metal is of great concern. Heavy metals are known to affect the normal physiological function when the level of heavy metals exceeds in plants or animals. It can cause various acute and chronic effects in living organisms. Silybum marianum commonly known as milk thistle is used for varieties of liver diseases. Concentration of Fe 375 mg/kg is found high in the blue capitulum's seeds and concentration of Cr 49.80 mg/kg is present high in the white capitulum's seeds from district Sawabi. Less concentration of Zn 32.00 mg/kg is determined in the blue capitulum's seeds from Karak, while high concentration 30.00 mg/kg of Mn is noted in blue capitulum's seeds from Charsadda. Copper concentration 27.15 mg/kg is recorded in blue capitulum's seeds from Charsadda. High concentration of Cd 1.00 mg/kg is present in white capitulum's seeds from Khyber agency, while concentration of Pb is not detected in white capitulum's seeds collected from Karak district