Investigation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Methanolic Extract from Curculigo recurvata Leaves.

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of the methanol extract of Circuligo recurvate leaves, which belongs to the family Hypoxidaceae, the primary phytochemical property was also intended to screen out. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the extracts were studied using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power capacity assessment and results obtained were compared to standards. The total phenolic contents and flavonoid contents were estimated from Gallic acid and Quercetine calibration curve respectably. Results: IC50 value of the extract showed 259.040±3.98 μg/mL in case of the DPPH scavenging assay, the total phenolic and the flavonoid contents of extract was 384±3.34 mg/gm and 149.23±1.12 mg/gm respectively. The reducing power capacity of the extract observed to raise as the concentration of the extract gradually increases. The mortality rate at the assessment of cytotoxicity in brine shrimp napulii model was found increasing with the increase of the concentration and the LC50 value of extract was 164.58±2.67 μg/ml. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the leaves extract of C. recurvata has the presence of antioxidant compound and there is presence of molecules that can inhibit rapid growing cells.

Pesticidal and pest repellency activities of rhizomes of Drynaria quercifolia (J. Smith) against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

BACKGROUND: Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) is a harmful pest of stored grain and flour-based products in tropical and subtropical region. In the present study, rhizome of Drynaria quercifolia (J. Smith) was evaluated for pesticidal and pest repellency activities against T. castaneum, using surface film method and filter paper disc method, respectively. In addition, activity of the isolated compound 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid was evaluated against the pest. RESULTS: Chloroform soluble fraction of ethanol extract of rhizome of D. quercifolia showed significant pesticidal activity at doses 0.88 to 1.77 mg/cm² and significant pest repellency activity at doses 0.94 to 0.23 mg/cm². No pesticidal and pest repellency activity was found for petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol soluble fractions of ethanol extract as well as for 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. CONCLUSION: Considering our findings it can be concluded that chloroform soluble fraction of rhizome of D. quercifoliais useful in controlling T. castaneum of stored grain and flour-based products.