Comparison of the Chemical Compositions of Two Different Non-polar Extracts of Heliotropium sudanicum Aerial Parts from Sudan

Aim: Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) is a widely spread genus of plants found in the Central and Northern parts in the Sudan and used for the treatment of inflammations, and rheumatism from ancient times. The aim of this work is to provide answers to impending research questions on compounds present in petroleum ether and n-hexane extracts of the aerial parts of H. sudanicum. Methodology: Phytochemical analysis of plant extracts was performed by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer. Various constituents were identified after matching their mass fragmentation pattern with data available in Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer library of National Institute of Standards Technology (NIST). Results: Petroleum ether extract of H. sudanicum was characterized by abundance of 1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (33.99%), Squalene (20.94%) , Phytol (7.62%) and Hexatriacontane (7.49%). The constituents of the extract were fatty acid derivatives (15.24%), hydrocarbons (8.41%) and terpenoids (28.56%). H. sudanicum n-hexane extract was characterized by abundance of 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-,methyl ester (15.14%), 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (14.67%), Cholesterol (11.12%), Fucosterol (10.30%), gamma.-Sitosterol (9.59%) and1,6,10,14,18,22- Tetracosahexaen-3-ol, 2,6,10,15,19,23-hexamethyl-, (all-E)- (7.73%). Conclusion: The resulted compounds in this study provide evidence for the utilization of the plant as alternative natural resource of medicinal and industrial interest. To best of our knowledge this is the first report that directly compares the two extraction solvents for active compounds from Heliotropium sudanicum aerial parts shows that petroleum ether should be the solvent of choice.

Screening of the Antibacterial Activity of Amorphophallus Campanulatus from Bastar Region of Chhattisgarh, India.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Amorphophallus campanulatus (family: Araceae) commonly known as jangli suran. The root, stem and leaf of A. campanulatus, extracted successively with polar (aqueous, methanol), dipolar (acetone) and non polar (chloroform) solvents, yielded more phyto compounds in case of root followed by stem and leaf. The extracts were assessed for their antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria viz., Bacillus cerus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoneae. The gram positive bacteria were found to be more sensitive than gram negative bacteria. The inhibition of both gram positive and gram negative bacteria by the extracts indicate the presence of broad spectrum antibiotic potential. The root extract of the plant was found to be more effective in inhibiting the bacterial growth as compared to stem and leaf. The methanol root extract of the plant showed maximum inhibition against all gram positive and one gram negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria followed by acetone and chloroform. The highest activity index was recorded in methanol extract of root in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results were promising and supported the use of plants root by traditional healers in curing several ailments.

Chemical examination of medicinal plant “caralluma umbellate” (asclepiadaceae) roots.

Two new pregnane compounds named as 3b-hydroxy-pregn-5-ene (CRUR I) and 3b,14 b-dihydroxy pregn-5-ene (CRUR II) were isolated from Caralluma umbellata roots and their structures elucidated by extensive spectroscopic studies like IR, H1, C13- NMR, and MS .