Antagonistic activity of an epibiotic Bacillus strain SG3 from Gorgonian coral, Junceella juncea (Pallas, 1766).

Marine environment continues to be a huge source of pharmacologically active compounds that cure deadly disease. This research investigates the bioactive efficacy of bacteria isolated from surface of the coral, Junceella juncea (Pallas, 1766). 128 bacterial strains were isolated from the coral Junceella juncea from Tuticorin coast, Gulf of Mannar region, south east coast of India. The strains were tested against selected five human pathogens. Initial screening shows that the strain SG3 was found to exhibit broad spectral activity inhibiting Staplylococcus aureus. Also, twenty other strains were found to be active against various pathogens. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing and phylogenetic identification, the stain SG3 was identified to fell under the genera Bacillus. The ethanol precipitated of the culture broth (SG3) was done and its activity was noted. Mass spectrophotometry (MALDI-TOF) analysis has shown that the mass of the molecules ranged from 1225 Da to 1927 Da. Thus the marine bacteria isolated from corals are a potential source of novel bioactive agents and other natural products. Epibiotic bacteria also direct future isolation of peptide anti-MRSA compounds from marine source.

Alpha amylase and Alpha glucosidase inhibitory effects of aqueous stem extract of Salacia oblonga and its GC-MS analysis

ABSTRACT Our present investigation deals with the phytochemical screening, estimation of total flavonoids, terpenoids and tannin contents to evaluate the anti-diabetic activities of Salacia oblonga stem followed by GC-MS analysis. It explores the natural compounds and the potential α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory actions of stem extracts. The aqueous stem extract was selected from other extracts (ethanol, acetone, petroleum ether and chloroform) for the in vitro study of anti-diabetic activity by alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assays. The stem extract was also analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry to identify the natural chemical components. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous stem extract showed major classes of secondary metabolites such as phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins. The total flavonoid, terpenoid, and tannin contents were quantified as 19.82±0.06 mg QE/g, 96.2±0.20 mg/g and 11.25±0.03 mg TAE/g respectively. The percentage inhibition of assays showed maximum inhibitory effects (59.46±0.04% and 68.51±0.01%) at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The IC50 values of stem extract was found to be 73.56 mg/mL and 80.90 mg/mL for alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibition. Fifteen chemical constituents were found by GC-MS analysis. This study suggest the aqueous stem extract of Salacia oblonga might be considered as potential source of bio active constituents with excellent antidiabetic activity.

Phytochemical and therapeutic evaluation of leaf and in vitro derived callus and shoot of Solanum trilobatum.

This study focuses on the phytochemical properties and the anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects of the leaf and in vitro-derived callus and shoot extracts of Solanum trilobatum. In the leaf, callus and shoot, the presence of sugar, proteins, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tananins, cardiacglycoside, terpenoid and lipids was established by preliminary phytochemical screening. Surface-sterilized explants (0.5-1.0 cm) were placed on the MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (0.45, 2.26, 4.52, 11.31 and 12.56 µ M), naphthylacetic acid (NAA; 0.54, 1.34, 2.69, 5.37, 13.43 and 26.85 µM) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BA; 0.44, 1.11, 2.22, 4.44, 8.88 and 13.32 µM) for callus induction. Explants from node and callus culture were inoculated on the MS basal medium supplemented with varying concentrations of BA (0.44-22.20 µM) and NAA (0.54-10.74 µM) for shoot multiplication. Rats were divided into five groups and administered with diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) and DEN (200mg/kg bwt) intraperitoneally along with methanol leaf and in vitro-derived callus and shoot extracts (250 mg/kg bwt) orally for 3 months. A significant deviation (P<0.05) in marker enzymes such as alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin was found in rats administered with DEN. The liver tissue was used for the analysis of glutathione reductase, lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. DEN administration caused a significant elevation in serum enzymes and total bilirubin. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes were drastically inhibited with significant reduction in glutathione and increased lipid per oxidation. Increased glutathione level and reduced lipid peroxidation were also evident in S. trilobatum-treated rats. However, crude S. trilobatum and in vitro-derived callus and shoot extracts offered better protection against free radical toxicity induced by DEN.