Ameliorating effect of Citrus trifoliata L. fruits extract on motor incoordination, neurodegeneration and oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease model.

BACKGROUND: Citrus trifoliate fruit (also known as Trifoliate orange) is one of the commercially-cultivated Citrus genus of plants belonging to the Rutaceae family. It has been traditionally-utilized in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the scientific evidence verifying this utilization needs further elucidation. AIM OF THE STUDY: Characterization of the bioactive constituents of C. trifoliata L. fruits extract and evaluating its effect on Parkinson's disease (PD) model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rats were classified into 5 groups; control, PD, PD-treated by L-dopa/Carpidopa and PD-treated by oral Citrus trifoliata L. fruits extract (50 and 100 mg/kg). Deterioration in brain functions was evaluated through an in vivo open field, grid and catalepsy tests. The study also assessed the striatal neurotransmitters, oxidative stress markers and histopathological changes. RESULTS: Citrus trifoliata L. fruit extract has revealed motor improvement comparable to L-dopa and carbidopa. It has also effectively-improved oxidative stress via reduction of striatal malondialdehyde & nitric oxide along with replenishment of the striatal glutathione and superoxide dismutase. The extract caused significant reduction of the striatal myeloperoxidase activity and restoration of dopamine, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), and acetylcholinesterase. This effect was further confirmed by amelioration of neuronal apoptosis, microgliosis and peri-neuronal vacuolation. Metabolite profiling revealed 40 constituents, with flavonoids representing the main identified class. CONCLUSION: The neuro-protective effect of Citrus trifoliata extract was achieved through the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of its flavonoids, particularly hesperidin and naringin. This neuro-protective effect was evident at the behavioral, histological and neurotransmitter levels.

Chemical composition and potentiation of insecticidal and fungicidal activities of Citrus trifoliata L. fruits essential oil against Spodoptera littoralis, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani via nano-cubosomes.

Development of natural nano-based plant-protection formulations represents an emerging phenomenon that has been widely improved for crops protection and for enhancing the efficiency and safety of pesticides. In the present study we isolated the essential oil from the fruits of Citrus trifoliata L. and investigated it using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Limonene (78.46%) was the major component followed by ß-Myrcene (7.94%) and Caryophyllene (4.20%). Citrus trifoliata essential oil (CTEO) loaded nano-cubosomes were successfully prepared by the emulsification technique. The insecticidal and fungicidal activities of formulated CTEO nano-cubosomes and unformulated CTEO were tested. While both of them exhibited substantial activities, CTEO nano-cubosomes were more effective than unformulated oil. It is the first time to formulate CTEO in nano-cubosomes and examine their insecticidal and fungicidal activities. In light of the current study, CTEO as it is or as nano-cubosomes is recommended as a promising candidate for pest and fungal pathogens control.Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1675063.

Comparative Molluscicidal and Schistosomicidal Potentiality of Two Solanum Species and Its Isolated Glycoalkaloids.

Schistosomiasis is the most noteworthy parasitic disease after malaria. Furthermore, the significant activity of the genus Solanum against Schistosoma worms and its intermediate host snails reinforced the study of Solanum seaforthianum Andr. (SS) and Solanum macrocarpon L. (SM) for their molluscicidal and schistosomicidal potentiality. In this study, different extracts, fractions and isolated compounds of both Solanum species are evaluated for the molluscicidal and schistosomicidal potentialities. The niclosamide was used as positive molluscicide control against Biomphalaria alexandrina snails. Different extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds were used at a concentration of 100 µg/ml and dead snails were counted in each case. On the other hand, washed and sterilized Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were used in three replicates, and three worm pairs were placed in each well with 2 ml test solution of 100 µg/ml concentration. Positive (praziquantel [PZQ] 0.2 ug/ml) and negative controls were concurrently used and examined daily for 3 days for viability. The mortality rate was calculated and then both LC50 and LC90 were determined in triplicates. Highest potency was indicated to total glycoalkaloid (TGA) fraction of SM followed by TGA of SS. On the other hand, TGA fractions of both species showed higher potency than other extracts and isolated compounds. Meanwhile, solasodine-free aglycone showed declined activity compared to its glycosides. Promising molluscicidal and schistosomicidal activities were displayed which are attributed to the glycoalkaloid content. Therefore, this study can efficiently contribute toward validation of the traditional use of SS and SM in schistosomiasis control. SUMMARY: The current study evaluated the molluscicidal and schistosomicidal activities of different extracts and fractions of two Solanum species. The glycoalkaloids content depicted a promising activity against both the snails and the adult worms. Abbreviations Used: PZQ; Praziquantel, SM; Solanum macrocarpon, SS; Solanum seaforthianum, TGA; total glycoalkaloid.