Phytochemical inhibitors from Leucas aspera against the target proteins induced by Trichophyton mentagrophytes using computational techniques.

Dermatophytosis is a cutaneous infection that is able to degrade the keratinized tissues of the animal/human body, like skin, nails, and hair, causing chronic or subacute infection with the contact of some specific fungal strains. Trichophyton mentagrophytes are the most potential fungal pathogen causing dermatophytoses. The present study focuses on computationally based in silico antifungal activity of selected phytocompounds of Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. against dermatophytic fungus, T. mentagrophytes. Validation and screening of derived phytocompounds is performed using Lipinski rule of five and toxicity test through Protox-II. Five target genes involved in dermatophytosis, induced by T. mentagrophytes are retrieved from the UniProt Database, and the corresponding proteins such as glucan 1,3-beta-glucosidase ARB_02797, Probable class II chitinase ARB_00204, squalene monooxygenase, actin, and ubiquitin are selected for in silico study. Three-dimensional structures of the target protein were computationally determined and validated through modeling tools and techniques due to the lack of validated protein structures in the database. Then, these proteins are used for in silico molecular docking through the AutoDock Vina tool to find out the promising phytocompounds. This study could be utilized in designing more effective drugs against T. mentagrophytes. Based on this work, a plant-based natural alternative can be added to the treatment of dermatophytosis rather than synthetic supplements.

Inhibition of the Naja naja venom toxicity by polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Leucas aspera methanolic extract.

Background: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Developing effective treatments can make a significant contribution to global health efforts and public health initiatives. To reduce mortality due to snakebite, there is an immediate need to explore novel and effective treatment methodologies. In that context, nanoparticle-based drug delivery is gaining a lot of attention. Hydrophilic nanoparticles are suitable for the delivery of therapeutic peptides, proteins, and antigens. Methods: The present investigation is aimed at evaluating the anti-ophidian potential of the methanolic extract of the ethno-medicinal herb Leucas aspera (Willd.) loaded within chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-LA), against the Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom enzymes. For this purpose, nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method to enhance the efficacy of the extract. The physicochemical and structural features of nanoparticles were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Results: It was found that CNP-LA has an average size of 260 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.132 (PDI) and zeta potential of 34.7 mV, with an encapsulation efficiency of 92.46%. The in vitro release study was performed at pH 5.0 and 7.4. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicated that CNP-LA inhibited the phospholipase A2, hemolytic, and caseinolytic activities of Naja naja venom with the percentage inhibition of 92.5%, 83.9%, and 94.5%, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first report on the application of herbal methanolic extract loaded within chitosan nanoparticles for neutralizing snake venom enzymes with increased efficiency.

Phytochemical characterization by GC-MS and in vitro evaluation of antiproliferative and antimigratory studies of Leucas aspera leaf extracts on MDA-MB-231 cell line.

Breast cancer is the most recurrently identified and one of women's prominent causes of death. Currently, researchers have turned their focus on natural chemicals from synthetic chemicals due to their environmental, economic, and health benefits. Considering this, the medicinal plant Leucas aspera was chosen for the current study. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize secondary metabolites from L. aspera and determine the antiproliferative and antimigratory activities in the MDA-MB-231 cell line under in vitro conditions. Phytochemicals from L. aspera were isolated through sequential extraction using hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate. These extracts were qualitatively screened, subjected to FT-IR, and analyzed using GC-MS. The antiproliferative activity was determined through the MTT assay. Scratch assay was utilized to determine the antimigratory activity of the plant extracts. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of steroids, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, galactose, tannins, saponins, and amino acids in the extracts. The results of the cell viability assay indicated that the crude dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts inhibited cell proliferation, with inhibitory concentrations of 5 and 3 µg/ml, respectively. In contrast, the crude hexane extract did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the scratch assay results showed that the plant extracts had cell migration inhibitory properties. The outcomes of the current study conclude that L. aspera possesses active therapeutic agents with strong anticancer potential, effectively impeding the proliferation and invasion of MDA-MB-231. Further studies are needed to identify the potential active agents that contribute to these activities.

Understanding biochemical defense and phytoremediation potential of Leucas aspera in crude oil polluted soil.

The phytoremediation potential and enzymatic defense of a medicinal herb Leucas aspera was studied in the crude oil contaminated soil. The productivity, antioxidants, and phytochemical and functional group profiles of the plant species in stress conditions were investigated. Besides, changes in enzymes, beneficial bacterial population, and physico-chemical and total oil and grease (TOG) profiles in the contaminated soil were also studied. The results showed improvement in physico-chemical conditions, increase in beneficial bacterial population (4.1-5.4 folds), and decrease in TOG (31.3%) level of the contaminated soil by end of the experimental trials. The L. aspera treated contaminated soil showed enhancement in dehydrogenase (32.3%), urease (102.8%), alkaline phosphatase (174.4%), catalase (68.5%), amylase (76.16%), and cellulase (23.6%) activities by end of the experimental trials. Furthermore, there were significant variations in leaf area index, chlorophyll, and biomass contents of the experimental plant as against the initial level and control. Besides, the significant reduction in IC50 values (24-27.4%) of L. aspera samples grown in contaminated soil confirms the strong antioxidant enzymatic defense of the plant species against the crude oil associated abiotic stress. The Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the uptake and metabolism of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alkyl halides, and nitro compounds by the experimental plant from the contaminated soil.

Integrated computational approach toward discovery of multi-targeted natural products from Thumbai (Leucas aspera) for attuning NKT cells.

A multi-omics-based approach targeting the plant-based natural products from Thumbai (Leucas aspera), an important yet untapped potential source of many therapeutic agents for myriads of immunological conditions and genetic disorders, was conceptualized to reconnoiter its potential biomedical application. A library of 79 compounds from this plant was created, out of which 9 compounds qualified the pharmacokinetics parameters. Reverse pharmacophore technique for target fishing of the screened compounds was executed through which renin receptor (ATP6AP2) and thymidylate kinase (DTYMK) were identified as potential targets. Network biology approaches were used to comprehend and validate the functional, biochemical and clinical relevance of the targets. The target-ligand interaction and subsequent stability parameters at molecular scale were investigated using multiple strategies including molecular modeling, pharmacophore approaches and molecular dynamics simulation. Herein, isololiolide and 4-hydroxy-2-methoxycinnamaldehyde were substantiated as the lead molecules exhibiting comparatively the best binding affinity against the two putative protein targets. These natural lead products from L. aspera and the combinatorial effects may have plausible medical applications in a wide variety of neurodegenerative, genetic and developmental disorders. The lead molecules also exhibit promising alternative in diagnostics and therapeutics through immuno-modulation targeting natural killer T-cell function in transplantation-related pathogenesis, autoimmune and other immunological disorders.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Modulation of mucosal parameters, innate immunity, growth and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae by enrichment of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diet with Leucas aspera.

The present study aimed at evaluating the possible effects of Leucas aspera as immunostimulant on mucosal and serum immunity, as well as on growth and resistance against Streptococcus agalactiae infection in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. In a 45 days trial, fish were fed experimental diets containing L. aspera 0 g kg-1 (Diet 1- control), 1 g kg-1 (Diet 2), 2 g kg-1(Diet 3), 4 g kg-1 (Diet 4) and 8 g kg-1 (Diet 5). The results revealed a significant increase in the specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), and final weight (FW) in fish fed diet 3 (2 g kg-1) of L. aspera compared to the control and other supplemented groups (P < 0.05). Also, feeding on diet 3 (2 g kg-1) of L. aspera enriched diet significantly (P < 0.05) increased lysozyme activities in the serum and mucus, serum peroxidase and phagocytosis activity. However, significant (P < 0.05) increase in mucus peroxidase activity was reported in fish fed diet 4 (4 g kg-1) and diet 5 (8 g kg-1) of L. aspera, whereas significantly higher (P < 0.05) alternative complement activity was reported in fish fed diet 2 (1 g kg-1) of L. aspera. At the end of the experiment, nine fish per replication were selected for a challenge test against S. agalactiae. The dietary supplementation of L. aspera significantly reduced the mortality rate and increased the resistance of Nile tilapia following by challenge with S. agalactiae. The highest post challenge survival of 100% was observed in tilapia fed diet 5 (8 g kg-1) following by 92.6% of RPS in fish fed diet 4 (4 g kg-1) and 88.9% in diet 3 (2 g kg-1), 77.8% in diet 2 (1 g kg-1) and 74.1% in diet 1(0 g kg-1).

Susceptibility of biofilm forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus to antibiotic-adjuvants

Aims@#The objective of the present study is to evaluate the possibility of reversing the resistance of pathogens to antibiotics using phytochemicals from plant extracts as antibiotic-adjuvant.@*Methodology and results@#Twenty-one plants were collected from Podhigai Hills, Tamil Nadu, India and tested in this study. The susceptibility of burn wound isolates (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) to antibiotics and the adjuvant activity of the aqueous plant extracts were tested using well diffusion assay. The impact of the plant extracts on quorum sensing was assessed using Chromobacterium violaceum as the model organism. The antibiofilm activity of the adjuvant and antibiotics was determined by crystal violet assay. The isolates which were resistant to more than one class of antibiotics (aminoglycoside, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone and penicillin) were designated as multidrug resistant bacteria. Combination of cefdinir-Citrullus colocynthis showed 17 mm inhibition zone which is greater than cefdinir (0 mm) against P. aeruginosa. The combination reduced quorum sensing with an inhibition zone of 30 mm. The same combination reduced 96% and 95% of the biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively at 16 h. Besides, cefdinir with Leucas aspera reduced quorum sensing with an inhibition zone of 28 mm. The combination reduced 94% and 95% of biofilm formed by P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively at 16 h. The aqueous extract of C. colocynthis and L. aspera revealed the presence of flavonoids that possess adjuvant activity. @*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Cefdinir-C. colocynthis and cefdinir-L. aspera reversed the resistance of multi drug resistant bacteria to cefdinir. The flavonoids of C. colocynthis and L. aspera served as an adjuvant that potentiates the activity of cefdinir.

In vitro Antidiabetic Activity of Polar and Nonpolar Solvent Extracts from Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Leaves.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic illness, and the management of diabetes is a global problem. Successful treatment is required to prevent complications and organ damages. Herbal medicines are having minimal adverse effects when compared to the available synthetic drugs to treat such chronic diseases and disorders. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of polar and nonpolar solvent extracts of Leucas aspera (Willd.) link leaves under in vitro models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro antidiabetic activity of petroleum ether (nonpolar) and ethanol (polar) extracts were evaluated in C2C12 cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay (cell viability method) and glucose uptake assay. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method used for the evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity. RESULTS: Both the polar and nonpolar solvent extracts of L. aspera had shown better antioxidant activity compared to standard (IC50 = 18.96 and 19.90 µg/mL, respectively). Petroleum ether extract exhibited better cytotoxic activity in C2C12 cell line compared to ethanol extract (concentration of test drug needed to inhibit cell growth by 50% 110.75 ± 5.5 vs. 415.25 ± 8.0 µg/mL) whereas ethanol extract showed enhanced glucose uptake activity than petroleum ether extract in C2C12 cell line at same concentrations. CONCLUSION: From our study results, we concluded that L. aspera (Willd.) link leaves had shown better antidiabetic activity and antioxidant activity under in vitro models. Nonpolar solvent extract produced slightly better activity than polar solvent extract. This study warrants further research and experiments on animal models. SUMMARY: Petroleum ether extract of Leucas aspera (PELA) exhibited slightly higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity compared to ethanol extract of L. aspera (EELA)PELA exhibited better cytotoxic activity in C2C12 cell line compared to EELAEELA had shown enhanced glucose uptake activity than PELA in C2C12 cell line at same concentrationsL. aspera leaf extracts have potential scavenging of DPPH radicals similar to that of ascorbic acidOverall, PELA (nonpolar) produced slightly better antidiabetic activity and antioxidant activity than EELA (polar). Abbreviations Used: DM: Diabetes mellitus, EELA: Ethanol extract of Leucas aspera, L. aspera: Leucas aspera, PELA: Petroleum ether extract of Leucas aspera.

Evaluation of phytosynthesised silver nanoparticles from leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Hyptis suaveolens and their larvicidal activity against malaria, dengue and filariasis vectors.

The present study deals with the green synthesis of silver nanoparticle from the aqueous leaf extracts of Leucas aspera and Hyptis suaveolens as reducing agent and to investigate the larvicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by Ultraviolet and visible absorption spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray spectroscopy (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and High-resonance transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. The nanoparticles are spherical, hexagonal, triangular and polyhedral in shape and the size of the Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of L. aspera was found to be in the range of 7-22 nm and AgNPs of H. suaveolens was 5-25 nm. Larvicidal bioassay with synthesized AgNPs synthesized from L. aspera and H. suaveolens extract, showed 100% mortality at 10 mg/L against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus with LC50 of 4.02, 4.69, 5.06 mg/L and LC90 of 11.22, 12.09, 12.74 mg/L and LC50 of 4.63, 4.04, 3.52 mg/L and LC90 of 12.07, 10.99, 09.61 respectively. These results suggest that the synthesized AgNPs of L. aspera and H. suaveolens have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly agent for the control of the mosquito larvae.

Identification of phytoconstituents and in-vitro evaluation of the putative anticataractogenic effect of an ethanolic root extract of Leucas aspera.

Modern herbal medicine has played a significant role in treating oxidative stress and related complications. In the present investigation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis of ethanolic extracts of the leaf and of the root of Leucas aspera (L. aspera) (Willd.) Link separately showed the presence of various phytoconstituents; major components have already been reported to possess various biological, including antioxidant, activities. Of the two extracts analyzed, the root extract exhibited more potential antioxidant activity than did the leaf extract. Since this finding correlated with more perceptible amounts of antioxidant components being detected in the ethanolic extract of L. aspera root, the root extract was evaluated for possible anticataractogenic potential in cultured Wistar rat lenses. Following incubation of Wistar rat lenses for 24h at 37°C in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM), gross morphological examination revealed that none of the eight lenses incubated in DMEM alone (Group I) exhibited any opacification (Grade 0), whereas all eight lenses incubated in DMEM that contained sodium selenite (100µM selenite/ml of DMEM) (Group II) exhibited thick opacification (Grade +++). In contrast, only one out of eight lenses incubated in DMEM containing sodium selenite (100µM selenite/ml of DMEM) and simultaneously exposed to the L. aspera root extract (300µg/ml of DMEM) (Group III) exhibited a slight degree of opacification (Grade +) after 24h incubation, while the remaining seven lenses did not show any opacification (Grade 0). The mean activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase and the mean level of reduced glutathione were all significantly (p<0.05) higher in Group III lenses than the mean values in Group II lenses. The mean concentration of malondialdehyde in Group III lenses was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that in Group II lenses. Further, significantly (p<0.05) lower mean mRNA transcript levels of the genes encoding αA- and ßB1-crystallins, as well as significantly lower mean levels of the αA- and ßB1-crystallin proteins themselves, were observed in Group II lenses. However, in Group III lenses, the mean mRNA transcript levels of the crystallin genes, and the mean protein levels, were essentially similar to those noted in normal control (Group I) lenses. The results of the present study suggest that in selenite-challenged Wistar rat lenses simultaneously exposed to an ethanolic extract of L. aspera root, lenticular opacification was prevented by mean activities of enzymatic antioxidants, mean levels of reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde mean expression levels of genes encoding αA- and ßB1-crystallins, and mean levels of the crystallin proteins themselves, being maintained at near normal levels. Further studies are required to confirm whether the ethanolic extract of the root of L. aspera can be developed for pharmacological management of cataract.

Leucas aspera Nanomedicine Shows Superior Toxicity and Cell Migration Retarded in Prostate Cancer Cells.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide. The main aim of the present work was to clarify the advantages of a nanoformulation of ayurvedic herbal plants. Specifically, we assessed the improved anticancer activity of Leucas aspera nanoparticles compared with methanolic crude extract in PC3 prostate cancer cells and normal cells. L. aspera is a plant that is used in ayurveda due to the antirheumatic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and cytotoxic activities. Nanoparticles of L. aspera were prepared from plant methanolic extracts. Cytotoxic effect was studied in the normal and prostate cancer cells. Size and morphology of the formulated nanoparticles was assessed using dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity of L. aspera nanoparticles for PC3 cells was concentration- and time-dependent. In vitro hemolysis assay, cellular uptake studies, cell aggregation studies, and cell migration assay established the anticancerous activity of L. aspera in prostate cancer.

Larvicidal activity of catechin isolated from Leucas aspera against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Vector control is facing a threat due to the emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides. Insecticides of plant origin my serve as an alternative biocontrol technique in the future. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of fractions and compounds from the whole-plant methanol extracts of Leucas aspera on the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvae were exposed to fractions with concentrations ranging from 1.25, 2.25, 5, 10, and 20 ppm and isolated compounds. After 24 h exposure, larval mortality was assessed. Among the eight fractions, four from hexane extractions showed potent larvicidal activity against tested mosquito species at 20 ppm concentration. The isolated compound catechin showed pronounced larvicidal activity at very low concentrations. The LC50 and LC90 values of catechin were 3.05 and 8.25 ppm against Ae. aegypti, 3.44 and 8.89 ppm against An. stephensi, and 3.76 and 9.79 ppm against C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. The isolated compound was subjected to spectral analyses (GC-MS, FTIR, (1)H NMR, and (13)C NMR) to elucidate the structure and to compare with spectral data literature.

Leucas aspera mediated multifunctional CeO2 nanoparticles: Structural, photoluminescent, photocatalytic and antibacterial properties.

Spherical shaped cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via bio mediated route using Leucas aspera (LA) leaf extract. The NPs were characterized by PXRD, SEM, UV-Visible techniques. Photoluminescence (PL), photocatalysis and antibacterial properties of NPs were studied. PXRD patterns and Rietveld analysis confirm cubic fluorite structure with space group Fm-3m. SEM results evident that morphology of the NPs was greatly influenced by the concentration of LA leaf extract in the reaction mixture. The band gap energy of the NPs was found to be in the range of 2.98-3.4 eV. The photocatalytic activity of NPs was evaluated by decolorization of Rhodamine-B (RhB) under UVA and Sun light irradiation. CeO2 NPs show intense blue emission with CIE coordinates (0.14, 0.22) and average color coordinated temperature value ∼148,953 K. Therefore the present NPs quite useful for cool LEDs. The superior photocatalytic activity was observed for CeO2 NPs with 20 ml LA under both UVA and Sunlight irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and photoluminescent properties were attributed to defect induced band gap engineered CeO2 NPs. Further, CeO2 with 20 ml LA exhibit significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (EC) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA). These findings show great promise of CeO2 NPs as multifunctional material for various applications.

Antivenom activity of triterpenoid (C34H68O2) from Leucas aspera Linn. against Naja naja naja venom induced toxicity: antioxidant and histological study in mice.

The isolated and identified triterpenoid, 1-hydroxytetratriacontane-4-one (C34H68O2), obtained from the methanolic leaf extract of Leucas aspera Linn. was explored for the first time for antisnake venom activity. The plant (L. aspera Linn.) extract significantly antagonized the spectacled cobra (Naja naja naja) venom induced lethal activity in a mouse model. It was compared with commercial antiserum obtained from King Institute of Preventive Medicine (Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India). N. naja naja venom induced a significant decrease in antioxidant superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH) peroxidase, catalase, reduced GSH and glutathione-S-transferase activities and increased lipid peroxidase (LPO) activity in different organs such as heart, liver, kidney and lungs. The histological changes following the antivenom treatment were also evaluated in all these organs. There were significant alterations in the histology. Triterpenoid from methanol extract of L. aspera Linn. at a dose level of 75 mg per mouse significantly attenuated (neutralized) the venom-induced antioxidant status and also the LPO activity in different organs.

Inhibition of Naja naja venom enzymes by the methanolic extract of Leucas aspera and its chemical profile by GC-MS.

PURPOSE: The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the anti-ophidian properties of ethnomedicinal herb Leucas aspera against Indian cobra, Naja naja venom enzymes. METHODS: Methanolic extract of Leucas aspera was evaluated, in vitro, for its ability to inhibit the major enzyme activities of Naja naja venom including protease, phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase and hemolytic factors. The type of phytochemicals present in the extract was analyzed. Also, the major phytoconstituents in the extract was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Venom protease and hyaluronidase activities (two isoforms) were completely (100%) neutralized by the L. aspera methanolic extract at ratio of 1:50 w/w (venom: plant extract) and venom hemolytic activity was also completely neutralized at a ratio of 1:80 w/w by the plant extract. However, the extract failed to neutralize phospholipase A2 activity even at the highest concentration used. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, acidic compounds, flavonoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides in the extract. GC-MS analysis indicated that a total of 14 compounds were present in the extract. The major bioactive constituents were found to be 6-octadecenoic acid (32.47%), n-hexadecanoic acid (25.97%), and 17-octadecen-14-yn-1-ol (14.22%) along with the minor constituents, sitosterol (2.45%) and stigmasterol (2%), which was previously reported to exhibit antivenom activity. CONCLUSION: The results obtained demonstrate for the first time that the methanolic extract of Leucas aspera possesses anti-venom activity and could be considered as a potential source for the anti-ophidian metabolites.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the phytochemicals of whole Leucas aspera extract.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of whole Leucas aspera (Labiatae) (L. aspera) alcoholic extract. METHODS: Whole L. aspera powder was extracted by absolute ethanol (99.50%). The ethanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial and brine shrimp lethality assay. RESULTS: The extract showed potent radical scavenging effect (antioxidant) with IC50 value of (99.58±1.22) µg/mL which was significant (P<0.01) in comparison to ascorbic acid with IC50 value of (1.25±0.95) µg/mL. In case of antibacterial screening, the extract showed notable antibacterial effect against the tested microbial strains. Significant (P<0.05) zone of inhibitions against Gram positive Bacillus subtilis [(12.00±1.32) mm] and Bacillus megaterium [(13.00±1.50) mm], Staphylococcus aureus [(8.00±0.50) mm] and Gram negative Salmonella typhi [(6.00±0.50) mm], Salmonella paratyphi [(8.00±1.00) mm], Shigella dysenteriae [(9.00±1.32) mm] and Vibrio cholerae [(9.00±0.66) mm] was observed. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract showed the LC50 value as (181.68±2.15) µg/mL which was statistically significant (P<0.01) compared to positive control vincristine sulfate [LC50=(0.76±0.04) µg/mL]. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of L. aspera could be used as antibacterial, pesticidal and various pharmacologic actives.

Antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic effects of the phytochemicals of whole Leucas aspera extract

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of whole Leucas aspera (Labiatae) (L. aspera) alcoholic extract.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Whole L. aspera powder was extracted by absolute ethanol (99.50%). The ethanolic extract was subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial and brine shrimp lethality assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The extract showed potent radical scavenging effect (antioxidant) with IC50 value of (99.58±1.22) µg/mL which was significant (P<0.01) in comparison to ascorbic acid with IC50 value of (1.25±0.95) µg/mL. In case of antibacterial screening, the extract showed notable antibacterial effect against the tested microbial strains. Significant (P<0.05) zone of inhibitions against Gram positive Bacillus subtilis [(12.00±1.32) mm] and Bacillus megaterium [(13.00±1.50) mm], Staphylococcus aureus [(8.00±0.50) mm] and Gram negative Salmonella typhi [(6.00±0.50) mm], Salmonella paratyphi [(8.00±1.00) mm], Shigella dysenteriae [(9.00±1.32) mm] and Vibrio cholerae [(9.00±0.66) mm] was observed. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the extract showed the LC50 value as (181.68±2.15) µg/mL which was statistically significant (P<0.01) compared to positive control vincristine sulfate [LC50=(0.76±0.04) µg/mL].</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The results demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of L. aspera could be used as antibacterial, pesticidal and various pharmacologic actives.</p>

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of different parts of Leucas aspera.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of different parts (root, flower, leaf and stem) of Leucas aspera (L. aspera) (Labiatae). METHODS: Different parts of L. aspera were extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol. The methanol extracts were subjected to antioxidant, antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality assay. RESULTS: All the extracts showed moderate to potent antioxidant activity, among which the root extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity with the IC50 value of 6.552 µg/mL. Methanol extract of root possessed antioxidant activity near the range of vitamin E and thus could be a potential rich source of natural antioxidant. In case of antimicrobial screening, crude extracts of root, flower, leaf and stem showed notable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The root extract showed the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 9.0-11.0 mm against tested microorganisms, at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, it was evident that the methanol root extract did not show significant toxicity. The LC50 value for 12 h and 24 h observation was 2.890 mg/mL and 1.417 mg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present finding suggests that the methanol root extract of L. aspera could be developed as pharmaceutical products.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of different parts of Leucas aspera

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of different parts (root, flower, leaf and stem) of Leucas aspera (L. aspera) (Labiatae).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Different parts of L. aspera were extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol. The methanol extracts were subjected to antioxidant, antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality assay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the extracts showed moderate to potent antioxidant activity, among which the root extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity with the IC50 value of 6.552 µg/mL. Methanol extract of root possessed antioxidant activity near the range of vitamin E and thus could be a potential rich source of natural antioxidant. In case of antimicrobial screening, crude extracts of root, flower, leaf and stem showed notable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The root extract showed the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 9.0-11.0 mm against tested microorganisms, at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, it was evident that the methanol root extract did not show significant toxicity. The LC50 value for 12 h and 24 h observation was 2.890 mg/mL and 1.417 mg/mL, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The present finding suggests that the methanol root extract of L. aspera could be developed as pharmaceutical products.</p>

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of different parts of Leucas aspera

Objective: To evaluate antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of different parts (root, flower, leaf and stem) of Leucas aspera (L. aspera) (Labiatae). Methods: Different parts of L. aspera were extracted with 80% (v/v) methanol. The methanol extracts were subjected to antioxidant, antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality assay. Results: All the extracts showed moderate to potent antioxidant activity, among which the root extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity with the IC50 value of 6.552 μg/mL. Methanol extract of root possessed antioxidant activity near the range of vitamin E and thus could be a potential rich source of natural antioxidant. In case of antimicrobial screening, crude extracts of root, flower, leaf and stem showed notable antibacterial activity against tested microorganisms. The root extract showed the highest mean zone of inhibition ranging from 9.0-11.0 mm against tested microorganisms, at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, it was evident that the methanol root extract did not show significant toxicity. The LC50 value for 12 h and 24 h observation was 2.890 mg/mL and 1.417 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The present finding suggests that the methanol root extract of L. aspera could be developed as pharmaceutical products.