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Dec 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-4027
Singh SushilaCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Medicinal plants have been used since the era of Vedic history for their health care system where herbal medicine has a long history of use. It is also a very popular medicinal plant belonging to the Leguminosae family and is commonly known as Mulhatti. It contains phytochemicals such as flavonoids, triterpene saponins and other constituents such as coumarins, sugars, amino acids, tannins, starch, choline, phytosterols etc. The present study was conducted for the estimation of phytochemicals (total phenols and flavonoids) and the evaluation of the total antioxidant capacity and DPPH free-radical scavenging activity in aqueous extracts of different pH (2, 4, 7 and 9) from aerial parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The content of phenolic compounds was maximal at pH 7 (14.13 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids at pH 9 (4.90 mg CE/g) and the total antioxidant capacity was maximal at pH 9 (13.43 mg AAE/g) and free radical scavenging DPPH activity was highest at pH 7 (IC50 value = 60.48 µg/ml). Thus, the aerial part is a good source of phytochemicals and also acts as a good antioxidant.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-21-3996
Singh SushilaCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India.
Plants are an important source of medicines since ancient times. The traditional system medicine’s use a variety of native plants to diagnose, prevent, and eliminate acute and chronic diseases.Asparagus racemosus(Willd.), also have been widely used for medicinal purpose and its extensively distributed in the tropics and subtropics of India, commonly known as Satawar, belongs to the family Asparagus. The purpose of this was to identify the phytochemicals and to assess the antioxidant potential in aqueous extracts prepared at different pH levels of Satawar tubers. The maximum amount of phenolics and flavonoids content was present at pH 9 i.e.18.88mg GAE/g and 2.83mg CE/g. The total antioxidant capacity was highest at pH 2 (15.96mg AAE/g) and IC50 values of DPPH free radical scavenging activity was the lowest at pH 7, 2582.85µg/mL. According to the whole study, this plant is a very good source of phytochemicals and acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-20-3484
Shakeel Iqubal S.M.Corresponding author
Department of General Science, Ibn Sina National College of Medical Sciences, Al Mahajar Street: 31906, Jeddah 21418, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The aim of this experiment is to study the efficacy of phytochemical constituents of Castor essential oil towards the mucor-mycotic mold Cunninghamella bertholletiae.The standard chemical analytical methods were used for the rapid study of the phytochemical constituents responsible for the antimicrobial efficacy of the procured castor essential oil. The standard antimicrobial assay technique employed to study the comparative values of the efficacy of the procured castor essential oil with that of the standard antifungal chemical agents against the clinical isolates obtained from the immune suppressed patients samples of Cunninghamella bertholletia mold mucor-mycotic infections. The best susceptibility values recorded in the standard antifungal agents against the clinical isolates of Cunninghamella bertholletiae was with Amphotericin B showing the average zone of inhibition diameter of 20.66 mm with the average MIC value of, 1.66 (µ/ml) but the antimicrobial assay results for the Castor essential oil showed better values with an average disc diffusion of 22.44mm zone of inhibition diameter with average MIC value of 1.72 µ/ml .This study has shown that the phytochemical compounds present in the Castor essential oil proves to be more an effective alternative antifungal substance towards the clinical isolates of Cunninghamella bertholletiae.
Apr 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-7881.jdrr-20-3267
Sharma BechanCorresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
The phytochemicals are endowed with antioxidant activities because of the presence of plentiful polyphenols and many other phytochemicals. However, some recent reports have suggested that phytochemicals from certain plant species exhibit DNA damaging properties mainly due to presence of alkaloids. In the present study, pBR322, Salmonella typhi DNA, insect DNA and human DNA were treated with hexanolic extract of Argemone mexicana and Thevesia peruviana leaves to assess their DNA damaging abilities. Another set of experiments was carried out using the methanolic extracts of Citrus lemon leaves to assess their DNA protecting abilities from damage of DNA by extracts of A. mexicana and T. peruviana at 150000 ppm for all DNAs used. The results indicated that the leaves extract of A. mexicanaand T. peruviana demonstrated significant DNA damaging potential at higher concentrations. In contrast, the extracts from C. limonat 15000 ppm showed maximum DNA protective properties for all DNAs used.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2791
A. M. LawalCorresponding author
Plants used for medicinal practices which were discovered since prehistoric stone ages are termed Medicinal plants, which are also referred to as medicinal herbs, since plants produces bioactive chemical compounds (phytochemicals), this research however, is concerned with the extraction using Soxhlet extraction technique, phytochemical screening using various test methods, which reveals the presence of anthraquinones (free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones), carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids/ terpenes, phenolic compounds and tannins, and absence of alkaloids for extracts of senna occidentalis and also, thin layer chromatography profiling which gives probable foundation for further structural elucidation amongst others. This research shows the presence of potent secondary metabolites present in the leaves of senna occidentalis (leaves).
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-17-1728
Md. Badrul IslamCorresponding author
The use of herbal medicine is becoming popular day by day due to toxicity and side effects of allopathic medicines. Considering the medicinal importance of the plant Murraya koenigii Linn (Curry leaf), the antioxidant activity (AC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), of different fractions of methanolic extract (DIA-ion resin adsorbed fraction, chloroform, Ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) of M. koenigii were investigated. Among the fractions, DIA-ion resin-adsorbed fraction showed the highest total antioxidant activity with absorbance 2.320±06 and petroleum ether fraction showed the lowest total antioxidant activity with absorbance 1.944 at 100 mg/ml concentration. The TPC were found range between 13.285 to 17.52 mg GAE/g while the highest amount of TFC recorded among the extracts was 16.65 mg CatE/g. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of different extracts of leaves was also measured where DIA-ion resin-adsorbed fraction had the highest free radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 15.53 µg/ml. In the present study phenolic compound were found to be the predominant components in the leaves of M. koenigii indicating that they are potent antioxidant.
Jun 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-14-616
Milward E.A.Corresponding author
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Australia
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is responsible for a substantial proportion of severe visual impairment and blindness in people over 50 years of age. Current treatments for AMD are not effective in all patients and a proportion of patients who respond well to the treatment will still eventually develop central visual impairment. Despite all efforts to develop safe and efficient medications for AMD, as yet pharmacological approaches have failed to provide fully effective treatments for this condition. Various lines of evidence attest to the contributions of oxidative stress in the etiology of AMD. Anti-oxidant nutrients may be valuable preventive or therapeutic agents however complementary therapies can become widely adopted without sufficient knowledge of the real advantages and liabilities. This review considers the interventional potential of some common phytochemicals for treating AMD, primarily focusing on clinical and epidemiological evidence of potential public health relevance.
Jan 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-edt.1.3
Sharma B.Corresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science,
This hypothesis‑driven review considers phytochemicals with putative anti‑HIV activity. It summarizes proposed mechanisms, in vitro evidence, and formulation issues, and calls for standardized assays and clinical trials to determine real‑world efficacy and safety.
Jun 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-23-4431
Ifeanyi John ObibuenyiCorresponding author
Background of this paper investigates dogonyaro-leaf-extract as inhibitor for aluminum corrosion in 0.3-M hydrochloric acid, and its acceptability as original. In the methods, the extract was analyzed for phytochemicals and corrosion test performed on aluminum sheet before immersion in acid incorporated extract. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), tests were performed over frequency of 100 KHz–10 mHz and 10 mV peak to peak perturbation amplitude to obtain the corrosion potential. Tests were run at 30oC ± room temperature in aerated quiescent solutions. In weight loss method, coupons were suspended in aerated solutions before immersion in 20% mixture of sodium hydroxide and zinc dust to stop further corrosion. Morphology of the mirrorlike finished arid surface aluminum was measured with scanning electron microscope SEM. In the results, various phytochemicals were observed; significant effect of incorporating inhibitor on EIS data recorded and optimum extract efficiency was 99.46%, at 10 g/l, 60oC, within 6 hours. This result was validated and 99.3% efficiency obtained. Introduction of extract into acid corrodents caused increase of charge transfer resistance and reduced double layer capacitance. A warm arid clean coupon evolved after SEM test. In conclusion, there was increase in efficiency of inhibition as inhibitor concentration and temperature increased. Similarly, close responses towards the factors for Inhibition occur. Measured polarization showed that extract inhibited both cathodic and anodic reaction processes and thus, is classified as mixed type inhibitor. The investigations thus proved the extract as excellent corrosion inhibitor for aluminum in 0.3-M hydrochloric-acid.
Nov 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-21-3993
Adenike Adeyemo-Salami OluwatoyinCorresponding author
Nutritional and Industrial Biochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Chlorogenic acid (CA), abundantly found in green coffee beans, is a phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties amongst others. Exposure to rotenone, a natural pesticide, induces Parkinsonism (a type of neurodegeneration) through the induction of mitochondria dysfunction and oxidative stress. Phytochemicals with antioxidant properties may be promising in attenuating this condition. In this research, the ameliorative role of CA on rotenone-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster was evaluated. Drosophila melanogaster (Harwich strain, 1- 3 days old) was used. 6 groups of five vials each with 50 flies/vial were exposed to CA (0; control (2% ethanol), 7.5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 mg/kg diet) for 28 days in the longevity analysis. A 28-day survival assay was carried out with rotenone (0, 250 and 500 μM). CA (30 mg/kg diet) was selected to evaluate its ameliorative potential on rotenone. For the study, the flies were divided into four groups of five vials each and exposed to CA and rotenone; Group A- control (2% ethanol), Group B- CA only, Group C- rotenone only and Group D- CA (30 mg/kg diet)+ rotenone (500 μM)for 7 days. Thereafter, the homogenate was evaluated for oxidative stress status, rate of emergence, negative geotaxis and acetyl cholinesterase activity. CA (30 mg/kg diet) extended the lifespan of flies by 21.4%. Also, CA ameliorated rotenone-induced perturbation in catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and acetyl cholinesterase activities, total thiol and glutathione levels, and behavioral deficit (p < 0.05). CA may have ameliorative effect against rotenone-induced toxicity and Parkinsonism.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2690-6759.jpar-21-3844
O. Oshadu DavidCorresponding author
Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
Acanthus montanusNees T. Anderson (Acanthaceae) has been employed in folk medicine for treatment of different kinds of ailment, but there is dearth of documented information on its therapeutic activities against parasites. In this study, pulverized Acanthus montanusleaf was subjected to four different extraction techniques. The percentage of yields were 25.58%, 31.42%, 11.58% and 3.00% weight by weight (w/w) of crude ethanol extract (CEE), aqueous (AQ), n-butanol (BUT) and chloroform (CHLO) portions, respectively. All the extracts, excluding the chloroform portion were administered to worm-infested mice per os at dose of 1.2 g/kg, 1.4 g/kg, 1.7 g/kg and 2.0 g/kg each for five days consecutive. Mice were euthanized and the adult worm counted for rates of deparasitization. The aqueous extract did not cause significant deparasitization even at the highest dose of 2.0 g/kg. The CEE caused significant (p<0.05) deparasitization rate of 72.35% at 2.0 g/kg dose. The n-butanol portion caused significant (p<0.05) deparasitization rates at doses between 1.4 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg (86.17% and 97.04% respectively) compared to figures from distilled water-treated mice (Control) as well as those from mice treated with the aqueous or crude ethanol portion. The 97.04% deparasitization produced by the 2.0 g/kg dose was not stastistically different (p>0.05) from the 100% deparasitization obtained using albendazole at the manufacturer’s recommended dose of 10 mg/kg. This study has demonstrated that the n-butanol extract of Acanthus montanus leaf has profound anthelmintic activity against experimental Heligmosomoidesbakeri infection in mice. Further phytochemical analysis and evaluation is being advocated in large animals and possibly human subjects.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-21-3874
J. Johnson JeremyCorresponding author
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Natural food preservatives in the form of herb extracts and spices are increasing in popularity due to their potential to replace synthetic compounds traditionally used as food preservatives. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is an herb that has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, and currently is being studied for anti-cancer and hepatoprotective properties. Rosemary also has been reported to be an effective food preservative due to its high anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities. These properties allow rosemary prevent microbial growth while decreasing food spoilage through oxidation. Rosemary contains several classes of compounds, including diterpenes, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which can differ between extracts depending on the extraction method. In particular, the diterpenes carnosol and carnosic acid are two of the most abundant phytochemicals found in rosemary, and these compounds contribute up to 90% of the anti-oxidant potential of the herb. Additionally, several in vivo studies have shown that rosemary administration has a positive impact on gastrointestinal (GI) health through decreased oxidative stress and inflammation in the GI tract. The objective of this review is to highlight the food preservative potential of rosemary and detail several studies that investigate rosemary to improve in vivo GI health.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3471
Yewande BAMIGBOYE AdeolaCorresponding author
Department of Science Laboratory Technology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan. Oyo State, Nigeria.
Spices have been frequently added to foods since ancient times, not only to enhance the taste but also as preservatives and medicinal agents. Their usage may be of concern due to possible contamination during processing and handling. The aim of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties and heavy metals concentrations in some indigenous spices sold at two main markets namely Bodija and Apata markets in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A total of eight commonly consumed spices were purposely analyzed for their proximate and mineral composition, physicochemical properties and anti-nutrients contents. Proximate analyses showed that the spices to contained (fresh matter ‘As consumed’) moisture content ranging from 11.74g in thyme to 59.36g/100g in scent leaves. Crude protein, fat, fibre, ash and carbohydrate contents ranged between 3.72 – 15.07g, 1.31 – 8.28g, 1.96 – 11.38g, 1.11 – 7.81g, and 17.80 – 50.77g/100g sample, respectively. All the spices contained high levels of potassium (176.3 – 739.6 mg), sodium (60.6 – 317 mg), calcium (78.5 – 423.9 mg), magnesium (82 – 322.1 mg) and iron (5.78 – 20.10 mg), but low levels of heavy metals – copper (0.17 – 0.68 mg), and manganese (0.32 – 1.05 mg)/100g respectively. Flavonoid was the most abundant phytochemical, while terpene was the least phytochemical in all the samples. The samples had very low concentrations of anti-nutrients, and could pose no threat to human health, as their values were within the regulatory standard. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in the spices can help in building up immunity and prevention of non-communicable diseases, hence, their consumption should be encouraged.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3175
Cyril Abang AgborCorresponding author
Department of Anatomy, Collage of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Local Nigerian men have been using AuriculariaPolytricha as a treatment for sexual dysfunction without supporting evidence from scientific experiments. This study was to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of A. Polytricha on testicular DNA expression and some oxidative stress markers using STZ-Induced diabetic rats as a model. The experiment included six groups, Group A (Normal Control, treated with normal saline), Group B (treated with 65mg/kg.bw of STZ), Groups C, D, and E (treated with 250mg/kg.bw, 500mg/kg.bw, 1000mg/kg.bw AP after inducing diabetics), and Group F (treated with 40mg/kg.bw metformin after inducing diabetics). The experiment lasted for 35 days. After termination of the experiment, Fuelgen nuclear reaction was used for DNA demonstration to assess testicular DNA distribution while serum Superoxide Dimutase (SOD), Catalase and Melondialdehyde where evaluated using reagent based antioxidant enzyme assay. Results reveals that SOD and Melondialdehyde activities were remarkably (p<0.05) higher in diabetic control animals when compared with the normal control group. Values in Groups C, D and F that were administered with 250, 500mg/kg.bw A. polytricha and metformin respectively were also significantly (p<0.05) increased when compared with the normal control group. However, diabetic animals placed on 1000mg/kg.bw A. polytrichadid not show any statistical significance in comparison with normal control group but was remarkably (p<0.01) decreased when compared to the diabetic group that received low dose A. polytricha, an indication that the reversal is dose dependent. Catalase concentration in diabetic control animals was remarkably (p<0.05) higher when compared to the normal control but was not significantly (p<0.05) different in groups D (DM+500mg/kg.bw A. polytricha) and E (DM+1000mg/kg.bw A. polytricha) when compared with the normal control group. Diabetic control animals showed reduced magenta colour intensity of DNA and increased clustering and cross linking of DNA strands when compared with the normal control. However the degree of cross link in DNA strands was reduced in the diabetic animals placed on 1000mg/kg.bw A. polytrichawhen compared with the diabetic control group. Reversal in DNA damage and values of serum oxidative stress markers following administration of graded doses of A. polytricha could be attributed to essential phytochemical and therapeutic constituents in A. polytricha like polyphenol and flavonoid which can be found useful in prevention and treatment of diabetes induced testicular dysfunction. In summary, AP can contribute to a reversal in DNA damage and levels of serum oxidative stress markers in treating diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-19-2852
Radwan EHCorresponding author
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Egypt.
Obesity can be defined as a condition of abnormal or excess fat accumulation in adipose tissue, to the extent that health may be impaired. Fennel is one of the oldest spice plants which widely grows in arid and semi-arid and due to its economic importance and pharmaceutical industry usage. This plant has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect and is effective in gastrointestinal disorder treatment. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical characteristics and therapeutic properties of this medicinal plant. The current study demonstrates that the alteration induced by high fat diet causing changes in blood parameters. These changes are exhibited through a decrease in RBCs, Ht, Hb and platelet and these changes could be due to oxidative stress, which lead to lipid peroxidation in RBCs membranes, auto oxidation of hemoglobin. As regards the total WBCs, lymphocytes and monocytes showed marked decrease. While a distinct increase in the percentage of neutrophils and eosinophil. The present, demonstrates that rats treated with (fennel), (ator) and (fennel with ator) exposure provided significant protection to the altered hematological variables. The effect of the treatment with fennel and ator more effect than fennel only and ator only. The finding of this study indicates that the concentration of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in liver homogenates of the fennel and ator group significant decrease than group (3) and group (4) and the obese group. There is a growing awareness that obesity is a prime risk factor for the development of dyslipidemia profile and that oxidative stress may play a role in various adverse effects of obesity.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-19-2847
Sharma BechanCorresponding author
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Allahabad, Allahabad-211002, UP, India.
Background Carissa carandas L. is a well-known wild fruit plant distributed through-out the India and also present in other countries. The fruits are rich in nutrients and minerals. A number of medicinally important phytochemicals such as carrisone, carindone, carandinol, lupeol, scopoletin, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, myo-inositol, β-amyrin, Des-n-methylnoracronycine etc. have been reported from the extract of this plant. Being safe and cost effective molecules, the activity of phytochemicals against HIV-1 enzymes needs to be screened. Objective The aim of this study was to screen the potent phytocompound of C. carandas against human immunodeficiency virus-1 using docking method. Methods Total nine compounds viz. carandinol, caridone, carrisone, lupeol, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, rutin, scopoletin and ursolic acid were used for in-silico study towards drug development against human immunodeficiency virus-1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1RT; PDB ID: 1REV) and human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease (PDB ID:1EBY) using Autodock software. Results The qualitative characterization of the extracts showed the presence of a number of phytochemicals such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terepnoids, terpenes, steroids, glycosides etc. Carandinol was observed as most effective anti-HIV-1 molecule having lowest binding energy and small inhibition coefficient. Another compound, p-coumaric acid, showed least effectiveness against human immunodeficiency virus- 1 reverse transcriptase or human immunodeficiency virus-1 protease showing highest binding energy and inhibition coefficients among all the evaluated phytocompounds. Conclusion The in-silico study demonstrated that some phytoconstituents of C. carandas exhibit potential anti-human immunodeficiency virus -1 activity and hence can be optimized to develop as a drug candidate in future.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2646
Oladejo Thomas ADEPOJUCorresponding author
Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
The potential of Nigerian indigenous tree leaves as vegetable source, pharmaceuticals and other therapeutic materials have been reported. However, Silk cotton (Ceiba pentandra) leaf is still underutilised as vegetable in parts of Nigeria where it exists despite its potential great health benefits. The aim of the study was to assess the micronutrient and phytochemical potential contribution to nutrient intake of its consumers, and acceptability of its cooked soup and sauce ‘as consumed’. Fresh young shoots and leaves of Ceiba pentandra were harvested from Ihitte/Uboma in Imo State, Nigeria. Composite sample of the leaf was prepared and divided into four portions. One portion was labelled as raw sample, and others blanched, cooked to soup and sauce. The four samples were analysed for proximate, minerals, vitamins and phytochemical composition using standard methods of AOAC. Sensory evaluation of soup and sauce was carried out using 9-point hedonic scale with 30 untrained panelists. Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05 Raw Ceiba pentandraleaf contained 80.9g moisture, 3.9g protein, 0.8g fat, 15.3g carbohydrate, 68.40 kcal gross energy, 183.40mg potassium, 119.38mg calcium, 112.99mg phosphorus, and 3.46mg iron/100g sample. The leaf was rich in phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoid and alkaloids. Raw sample was highest in water-soluble vitamins while the sauce was highest in β-carotene (339.72µg/100g). Cooking the leaf to soup and sauce significantly increased the mineral content of the products (P<0.05) with reduction in water-soluble vitamins and phytochemicals (P<0.05). The sensory attributes of the soup and sauce were generally acceptable to the panelists, with the sauce being more acceptable. The leaf and its products were rich in essential minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals. The sauce retained more nutrients compared to other samples. Inclusion of this underutilised vegetable in diets will reduce micronutrient malnutrition, promote dietary diversity, good health and wellness.
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2703
J. Johnson JeremyCorresponding author
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice
The Mediterranean diet has long been known to provide a variety of health benefits including cardiovascular protection, cancer prevention, and lowering gastrointestinal inflammation. Oregano (Origanium vulgare) is an herb prominent in the Mediterranean diet, and has been shown to possess several bioactive properties including anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The anti-oxidant and anti-microbial properties of oregano also make it a strong candidate as a natural food preservative. Because of the recent public concern with synthetic food preservatives, natural alternatives are increasingly being evaluated for effective food preservation. Oregano extract (OE) and essential oil (OEO) are two such agents that have shown promise as natural food preservatives. Additionally, oregano is being evaluated for its positive effect on gastrointestinal health, suggesting an additional benefit of food preservation with oregano. This review will describe in vitro studies related to the anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties of oregano along with food preservation studies with oregano in various model food matrices. The major phytochemical content reported for OE and OEO will also be outlined to highlight the importance of characterizing the extract that is used, since the extraction process can have a significant effect on the phytochemicals therein. Finally, in vivo studies that investigate the gastrointestinal health benefits of oregano, specifically against inflammation, will be addressed to describe the role of oregano on gastrointestinal health.
Jul 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-18-2166
Chandra Gupta PrakashCorresponding author
University Institute of Pharmacy, Chhatrapati shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur-208024, Uttar Pradesh India
Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel synonym Diospyros peregrina Gurke (Family: Ebenaceae) is a medium sized evergreen tree commonly known as Kendu in Assamese. The plant has ethnomedicinal significance and used by various ethnic communities of North-East India to treat various disorders like dysentery, diabetes, diarrhea malaria, ulcer and wounds. However, detailed scientific information is not available to identify the plant material, in order to ascertain its quality and purity. Therefore, the present work was carried out to perform morpho-anatomical and physicochemical analysis of D. malabarica stem bark. The bark is externally dark brown to black in color and rough having characteristics odor and astringent taste. The microscopy of bark reveals the presence of polygonal thick walled cork, 3-4 layered phellogen, 7-8 layered phelloderm, stone cells, phloem fibers and medullary rays. Stem bark powder showed thick walled cork cells, thick walled elongated phloem fibers, lignified stone cells and rhomboidal crystals of calcium oxalate. Further, physicochemical analysis of the bark power showed loss on drying, total ash, water soluble ash, and acid insoluble ash as 6.2, 5.6, 1.1, 2.45, and 5.7% w/w respectively. The alcohol and water soluble extractives values of the stem bark were 10.6 and 16.8% w/w respectively. The result of preliminary phytochemical screening indicates presence of triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and sterols. The findings of this study will facilitate pharmacognostic standardization of the plant material and aid in the preparation of an herbal monograph for the species.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-17-1630
Aholia Jean- Baptiste AdépoCorresponding author
Laboratoire de Toxicologie et Hygiène Agro-industrielle, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, BP V 34, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Introduction: Aflatoxins are cytotoxic andserve as one of the key risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, plants and extract are widely used as potential scavenging substances for the detoxification of mycotoxins. Thus, this study aims to investigate the activity of the crude ethanolic leaves extract from Alchorneacordifolia in aflatoxicosis prevention. Material and Methods: The phytochemical screening was performed through qualitative analysis based on coloring and/or precipitation reactions. Groups of rats were treated daily with a mixture dose of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) at 150 µg/kg and the crude extract of Alchorneacordifolia at doses of 50, 100, and 300 mg/kg for 21 days. The body weight, biochemical, and histological assessments were determined. Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols and terpenoids, quinoid compounds, tannins catechic and alkaloids. AFB1 treatmentcaused a significant increase of transaminases, urea, and creatinine abundances but reduced the rates of albumin and total proteins. Alchorneacordifolia administration alleviated biochemical parameters and body weight gain compared with the AFB1 group (p<0.05). The histological lesions of organs (liver and kidney) caused by AFB1 were significantly improved after administration of the extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg. Conclusion: This plant plays a beneficial role in AFB1-induced injury and may be used in the treatment of aflatoxicosis.
Dec 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-264
J. R WernikCorresponding author
Facultad de Medicina, UDELAR, Montevideo, Uruguay;
Phytochemicals (PHT) are a large group of biologically active plant chemicals that may have positive effects on human health such as immune system stimulation, down regulation of inflammatory responses, radical scavenging activities, cell repair function, and antibacterial and antiviral activity. In this proof of principle 6 months study, the effects of supplementing a PHT mix, Phyto V7, to HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients were examined. Individuals with CD4+ T-cells below 350 counts/mm3were assigned to one of the following treatments: CG1 - no treatment, CG2 - only highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART), TG1 - only Phyto V7, and TG2- both Phyto V7 and HAART. After 3 months of treatment there were approximately (-)1%, 1%, 2% and 4% increase in the mean weight of the CG1, CG2, TG1 and TG2 groups, respectively. The tendency for the body mass index (BMI) was similar. The CD4+ counts increased by 13%, 39%, 53% and 35%, respectively. Similar trends were noted after 6 months with 2%, 79%, 53% and 69% increases in the CD4+ counts, respectively. There was a significant reduction in viremia only in groups receiving HAART. Overall better results were obtained in the group of patients receiving both HAART and Phyto V7, in which the mean weight increased by 5.7% and the CD4+ T-cell counts increased by 69% after 6 months. This study indicates that providing Phyto V7 to HIV-1 seropositive individuals and AIDS patients, receiving or not receiving HAART, improves their physical wellbeing and CD4+ counts, enabling them to cope better with the viral infection.
May 2015 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-14-590
Jhaumeer Laulloo SCorresponding author
Department of Chemistry, University of Mauritius
The raw sunflower oil (SFO) has an undesirable flavour and odour. Therefore, to make it suitable for human consumption, the oil has to undergo a number of refining processes such as degumming, neutralization, bleaching and deodorization. During these refining processes, some of the phytochemicals present in SFO is lost. The aim of this study is to evaluate the loss in total phenolic, flavonoid and non-flavonoid contents and the antioxidant properties of the oil at the different chemical refining stages. The crude SFO oil has the highest total phenolic, flavonoid and non-flavonoid contents. The amount of phenolic compounds decreases as the oil undergoes different chemical refining processes. Results of this study indicated that the highest percentage loss of the phenolic compounds occurred during the deodorizing step.The statistical loss of the deodorized oil was 41.7, 63.9 and 27.6 % for total phenolic, flavonoid and non-flavonoid contents respectively. The free scavenging activity of sunflower oil was determined using DPPH and ABTS assays. The percentage scavenging activity ranged from 55.64 to 35.87 % for the DPPH assay while for ABTS assay the activity ranged from 59.46 to 31.43 % in a 50 mg/ml of SFO sample. This showed a decrease in antioxidant activity from crude to DNW to bleached and deodorized oil. The crude oil having the highest phenolic contents showed the highest antioxidant activity in both DPPH and ABTS assays.