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In vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and in silico molecular docking studies of Clerodendrum thomsoniae
Full text linkClerodendrum thomsoniae is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is found throughout Asia, Australia, Africa, and America. C. thomsoniae (CT), mostly utilized in the floriculture sector, is sometimes referred to as bleeding heart vine or bag flower due to its exquisite decorative qualities. Apart from its high value in the floriculture industry, the plant has been utilized in traditional Indian and Japanese medicine to treat a variety of ailments. There is a dearth of information on the biological properties of the plant and its putative ingredients. Therefore, this study evaluated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer potentials of the extract, as well as identified its phytocompounds. The antioxidant screening was based on nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl, and superoxide radical scavenging assays. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was based on the egg albumin denaturation (EAD) assay, while the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell viability assay was used to determine its anti-cancer potential. The chemical composition of the extract was determined using the hyphenated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Lastly, the identified phytocompounds were molecular docked against the inflammatory [NF-κβ (4DN5)] and cancer [mdm2 (3W69)] proteins. At 200 μg/mL, CT extract-treated Vero normal cells exhibited more viability (78.32±1.19%) than the one treated with the human renal adenocarcinoma (ACHN) cell line (33.45±0.66%), which suggests CT extract to be selectively cytotoxic to the cancer cells. The extract also demonstrated considerable inhibition of EAD (IC50=164.59±17.85 μg/mL). Thus, the observed anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties of CT extract may be attributed to its notable NO and H2O2 radicals scavenging activities, with IC50 values of 205.7±11.44 and 69.74±6.50 μg/mL respectively. GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed sixteen major compounds. In silico studies indicated α-tocopherol and stigmasterol as the most promising compounds, having exhibited the highest binding energy scores of -9.9 and -8.7 kcal/mol against NF-κβ (4DN5) and mdm2 (3W69) proteins respectively. In conclusion, C. thomsoniae leaf extract showed considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, which may be attributed to its α-tocopherol and stigmasterol contents
Effect of sprouting on reduction of anti-nutritional factor in pearl millet and its potential application in food industry
Full text linkPearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a nutritionally rich, gluten-free grain with numerous health benefits, including high levels of essential amino acids, iron, zinc, and proteins. In addition, gluten-free foods made from pearl millet can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation for those sensitive to gluten. Despite its high nutritional potential, pearl millet remains underutilized in the food industry. This is partly due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and phytates, which lower nutrient digestibility and bioavailability. This study aimed to optimize sprouting conditions in three pearl millet genotypes viz., CO (Cu) 9, TNAU cumbu hybrid CO 9 and CO 10 to enhance nutrient availability and reduce these anti-nutritional factors. Results indicated that 12 hr soaking and 24 hr sprouting significantly reduced tannin and phytate levels while increasing nutrient bioavailability, particularly in TNAU cumbu hybrid CO 9 and CO 10. Sprouted flour of TNAU cumbu hybrid CO 9 and CO 10 recorded an increase in iron of 73.60 and 72.58 ppm and zinc of 46.56 and 46.34 ppm respectively. Besides sprouted flour had less than 1.00 Na/K ratio which might favour the regulation of blood pressure. These sprouted flour samples were then used to formulate gluten-free noodles, with different composite flours using corn flour and tapioca starch in different ratios, further texture and sensory evaluation was conducted and a 50:50 ratio of sprouted pearl millet flour and corn flour was found to be desirable. The research highlights pearl millet’s potential as a valuable, gluten-free food source with broader applications in health-conscious and specialty food markets
Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of Andrographis lineata Nees (Acanthaceae)
Full text linkAndrographis lineata Nees is an erect herb and has been used as a traditional medicine against many diseases. The present study was to investigate the phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of A. lineata plant extracts. The methanolic extracts of A. lineata showed a variety of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids etc. The quantitative estimation of major phytochemical constituents revealed maximum amount of phenolic content in the roots and alkaloids in both the stem and leaf. Correspondingly, the highest amount of tannins and terpenoids were recorded in the leaf and flavonoids in the root samples. Furthermore, the plant extracts of A. lineata showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Comparatively, stem extract was effective against Streptococcus mutans (18.19±0.04 mm), leaf extract against Enterobacter faecalis (24.13±0.14 mm) and root extract against Bacillus subtilis (24.09±0.14 mm) at 30 μg/μL concentration. However, the leaf extract was more effective against Escherichia coli (25.13±0.16 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.20±0.13 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.18±0.17 mm) at 30 μg/μL concentration. The studies infer that the phytochemical constituents of A. lineata have antibacterial properties and these herbs may be considered as the medicinal plant for treating bacterial diseases
In vitro regeneration of Arisaema leschenaultii (Blume) using leaf explants
Full text linkA standard in vitro regeneration protocol from leaf explants was developed for a potential medicinal plant Arisaema leschenaultii. Maximum callus induction (78%) was achieved on MS medium fortified with BAP (1.5 mg/L) and NAA (0.9 mg/L). The maximum percentage of shoot proliferation (75%) was attained on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L of BAP and 0.5 mg/L of GA3. The highest root induction (70%) was achieved on MS medium prepared with the combination of NAA (1.5 mg/L) and IBA (0.6 mg/L). The well-rooted plantlets that successfully followed acclimatization in the green house survived. The present efficient and optimized protocol provides mass propagation as well as the possibility of germplasm conservation for this study species
An Inhibition of proliferation of human osteosarcoma cell line (MG63) by ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) plant extract
No full textTrachyspermum ammi L. (TA), popularly called ajwain, is a well-known spice plant, with fruit pods that are used in Indian traditional medicine. Fruits of this plant were scientifically investigated for medicinal properties, but no studies are reported on the vegetative parts of the plant. Hence, the present investigation is aimed to evaluate the aerial parts of the plant for anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects. Methanolic extract (Me) of TA was subjected to sequential fractionation using the solvents in the increasing order of polarity viz. hexane (He), dichloromethane (Dcm), ethyl acetate (Ea), n-butanol (n-Bu), and water (Aq). Phytochemical analyses, DPPH radical scavenging assay, and in vitro antiproliferative activity on the MG63 osteosarcoma cell line (MTT assay) were performed. Preliminary phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of reducing and non-reducing sugars, amino acids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, and saponins. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest amount of total phenolics (367.90±0.02), followed by n-Bu (287.50±0.04), Dcm (193.56±0.07), Me extract (190.14±0.07), Aq (142.20±0.02) and He (80.74±0.01) fractions. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited higher DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 =116.74 μg/mL) followed by n-Bu (IC50=133.81 μg/mL) fraction with a correlation to the higher amount of phenolics and flavonoids. However, maximum antiproliferative activity was exhibited by hexane fraction on MG 63 human osteosarcoma cell line which can be attributed to the presence of thymol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in ajwain. The current study indicates that the aerial parts of T. ammi Linn. can be considered as potential antioxidants and therapeutic against osteosarcoma
Insights into the role of cis-regulatory elements of 5-HT2A gene in gene expression and regulation: an in silico approach
Full text linkIn multicellular organisms, coherent functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and cellular diversity are driven by changes in high-fidelity gene expression. Crucial to these processes are cis-gene regulatory elements (CRE elements), which control transcription in response to chemical and physical stimuli. Variations in these components are a major contributor to several diseases in humans that result in particular phenotypic endpoints. The brain’s neuropsychological processes are dependent on G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) activation, and various neuropsychiatric disorders are linked to GPCR dysfunction. The 5-HT2A receptor plays a key role in many brain activities due to its neurobiological and signaling characteristics. The distinct topography of the 5HT2A gene locus is outlined in this work, including the functions of CRE and regulatory elements. Further, the role of CRE elements in imprinting and methylation signatures’ was investigated. Our findings indicate that the non-coding antisense RNA transcript (HTR2A-AS1) present in the locus may control the expression levels of the HTR2A transcript. This region’s combinatorial DNA sequences include promoters, enhancers, silencers, and CTCF all of which may play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. Moreover, imprinting and epigenetic inheritance may be made possible by the distinct tapestry of chromatin architecture components, including H3K27ac, DNase I hypersensitivity, and CTCF binding regions found in the region. It is also possible that the non-canonical DNA structures and repetitive elements in the promoter region contribute to these functions and genomic stability. Together, the flanking regulatory elements and the gene-specific CRE contribute to the expression of the gene. They might function as plausible indicators for human illnesses
Green superabsorbent hydrogel derived from activated charcoal and glycerol with maleic acid as a cross-linker
Full text linkSuperabsorbent hydrogels characterize a set of polymeric materials with three-dimensional structures capable of absorbing large amounts of water due to their hydrophilic functional groups on their surface. Their application in industries, agriculture, and the environment is of primary significance. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of green superabsorbent hydrogels derived from activated charcoal. The process involved a polymerization reaction between activated charcoal (AC) with glycerol (G) using sodium hydroxide as an initiator in the absence and presence of maleic acid as a crosslinker to synthesize HCG-1 and HCG-2 superabsorbent hydrogel respectively. Characterization of the hydrogels was done using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Optimization conditions were done by synthesizing hydrogel with varying dosages of both activated carbon and maleic acid as well as swelling time. The FT-IR results showed the appearance of strong sharp peaks at 1591.34 cm-1 and 1400.28 cm-1 in HCG-1 associated with -COO¯ symmetric stretching and asymmetric bending vibrations, indicating interlink between reacting monomers. A new absorption band at 1639.48 cm-1 associated with -COO¯ bending in non-conjugated ester indicates ester-crosslink in HCG-2 hydrogel. XRD analysis showed a phase shift from semi-crystalline to crystalline structure upon crosslinking. SEM analysis showed a crystalline intact, rigid structure without voids and pores on its surface in HCG-1 compared to the smooth irregular pores and lamina structure observed in HCG-2 hydrogel. The dosage ratio of AC: G: maleic acid of 8:5:1 produced hydrogel with an optimal water absorption capacity of 1255.80±0.70%. Maleic acid was found to improve the water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent. The study is an eye opener towards the application of biodegradable hydrogels in agriculture, especially in semi and arid regions
Variation of soil properties under different land use systems in mid-hills of Nepal
Full text linkThis research was conducted in four VDCs of Darechok from Chitwan, Sarangkot from Kaski, Tilhar from Parbat and Bhatkhola from Syangja including two components of field research survey and soil sampling in 2014/2015 to determine soil properties in different land use systems in relation to soil erosion and landslide. This was designed as a factor randomized complete block design with six treatments and land use systems replicated four times. There were six types of predominant land use systems namely perennial orchard, forest, maize based, vegetable based, fallow and rice based lands. Among different districts, soil of Kaski was loamy and that of Chitwan, Parbat and Syangja was sandy loam. Among the treatments, maize based system has the highest bulk density as compared to soils from other cropping systems while moisture percentage was the highest in rice based land use systems. The highest pH (6.02) in maize based agricultural land and that of the lowest (4.6) in forestland systems were observed. The highest organic matter (5.95 %) and nitrogen content (0.3050%) were in forests. Phosphorus was found significantly higher (98.25 kg/ha) in vegetable land. There was a positive correlation (R2=0.5381) between nitrogen and organic matter content and organic matter content and phosphorus content (R2=0.1026). The highest value of potassium (312 kg/ha) was detected in soils from maize based systems. Among different land use systems, forestland contains relatively higher amounts of nutrients than others. From both the risk factors and soil fertility point of view forest land use systems were the best among the treatments
High eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) fruit intake for short duration enhances the antioxidant activity and biochemical parameters in rats
Full text linkSolanum aethiopicum is consumed in large quantities by various ethnic groups within Nigeria. This study evaluated the effect of S. aethiopicum fruit ethanol extract (SAFE) short-term intake at high doses on antioxidant and biochemical properties in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups. Two groups served as controls, while others were treated daily with graded doses of SAFE (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg b.w.) for fourteen days. Liver function, lipid profile, oxidative stress biomarkers, and liver pathology were assayed. Oral administration of SAFE significantly (p<0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation while increasing superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione concentration. Biomarkers of lipid profile and liver function were significantly (p<0.05) improved in SAFE-administered groups without altering the liver microarchitecture. The results suggest that short-term administration of S. aethiopicum fruit at high concentrations improves antioxidants and possesses hypocholesterolaemic properties without inducing hepatic alteration associated with its principles
Checklist of medicinal plants used by traditional women for maternal health care in Lagos State, Nigeria
Full text linkTraditional women in Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria have been using medicinal plants for maternal health care since time immemorial. However, there is no proper documentation of medicinal plants used in maternal health care, as information is passed from generation to generation orally. This study aimed at the identification and documentation of medicinal plants used in Lagos, Nigeria for maternal health care. Ethnobotanical studies were carried out in six local government areas namely, Agege, Alimosho, Badagry, Ejigbo, Mushin and Ojo. A Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to obtain information from 300 respondents, 50 from each local government area. The respondents included herbal merchants, herbal medicine practitioners, midwives, and traditional birth attendants. Information obtained included the names of the plants, plant parts used, mode of preparation and administration and dosage of the medicinal herbs. Forty-five (45) plants belonging to twenty-three (23) families were identified and documented in the study area. Most of the reported plants belong to the Fabaceae (13.52%), Malvaceae (8.41%) and Annonaceae (6.67%) families. Kigelia africana, Caliandra portoricensis, Nauclea latifolia and Securidata longepedunculata had the highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) of 0.96; 100% and 0.82; 100%, 0.92; 100 % and 0.78; 100% respectively. Most of the reported plants (73.47%) were herbs and shrubs and about 62.68% of the surveyed plants were wild. Leaves were the most frequently used (72.74%) plant’s part. Most of the herbs (80.45 %) were prepared as decoctions and preparations were mostly administered orally (88.64%). Strategies suggested to conserve the surveyed plants include the cultivation of medicinal plants to prevent their extinction