100 research outputs found
Antioxidant activity, phytochemical analysis and total polyphenolics content of essential oil, methanol extract and methanol fractions from Commelina nudiflora
No full textObjective:
In the present study, the essential oil, methanol extract, and methanol fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) obtained from Commelina nudiflora were investigated for the free radical scavenging effects and phytochemical analysis.
Methods:
The antioxidative effect of the essential oil, methanol extracts and methanol fractions were evaluated using 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminium chloride reagents respectively. The phytochemical analyses of the essential oil, methanol extracts and methanol fractions were performed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS).
Results:
The antioxidant, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of butanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions were higher followed by methanol extract, hexane fraction and essential oil. Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of alkaloid, saponin, steroid, phytosterols, triterpenoids and tannins etc. The identified bioactive constituents of essential oil, methanol extract and methanol fractions ofC. nudiflorawere indole, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, phenol, benzyl alcohol, eugenol, phenol, 2, 4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl), hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (palmitic acid ester), n-hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, (linoleic acid) and phytol. All identified bioactive compounds and their derivatives were generally reported with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties.
Conclusion:
The obtained data suggest that the essential oil, methanol extract and methanol fractions of C. nudiflorapossess remarkable antioxidant activities and vital phytochemicals. Thus the plant cKeywords: Commelina nudiflora, Phytochemical compounds, Antioxidants, Methanol extrac
Evaluation of the nephrotoxic effects of insecticide diazinon in rats
No full textOxidative damage of biomolecules is implicated in the pathogenesis of various renal inJuries. Diazinon (O,O-diethyl-O-[2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl] phosphorothioate), an organophosphate insecticide, has been used worldwide in agriculture and domestically for several years, which has led to a variety of negative effects in non target species including humans and therefore, are cause of concern. There are few studies on diazinon with reference to its toxicity in kidney on exposure to low doses based on LD50. The possible toxicity of diazinon is assumed to be as a result of induction of oxidative stress, however, there are not enough studies to confirm this as a result of exposure to low doses of diazinon for acute, subacute and chronic periods. Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze the direct toxic effects of diazinon which caused biochemical and ultrastructural changes and to evaluate its mechanism of action with special reference to its possible reactive oxygen species generating potential (ROS) in kidney with acute, subacute and chronic exposure in rat models. Adult Sprague Dawley male rats were treated with diazinon in corn oil orally (gavage) according to the selected doses (10 mg/kg body weight, 15 mg/kg body weight and 30 mg/kg body weight) for 7, 14 and 56 consecutive days. The selection of dose regimen of diazinon was based on previously published data which indicate substantial alterations in many biochemical parameters. All of these animals were sacrificed 24 h after the last dose of diazinon or saline within a period of 1 h. Blood and kidney tissues of these animals were taken quickly. Kidneys were cleaned free of extraneous material and perfused immediately with ice cold saline (0.85% w/v, sodium chloride) for biochemical and histopathological studies to assess the derangement in the functioning of kidney. Body weight decreased Significantly in diazinon treated group compared to the saline treated control. Treatment of rats with diazinon induces oxidative stress in kidney, as evident by significant induction in lipid peroxidation (TBARS) which is accompanied by depletion of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant molecules (viz. GPx-glutathione peroxidase; GR-glutathione reductase; GST glutathione S-transferase; G6PD-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase; CAT-catalase; GSH-reduced glutathione). In contrast, activities of renal y-glutamyl transpeptidase (yGGT) and quinone reductase (QR) were increased significantly. Parallel to these changes, diazinon treatment enhances renal damage as evidenced by sharp increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (CRN). Additionally, histopathological examinations showed extensive renal injuries, characterized by nuclear pycnosis, kidney swelling with obliteration of space in Bowman's capsule, degeneration of tubular epithelial cells, necrosis of proximal tubules, flattened epithelium and congested blood vessels. Reviewing all observations, our results indicate that diazinon treatment eventuates in decreased renal glutathione, a fall in the activities of antioxidant enzymes including the enzymes involved in glutathione metabolism and excessive production of oxidants with concomitant renal damage, all of which are involved in the cascade of events leading to diazinon-mediated renal oxidative stress and toxicity. We concluded that in diazinon exposure, depletion of antioxidant enzymes is accompanied by induction of oxidative stress that might be beneficial in monitoring diazinon toxicity
Astrology in literature: how the prohibited became permissible in the Arabic poetry of the mediaeval period
No full textThis thesis is concerned to position the art of astrology within the context of classical Arabic poetry, primarily by investigating and elucidating attitudes to the notion of
qadar (fate) and the ideology in which it was embedded. These attitudes were revelatory of the broader world view of the Arabs of those periods, and their shifts from those held in the pre-Islamic and early Islamic eras tell us a good deal about the importance given to the nature and role of fate and about the various understandings of its influence. The pre-Islamic Arab's notion of qadar was in some ways similar to that of the early Muslims: both emphasised predetermination and the irresistible power of fate. But while the jahilf (Pre-Islamic) Arabs identified fate with the malign power of dahr (Time), the Muslims believed the power of fate lies in the hands of God the
Omnipotent, who alone is responsible for the fate of the whole universe. Thus the astrology of the pre-Islamic era was one aspect of divination (kihana) and claimed to be
able to reveal in advance an individual's destiny, which could be avoided by taking certain precautions. These precautions, however, were considered effective only in
relatively trivial cases; they were useless in the areas of major impact: a person's happiness or misery (shaqiiwa aw sa ada), sustenance (rizq) and one's term (ajal), the
three inevitable and irresistible manifestations of fate. In the Islamic period not only these major aspects of life are governed and controlled by the Omnipotent; the destiny
of the universe, in even its most minute details, is determined and controlled by God alone. Astrology was considered to be of no value whatsoever, and its practitioners were subject to the death penalty. These two irreconcilable views are evident in early Islamic poetry, which reflected clearly the response of poets, and society, to astrology from the perspective of qadar.
When the orthodox caliphate was replaced by dynastic rule the status of astrology was changed dramatically. The idea that the stars, as indicators, play a role in the life of
human beings found popowerful supporters in some governors of the Islamic world, who allowed astrology to fulfil a public function regardless of the hostility of the official
religion of that society. This social phenomenon generated rich material of a controversial character in the realm of literature. Investigating the factors, motivations
and impact of mediaeval political, theological and philosophical attitudes to astrology, in relation to the notions of free will and predestination, is the concern of this study
Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and chemopreventive effects of selected plants against carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-Induced hepatic damage in rats
No full textCommelina nudiflora, Nephrolepis biserrata and Dillenia suffruticosa have been used in folk medicine for protection against different diseases such as jaundice, although their actual efficiency remains uncertain. The current experiment was designed to investigate the bioactive compounds and hepatoprotective potential of the selected plants against carbon tetrachloride (CCI₄)-induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats and their possible mechanism of action. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents, phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activates were determined in the methanolic extracts and methanolic fractions of plant samples. Phytochemical analysis was performed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GCMS). In this in vivo study, Sprague Dawley rats were pre-treated with various doses of the methanolic extracts of the selected plants once daily for 14 days followed by two doses of CCI₄ (1ml/kg b. wt. ). After 24 hours of the last dosage, the rats were sacrificed and hepatoprotective analyses were performed on the rat's liver. The obtained data revealed that the methanolic extracts and methanolic fractions of C. nudiflora, N. biserrata and D. suffruticosa possessed strong antioxidant activities and have the ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals effectively. The GCMS analysis of the methanolic extracts and methanolic fractions of C. nudiflora, N biserrata and D. suffruticosa demonstrated the presences of different bioactive compounds of various natures. The identified bioactive compounds have been reported with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. The animal studies indicated that the methanolic extracts of C. nudiflora, N biserrata and D. suffruticosa showed hepatoprotective effects against CCI₄- induced hepatic damage. The administration of Methanolic extracts of the plants depleted the elevation of enzymatic levels of serum transaminases, reduced the extent of malondialdehyde production, elevated the level of reduced glutathione and also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The histopathological examination by light and electron microscopy indicated that these plant extracts protect the liver from the toxic effects of CCI₄ and healed lesions such as necrosis, fatty degeneration and hepatocyte injuries such as irregular lamellar organization and dilations in endoplasmic reticulum. The immunohistochemical studies revealed that the administration of plant extracts decreased the formation of 4- hydroxyl-2-nonenal (HNE) modified protein adducts and 8-hydroxy- 2- deoxygunosine (8-OHdG) as compared to the CCI4-intoxicated group. Furthermore, the overexpression of the pro-inflammatory markers TNF-a, IL-6 and PGE2 are also reduced. Collectively, these plants alleviated CCI₄- induced hepatic damage via modulation of hepatic metabolizing enzymes, suppression of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and PGE2 in liver. These findings exhibit the potential prospects of C. nudiflora, N biserrata and D. suffruticosa as functional ingredients to prevent ROS-related liver damage
The White Tent programme: Tribal Education Under Muhammad Reza Shah
No full textThis essay examines the White Tent programme which took place in Iran and brought education to nomads between 1953 and 1979; that is, from Mosaddeq's fall to the Islamic Revolution, after which this programme continued but the banner of the white tent was taken away. Those urban teachers who in the 1950s were sent among nomads could not get used to living in a tent, moving from winter to summer pasture, without a chance to receive a doctor's attention in case they fell ill. According to the Iranian government, nomadic life was supposedly harsher than in the villages; only nomads could cope with such difficulties, and, therefore, only nomads could be teachers in their own tribes. However, foreign visitors witnessed among nomads little sickness, an active outdoor existence, and acceptable hygienic conditions. This article is based on archive material, mainly found in the UNESCO archives in Paris
NATIONAL LOVE AND PATRIOTISM IN FAIZ AHMED FAIZ POETRY: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY
No full textFaiz Ahmad Faiz MBE NI was a Pakistani poet and author of Urdu and Punjabi literature. Faiz was one of the most celebrated, popular, and influential Urdu writers of his time and his works and ideas remain widely influential today in Pakistan and beyond
The Lament of the Decline of the Ummah in Modern Urdu Naat: عصرجدیدکی اُردو نعت میں زوالِ امت کا استغاثہ
No full textTime is a mysterious and divine secret, explored by philosophers for centuries without a definitive answer. According to Allama Iqbal, the cycle of day and night defines life and death. The golden era of history was the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), followed by the Rightly Guided Caliphate. However, decline set in with monarchy and dynastic rule. For the past two centuries, Muslims have faced continuous downfall. In Naat poetry, alongside praising the Prophet (PBUH), poets have expressed sorrow over the Ummah’s decline. Hali’s Musaddas laments, "O special messenger, it is time for prayer." Iqbal echoes, "The fire of extinguished love is darkness, not Muslims, but a pile of ashes." Modern poets highlight the plight of the oppressed, the invasion of foreigners, and the disparity between the elite and the poor. As Mukhtar Azmi says, "Where do you go, O God? The nation of your Prophet (PBUH) has wandered in despair.
References:
The Quran, Surah: 103
Iqbal, Allama Muhammad, Bāl-e-Jibrīl, Lahore: Ilm-o-Irfan Publications, 2010, p. 93
The Quran, Surah: 3
Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith: 4297
Mukhtar Masood, Awaaz-e-Dost, Lahore: Shah Begum & Sheikh Ataullah Trust, 2010
Ibn Khaldun, Hayat-o-Asar, Translated by Muhammad Kazim, Lahore: Alqa Publications, 2019, p. 122
Tahir-ul-Qadri, Dr., Naqsha: Urooj-o-Zawal, Lahore: Minhaj Publications, 2010
Hali, Altaf Hussain, Kulliyat-e-Hali, Lahore: Sheikh Ghulam Ali & Sons, 2000
Iqbal, Allama Muhammad, Poem: Huzoor-e-Risalat Ma'ab ﷺ Mein, included in Bang-e-Dra, Lahore: Ilm-o-Irfan Publications, 2014, p. 197
Iqbal, Allama Muhammad, Poem: Zauq-o-Shauq, included in Bāl-e-Jibrīl, Lahore: Ilm-o-Irfan Publications, 2014, p. 111
Qadri, Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din, Falsafa-e-Tehreek, Lahore: Minhaj-ul-Quran Publications, 2012, p. 111
The Quran, Surah: 3
Ayub Nadeem, Dr., Ujala Huzoor ﷺ Ka, Lahore: Gohar Publications
Mukhtar Azmi, Kitab-e-Dil, Lahore: Nasta'liq Publications, 2018, p. 1
A study on the total phenols content and antioxidant activity of essential oil and different solvent extracts of endemic plant Merremia borneensis
No full textAbstractThis study is planned to determine the antioxidant activity and total phenols content of the essential oil and different solvent extracts of the endemic plant Merremia borneensis. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were examined by three different methods, DPPH, β-carotene and reducing power assays. In all methods, aqueous ethanol extract exhibited a higher activity potential than that of other extracts (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and butanol) and the essential oil. As assumed, the amount of total phenolics was very high in this extract. Chloroform extract has been found to be rich in flavonoids. A positive result was observed between the antioxidant activity potential and total flavonoid levels of the extracts
Total flavonoids content and biochemical screening of the leaves of tropical endemic medicinal plant Merremia borneensis
No full textAbstractThe developing and under developed countries mostly rely on traditional medicines. This herbal or traditional medicine involves the use of different types of organic extracts or the bioactive chemical constituents. This type of biochemical investigation provides health care at an affordable cost. This survey such as ethnomedicine keenly represents one of the best avenues in searching new economic plants for medicines. Keeping this view in mind, the present study is carried out in Merremia borneensis leaves of University Malaysia Sabah, Sabah, Malaysia. The plant has several beneficial properties, such as antioxidant activity. The dry powder of the leaves of M. borneensis was extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol and aqueous ethanol. The flavonoids content of the extracts was determined by Willet method. The flavonoids content of the extracts as quercetin equivalents was found to be highest in aqueous ethanol (53.28%) followed by chloroform (38.83%), ethyl acetate (24.51%), butanol (12.54%) and hexane extract (3.44%). The results suggest the presence of phytochemical properties in the leaves, which are used in curing the ailments
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