OBJECTIVETo investigate the cytotoxicity of the crude ethanol extract of the rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) (L) Smith. and Curcuma zedoaria (C. zedoaria) Rosc. against Artemia salina Leach.

METHODSFresh rhizomes of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. and C. zedoaria Rosc. were extracted separately in cold with ethanol (2.5 L) and after concentration a brownish syrupy suspension of ethanol extracts of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. and C. zedoaria Rosc. was obtained. The cytotoxic effect of the crude ethanol extracts of both plants was determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay.

RESULTSCrude ethanol extracts of the rhizome of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. showed the highest cytotoxicity (LC50 was 1.24 µg/mL) against brine shrimp nauplii as compared with C. zedoaria Rosc. (LC50 was 33.593 µg/mL) after 24 h of exposure.

CONCLUSIONSIt can be concluded that the rhizome of Z. zerumbet (L) Smith. and C. zedoaria Rosc. can be used as a source of cytotoxic agent.

Animals ; Artemia ; drug effects ; Curcuma ; metabolism ; toxicity ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Plants, Medicinal ; toxicity ; Rhizome ; toxicity ; Zingiberaceae ; metabolism ; toxicity

Thirty-three compounds were isolated from the root decoction of Isatis indigotica by using a combination of various chromatographic techniques including silica gel, macroporous adsorbent resin, Sephadex LH-20, and reversed-phase HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data as (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (1), (S)-(+)-abscisic acid (2), vomifoliol (3), cyclo (L-Phe-L-Leu) (4), cyclo(L-Phe-L-Tyr) (5), cyclo(L-Tyr-L-Leu) (6), cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) (7), evofolin B (8), (+)-syringaresinol (9), (-)-(7R,7'R,8S,8'S)-4,4'-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-7,9';7',9-diepoxy-lignan (10), (-)-medioresinol (11), (+) -(7R,7'R,8S,8'S) -neo-olivil (12), (-) -5-methoxyisolariciresinol (13), 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2-one (14), isalexin (15), dihydroneoascorbigen (16), indican (17), (-) -(S) -cyanomethyl-3-hydroxyoxindole (18), isoformononetein (19), calycosin (20), stigamast-5-ene-3beta-ol-7-one (21), acetovanillone (22), 3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyacetophenone (23), dihydroconiferyl alcohol (24), dihyroferulic acid (25), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propan-1-one (26), beta-hydroxypropiovanillone (27), 4-aminobenzoic acid (28), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propan-1-ol (29), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl) phenol (30), 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (31), pyrocatechol (32), and 4-pentenamide (33). These compounds were isolated from the root of I. indigotica for the first time. In preliminary in vitro assays, compound 19 showed activity against the influenza virus A/Hanfang/359/95 (H3N2), the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), and Coxsackie virus B3 (Cox-B3), with IC50 values of 2.06, 6.84, and 8.70 micromol x L(-1), respectively, but other compounds were in-active at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 x (-5) mol x L(-1).
Animals ; Cell Line ; Humans ; Isatis ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Plant Roots ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study potential antioxidant, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and antibacterial activities of the ethanol extract of Musa seminifera Lour. fruit in different established in vivo and in vitro experimental models.

METHODSIn vitro antioxidant activity was studied in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay. Phenolic content was determined using Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent. Reducing ability was evaluated by ferric reducing power assay. Peripherally and centrally acting analgesic activity was studied in three different in vivo models, namely, acetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate test, and tail-flick test in Swiss albino mice. In vivo antidiarrheal activity was evaluated in castor oil- and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea in mice. Gastrointestinal motility test was also carried out in mice. All studies in mice were undertaken at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight. Antibacterial activity was assessed by disk diffusion assay against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Acute toxicity test was conducted to assess the safe doses of the extract.

RESULTSThe extract showed 50% inhibitory concentration value of 12.65 μg/mL in DPPH radical-scavenging assay. Phenolic content was found to be 589.83 mg gallic acid equivalent per 100 g of dried fruits extract. Reducing power was in a concentration-dependent manner, and strongly comparable with the standard ascorbic acid. The extract demonstrated significant inhibition of writhing in acetic acid-induced writhing test at both dose levels (P<0.01). The extract also raised pain threshold in both hot-plate and tail-flick test in a dose-dependent manner, and the results were statistically significant (P<0.01). The extract significantly (P<0.01) increased latent period, and decreased defecation in both castor oil- and magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea. The extract also decreased gastrointestinal motility in mice. In disk diffusion assay, the extract showed potential antibacterial activity against all the tested bacterial strains.

CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that the ethanol extract of M. seminifera fruit has potential antioxidant, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and antibacterial activities.

Analgesics ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; pharmacology ; Antidiarrheals ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Female ; Fruit ; Male ; Mice ; Musa ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; toxicity

Datura stramonium L., a wild-growing plant of the Solanaceae family, is widely distributed and easily accessible. It contains a variety of toxic tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscamine, and scopolamine. In Eastern medicine, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, D. stramonium has been used for curing various human ailments, including ulcers, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism and gout, sciatica, bruises and swellings, fever, asthma and bronchitis, and toothache. A few previous studies have reported on the pharmacological effects of D. stramonium; however, complete information regarding the pharmacology, toxicity, ethnobotany and phytochemistry remains unclear. Ethnomedicinally, the frequent recreational abuse of D. stramonium has resulted in toxic syndromes. D. stramonium, in the form of paste or solution to relieve the local pain, may not have a deleterious effect; however, oral and systemic administration may lead to severe anticholinergic symptoms. For this reason, it is very important for individuals, mainly young people, to be aware of the toxic nature and potential risks associated with the use of this plant. This comprehensive review of D. stramonium includes information on botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and ethnomedicinal uses.
Animals ; Datura ; chemistry ; classification ; Humans ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; toxicity

It is estimated that 80% of the world population depends on traditional medicine for primary healthcare need. Trianthema portulacastrum Linn. (family: Aizoaceae) is a small perennial weed found in the Americas, Africa, India, and other regions of the world. This plant is used extensively in Indian traditional medicines and is also consumed as a vegetable throughout Asia for its perceived health benefits. Phytochemical analysis of T. portulacastrum reveals the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Emerging studies demonstrate that crude extracts as well as bioactive phytoconstituents of T. portulacastrum exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-infective, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities. A growing number of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate various biological and pharmacological activities, including prevention and amelioration of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, infectious diseases and cancer. This review aims to present and analyze available literature to understand the full potential of T. portulacastrum in health promotion and disease prevention. Current limitations and future directions of research on this medicinal and dietary plant are also critically discussed.
Aizoaceae ; chemistry ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; India ; Nutritive Value ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Plants, Edible ; Plants, Medicinal

OBJECTIVETo investigate the toxic implications of ethanolic stem bark extract of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) at 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats.

METHODSFifty male rats of Wistar strains were randomly grouped into five (A-E) of ten animals each. Animals in Group A (control) were orally administered 1 mL of distilled water on daily basis for 21 days while those in Groups B-E received same volume of the extract corresponding to 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight.

RESULTSThe extract did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the levels of albumin, total protein, red blood cells and factors relating to it whereas the white blood cell, platelets, serum triacylglycerol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (P<0.05). In contrast, the final body weights, absolute weights of the liver, kidney, lungs and heart as well as their organ-body weight ratios, serum globulins, total and conjugated bilirubin, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and computed atherogenic index increased significantly. The spleen-body weight ratio, alkaline phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases, sodium, potassium, calcium, feed and water intake were altered at specific doses.

CONCLUSIONSOverall, the alterations in the biochemical parameters of toxicity have consequential effects on the normal functioning of the organs of the animals. Therefore, the ethanolic extract of A. indica stem bark at the doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight may not be completely safe as an oral remedy and should be taken with caution if absolutely necessary.

Animals ; Azadirachta ; chemistry ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Ethanol ; Male ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Plant Bark ; chemistry ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Plant Stems ; chemistry ; Rats ; Toxicity Tests

OBJECTIVEWe evaluate the effects of Thymus algeriensis (TEO) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) toxicity on body and testis weight, testis sperm count, testis lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activities in rats.

METHODSRats were treated with low (LD) and high dose (HD) of H2O2 (0.1 and 1 mmol/L) in the presence or absence of TEO (150 mg/kg).

RESULTSThe results exhibited a significant decrease in body weight and testis weight, in total sperm number decrease (P<0.05), sperm motility and percentage of sperm viability, leading to complete arrest, in sperm flagellar beat frequency by the gavage of 1 mmol/L H2O2 compared to controls. The administration of H2O2 resulted in a significant reduction in testis GSH, GPx, CAT, SOD, and GST activity and significant increase (P<0.05) in MDA concentration compared with the untreated control animals. TEO pre-treatment protected testis from the H2O2 generated oxidative stress. These results were confirmed by histological architecture examinations.

CONCLUSIONH2O2 has the ability to alter the sperm function, characteristics and development of testis. However, TEO is an efficient natural agent, which can prevent the testis from H2O2-induced oxidative damage in rats.

Animals ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; toxicity ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Testis ; drug effects ; Thymus Plant ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo synthesize silver nanopaticles from leaves extract of Eucalyptus chapmaniana (E. chapmaniana) and test the antimicrobial of the nanoparticles against different pathogenic bacteria, yeast and its toxicity against human acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cell line.

METHODSTen milliliter of leaves extract was mixed with 90 mL of 0.01 mmol/mL or 0.02 mmol/mL aqueous AgNO3 and exposed to sun light for 1 h. A change from yellowish to reddish brown color was observed. Characterization using UV-vis spectrophotometery and X-ray diffraction analysis were performed. Antimicrobial activity against six microorganisms was tested using well diffusion method and cytoxicity test using 3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, a yellow tetrazole was obtained on the human leukemia cell line (HL-60).

RESULTSUV-vis spectral analysis showed silver surface plasmon resonance band at 413 nm. X-ray diffraction showed that the particles were crystalline in nature with face centered cubic structure of the bulk silver with broad beaks at 38.50° and 44.76°. The synthesized silver nanoparticles efficiently inhibited various pathogenic organisms and reduced viability of the HL-60 cells in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONSIt has been demonstrated that the extract of E. chapmaniana leaves are capable of producing silver nanoparticles extracellularly and the Ag nanoparticles are quite stable in solution. Further studies are needed to fully characterize the toxicity and the mechanisms involved with the antimicrobial and anticancer activity of these particles.

Anti-Infective Agents ; chemical synthesis ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Bacteria ; drug effects ; Candida albicans ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Eucalyptus ; chemistry ; Humans ; Metal Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Silver ; pharmacology ; toxicity

India has a great wealth of various naturally occurring plant drugs which have great potential pharmacological activities. Datura stramonium (D. stramonium) is one of the widely well known folklore medicinal herbs. The troublesome weed, D. stramonium is a plant with both poisonous and medicinal properties and has been proven to have great pharmacological potential with a great utility and usage in folklore medicine. D. stromonium has been scientifically proven to contain alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates and proteins. This plant has contributed various pharmacological actions in the scientific field of Indian systems of medicines like analgesic and antiasthmatic activities. The present paper presents an exclusive review work on the ethnomedical, phytochemical, pharmacological activities of this plant.
Anti-Asthmatic Agents ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Datura stramonium ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Ethnopharmacology ; Humans ; India ; Medicine, Traditional ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; toxicity ; Trees ; chemistry ; toxicity

Plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids were widely used in traditional medicine. Its hepatotoxicity is main toxicity as well known internationally. In order to providing some foundation for the future studies, the advancement on the pharmacologic actions, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics or toxicokinetics of pyrrolizidine alkaloids was reviewed.
Animals ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Humans ; Liver ; drug effects ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ; pharmacokinetics ; pharmacology ; toxicity