Natural Products Journal, The - Volume 4, Issue 1, 2014

Polyphenolic compounds and metals in lyophilized mango peels were identified and antioxidant capacities of these extracts were evaluated using in vitro assays. The concentrations of calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, cadmium and nickel were 2177, 7149, 7.416, 542.6, 3.227, 12.78, 1270, 23.47, 3.833, 0.040 and 1.125, respectively. To obtain the phenolics, two extracts were obtained (Ext-5 and Ext-7) using 80% methanol and 80% acetone, at 25 and 37.5 °C with stirring for 30 and 60 min, respectively. The extracts were applied to solid-phase extraction (SPE) cartridges and analyzed by liquid chromatography (HPLC-diode array detector) to identify and quantify polyphenols. The DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging capacity was evaluated in these extracts. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and one xanthone were identified in both extracts, independently of the conditions used in the extraction process. Compounds identified include syringic and sinapic acids, as well as taxofolin, isoquercetin, and mangiferin. The results suggest that the extracts’ capacity to sequester DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis(3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)radicals was significant and may result from either the high concentrations of some of the identified polyphenols or synergy with polyphenols at lower concentrations.

The effect of different cooking methods on the ascorbic acid content of pumpkin, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower was determined. Cooking with steam and microwaves preserved ascorbic acid better than other methods. The unconventional parts of these vegetables (leaves, surface and stems) had the same or more ascorbic acid content than the conventional parts. Pumpkin and carrot surfaces (peels) had nearly identical ascorbic acid contents compared to the pulps of the fresh vegetables. The ascorbic acid content in broccoli stems was 31.2 mg/100 g and in both flowers and leaves it was 24.3 mg/100 g. Cauliflower leaves had the largest concentration of ascorbic acid, 44.3 mg/100g, compared to the flowers and stems, which had 26.5 and 21.1 mg/100 g, respectively. These patterns remained after cooking by different methods used in this study. In general, cooking in microwaves or steam reduced the ascorbic acid less than boiling. However, the uncooked (raw) vegetables had the most ascorbic acid.

Bacopa monniera (L.) Wettst. (Scrophulariaceae) is a small creeping herb with numerous branches, small oblong leaves, and light purple flowers. The entire plant is medicinally important as it contains triterpene saponins. Important saponins include Bacosides A1, bacosides A3 bacosaponins A, B, C, D, E & F. The constituents responsible for Bacopa’s cognitive effects are bacosides A and B. In the present investigation, attempt has been made for the development of the novel in vitro methods of propagation. Explants were aseptically cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, and plant medium supplemented with different concentrations of auxins and cytokinins like 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Indole Acetic Acid (IAA), Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), 6-Benzyl Adenine (6-BA) and Kinetin, individually as well as in combinations. Calli were also subjected to elicitation treatment. After 6th passage, calli were subjected to extraction and phytochemical screening. Out of various hormonal combinations, the MS medium supplemented with 6 BA (2ppm) + IAA (1ppm) was found to be the most effective for induction of Yellowish green callus, within 15 days. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of callus showed the presence of Alkaloids, Carbohydrates, Phenolic compounds and Tannins, Flavonoids, Proteins and free amino acids, Saponins, Steroids and Terpenoids.

Aspergillus funiculosus NCIM 1029 has been reported for the production of kojic acid exhibiting antibacterial, antifungal and larvicidal activity against 3rd instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Aim of the Study: To check the antifeedant, acute toxicity and sublethal growth effects of fungal metabolite, kojic acid against the agriculture pest, Spodoptera litura. Materials and Methods: Kojic acid was checked for feeding deterrence activity against 4th instar larvae of S. litura in comparison to insect antifeedant, azadirachtin. Reduction in the weight and length of the larvae was evaluated after three days of exposure to kojic acid (400μg/ml). The effect of kojic acid on pupation and adult emergence was also studied. Results: On determination of feeding deterrence, the DC50 value for kojic acid was found to be 180.645 ± 6.35μg/ml on comparison to azadirachtin (DC50 = 41.372 ± 2.21). The LD50 & LD90 values of kojic acid were found to be 693.52± 51.31 and 1889.13 ± 279.03μg/ml, respectively. The reduction in larval weight and length were 83.24 and 87.50%, respectively. The percentage pupation and adult emergence were reduced by 69% and 64% for the exposed larvae. Conclusions: Kojic acid showed moderate feeding deterrence, acute toxicity and sublethal growth effects against S. litura.

Dandruff is a very common non- inflammatory scalp condition caused by lipophilic, dimorphic yeast malassezia furfur. Garlic (Allium Sativum, Liliacae) contains allicin which is its potential principle constitutent that posses antiviral, antifungal, and parasitic activity. Content of allicin in microwave assisted garlic powder and aqueous garlic extract was found to be 1242.29 μg/gm of garlic powder and 552.26 μg/gm of garlic bulbs respectively by Solid phase extraction–UV method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of microwave assisted garlic powder and aqueous garlic extract was found to be 268.33 μg /ml and 249.6 μg /ml respectively. From the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) obtained, the microwave assisted garlic powder and aqueous garlic extract were then incorporated at different percentages into shampoo formulations. The shampoo formulations were evaluated for two months at room temperature and 4°C. Aqueous extract containing shampoo showed inhibitory action for 1 week (7 days) but growth was observed after 2 weeks(14 days) at both temperature conditions. Microwave assisted garlic powder containing shampoo when kept at 4°C showed inhibitory action up to 4 weeks (28 days) but growth was observed after 5 weeks (35 days) and shampoo formulations kept at room temperature showed inhibitory action up to 5 weeks(35 days) but growth was observed after 6 weeks(42days). Study shows that microwave drying technique helps in improving stability of allicin. Whereas Storage at refrigerator temperature has no role in stability improvement of allicin in the formulation.

The present study was aimed at assessing the anti-depressant activity of the alcoholic extracts of the leaves of Alternanthera sessilis and Clerodendrum infortunatum. The activity was studied on Swiss Albino mice using the Tail Suspension Test and the Forced Swim Test, at doses of 100mg/kg b.w. and 20 mg/kg b.w. with Diazepam as the standard drug. Both the extracts, at higher dose, exhibited significant reduction in the duration of immobility. The alcoholic extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum was the most active extract in both the animal models, at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. Thus this study verifies the claims of antidepressant activity of these plants in the tradional medicine.

Re-investigation of the methanolic extract of the sponge Diacarnus megaspinorhabdosa afforded one new norsesterpene cyclic peroxide megaspinoxide A (2), together with two known compounds sigmosceptrellin B (1) and nebularine (3). The structures of the isolated compounds were established on the basis of one and two dimensional NMR spectroscopic studies (1H, 13C, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) as well as, mass spectral analysis. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.

Prenylated flavonoids such as 3'prenyl-apigenin (1), 2-(4-hydroxy-3,5-bisisoprenyl)-8,8-dimethyl[2,3]pyrano) flavanone (2), 2(8'8'-dimethyl[2,3]pyrano-3,4-dehydro-cyclohexane)flavanone (3) and 2-(3'-isoprenyl)-4-oxocyclohexyl)- 4H-chromene-4,5,7(4aH,6H)-trione (4) were isolated from Pithecellobium dulce. Structures of isolated phytoconstituents were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and physicochemical properties.

In recent years, cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (medical marijuana), have attracted considerable attention. This review addresses various aspects including metabolism. Other cannabinols of interest are THC and the hydroxyl quinone metabolite. Physiological influences are addressed, particularly anticancer action, receptors, antioxidants, and neurological effects. A unifying mechanism is invoked based on electron transfer, reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress.

This review focuses on principles of product preservation, preservatives, and novel technologies for the future development of preservative free herbal products. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of preservatives in pharmaceutical products as some recent studies reported serious side effects associated with the ingestion of these substances. The principles involved were asepsis and removal of microorganisms — both static and cidal effects. Some of the novel technologies of asepsis are high pressure processing, pulsed electric field treatment and non-thermal technologies including ultraviolet processing. All relevant literature databases were searched upto 2011. Majority of the human, animal, in vitro studies, and reviews were included. Preservative free dosage forms must be formulated for the reduction in side effects and hence a healthier mankind.

The chemical compositions of essential oils from cumin and coriander fruits were investigated using GLC and GLC/MS. Forty six compounds were identified in both oils. The major constituents of cumin oil were identified as γ- terpinene (22.7%), β-pinene (19.2%), cuminaldehyde (18.0%), p-cymene (11.5%), whereas linalool (70.43%) is the most abundant component in coriander oil. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oils were assessed. Cumin oil exhibited stronger antioxidant activity (IC50 values, 2.37 mg/ml for DPPH• assay and 27.7 μg/ml for OH• assay) as compared to the coriander oil. Both oils inhibited the PGE2 production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated HepG-2 cells. They also inhibited soybean lipoxygenase (5-LOX). Cumin oil (20 μg/ml) caused a 22.44% reduction in PGE2 level after treatment of the cells. IC50 values for lipoxygenase inhibition were 35.8 and 38.6 μg/ml for cumin and coriander oils, respectively. Cumin oil exhibited substantial antiproliferative activity against HepG-2 with an IC50 value of 31.4 μg/ml, whereas coriander was less active (IC50 120.4 μg/ml).