-
PeerJ 2023Kuth is an aromatic plant used for food seasoning food and in Mexican traditional medicine. Among, leaves properties, it has proven antibacterial activity which can be...
BACKGROUND
Kuth is an aromatic plant used for food seasoning food and in Mexican traditional medicine. Among, leaves properties, it has proven antibacterial activity which can be used against opportunistic pathogens like , a foodborne bacteria that is the causal agent of listeriosis, a disease that can be fatal in susceptible individuals. The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activity of Kuth leaf extracts against and to identify its bioactive components.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
leaves were macerated with four solvents of different polarity (-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). To determine the capacity to inhibit bacterial proliferation , agar diffusion and microdilution methods were used. Next, we determined the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Finally, we determined the ratio of MBC/MIC. Metabolites present in the active methanolic extract from Kuth (LgMeOH) were purified by normal-phase open column chromatography. The structure of the antibacterial metabolite was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (H, C, COSY, HSQC) and by comparison with known compounds.
RESULTS
The LgMeOH extract was used to purify the compound responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. This compound was identified as 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrin) by analysis of its spectroscopic data and comparison with those described. The MIC and MBC values obtained for pinocembrin were 0.68 mg/mL, and the ratio MBC/MIC for both LgMeOH and pinocembrin was one, which indicates bactericidal activity.
CONCLUSION
Kuth leaves and its metabolite pinocembrin can be used to treat listeriosis due the bactericidal activity against .
Topics: Humans; Listeria monocytogenes; Plant Extracts; Litsea; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Listeriosis; Methanol
PubMed: 38054017
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16522 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024The persistent threat of drug resistant malaria demands new cures. Low prevalence of malaria in the Indian state of Kerala compared with other proximal states made us...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
The persistent threat of drug resistant malaria demands new cures. Low prevalence of malaria in the Indian state of Kerala compared with other proximal states made us explore if there is any traditional practice in Kerala which may confer protection against malaria. In this context, our attention was drawn to 'Pathimugam' i.e., Ceasalpinia sappan whose heartwood is used to prepare a red aqueous extract which is a uniquely popular drink in Kerala.
METHODS
Aqueous and methanolic extracts of various organs of C. sappan were prepared and tested against Plasmodium falciparum grown in vitro culture using SYBR Green-I assay. The cytotoxicity of active extracts/fractions was studied using mammalian HeLa cell line. in vivo efficacy was determined using P. berghei ANKA infected mice.
RESULTS
The highest antiplasmodial activities in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts were observed in leaf methanolic extract (IC50 2 μg/ml) and heartwood aqueous extract (IC50 12.5 μg/ml). Ceasalpinia sappan extracts were equipotent against both chloroquine-sensitive Pf3D7 and resistant PfINDO strains and showed suppression of percentage parasitemia in P. berghei infected mice. Activity- guided chromatographic fractionation of aqueous wood extract led to the fortification of antiplasmodial activity (IC50 5 μg/ml).
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
Our results establish the antiplasmodial potential of C. sappan and suggest that its regular use might have prophylactic or curative actions that may assist in keeping check on malaria in the Indian state of Kerala.
PubMed: 38634464
DOI: 10.4103/JVBD.JVBD_18_24 -
Journal of Tropical Medicine 2023The emergence of multidrug bacterial resistance poses a great public health problem and requires a constant search for new antibacterial agents. However, Niger's flora...
The emergence of multidrug bacterial resistance poses a great public health problem and requires a constant search for new antibacterial agents. However, Niger's flora possesses several medicinal plants used in traditional medicine to cure infectious diseases and can be used as sources of bioactive ingredients. This current study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of eight plants used in the traditional pharmacopeia of Niger. The extracts were prepared by maceration using ethanol, methanol, and distilled water. The obtained extracts were screened against spp., spp., and using the microdilution method coupled with a resazurin-based assay. Phytochemical screening was performed using colorimetry, while the quantification of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and total tannins was determined by spectrophotometry. Out of the eight plants obtained, five named , , , , and exhibited antibacterial activity with MICs ranging from 500 g/mL to 2000 g/mL. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, saponosides, tannins, flavonoids, terpenes/sterols, quinones, and polyphenols. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts of contained important quantities of total polyphenols, with 43.59 ± 0.15 and 41.97 ± 0.02 mg EAG/100 mg of extract, respectively. These extracts showed the highest contents of total tannins at 46.49 g/L and 45.52 g/L, respectively. For total flavonoids, the highest content was obtained with the methanolic extract of , with 3.12 ± 0.01 mg QE/100 mg of extract. These findings justify the uses of these plants in traditional medicine for the treatment of infectious diseases such as diarrhea and can be used as starting points for the development of phytodrugs against infectious diarrhea.
PubMed: 37529122
DOI: 10.1155/2023/6120255 -
ACS Omega Dec 2023Kenyans have long utilized , an East African permanent evergreen plant, to treat measles, stomachaches, diarrhea, mosquito bites (anti-insect), congested chest, cough,...
Kenyans have long utilized , an East African permanent evergreen plant, to treat measles, stomachaches, diarrhea, mosquito bites (anti-insect), congested chest, cough, and colds. Using conventional qualitative and quantitative techniques, this study was done to identify the secondary metabolites in leaf extracts. The chemical content of the crude extracts from the leaves of has also been investigated and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). By using a 1:20 dilution in methanol, in cold maceration, a fine powder of was first extracted then filtered and concentrated after 72 h utilizing a rotary evaporator. By using also a 1:20 dilution in water at 80 °C, a fine powder of was extracted and then filtrated and lyophilized 1 h later. Each extract underwent further gas chromatography-mass spectrometry testing. We found that both extracts contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. However, the overall amount of phytochemicals in each solvent varied significantly. Total phenolics contents (TPCs) were 5.6 ± 1.20 and 10.8 ± 1.00 mg, total flavonoid contents (TFCs) were 8.2 ± 0.4 and 39.6 ± 2.2 mg, total tannin contents (TTCs) were 0 ± 0.00 and 10.5 ± 0.4 mg, the total alkaloid content (TAC) was 49.2 ± 0.40%, and the total saponin content (TSC) was 38 ± 2.00%. Additionally the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, revealed a number of high- and low-molecular-weight bioactive molecules at various concentrations for each extract. We also found an inhibitory effect on and gene expression of and , respectively. Hence, these chemicals could potentially have a biological and pharmacological significance. Therefore, the discovery of many physiologically active chemicals in the leaf extracts of justifies future biological and pharmaceutical research.
PubMed: 38144100
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c05554 -
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies Dec 2023Teucrium hyrcanicum L. (family Lamiaceae) is widely distributed in the North and Northwest of Iran. It has been used in the form of tea, tonic, and tincture for the...
Isolation and structure elucidation of the compounds from Teucrium hyrcanicum L. and the investigation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant activity, and protective effect on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress.
BACKGROUND
Teucrium hyrcanicum L. (family Lamiaceae) is widely distributed in the North and Northwest of Iran. It has been used in the form of tea, tonic, and tincture for the treatment of various diseases such as cough, rheumatism, and fever.
METHODS
In this study, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of methanol extract and different fractions of T. hyrcanicum were measured. Furthermore, the potential ability of T. hyrcanicum to protect against HO-induced oxidative stress was tested on the NIH3T3 cell line. Then, the isolation and structure elucidation of the compounds were performed on the most potent fractions. Finally, the quantification of isolated compounds in methanol extract (ME) was done by the HPLC method. Isolated phytochemicals were assessed for the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities.
RESULTS
The results indicated that the methanol fraction (MF) had the highest amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents (69.36 mg GAE/g extract and 68.95 mg QE/g extract). The highest radical scavenging activities were observed from MF and ME (IC 44.32 and 61.12 μg.ml, respectively). The best cytotoxicity was obtained by ethyl acetate fraction (EF) against A431 and MCF7 cell lines (IC values of 235.4and 326.6 μg.ml, respectively). The pretreatment with MF exerts the highest reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) formation (IC 2.51 μM, p < 0.001) compared to the HO group (5.77 μM). Also, MF significantly inhibited HO-induced Glutathione (GSH) oxidation (p < 0.001). Furthermore, two phenolic compounds, acteoside and quercetin, were isolated and identified in MF and EF, respectively. The IC values of acteoside and quercetin in the DPPH assay were 7.19 and 5.56 µg.ml, respectively. Both quercetin and acteoside significantly reduced the MDA formation and inhibited GSH oxidation, which was comparable with BHA (as a standard antioxidant) (p < 0.05). Acteoside demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against all tested cell lines (IC = 32 to 145 μg.ml). The HPLC quantification of isolated compounds revealed that the quantity of acteoside and quercetin in ME were 93.31 and 16.87 μg.mg, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The isolated compounds (quercetin and acteoside) had significant antioxidant activities and revealed a protective effect on HO-induced oxidative stress which was comparable with BHA.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Antioxidants; Hydrogen Peroxide; Quercetin; Teucrium; Methanol; NIH 3T3 Cells; Plant Extracts; Oxidative Stress; Flavonoids; Antineoplastic Agents
PubMed: 38087220
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04262-8 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023Motile bacteria take a competitive advantage in colonization of plant surfaces to establish beneficial associations that eventually support plant health. Plant exudates...
Motile bacteria take a competitive advantage in colonization of plant surfaces to establish beneficial associations that eventually support plant health. Plant exudates serve not only as primary growth substrates for bacteria but also as bacterial chemotaxis attractants. A number of plant-derived compounds and corresponding chemotaxis sensors have been documented, however, the sensors for methanol, one of the major volatile compounds released by plants, have not been identified. species are ubiquitous plant surface-symbiotic, methylotrophic bacteria. A plant-growth promoting bacterium, strain 22A exhibits chemotaxis toward methanol (methylotaxis). Its genome encodes 52 methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins (MCPs), among which we identified three MCPs (methylotaxis proteins, MtpA, MtpB, and MtpC) responsible for methylotaxis. The triple gene mutant of the MCPs exhibited no methylotaxis, slower gathering to plant tissues, and less efficient colonization on plants than the wild type, suggesting that the methylotaxis mediates initiation of plant- symbiosis and engages in proliferation on plants. To examine how these MCPs are operating methylotaxis, we generated multiple gene knockouts of the MCPs, and Ca-dependent MxaFI and lanthanide (Ln)-dependent XoxF methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs), whose expression is regulated by the presence of Ln. MtpA was found to be a cytosolic sensor that conducts formaldehyde taxis (formtaxis), as well as methylotaxis when MDHs generate formaldehyde. MtpB contained a dCache domain and exhibited differential cellular localization in response to La. MtpB expression was induced by La, and its activity required XoxF1. MtpC exhibited typical cell pole localization, required MxaFI activity, and was regulated under MxbDM that is also required for MxaF expression. Strain 22A methylotaxis is realized by three independent MCPs, two of which monitor methanol oxidation by Ln-regulated MDHs, and one of which monitors the common methanol oxidation product, formaldehyde. We propose that methanol metabolism-linked chemotaxis is the key factor for the efficient colonization of on plants.
PubMed: 37901831
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1258452 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024In searching for compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity, our study focused on the subshrub species Vahl ex Willd. (Ericaceae). We measured the antioxidant...
Antioxidant and Antifungal Activities and Characterization of Phenolic Compounds Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) in Vahl ex Willd.
In searching for compounds with antioxidant and antifungal activity, our study focused on the subshrub species Vahl ex Willd. (Ericaceae). We measured the antioxidant activity of its methanolic extract (MEE) obtained from the aerial parts (leaves and stems) and of its methanolic extract (MEF) obtained from the lyophilized fruits. The antioxidant activity of the MEE and MEF was evaluated in vitro via a 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and 2,2'-Azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) cationic radical. The results were expressed in gallic acid and Trolox equivalents for the DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively. The antioxidant activities, for the DPPH and ABTS assays, were also evaluated by considering the IC values. Concerning the antioxidant activity, the total phenolic content (TPC) in the MEE and MEF was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Polyphenols contained in the leaves, stems, and fruits of were determined qualitatively by employing high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis. The antifungal activity of the MEE obtained from the aerial parts of was tested against . The results of IC values measured by the DPPH and ABTS methods with MEE were 0.4145 ± 0.0068 mg mL and 0.1088 ± 0.0023 mg mL, respectively, and the IC values for MEF were 6.4768 ± 0.0218 mg mL and 0.7666 ± 0.0089 mg mL measured by the DPPH and ABTS methods, respectively. The HPLC-MS analysis revealed the presence of anthocyanins, phenolic acids derivatives, and flavonols. In vitro, mycelial growth of this fungus was reduced from 90% to nearly 100% in the presence of MEE. The observed antifungal effect is related to the presence of the abovementioned phenols, detected in the MEE.
PubMed: 38498437
DOI: 10.3390/plants13040497 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023The preparation of methanol chemicals through CO and H gas is a positive measure to achieve carbon neutrality. However, developing catalysts with high selectivity...
The preparation of methanol chemicals through CO and H gas is a positive measure to achieve carbon neutrality. However, developing catalysts with high selectivity remains a challenge due to the irreversible side reaction of reverse water gas shift (RWGS), and the low-temperature characteristics of CO hydrogenation to methanol. In-plane sulfur vacancies of MoS can be the catalytic active sites for CHOH formation, but the edge vacancies are more inclined to the occurrence of methane. Therefore, MoS and a series of MoS/Ni and MoS/Co catalysts doped with different amounts are prepared by a hydrothermal method. A variety of microscopic characterizations indicate that Ni and Co doping can form NiS and CoS, the existence of these substances can prevent CO and H from contacting the edge S vacancies of MoS, and the selectivity of the main product is improved. DFT calculation illustrates that the larger range of orbital hybridization between Ni and MoS leads to CO activation and the active hydrogen is more prone to surface migration. Under optimized preparation conditions, MoS/Ni exhibits relatively good methanol selectivity. Therefore, this strategy of improving methanol selectivity through metal doping has reference significance for the subsequent research and development of such catalysts.
PubMed: 37570766
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155796 -
Veterinary World Sep 2023Ruiz and Pav. (also known as "Pájaro bobo") is known for its medicinal properties, including antiulcer, antiasthmatic, leishmanicidal, antipyretic, antispasmodic,...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Ruiz and Pav. (also known as "Pájaro bobo") is known for its medicinal properties, including antiulcer, antiasthmatic, leishmanicidal, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects using a rat model of diclofenac-induced toxicity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We administered three different doses of the methanolic extract of (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day orally) and compared them with the commercial medicine silymarin (100 mg/kg orally). The rats received the extracts for 5 days, and on days 3 and 4, 1 h after receiving the extracts, diclofenac was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The animals were euthanized 48 h after the last diclofenac injection, and blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney function, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea. Kidney and liver tissues were preserved in 10% formaldehyde and sent for histopathological analysis.
RESULTS
The results show that has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. These effects are verified by the lower blood levels of ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine compared to the diclofenac group, which exhibited elevated biochemical parameters. In addition, histopathological analysis showed that the groups that received did not display necrosis or infiltration, which were observed in the diclofenac group.
CONCLUSION
The methanolic extract of has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, with the highest protective activity observed at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day.
PubMed: 37859960
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.1933-1939 -
Journal of Environmental Management Mar 2024The transition of the current fossil based chemical industry to a carbon-neutral industry can be done by the substitution of fossil carbon for defossilized carbon in the...
The transition of the current fossil based chemical industry to a carbon-neutral industry can be done by the substitution of fossil carbon for defossilized carbon in the production of base chemicals. Methanol is one of the seven base chemicals, which could be used to produce other base chemicals (light olefins and aromatics). In this research, we evaluated the synthesis of methanol based on defossilized carbon sources (maize, waste biomass, direct air capture of CO (DAC), and CO from the cement industry) by considering carbon source availability, energy, water, and land demand. This evaluation was based on a carbon balance for each of the carbon sources. Our results show that maize, waste biomass, and CO cement could supply 0.7, 2, 15 times the carbon demand for methanol respectively. Regarding the energy demand maize, waste biomass, DAC, and CO from cement demand 25, 21, 48, and 45GJton separately. The demand for water is 5300, 220, 8, and 8mton. And lastly, land demand was estimated to 1031, 36, 83, and 77mton per carbon source. The high-demanding-resource production of defossilized methanol is dependent on the availability of resources per location. Therefore, we analyzed the production of defossilized methanol in the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, China, and the USA. China is the only country where CO from the cement industry could provide all the demand of carbon. But as we envision society becoming carbon neutral, CO from the cement industry would diminish in time, as a consequence, it would not be sufficient to supply the demand for carbon. DAC would be the only source able to provide the demand for defossilized carbon.
Topics: Methanol; Carbon Dioxide; Carbon; China; Water
PubMed: 38377750
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.120304