Journal of Medicinal Natural Products

Bioactive Potential of Premna esculanta: A Study on Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antidiarrheal Efficacy

2025-01-10T15:06:46+08:00

Article

Bioactive Potential of Premna esculanta: A Study on Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antidiarrheal Efficacy

Hafijul Yousuf, Al Mamun Shohag, Md Shawon Miah, Md Foyzur Rahman and As-Sazzad Mahmud *

Department of Pharmacy, Dhaka International University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

* Correspondence: sazzad.phar@diu.ac; Tel.: +880-1521305611

Received: 20 October 2024; Revised: 9 November 2024; Accepted: 14 November 2024; Published: 10 January 2025

Abstract: Objective: The discovery of the genus Premna and its traditional uses are the result of extensive information gained by living in forest or semi-forest areas and closely observing indigenous populations regarding the therapeutic qualities of plants. This investigation centered on examining the DPPH scavenging, antimicrobial and anti-diarrheal properties of ethanolic leaf extracts. This study aimed to investigate the bioactive components and antibacterial properties of ethanolic leaf extracts and their fractions. Methods: In vitro antioxidant was evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay and the disc diffusion method evaluated antimicrobial efficacy. In vivo screening for antidiarrheal was conducted, the latent period of defecation in castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice assessed antidiarrheal effects. Results: The extract showed an ability to scavenge DPPH with IC₅₀ values of 0.931 µg/mL for Premna esculanta extract and IC₅₀ 0.902 µg/mL for ascorbic acid standard. The extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 12–19 mm against various microbial strains, notably Shigella boydii, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Sarcina lutea, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans, at concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/disc. In anti-diarrheal test, Loperamide (3 mg/kg) reduced total feces and defecation by 56.62% with concentrations of 500 mg/kg. Significant changes were observed in anti-diarrheal studies. Conclusion: Premna esculanta leaf extract demonstrated significant antimicrobial, and antidiarrheal activities.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Efficacy of Momordica balsamina and Luffa aegyptiaca Leaf Extracts

2025-01-17T13:30:43+08:00

Article

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Efficacy of Momordica balsamina and Luffa aegyptiaca Leaf Extracts

Muhammad Shehu Giwa ¹, Basira Ibrahim ¹, Fatima Musa ¹, and Emad M. Abdallah ^2,3,*

¹ Department of biological sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, College of Science, Computing and Engineering, Kaduna State University, Kaduna 800283, Nigeria

² Department of Biology, College of Science, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia

³ Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

* Correspondence: emad100sdl@yahoo.com

Received: 21 September 2024; Revised: 7 October 2024; Accepted: 2 November 2024; Published: 17 January 2025

Abstract: The current study evaluated the antibacterial activities of methanol leaf extracts from Momordica balsamina and Luffa aegyptica against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, while anthraquinones were absent. Both extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria (S. typhi), with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) as low as 12.5 mg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of 25 mg/mL for M. balsamina, and MIC of 12.5 mg/mL and MBC of 50 mg/mL for L. aegyptica. These findings suggest that these plants have potential as sources of antibacterial agents, warranting further pharmaceutical investigation.

In Vitro Activity of Isolated Bioactive Metabolites from Endophytic Fungus Associated with Aegiceras corniculatum

2025-02-07T16:44:54+08:00

Article

In Vitro Activity of Isolated Bioactive Metabolites from Endophytic Fungus Associated with Aegiceras corniculatum

Sharika Noshin ¹, Rahul Dev Bairagi ¹, Sadia Airin ¹, Dipa Debnath ¹, As-Sazzad Mahmud ^1,2, Md. Sohanur Rahaman ^1,3, Amit Kumar Acharzo ¹, Raiyan Rahman Reon ¹ and Md. Amirul Islam ^1,3,*

¹ Pharmacy Discipline, School of Life Sciences, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

² Department of Pharmacy, Dhaka International University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

³ Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

* Correspondence: ma.islam@pharm.ku.ac.bd or amirul.islam@ewubd.edu

Received: 18 November 2024; Revised: 3 January 2025; Accepted: 6 January 2025; Published: 7 February 2025

Abstract: A vast and unexplored source of diverse and unique compounds and biological properties is provided by the mangrove fungi. The primary goal is to investigate the biological effects of secondary bioactive compounds produced by endophytic fungi that reside in Aegiceras corniculatum bark, focusing on their antioxidant, alpha-glucosidase inhibitory, and antimicrobial properties. Seven distinct strains of endophytic fungi were isolated, of which three particular strains (ACSF-1, ACSF-3, and ACSF-5) were selected for further examination. These strains were cultivated in potato dextrose broth (PDB) and underwent extraction using dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). In the DPPH assay, the fraction ACSF-3 of the DCM showed a good IC₅₀ value of 239.88 µg/mL, whereas the ascorbic acid IC₅₀ was 15.985 µg/mL. Additionally, the crude extract ACSF-3 exhibited the highest levels of total phenolic content (89.89 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (288.52 mg QE/g), and total tannin content (53.85 GAE/g). To evaluate antihyperglycemic activity, the ACSF-3 n-Hexane fraction, which showcased the highest efficacy with a value of 0.91 µg/mL. The extracts of ACSF-1 and ACSF-3 demonstrated significant zones of inhibition against Escherichia coli, with sizes reaching up to 16 and 12 mm, respectively, and ACSF-5 displayed the highest zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus.

Exploring the Therapeutic Promise of Drynaria coronans: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Capacity, α-Amylase Inhibition with Safety Assessment

2025-02-10T15:32:03+08:00

Article

Exploring the Therapeutic Promise of Drynaria coronans: Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Capacity, α-Amylase Inhibition with Safety Assessment

Prabhat Kumar Jha ^1,2,*, Sindhu KC ¹, Ram Kishor Yadav ¹, Bipindra Pandey ², Sandesh Paudel ¹, Ravindra Khadka ¹, Kushal Subedi ¹, Sushil Panta ^1,*

¹ School of Health and Allied Sciences, Pokhara University, Kaski 33700, Nepal

² Department of Pharmacy, Madan Bhandari Academy of Health Sciences, Hetauda 44100, Nepal

* Correspondence: jha.prabhat9999@gmail.com.com (P.K.J.); sushilmax@hotmail.com (S.P.); Tel.: +977-9864512660 (P.K.J.); +977-9846032882 (S.P.)

Received: 1 December 2024; Revised: 9 January 2025; Accepted: 7 February 2025; Published: 10 February 2025

Abstract: Background: Secondary metabolites derived from plants have been identified as potential natural antioxidants, exhibiting robust capabilities in neutralizing oxidative stress that can emerge under various pathological conditions. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical composition of ethanolic extract of Drynaria coronans (D. coronans), and its antioxidant potential along with α-amylase inhibition and oral toxicity studies. Methods: Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening was conducted for D. coronans while quantitative phytochemical analysis involved the estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In vitro antioxidant activities were evaluated by using ferrous reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging activity, nitric oxide scavenging activity and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. The in vitro antidiabetic activity was evaluated by using the α-amylase inhibition assay. In vivo oral acute toxicity studies were evaluated in the rats as per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. Results: The extraction yield of Drynaria coronans was found to be 11.94% using ethanol as the primary solvent and plant sample with solvent in a 4:1 ratio. Phytochemical analysis of the rhizome revealed the presence of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, and carbohydrates, which were further validated by TLC profiling. The dried extract contained 56.38 ± 0.09 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE/g) of total phenols and 202.54 ± 0.22 mg quercetin equivalents (QE/g) of flavonoids. The extract demonstrated notable antioxidant properties, with IC₅₀ values of 43.59 (DPPH), 758.94 (NO), and 715.60 (H₂O₂), while also exhibiting strong reducing power (0.164 ± 0.011) at 700 nm. Additionally, it showed effective α-amylase inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 889.84 μg/mL. When tested for acute oral toxicity at a dose of 5000 mg/kg, no behavioral changes, morbidity, or mortality were observed in Swiss albino rats. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Drynaria coronans rhizomes have a positive correlation of total phenolic and flavonoid contents with the antioxidant, and inhibitory potential of the α-amylase.

Investigation of In-Vitro Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Thrombolytic and In-Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antidepressant Potential of Holigarna Longifolia Leaf Extract

2025-02-20T12:03:34+08:00

Article

Investigation of In-Vitro Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Thrombolytic and In-Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Antidepressant Potential of Holigarna Longifolia Leaf Extract

Md Mizan ^1,2^,*, Md Shawon Miah ¹ and Md Khairul Islam ¹

¹ Department of Pharmacy, Dhaka International University, Satarkul, Badda, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

² Pharmacy Discipline, School of Life Science, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh

* Correspondence: hellotomizan@gmail.com; Tel.: +88-1746469198

Received: 11 January 2025; Revised: 9 February 2025; Accepted: 18 February 2025; Published: 20 February 2025

Abstract: Discovery of genus Holigarna longifolia and its traditional uses were obtained by living in forest or semi forest areas by close observations of the indigenous populations. The main aim of this study was to evaluate phytochemical screening, antioxidant and anti-microbial activity, thrombolytic activity, in vivo anti-inflammatory and neuropharmacological activity of H. longifolia leaf extract. In vitro antioxidant was evaluated by DPPH and ferric reducing power assay, Disc diffusion method was used to evaluate anti-microbial activity, thrombolytic activity was evaluated by clot lysis, determine the ability of the extracts to suppress inflammation was done using the formaldehyde-induced paw oedema test influence of the sedative activity of the drug on the forced swimming and tail flick-suspension tests were studied by using diazepam. The phytochemical screening of H. longifolia extract revealed the presence of reducing sugars, tannins, gums, steroids, glycosides, xanthoprotein and terpenoids. In DPPH the extract exhibited strong antioxidant with an IC₅₀ of 0.877 µg/mL, comparable to ascorbic acid IC₅₀ 0.839 µg/mL and in ferric reducing power assay the extract showed significant IC₅₀ value about 43.736 µg/mL. In anti-microbial tests, the highest inhibition, 19 mm was observed against Escherichia coli at 500 µg/disc, while Bacillus magaterium showed the lowest inhibition 9 mm at 250 µg/disc. In the MIC test, the extract leaves showed highest activity against E. coli (MIC = 4 mg/mL) and lowest against B. cereus, B. megaterium, and A. niger (MIC = 128 mg/mL). The extract demonstrates clot-lytic activity of 20.45 ± 1.42% versus 31.17 ± 0.65 for streptokinase. H. longifolia extract was determined to be safe in the acute toxicity trial, with no toxicity, mortality, or behavioral abnormalities in the mice. In the anti-inflammatory test, paw thickness was significantly reduced with inhibition rates of 54.22% by the dose of 250 mg/kg and 60.27% by 500 mg/kg) compared to 71.71% for the standard. Neuropharmacological tests revealed reduced immobility periods of 126.2 s in forced swimming and 145.8 s in tail suspension tests at dose of 200 mg/kg. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the full pharmacological potential H. longifolia.

Ethnopharmacological and Medicinal Properties of Allophylus dimorphus Radlk.: An Update

2025-03-12T12:15:53+08:00

Review

Ethnopharmacological and Medicinal Properties of Allophylus dimorphus Radlk.: An Update

Azazahemad A. Kureshi ^1,*, Emran Habibi ^2,3, Satyajit D. Sarker ³, and Lutfun Nahar ^4,*

¹Analytical Development and Innovation Center, Pharmanza Herbal Pvt. Ltd., Anand 388430, Gujarat, India

²Medicinal Plants Research Centre, Institute of Herbal Medicines and Metabolic Disorders, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 48157-33971, Iran

³Centre for Natural Products Discovery (CNPD), School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, James Parsons Building, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK

⁴Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, 78371 Olomouc, Czech Republic

* Correspondence: kureshi.azaz90@gmail.com (A.A.K.); nahar@ueb.cas.cz (L.N.)

Received: 2 February 2025; Revised: 7 March 2025; Accepted: 10 March 2025; Published: 12 March 2025

Abstract: Allophylus dimorphus Radlk., a member of the Sapindaceae family, is a shrub or tree primarily found in the Nicobar Islands, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Despite its potential relevance in traditional medicine, research on the ethnopharmacological and medicinal properties of this species is currently limited. However, a few closely related species, such as Allophylus cobbe and Allophylus serratus, have been studied for their bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the significance of traditional medicine, which remains a vital healthcare source for many communities worldwide. The rapid loss of plant diversity and the potential for discovering novel medicinal compounds highlight the necessity of documenting and investigating A. dimorphus and related species. This update consolidates existing knowledge on the phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties of A. dimorphus, providing a foundation for future research and conservation efforts.

Phytotherapy Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Clinically Based Approach

2025-03-21T11:06:21+08:00

Review

Phytotherapy Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Clinically Based Approach

Georgeta Stefanovici Zugravu ^1,2 and Anca Miron ¹^,*

¹Faculty of Pharmacy, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16, Universitatii Street, 700115, Iasi, Romania

²Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 14, Pantelimon Halipa Street, 700661, Iasi, Romania

* Correspondence: anca.miron@umfiasi.ro

Received: 1 January 2025; Revised: 17 March 2025; Accepted: 19 March 2025; Published: 21 March 2025

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune-inflammatory disease characterized by joint destruction and physical disability. The present treatment options in rheumatoid arthritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, and synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, all these classes of medications have disadvantages associated with severe adverse reactions, patients' low adherence to treatment, and numerous drug interactions. These drawbacks emphasize the need to identify novel anti-inflammatory agents to replace or support standard therapy and improve treatment compliance. This mini-review focuses on herbal preparations whose efficacy was evaluated in clinical trials. Extracts of various plant species (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, Olea europea L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Hippophaë rhamnoides L., Punica granatum L., Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) and powdered plant parts (Allium sativum L., Rosa canina L.) significantly improved the clinical parameters, disease activity indices, and biochemical markers in rheumatoid arthritis patients when they were administered as supportive therapy alongside the standard medication or, more rarely, as monotherapy. The bioactive compounds have been only partially identified and further research is required to fully elucidate the phytochemical profile of these herbal preparations. Although the clinical studies performed up to now support the benefits of herbal supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis, there is a strong need for more human trials to validate the efficacy and safety of herbal preparations.