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Food additives are required to maintain the freshness and quality of foods, particularly meats. However, chemical additives may not be preferred by consumers, and natural materials with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects may be used as replacements for common chemical additives. Accordingly, in this study, we compared the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of natural compounds extracted with ethanol and hot water, and emulsion sausage prepared with natural ethanol extracts was analyzed for pH, color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and Clostridium perfringens growth during storage. The antimicrobial activities of 49 natural extract candidates against Listeria monocytogenes, C. perfringens, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli were analyzed, and six natural materials with excellent antibacterial activities, i.e., Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. f. nakaiana (Araki) H. Ohba, Punica granatum L., Ecklonia cava, Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner, and Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., and Rubus coreanus Miq. were evaluated to determine their total polyphenol contents and DPPH radical scavenging activities. The total polyphenol contents of ethanol extracts were higher than those of hot water extracts, whereas DPPH radical scavenging activity was found to be higher in hot water extracts. The TBARS values of emulsion sausages were significantly increased as storage time increased, and the TBARS values of emulsion sausages prepared with natural extracts were lower than those of control sausages. Natural extract-treated emulsion sausages showed a 99% reduction in bacterial contents compared with untreated sausages on day 2, with greater than 99.9% reduction after day 3. Thus, these results demonstrated that natural extracts could have applications as natural preservatives in meat products.

It has been reported that peel of Punica granatum has antidyslipidemic activity. The aim of this research was to investigate the antidyslipidemic activity of Punica granatum leaf. The dried Punica granatum leaves were extracted with 96% ethanol. Rats were divided into several groups, which were normal, positive control, simvastatin at a dose of 10 mg/kg bw as reference group, and Punica granatum extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Before treatment, male Wistar rats were fed with high cholesterol chow for 3 months, and then plant extract was given for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected at week 0, 12, 14, and 16 to measure the levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and triglyceride. Furthermore, at the last day of extract treatment, the aorta was isolated and haematoxylin-eosin stained. Administration of ethanol leaf extract of Punica granatum at a dose of 100 mg/kg for 2 weeks significantly reduced the total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels up to 27.6% and 34.79%, respectively, compared to positive control group. After 4 weeks of extract treatment, the reduction of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol level were up to 59.9% and 75.05%, respectively. There was no effect of extract on HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride level. Furthermore, histological study showed that ethanol extract of P. granatum reduced aortic wall thickness significantly compared to untreated group. Punica granatum leaf is potential to be developed as an antidyslipidemic drug.

Diabetes is a disease, in which the body cannot produce enough insulin so that there is excess sugar in the blood which becomes toxic to the body. Ngokilo plants are believed to be able to lower blood sugar levels because of the antioxidants and polyphenols contained therein.The objective of this study was to determine the potential of the ethanol extract of Ngokilo leaves (Stachytarpheta mutabilis, Vahl) as a lowering blood glucose levels in white mice(Rattus norvegicus). The tests were carried out by an experimental method using Swiss Webster male mice (Rattus norvegicus) aged 2-3 months with a body west of 30-40 grams as test animals. This study used four dosage ratios of ngokilo leaf extract, namely 1: 20: 40: 60 and control used aquadest. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Ngokilo leaves had an F value of 27.033> F Table 2.60. It indicates that the independent variable (the difference in the concentration of ethanol extract of Ngokilo leaves) was proven to have a significant effect on the dependent variable (blood sugar levels).

Black cumin seeds are known to have beneficial contents as antibacterial. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of black cumin seed extract (Nigella sativa) on the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The method used was the disc diffusion method. The ethanol extract of black cumin seeds gain by maceration method and was made into various concentration (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15)%. For positive control, ciprofloxacin disc were used and negative control used distilled water. The research model used was in vitro experimental research. The results showed that ethanol extract of black cumin seeds have antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae with inhibition zone diameters (4.5, 6.7, 10.1, 11, 12.8) mm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa with inhibition zone diameters (7.5, 12, 12.6, 13.4, 15.6) mm, positive controls respectively (24.3 and 20.7) mm and negative controls (0). It can be concluded that black cumin seed extract has an inhibiting effect on the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Objective: The Algan Hemostatic Agent (AHA) is a novel herbal originated blood stopper. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of AHA on wound healing on excisional wound model in rats. Methods: In this study, 54 adult Wistar albino rats were used. Rats were divided into 3 groups (saline, Madecassol and AHA). Each group was then divided into 3 subgroups as 3rd, 7th and 14th days. Two wounds were created in the dorsal thoracic region of the rats. One of the lesions was used for histopathological examinations and the other for hydroxyproline measurement. In order to evaluate the wound healing, wound area were measured during the whole treatment period and animals were sacrificed at the end of 3rd, 7th and 14th days and tissue samples were taken for the determination of hydroxyproline levels. Results: AHA treatment did not cause significantly difference in hydroxyproline level on days 3, 7, 14. The contraction percentage of wound area was higher in the AHA group on day 7 than control group. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). On days 3 and 14, no significant difference was detected in the contraction percentage of wound area between the control and AHA groups. AHA and Madecassol results of epidermis regeneration on the 14th day, neutrophil infiltration on the 7th day and edema on the 3rd, 7th and 14th days were different in terms of histopathological parameters compared to the control group. Conclusion: Despite good histological findings, AHA did not significantly accelerate wound healing. but did not adversely affect on wound healing. AHA may be used safely on excisional wounds.

Antirrhinum majus (AM) has attracted attention as a rich source of phytochemicals, which are beneficial for human health. However, the anti‐inflammatory effects of AM have not been studied scientifically. Therefore, we investigated the antioxidative properties and anti‐inflammatory effects of AM extract (AME) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. AME showed high radical‐scavenging ability. Viability of RAW 264.7 cells was not significantly altered by AME at the concentrations of 0–300 µg/ml. LPS‐induced nitric oxide (NO) production was decreased by treatment with 0–300 µg/ml AME in a concentration‐dependent manner. AME pretreatment significantly inhibited the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in a concentration‐dependent manner. AME also considerably inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor‐a (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1 β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). These findings provide a foundation for further studies and use of AM in nutraceuticals., Antirrhinum majus extract showed strong inhibition of inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐alpha, IL) and an protein expression of iNOS and COX‐2. Also, it show high radical‐scavenging ability. These findings provide a foundation for further studied and use as nutraceuticals.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) contains flavonoid compounds and methylxanthine and has proven efficacy as a diuretic. The dosage form is among the factors determining the biological effects of a drug. This experimental study set out to determine the effectiveness of the ethanol extract and infusion of green tea leaves as a diuretic in male Swiss mice. A total of 20 male Swiss mice were divided into four groups receiving different daily treatments: group I (given 1% Na-CMC), group II (furosemide at a dose of 5.2 mg/kg BW), group III (ethanol extract of green tea leaves at a dose 70 mg/kg BW), and group IV (green tea leaf infusion at a dose of 70mg/kg BW). Before the treatment, all groups were given warm water orally (0.4 ml/20g BW), then the effects of diuretics were measured from urine volume for six hours. The data were analyzed statistically by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by LSD comparison tests, with p0.05) from that of the green tea leaf infusion (0.739±0.182). In conclusion, green tea leaves can be used as diuretics in two dosage forms, namely extract and infusion.

Background and Aim: Tumor disorder is one of the degenerative diseases that affected human and animals and recently is tend to increase significantly. The treatment of tumor diseases can be performed through surgical, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, biological substances, and herbs medicine. Typhonium flagelliforme leaves extract known to have an antiproliferation activity, while interferons (IFNs) one of the cytokines that first used as an antiviral agent was also known to have antitumor activity. Nowadays, the treatment of tumors using a traditional way, including the use of herbal substances, becomes popular. Some limitations of the antitumor activity due to resistant development of the cell to some substances were one of the problems on why the treatment of cancer was unsuccessful. This study aimed to elaborate the synergistic effect on the antiproliferation and anti-angiogenesis activities of the combinations between T. flagelliforme leaves ethanol extract and canine natural (natural canine IFN [nCaIFN]) and recombinant (recombinant canine IFN [rCaIFN]) IFNs on tumor-derived cell lines to find the new potential antitumor substances. Materials and Methods: The extraction of T. flagelliforme leaves was performed using the maceration method and followed by phytochemical screening assays. According to the result of LC50 by the brine shrimp lethality test, the dose used for T. flagelliforme extract was 120 ppm while the dose of IFNs was 102 U/ml. The tumor-derived cell lines (canine squamous cell carcinoma [CSCC], canine mammary gland benign mixed tumor/MCM-IPB-B3, and feline squamous cell carcinoma [FSCC]) and normal rabbit endothelial cells were cultured and maintained on Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium DMEM/Ham-F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, antibiotic, and antifungal. The antiproliferation activity was assayed by calculated the total cell number after treated with the tested substances. The antiangiogenesis assay was performed using in vitro method on rabbit normal endothelial cells and in ovo using chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Results: The phytochemical screening test of the T. flagelliforme leaves ethanol extract indicated that the compound consisted of flavonoid, steroid, and tannin. The antiproliferation activity was increased in the combination of substances compared to the single exposure of each substance on all tested tumor-derived cell lines. There was no significantly different on the antiproliferation activity between a combination of T. flagelliforme with nCaIFN or rCaIFN in every single tested cell lines, but the comparison of this activity among the three tumor-derived cell lines seem that the antiproliferation activity is more effective on CSCC cell lines compared to the canine mammary gland benign mixed tumor and FSCC cell lines. A similar pattern of synergistic effect was also detected on the anti-angiogenesis activity in vitro using rabbit endothelial cells as well as in ovo assays. The most effective of the in vitro and in ovo anti-angiogenesis activity was observed on the combination substances between T. flagelliforme extract and rCaIFN compared to other treatments. Conclusion: There was a synergistic effect on the antiproliferation and antiangiogenesis activities of the combination between T. flagelliforme and canine IFNs (natural and recombinant) and this result could be developed as another alternative on the cancer treatments.

The bark of cinnamon ( Cinnamomum burmannii ) contains cinnamaldehyde and other active substances with potent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are effective at preventing and reducing UV-induced skin damages and skin aging. This study was intended to formulate and characterize the antioxidant peel-off facial masks containing cinnamon bark extract and the combination of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as gelling agents. The ethanol extract of cinnamon bark and the developed peel-off mask were evaluated for their antioxidant activities by the α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method and for their physical characteristics. The cinnamon bark extract exhibited a very strong antioxidant activity, as evidenced by IC 50 = 10.04 ± 0.08 ppm. As for the formulated peel-off mask, it had excellent physical characteristics, which were identified during organoleptic observations and pH, viscosity, spreadability, and film drying time evaluations. Similar to its constituent extract, this mask produced significantly potent antioxidant effects, with IC 50 = 47.31 ± 1.47 ppm. For these reasons, peel-off facial masks containing cinnamon bark extract have not only excellent physical characteristics but also powerful antioxidant properties.

Fennel leaf (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) is an herbal plant that is used for treatment. Flavonoid compounds and essential oils contained in fennel leaves have an antibacterial effect. The purpose of this study was to determine the activity of fennel leaf extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. Testing of antibacterial activity using a pure experimental method with a randomized design with a unidirectional pattern using the extraction method, namely maceration and bacterial activity testing with the diffusion method. The parameter measured is the diameter of the inhibition formed in the paper disc area. The data were measured using the Anova statistical approach. Fennel leaf extract has an inhibitory effect on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, namely at concentrations of 15% (11.04 ± 1.59 mm), 25% (13.68 ± 3.54 mm), 50% (18.14 ± 2.04 mm), 75% (20.53 ± 0.88 mm) and 100% (22.82 ± 0.32 mm) compared with 1% Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) negative control (00.00 ± 0.00 mm), while the test with positive control Gentamicin 1% (22.82 ± 0.32 mm) with a strong category (10 - 20 mm), namely at concentrations of 15%, 25% and 50%, very strong category (>20mm), namely at concentrations of 75% and 100%, the statistical significance value of ANOVA was p

Anti-inflammatory compounds play a role by inhibiting the formation of prostaglandin mediators, inhibiting the migration of leukocytes to the area of ​​inflammation, and inhibiting the release of prostaglandins from the cells where they are located. Several plant-derived compounds that can act as anti-inflammatory candidates are flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and phenols. This study aims to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves and to determine the effect of the concentration given on the level of anti-inflammatory activity. The method used was the formation of granuloma pockets and edema on the mice's backs by inducing subcutaneous carrageenan using ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves with various concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%, respectively. The results of anti-inflammatory activity showed that the ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves had a significant effect on the average exudate volume and the percentage of inflammation inhibition. At a concentration of 15%, the extract was able to reduce the volume of exudate by 46,67 ± 5,506 µl and inhibition of inflammation by 87.78%. In addition, the ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves significantly affected lymphocytes, stem neutrophils, and segment neutrophils, but did not significantly affect the number of monocyte cells. At a concentration of 15%, the ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves showed the smallest number of leukocyte cell types, namely 50.11 ± 2.389 lymphocyte cells; stem neutrophil cells 10,44 ± 0,475; segmented neutrophil cells were 19.78 ± 0.596 and monocyte cells 2,0 ± 0,236. It can be concluded that the ethanol extract of Sungkai leaves has anti-inflammatory activity but has not approached the effect of anti-inflammatory drugs in general.

Tandui (Mangifera rufocostata Kosterm.) is a typical plant from South Kalimantan which belongs to the genus of Mangifera. Several species of Mangifera are known to have antioxidant activity. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of Tandui leaves. Tandui leaves that were obtained from the maceration method used 70% ethanol. Antioxidant activity was conducted quantitative using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) method. The result of the antioxidant activity of Ethanol extract of Tandui leaves quantitatively obtained IC50 value was 60.7042 �g/mL. The ethanol extract of Tandui leaves has strong antioxidant activity

The purpose of this study was the bioactive identification of ethanol extracts (EtOH) from the bark and leaves of Sonneratia alba that have antioxidant activity. Mangrove bark and leaf powder each added with ethanol (1: 3, w/v) sonicated for 10 minutes. The obtained extract was tested for phytochemicals, antioxidant activity using DPPH and identification of the compounds using UPLC-ESI-MS. The ethanol extract from the bark and leaves of S. alba contains bioactive compounds that have antioxidant activity from the group of phenol compounds and the both extracts contain 7-hydroxycoumarin or scopoletin. The antioxidant activity (IC50 value) of each extract was 67,211±2,482 g/ml and 88,706±4,782 g/ml, respectively. Ethanol extract from bark and leaves of S. alba has the potential to be an antioxidant agent.

Wound healing is a highly dynamic phenomenon comprising numerous coordinated steps including homeostasis/coagulation, inflammation, migration, proliferation, and remodeling. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a multisystem chronic epidemic that prolongs inflammation in wounds and is associated with impaired healing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ethanol extract from Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 (TWK10)-fermented soymilk on wound healing. The anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanol extract of TWK10-fermented soymilk on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells were examined. The ethanol extract of TWK10-fermented soymilk (100 µg/mL) significantly decreased nitric oxide production from 11.34 ± 0.74 μM to 8.24 ± 2.02 µM (p p

Efficacy of ethanol and methanol extracts of medicinal herb Withania somnifera roots was evaluated in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus on immunostimulation and growth. Withania roots were extracted with water, ethanol, methanol, methylene chloride, hexane, successive methanol. Phenol, flavonoid content and antiradical activity of all the extracts were measured. Ethanol extract showed the highest phenol, flavonoid content and antiradical activity followed by methanol extract. Subsequently, Nile tilapia (n = 126) were fed diets containing different concentrations (0.0, 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 g kg−1 feed) of ethanol and methanol extracts of W. somnifera roots for 30 days (3 replicates). Fish fed plant extract fortified diets showed significantly better (P) immunological, haematological, biochemical and growth parameters compared to the fish fed control diet. Fish fed diet containing ethanol extract at the concentration of 0.7 g kg−1 feed showed the highest immunological (phagocytotic activity, respiratory burst activity, serum lysozyme, total protein, total immunoglobulin), haematological (total red blood cells, haemoglobin, hematocrit, total white blood cells, lymphocyte), biochemical (reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase activity) and growth (final weight, weight gain, daily weight gain, specific growth rate) parameters. The plant extract might act as potent free radical scavenger in fish tissues and have tissue protecting ability, thus increasing fish health.

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of the gel formula based on it�s organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, dispersion and homogenity by stability test carried out using the cycling test method and to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of the Xestospongia Sp. in male white mice (Mus musculus) by creating an artificial edema on the mice left foot induced by 1% ?-carrageenan. The gel formula from the ethanol extract of Xestospongia Sp. sponge was physically stable in terms of its organoleptic observation, homogenity, pH and viscosity test. However, the results that were obtained after dispersion test did not fulfill the requirements. In this study, the gel formula of the ethanol extract of Xestospongia Sp. sponge was administered on the mice left foot by using the variations in extract concentration of 0.02%, 0.03%, and 0.04%, and the gel without extract as a negative control and Galtaren�gel (1% Diclofenac Sodium) as a positive control. The evaluated data were in the form of mice leg edema volume measured based on its percent of inflammation and percent of inflammatory inhibition and observed for 360 minutes. The data were analyzed by using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney test with a confidence level of 95%. The results of this study showed that the gel formula of ethanol extract of Xestospongia Sp. sponge has an anti-inflammatory effect on each concentration and the formula that has a large anti-inflammatory effect was obtained at extract concentration of 0.04%.

The effect of an ethanolic extract of fresh leaves of Origanum syriacum (OSEE) on the proliferative, apoptotic, and migratory capacities of LoVo and SW620 colon cancer cells was investigated. OSEE showed a concentration-dependent apoptotic and antiproliferative effect on LoVo and SW620 cells at 500 μg mL−1 or higher after 48 h of exposure. Additionally, OSEE inhibited the migration of both LoVo and SW620 cells by decreasing (50–75%) wound-healing capacity at 500 and 1,000 μg mL−1. The results suggest that OSEE may have potential anticarcinogenic activity in metastatic colon cancer cells through the dual effect of inhibiting cell proliferation and migration and induction of apoptosis. Scopus

Mutmainnah BQ, Baktir A, Ni’matuzahroh. 2020. Characteristics of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and their inhibitory response by ethanol extract of Abrus precatorius. Biodiversitas 21: 4076-4085. Three isolates of Staphylococcus bacteria with the code MRSA 22372, MSSA 22187 and MSSA 22366 originated from the urine of the patient at Dr. Regional General Hospital Soetomo, Clinical Microbiology Installation Surabaya, Indonesia. Differences in bacterial strains affect their sensitivity to antimicrobial agents. The active ingredient of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Abrus precatorius L. has the potential to inhibit bacterial growth. This study aims to further characterize the bacteria MRSA 22372, MSSA 22187 and MSSA 22366 based on morphological, biochemical and molecular characters and to compare the growth inhibitory response of these three bacteria due to the treatment of variations in the ethanol extract of A. precatorius of 25 mgL-1- 800 mgL-1 leaves. The results showed there were differences in the diameter of bacterial colonies, the ability to ferment glucose and sucrose, and the production of urease and catalase. The molecular characteristics of the three bacteria have no similarity in the order of nucleotide bases or phylogenetic proximity to each other. Ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves at a concentration of 800 mgL-1 inhibited the growth of MSSA 22187 with an inhibition zone of 41 mm and decreased the MSSA 22366 growth by 67.6%. MIC value of ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves in all three bacteria was 25 mgL-1 with growth inhibition up to 29.4%, 35.3%, and 29.4% respectively. Keyword : MRSA, MSSA, ethanol extract, Abrus precatorius L.

Alocasia longiloba, locally known as &lsquo, Keladi Candik&rsquo, has been used traditionally to treat wounds, furuncle and joint inflammations. A. longiloba can be a new source of herbal medicine against hyperuricemia by inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme, the enzyme which is responsible for the development of hyperuricemia in human. Existing xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOI drugs) show several side effects on gout patients. Therefore, an alternative herbal medicine from plants, with high therapeutic property and free of side effects, are greatly needed. This study was conducted to evaluate XO inhibitory activity, chemical composition, antioxidant activity and GC-MS profile of A. longiloba. Our results showed that ethanolic petiole extract exhibited the highest XO inhibitory activity (70.40 &plusmn, 0.05%) with IC50 value of 42.71 &mu, g/mL, followed by ethanolic fruit extracts (61.44 &plusmn, 1.24%) with the IC50 value of 51.32 &mu, g/mL. In a parallel study, the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoids, glycoside and saponin in petiole and fruit extracts, as well as higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and strong scavenging activity on DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assay. The GC-MS analysis of fruit and petiole extracts revealed the presence of various compounds belonging to different chemical nature, among them are limonen-6-ol, &alpha, DGlucopyranoside, paromomycin, aziridine, phenol, Heptatriacotanol, Phen-1,2,3-dimethyl and Betulin found in ethanolic fruit extract, and Phen-1,4-diol,2,3-dimethyl-, 1-Ethynyl-3,trans(1,1-dimethylethyl), Phenol,2,6-dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl)- and 7-Methyl-Z-tetradecen-1-olacetate found in ethanolic petiole extract. Some compounds were documented as potent anti-inflammatory and arthritis related diseases by other researchers. In this study, the efficiency of solvents to extract bioactives was found to be ethanol &gt, water, methanol &gt, hexane &gt, chloroform. Together, our results suggest the prospective utilization of fruit and petiole of A. longiloba to inhibit the activity of XO enzyme.

Nosema ceranae is a widespread obligate intracellular parasite of the ventriculus of many species of honey bee (Apis), including the Western honey bee Apis mellifera, in which it may lead to colony death. It can be controlled in A. mellifera by feeding the antibiotic fumagillin to a colony, though this product is toxic to humans and its use has now been banned in many countries, so in beekeeping, there exists a need for alternative and safe products effective against N. ceranae. Honeybees produce propolis from resinous substances collected from plants and use it to protect their nest from parasites and pathogens, propolis is thought to decrease the microbial load of the hive. We hypothesized that propolis might also reduce N. ceranae infection of individual bees and that they might consume propolis as a form of self-medication. To test these hypotheses, we evaluated the effects of an ethanolic extract of propolis administered orally on the longevity and spore load of experimentally N. ceranae-infected worker bees and also tested whether infected bees were more attracted to, and consumed a greater proportion of, a diet containing propolis in comparison to uninfected bees. Propolis extracts and ethanol (solvent control) increased the lifespan of N. ceranae-infected bees, but only propolis extract significantly reduced spore load. Our propolis extract primarily contained derivatives of caffeic acid, ferulic acid, ellagic acid and quercetin. Choice, scan sampling and food consumption tests did not reveal any preference of N. ceranae-infected bees for commercial candy containing propolis. Our research supports the hypothesis that propolis represents an effective and safe product to control N. ceranae but worker bees seem not to use it to self-medicate when infected with this pathogen.

Background and Aims: Natural dyes and pigments are nontoxic, ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic counterparts and beetroot is one such natural dye. The red color of beetroot derived from betalain pigments confers great advantage to this plant. In this study, the physiochemical and spectrophotometric characteristics of beetroot as well as the histological staining potential of various tissues were carried out to determine its tissue specificity. Methods: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of beetroot were prepared using distilled water and 95% ethanol, respectively. Spectrophotometry, pH, and concentration of both extracts were determined before histological staining with 10% neutral-buffered formalin-fixed, paraffin-wax-embedded tissue sections. Stained sections were viewed with a photomicroscope. Results: The aqueous and ethanol extracts of beetroot were slightly acidic and soluble at concentrations of 381.5 mg/100 g and 253.7 mg/100 g fresh beetroot sample, respectively. Both extracts consist of three betalain pigments with absorbances at different spectrophotometric wavelengths, namely betaxanthins (475 nm), betanin (525 nm), and betanidin (575 nm). The maximum absorbance was 0.925 and 0.615 for the aqueous and ethanol extracts, respectively, at a peak wavelength of 525 nm for each extract. Both extracts stained various tissue structures such as muscles, mucins, red blood cells, keratin, and nerve fibers. Conclusion: Thus, beetroot stain is slightly acidic, contains betalain pigments, stains basic histological tissue structures, and can be used as an ecofriendly alternative to hematoxylin and eosin.

Background: The folkloric use of Indigofera aspalathoides (Vahl) in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer treatment dates back to circa 300 BC. However, reports on scientific validation for folkloric usage are not available yet. Purpose: The objective of the study is to assess the cytotoxic potential of I. aspalathoides and to provide a rationale for its ethnopharmacological use with lime juice (ascorbic acid) as an adjuvant. Methods: Using Soxhlet, the active principles of I. aspalathoides were extracted using methanol and ethanol as solvent and studied using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). We assessed the in vitro antioxidant efficacy by studying the DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAC), and ABTS cation radical scavenging activity. Using MTT assay, the cytotoxic activity of SV-ME and EE against human cervical cancer (HeLa) and normal murine fibroblast (L929) cells were evaluated. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction was studied by dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent probe and Hoechst dye. Mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm) was assessed using JC1. Ascorbic acid (AA) additive/synergism was studied by co-treating HeLa cells with AA along with SV-ME and SV-EE at IC50 concentration. Results: SV-ME and EE exert higher DPPH radical scavenging at 200 μg/mL. Both the extracts showed effective ABTS radical cation scavenging activity and ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity. Further, SV-ME and SV-EE treatment affected the cell viability and induced apoptosis, reduced cell viability with a concomitant increase in nuclear condensation and DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner in cancer (HeLa) cells, but not in normal (L929) cells. Both the extracts increased the mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm) depolarization and altered the cellular redox state in HeLa cells. In addition, adjuvant ascorbic acid (AA) treatment increased the cytotoxic efficacy of the SV-ME and SV-EE in HeLa cells. Conclusion: I. aspalathoides used in the Siddha medicine for antitumor treatment have a very potent cytotoxic effect against cervical cancer cells (HeLa) in vitro. The cytotoxic and antitumor effect may have plausible involvement of Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway by restoration of cellular redox homeostasis.

Background In traditional medicine, Acalypha wilkesiana is frequently used solely or as a composite part of many herbal preparations for therapeutic purposes. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, on some serum diagnostic enzymes in normal experimental rabbits. Methods Eighteen adult male experimental rabbits were randomized into three groups (A, B and C), comprising of six animals each. Group A animals were given aqueous extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves, while group B animals were given ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves. The extracts were administered orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for a period of twenty-one (21) days. Group C animals were given water, thus they served as control. Data are represented as Mean ± S.E.M (n = 6). Significance of Difference was tested by ANOVA at P 0.05) lower serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and creatinine kinase (CK), as compared with the control animals. Conclusion In view of the effects of the plant extracts on ALP and LDH levels, the use of Acalypha wilkesiana leaf in traditional medicine should be with caution.

Background Aloe barbadensis (AB) is a short stemmed succulent medicinal herb that is being used by locals in Nigeria to enhance libido. Therefore this study evaluates the aphrodisiac potential and acute toxicological effect of A. barbadensis (AB) root in male Wistar rats. Methods Aphrodisiac potential was determined following the oral administration of graded doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of A. barbadensis root. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and distilled water served as positive and negative controls respectively. Sexual behavioural parameters (mounting and intromission frequencies, mounting, intromission and ejaculatory latencies) were observed. Serum testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were also progressively monitored on days 1, 7 and 14. The acute toxicological evaluation of the plant were based on any onset behavioural changes and mortality respectively. Results The findings from the sexual behavioural study indicated that the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis significantly increased mounting frequency and intromission frequency but significantly decreased mount and intromission latencies in a dose dependent manner particularly on day 1 and 14. The ethanol extract also prolonged ejaculatory latency. The testosterone and cholesterol concentrations were also increased as the dose increased particularly on day 1 and 7. The lowest dose of 100 mg/kg showed the best aphrodisiac effect. The toxicity studies showed that there were no acute behavioural changes with zero mortality. Conclusion The increased blood testosterone and cholesterol concentrations by the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis can probably be said to be the possible mechanisms of action for its aphrodisiac property. The plant may also be used to treat hypotestosteronemia following its ability to increase testosterone. These findings therefore give backing to the acclaimed local use of A. barbadensis root as an aphrodisiac in males.

Cancer is the principal cause of human death and occurs through highly complex processes that involve the multiple coordinated mechanisms of tumorigenesis. A number of studies have indicated that the microalgae extracts showed anticancer activity in a variety of human cancer cells and can provide a new insight in the development of novel anti-cancer therapy. Here, in order to investigate molecular mechanisms of anticancer activity in the Antarctic freshwater microalga, Chloromonas sp., we prepared ethanol extract of Chloromonas sp. (ETCH) and performed several in vitro assays using human normal keratinocyte (HaCaT) and different types of cancer cells including cervical, melanoma, and breast cancer cells (HeLa, A375 and Hs578T, respectively). We revealed that ETCH had the antioxidant capacity, and caused significant cell growth inhibition and apoptosis of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, whereas it showed no anti-proliferation to normal cells. In addition, ETCH had a significant inhibitory effect on cell invasion without the cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, ETCH-induced apoptosis was mediated by increase in pro-apoptotic proteins including cleaved caspase-3 and p53, and by decrease in anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 in ETCH-treated cancer cells. Taken together, this work firstly explored the antioxidant and anticancer activities of an Antarctic freshwater microalga, and ETCH could be a potential therapeutic candidate in the treatment of human cancer.

Background: Currently-available antidepressant agents produce various adverse effects, and are expensive. At present, various plants are being evaluated for their possible role against numerous diseases, and no doubt, the role of traditional and complementary medicines in the development of effective therapy is incredible. The present study was designed to evaluate antidepressant-like activity of Raphanus sativus L . Var. caudatus at different doses in mice. Materials and Methods: Antidepressant potential of ethanolic extract of Raphanus caudatus L. was evaluated at three different doses 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg by using forced swim test and tail suspension test on albino male mice. The results were compared with control and standard mice groups administered with normal saline and Fluoxetine respectively. In both parameters immobility period was recorded two times during 60 days dosing. Results: The ethanol extract at all three tested doses (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg /kg) and standard fluoxetine demonstrated notable antidepressant-like activity (p

Context: Fructus Psoralea, Psoralea corylifolia L. (Leguminosae), has been widely used in traditional medicines for the treatment of dermatitis, leukoderma, asthma and osteoporosis. Objectives: In this study, we sought to study mechanisms underlying the vasoactive properties of Psoralea corylifolia extract (PCE) and its active ingredients. Materials and methods: To study mechanisms underlying the vasoactive properties of PCE prepared by extracting dried seeds of Psoralea corylifolia with 70% ethanol, isometric tension recordings of rat aortic rings and the ionic currents through TRPC3 (transient receptor potential canonical 3) channels were measured with the cumulative concentration (10–600 μg/mL) of PCE or its constituents. Results: Cumulative treatment with PCE caused the relaxation of pre-contracted aortic rings in the presence and absence of endothelium with EC50 values of 61.27 ± 3.11 and 211.13 ± 18.74 μg/mL, respectively. Pretreatment with inhibitors of nitric oxide (NO) synthase, guanylate cyclase, or cyclooxygenase and pyrazole 3, a selective TRPC3 channel blocker, significantly decreased PCE-induced vasorelaxation (p

Background The leaves of Gongronema latifolium Benth. have long been recognized traditionally as a remedy for a variety of ailments in Africa. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety profile of the ethanolic extract of G. latifolium (GLES) leaves through a repeated dose 90-day oral toxicity study in male and female of Sprague Dawley rats. Methods GLES was orally administered at doses of 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day consecutively for 90 days. Results No behavioral or physiological changes and mortality were observed. GLES did not have a marked impact on general hematological parameters and did not precipitate nephrotoxicity. However, compared to the control, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were lower and white adipose tissue paired retroperitoneal fat depots were depleted in male rats treated with GLES3 by the end of the experiment. The liver was significantly enlarged in GLES-treated rats of both sexes. Negative gender-specific alterations were observed with the highest dose. Adverse risk was evident in the female rats mainly due to marked body weight gain and cerebrum weight reduction. Conclusion Further research is needed to reach more specific conclusions about to the safety of ingesting high doses of GLES for long periods of time.

This study aimed to explore the influence of gut microbiota alterations induced by Linderae radix ethanol extract (LREE) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in rats and to study the anti-inflammatory effect of LREE on ALD through the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. ALD rat models were established by intragastric liquor [50% (v/v) ethanol] administration at 10 mL/kg body weight for 20 days. Rats were divided into six groups: normal group (no treatment), model group (ALD rats), Essentiale group (ALD rats fed with Essentiale, 137 mg/kg), and LREE high/moderate/low dose groups (ALD rats fed with 4, 2, or 1 g LREE/kg). NF-κB and LPS levels were evaluated. Liver pathological changes and intestinal ultrastructure were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. The gut microbiota composition was evaluated by 16S rDNA sequencing. Expression levels of TLR4 and CD68 in liver tissue, and occludin and claudin-1 in intestinal tissue were measured. LREE treatment significantly reduced NF-κB and LPS levels, improved liver pathological changes, and ameliorated intestinal ultrastructure injury. Meanwhile, LREE-fed groups showed a higher abundance of Firmicutes and a lower abundance of Bacteroidetes than the rats in the model group. Administration of LREE suppressed TLR4 overexpression and promoted the expression of occludin and claudin-1 in intestine tissue. Thus, LREE could partly ameliorate microflora dysbiosis, suppress the inflammatory response, and attenuate liver injury in ALD rats. The protective effect of LREE might be related to the LPS-TLR4-NF-κB pathway.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Annona muricata L. is used to treat cancer in some countries. Extracts of Annona muricata have been shown to cause apoptosis of various cancer cells in vitro , and inhibit tumor growth in vivo in animal models. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-cancer and apoptotic effects of the herb remain to be explored. Aim of study The study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer cell apoptosis triggered by the ethanol extract of leaves of Annona muricata L. Materials and methods Liver cancer HepG2 cells were used as experimental model. MTT assay was employed to evaluate cell viability. Flow cytometry and TUNEL assays were performed to confirm apoptosis. We employed functional proteomic analysis to delineate molecular pathways underlying apoptosis triggered by the herbal extract. Results We showed that the extract was able to reduce viability and trigger apoptosis of the cancer cells. Proteomic analysis identified 14 proteins associated with the extract-elicited apoptosis, which included the increased expression levels of HSP70, GRP94 and DPI-related protein 5. Western blot analysis confirmed that the extract did up-regulated the protein levels of HSP70 and GRP94. Results from bioinformatic annotation pulled out two molecular pathways for the extract, which, notably, included endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which was evidenced by the up-regulation of HSP70, GRP94 and PDI-related protein 5. Further examinations of typical protein signaling events in ER stress using western blot analysis have shown that the extract up-regulated the phorsphorelation of PERK and eIF2α as well as the expression level of Bip and CHOP. Conclusion Our results indicate that the ethanol extract of leaves of Annona muricata L. causes apoptosis of liver cancer cells through ER stress pathway, which supports the ethnomedicinal use of this herb as an alternative or complementary therapy for cancer.