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The present study aimed to conduct proximate composition analysis on seaweed Sargassum ilicifolium collected from the Mandapam region coast, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, India. A result of seaweed Sargassum ilicifolium was followed. Moisture content was present (13.7% DW), ash (20.38% DW), protein (18.67% DW), lipid content (3.95% DW), crude fiber (18.05% DW), carbohydrate (36.33% DW), and total dietary fiber (3.92% DW). The composition of monosaccharides present is fucose (24.04) %, mannose (0.51%), galactose (0.69%), Xylose 0.92% and rhamnose (0.47%. Total carotenoids: 47.13 µg/ 100 g DW; chlorophyll-A: 157.19 µg/100 g DW; chlorophyll-B: 120.14 µg/100 g DW; Iodine 248.72 µg/100 g DW. Phytochemical analysis of steriods, phenols, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides shows that all components are present. Mineral contents are Na (8592.62 Mg/100g DW), K (1849.17 Mg/100g DW), Mg (227.64 Mg/100g DW), Ca (1085.71 Mg/ 100g DW), Fe (307.41 Mg/100g DW), Se (5.1 Mg/100g DW), Mn (4.68 Mg/100g DW), P (19192 Mg/100g DW), Na/K ratio (4.97 Mg/100g DW), and total cation (34707.09 Mg/100g DW) observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesalpinia crista belonging to family Caesalpiniaceae is found in the hotter parts of India. It is common in West Bengal and South India. It often grows as a hedge plant. It is commonly known as Fever nut or Latakaranja. Various parts of the plant like seeds, leaves, bark, flowers, root and oils are used in traditional system of medicine to treat fever, malaria, skin diseases and inflammation. It also possesses antidiarrheal, anthelmintic, antifertility, antidiabetic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumour, wound healing, antipyretic and antiulcer activities. The major constituents isolated are diterpenoids of the cassane and norcassane types. The extracts also show the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, saponins, coumarins, proteins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, triterpenoids and fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litsea belonging to the family Lauraceae, is among the most diverse genera of evergreen shrubs and trees. Litsea is distributed majorly in the Western Ghats of India. Litsea are traditionally used to treat cold, fever, bruises, insect bites and other diseases. The objective of this study was to understand the phytochemistry of the methanol extract of Litsea ghatica stem bark and evaluate it for potential antioxidant activity in an effort to understand the nature of phytoconstituents present in the stem bark. Phytochemical screening of the methanol extract indicated the presence of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the methanol extract was determined by Folin Ciocalteau's and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power and NO radical scavenging assays. The methanol extract showed significant potential antioxidant activity, namely 93.08 and 95.1 % radical scavenging activity in DPPH assay at 100 ppm for the methanol extract and ascorbic acid, respectively. In FRAP and NO radical scavenging assay, the methanol extract showed dose dependent antioxidant activity reaching maximum at 100 ppm concentration. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by in vitro albumin denaturation assay using naproxen as the reference standard. The results indicated encouraging anti-inflammatory activity with 18.53% inhibition at 60 ppm of the methanol extract. This preliminary anti-inflammatory data needs to be substantiated with additional in vitro and in vivo studies for conclusive evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extracts have been used since ages for the treatment of various ailments in India and their market is growing globally as well. Achyranthes aspera is one such promising plant with known medicinal properties. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening is necessary to evaluate the therapeutic and antioxidant properties of the medicinal plants. In the present study, we evaluated the bioactive chemical constituents and their in vitro antioxidant potential of A. aspera leaf extract in different solvents. The soxhlets of A. aspera leaf powder in different solvents - methanol, ethanol, aqueous and chloroform on phytochemical screening showed positive results for carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. Alkaloids and terpenoids are present in all the extracts except in chloroform extract. Total contents phenols (22.282 gm/100 gm) were found higher as compared to total contents of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids. Moreover, all antioxidant assays confirmed the antioxidant potential of leaves of A. aspera. Thus, A. aspera is rich in phytochemicals that are needed for its antioxidant potential against various disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moringa oleifera has been reported to be the store-house of wide range of bioactive compounds. Most commonly used plant part has been the leaves which are reported to be rich in Vitamins, Carotenoids, Polyphenols, Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids Alkaloids, Glucosinolates, Isocyanides, Tannins and Saponins. Moringa leaves are used as Keerai while, green pods are commonly used as vegetable in the traditional preparation of Sambar in South-India. MO is gaining popularity because of its nutrient-rich root, leaves, flowers and fruits, having immense traditional medicinal uses and proved pharmacological properties. Not much of work has been carried out on analysis of bioactive compounds present in the pods. In the present study an attempt has been made to screen and analyze the range of bioactive compounds present in Moringa oleifera seed removed ripened natural dried pods. Phytochemical screening and GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 12 compounds namely - 7-Octadecyne, 2-methyl-(C19H36); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); 3,7,11,15- Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); 6,9,12,15-Docosatetraenoic acid, me (C23H38O2); Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)- (C10H20O); 3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (C20H40O); Palmitic acid vinyl ester (C18H34O2); .gamma.-Tocopherol (C28H48O2); Vitamin E (C29H50O2); Cholesta-7,9(11)-dien-3-ol, 4,4-dim (C29H48O); gamma.-Sitosterol (C29H50O); Stigmasta-5,24(28)-dien- 3-ol, (3.beta.,24Z)- (C29H48O). Further, in-silico ADMET analysis is expected to provide in-death physiochemical and biomolecular details of these molecules in order to exploit them for production of novel drugs for the pharma market with wide array of bio medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitex negundo (L.) is a medicinal small tree of the Verbenaceae family that grows in Pakistan and India. The current study aims to identify the existence of several natural compounds (flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins) in the bark of V. negundo (L.) roots and stem, as well as their potential antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The crude was obtained in 95 % methanolic which was further fractionated into n-hexane (HR, HS), Chloroform (CR, CS), ethyl acetate (EtR, EtS) and butanol (BR, BS) soluble fractions by solvent-solvent extraction. In phytochemical tests of roots fractions; HR showed the presence of terpenoids, while saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids were detected in CR. EtR was enriched in terpenoids and phenols and the butanol fraction (BR) contained terpenoids and flavonoids. Similarly in stem fractions; HS contained alkaloids and phenols while terpenoids and Phenols were present CS. EtS showed the presence of flavonoids, while butanol fraction (BS) contained terpenoids and flavonoids. In Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) examination showed, that there were several individual spots identified the existence of detected phytochemicals. Almost all the fractions showed very strong DPPH free radical inhibitory effects. Strong antioxidant activity was found for BR (IC50= 62.5 µg/mL) and BS (IC50= 80 µg/mL) probably due to the presence of flavonoids in butanol fractions, evident from the Fourier Transform (FT-IR) spectral analysis which gave distinct absorption of flavonoids functionalities. In antimicrobial studies, CR exhibited strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. flexneri and S. aureus with inhibition zone of 25±0.75, 21±0.35 and 18±0.21 mm respectively. The same fraction showed very potent antifungal effect against A. niger and A. flavus with inhibition zones of 19±0.45 and 18±0.39 mm respectively. In case of stem extracts, CS exhibited strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aurous and S. flexneri with inhibition zone of 24±0.23, 22±0.67 and 20±0.32 mm respectively while the same fraction showed maximum inhibition of linear growth (22±0.76 and 19±0.66 mm) of Candida albicans and A. niger, respectively. We conclude that V. negundo (L.) has potential antimicrobial and antifungal capacities which make it a potential candidate for the development of antibiotic drugs through pharmacological formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Uses of indigenous herbs and spices have become ubiquitous on modern culinary systems. But to date literatures on nutritional aspects of these group of plants are limited. Therefore the present study was done to evaluate the nutritional and antinutritional compositions of five indigenous spices commonly used in Karbi cuisines. The present study will help identify long forgotten multifunctional food resources which was previously neglected due to its low quantity in use. Methods: The nutritional compositions were determined according to procedures established by Association of official Analytical chemists 1990 and the anti-nutritive factors of the samples were determined according to the procedure described in the reported scientific publications. Result: The results showed appreciable amount of nutrients in Citrus macroptera Montrouz., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Ocimum citriodorum Vis., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. and Zanthoxylum armatum DC. The energy value of these five spices showed remarkable values, with the highest value observed in Ocimum citriodorum Vis. (354.08 Kcal) and lowest in Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (108.67 Kcal). The moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fats, total carbohydrate and crude fibre content of the studied spices vary from 0.85- 7.45%, 3.30-14.25%, 1.85-25.30%, 1.80-43.09%, 7.03-32.32% and 1.39-72.55% in range respectively. The vitamin C content was estimated highest in Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. (34 mg/100 g) and lowest in Citrus macroptera Montrouz. (22 mg/100 g). The phytate (17.22-18.85 mg/100 g), oxalate (10.15-12.42 mg/100 g), tannin (9.45-11.61 mg/100 g) and saponin (8.82-10.55 mg/100 g) contents were very low and hence these spices are less toxic for human consumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Snakebite, a medical emergency, is a socially significant but neglected issue in India. Antivenom serum therapy that is currently used against venomous snakebites is expensive and showed severe side effects. Traditional claims reported the use of Moringa oleifera to treat snakebite in rural India. To scientifically validate these claims, in the present investigation, the antivenom potential of the extracts of M. oleifera was investigated. The extracts effectively neutralized Russell's viper venom-induced lethality (LD50: 10.9 µg) at 10 µg/mice and 300 µg/mice (ED50), respectively. Both extracts neutralized venom-induced hemolysis (50-100 µg). Inhibitory concentrations against phospholipase A2 activity exhibited by aqueous and methanolic extracts were found to be 0.06 mg and 0.07 mg, respectively. In the procoagulant activity inhibition studies, the ED values in neutralizing effect of saw-scaled viper venom were found to be 1 µg for both the extracts. The presence of phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins in both the extracts was confirmed through phytochemical and high-performance thin-layer chromatography investigations which supported the obtained activity. This study indicated the potential of M. oleifera extracts to neutralize toxins present in Daboia russelii and Echis carinatus venom. Further bioactivity-guided fractionation of extracts to identify bioactives involved in neutralization of snake venom is necessary to establish its therapeutic potential as a venom antidote. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was evaluate the methanol extracts of these medicinal plants, namely, Euphorbia helioscopia, Coriandrum sativum and Bauhinia variegata Phytochemical extraction was conducted using soxhlet and rotovap apparatus and an aqueous extraction method. Data analysis of the study was done using R-Studio Program for statistical computing and graphics. A Tukey test was done along with ANOVA and Boxplots. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals were carried out and the presence of terpenoids, steroids, glycoside, alkaloid, tannins and saponins were positive in some plants. Antifungal activity was tested using the poisoned food and well diffusion techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a global air pollutant that causes deleterious effect to the plants. The present objective was to investigate the growth response, foliar injury, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and metabolites production in Costus pictus D. Don (insulin plant) at two developmental stages under ambient O3 (AO) and ambient + 20 ppb O3 (EO) using the open-top chambers (OTCs). A significant reduction in leaf area and total biomass was observed under EO as compared with AO. EO induced ROS (.O2– and H2O2) and lipid peroxidation led to more significant foliar injury and solute leakage. Image obtained from the fluorescence microscope and biochemical estimations reflected high levels of ROS under EO. A differential response in flavonoids and anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid, and antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX) has been observed with the growth stages of C. pictus plant. EO exposure negatively affected thiols and protein contents at all the growth stages. Secondary metabolites (tannins, lignin, saponins and alkaloids) were increased in both leaves and rhizomes due to EO, whereas phytosterols were induced only in rhizomes. Apart from other metabolites, the key bioactive compound (corosolic acid) showed its synthesis to be stimulated under EO at later growth stage. The study concludes that O3 is a potent stimulating factor for changing the levels of secondary metabolites and antioxidants in an antidiabetic C. pictus plants as it can alter its medicinal properties. Costus pictus D. Don is an important medicinal plant with a key bioactive compound known as corosolic acid, which is used in the treatment of diabetes. Tropospheric ozone pollution is very high in Indo-Gangetic Plain of India and its effect on C. pictus is still unexplored. Corosolic acid content was found to be increased at later stages of growth under elevated ozone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae), is native to India, popularly known as bael is a deciduous tree and the basis of marmalade, having extensive medicinal, pharmacological, ethnomedicinal and conventional properties with further extensively use in the Indian traditional system of medicine the Ayurveda along with its use in various folk medicine to treat myriad ailments. Out of different plant species present globally humans use approximately 10-15% of them to fulfill their basic needs such as food, medicine and shelter. Aegle marmelos,with capacity to acclimatize successfully to a wide range of habitats, is used to cure various diseases. This present study was conducted during march 2017 at Shoolini universiry, Solan (H.P) to November 2017 to study the presence of various secondary metabolites present in leaves of Aegle maemelos.The study was initiated with the prepration of extracts by soxhlet extraction in three different solvents i.e. aqueous, methanol and chloroform. The aqueous, methanol and chloroform extract of leaves of Aegle marmelos collected from Himalayan region revealed the presence of various bioactive phytochemicals. The aqueous extract showed the appearance of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids and phenols. The methanolic extract showed the comportment of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids and phlobatannins,while the chloroform extract had the presence of saponins, cardiacglycosides, phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids and phlobatannins respectively. The presence of these compounds indicates the potential therapeutic value of this plant and hence extremelyuseful in medicinal sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pergularia daemia (PD) is a traditional folk herb grown around the tropical and subtropical regions of India. Pergularia daemia has widespread application in different folk medicine in villages in the Ayurvedic medicine and are believed to increase defense against various diseases. It is commonly called Veliparuthi or Uthamani in tamil. The Plant possesses cardenolides, triterpenes, lupeol, saponins, alkaloids steroidal compounds. Bioactive compounds like coroglaucigenin, calactin, calotropin, uzarigenin, other cardenolides and a bitter resin were also shown to be present in the seeds of PD. The plant has been investigated by recent researchers for its therapeutic benefits like hepatoprotective effect, anti-diabetic effect, hypolipidemic effect, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, antifertility, psychopharmacological activity, neuroprotective effect., anticancer activity etc. Since this plant has more therapeutic potential, it can be guided for human trials for future research as it is already being consumed externally as well as internally for their health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Momordica tuberosa, belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae, is a tropical plant that is widely cultivated in the southern states of India. Objectives: Momordica tuberosa possesses a saponin, triterpenoid in nature that has been reported to exhibit anti-hyperglycaemic activity in vivo and in vitro. In this study we intend to isolate the saponin in pure purified state, assess its anti-hyperglycaemic activity on isolated mice pancreatic islets and evaluate its protective role against streptozotocin and highglucose induced islet injury, a central event in the pathogenesis of uncontrolled diabetes. Methods: Saponin purification and identification was carried out using chromatography followed by its structure elucidation IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectrometry. Islets were obtained from mice employing the pancreas perfusion method with collagenase type XI. Islet viability and specificity were determined by trypan blue-DTZ double staining followed by insulin secretion and intra-islet content measurement by ELISA. STZ-induced oxidative damage was assessed by lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide assay. High glucose-induced islet cell death/viability was assessed by MTT assay. Key findings: Approximately 650 islets per pancreas were recovered after isolation. The islets retained normal membrane integrity, viability and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). The saponin stimulated secretion of insulin from the isolated islets, protected from STZ-and high glucose-induced cytotoxicity and also from oxidative stress. Conclusion: The saponin acted as an insulin secretagogue and protected the islets from cytotoxic and oxidative stress induced by STZ and high glucose. We thus conclude that the saponin may be considered for effective use in IDDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Pterocarpus santalinus popularly known as Red Sanders is an endemic species confined to Southern part of Eastern Ghats of India especially in Andhra Pradesh and has high demand for its economical importance for its use in treatment of human ailments. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the authors have examined the presence of various phytochemicals in the chloroform extract of P. santalinus heartwood (PSCE, Pterocarpus santalinus chloroform extract) by qualitative and quantitative assays. PSCE was further used to evaluate its antioxidant and metal reducing capacity. Radioprotective property was also evaluated in various subcellular and cellular model systems. Results: The phytochemical screening study showed that the extract was positive for carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids and was negative for alkaloids, steroids, and phlobatannins. Contents of total phenol, total flavonoids, total anthocyanin, and total tannin in the PSCE are 404 μg/mg in terms of gallic acid equivalents, 22.6 μg/mg in terms of quercetin equivalents, 0.066 mg in terms of cyanidin-3-glucoside (cyn-3-glu) equivalents, and 12.477 g/L, respectively. This extract exhibited significant radical scavenging activity against model free radical 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS•+), 1,1-diphenyl picrylhydrazyl, and biologically important nitric oxide. It has significant metal reducing capacity as monitored by ferric and molybdenum reduction assay. PSCE showed a concentration dependent radioprotection to plasmid pBR322 DNA and lipids of the mitochondrial membranes. Their study also showed that PSCE protected splenic lymphocytes against radiation induced cell death, DNA double strand breaks, and lipid peroxidation as monitored by propidium iodide staining, γ-H2AX assay, neutral comet assay, and TBARS assay, respectively. Addition of PSCE to lymphocytes scavenged radiation derived reactive oxygen species, restored loss of thiol content, and inhibited cellular apoptosis. Conclusions: PSCE possesses high antioxidant activity and exhibited very good radioprotective property in cell free and cellular model systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was intended to discover the preliminary phytochemicals of Dictyota dichotoma (Huds.) Lamouroux from Koothankuzhi coast, Tirunelveli district, the south east coast of Tamil Nadu, India. The preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted in seven extracts namely methanol, acetone, chloroform, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, hexane and benzene by Harborne method. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, anthocyanin, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, catechin, coumarins, diterpenes, emodins, flavonoids, glycosides, leucoanthocyanin, lignins, phenols, phlobatannins, quinones, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and triterpenoids. Among the various phytochemicals studied, tannin showed the maximum presence, being found in seven different extracts and anthraquinones was observed in only one extract. From the results, it was noted that the extracts of Dictyota dichotoma (Huds.) Lamouroux was found to be the presence of a number of active secondary metabolites. This report will lead to the isolation and characterization of these active secondary metabolites for bioefficacy and bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High domestic and export demands are prompting the uncontrolled collection of the nootropic herb Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (BM) from its natural habitats in India; therefore, selection and cultivation of elite genotypes is one of the priorities for generating its quality biomass for industrial purposes. Here sixty BM accessions collected from diverse geographical regions of south India were screened for the two major bioactive dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins, bacoside A (BA) and bacopaside I (BI), by HPTLC-densitometry. Among these sixty accessions, BA, BI and (BA+BI) contents ranged from 0.36 ± 0.05 to 5.68 ± 0.18%, 0.00 ± 0.00 to 1.53 ± 0.12% and 0.41 ± 0.13 to 7.17 ± 0.35%, respectively. Industries consider BM accessions with (BA+BI) ≥ 5.5% as elite lines; this study identified eight elite accessions (1/Bm-11, 2/Bm-55, 3/Bm-57, 11/Bm-68, 19/Bm-76, 33/Bm-90, 36/Bm-93, 44/Bm-102) of BM, satisfying this benchmark. In bi-location trials, six BM elite genotypes were cultivated at two geographical locations (plot 1, low altitude and plot 2, high altitude). In Plot 1, highest (BA+BI) contents and biomass yields were observed in 2/Bm-55 (6.60 ± 0.09%) and 19/Bm-76 (4090.28 Kg/ha, fresh wt.), respectively. Elite accession 2/Bm-55 was subjected to agrotechnology standardization trails at Plot 1 with 10 combinations of nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (N-P-K), cow dung, cocopeat and soil (only) treatments. Two treatments, N:P:K 150:90:90 and soil (only), gave elite contents of BA+BI (≥ 5.5%) (5.89%, 6.62%) and high biomass yields (64152.84 Kg/ha, fresh wt., 63076.45 Kg/ha, fresh wt.). Significantly, five of the eight elite BM accessions identified viz. , 1/Bm-11, 3/Bm-57, 44/Bm-102, 36/Bm-93, 19/Bm-76, were collected from ≤ 10 m altitude locations; this study provides experimental evidence to the preference of BM to low altitude, wet and marshy habitats. Briefly, this study reports conservation, sustainable utilization and edaphic-ecological preferences of the natural resources of this high value memory enhancing herb. [Display omitted] • Sixty Bacopa monnieri field accessions from south India were collected. • Quantified bacoside A and bacopaside I contents using HPTLC-densitometry. • Discovered eight elite accessions, bi-location trials were conducted. • Two treatments in agro-trials gave elite bioactive and biomass yields. • B. monnieri display preferences to low altitude wet, muddy and marshy habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants have a significant role in preserving human health and improving quality of life. gokshura (Tribulus terrestris Linn.) one of such plants, is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts for various therapeutic properties like balya(strengthening), brimhana (nutritive), rasayana(rejuvenator), mootrala(diuretic), shothahara(anti-inflammatory), vajikarana (aphrodisiac) etc. and useful in the management of mutrakrichhra (dysurea), ashmari (renal calculi) etc. It is a perennial plant, grown predominantly in India and Africa. Its extract contains alkaloids, saponins, resins, flavanoids and nitrates. As its therapeutic values, a review has been done to gather information on different aspects of gokshura. Further Ayurvedic references, the present paper also emphasizes on recent researches carried out on this plant for its pharmacological evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Monochoria vaginalis and Monochoria hastata belonging to Pontederiaceae are edible aquatic herbs commonly used by ethnic communities of India for treating various afflictions. Objective: The main objective of the study is to propose a simple and a rapid bioautographic fingerprinting profile using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with gradient elution for screening the phytochemicals for the antioxidant property. Quantification of stigmasterol is carried in selected parts of Monochoria genus. Materials and Methods: Stigmasterol content of the three different parts of the species were quantified and validated by HPLTC. Fingerprint analysis was carried out using HPTLC-automated multiple development 2 (HPTLC-AMD2)-based gradient elution technique. Bioautography was done using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) solution to check the antioxidant property. Phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, sterols, and saponins were estimated using 96-well plate and antioxidant potential were confirmed by DPPH, hydroxyl and nitric oxide scavenging activity. Results: The developed HPTLC-AMD2 method showed clear separations resulting in sharp, intense peaks. Phytoconstituents were determined for the first time in the Monochoria species. The results indicate that both species are rich in various bioactive contents with potent antioxidant potential. Stigmasterol was found to be present in all the selected parts with varying concentration. Conclusion: This study reveals that Monochoria species are rich in phytoconstituents with potent antioxidant activity and the developed method is efficient, simple, rapid, and reliable for separating the phytoconstituents of Monochoria providing a passport data of extracts. A positive, significant linear relationship between antioxidant activity and total phenol content and total flavonoid content showed that phenolic compounds and flavonoids were the dominant antioxidant components present in the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ricebean accessions (n = 38) were analyzed for nutrients and anti-nutrient profile. • None of the sample exhibited phytic acid:Fe molar ratio below the critical value. • Among ricebean accessions, n = 21 (56 %) had higher protein content (>25.36 g/100 g). • Nine ricebean accessions showed high nutrients and low anti-nutrients content. • The higher SDF and RS were observed in 16 and 23 samples. Ricebean accessions (n = 38) cultivated in India were evaluated for their comprehensive nutrient, anti-nutrients and mineral composition. Protein and total dietary fibre ranged between 23.23 and 27.33 and 12.27 to 16.69 g/100 g, respectively. Among the oligosaccharides, verbascose was not detected, however, raffinose and stachyose ranged between 47 and 186 and 117 to 5765 mg/100 g, respectively. Among the free sugars, sucrose was found dominating (up to 370 mg/100 g). Resistant starch (4.13 to 8.62 %), iron (3.49 to 7.46 mg/100 g), zinc (1.90 to 3.72 mg/100 g) and selenium (0.28 to 4.48 µg/100 g) varied significantly (p < 0.05) among ricebean samples. Phytic acid, saponin, trypsin inhibitor and oxalate analysed in ricebean accessions ranged between 303 and 760 mg/100 g, 19 to 46 mg/g, 309 to 1076 mg/100 g and 219 to 431 mg/100 g, respectively. Multivariate analysis using hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to decipher the diversity of nutrients and anti-nutrients across the ricebean accessions. Based on HCA, dendrogram-1 (nutrients) and dendrogram-2 (minerals, anti-nutrients) were produced, having four clusters in each. In the dendrogram-1 and 2, the largest cluster had (n = 21) and (n = 15) accessions, respectively. The PCA analyse the uncorrelated set of variables (principal components) and it condenses a large set of data variables. Based on the eigenvalue >1, a total of eight PCs were formed contributing total variance of 78.8 %. The factor loading contribution in the PC1 and PC2 were from iron, fructose, glucose, raffinose and total dietary fibre, selenium (Se) and protein, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Clerodendrum serratum (L.) Moon. (Verbenaceae) is an important medicinal plant growing in the tropical and warm temperate regions like Africa, Southern Asia; Malaysia and distributed throughout in forests of India and Sri Lanka. It is traditionally valued and reported for treating pain, inflammation, rheumatism, respiratory disorders, fever and malarial fever in India with a long history. To provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional and ethno medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of C. serratum with clinical and toxicity data and possibly make recommendations for further research. Materials and methods: All relevant worldwide accepted databases were searched for the terms “Clerodendrum”, “Clerodendrum serratum”, “Bharangi” and “Cheruthekku” along with the other literature from Indian classical texts and pharmacopoeias. There was no specific timeline set for the search. The accessible literatures available on C. serratum were collected via electronic search using Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct and traditional books reports on ethnopharmacology and traditional medicines. Results: C. serratum has played an important role in Indian system of medicine. In addition to the common local use in respiratory diseases, other ethnomedicinal uses include treatment of pain, inflammation, rheumatism and fever especially malarial fever. Scientific studies on extracts and formulations revealed anti-asthmatic, mast cell stabilization and anti-allergic effects of roots of C. serratum. Reported data on pharmacological activities also includes hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential of the drug. Saponins (terpenoids and steroids), flavonoids and phenolics isolated from roots have been the focus of phytochemical investigations as the biological activity has been ascribed to the saponins, which are known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. Isolated bioactives from roots like icosahydropicenic acid and ursolic acid have been claimed to offer anti-allergic and hepatoprotective activity. Conclusions: Therapeutic potential of roots and leaves of C. serratum has been demonstrated in the conditions like asthma, allergy, fever, inflammation and liver disorders attributed to the presence of various flavonoids, phenolics and saponins present in the drug. Many ethnobotanical claims have been confirmed through modern in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacological studies of different extracts and isolates from plant; however, additional studies on the biomarkers are needed to establish mechanism of action and to validate the traditional use of this drug in clinical practices after proper safety assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was evaluated the trace metals load and antimicrobial effect of three important medicinal plants in southern India namely, Mukia maderaspatana, Kedrostis foetidissima and Cayratia pedata. The phytochemical analysis was tested by using ethanol extract of these plants and the alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids and sugars were presented. These plants were challenged against certain pathogens which are obtained from MTCC and NCIM. The antimicrobial effect showed that higher concentration (30 µl) got good effect than lower concentration (15 µl). In trace metal analysis, Cd and Ni was not present (below detectable limit) in all the three plants while Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn was present in the entire sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Use of plants as a source of medicine has been inherited and is an important component of the health care system in India. Among these plants Asparagus racemosus is an important medicinal plant which has been used worldwide. A lot of medicinally importance attributes have been assigned to this herb. It has been used by tribes located in distinct area of India from primeval time. Key component of this herb is saponins. Recent developments in transgenic research have opened up the possibility of the metabolic engineering of biosynthetic pathways to produce these high-value secondary metabolites. The present review is a pragmatic approach to accrue the findings on this very important herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Research studies on Chlorophytum conducted in India and elsewhere indicate that saponins are responsible for medicinal properties. Thus, this study was undertaken in order to setup optimum parameters for the effective extraction of saponins from Chlorophytum borivilianum tubers. Methods: Particle size of the material for extraction; the effect of time, temperature, choice of solvent on extraction were studied. The effect of different drying techniques was also studied. Result: It was observed that mesh size 30/60, at 60°C for 4 h using either water or methanol as solvent was giving appreciable good yield of saponins in the extract Conclusion: The extraction is best accomplished at a temperature of 60°C for four hours. The extract so obtained can be dried using either of the techniques, depending on the type of formulation required to be made out of the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardization of herbal drugs based on their chemical and biological activity profile is an important prerequisite for acquiring the herbal market. The main problem encountered in standardization of Ayurvedic drugs is proper identification of the source plant. The present study was aimed to establish identification characters, quality control parameters, chemical and biological parameters for roots of three plants Cissampelos pareira, Cyclea peltata and Stephania japonica (Fam. Menispermaceae) which are being used as source of Patha, in the market. All the three plant were subjected for evaluation of quality control parameters as per WHO guidelines and root extracts and total alkaloidal fractions were subjected for HPTLC and HPLC fingerprinting analysis using a marker compound Bebeerine isolated from roots of Cissampelos pareira. The parameters studied clearly indicated the significant differences among the three plant materials. The roots of Cissampelos pareira can be distinguished from other two plants by presence of high concentration of alkaloids especially the presence of high concentration of pharmacologically active alkaloid bebeerine, which was found to be present in very low concentration in Stephania japonica and absent in roots of Cyclea peltata. The roots of Cyclea peltata were found to contain high concentration of saponins and comparatively in low concentration in Cissampelos pareira where as it was found to be absent in roots of Stephania japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated secondary compounds in ephemeral and non-ephemeral parts of trees and lianas of a seasonal cloud forest in the Western Ghats of India. We measured astringency, phenolic content, condensed tannins, gallotannins, ellagitannins, and fibre, and also screened for alkaloids, saponins and cyanogenic glycosides in 271 plant parts across 33 tree and 10 liana species which constituted more than 90% of the tree and liana species of this species-poor forest. Cyanogenic glycosides occurred only in the young leaves of Bridelia retusa (Euphorbiaceae), i.e. in 2.3% of species examined. Alkaloids were absent from petioles, ripe fruit and mature seeds examined. Saponins were found in all types of plant parts. Condensed tannins occurred in almost all plant parts examined (93.6%), while hydrolysable tannins were less ubiquitous (gallotannins in 31.2% of samples, and ellagitannins in 18.9%). Astringency levels were significantly correlated with total phenolic, condensed tannin, and hydrolysable tannin contents. Condensed tannin and hydrolysable tannin contents were not related. Immature leaves, flowers, and petioles had high astringency while lower levels were found in fruit. Flowers and fruit had the lowest fibre levels. There was no relationship between relative dominance of a species in the forest and the fibre or phenolic contents of its mature leaves. In each plant part category, the frequency of species containing tannins together with alkaloids or saponins was significantly lower than the frequency of species containing tannins alone. There was, however, no segregation between alkaloids and saponins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Four high-yielding varieties of pigeon pea namely UPAS-120, Manak, JCPL-151. ICPL-87 had considerable amounts of antinutrients i.e. saponins and trypsin inhibitors. Saponin content of these unprocessed cultivars ranged from 2164 to 3494 mg/100 g. There were significant varietal variations in trypsin inhibitor activity (1007-1082 TIU/g) of these pigeon pea cultivars. Some simple, inexpensive and easy-to-use domestic processing and cooking methods, namely, soaking (6, 12, 18 h), soaking (12 h)-dehulling, ordinary cooking, pressure cooking and germination (24, 36, 48 h) were found to be quite effective in lowering the level of saponins and trypsin inhibitors in all the pigeon pea cultivars. Pressure cooking of soaked and dehulled seeds lowered the content of saponins to a maximum extent (28 to 38%) followed by ordinary cooking of soaked and dehulled seeds (28 to 35%), soaked dehulled raw seeds (22 to 27%) and 48 h germinated seeds (15 to 19%). Loss of TIA was marginal due to soaking but ordinary as well as pressure cooking of unsoaked and soaked-dehulled pigeon pea seeds reduced the TIA drastically. Pressure cooking of pigeon pea seeds completely destroyed the TIA while it was reduced to the extent of 86-88% against the control in 48 h pigeon pea sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms have an important role in sustainability since they have long been used as valuable food source and traditional medicine around the world. Regrettably, they are among the most rigorously affected populations, along with several plants and animals, due to the destructive activities of mankind. Thus the authentication and conservation of mushroom species are constantly needed to exploit the remarkable potential in them. In this perspective, an attempt has been made to identify and assess the biological attributes of psychedelic mushrooms collected from Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. The macromorphological features of the psychedelic mushroom DPT1 helped its presumptive identification and the molecular characters depicted by DNA marker revealed its close relationship with the genus Psilocybe. Accordingly, the psychedelic mushroom was identified as Psilocybe cubensis DPT1 and its crude ethyl acetate extract on analysis revealed the occurrence of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and carbohydrates. Moreover, it exhibited 80% larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito at 800 ppm concentration and an array of antibacterial effects with utmost susceptibility of Proteus vulgaris , and the identification of bioactive compounds by different analytical techniques substantiate that the bioactivities might be due to the presence of phytochemicals. The results of the study indicated that the extract of P. cubensis DPT1 having notable antibacterial and mosquito larvicidal efficacies which could be probed further for the isolation of medicinally important as well as bio-control compounds. Image 1 • The psychedelic mushroom was isolated and identified as Psilocybe cubensis DPT1. • The phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins was verified. • The mushroom extract exhibited excellent mosquito larvicidal activity. • Antibacterial effect of mushroom extracts against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosopis cineraria is one of the leguminous trees in arid India, and its pods are known as "Sangri". The study aims to optimize the extraction condition for soluble protein from Sangri seed flour using response surface methodology considering pH (8–12), extraction temperature (30–60 °C) and time (1–3 h) as variables. The optimized condition suggested employing the isoelectric precipitation method at pH 9.81 for 100 min at 60 °C would lead to the maximum soluble protein of 310 g kg−1. The molecular weight of the seed protein concentrate (SPC) was found to be 26.5 kDa exhibiting an amorphous nature having a crystallinity index value of 0.97. The denaturation heat (Δ H) for SPC was 238.16 J/g with a transition enthalpy of 11.5 J/g of protein. The solubility of SPC is 41.5% at pH 7. The water and oil holding capacity of SPC were 3.87 g/g and 1.4 g/g, respectively; whereas, the maximum foaming capacity of SPC was 40.5% at pH 12. The total phenolic content in the concentrate was 2.8 mg GAE/g with an antioxidant capacity of 3.0 mg AAE/g. During the extraction, the antinutrients such as tannin, saponin, and phytate content were reduced by 95, 50, and 42%, respectively. Image 1 • Extraction of Sangri seed protein conc (SPC) was optimized using RSM. • SPC had a good water and oil holding capacity with adequate foam stability. • SPC was thermally stable but its emulsification ability was poor. • SPC was rich in antioxidants with a low content of antinutritional factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of hypoglycemic activity of major saponin constituents from "gymnemic acid", a crude saponin fraction of G. sylvestre, exposed not only two new saponins, gymnemosides a (1) and b (2), but also gymnemoside b and gymnemic acid V (7) as active principles. Furthermore, an acetyl group linked 16- or 22-hydroxy group in 1 and 2 was found to migrate easily to primary 28-hydroxyl group, while acyl migration from 28-hydroxy group in 3 was little observed.