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Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. has been applied to treat inflammatory, metabolic, and infectious diseases. However, the antiobesity effects of B. monosperma (Lam.) Taub. flower (BMF) and the underlying mechanisms have not been determined. In this study, we analyzed the various extraction procedures, investigated the antiobesity effects, and identified the main chemical constituents of BMF. The BMF was subjected to acid hydrolysis in 5% H2SO4 in methanol at 50°C for 48 h and partitioned with ethyl acetate. The acid-hydrolyzed BMF ethyl acetate extracts (BMFE) strongly induced the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) and other thermogenic genes in C3H10T1/2 adipocytes. Daily oral administration of 70 mg/kg BMFE (BMFE70) to mice with diet-induced obesity resulted in less body weight gain, increased glucose tolerance, higher rectal temperature, and increased oxygen consumption. Qualitative and quantitative analyses along with treatments in Akt1 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts indicate that butein is a major active ingredient of BMFE, which stimulates Ucp1 gene expression. These data show the effects of butein-containing B. monosperma flower extract on thermogenesis and energy expenditure, further suggesting the potential role of BMFE as a functional ingredient in obesity and related metabolic diseases.

The objective of present studies deals with the Qualitative estimation of seed of Butea monosperma Lam. By using Chromatography Technique. The phytochemical study of different extract of seed of Butea monosperma Lam. Were observed various active chemical constituent like phytosterol, flavonoid, saponin and sterol etc. Qualitative estimation of Gallic acid, Rutin and Quarcetin was carried out by HPTLC and HPLC system.

Breast cancer is one of the predominant cancers in Indian subcontinent and the global scenario is not very different. Treatment of this type of cancer is possible by chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, which relieve the patient; however, off target activity and severe toxicity of non-cancerous cells remained the major drawbacks of these chemotherapeutics. In order to overcome these issues, modern cancer therapeutics emphasizes the implication of natural bioactive compounds. In this current piece of work, we have studied the anti-cancer potentiality of Butea monosperma flower in in vitro breast cancer cells. Various extracts of this flower were found to be non-toxic to breast epithelial cells but toxic to breast cancer cells. However, the methanol extract of this flower was most effective amongst all other extracts. Data suggest that Butea monosperma flower induce DNA damage mediated apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. It also inhibits the angiogenesis and metastasis in xenograft mice model system. Moreover, the anti-cancer phenomenon was found to be induction of inflammatory cytokines mediated oxidative stress in breast cancer. Collectively, Butea monosperma flower shows excellent cancer therapeutics in order to induce DNA damage, inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis simultaneously.

BackgroundChromobacteriumspecies, through their bioactive molecules, help in combating biotic and abiotic stresses in plants and humans. The present study was aimed to identify, characterize and preserve in natural gums the violet-pigmented bacterial isolate TRFM-24 recovered from the rhizosphere soil of rice collected from Tripura state.ResultsBased on morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolate TFRM-24 was identified asChromobacterium violaceum(NAIMCC-B-02276; MCC 4212). The bacterium is saprophytic, free living and Gram negative. The strain was found positive for production of IAA, cellulase, xylanase and protease, and showed tolerance to salt (2.5%) and drought (-1.2 MPa). However, it showed poor biocontrol activity against soil-borne phytopathogens and nutrient-solubilizing abilitiets.C. violaceumstrain TRFM-24 did not survive on tryptic soya agar (TSA) beyond 12 days between 4 and 32 °C temperature hence a method of preservation of this bacterium was attempted using different natural gums namelyAcacia nilotica(babul),Anogeissus latifolia(dhavda),Boswellia serrata(salai) andButea monosperma(palash) under different temperature regime (6–32 °C). The bacterium survived inbabulgum (gum acacia),dhavdaandsalaisolution at room temperature beyond a year.ConclusionBased on polyphasic approach, a violet-pigmented isolate TRFM-24 was identified asChromobacterim violaceumwhich possessed some attributes of plant and human importance. Further, a simple and low-cost preservation method of strain TRFM-24 at room temperature was developed using natural gums such asbabul,dhavdaandsalaigums which may be the first report to our knowledge.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Palashapushpa churna in the Management of Vatarakta (Gouty Arthritis). Materials and Methods: A single blind clinical trial was conducted at Department of Dravyaguna, Dr.B.R.K.R Govt. Ayurvedic Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad. 30 patients were selected and trial drug was advocated in a dose of 3 gm Palashapushpa churna twice a day with water as Anupana. Treatment was given for 45 days with the result assessment recorded at every 15 days. Subjective and objective parameters were analyzed before and after the treatment. In subjective parameters Shula, Daha, Shotha, Raga, Sthabdata are taken, while Serum uric acid levels is considered as objective parameter. Results: Out of 30 patients, Sula, Daha, Shotha, Sthabdata was found in all patients, Raga was found in 6 patients, which suggests the severity of condition. After treatment it was observed that Sula is found to be relieved by 93.33% of patients, Daha and Shotha is found to be relieved by 60%, Raga is found to be relieved by20% of patients, Sandhi stabdata is found to be relieved by 80% of patients . It is observed that Sandhi shula and Sandhi sthabdata was got good relief, Sandhi daha and Sandhi shotha was got moderate relief. Sandhi raga was got mild relief. The average serum uric acid levels in the patients of Vatarakta before the treatment is 2.13 after the treatment with administration of Palashapushpa churna orally it was brought down to the average of 1.13. The average decrease in the levels of uric acid with highly significant (P

Ayurveda is one of the oldest and holistic science. Herbal medicines have a long therapeutic history; serving many of the health needs of large population of the world. However, the quality control and assurance remains as a challenge due to the high discrepancy of chemical components involved. In Ayurvedic texts, several formulations have been mentioned in Prameha (Diabetes Mellitus). Kimshukatvagadi is one such formulation mentioned in Sahasrayoga Vati Prakarana adhyaya. It contains Palash (Butea monosperma Lam.), Haridra (Curcuma longa L.), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis L.), Kataka (Strychnos potatorum L.f.), Vairi (Salacia reticulata Wight). Kimshukatvagadi Vati was converted into Ghana to increase its potency and then it was sealed into Capsule for increasing the shelf life, making it easy to dispense, dose fixation etc. Kimshukatvagadi Ghana Capsule was subjected to organoleptic analysis, phytochemical and qualitative analysis to detect the presence of various functional groups, and to high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) examination by optimizing the solvent systems.

The popularity of natural dyes is increasing day by day due to their properties such as soothing colors, non carcinogenic, non hazardous and safe for environment. Some natural dyes also have been reported antibacterial properties. In present research work flowers of Butea monosperma and Tagetes erecta were used for dye extraction. Banana pseudostem sap and Punica granatum rind taken as biomordant. High performance thin layer chromatography was conducted for identification of components of Butea monosperma, Tagetes erecta, Banana (Musa sp.) pseudostem sap and Punica granatum rind. Dyeing of two types of cotton fabrics performed at pre-optimized conditions. The antibacterial activity of dyed fabrics was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Research finding supported the usage of Butea monosperma, Tagetes erecta, Banana (Musa sp.) pseudostem sap and Punica granatum rind in textile dyeing process.

The present paper highlights the importance of lac cultivation through Butea monosperma. We have modelled the suitable habitat of major lac host B. monosperma using MAXENT for the current and future climatic scenarios (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5). The study suggested the dominance of suitable habitats of B. monosperma in central-eastern to eastern and southern parts of the country. Temperature seasonality (Bio_4) was the most significant bioclimatic variable in regulating the distribution of B. monosperma followed by elevation and annual precipitation (Bio_13). The projection for the year 2050 suggested the habitat shift towards the eastern and southern parts. The study indicated the major habitat of B. monosperma continued to exist in the Chotanagpur plateau in eastern India. The model predicted approximately a 9–13% decrease in the overall potential habitat of B. monosperma by 2050, and the distribution of species would be nearly extinct from the northern and western parts. Presently, only the 5% lac host trees are being utilised for lac cultivation, and the study suggested that conservation and promotion of B. monosperma on projected suitable habitats and even by utilising 25% of resources, the lac production may jump manifold catering to global demand, rural economy and employment and shall contribute towards ‘Self Reliant India’.

With the developing time, there is a tremendous need to deliver highly potential antimicrobial drugs and treatment from different herbaceous plants because plants are now days commonly used to provide resistance against disease-causing pathogens. This study has been done by using agar well diffusion method. The bacterial along with fungal strains were collected and were cultured on agar plates. Afterwards, these plates were put in incubate for 24 hours at 370C temperature. Within this duration, the zones were developing all around the plates, wherever plant extracts were poured. The activities of microorganisms were measured by using inhibition diameter zones. The inhibition zones were shown clearly on petri plates. Antimicrobial activities of plant extracts of Artemissia absinthium and Butea monosperma tested against bacterial and fungal strains viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli as well as fungal strains were also used viz. Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporum.

The present study was undertaken to determine the presence of phytochemicals in the flowers and chlorophyll content in the leaves of Butea monosperma in South-eastern Rajasthan, India. Butea monosperma is a large deciduous tree popularly known as Flame of the Forest, belongs to family Fabaceae. Almost all the parts of the plant namely root, leaves, fruit, stem bark, flowers, gum are used as medicine, food, fibre and for other miscellaneous purposes such as fish poison, dye, fodder, utensils, etc. Samples of flowers and leaves were collected from 4 different locations (Kota, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar district) from south-eastern Rajasthan, and 12 different individuals of Butea monosperma trees (3 individuals from each site). Methanol and ethanol were used to extract and screening of phytochemicals present in flowers and leaves. The present results revealed that flowers of Butea monosperma indicate the presence of phenol, alkaloid, flavonoid, anthocyanin, xanthophyll, saponins, β-carotene, lycopene, total carotenoid in the methanol extract whereas the flowers subjected to extract with ethanol indicate the presence of phenol, alkaloid, flavonoid, xanthophyll, saponins, β-carotene, lycopene and total carotenoid. Chlorophyll content analysis showed that leaf of Butea monosperma had chlorophyll-a (1.91±0.02), chlorophyll-b (1.26±0.03) and total chlorophyll (3.18±0.03). The presence of phytochemical in the flower might find application for medicinal purpose and presence of chlorophyll pigment suggest the photosynthetic efficacy of plant.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Arsenic exposure through food causes genotoxic effects in vivo. • Sub chronic exposure to Arsenic causes pre-cancerous changes. • C. olitorious & B. monosperma have significant nephro & hepato protective potential. • Protective effect of both plants species is evident in molecular level. • Potent use as readily available food supplement to minimize Arsenic toxicity., Millions of people around the world are chronically exposed to Arsenic (As) through food and drinking water. Studies revealed that Arsenic is genotoxic and causes damage to DNA. In this study, we evaluated Corchorus olitorius and Butea monosperma for their alleviative properties against Arsenic induced genotoxicity in vivo using Wistar Rat model. Arsenic exposed rats were given C. olitorius leaf powder and B. monosperma flower powder as supplementation with normal food. Methylation status of p53 promoter was measured using Methylation Sensitive Restriction Endonuclease PCR (MSRE-PCR) assay and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number as well as occurrence of a common deletion in mtDNA in liver and kidney tissue was determined through quantitative realtime PCR (qPCR). Arsenic exposed rats after supplementation showed relatively less severe effects of toxicity evident by significantly higher amount of (p

Forestry and greening programs in urban area are faced due to lack of awareness about multiple roles/benefits of trees, especially their role in drought proofing, prevention of soil and water run-off, degraded land restoration, livelihood security and sustainable development. In this regard, Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taubert, a medium-sized legume tree species, has gained much importance because of its multipurpose usage and well adaptability to forestry programs. We have documented the importance of Butea monosperma by surveys and compared with available literature. During the exhaustive surveys, 250 locals were interviewed between 2014 and 2016. We recorded maximum information of Butea monosperma viz. botanical description, traditional knowledge, commercial status, medicinal values and ecological importance. Globally, a reduction in its distribution has categorized it as an endangered species; the main reasons are overexploitation and inadequate awareness. Thus, the present paper deals with the beneficial uses and effectiveness of Butea monosperma for urban forestry and greening which could lead to generate interest in rising demand and value to broaden the scope for conservation, value addition and identification of multipurpose species.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant activity, α-amylase inhibition activity, estimation of total phenolic and flavonoid content and the toxicity in ten medicinal plants Woodfordia fructicosa, Tectaria coadunate, Prunus cerasoides, Abrus precatorius, Eclipta prostrate, Poranopsis paniculata, Chenopodium album, Oroxylum indicum, Curcuma caesia, and Butea monosperma collected from Gorkha District of Nepal. Methanolic extracts of all the plants showed the presence of different phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides, and quinones. The highest radical scavenging was observed in methanol extract of P. cerasoides with IC50 = 7.54±0.223 µg/ml. The potency of the radical scavenging effect of P. cerasoides was about six times greater than standard ascorbic acid (39.85±0.025 µg/ml) taken. P. cerasoides showed high phenol content (805.48±0.024 mg GAE/g extract) whereas total flavonoid content varied from O. indicum (16.96±0.015 mg QE/g extract) to W. fructicosa (722.76±0.108 mg QE/g extract). The methanol extract of E. prostrate was found to be toxic against brine shrimp as shown in the LC50 value of 6.3 µg/ml. T. coadunate and A. precatorius showed effective results with an IC50 value of 80.89 and 70.29 µg/ml respectively in α-amylase inhibition test. This study provides some scientific support for traditional uses of plants for diabetes management and other ailments. Since extracts of W. fructicosa and P. cerasoides are rich sources of bioactive chemical constituents, further in-vitro and in-vivo bioactivity of these extracts need to be studied for their exact mechanism of action. Key words: Antioxidant, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), phenolic content, flavonoid content, inhibition.

Natural dyes are emerging globally as eco-friendly synthetic colorant. Natural dyeing is process of applying coloring matter directly on fiber, yarn or fabric without any additives. Butea monosperma (Lam.)Taub. is one of most important ornamental plants mainly grow in forest and rich in orange pigments. In the present study, the dyeing pigments present in naturally drop flowers of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Extraction by using four different Mordant with aqueous extraction method and one Ethno botanical local method on cotton-polyester mix fabric. The result revealed that, different color like light yellow, orange, brown, cream etc. were obtained from the dye when subjected to Mordant. The crud flower petals dye after further purification and refining has tremendous scope as medicine and also serve a coloring material in soft drink and other food product like jam, chow main, noodles, sausage etc. Natural dye from the flower of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. In the field of textile, food item and pharmaceutical industry.

Silver nanoparticles (Hematite (α-Fe2O3) have been used as an antimicrobial and as disinfectant. Nevertheless, there is limited data about its antitumor potential. This study focused on investigating the cytotoxic effects of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) from Butea monosperma flower extract on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and its mechanism of action. Green method was created for the synthesis of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) using an aqueous extract of B. monosperma flower. Synthesis of hematite (α-Fe2O3) was described by different analytical techniques including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Cell viability was determined by the 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-a 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured using probe 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and intracellular calcium (Cai2+) was evaluated with probe flu3-AM. Cells were treated with different concentrations of hematite (α-Fe2O3) (1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 50 and 100 μg/mL). The results showed that hematite (α-Fe2O3) hindered cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Hematite (α-Fe2O3) appeared to have dose-dependent cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells through activation of the ROS generation and an increase in the intracellular Cai2+ (IC50 52 ± 3.14). In conclusion, the results of this preliminary study demonstrated that hematite (α-Fe2O3) from B. monosperma flower extract may be a potential therapeutic potential medicament for human breast cancer treatment. Key words: Cytotoxicity, MCF-7 cell line, Butea monosperma, Hematite (α-Fe2O3), nanoparticles.

The fructophilic bacterium Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 described in the present investigation was isolated from the nectar of Butea monosperma flower and evaluated in vitro for the manifestation of probiotic features. The strain utilizes fructose faster than glucose and is capable to grow in the range of 1-35% fructose concentration (optimum 5% w/v) and thus denotes its fructophilic nature. In vitro assessments of the strain have examined for the endurance in acidic environment/gastric juice, the better auto-aggregation ability even in the presence of hydrolytic enzymes, co-aggregation with pathogenic bacteria, hydrophobicity properties and no haemolytic activity to elucidate its feasible probiotic use. The significant antagonistic activity against several detrimental bacteria, despite lacking the bacteriocin secretion, is an astonishing feature. Owing to the indigenous origin of the isolate, it could be used as a probiotic, starter culture, and/or the active ingredient of food formulation may contribute to improve the desirable fermentation, long-term storage and nutritional benefits of foods especially rich in fructose. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provided in vitro evidence that Fructobacillus fructosus MCC 3996 have endurance in acidic gastric juice, better co-aggregation, auto-aggregation properties, splendid antagonistic activities against several bacteria involved in food spoilage/human infections, pertinent antibiotic susceptibility profile and no haemolytic activity. Also, F. fructosus have the capability to survive in the appreciable amount of fructose, and this advocates that the strain could be used as starter culture and/or the active ingredient of fructose-rich foods. The current in vitro study provided a strong basis for further in vivo research to identify the health beneficial characteristics of F. fructosus and its potential could be effectively utilized as health-boosting ingredient in food and pharmaceutical industries.

The incompetence of conventional antibiotics against bacteria residing in biofilms demands newer therapeutic intervention. In this study, we demonstrated that the interaction between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Butea monosperma seed lectin (BMSL) forms efficient surface-functionalized AgNPs with excellent antibiofilm competency against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) of AgNPs and the BMSL-AgNP conjugate (BAgNP) against UPEC was 75 and 9.37 μM, respectively. The eight-fold reduction in the MBIC of AgNPs was attributed to lectin functionalization. The chemical modification of serine amino acids affects the hemagglutination activity of BMSL but not its interaction with the AgNPs. At the same time, AgNPs surface-functionalized with modified BMSL display poor antibiofilm activity. Molecular docking studies revealed that BMSL binds to galactose with a free energy of -5.72 kcal/mol, whereas the serine residue-modified BMSL showed the lowest free energy values, suggesting incompetence for binding galactose. These results showcase that the sugar binding site of BMSL aids in the adhesion of AgNPs to the biofilm matrix and disturbs the formation of the biofilm, which was confirmed by light microscopy using crystal violet staining. At 37.5 μM, BAgNPs also have the capability to eradicate preformed biofilm. As a proof of concept, UPEC biofilm prevention and eradication were demonstrated on a urinary catheter. A scanning electron microscopy study showed that BAgNPs prevent bacterial colonization and thereby curtail biofilm growth. In addition to antibiofilm activity, BAgNPs exert antibacterial activity at 18.75 μM, which is four-fold lower than the MIC of AgNPs. A mechanistic study revealed that BAgNPs affect the integrity of the bacterial outer membrane and generate an imbalance in the antioxidant defense, which induces cell death. The results highlight that lectin functionalization can be extended to other nanoparticles and different antibiotics to enhance their efficacy against drug-resistant bacteria.

The green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles is the simplest, affordable and eco-friendly approach, which attracted researchers because of their immense applications. The plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles plays an important role in the field of nanobiotechnology as they devoid of harmful chemicals. Plenty of reports were available on synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the vegetative parts of plant especially foliar/leaf parts but reports on floral/flower parts utilized for silver nanoparticles synthesis were limited. Although flowers were found as potential source of many important phytochemicals which can be used for treatments of many diseases and Butea monosperma Lam. Flowers were utilized for curing several diseases so, here its extract were used for synthesis of silver nanoparticles by using it as capping and stabilizing agent. The present study, deals with synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Butea monosperma Lam. Flower extracts through greener approach and then synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV- visible spectrometry, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) which confirms its synthesis from silver metal. Further, the anti-bacterial properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied, and the results revealed that the flower mediated silver nanoparticles had showed strong anti-bacterial activity against Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus.

Since ancient times, plants have been model source of medicines as they are a reservoir of chemical agents with therapeutic properties. The general population is increasingly using herbal medicines as dietary supplements to relieve and treat many different human disorders. All parts of the plant, from root to fruit, consisting of a multitude of secondary metabolites which impart an unprecedented variety of medicinal uses to the plant. Studies have shown the presence of different phytochemical constituents in botanical sample responsible for the antimicrobial activity. These antimicrobial agents should be beneficial to host cells and toxic to pathogenic microbes. Hence, the antibacterial activity was examined from the leaf and flower of Butea monosperma. Sample was collected and its crude extract was obtained by using methanol, acetone and water as the extraction solvent. These extract were tested against some pathogenic microorganisms like Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereusa and B. subtilis. The extract of Butea monosperma showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereusa and B. subtilis. Bio-chemical test for the presence of phytochemicals have shown positive result and these phytochemicals have ability to fight against microorganisms or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. This approach will be an advanced step in the discovery of some herbal drugs. These plant extracts which was proven to be potentially effective can be used as a natural alternative to the chemical preservatives. It could be an ideal way to avoid health hazards that may occur due to chemical antimicrobial agents.

Background: Butea monosperma is an economically and medicinally important plant that grows all over India, however, the plant is highly susceptible to termite attack. The present study unravelled the bacterial community composition and their functional attributions from the termite degraded Butea. Methods: Total genomic DNA from termite degraded Butea monosperma samples was extracted and subjected to sequencing on Illumina's Miseq. The raw and unassembled reads obtained from high-throughput sequencing were used for taxonomic and functional profiling using different online and stand-alone softwares. Moreover, to ascertain the effect of different geographical locations and environmental factors, comparative analysis was performed using four other publically available metagenomes. Results: The higher abundance of Actinobacteria (21.27%), Proteobacteria (14.18%), Firmicutes (10.46%), and Bacteroidetes (4.11%) was found at the phylum level. The genus level was dominated by Bacillus (4.33%), Gemmatimonas (3.13%), Mycobacterium (1.82%), Acidimicrobium (1.69%), Thermoleophilum (1.23%), Nocardioides (1.44%), Terrimonas and Acidithermus (1.09%) and Clostridium (1.05%). Functional annotation of the termite degraded B. monosperma metagenome revealed a high abundance of ammonia oxidizers, sulfate reducers, dehalogenators, nitrate reducers, sulfide oxidizers, xylan degraders, nitrogen fixers and chitin degraders. Conclusion: The present study highlights the significance of the inherent microbiome of the degraded Butea shaping the microbial communities for effective degradation of biomass and different environmental toxicants. The unknown bacterial communities present in the sample can serve as enzyme sources for lignocelluloses degradation for biofuel production.

The disposition of a drug in a biological system may be altered by complex biological fluids; especially, protein binding to drugs influences their activity. Herein, we demonstrated a convenient method involving the noncovalent formulation of butea monosperma seed lectin (BMSL) with an antimicrobial lipid, cationic N-acylethanolamine (cNAE) to mitigate the serum protein interference. Fluorescence spectroscopy and molecular docking study revealed that cNAEs readily formed noncovalent complexes with serum protein, bovine serum albumin. The resulting complexes interfered with the antimicrobial activity of cNAEs. Strikingly, the noncovalent conjugates developed with BMSL and cNAEs (BcNAE) overcame the interference from serum protein and displayed remarkable antimicrobial activity against uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Strikingly, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the lectin conjugates (7.81 μM) was 4-fold lower than the MIC of pure cNAE. Mechanistic studies showed that BcNAE depolarized the bacterial membrane and affected the integrity to exert the antimicrobial activity. The membrane directed activities of BcNAE on UPEC efficiently eliminated the development of resistance even after 25 passages. The hemocompatibility results and the biosafety assessed in a zebrafish model suggested that BcNAE was nontoxic with good selectivity to bacteria. While testing the therapeutic efficacy against UPEC infected zebrafish, we found that 1× MIC cNAE is ineffective due to interference from biological fluids, which is in agreement with in vitro studies. Remarkably, the infected fish treated with 1× MIC BcNAE conjugates were rescued from infection and restored to the normal life in less than 9 h. Bacterial colony count assay revealed that BcNAE was more efficient in overcoming the biological fluid interference and eliminated the bacterial burden in infected zebrafish. Histopathology analysis supported that BcNAE treatment restored the pathological changes induced by UPEC and, thus, increased survival. The high antimicrobial intensity with limited chance for resistance development and potential to overcome biomolecular interference with a lack of toxicity enhance the merits of exploring lectin conjugates against infectious pathogens.

Plant lectins are widely used in medical glycosciences and glycotechnology. Many lectin-based techniques have been applied for the detection of disease-associated glycans and glycoconjugates. In this study, Butea monosperma agglutinin (BMA), a lectin purified from seeds of the medicinal plant Butea monosperma, was used for the detection of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)-associated glycans. Expression of BMA-binding N-acetyl galactosamine/galactose (GalNAc/Gal)-associated glycan (BMAG) in CCA tissues was determined using BMA lectin histochemistry, the results showed that BMAG was undetectable in normal bile ducts and drastically increased in preneoplastic bile ducts and CCA. The study in hamsters showed that an increase of BMAG was associated with carcinogenesis of CCA. Using an in-house double BMA sandwich enzyme-linked lectin assay, BMAG was highly detected in the sera of CCA patients. The level of serum BMAG in CCA patients (N = 83) was significantly higher than non-CCA controls (N = 287) and it was applicable for diagnosis of CCA with 55.4% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity, and 76.0% accuracy. A high level of serum BMAG (≥82.5 AU/mL) was associated with unfavorable survival of CCA patients, this information suggested the potential of serum BMAG as a poor prognostic indicator of CCA. In summary, BMAG was aberrantly expressed in preneoplastic bile ducts and CCA, it was also highly detected in patient serum which potentially used as a marker for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CCA.

Plant lectins are widely used in medical glycosciences and glycotechnology. Many lectin-based techniques have been applied for the detection of disease-associated glycans and glycoconjugates. In this study, Butea monosperma agglutinin (BMA), a lectin purified from seeds of the medicinal plant Butea monosperma, was used for the detection of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA)-associated glycans. Expression of BMA-binding N-acetyl galactosamine/galactose (GalNAc/Gal)-associated glycan (BMAG) in CCA tissues was determined using BMA lectin histochemistry; the results showed that BMAG was undetectable in normal bile ducts and drastically increased in preneoplastic bile ducts and CCA. The study in hamsters showed that an increase of BMAG was associated with carcinogenesis of CCA. Using an in-house double BMA sandwich enzyme-linked lectin assay, BMAG was highly detected in the sera of CCA patients. The level of serum BMAG in CCA patients (N = 83) was significantly higher than non-CCA controls (N = 287) and it was applicable for diagnosis of CCA with 55.4% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity, and 76.0% accuracy. A high level of serum BMAG (≥82.5 AU/mL) was associated with unfavorable survival of CCA patients; this information suggested the potential of serum BMAG as a poor prognostic indicator of CCA. In summary, BMAG was aberrantly expressed in preneoplastic bile ducts and CCA, it was also highly detected in patient serum which potentially used as a marker for diagnosis and prognostic prediction of CCA.

Cantharidin is a potent natural protein phosphatase monoterpene anhydride inhibitor secreted by several species of blister beetle, with its demethylated anhydride analogue, (S)-palasonin, occurring as a constituent of the higher plant Butea frondosa. Cantharidin shows both potent protein phosphatase inhibitory and cancer cell cytotoxic activities, but possible preclinical development of this anhydride has been limited thus far by its toxicity. Thus, several synthetic derivatives of cantharidin have been prepared, of which some compounds exhibit improved antitumor potential and may have use as lead compounds. In the present review, the potential antitumor activity, structure-activity relationships, and development of cantharidin-based anticancer drug conjugates are summarized, with protein phosphatase-related and other types of mechanisms of action discussed. Protein phosphatases play a key role in the tumor microenvironment, and thus described herein is also the potential for developing new tumor microenvironment-targeted cancer chemotherapeutic agents, based on cantharidin and its naturally occurring analogues and synthetic derivatives.

Skin is envelope of our body expressing the harmony inside, it is one of the five dnyanendriyas as told by Ayurveda, which is responsible for the perception of touch. It also performs the functions such as protection of body against physical, chemical, mechanical and biological injuries; thermoregulation etc. One of the most notable components of skin, that contributes to complexion is a pigment known as melanin. When melanin is less or absent in skin leads to hypopigmentary disorder. Shvitra is Hypopigmentary disorder of skin, in which shukla varna appeared on the skin. Acharya Charaka stated that shukla varna comes under the vikruta varna. In Ayurveda more than 600 medicinal plant are included as drug, and they are used either alone or in combination with each other to alleviate the disorders. Palash is one of them, Palash belonging to family Fabaceae, Palash is katu, tikta and kashay in rasa. Its viapk is katu and veerya is ushna, it alleviates kapha and vata dosha but aggravates pitta dosha, in literature it is found that palash is useful in many diseases like trushna, atisar, jwar, charmarog, kushtha, apasmar and prameha. Acharya Vagbhat stated in Ashtang Hridaya, that palash is used in shvitra chikitsa, Vagbhata included palash in Asanadi gana. A number of medicine are mentioned for management of shvitra. Like psoralen, ultra violet therapy and corticosteroids in the treatment of shvitra, but they are associated with side effects. Hence, there is need to develop effective medicinal plant for the management of shvitra.

Butea monosperma is a medicinal plant extensively used in ayurveda and is known for its medicinal applications. Butea monosperma seed powder is used for treating various health ailments including cancer. Although, most parts of the plant are being used in medicine none of them except for seeds are known to contain lectins. A lectin from seeds has been reported earlier, however it was not tested for its anticancer properties. Since plant lectins are known for their anticancer properties, in order to explore anticancer potential of B. monosperma a legume lectin was purified from seeds in a single step by nine fold, by a modified method using affinity chromatography on lactose-Sepharose 4B column and tested for its anticancer properties against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. SDS PAGE of BML reveals two bands with Mr of 32 and 34 kDa and a minor band of 67 kDa similar to earlier reported BML. Hapten inhibition assay shows that lectin is specific to GalNAc, galactose, lactose and D-Fucose. BML shows strong binding to Hep G2 cells with MFI of 476. MTT assay showed growth inhibitory effect on Hep G2 cells by BML, PTL1 and PTL2 in a dose and time dependent manner. Growth inhibitory effect of BML on Hep G2 cells was compared with two legume lectins, PTL1 and PTL2 from Psophocarpus tetragonolobus of Fabaceae Family. BML, PTL1 and PTL2 showed growth inhibitory effect on Hep G2 cells. The presence of lectin, in B. monosperma seeds contribute for its anticancer properties.

Tree growth rate can complicate our understandings of plant belowground responses to elevated CO2 (eCO2) in tropical ecosystems. We studied the effects of eCO2 on plant growth parameters, and rhizospheric soil properties including soil organic carbon (SOC), glomalin related soil protein (GRSP), microbial biomass C (Cmic), CO2 efflux (Cefflux), and microbial extracellular enzyme activities under two tropical tree saplings of fast-growing Tectona grandis (Teak) and slow-growing Butea monosperma (Butea). We exposed these saplings to eCO2 (∼550 ppm) and ambient CO2 (aCO2; ∼395 ppm) in the Indo-Gangetic plain region, and further (after 10 and 46 months) measured the changes in their rhizospheric soil properties. With respect to aCO2 treatment, eCO2 significantly increased plant height, stem and shoot weight, and total plant biomass of Teak. However, these plant traits did not considerably differed between eCO2 and aCO2 treatments of Butea. The eCO2 induced greater extent of increase in rhizospheric soil properties including SOC fractions (particulate OC, non-particulate OC and total OC), GRSP fractions (easily extractable- GRSP, difficulty extractable- GRSP and total- GRSP), Cmic, Cefflux and extracellular enzyme activities (phosphatase, dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase and fluorescein diacetate) were observed under Teak compared with Butea. Compared with aCO2 treatment, eCO2 slightly reduced soil available N and P under the Teak, but no changes were apparent between eCO2 and aCO2 treatments of the Butea. The greater extent of responses from soil variables observed after longer period (46 months) of CO2 exposure. The multivariate analysis confirmed that eCO2 treatment with Teak is more responsive compared with other treatments of Teak and Butea. This contrasting rhizospheric soil feedback to eCO2 between two tropical trees, suggesting fast-growing species will be more responsive to future climate. Such species will have a competitive advantage over coexisting less responsive species (e.g. Butea) under future eCO2 climate.

The plant Butea monosperma (Palas) popularly known as 'dhak' or 'palas' and commonly known as ‘Flame of forest’ belongs to family Fabaceae. This herb is indigenous to India. The plant is traditionally reported to possess astringent, bitter, alterative, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, antibacterial and anti-asthmatic, anthelmintic, anti-conceptive, anti-convulsive, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-estrogenic, anti-fertility, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-stress, chemopreventive, hepatoprotective. The present research investigation was envisaged on pharmacognostical standardization, formulation and evaluation of tablets incorporated with methanolic extract of stem bark Butea monosperma for anti cancer activity. Conventional release tablets of methanolic extract of Butea monosperma stem bark (MEBMSB) were formulated using Microcrystalline Cellulose as a filler and PVP-k30 as a binder by direct compression method. Finally from this research investigation it can be concluded that methanolic extract of Butea monosperma stem bark has moderate anti-cancer activity when compare to standards and be suggested as a better substitute for the synthetic anti cancer drugs. Keywords: Butea monosperma, anti cancer activity, MTT assay, EAC cells, DAC cells, HepG2 cell lines.

Infusions, decoctions and tinctures were prepared from flowers of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. and Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poiret and evaluated for in vitro inhibition of enzymes implicated on the onset of neurological diseases (acetylcholinesterase: AChE and butyrylcholinesterase: BuChE), diabetes (alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase), obesity (lipase) and skin hyperpigmentation (tyrosinase). Extracts were also appraised for radical scavenging activity (RSA) on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, and for metal chelating activity on copper and iron ions. Samples were evaluated for their total contents in different phenolics groups by spectrophotometric methods, for phenolic profile by high performance liquid chromatography e diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and for mineral contents by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AE). Regarding B. monosperma, the tincture allowed for a moderate inhibition of AChE, the decoction was able to inhibit alpha-glucosidase and no activity was observed towards BuChE, alpha-amylase or lipase. All extracts had a low or moderate inhibition towards tyrosinase, and significant RSA and metal chelating potential. As for S. grandiflora, only the decoction inhibited AChE, none of the extracts was able to inhibit BuChE, all samples inhibited alpha-glucosidase and infusions and decoctions had similar inhibitory properties towards alpha-amylase. None of the extracts was active against lipase, but all were able to inhibit tyrosinase. Extracts had also significant RSA, moderate copper chelation and decoctions had the capacity to chelate iron. The most abundant macroelements in both species were potassium and calcium, while iron was the prevalent microelement, especially in B. monosperma. Both species had significant levels of phenolic compounds, and the main components in decoctions and infusions of B. monosperma were syringic and salicylic acids, while the major compound identified in tinctures was the flavonoid luteolin-7-O-glucoside. In S. grandiflora the most abundant were chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids and catechin hydrate. Molecular docking studies on the most abundant molecules in S. grandiflora, (+)-catechin, chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, indicate that these compounds are able to dock to alpha-glucosidase in a similar manner than acarbose. Our results suggest that flowers of both species are a promising source of high value-added compounds with enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties. (c) 2018 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT)Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology Portuguese National Budget [CCMAR/Multi/04326] FCT Investigator Programme [IF/00049/2012] FCTPortuguese Foundation for Science and Technology [SFRH/BD/94407/2013, SFRH/BD/116604/2016]

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical present in various solvent extracts from leaves of Ocimum sanctum (L.), Swertia chirayita (L.), Butea monosperma (Lam.) and Stevia rebaudiana (Bert.) as well as antioxidant and anticholinergic activities employing different in vitro models. Methods: Total phenol content of diethyl ether, chloroform and methanolic extracts obtained from leaves of different medicinal plants was determined by Folin-Ciocalteau's spectrophotometric method. Moreover, antioxidant and anticholinergic studies were conducted by four different in vitro methods which included diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbezoline-6-sulphonic acid), reducing activity by ferrous reduced antioxidant power and anti-acetylcholinesterase assay, in order to ensure pharmacological potential of the plants. Results: The methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum showed the highest total phenol content which was (21.13±1.04) GAE/g DW and antioxidant activities compared to other plants with the IC50 value of 40.43 μg/mL in diphenyl picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay and 53.5 μg/mL in 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbezoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay as well as metal ion reduced by (78.22±0.38) TE/g DW in ferrous reduced antioxidant power assay. The inhibition percentage of the anti-acetylcholinesterase assay was (94.22±0.26)%. Conclusions: The results of our current study show that Ocimum sanctum leaf is the most significant source of phytochemicals that possesses antioxidant and anticholinergic properties. However, further investigation on isolation and characterization of active compound which is responsible for the pharmacological potential is needed.

This study was conducted to observe the seasonal variation trend in leaf chlorophyll a fluorescence of Butea monosperma tree belonging to Fabaceae family. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters taken ...

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. is an ethnomedicinal tree of remedial value in the treatment of diabetes, bone fractures, and liver and neurological disorders. However, the information available on D...

The main of our study is to evaluate the Wound Healing Potential of Methanolic Extract of Flowers of Butea monosperma Linn. in Diabetic Animals. Methanolic extract was prepared by continuous hot extraction method by soxhlet apparatus. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds and some glycosides. Diabetes was induced by single injection of Alloxan monohydrate in Wistar albino rats and their blood glucose levels were measured. Excision wound model was used for creation of wound in diabetic animals and methanolic extract was administered in diabetic animals to observe its effect. Methanolic extract significantly lowered the blood glucose level and highly significantly showed wound contraction in diabetic animals. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the Butea monosperma flower extract showed the presence of tannins, flavonoids and triterpenoids. As per previous literature survey, flavonoids are responsible for anti-diabetic and wound healing activity. So this wound healing effect of Butea monosperma may be due to presence of flavonoids in plant. Hence present research supports traditional claims of the plant in wound healing. Keywords: Butea monosperma, Diabetic animals, Alloxan monohydrate, Methanolic Extract, Wound Area

In India, Madhya Pradesh is the third largest lac producing state after Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, as they contribute 12, 16 and 60%, respectively in total country’s lac production. Lac is produced in ten out of eleven agro-climatic zones of Madhya Pradesh. In total lac production of the state, Baisakhi (Butea monosperma, inoculated in October-November) crop contributes 76% followed by 19% by Katki (Butea monosperma, inoculated in June-July), 3% by Aghani (Schleichera oleosa, inoculated in June-July) and 2% by Jethwi (Schleichera oleosa, inoculated in January-February). Ranchi was leading lac producing district followed by Simdega, Gumla, Khunti of Jharkhand and Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh. Increasing summer temperature up to 45 ⁰C, the country’s lac production was declined from 20,050 tons in 2003-04 to 16978 tons in 2014-15. In case of biotic factors, Tachardiaephagus tachardiae and Tetrastichus purpureus are the most abundant lac associated parasites and Eublemma amabilis and Pseudohypatopa pulverea are the most destructive key predators of lac insects. By combating these hindrances, lac cultivation generated an employment for 16-160 man days. Lac cultivation produces maximum gross return (Rs. 9,77,600) from 100 Kusum host plants, and the highest Benefit-Cost (6.80) ratio was recorded for Ber-kusumi (Ziziphus mauritiana- Schleichera oleosa) crop in Ranchi, Jharkhand. In this context, the study finds out obstacles in lac production of India and suggests some control measures to improve lac producing peoples’ livelihood.

An ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid triple-quadrupole linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QqQLIT-MS-MS) method in multiple reaction monitoring mode was developed for identification and simultaneous determination of potential osteogenic compounds in ethanol extracts of different plant parts of Butea monosperma collected from different geographical regions. The chromatographic separation was carried out on an Acquity UPLC CSH C18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 × 100 mm) with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water and methanol as mobile phase under gradient conditions in 8 min. The developed method was validated according to the guidelines of international conference on harmonization. The correlation coefficients of all the calibration curves were ≥0.9995 and recoveries ranged from 95.2 to 105.8% (RSD ≤ 1.95%). Relative standard deviations of intra-day, inter-day precisions and stability were ≤1.74, 1.84 and 2.8%, respectively. The quantitative results showed remarkable differences in the content of all potential osteogenic compounds in different parts of the plant as well as samples from different geographical regions. Quantitative variations studied from principal component analysis indicated tentative markers for B. monosperma cultivars which can discriminate sample of different geographical regions.