Evaluation of α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Selected Plants | Chapter 2 | Pharmaceutical Science: New Insights and Developments Vol. 10

 

Background: Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), leading to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Naturally occurring inhibitors of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes may offer an effective way to limit the absorption of dietary carbohydrates while causing fewer adverse effects than synthetic drugs. α-amylase helps in the digestion and absorption of dietary starch and causes elevated blood glucose levels.

 

Aims: The present work aims to find natural α-amylase inhibitors derived from plants that have gained popularity as safe and cost-effective alternatives.

 

Study Design: This study investigates the α-amylase inhibitory potential of five medicinal plants (Aerva lanata, Emblica officinalis, Momordica charantia, Musa paradisiaca, and Psidium guajava) traditionally used in diabetes management.

 

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Botany, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

 

Methodology: The α-amylase inhibitory activity of five plant extracts (Aerva lanata, Emblica officinalis, Momordica charantia, Musa paradisiaca, and Psidium guajava) was evaluated at concentrations ranging from 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μg/mL. Metformin was used as a standard antidiabetic drug for comparison. The extracts underwent additional phytochemical analysis to determine their total tannin and total phenolic contents.

 

Results: Our findings demonstrate that these plant extracts exhibit varying degrees of α-amylase inhibitory activity, with Momordica charantia showing the highest inhibition (95.00% ± 0.58% at 100 μg/mL). The inhibitory potential of these extracts correlates with their phenolic and tannin content, suggesting a role for these phytochemicals in α-amylase inhibition. Notably, Emblica officinalis and Psidium guajava also displayed significant inhibitory activity comparable to the standard drug metformin.

 

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the development of novel antidiabetic therapies from natural sources. Further studies are warranted to isolate and characterise the bioactive compounds and elucidate their mechanisms of action. The findings of this study have significant implications for the management of diabetes and the development of natural antidiabetic agents.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Nisha Joseph
Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate College Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

 

A. S. Deepthi
Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate College Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

 

Gokul G. Nair
Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate College Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

 

Merin Grace Jiji
Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Catholicate College Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/psnid/v10/7036

Botanical Defenders: Evaluating the Antibacterial Potential of Allium cepa, Allium sativum, and Solanum trilobatum against Bacterial Flacherie in Bombyx mori L. |Chapter 3 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 3

Bacterial resistance continues to pose a significant global threat, largely driven by the excessive and inappropriate use of conventional antibiotics. This crisis necessitates the development of alternative, eco-friendly antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Botanicals offer several advantages over synthetic drugs, including lower toxicity, reduced side effects, and cost-effectiveness. The present study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of three potent medicinal plants—Allium cepa (onion), Allium sativum (garlic), and Solanum trilobatum—against bacterial flacherie in the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), a disease primarily caused by Bacillus thuringiensis and other pathogenic bacteria. Aqueous extracts of these plants were examined both in vitro and in vivo to assess their antibacterial properties. The results demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains associated with silkworm infections. These findings underline the potential of plant-based formulations as effective, sustainable alternatives for managing bacterial diseases in sericulture. Incorporating phytotherapeutic agents into silkworm health management could reduce dependency on chemical antibiotics and promote environmentally responsible practices.

 

Author (s) Details

G. S. Anantha Selvi
Department of Zoology, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil -629002 Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Shenbagamoorthy Sundarraj

Department of Zoology, V. O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi – 628 008, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v3/5338

Botanical Defenders: Evaluating the Antibacterial Potential of Allium cepa, Allium sativum, and Solanum trilobatum against Bacterial Flacherie in Bombyx mori L. |Chapter 3 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 3

 

Bacterial resistance continues to pose a significant global threat, largely driven by the excessive and inappropriate use of conventional antibiotics. This crisis necessitates the development of alternative, eco-friendly antimicrobial agents, particularly those derived from medicinal plants. Botanicals offer several advantages over synthetic drugs, including lower toxicity, reduced side effects, and cost-effectiveness. The present study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of three potent medicinal plants—Allium cepa (onion), Allium sativum (garlic), and Solanum trilobatum—against bacterial flacherie in the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori L.), a disease primarily caused by Bacillus thuringiensis and other pathogenic bacteria. Aqueous extracts of these plants were examined both in vitro and in vivo to assess their antibacterial properties. The results demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains associated with silkworm infections. These findings underline the potential of plant-based formulations as effective, sustainable alternatives for managing bacterial diseases in sericulture. Incorporating phytotherapeutic agents into silkworm health management could reduce dependency on chemical antibiotics and promote environmentally responsible practices.

 

Author (s) Details

G. S. Anantha Selvi
Department of Zoology, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil -629002 Tamil Nadu, India.

 

Shenbagamoorthy Sundarraj

Department of Zoology, V. O. Chidambaram College, Thoothukudi – 628 008, Tamil Nadu, India.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v3/5338

Acalypha godseffiana Leaves Restore Hydrogen Peroxide-Triggered Reno-hepatic Tissue Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Albino Rats | Chapter 2 | Chemistry and Biochemistry: Research Progress Vol. 3

Background: Oxidative stress is a cellular state characterized by the immoderate release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or weakening of the antioxidant defense system. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can give rise to hydroxyl radicals in cells. H₂O₂ is a highly toxic membrane-permeable metabolic poison that can cause severe bioenergetic dysfunction and cellular damage if allowed to accumulate. Continued exposure to H₂O₂ can lead to the collapse of redox homeostasis and organ failure. Acalypha godseffiana has been traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments and is reported to contain phytochemicals with promising antioxidant and ameliorative properties.

Objective: This study evaluated the efficacy of the aqueous extract of A. godseffiana leaves against H₂O₂-triggered oxidative stress and organ damage in Wistar rats by measuring hepatotoxic biomarkers, nephrotoxicity and the status of the antioxidant defense system.

Study Design: Twenty-five adult Wistar rats weighing 150-200g, randomized into five groups were used in this study. The rats were acclimatized in a temperature-controlled animal house (25 ± 2 °C) under 12 h of light and 12 h of darkness for 10 d before the experiment. The rats were then housed in standard iron cages in groups of five rats each and given ad libitum access to standard food and water. Fresh leaves of A. godseffiana leaves were air-dried, ground into fine powder and used in the preparation of an aqueous extract.

Methodology: Oxidative stress and toxicity were triggered using 5ml of 6% H₂O₂. Treated rats received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of A. godseffiana aqueous leaf extract for 28 days. The rats were fasted for 24 h before sampling and then mildly anesthetized with chloroform. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The serum was separated by centrifugation at 3,000 g for 5 min and kept at −20°C until use for biochemical assay. The liver and kidney were excised and the tissues were preserved in formalin for histological investigations. All methods used in the study followed standard protocol.

Results: There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in plasma levels of L - aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the H₂O₂-treated group as compared with the negative control which recorded 105.00 ± 3.00 and 107.50 ± 7.50 (µ/L) at day 14 and 28 respectively. Plasma AST levels in groups 3 and 4 were 106 ± 1.00 and 111.50 ±1.50 (µ/L) on day 14, and 111.00 ± 1.00 and 108.00 ± 14.00 (µ/L) on day 28 indicating significant improvement when compared with values for the positive control group. The effect of the leaf extract on liver enzyme activity was dose-dependent, with 400mg/kg dose being more effective. The H₂O₂-group showed significant (P<0.05) increases in plasma levels of K-, Na+, Urea, Cl- and HCO₃- as compared with the negative control. A. godseffiana treated rats showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum levels of GSH, Catalase and SOD. Photomicrographs obtained showed histologically distorted liver and kidney tissues in the H₂O₂ group on days 14 and 28. Overall, the architecture of the liver was preserved by the administered aqueous leaf extract of A. godseffiana.

Conclusion: Data obtained from this study suggest that A. godseffiana exhibits promising antioxidant and hepato-protective potency in a dose-dependent manner. This position is supported by previously reported pharmacologically active compounds in A. godseffiana and its positive effects on the hemopoietic system, integrity and function of the liver and kidney in rats. The findings suggest that the leaves of A. godseffiana have the potential to restore reno-hepatic tissue dysfunction and oxidative stress. These potentials should be explored further as it may serve as a future therapy in the management of reno-hepatic tissue dysfunction oxidative stress.

 

Author (s) Details

Samson Eruke Okoro
Department of Biochemistry, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cbrp/v3/4266

Determining the Anti-insect Activities of Solvent Extracts of Andrographis paniculata on the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella (L.)| Chapter 8 | Research Highlights in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 5

 Diamondback worm, Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus.) is a major infection of Brassicaceae crops, causing significant result loss everywhere. The insecticidal activities of Andrographis paniculata firm extracts against diamondback moth were investigated a suggestion of choice to pesticides. Among the extracts tested, insignificant value per cent humanness was observed in hexane extract of A. paniculata at 0.6 per cent aggregation. At 0.6 percent concentrations, intoxicating and ethyl acetate extracts had maximum death rates of 65.00 and 90.00%, respectively. The present study backed the occurrence of bug-specific opposing bioactive compounds in A. paniculata and depicted favored choice of solvent for the extraction of insecticidal elements. It also underpins allure potential as an alternative source of normal compounds for the management of infections.

Author(s) Details:

R. Sangavi,
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India.

Y. S. Johnson Thangaraj Edward,
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

S. Jeyarajan Nelson,
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

M. Paramasivam,
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.

C. Meenambigai,
Department of Agricultural Entomology, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RHAS-V5/article/view/8826

Review on Green Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Potential Applications | Chapter 4 | Research Aspects in Chemical and Materials Sciences Vol. 1

 The fundamental purpose of green synthesis is to decrease chemical waste when synthesising nanoparticles (NPs). Green technology is a way of creating high-potential NPs that may be utilised to overcome application limitations in a range of fields. Compared to chemical synthesis, it is more cost-effective. It is chemical-free, does not require sophisticated equipment, and is quite affordable. Chemical-reducing and capping chemicals are routinely used to make metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), which restricts their biological potential. According to experts, green synthesis is an environmentally benign approach that enhances the unique physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials. We look at how to make metal oxide NPs in a green way and how they may be used in a variety of areas, including energy and the environment, aerospace, and medicine. This critique includes medicine, biotechnology, and other topics. The current paper covers a number of significant benefits of NP production using plant extracts. Because it uses low-cost, non-toxic components, the synthesis approach is both environmentally benign and cost-effective. Metal oxide NP size and shape control are critical techniques for a variety of applications.

Author(s) Details:

G. Vinitha,
Division of Physics, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/RACMS-V1/article/view/7081

Saussurea costus: A Source of Anticancer Bioactives | Chapter 7 | Current Topics in Medicine and Medical Research Vol. 10

 Cancer is the world's second largest cause of death and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million fatalities in 2018. Plant-derived products or extracts are used to treat various illnesses or diseases in folk/traditional medicine. The anticancer function of Saussurea costus and its mode of intervention have been investigated in human breast, colon, and liver cancer cells. The bio-actives developed by S. Extensively extracted costus leaves were investigated for cytotoxic activity against breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), and colon (HCT116) cancer cell lines in five solvents of different polarities. The highest cytotoxicity and hence the greatest anticancer effect on all the cancer cell lines studied were the secondary metabolites extracted in hexane, methanol, ethyl acetate and chloroform solvents, while butanol was comparatively less involved. Further investigations showed that the extract arrested the cells and induced apoptosis in the G1 step of the cell cycle. Elevated pro-apoptotic protein expression and decreased anti-apoptotic protein expression indicated that the intrinsic (mitochondrial) pathway was involved in mediating cancer cell apoptosis upon S treatment. Extract Costus. Such outcomes indicate that the S. Cost extract is the potential source of the secondary metabolites that could be used to treat various breast, colon, and liver cancers as an anti-cancer agent. However for future research on these active ingredients, more assessments, active compound isolation, in vitro and in vivo evaluations are recommended.

Author (s) Details

Dr. Mushtaq A. Mir,
College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, P.O.Box 3665, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia

View Book :- https://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/323