Mosquitocidal properties of Solanum trilobatum L.(Solanaceae) leaf extracts against,three important human vector mosquitoes(Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective:To determine the larvicidal and pupicidal activites of Solanum trilobatum(S. trilobatum) leaf extracts against Aedes aegypti(Ae.aegypti),Culex quinquefasciatus(Cx. quinquefasciatus) and Anopheles stephensi(An.stephensi).Methods:The larvicidal and pupucidal was determined at five different concentrations of 50,100,150,200 and 250 ppm.Percentage of larval mortality was assessed after 48 h.Results:Methanol extracts of S.trilobatum was found to be more susceptible against the larvae of Ae.aegypti.Cx.quinquefasciatus and An.stephensi at 250 ppm with a LC_(50) value of 125.43,127.77 and 116.64 ppm respectively.Leaf methanol extracts of S.trilobatum also exhibited pupicidal and adult emergence properties.Conclusions:These results suggested that the leaf extracts of S.Irilobalum showed potential to be used as an ideal ecofriendly approach for the control of the Ae.Aegypti,Cx.quinquefasciatus and An.stephensi.

Comparative evaluation of modified neem leaf, neem leaf and woodash extracts on soil fertility improvement, growth and yields of maize (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) and watermelon (<i>Citrullus lanatus</i>) (Sole and Intercrop)

Two field experiments were carried out at Akure (7oN, 5o101E) in the rainforest zone of Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 to determine the effectiveness of neem leaf, woodash and modified neem leaf extracts as fertilizer sources in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L) and watermelon (Citrulus lanatus) sole and intercrop. There were six treatments namely, poultry manure, neem leaf extract (sole), woodash extract, modified neem leaf (neem leaf + woodash), NPK 15-15-15 and a control (no fertilizer nor extract), replicated three times and arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCB). The extracts (neem leaf, wood ash and modified neem leaf) were applied at 1200 litres per hectare each, NPK 15-15-15 at 300 kg/ha and poultry was applied at 6t/ha. The results showed that there were significant increases (P 2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N compared to NPK 15-15-15 and neem leaf extract. For instance, modified neem leaf extract increased soil pH (H2O), K, Ca, Mg, Na, O.M, P and N by 12.4%, 32.8%, 25%, 23.7%, 19.32%, 17.24% and 20% respectively compared to neem leaf extract under intercrop plot. The high soil K/Ca, K/Mg and P/Mg ratios in the NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer treatment led to an imbalance in the supply of P, K, Ca and Mg nutrients to maize and watermelon crops. The least values for growth, yield and soil parameters were recorded under the control treatment. In these experiments, modified neem leaf extract (woodash + neem leaf extracts) applied at 1200 litres/ha was the most effective in improving soil fertility, growth and yield of maize and watermelon (sole and intercrop) and could substitute for 6 tons per hectare of poultry manure and 300kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer.

Sedative effects of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) leaf aqueous extracts on brain ATP, AMP, Adenosine and Glutamate/GABA of rats

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) leaf aqueous extracts (PLAE) has been reputed to be a type of sleep-aid in China. To investigate the sedative effects and effect pathways of PLAE, rats (n = 31) were employed in two experiments and intragastrically administrated of (1) distilled water, PLAE (500 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and peanut stem aqueous extracts (PSAE, 500 mg/kg BW);(2) 0, 100 or 500 mg/kg BW of PLAE, respectively for at least 14 days. Six relevant neurotransmitters were measured finally. Experiment-1 (n = 16) results showed that the brain Lactate were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in rat cerebrums after PLAE administrations, compared with Control and PSAE groups. In respect of brain energy system, significant degradations of the brain adenosine triphos- phate (ATP) (p < 0.05) were observed in the brainstems and even the whole brains of rats though PLAE treatments. Moreover, we found that the brain Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) were clearly decreased (p < 0.05) in rat cerebrum and brainstem regions, while the brain Adenosine revealed an increasing propensity (p = 0.076) in the cerebrums of freely behaving rats. After experiment-2 (n = 15), the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations were statistically (p < 0.05) enhanced and the ratios of Glutamate/GABA were simultaneously reduced (p < 0.05) in rat brainstems, no matter which one dose (100 or 500 mg/kg BW) of PLAE were used. Results indicated that PLAE could influence the target neurotransmitters that related to rat circadian rhythms in the specific brain regions, possessing the potentialities as a sedative or sleep-aid for hypnic therapy purposes.

Inhibitory effects of Albizia lebbeck leaf extracts on germination and growth behavior of some popular agricultural crops

An experiment was conducted to observe the inhibitory effects of the leaf extracts derived from Albizia lebbeck （L.） Benth. On germination and growth behavior of some popular agricultural crops （receptor） of Bangladesh. Experiments were set on sterilized petridishes with a photoperiod of 24 h at room temperature of 27-30℃. The effects of the different concentrations of aqueous extracts were compared to distil water （control.）. The aqueous extracts of leaf caused significant inhibitory effect on germination, root and shoot elongation and development of lateral roots of receptor plants. Bioassays indicated that the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extracts and higher concentration （50%-100%） had the stronger inhibitory effect whereas the lower concentration （10%-25%） showed stimulatory effect in some cases. The study also revealed that, inhibitory effect was much pronounced in root and lateral root development rather than germination and shoot growth.

In Vitro Efficacy Assessment of Botanical Extracts against Botrytis gladiolorum Causing Gladiolus Leaf Blight

An experiment was conducted at the Mycology laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to find out the efficacy of selected botanical extracts against Botrytis gladiolorum (Bg) causing gladiolus leaf blight. Infected leaves samples were collected from gladiolus farmers’ field and brought to the laboratory for study. Ten selected botanicals were used against the colony growth of (Bg). The botanicals were Mehendi, Chrysanthemum, Basil (Tulsi), Onion, Neem, Bael, Arjuna, Garlic, Aloevera (Ghritkumary) and Turmeric. Botanical extracts were applied at the rate of 5%, 10% and 20%. The radial mycelia growth was found minimum (11.60 mm) in garlic extract treated plate at the dose of 5% at 5 DAI, which was statistically similar with turmeric extract treated (14.00 mm) plate and the inhibition of growth was 60% and 51.72%, respectively. Similar trend was found at 10 DAI and 15 DAI. At 15 DAI, garlic and turmeric extract gave the best result against Bg, which was statistically similar with onion (50.07% inhibition) and mehendi (49.93%). All botanicals showed significantly different results over control and found effective in reducing the mycelial growth at the dose of 10%. At 5 DAI, no radial mycelia growth was found in garlic treated plate, which was statistically similar with onion treated plate, means that the inhibition of growth was 100%. Similar trend was also found at 10 DAI, and 15 DAI but at 15 DAI, onion (30.20 mm) gave the statistically similar results with Garlic (30.10 mm) and the mycelia growth inhibition was (57.70%) and (57.84%), respectively. In case of 20% dose, garlic extract showed the best result at 5 DAI and the radial mycelia growth was found minimum (00.00 mm) which was statistically similar with onion extract treated (00.00 mm) plate and turmeric extract treated plate. The inhibition of growth was 100%. At 15 DAI, the inhibition of fungal growth was found (73.74%), (71.23%) and (66.90%), respectively with treated by turmeric (18.80 mm), garlic (20.60 mm) and onion (23.70 mm).

Chemical profiling of bioactive compounds in the methanolic extract of wild leaf and callus of Vitex negundo using gas chromatographymass spectrometry

BACKGROUND The investigation of plant-based therapeutic agents in medicinal plants has revealed their presence in the extracts and provides the vision to formulate novel techniques for drug therapy.Vitex negundo(V.negundo),a perennial herb belonging to the Varbanaceae family,is extensively used in conventional medication.AIM To determine the existence of therapeutic components in leaf and callus extracts from wild V.negundo plants using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GCMS).METHODS In this study,we conducted GC-MS on wild plant leaf extracts and correlated the presence of constituents with those in callus extracts.Various growth regulators such as 6-benzylaminopurine(BAP),2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid(2,4-D),α-naphthylacetic acid(NAA),and di-phenylurea(DPU)were added to plant leaves and in-vitro callus and grown on MS medium.RESULTS The results clearly indicated that the addition of BAP(2.0 mg/L),2,4-D(0.2 mg/mL),DPU(2.0 mg/L)and 2,4-D(0.2 mg/mL)in MS medium resulted in rapid callus development.The plant profile of Vitex extracts by GC-MS analysis showed that 24,10,and 14 bioactive constituents were detected in the methanolic extract of leaf,green callus and the methanolic extract of white loose callus,respectively.CONCLUSION Octadecadienoic acid,hexadecanoic acid and methyl ester were the major constituents in the leaf and callus methanolic extract.Octadecadienoic acid was the most common constituent in all samples.The maximum concentration of octadecadienoic acid in leaves,green callus and white loose callus was 21.93%,47.79%and 40.38%,respectively.These findings demonstrate that the concentration of octadecadienoic acid doubles in-vitro compared to in-vivo.In addition to octadecadienoic acid;butyric acid,benzene,1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl),dospan,tridecanedialdehyde,methylcyclohexenylbutanol,chlorpyrifos,n-secondary terpene diester,anflunine and other important active compounds were also detected.All these components were only available in callus formed in-vitro.This study showed that the callus contained additional botanical characteristics compared with wild plants.Due to the presence of numerous bioactive compounds,the medical use of Vitex for various diseases has been accepted and the plant is considered an important source of therapeutics for research and development.

Efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts and synthetic insecticide on pod-sucking bugs infestation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in the Guinea Sa-vanna Region of Nigeria

Pod-sucking bugs (PSBs) infestation by Ano-plocnemissp./ Riptortussp./Clavigrallasp./Nezaraviridula( Linnaeus) greatly limits cowpea (Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp) production throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts (ALEs) (5 percent weight/volume concentration) of three botanicals and one synthetic insecticide against PSBs infestation was thus evaluated. The botanicals tested include Aza- dirachtaindicaA. Juss, Chromolaenaodorata (L.) and Ricinuscommunis (L.), whilst the synthetic insecticide was Uppercot 500 EC ( Lambda cyhalothrin 30 g + Dimethoate 250 g ). The effects of these treatments on the number of PSBs/ pods/seeds, pod/seed weight and grain yield were assessed during 2008 and 2009 rainy seasons in Bayo, Borno State, Guinea Savanna region, Nigeria. The number of PSBs was lower on crops treated with Uppercot 500 EC (0.00 - 0.31). This was followed by crops treated with the ALEs ofA.indica/C.odorata (0.31 - 1.33) and R.communis (0.72 - 3.72) than the untreated (3.06 - 5.64) ones.The number of pods/pod weight per plant, seeds/seed weight per pod and total grain yield were generally higher on cowpea crops treated with Uppercot 500 EC (26/17 g, 14/19 g and 1618 kg). This was followed bycrops treated with the ALEs of A.indica/C.odorata (23 - 25/14 - 15 g, 12 - 13/15 g and 1268 - 1310 kg) and R.communis( 21/13 g, 11/14 g and 972 kg) than the untreated (16/9 g, 7/10 g and 312 kg) ones. Although Uppercot 500 EC was most effective inprotecting cowpea against PSBs attack, theALEs of A.indica and C.odorata appreciably protected treated crops against infestation, giving relatively high total grain yield. Both botanical scan thus serve as alternatives to synthetic insecticides for managing PSBs attack on cowpea.

Study on the anti-RSV mechanism of extracts from Hibiscus mutabilis leaf in vitro

Objective:To study the anti-respiratory syncytial viruses(RSV) mechanism of extracts from Hibiscus mutabilis leaf in vitro.Methods:Elibavirin was used as the positive drug to detect the anti-RSV activity of extracts from Hibiscus mutabilis leaf. By observing the antiviral effect of the extracts of Hibiscus mutabilis leaf in different ways of administration, the anti-RSV mechanism of the extracts of Hibiscus mutabilis leaf was preliminarily explored.Results:Hibiscus mutabilis leaf extracts could effectively inhibit the cytopathic changes caused by RSV, and had significant antiviral effect. The therapeutic index (TI) was 86.24.Conclusion:Hibiscus mutabilis leaf extracts have significant anti-RSV effect in vitro, and their antiviral effect occurs after virus penetration.

Detection of Cocoa Leaf Diseases Using the CNN-Based Feature Extractor and XGBOOST Classifier

Among all the plagues threatening cocoa cultivation in general, and particularly in West Africa, the swollen shoot viral disease is currently the most dangerous. The greatest challenge in the fight to eradicate this pandemic remains its early detection. Traditional methods of swollen shoot detection are mostly based on visual observations, leading to late detection and/or diagnostic errors. The use of machine learning algorithms is now an alternative for effective plant disease detection. It is therefore crucial to provide efficient solutions to farmers’ cooperatives. In our study, we built a database of healthy and diseased cocoa leaves. We then explored the power of feature extractors based on convolutional neural networks such as VGG 19, Inception V3, DenseNet 201, and a custom CNN, combining their strengths with the XGBOOST classifier. The results of our experiments showed that this fusion of methods with XGBOOST yielded highly promising scores, outperforming the results of algorithms using the sigmoid function. These results were further consolidated by the use of evaluation metrics such as accuracy, mean squared error, F score, recall, and Matthews’s correlation coefficient. The proposed approach, combining state of the art feature extractors and the XGBOOST classifier, offers an efficient and reliable solution for the early detection of swollen shoot. Its implementation could significantly assist West African cocoa farmers in combating this devastating disease and preserving their crops.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of leaf extracts of Skimmia anquetilia

Objective:To evaluate anti-inflammatory potential of leaf extract of Skimmia anquetilia by invitro and in-vivo anti-inflammatory models.Methods:Acute toxicity study was carried out to determine the toxicity level of different extract using acute toxic class method as described in Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development Guidelines No.423.Carrageenan(1% w/w) was administered and inflammation was induced in rat paw.The leaf extracts of Skimmia anquetilia were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by in-vitro human red blood cell(HRBC) membrane stabilization method and in-vivo carrangeenan-induced rat paw edema method. Results:The in-vitro membrane stabilizing test showed petroleum ether(PE),chloroform(CE), ethyl acetate(EE),methanol(ME) and aqueous extracts(AE) showed 49.44%,59.39%,60.15%,68.40% and 52.18%protection,respectively as compared to control groups.The in-vivo results of CE,EE and ME showed 58.20%.60.17%and 67.53%inhibition of inflammation after 6h administration of test drugs in albino rats.The potency of the leaf extracts of Skimmia anquetilia were compared with standard diclofenac(10 mg/kg) which showed 74.18%protection in in-vitro HRBC membrane stabilization test and 71.64%inhibition in in-vivo carrangeenan-induced rat paw edema model. The ME showed a dose dependent significant(P< 0.01) anti-inflammatory activity in human red blood cell membrane stabilization test and reduction of edema in carrageenan induced rat paw edema.Condusioiis:The present investigation has confirmed the anti-inflammatory activity of Skimmia anquetilia due to presence of bioactive phytoconstitutes for the first lime and provide the pharmacological evidence in favor of traditional claim of Skimmia anquetilia as an antiinflammatory agent.

Phytochemical Profiling with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Screening of <i>Amaranthus viridis</i>L. Leaf and Seed Extracts

Methanol extracts of the dried leaves and seeds of Amaranthus viridis were collected and used for phytochemicals and antibacterial analysis. By detecting the MIC and zone inhibition, the antibacterial activity was determined against different bacterial and fungal strains. The extract yields from the leaves and seeds ranged 5.5-6.1 and 2.42%-3.72% w/w, respectively. Phytochemical investigation of this plant determines that tanins (6.07%-5.96%), saponins (53%-32%), alkaloids (13.14% - 11.42%), protiens (16.76%-24.51%) and glycosides (63.2%-32.3%) were rich in leaves. The extracts also contained appreciable levels of total phenolic contents (2.81-3.61 GAE, g/100 g), total flavanoid contents (18.4-5.42 QE, g/100 g) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, showing IC50 (83.45-75.95 μg/mL) along with reducing power was calculated. The MIC of extracts ranged 178 - 645 μg/mL. The results of this study suggest the possibility of using the methanolic extracts in treating the diseases caused by the test organisms.

Antibacterial Activity of Psidium guajava Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts on Selected Bacteria in Ugbokolo, Benue State, Nigeria

Aim: In recent years, there has been a growing interest in researching and developing new antimicrobial agents from various sources to combat microbial resistance. The study was aimed at determining the phytochemical constituents and in vitro antibacterial activity of methanol and aqueous extracts of Psidium guajava leaves and stem bark on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus sp. in Ugbokolo, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical screening of the plant materials for various bioactive components was conducted between July and December, 2019 using standard laboratory techniques. The extracts were purified using column chromatography. The identity of the test isolates were confirmed using morphological characteristics, gram stain, motility and appropriate biochemical tests such as indole, catalase, coagulase, triple sugar iron agar. The susceptibility of the isolates to each bioactive component was determined using the agar well diffusion method. The broth dilution method was employed for the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts. Results: The result of the study showed the presence of phenol, tannins, flavonoids and saponins as bioactive compounds. The antibacterial susceptibility of the isolates to aqueous and methanol extracts of leaf and stem bark of Psidium guajava varied significantly (P Staphylococcus aureus was the most susceptible isolate at 200 mg/ml concentration with average zone of inhibition of 13.05 mm for leaf extract and 15.34 mm for stem bark extract. Proteus sp. is the least susceptible with average zone of inhibition of 8.88 mm for the leaf extract and 12.36 mm for the stem bark extract respectively. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of aqueous and methanol extract of P. guajava leaf and stem bark showed that dilutions of various concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts can inhibit and/or kill the isolates. Lower MIC (3.125 mg/ml) was shown by methanol extract than aqueous extract. MBC of methanol extract ranges between 6.25 - 25.0 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the result showed methanol extract is more effective than aqueous extract while the stem bark of the plant showed higher efficacy than the leaf. Conclusion: The findings of the study imply that the extract of Psidium guajava has shown promising properties against tested microorganisms. Further study of the extract is therefore recommended.

Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Olive Leaf Extracts and Their Effect on Proliferation of Human Carcinoma Cell Lines

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different olive leaf extracts (OLE) from different leaf growing stages on human carcinoma cell lines. OLE were tested in human carcinoma cell lines in vitro and cells were plated in 96-microtiter culture plates for each OLE concentration. Fresh (F) and freeze-dried (FD) leaves exhibited phenolic compounds in the range of 2.09 ± 0.10 to 8.44 ± 0.64 and 7.72 ± 0.56 to 24.65 ± 1.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/g leaves, respectively. OLE from several Portuguese olive tree cultivars were found to inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines in a range of 2.09 - 8.44 μg phenolic compound/well (209 - 844 μg/ml) and 0.07 - 2.40 μg phenolic compounds/well (7 - 240 μg/ml) for fresh and freeze-dried leaves, respectively. Young (Y) leaves have revealed the highest cell growth inhibition ranging from about 95% for Cobran?osa, followed by 90% for Cobran?osa, 90% for Arbequina and 75% for Arbequina for cell lines A549, HeLa, A431 and OE21, respectively. The lowest cell growth inhibition (35%) was observed for Galega (Y) leaf extract on cell line A549. However, FD samples exhibited a distinctive pattern since cell growth inhibition was highest at highest extract dilution tested, for A431 (Galega Y) followed by A549 (Cobran?osa Y) with cell inhibition of 75% and 70%, respectively. The data presented in this work strongly suggest that OLEs inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines.

Phytochemical and Antifungal Activity of Leaf Extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina Root Rot of Sesamum indicum L. in Benue State, Central Nigeria

This study investigated the antifungal activity of leaf extracts of Prosopis africana and Anacardium occidentale against Macrophomina phaseolina, the causal agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. Phytochemical analysis of the two plants showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and anthraquinones in petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts. The effectiveness of the two medicinal plants viz: P. africana and A. occidentale was tested against the causative agent of root rot of Sesamum indicum L. The effect of plant leaf extracts on mycelia growth of the test organism shows that both P. africana and A. anacardium reduced the mycelia growth significantly as compared to the control (plate, 2, 3, 4). The antifungal property of P. africana and A. occidentale makes these plants of potential interest for the control of the fungi Macrophomina phaseolina.

Assessments of Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties in the Methanolic and Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Pistacia lentiscus against Different Antibiotic Resistance Pathogenic Bacteria

The current study was carried out to determine the bioactivity of P. lentiscus leaf extracts as potential antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The plant extracts were examined for antibacterial activity against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis using the agar well method (according to the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute). The antioxidant potential of 3 plant leaf extracts was determined by their ability to convert Fe3+ to Fe2+ and scavenge the DPPH free radical. At all concentrations studied, the methanolic leaf extract had higher total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as stronger antioxidant and antibacterial inhibitory activity compared to aqueous extract. Our findings with P. aeruginosa were especially interesting, because this bacterium was inhibited by methanol extract than that of the reference antibiotics. The results also demonstrated a link between DPPH radical scavenging ability, reducing power, and total phenolic and flavonoid content of plant extracts (r > 0.97, R2 > 0.95, P = 0.01). As a result, the methanolic leaf extract of the chosen plant might be employed as an effective antioxidant and antibacterial agent for the treatment of a variety of morbidities.

Ovicidal and repellent activities of botanical extracts against Culex quinquefasciatus,Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi(Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective:To determine the ovicidal and repellent activities of methanol leaf extract of Ervatamia coronaria(E.coronaria) and Caeslpinia pulckerrima(C.pulcherrima) against Culex quinquefasciatus(Cx.quinquefasciatus),Aedes aegypti(Ae.aegypti) and Anopheles stephensi(An. stephensi).Methods:The ovicidal activity was determined against three mosquito species at various concentrations ranging from 50-450 ppm under the laboratory conditions.The hatch rates were assessed 48 h after treatment.The repellent efficacy was determined against three mosquito species at three concentrations viz.,1.0,2.5 and 5.0 mg/cm under the laboratory conditions. Results:The crude extract of E.coronaria exerted zero hatchability(100%mortality) at 250.200 and 150 ppm for Cx.quinqitefasciatus,Ae.aegypti and An.stephensi,respectively.The crude extract of C.pulchenima exerted zero hatchability(100%mortality) at 375.300 and 225 ppm for Cx.quinquefasciatus,Ae.aegypti and An.Stephensi,respectively.The methanol extract of E. coronaria found to be more repellenct than C.pukherrima extract.A higher concentration of 5.0 mg/cm^2 provided 100%protection up to 150.180 and 210 min against Cx.quinquefasciatus,Ae. aegypti and An.stephensi,respectively.The results clearly showed that repellent activity was dose dependent.Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded the crude extracts of E.coronaria and C.pukherrima are an excellent potential for controlling Cx.quinquefasciatus,Ae.aegypti and An.stephensi mosquitoes.

Olive leaf extract inhibits lead poisoning-induced brain injury

Olive leaves have an antioxidant capacity, and olive leaf extract can protect the blood, spleen and hippocampus in lead-poisoned mice. However, little is known about the effects of olive leaf extract on lead-induced brain injury. This study was designed to determine whether olive leaf extract can inhibit lead-induced brain injury, and whether this effect is associated with antioxidant capacity. First, we established a mouse model of lead poisoning by continuous intragastric administration of lead acetate for 30 days. Two hours after successful model establishment, lead-poisoned mice were given olive leaf extract at doses of 250, 500 or 1 000 mg/kg daily by intragastric administration for 50 days. Under the transmission electron microscope, olive leaf extract attenuated neuronal and capillary injury and reduced damage to organelles and the matrix around the capillaries in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex in the lead-poisoned mice. Olive leaf extract at a dose of 1 000 mg/kg had the greatest protective effect. Spectrophotometry showed that olive leaf extract significantly in- creased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phes- phatase, while it reduced malondialdehyde content, in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, immunohistochemical staining revealed that olive leaf extract dose-dependently decreased Bax protein expression in the cerebral cortex of lead-poisoned mice. Our findings indicate that olive leaf extract can inhibit lead-induced brain injury by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing apop- tosis.

Antimicrobial activity,cytotoxicity,and phytochemical screening of Voacanga globosa(Blanco) Merr.leaf extract(Apocynaceae)

Objective:To determine the antibacterial,antifungal,antiprotozoal,cytotoxic,and phytochemical properties of ethanol extracts of leaves of Voacanga globosa(Blanco) Merr.(V.globosa). Methods:The extracts were tested against bacteria and fungus through disc diffusion assay; against protozoa through growth curve determination,antiprotozoal and cytotoxicity assays. Results:The extract revealed antibacterial activities,inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus cereus,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Micrococcus luteus,and Salmonella typhimurium.Antifungal assay showed that it inhibited Candida albicans.The antiprotozoal assay against Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica showed that V.globosa can inhibit the parasites,wherein the action can be comparable to metronidazole.With the in situ cell death detection kit.Trichomonas vaginalis and Entamoeba histolytica exposed to V.globosa leaf extract was observed to fluoresce simultaneously in red and yellow signals signifying apoptotic-like changes.Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the chemical composition of plant extract containing alkaloids,saponins,2-deoxysugars,and hydrolysabie tannins.Conclusions: Thus,thus study provides scientific evidence on the traditional use of V.globosa leaf extract in treating microbial diseases.Further,the leaf extract can possibly be used to produce alternative forms of antimicrobials.

Hydroxytyrosol and olive leaf extract exert cardioprotective effects by inhibiting GRP78 and CHOP expression

Myocardial infarction triggers massive biochemical changes, even cardiac cell death. Endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in the pathology of myocardial infarction-mediated apoptosis. In the present study, myocardial cell line H9c2 cells were treated with cobalt chloride（CoCl_2） to induce hypoxia. Isoproterenol was used for two successive days to induce myocardial infarction in SD rats. The cardioprotective effect of olive leaf extract（OLE） and its main constituent hydroxytyrosol and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated. The results showed that hydroxytyrosol markedly protected H9c2 cells against CoCl2-induced apoptosis. Hydroxytyrosol could reduce the mRNA and protein expression of GRP78 and CHOP induced by CoCl2 in vitro. In vivo, the decreased ejection fraction and fractional shortening, increased heart weight/body ratio, the formation of infarction, disordered cardiac muscle fibers and infiltration of inflammatory cells induced by isoproterenol could be significantly ameliorated by pretreatment with OLE for a month. Similarly, OLE could also reverse the increase of GRP78 and CHOP expression induced by isoproterenol. Therefore, OLE and hydroxytyrosol exert a cardioprotective effect through endoplasmic reticulum stress, which could be a new target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Protective Effect of Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract on Learning and Memory Deficit Induced by Aluminum in Model Rats

Objective： To examine the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba leaf extract （GbE） on learning and memory deficit induced by aluminum chloride （AlCl3）, and explore its mechanisms. Methods： The rat models with learning and memory deficit were induced by administering via gastrogavage and drinking of AlCl3 solution. And the model rats were treated with GbE at the dose of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg every day for 2 months accompanied with drinking of AlCl3 solution, respectively. Their abilities of spatial learning and memory were tested by Morris water maze, and the acetylcholinesterase （ACHE） activity in serum was assayed with chemical method, the AChE expression in hippocampus was observed by immunohistochemistry assay, and then quantitative analysis was done by BI 2000 image analysis system. Results： Learning and memory deficit of rats could be induced by AlCl3 solution （P〈0.01）, and AChE expressions in rats hippocampus were increased （P〈0.01）; GbE ameliorated learning and memory deficit and reduced AChE expression in rats hippocampus in a dose-dependent manner, while GbE significantly increased serum AChE activity at the dose of 200 mg/kg each day （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： GbE can ameliorate learning and memory deficit induced by AlCl3, which may be due to its inhibition of the AChE expression in hippocampus.