Toxic Effects of Ficus benghalensis Latex Based Combinatorial Formulations on Various Enzymatic Parameters in Indian White Termite Odontotermes obesus

In the present investigation, various bioassays were conducted to evaluate the alteration in levels of various enzymes i.e. alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and acetylcholinesterase. For this purpose worker termites were treated with sub-lethal doses of 40% and 80% of 24 hrs LD50 of latex-based combinatorial formulations and observations were taken at 4 hours intervals up to 24 hours. Ficus benghalensis crude latex and its combinatorial mixtures, like C-MLT-A, CU-MLT-A, AQ-MLT, P-MLT and EA-MLT significantly altered the level of enzymes in Odontotermes obesus and this effect found time and dose-dependent. Reduction or increase in enzymes was calculated by using the corresponding control. The maximum decrease in acid phosphatase level was observed at 16 h when termites were treated with 80% of LD50 of B-MLT-B and P-MLT i.e. 82.84% at 16 h of treatment. A similar dose caused a very slight decrease in glutamate pyruvate transaminase at 4 h of treatment but with the increase in time. Further decrease was noted in other successive treatments that were significant at p > 0.05. Similarly, 40% and 80% of LD50 of the C-MLT-B mixture caused significant (p > 0.05) decrease in alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase level at 16 h treatment i.e. 93.42%, 89.46% and 95.89%, 88.17% respectively. The level of acetylcholinesterase was also found to be decreased when termites were treated with 40% and 80% of LD50 of C-MLT-B mixture i.e. 92.72% and 97.27% respectively. All the above alterations noted in levels of various enzymes confirm the action of latex ingredients on worker termites that were anti-feedant or deterrent types. These ingredients can be used to control not only termites but also other phytophagous insects.

Effect of Ficus benghalensis Latex Based Combinatorial Formulations on Various Bio-Molecules in Indian White Termite Odontotermes obesus

In present investigation, various bioassays were conducted to evaluate the alteration in levels of certain biomolecules, such as glycogen, protein, amino acid, DNA, RNA and lipids. For this purpose, worker termites were treated with sub-lethal dose 40% and 80% of 24 hrs LD50 values and observations were taken at 4 hrs interval up to 24 hrs. Crude latex and its combinatorial mixtures, like S-MLT-A, B-MLT-A, C-MLT-A, CU-MLT-A, AQ-MLT significantly altered level of bio-molecules in Odontotermes obesus. This effect was found time and dose dependent. Reduction or increase in biomolecules was calculated by using corresponding control. Maximum decrease in glycogen level was observed at 16 h when termites were treated with 80% of LD50 of Ficus benghalensis aqueous extract i.e. 56.88% at 16 h of treatment. A similar dose caused very slight decrease in lipid contents at 4 h of treatment but it was found further significantly (p > 0.05) decreased in other successive treatments. 40% and 80% of LD50 of C-MLT-B mixture caused significant (p > 0.05) decrease in DNA and RNA level at 16 h treatment. The level of DNA and RNA level was recorded 83.90%, 90.18% and 85.42% and 74.05% respectively. Similarly, total proteins were also found to be decreased with 40% and 80% of LD50 of C-MLT-B mixture i.e. 71.47% and 66.45% respectively. All these alterations found in levels of various bio-molecules confirm the action of latex ingredients on worker termites that was antifeedant or deterrent types. These ingredients can be used to control not only termites but also other phytophagous insects in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.

Gene set enrichment analysis of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis

Objective:To identify alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghalensis and analyze gene set enrichment of regulated protein molecules.Methods:The phytoconstituents of Ficu.s benghalen.sis were queried for inhibitors of alphaglucosidase,also identified as aldose reductase inhibitors.Druglikeness score,absorption,distribution,metabolism,excretion and toxicity profile,biological spectrum,and gene expression were predicated for each compound.Docking study was performed to predict the binding affinity with alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase and compared with clinically proven molecules.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis was performed for the regulated genes to identify the modulated pathways.Results:Apigenin,3,4’,5,7-tetrahydroxy-3’-methoxyflavone,and kaempferol were identified as inhibitors of alpha-glucosidase and aldose reductase.Kaempferol was predicted to possess the highest binding affinity with both targets.The p53 signaling pathway was predicted to modulate the majority of protein molecules in diabetes mellitus.All the alpha-glucosidase inhibitors were also predicted as membrane integrity agonist and anti-mutagenic compounds.Conclusions:The current study indicates alpha-glucosidase inhibitors from Ficus benghale,nsis can act as aldose reductase inhibitors after absorption from the intestinal tract.Furthermore,these phytoconstituents are involved in the regulation of numerous protein molecules and pathways.Hence,the anti-diabetic efficacies of these compounds are due to their action on multiple protein molecules and synergistic effects which should be confirmed by future investigations.

Inhibitory activities of extracts of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa, Ziziphus mauritiana as well as their compounds of gallic acid and emodin against dengue virus

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effects against dengue virus serotype 2(DENV-2) by five different fractions(extracted by methanol, ethanol, benzene, chloroform and n-hexane) of Rumex dentatus, Commelina benghalensis, Ajuga bracteosa and Ziziphus mauritiana, as well as their constituents(gallic acid, emodin, and isovanillic acid). Methods: All the samples were tested for cytotoxicity on baby hamster kidney cells by MTT assay and for anti-DENV-2 activity by plaque reduction neutralization assay using two DENV-2 doses(45 and 90 plaqueforming units or PFU). Results: All the samples except isovanillic acid exhibited significant prophylactic effects against DENV-2 infectivity(without cytotoxicity) when administered to cells before infection, but were not effective when given 6 h post-infection. The methanol extract of Rumex dentatus demonstrated the highest antiviral efficacy by inhibiting DENV-2 replication, with IC_(50) of 0.154 μg/mL and 0.234 μg/mL, when added before infection with 45 and 90 PFU of virus, respectively. Gallic acid also exhibited significant antiviral effects by prophylactic treatment prior to virus adsorption on cells, with IC_(50) of 0.191 μg/mL and 0.522 μg/mL at 45 and 90 PFU of DENV-2 infection, respectively. Conclusions: The highly potent activities of the extracts and constituent compounds of these plants against DENV-2 infectivity highlight their potential as targets for further research to identify novel antiviral agents against dengue.

In vitro antioxidant and anti-cancer activities and phytochemical analysis of Commelina benghalensis L. root extracts

Objective:To explore antioxidant potential,anti-cancer activity,and phytochemicals of Commelina benghalensis L.Methods:The roots of Commelina benghalensis were extracted in different solvents(methanol,ethanol,benzene,chloroform,n-hexane)with a range of polarity.Antioxidant activity was evaluated by reducing power assay,DPPH radical scavenging activity and phosphomolybdenum method,cytotoxicity by MTT assay,apoptotic and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry,migratory and invasive potential by wound scratch assay and invasion assay,respectively,functional groups analysis by FT-IR spectroscopy and phytochemicals by aluminum chloride colorimetric and FolinCiocalteu methods.Results:The extracts showed worthy antioxidant potential.The chloroform extract demonstrated the most significant cytotoxic effect on MDA-MB-231(breast cancer)cell line,induced apoptosis and reduced migratory and invasive potential of MDA-MB-231 cells.Methanol and ethanol extracts presented good yield of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents.The FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed different characteristic peak values with various functional compounds such as alkenes,alkanes,aliphatic amines,aromatics,alkyl halides,carboxylic acid,alcohols,ester,aldehydes and ketones.Conclusions:The results demonstrate the potential use of Commelina benghalensis as a good antioxidant with significant anticancer effect.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction Process of Oenanthe benghalensis Polysaccharide by Orthogonal Test

[Objectives] The research aimed to explore extraction method of Oenanthe benghalensis polysaccharide,and determine the optimal process of its ultrasonic extraction by orthogonal test. [Methods] Phenol-sulfuric acid method was used to determine polysaccharide's content. Based on single-factor experiment and orthogonal test,the influences of solid-liquid ratio( A),ultrasonic extraction temperature( B),ultrasonic power( C) and ultrasonic time( D) on extraction rate of O. benghalensis polysaccharide were studied,and the optimal process of ultrasonic extraction was selected. [Results] The influence order of solid-liquid ratio( A),ultrasonic extraction temperature( B),ultrasonic power( C) and ultrasonic time( D) on extraction rate of O. benghalensis polysaccharide was A > D > B > C. Via the orthogonal test,it was determined that the optimal extraction condition of O. benghalensis polysaccharide was as below: solid-liquid ratio 1∶ 25( g/mL),extraction temperature 60℃,extraction power 80 W,extraction time 40 min. Under the condition,extraction rate of O. benghalensis polysaccharide was9. 80%. [Conclusions] The process could provide the reference basis for extracting and producing O. benghalensis polysaccharides.

Healing promoting potentials of roots of Ficus benghalensis L.in albino rats

Objective:To screen the wound healing activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of roots of Ficus benghalensis.Methods:Both the extracts were evaluated for wound healing by three models ie. incision,excision and dead space wound.In incision and dead space the extracts were applied ilaily topically till the 10th post wounding days while in excision model it was till the complete epithelialization process.Standard group were administered Povidone iodine ointment topically daily.The breaking strength,percentage of wound contraction,period of epithelialization,dry granulation weight and hydroxyproline content were observed.Results:The result of the present study showed that both extracts were able to increase the breaking strength(incision model), decrease period of epithelialization.increase percentage wound contraction(excision model), increase hydroxyproline content(Dead space wound model) significantly compared with control group(P【0.05).Conclusions:Based on result we conclude that aqueous extract is more effective than ethanolic extract.However,it is needed more research to be carried out especially on toxicity studies of ethanolic extract.

In vitro and in silico anti-oxidant, cytotoxicity and biological activities of Ficus benghalensis and Duranta repens

Objective:To report in vitro anti-oxidant activity and cytotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of Ficus benghalensis(bark)and Duranta repens(whole plant),and present the probable biological spectrum of major anti-oxidants from both plants.Methods:The coarse powder of both plants was first extracted with 70%ethanol(maceration)followed by 99%ethanol(Soxhlet-extraction).Anti-oxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH,H2O2,2,20-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid(ABTS),NO scavenging assay,total antioxidant capacity,cupric reducing antioxidant capacity(CUPRAC),and metal chelating assay.Cytotoxicity of both extracts was evaluated using MTT assay in both tumor and normal cell lines i.e.Chinese hamster ovary cells(CHO)and A549 cells.Biological activity of individual anti-oxidants from both medicinal plants was identified using prediction of activity spectra for substances and a docking study was performed by using autodock4.0.Results:Hydroalcoholic extract of F.benghalensis and D.repens showed the highest free radical scavenging(ABTS)and chelating capacity respectively.Both extracts showed minimum cytotoxicity in normal cell lines compared to tumor cell lines.Computer imitation hits reflected the multiple biological activities agreeing with the folk use and some scientific reports.Further,we found the binding affinity of predicted anti-oxidant compounds with multiple protein molecules involved in oxidative stress.Conclusion:The present study reports the probable anti-oxidant mechanism for two folk agents and also presents probable pharmacological activities via computer simulations.

In-vitro study:Immunomodulatory and cytotoxicity effects of ethanolic leave extracts of Aegle marmelos and Ficus benghalensis

Objective:To assess the immunomodulatory and antibacterial properties of the coastal trees Aegle marmelos(A.marmelos)and Ficus benghalensis(F.benghalensis)by in-vitro methods.Methods:A.marmelos and F.benghalensis leaves were extracted with the solvents di-ethyl ether,ethanol and methanol.The extracts were investigated for antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria and immunomodulatory activity against human peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC),respectively.Results:F.benghalensis ethanol cold extract gave maximum inhibition zones against Escherichia coli NCIM 2931(B2)at 18 mm and enhanced the growth of human PBMC.It was non-toxic to human PBMC shown by the Tryphan blue dye exclusion method,sulforhodamine B and MTT assays.IR phyto-chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of the functional groups:NH,CH_(2),CH_(3),CO,OH,-C-C=O,and C-S.We confirmed the presence of quantifiable amounts of tannins and alkaloids with traces of phenolic compounds by thin layer chromatography analysis.Conclusions:Leaves of A.marmelos and F.benghalensis provide both antibacterial and immunomodulatory properties.

Mosquito larvicidal properties of Ficus henghalensis L.(Family:Moraceae) against Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles and Anopheles subpictus Grassi(Diptera:Culicidae)

Objective:To determine the larvicidal efficacy of different solvent leaf extract of Ficus benghalensis（F.benghalensis） against Culex tritaeniorhynchus（Cx.tritaeniorhynchus） and Anopheles subpictus（An.subpictus）.Methods:Twenty five early third instar larvae of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An.subpictus were exposed to various concentrations and were assayed in the laboratory by using the protocol of WHO 2005.The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of treatment.Results:Among three solvent extracts tested the maximum efficacy was observed in the methanol extract.The LC50 and LC90 values of F.benghalensis against early third instar of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and An.subpictus were 100.88.159.76 ppm and 56.66.85.84 ppm.respectively. No mortality was observed in controls.The chi-square values were significant at P【0.05 level. Conclusions:From the results it can be concluded the crude extract of F.benghalensis was an excellent potential for controlling Cx.tritaeniorhynchus and Art.subpictus mosquito larvae.

Antimicrobial Activity of Fruit Latexes from Ten Laticiferous Plants

In the present investigation antibacterial activity of latexes from ten Indian plant species Spondias dulcis (Amra), Diospyros melanoxylon (Tendu), Terminalia bellirica (Wahera), Ficus glomerata (Gular), Phyllanthus emblica (Awla), Thevetia nerifolia (Kaner), Carica papaya (Papita), Calotropis procera (Ak), Ficus benghalensis (Bargad), Atrocarpus heterophyllus (Kathal) collected from Go-rakhpur, North India were determined in various in vitro systems. MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) values were determined in growth inhibitory bioassays by using different increasing concentrations of various latex extracts. Latex samples were diluted by using serial micro dilution method up to 10-10 method with Luria broth culture medium. These values were obtained significantly 2 - 3 times lower than that of broad spectrum antibiotic drugs. Besides this, inhibition zone diameters were measured in agar disc diffusion assay. A known volume i.e. 0.1 - 20 μg/μl of each latex were coated on separate sterile filter paper discs (Whatman No. 1) measuring 6 mm in size. Latex fractions registered significantly higher growth inhibition than that of broad spectrum antimicrobial drugs. Present study indicates the potential use of shows that both latex and its components and latex as are valuable source of medicinal products/active principles that can be used for treatment of life threatening infectious diseases. Because of higher inhibitory and cidal potential obtained in latexes than the synthetic drugs these that could lead to become efficient phytomedicines mainly to have and develop as complete drug formulations against to control infectious microbes.