Flacourtia rukam: biochemistry, functions and utilization

Flacourtia rukam is a species of the Flacourtiaceae. The edible, cherry-like, sweet and sour fruits of the species are not known to be commercially exploited. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are the main constituents of the fruits, which have also been reported to have good antioxidant properties. However, the available information on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of F. rukam indicated it to be very much an underutilized tropical fruit tree. Nevertheless, based on the ethnomedicinal uses of the fruits and other parts of the plant, its economic potential as a health giving food crop should be further investigated and properly evaluated

Antidesma montanum: biochemistry and bioactive compounds

Antidesma montanum is commonly known as a mountain currant tree. Its fruits and leaves are utilized locally for food and traditional medicine, meanwhile the stem is used as source of wood. The fruit contains bioactive constituents of steroid glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and tannins that exhibited higher antioxidant activity than at certain concentrations of standard antioxidants (i.e. vitamin E, ascorbic acid, and trolox). The leave extracts known to inhibit the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in diabetic therapy. Furthermore, the leave extracts also possessed scavenging activity against both hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, and inhibited the nitric oxide production. Meanwhile, another studies reported on the anti-inflammatory effect of Antidesma montanum, being used to treat eye diseases, and relieving chest pain. The leaves are used externally against headache and thrush in children, for diuretic and removing kidney stone, anti-dermatitis and skin disease curing effect. A tea from the leaves is used as a tonic for mothers after giving birth and applied topically to ulcers and lumbar pains. The roots are used to treat measles, chickenpox, malaria, and stomach ache. Nevertheless, extensive research is needed to confirm the reputed beneficial effects of Antidesma montanum in traditional medicine

Curcuma longa L. Zingiberaceae

Amomum curcuma Jacg. (1776); Curcuma domestica Val. (1918

Eleusine indica L. possesses antioxidant activity and precludes carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-mediated oxidative hepatic damage in rats

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of aqueous extract of Eleusineindica to protect against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced hepatic injury in rats. METHODS: The antioxidant activity of E. indica was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The total phenolic content of E. indica was also determined. Biochemical parameters [e.g. alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase] were used to evaluate hepatic damage in animals pretreated with E. indica and intoxicated with CCl(4). CCl(4)-mediated hepatic damage was also evaluated by histopathologically. RESULTS: E. indica extract was able to reduce the stable DPPH level in a dose-dependent manner. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) value was 2350 μg/ml. Total phenolic content was found to be 14.9 ± 0.002 mg/g total phenolic expressed as gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract. Groups pretreated with E. indica showed significantly increased activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to the CCl(4)-intoxicated group (p < 0.05). The increased levels of serum ALT and AST were significantly prevented by E. indica pretreatment (p < 0.05). The extent of MDA formation due to lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), and reduced GSH was significantly increased in a dose-dependently manner (p < 0.05) in the E. indica-pretreated groups as compared to the CCl(4)-intoxicated group. The protective effect of E. indica was further evident through decreased histopathological alterations in the liver. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that the hepatoprotective effects of E. indica might be ascribable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property