Antioxidant Activities and Chemical Constituents of Extracts from Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. (Agavaceae) and Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb) Lindl, (Rosaceae)

Background and Objective: Cordyline fruticosa (Agavaceae) and Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) are two medicinal plants used for the treatment of various diseases such as infections of mammary glands, sore throat and neck pain for the first plant, diabetes, cough, ulcers, protection against oxidative stress and cognitive deficits for the latter. The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the different extracts of these two plants as well as to isolate and identify their chemical constituents. Materials and Methods: The plant extract was prepared by maceration in methanol, compounds were isolated from EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts of the two plants using column chromatography and their structures were determined by means of NMR and MS analysis as well as in comparison with published data. Antioxidant tests (DPPH, ferric reduction antioxidant power and anti-hemolytic) were performed over the MeOH, EtOAc and n-BuOH extracts of the plants. Results: The antioxidant-guided phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extracts of the two plants led to the isolation of twelve compounds identified as: Farrerol 1, quercetin helichrysoside 2, apigenin 8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside 3, isoquercitrin 4 and rutin 5 from C. fruticosa, β-sitosterol 6, catechin 7, oleanolic acid 8, lyoniresinol 9, cinchonain IIb 10, lyoniresinol 2-a-O-β-D-xylopyranoside 11 and β-sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside 12 from E. japonica. Amongst the isolated compounds, the most important antioxidant ones were identified as helichrysoside and rutin from C. fruticosa, catechin, cinchonain IIb, lyoniresinol 2-a-O-β-D-xylopyranoside from E. japonica with EC50 of 8.73, 9.91, 4.11, 3.14 and 10.61 μg mL–1, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the high ability to scavenge free radicals, reducing power of Fe3+ and hemolysis activity exerted by extracts of C. fruticosa and E. japonica were due to their high content of phenolic compounds, thus the structure-activity relationships of the isolated flavonoids were discussed. The results of this study suggest that the extracts from these two plants could serve as potential source of antioxidant compound

Delay of ejaculation induced by Bersama engleriana in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Bersama engleriana (B. engleriana) leaves on the expulsion phase of fictive ejaculation in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic male rats.MethodsThe electromyographic activity of the bulbospongiosus muscles was recorded in urethane anaesthetized, spinal cord transected rats receiving dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg) intravenously, in the absence or presence of aqueous and methanolic extracts of B. engleriana (2.5, 10, 50, 60, 75 mg/kg). In another experiment, the pro-ejaculatory effect of dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg, i.v.) was monitored in rats orally pre-treated with the aqueous and methanolic extracts (60 mg/kg) of B. engleriana for 1 or 4 weeks.ResultsResults of the study showed that the intravenous administration of B. engleriana did not provoke any contraction of the ejaculatory muscles whilst rhythmic and rapid contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles accompanied sometimes by penis movement and expulsion of the urethral contents were recorded after dopamine application. The sequential treatment of animals with B. engleriana extracts (2.5-75.0 mg/kg) followed by dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent abolishment of the pro-ejaculatory response due to dopamine. However, in animals orally submitted to a daily gavage with B. engleriana extracts (60 mg/kg) for 1 or 4 weeks, the ejaculation stimulating effect of dopamine (0.1 μmol/L/kg) was significantly delayed (P<0.01) but not completely suppressed.ConclusionsPresent findings suggest the involvement of dopaminergic system in the activity of B. engleriana and further support its aphrodisiac potentials due to sterols and saponins revealed in this plant

The Aqueous and Methanol Extracts of Ficus asperifolia (Moraceae) Improve Reproductive Hormones Profile in High Fat Diet Induced Obese Rats

Ficus asperifolia (Moraceae), is a plant used as fertility booster. We investigated the effects of F. asperifolia extracts on sex hormones profile in high-fat diet (HFD)‑induced estrus cycle disturbances in rats. Female Wistar rats were fed either with HFD (n=161) or standard diet (n=8) for 10 weeks. After this period, 70 obese rats with abnormal estrus cycle were distributed into 14 groups of 5 animals each and treated for one and four weeks with distilled water (10 mg kg-1), Tween-80 (5%-10 mg kg-1), lutenyl (0.88 µg kg-1) and aqueous or methanol extract (100 or 500 mg kg-1) of F. asperifolia. At the end of each period, plasmatic estradiol and progesterone levels were determined. Acute toxicity parameters were also evaluated. HFD impaired reproductive hormones profile and estrous cycle after 10 weeks of treatment.F. asperifolia improved reproductive hormone profile by significantly increasing the plasmatic estradiol and progesterone levels. For instance, the plasmatic estradiol and progesterone levels were significantly increased (p&lt;0.05-0.01) in rats treated with the aqueous (100 mg kg-1, four-weeks; 500 mg kg-1, one-week) or methanol (100 and 500 mg kg-1, four-weeks) extract of F. asperifolia. No toxic effects of F. asperifolia extracts were recorded. Our data support the traditional use of F. asperifolia as fertility enhancer

Assessment of the In Vitro Cytotoxicity Effects of the Leaf Methanol Extract of Crinum zeylanicum on Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Their Cardiomyocytes Derivatives

Crinum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) is commonly used in African folk medicine to treat cardiovascular ailments. In the present study, we investigated the cytotoxic effect of the leaf methanol extract of C. zeylanicum (CZE) using mouse pluripotent stem cells (mPSCs). mPSCs and their cardiomyocytes (CMs) derivatives were exposed to CZE at different concentrations. Cell proliferation, differentiation capacity, and beating activity were assessed using xCELLigence system and microscopy for embryoid body (EB) morphology. Expression of markers associated with major cardiac cell types was examined by immunofluorescence and quantitative RT-PCR. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining. The results showed that the plant extract significantly reduced cell proliferation and viability in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This was accompanied by a decrease in EB size and an increase in intracellular ROS. High concentrations of CZE decreased the expression of some important cardiac biomarkers. In addition, CZE treatment was associated with poor sarcomere structural organization of CMs and significantly decreased the amplitude and beating rate of CMs, without affecting CMs viability. These results indicate that CZE might be toxic at high concentrations in the embryonic stages of stem cells and could modulate the contracting activity of CMs

Multimodal α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Inhibition and Antioxidant Effect of the Aqueous and Methanol Extracts from the Trunk Bark of Ceiba pentandra

Postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are important factors that worsen the health condition of patients with type 2 diabetes. We recently showed that extracts from Ceiba pentandra mitigate hyperglycemia in dexamethasone- and high diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Herein, we evaluated the postprandial regulatory properties and the antioxidant effects of the aqueous (AE) and methanol (ME) extracts from the stem bark of Ceiba pentandra. The phytochemical analysis of AE and ME was performed using the LC-MS technique and the total phenolic and flavonoid assays. Both extracts were tested for their ability to inhibit superoxide anion (O2•ـ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), protein oxidation, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase activities. The mode of enzyme inhibition was also determined in a kinetic study. AE and ME were both rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. ME was 2.13 and 1.91 times more concentrated than AE in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, respectively. LC-MS allowed the identification of 5 compounds in both extracts. ME and AE inhibited O2•ـ with IC50 of 51.81 and 34.26 μg/ml, respectively. On H2O2, they exhibited IC50 of 44.84 and 1.78 μg/ml, respectively. Finally, they exhibited IC50 of 120.60 and 140.40 μg/ml, respectively, in the inhibition of protein oxidation induced by H2O2, while showing IC50 of 39.26 and 97.95 μg/ml on the protein oxidation induced by AAPH. ME and AE inhibited alpha-amylase with IC50 of 6.15 and 54.52 μg/ml, respectively. These extracts also inhibited alpha-glucosidase, demonstrating IC50 of 76.61 and 86.49 μg/ml. AE exhibited a mixed noncompetitive inhibition on both enzymes, whereas ME exhibited a competitive inhibition on α-amylase and a pure noncompetitive inhibition on α-glucosidase. These results demonstrate that ME and AE scavenge reactive oxygen species and prevent their effects on biomolecules. Besides, ME and AE inhibit carbohydrate digestive enzymes. These properties may contribute to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and regulate glycemia in diabetic patients

Antihypertensive Effects of the Methanol Extract and the Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Crinum zeylanicum (Amaryllidaceae) Leaves in L-NAME-Treated Rat

Arterial hypertension (AHT) is a leading cardiovascular disease, with a high negative impact on the quality of life. Crinum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) leaves extract is used in the West region of Cameroon to treat AHT and heart problems. This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive effect of C. zeylanicum extract in N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester- (L-NAME-) induced hypertensive rats. The aqueous extract of C. zeylanicum (LAE) was obtained by lyophilizing the juice of triturated fresh leaves. The methanol extract (LME) prepared by maceration of the dried leaves was further partitioned to chloroform (LCF), ethyl acetate (LEAF), and residual (LRF) fractions. The total polyphenol, flavonoid content, and antiradical potentials of these extracts were determined. The curative antihypertensive and renal function protective effects of LME and LEAF were evaluated in vivo on L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of L-NAME (30 mg/kg/day) for 3 consecutive weeks. Thereafter, plant extracts were administered orally at the doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg/day, concomitantly with L-NAME for three other weeks. Body weight, heart rate, and arterial blood pressure were measured at the end of each week throughout the experimental period. At the end of the treatment, 24-hour urine and plasma were collected to assay nitric oxide (NO), creatinine, and protein. The results revealed that LEAF has the higher content of total polyphenol and flavonoid and exhibited the best antiradical potential. Moreover, treatment of hypertensive rats with LME and LEAF significantly (p<0.001) reduced AHT and heart rate. LME and LEAF significantly increased rat's body mass, plasmatic NO, and urinary creatinine and reduced urine NO and protein contents as compared to the L-NAME group. LME and its LEAF possess potent antihypertensive effects and further protect the renal function in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats, thus supporting the use of C. zeylanicum in the management of AHT

Lannea acida improves the emission phase of ejaculation of mature male rat: effects on vas deferens and seminal vesicles

Objective: The barks of Lannea acida (L. acida) are used in traditional medicine as aphrodisiac. This work was undertaken to evaluate the effects of L. acida on vas deferens contractility (in vitro test) and seminal vesicles pressure (ex-copula test) of mature rat.Methods: For the in vitro test, rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the vas deferens removed and mounted in an isolated organ bath containing aerated physiological Krebs solution for the recording of the effects of aqueous extract of L. acida (0.91-14.54 mg/ml) and KCl (13.25-106 mg/ml). For the ex-copula test, the seminal vesicles pressure of urethane-anesthetized rats was measured after urethral and tactile stimulations, intravenous administration of NaCl 0.9% (1 ml/kg), dopamine (5 mg/kg) or plant extract (5-40 mg/kg).Results: Similar to KCl (13.25-106 mg/ml), the aqueous extract of L. acida concentration-dependently contracted the vas deferens. Furthermore, urethral and tactile stimulations as well as intravenous administration of dopamine or plant extract induced contractions of the seminal vesicles characterized by an increase of the pressure. This increase induced by the plant extract was dose-dependent with significant effects obtained at doses 20 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg.Conclusion: These results show that L. acida improves the emissive phase of ejaculation through contraction of vas deferens and seminal vesicle smooth muscles.Keywords: Lannea acida, emission phase of ejaculation, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ra

In vitro cytotoxicity studies of sixteen plants used for pregnant women’s health conditions in Menoua Division-West Cameroon

In Cameroon, many plants are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of pregnancy and childbirth complaints. However, toxicological potential of most of these plants have not been investigated. In order to evaluate the degree of safety of their users, in vitro cytotoxic potentials of sixteen of these medicinal plants were subjected to the assay using the brine shrimp lethality assay. From this study, the aqueous extract of plant Rauvolfia vomitoria bark was found to be cytotoxic and that of Ageratum conyzoides stem and leaves slightly cytotoxic, with LC50 values of 17.62 and 99.17µg/ml, respectively. The least toxic plant extracts were Aloe buttneri, Commelina benghalensis, Ipomoea tenuirostrisandNelsonia canescens, (LC50 value &gt; 105 µg/ml). Overall fourteen extracts were found to be non-toxic. Most herbal remedies were non cytotoxic but it would be necessary to complete these cyto-toxicological information by mutagenicity, teratogenicity tests as welle as in vivo toxicological tests on animals

In vitro cytotoxicity studies of sixteen plants used for pregnant women’s health conditions in Menoua Division-West Cameroon

In Cameroon, many plants are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of pregnancy and childbirth complaints. However, toxicological potential of most of these plants have not been investigated. In order to evaluate the degree of safety of their users, in vitro cytotoxic potentials of sixteen of these medicinal plants were subjected to the assay using the brine shrimp lethality assay. From this study, the aqueous extract of plant Rauvolfia vomitoria bark was found to be cytotoxic and that of Ageratum conyzoides stem and leaves slightly cytotoxic, with LC50 values of 17.62 and 99.17µg/ml, respectively. The least toxic plant extracts were Aloe buttneri, Commelina benghalensis, Ipomoea tenuirostrisandNelsonia canescens, (LC50 value &gt; 105 µg/ml). Overall fourteen extracts were found to be non-toxic. Most herbal remedies were non cytotoxic but it would be necessary to complete these cyto-toxicological information by mutagenicity, teratogenicity tests as welle as in vivo toxicological tests on animals