Antifungal activity of Parmotrema tinctorum (Delise ex Nyl.) hale and Parmotrema cristiferum (Taylor) hale against seed mycoflora - A comparative study

Lichens are composite organisms comprising of a photobiont and a mycobiont. Studies have shown that extracts and secondary metabolites from lichens exhibit various bioactivities. The present study evaluates antifungal potential of crude methanolic extract of two corticolous Parmotrema species viz. Parmotrema tinctorum (Delise ex Nyl.) Hale and Parmotrema cristiferum (Taylor) Hale against a panel of fungi isolated from seeds of maize and groundnut. Extraction of powdered lichens was carried out by maceration process using methanol. Antifungal activity was evaluated by poisoned food technique. Both extracts were effective in causing dose dependent inhibition of radial growth of test fungi in poisoned plates. Among lichens, marked inhibitory activity was shown by P. cristiferum. At 1mg/ml concentration, P. cristiferum displayed an inhibition of >50% of all test fungi. The antifungal activity of two Parmotrema species against seed mycoflora could be ascribed to the presence of secondary metabolites in extracts

Ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Clerodendrum paniculatum L. (Lamiaceae): A comprehensive review

Clerodendrum L. is an important genus in the family Lamiaceae in terms of its medicinal values and pharmacological properties. The genus comprises of more than 500 species distributed worldwide. In this review, we present an updated information on ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Clerodendrum paniculatum L. (Lamiaceae). The plant is one the most spectacular Clerodendrum species and is grown commonly for ornamental purpose. The plant is reported to have ethnomedicinal importance as the plant is used as remedy for ailments and disorders such as wounds, typhoid, snakebite, jaundice, giddiness, malaria, anemia and hemorrhoids. Various phytochemicals such as rutin, quercetin, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, lupeol, oleanolic aldehyde acetate, stigmasta-4,25-dien-3-one, and (3β)-stigmasta-4,22,25-trien-3-ol have been identified in C. paniculatum. The plant is shown to exhibit biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, cytotoxic, hypolipidemic, insecticidal and anti-ageing activity. Keywords: Clerodendrum paniculatum L., Ethnobotanical, Traditional, Phytochemicals, Biological activitie

Ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological activities of Argyreia cuneata (Willd.) Ker Gawl. (Convolvulaceae) – A review.

Argyreia cuneata (Willd.) Ker Gawl. is a sub-erect silky shrub and belongs to the family Convolvulaceae. An updated information on ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological activities of A. cuneata is presented in this review. The plant finds traditional uses as a remedy for human and veterinary ailments. The plant is used to treat diabetes, helminthic infections, skin cuts, to initiate labor pain and to ease delivery. As an ethnoveterinary practice, the plant is used against retention of fetal membrane, anorexia and swelling of throat. The plant is reported to contain phytochemicals such as alkaloids and flavonoids. The plant is shown to exhibit some pharmacological activities viz. analgesic, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, wound healing, antipyretic, anthelmintic and antidiabetic activities. Keywords: Argyreia cuneata (Willd.) Ker Gawl., Ethnobotanical, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activitie

Lichens as promising resources of enzyme inhibitors: A review

Inhibition of some enzymes seems to be one of the therapeutic strategies for the management of certain diseases or conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and obesity. In this review, an updated information on the enzyme inhibitory activity of lichen extracts and lichen compounds by an intensive literature survey is presented. Crude solvent extracts and isolated compounds from lichens were shown to be effective in causing inhibition of several enzymes such as amylase, lipase, lipoxygenase, aromatase, cyclooxygenase, trypsin, β-glucoronidase, prolyl endopeptidase, monoamine oxidase, urease, tyrosinase, xanthine oxidase, Thioredoxin reductase, glucosidase, topoisomerase, pancreatic elastase, phosphodiesterase, telomerase and acetylcholinesterase. Lichen metabolites such as usnic acid and its derivatives, lobaric acid, physodic acid, ramalin, protolichestrinic acid, salazinic acid, atranorin, evernic acid, zeorin, diffractic acid, psoromic acid, methyl β-orcinolcarboxylate, methylorsellinate, and anziaic acid were shown to be inhibitors of some enzymes. In conclusion, lichens can be employed as promising therapeutic agents in terms of their potential to inhibit the activity of certain enzymes that are involved in some diseases or disorders. In vitro culturing of lichen symbionts in optimized media can be carried out to isolate enzyme inhibitors in larger scale and to develop effective therapeutic agents.  Keywords: Lichens, lichen substances, enzyme inhibitors, enzyme inhibitory activity &nbsp

Insecticidal, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and elemental analysis of Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston (Bixaceae)

Objectives: Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston is one of the extensively used medicinal plant belonging to the family Bixaceae. In the present study, we determined antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insecticidal activity and elemental analysis of C. religiosum flowers. Methods: Shade dried and powdered flower material was extracted by maceration process using methanol. Antibacterial activity of flower extract was determined by agar well diffusion assay against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Antifungal activity was tested against two molds namely Rhizopus sp. and Curvularia sp. by poisoned food technique. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging and ABTS free radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing assay. Insecticidal activity was assessed in terms of larvicidal activity against I, II and III instar larvae of Aedes species and Anopheles species. Elemental analysis was carried out to estimate the content of major and minor elements. Results: The flower extract was effective in inhibiting all test bacteria. Overall, the flower extract was effective against gram positive bacteria to higher extent when compared to gram negative bacteria. Flower extract showed dose dependent scavenging of DPPH and ABTS radicals with an EC50 value of 2.72 and 1.50µg/ml, respectively. In ferric reducing assay, an increase in the absorbance with increase in concentration indicated reducing potential of flower extract. At 1mg/ml concentration, the flower extract caused 100% mortality of I, II and III instar larvae of Aedes species and Anopheles species. The flower was shown to contain potassium and iron in highest quantity among major and minor elements, respectively while magnesium and chromium content was least among major and minor elements, respectively. Conclusions: The results are promising and the study highlights the possible utilization of the C. religiosum flowers against pathogenic microorganisms and oxidative stress and to manage mosquito-borne diseases. The flower can be used as a food supplement as it is shown to contain various mineral elements that are required. Key words: Cochlospermum religiosum, Maceration, Agar well diffusion assay, DPPH, ABTS, Ferric reducin

A comprehensive review on ethnobotanical applications and pharmacological activities of Acampe praemorsa (Roxb.) Blatt. & McCann (Orchidaceae)

Orchidaceae is one of the two largest families in angiosperms. Orchids are popular owing to the most beautiful flowers they produce and due to their wide spread ethnobotanical importance. In this review, ethnobotanical uses and pharmacological activities of A. praemorsa is discussed by referring flora, journals, and search engines such as Google scholar, ScienceDirect and Pubmed. Ethnobotanical investigations have revealed the potential therapeutic roles of different parts of A. praemorsa. The orchid is used traditionally by for treating ailments such as stomachache, earache, backache, wounds, neuralgia, rheumatism, eye diseases, sciatica, cough and fracture. A. praemorsa is investigated for various pharmacological activities. Studies have revealed the potential of A. praemorsa to exhibit a range of bioactivities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In conclusion, A. praemorsa is an extensively used epiphytic orchid for medicinal purposes in several parts of the India and other countries. Major emphasis has to be given in order to conserve this medicinally important orchid species. A. praemorsa can be a promising candidate in terms of its pharmacological potential. Keywords: Orchids, Orchidaceae, Acampe praemorsa, Ethnobotanical, Pharmacologica

Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Lophopetalum wightianum Arn. (Celastraceae)

Objectives: Lophopetalum wightianum Arn. (Celastraceae) is a lofty evergreen tree reaching around 40m in height. The present study was carried out to investigate antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of leaf and bark extract of L. wightianum. Methods: The shade dried and powdered leaf and bark were extracted by maceration process using methanol. Extracts were screened for phytoconstituents present by standard protocols. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of extracts was evaluated by agar well diffusion and poisoned food technique respectively. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing assays. Results: Phytochemicals viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, saponins and triterpenoids were detected in both leaf and bark extracts. Inhibitory activity against test bacteria of bark extract was marked than leaf extract. Bark extract displayed more or less similar activity against test bacteria while leaf extract was more effective against Escherichia coli. In antifungal activity, leaf extract showed highest inhibitory against Bipolaris sp. than A. niger. Bark extract showed more or less similar antifungal activity against A. niger and Bipolaris sp. Bark extract scavenged DPPH radicals more efficiently with IC50 value 7.03µg/ml than leaf extract which scavenged radicals with IC50 value of 24.64µg/ml. Reducing potential exhibited by bark extract was higher when compared to leaf extract. Conclusion: Overall, bark extract displayed marked antimicrobial and antioxidant potential. The plant is shown to contain bioactive principles with activity against pathogenic microorganisms and free radicals that cause oxidative damage. Keywords: Lophopetalum wightianum, Maceration, Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Antioxidan

Ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Clerodendrum infortunatum L. (Lamiaceae): A review

Ethnobotany is the scientific study concerned with the study of relationship between plants and man, in particular, how people use their traditional knowledge with respect to utilization of plant resources for their wellbeing. Plants have been extensively used since time immemorial as an indispensible source such as food, fodder, medicine, dyes, flavoring agents and for construction purposes. The genus Clerodendrum is one of the largest plant genera, belongs to the family Lamiaceae and encompasses herbs, shrubs and trees distributed worldwide. Clerodendrum infortunatum L. (synonym Clerodendrum viscosum Vent.) is one among the important species of the genus Clerodendrum. In the present review, we discuss the traditional (ethnobotanical) uses and pharmacological activities displayed by C. infortunatum. An extensive literature survey revealed that various parts of C. infortunatum are used traditionally by various indigenous communities as green salad, as an ingredient in local wine and to treat ailments or disorders such as headache, toothache, rheumatism, swelling, skin diseases, fever, diabetes, malaria, burns, tumor and epilepsy. Literatures revealed various pharmacological properties exhibited by the plant such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, wound healing, antivenom, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anthelmintic, insecticidal, thrombolytic and cytotoxic activities.  Keywords: Clerodendrum infortunatum L., Lamiaceae, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activitie