ArticlePDF Available
____________________________________________________________________________________________
*Corresponding author: Email: munashama@hotmail.com;
European Journal of Medicinal Plants
4(5): 563-570, 2014
SCIENCEDOMAIN international
www.sciencedomain.org
Lethality and Antioxidant Activity of some
Sudanese Medicinal Plants’ Fixed Oils
Muna F. Abushama1*, Yasmin I. Hilmi1, Haidar M. AbdAlgadir2,
Eltayeb Fadul2and Hassan E. Khalid1
1Khartoum College of Medical Sciences, Khartoum, Sudan.
2Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Institute, Sudan National Center for Research,
Khartoum, Sudan.
Authors’ contributions
This work was carried out in collaboration between all authors. Authors MFB, YIH and HMA
designed the study and wrote the protocol. Author MFB wrote the manuscript. Author YIH
designed biochemical analysis and author EF performed them. Author HMA authenticated
the plant species. Authors MFA and YIH managed the analyses of the study. Author HEK
supervised the study at his laboratory and revised the manuscript. All authors read and
approved the final manuscript.
Received 7th November 2013
Accepted 9th January 2014
Published 25th January 2014
ABSTRACT
The objective of the undergoing work is investigating antitumor therapy potential and
antioxidant capacity of Sudanese medicinal plants Helianthus annuus L. (Asteraceae),
Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae), Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), Sesamum
indicum L. (Pedaliaceae) and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del (Zygophyllaceae) by studying
the plants seeds fixed oils for their cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity. This study was
conducted at the Sudan National Research Center, Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Research Center, Khartoum, Sudan, in June-August, 2013. The five fixed oils cytotoxicity
was studied using Brine Shrimp Lethality and antioxidant activity by DPPH and Iron
Chelating Assays. Obtained results showed that Ricinus communis fixed oil has the
highest toxicity with LC50 1.7014, followed by Nigella sativa with LC50 606.2, when
analyzed by Finney Probit Analysis. Antioxidant activity results of the five fixed oils
measured using DPPH showed that Nigella sativa fixed oil showed high antioxidant
potential (85%), while Ricinus communis and Helianthus annuus fixed oils showed
moderate antioxidant activity (52%) and (51%) respectively. All of the fixed oils showed no
Original Research Article
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
564
activity when using Iron Chelating Assay. Results justify the plants use in folkloric
medicine although dosages should be monitored for its safe use. Studies directed towards
identification of bioactive compounds are recommended.
Keywords: Medicinal plants; fixed oils; cytotoxicity; antioxidants.
1. INTRODUCTION
About 80–90% of the populations in African countries are dependent on traditional medicine
for their primary health care. In Sudan, traditional medicine plays an important role in health
care, since access to hospitals and other medicinal facilities is limited and a high percentage
of the population are nomads. Sustainability of the use of medicinal plants is an actual and
important issue. The demand for medicinal plants is increasing in Africa as the population
grows and pressure on medicinal plant resources will become greater than ever. Interest in
plant derived medicines has also increased in the West, among the pharmaceutical
companies [1].
Medicinal plants contain various phytochemicals that are used for treatment of various
diseases. Antioxidants present in the plants play an essential role in protecting the cells and
tissues against damage caused by reactive oxygen species [2].
Bioactive compounds are often toxic to Artemia salina shrimp larvae. The eggs of the brine
shrimp are readily available as fish food in pet shops. When placed in artificial seawater the
eggs hatch within 48 hours, providing large numbers of larvae. This is a rapid and
inexpensive general bioassay which has been developed for screening, fractionation and
monitoring of physiologically active natural products [3].
Balanites aegyptiaca, known as ‘desert date’ is a spiny shrub or tree up to l0 m tall, widely
distributed in dry land areas of Africa and South Asia. It is traditionally used in treatment of
various ailments such as jaundice, intestinal worm infection, wounds and malaria. It contains
protein, lipid, carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, and organic acid [4].
The Seeds of Helianthus annuus have medicinal importance as diuretic, expectorant and
also used for cough, throat and lung infections. Healing properties of seed oil of Helianthus
annus are used in folk medicine for the treatment of bronchitis, diarrhea, scorpion stings and
snakebite [2].
Among natural products, the seeds and oil of Nigella sativa have attracted the interest of
medical scientists. It is an annual herbaceous plant with black seeds. The black seeds of
Nigella Sativa have been used as a spice and a food preservative in different countries.
Emerging studies have demonstrated that black seed oil (BSO) and its different components,
such as thymoquinone, manifest anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, immune stimulatory and
healing properties. In addition, oral administration of BSO can decrease the disease scores
in patients with allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and atopic eczema [5].
Sesame, Sesamum indicum is one of the world’s important oil crops. Its primary marketable
products are the whole seeds, seed oil and meal. Also, they have desirable physiological
effects including antioxidant activity, blood pressure and serum lipid lowering potential as
proven in experimental animals and humans. Sesame oil is mildly laxative, emollient and
demulcent. The seeds and fresh leaves are also used as a poultice. The oil has wide
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
565
medical and pharmaceutical application. Sesamin has been found to protect the liver from
oxidative damage. The oil has been used for healing wounds for thousands of years. It is
naturally anti-bacterial for common skin pathogens such as Staphylococcus and
Streptococcus as well as common skin fungi such as athlete’s foot fungus. It is anti-viral and
anti-inflammatory [6].
The castor oil plant Ricinus communis, also known as Palma(e) Christi or wonder tree is a
perennial crop of the spurge family. Ricinus communis probably originates from Africa and
was used in ancient Egypt and by the Romans and Greeks. Nowadays the plant grows wild
in many tropical and subtropical regions and is found as an ornamental plant virtually all
around the world. Historically, the plant, the seeds and in particular the oil have been used
for a variety of medical purposes, for example, as a laxative or for treatment of infection and
inflammation [7]. Roots are used in urinary trouble; Leaves juice with lime is used to
suppress newly formed boils [8].
In the present study fixed oils of the five Sudanese medicinal plants Helianthus annuus,
Ricinus communis,Nigella sativa,Sesamum indicum and Balanites aegyptiaca were studied
for their lethality and antioxidant activity. The study aimed at verifying the traditional use of
these oils as well as investigating the potential of these oils as curative agents for several
diseases.
2. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Tested Plants
Helianthus annuus cypsela, Ricinus communis regma, Balanites aegyptiaca drupe, Nigella
sativa seeds and Sesamum indicum seeds were bought from Omdurman crop local market,
Khartoum, Sudan, in July, 2013. Seeds from fruits were taken at the laboratory. All seeds
were identified, authenticated and classified by Dr. Haidar Abd Algadir in the herbarium of
The Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Research Institute (MAPRI), Khartoum, Sudan. Samples
were deposited at the museum at the herbarium with serial numbers as follows; Helianthus
annuus (HELAN 713), Ricinus communis (RICOM 713), Balanites aegyptiaca (BALA 713),
Nigella sativa (NIGSAT 713) and Sesamum indicum (SESIN 713).
2.2 Extraction of Fixed Oils [9]
Specific weight of each sample seeds was coarsely powdered using mortar and pestle and
extracted with Petroleum ether (500 ml for each sample) using soxhlet extractor apparatus
for about eight hours. Extract was then filtered through filter paper and the solvent was
evaporated under reduced pressure using rotary evaporator apparatus. The yield
percentage was calculated as follows: Weight of extract obtained/weight of plant sample
*100, Helianthus annuus (44.1%), Ricinus communis (41.2%), Nigella sativa (32.5%),
Sesamum indicum (42.3%) and Balanites aegyptiaca (38.4%).
2.3 Brine Shrimp Lethality Test [10]
Artemia salina (shrimp eggs) was placed in sea water and eggs hatched within 48 hrs,
providing a large number of larvae (nauplii). The tested fixed oil (20 mg) was dissolved in 40
mg DMSO and made up to 2ml with seawater. From this solution 5, 50 and 500µl were
transferred to vials (triplicate for each concentration), forming concentrations of 10, 100 and
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
566
1000 µ/ml respectively. Volume was made to 5 ml with seawater. 10 larvae were placed in
each vial using a Pasteur pipette. Potassium Dichromate (0.54 mg/ml) was used as positive
control. Vials were left for 24 hrs and numbers of survived larvae were counted. Data were
analyzed by Finney Probit Analysis computer program to determine Ld50 values with 95%
confidence intervals. LC50 values below 249 μg/ml were considered as highly toxic, 250–499
μg/ml as moderately toxic and 500–1000 μg/ml as lightly toxic. Values above 1000 μg/ml
were regarded as non-toxic [3].
2.4 Antioxidant Activity
2.4.1 DPPH radical scavenging assay
The DPPH radical scavenging was determined according to the modified method of
Shimada et al. [11]. In 96-wells plate, the test samples were allowed to react with 2.2 di (4-
tert-octylphenyl)-1-picryl-hydrazyl stable free radical (DPPH) for half an hour at 37ºC. The
concentration of DPPH was kept as 300μM. The test samples were dissolved in DMSO while
DPPH was prepared in ethanol. After incubation, decrease in absorbance was measured at
517 nm using multiple reader spectrophotometers (Thermo Fisher Scientific 1500).
Percentage radical scavenging activity by samples was determined in comparison with a
DMSO treated control group. All tests and analysis were run in triplicates.
2.4.2 Iron chelating assay
The iron chelating ability was determined according to the modified method of Dinis et al.
[12]. The Fe+2 were monitored by measuring the formation of ferrous ion-ferrozine complex.
The experiment was carried out in a 96 microtiter plate. The plant extracts were mixed with
FeSO4. The reaction was initiated by adding 5mM ferrozine. The mixture was shaken and
left at room temperature for 10min. The absorbance was measured at 562nm. EDTA was
used as standard and DMSO as control. All tests and analysis were run in triplicates.
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results in Table 1 revealed that Nigella sativa (NS) seed fixed oil had a high
antioxidant activity (85%) as well as a potential toxicity on Brine shrimp (LC 50 604.2).
Previous studies on NS have identified many enriched bioactive molecules, both in fixed oil
as well as essential oil. It has been demonstrated that much of the biological activity of
NS is due to thymoquinone, which is the main component of the essential oil and
fixed oil. The extracts of NS have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (against
several germs) as well as antiox-idant properties due to its activity of free-radical
elimination [13].
N. sativa and the oil obtained from it are reservoirs of different bioactive compounds, and
they have been shown to reduce tissue injury by reducing oxidative stress through
their antioxidant activity of eliminating radicals. Moreover, it has been observed that NS
oil promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes like GSH-PX and SOD and it reduces
the lipid peroxidation of the biological membranes thanks to their antioxidant properties
and elimination of ROS [13].
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
567
Our findings emphasize the useful implications of Nigella sativa fixed oil in the treatment of
many diseases. Future research into bioactive compounds must be implemented to address
the problem of dosage.
In this study the fixed oil of Ricinus communis showed a remarkably high lethality on Brine
Shrimp (LC50 1.7) as well as a moderate antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging
assay (51%) Table 1 our results agree to some extent with other studies which
demonstrated that the oil contains high levels of the unusual fatty acid, ricinoleic acid that is
valued for its unique chemical properties. Furthermore, with respect to medical applications,
the ability of the A-subunit to induce cell death has been exploited for the development of
immunotoxins [7]. Also the roots of Ricinus communis were shown to be an effective
antimicrobial agent [14]. The observed pharmacological activity may be due to the presence
of phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins present in the plant extract with
various biological activities [15].
Due to the high toxicity obtained by its fixed oil, the present study suggests the potential
antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties of Ricinus communis L., indicating the
possibilities of its potential use in the formulation of natural remedies for the topical treatment
of infections. However, recommendations for further studies are needed to evaluate active
compounds and probable medicinal benefits in chemotherapy among humans.
This study confirmed the antioxidant activity of fixed oil of Helianthus annuus seed as
reported by previous workers [16,17]. The fixed oil showed moderate antioxidant activity
(52%) by DPPH radical scavenging assay and low lethality (LC50 1570) Table 1. The
methanolic seed extracts of Helianthus annuus had shown very significant DPPH (1, 1-
diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity compared to standard antioxidant
Ascorbic acid [2]. The results concluded that the seed extracts of Helianthus annuus are a
potential source of antioxidants of natural origin and have strong potential for use as natural
antimicrobials in several applications requiring these properties.
Toxicity of Sesamum indicum seed fixed oil was light, with LC50 855.9 in the current study
and its antioxidant activity was moderate by DPPH radical scavenging assay (32%) Table 1
This herb oil is used widely in Sudan for many therapeutic purposes against several
diseases. Our results thus support the folkloric use of Sesamum indicum oil.
Supporting the therapeutic uses of Sesamum indicum also a previous study [18] showed that
Sesamin and sesamolin, two unique phytoconstituents isolated from Sesamum indicum
seeds, possess excellent cholesterol-lowering effect in humans and prevents high blood
pressure. They serve as a good source of copper, manganese and calcium which are
effective in reducing pain, in osteoporosis and in reduction of swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.
Antioxidant action was also observed with seeds [18]. Results have thus demonstrated
considerable antioxidant activity of sesame products tested especially black sesame hulls.
Moreover, Sesame as a valued oil seed appears to have numerous industrial applications. It
is therefore important to fully develop Industrial processing and utilization of sesame to meet
the current demands. In addition to other uses of the oil, like cooking as well as for medicinal
purposes such as the treatment of ulcers and burns, the oil extract could equally be used in
making soap and skin moisturizers [19].
In spite of the fact that the aqueous extract of the fruit mesocarp from Balanites aegyptiaca
is used in Sudanese folk medicine in the treatment of jaundice [20], the present study of the
plants fixed oil revealed a weak lethality and antioxidant activity of its fixed oil Table 1
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
568
Furthermore, it has been experimentally proven that B. aegyptiaca posses antioxidant,
antimicrobial, anticancer, diuretic, hypocholesterolemic, wound-healing, antiviral,
antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, mosquito larvicidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic,
antivenin, cardioprotective, antioxidant activity and antinociceptive properties [21]. So,
further studies need to be carried out to explore the bioactive compounds of B. aegyptiaca
for its potential in curing and treating diseases.
Table 1. Lethality and antioxidant activity of five sudanese plantsfixed oils
Plant sample
LC 50
%RSA ±SD
(DPPH)
Iron chelating
assay
Balanites aegyptiaca
99099.890
17±0.03
Not active
Helianthus annuus
1570.1680
52±0.24
Not active
Ricinus communis
1.7014
51±0.12
Not active
Nigella sativa
604.209
85±0.13
Not active
Sesamum indicum
855.9596
34±0.11
Not active
4. CONCLUSION
Our Findings revealed the high antioxidant potential of Nigella sativa fixed oil. This may
explain its role in altering the oxidative stress and its usefulness in the treatment and
management of many diseases. Due to the high toxicity obtained by Ricinus communis L.
fixed oil, the present study suggests it may have greater potential as an antimicrobial and
anticarcinogenic agent. Results justify the plants’ use in folkloric medicine although dosages
should be monitored for safety. Studies directed towards identification of bioactive
compounds are recommended.
CONSENT
Not applicable.
ETHICAL APPROVAL
Not applicable.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Our sincere gratitude is due to Mr. Muddather Al Hassan at the Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Institute for providing us with excellent facilities and introducing us to suitable extraction
methods. I thank Mr. Abd Alraheem Elbekre for his help in Statistical analysis for
assessment of cytotoxicity of plant extracts. Our thanks are due to Mr. Yahya Suliman for his
immense help in collecting samples of this study.
COMPETING INTERESTS
The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
569
REFERENCES
1. Pia F. Traditional medicinal uses and biological activities of some plant extracts of
African Combretum Loefl., Terminalia L. and Pteleopsis Engl. species
(Combretaceae). Academic dissertation. Helsinki; 2007.
2. Rajakannu S, Sritharan UR, Rajiv GS. Phytochemical Screening, Antimicrobial Activity
and In Vitro Antioxidant Investigation of Methanolic Extract of Seeds from Helianthus
annuus L. Chemical Science Review and Letters. 2012;1(1):30–34. ISSN 2278-6783.
3. McLaughlin JL, Rogers LL, Anderson JE. The Use Of Biological Assays To Evaluate
Botanicals. Drug Information Journal. 1998;32:513-24.
4. Daya LC, Vaghasiya HU. A review on Balanites aegyptiaca Del (desert date):
phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, and pharmacological activity
Pharmacogn Rev. 2011;5(9):55–62. doi: 10.4103/0973-7847.79100 PMCID:
PMC3210005.
5. Raza A, Muhammad S, Xudong Y, Qingzhu S, Fujun Z, Yan H. Suppressive effects of
black seed oil on ovalbumin induced acute lung remodelling in E3 rats. Swiss Med
Wkly; 2010. doi:10.4414/smw. 2010;13128.
6. Kandangath RA, Ajay P, Farhath K, Amarinder SB. Nutritional, Medicinal and
Industrial Uses of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Seeds - An Overview. Agriculturae
Conspectus Scientii cus. 2010;75(4):159-68.
7. Sylvia W, Kernt K, Diana P, Marc AA, Martin S, Martin BD. Ricinus communis
Intoxications in Human and Veterinary Medicine—A Summary of Real Cases. Toxins.
2011;3:1332-1372. doi:10.3390/toxins3101332.
8. Mithun S, Uzzal D. Traditional Phytotherapy among the Nath People of Assam. Ethno -
Med. 2008;2(1):39-45.
9. Sukhdev SH, Suman PSK, Gennaro L, Dev DR. Extraction technologies for medicinal
and aromatic plants. United Nation Industrial Development Organization and the
International Center for Science and High Technology. 2008;116.
10. Bussmann RW, Malca G, Glenn A, Sharon D, Nilsen B, Parris B. Toxicity of medicinal
plants used in traditional medicine in Northern Peru. J. Ethnopharmacol.
2011;137(1):121-40.
11. Shimada K, Fujikawa K, Yahara K, Nakamura T. Antioxidative properties of xanthan
on the antioxidation of soybean oil in cyclodextrin emulsion. J Agric Food Chem.
1992;40(6):945-8.
12. Dinis TCP, Madeira VMC, Almeida LM. Action of phenolic derivates (acetoaminophen,
salycilate and 5-aminosalycilate) as inhibitor of membrane lipid peroxidation and as
peroxyl radical scavengers. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 1994;(315):161 -9.
13. Cuneyt T, Ferhat C, Ilker MK, Fuat EC, Merih C, Alparslan T. Protective Effects of
Nigella sativa Oil in Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury. Arch Bronconeumol.
2013;49(1):15–21.
14. Mathur A, Verma SK, Yousuf S, Singh SK, Prasad GBKS, Dua VK. Antimicrobial
Potential Of Roots Of Ricinus Communis Against Pathogenic Microorganisms.
International Journal of Pharma & Bio Sciences. 2011;2(1):545.
15. Ilavarasan R, Mallika M, Venkataraman S. Anti-inflammatory and free radical
scavenging activity of Ricinus communis root extract. J. Ethnopharmacology.
2006;103(3):478-80.
16. Giada MDLR, Mancini-Filho J. Antioxidant capacity of striped sunflower seed
(Helianthus annuus L.) seed extracts evaluated by three in-vitro methods. Inter.J. of
Food Sci. & Tech. 2008;60(5):395-401.
European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 4(5): 563-570, 2014
570
17. Nadeem N, Anjum FM, Arshad MU, Hussain S. Chemical characteristics and
antioxidant activity of different sunflower hybrids and their utilization in bread. African
J.Food Sci. 2010;4:618-626.
18. Chakraborthy GS, Sharma G, Kaushik KN. Sesamum Indicum: A Review. Journal of
Herbal Medicine and Toxicology. 2008;2(2):15-19.
19. Warra AA. Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Seed oil methods of extract and its
prospects in cosmetic industry: A Review. Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied
Sciences. 2011;4(2):164–168.
20. Sarker SD, Bartholomew B, Nash RJ. Alkaloids from Balanites aegyptiaca. Fitoterapia.
2000;71:328–30. PubMed: 10844174
21. Daya L. Chothani, Vaghasiya HU. A review on Balanites aegyptiaca Del (desert date):
phytochemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological activity.
Pharmacogn Rev. 2011;5(9):55–62.
_________________________________________________________________________
© 2014 Abushama et al.; This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Peer-review history:
The peer review history for this paper can be accessed here:
http://www.sciencedomain.org/review-history.php?iid=412&id=13&aid=3443
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any citations for this publication.
Article
Full-text available
The present paper documents the wealth of 62 medicinal plant species used by the indigenous Nath community of Assam in different types of health treatment. The botanical name, family name, vernacular name, parts used and their application has been provided in the present paper. Out of 62 plants studied, parts of 8 (13%) plants are found to be used in snakebite, 7 (11.3%) are in asthma, 6 (9.6%) in jaundice, 5 (8.0%) each in dropsy and gynecological problems, 3 (4.8%) each in piles, elephantiasis, bronchitis, rheumatism, 2 (3.2%) in leprosy, one (1.6%) each in cancer, pneumonia, paralysis, hysteria, pharyngitis and the rest for curing different other ailments like ulcer, skin disease, fever etc. The present documentation can be used for the betterment of human society.
Article
Full-text available
The research work was conducted to characterize the sunflower hybrids and assess their suitability for the preparation of bread. These seeds were divided into two groups one used as such while other after dehulling. The data obtained for all the studied quality attributes were statistically analyzed. It was found that moisture, ash, fat, protein and all minerals contents increased after dehulling while crude fiber contents decreased. It was also observed that seeds with hull or shell had less phenolic contents and also lowers antioxidant activity. Also a direct correlation between total phenols and antioxidant activity (R 2 = 0.9954, p 0.0001) was observed. Fatty acid and tocopherol contents were also increased after dehulling but no significant increase was observed. The breads prepared with dehulled seeds up to 14% level of supplementation in wheat flour found to be acceptable with respect to all sensory attributes. In the present study, significant improvement in the proximate composition (ash, fat, crude protein and crude fiber) of sunflower seeds supplemented wheat flours was observed. This reflects the potential for use of sunflower into wheat flour for enhancement of these nutrients/chemical constituents.
Article
Full-text available
Antimicrobial activity of various extracts of roots (200mg/ml) of Ricinus communis were screened against pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger using well diffusion method. Aqueous extracts don't show any significant antimicrobial properties. The hexane and methanol extracts revealed maximum antimicrobial activity (p<0.0001). These findings established the potential of the roots of Ricinus communis as an effective antimicrobial agent. However, further studies are needed to evaluate active compounds and probable medicinal benefits in chemotherapy among humans.
Article
Full-text available
Balanites aegyptiaca Del. (Zygophyllaceae), known as 'desert date,' is spiny shrub or tree up to l0 m tall, widely distributed in dry land areas of Africa and South Asia. It is traditionally used in treatment of various ailments i.e. jaundice, intestinal worm infection, wounds, malaria, syphilis, epilepsy, dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, hemorrhoid, stomach aches, asthma, and fever. It contains protein, lipid, carbohydrate, alkaloid, saponin, flavonoid, and organic acid. Present review summarizes the traditional claims, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of B. aegyptiaca Del reported in scientific literature.
Article
Full-text available
Accidental and intended Ricinus communis intoxications in humans and animals have been known for centuries but the causative agent remained elusive until 1888 when Stillmark attributed the toxicity to the lectin ricin. Ricinus communis is grown worldwide on an industrial scale for the production of castor oil. As by-product in castor oil production ricin is mass produced above 1 million tons per year. On the basis of its availability, toxicity, ease of preparation and the current lack of medical countermeasures, ricin has gained attention as potential biological warfare agent. The seeds also contain the less toxic, but highly homologous Ricinus communis agglutinin and the alkaloid ricinine, and especially the latter can be used to track intoxications. After oil extraction and detoxification, the defatted press cake is used as organic fertilizer and as low-value feed. In this context there have been sporadic reports from different countries describing animal intoxications after uptake of obviously insufficiently detoxified fertilizer. Observations in Germany over several years, however, have led us to speculate that the detoxification process is not always performed thoroughly and controlled, calling for international regulations which clearly state a ricin threshold in fertilizer. In this review we summarize knowledge on intended and unintended poisoning with ricin or castor seeds both in humans and animals, with a particular emphasis on intoxications due to improperly detoxified castor bean meal and forensic analysis.
Article
The relative abundance of sesame seed oil coupled with the little knowledge of its cosmetic usage prompted the need for this review. The aim is to discuss the various extraction methods of the sesame seed oil and its industrial applications particularly its application in cosmetic production. The review focused mainly on the traditional African methods of extraction and the utilization of the seed oil in soap making and production of skin moisturizers.
Article
The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology's laboratory has adopted four “bench top” bioassays which do not require higher animals to screen and direct the fractionation of botanical extracts in drug discovery efforts. These are: 1. The brine shrimp lethality test (BST) (a general bioassay), 2. The inhibition of crown gall tumors on discs of potato tubers (an antitumor bioassay), 3. The inhibition of frond proliferation in duckweed (a bioassay for herbicides and plant growth stimulants), and 4. The yellow fever mosquito larvae lethality test (a bioassay for pesticides). The materials and procedures for those bioassays will be briefly described. The authors' results in applying these simple methods in the discovery of Annonaceous acetogenins will be presented to illustrate their successful use. The BST is especially suggested as an inexpensive, simple, and rapid means of standardization of bioactivity in heterogeneous botanical products.
Article
The autoxidation of soybean oil in a cyclodextrin emulsion system was studied in the presence of an emulsion stabilizer consisting of polysaccharides such as xanthan, tragacanth gum, and methylcellulose. Xanthan strongly inhibited the peroxidation of soybean oil containing tocopherols but showed no antioxidant activity on soybean oil without tocopherols in the emulsion. Xanthan did not have hydrogen-donating ability but expressed Fe2+-binding activity. The Fe2+-binding activity corresponded to the pyruvate content of xanthan. Depyruvated xanthan did not inhibit effectively the autoxidation of soybean oil. The Fe2+-chelating structure of xanthan is discussed.
Article
Background: Oxygen-induced lung injury is believed to lead to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. We have evaluated the beneficial effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on rats with hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Methods: Thirty newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups as hyperoxia (95% O(2)), hyperoxia+NSO and control (21% O(2)). Pups in the hyperoxia+NSO group were administered intraperitoneal NSO at a dose of 4ml/kg daily during the study period. Histopathologic, immunochemical, and biochemical evaluations (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], malonaldehyde [MDA] and myeloperoxidase [MPO]) were performed. Results: In the histopathologic and immunochemical evaluation, severity of lung damage was significantly lower in the hyperoxia+NOS group (P<.05). Tissue GSH-Px and SOD levels were significantly preserved, and MDA, MPO levels were significantly lower in the hyperoxia+NSO group (P<.05). Conclusion: NSO significantly reduced the severity of lung damage due to hyperoxia.