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Neuropharmacological properties of Xylocarpus moluccensis

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The methanolic extracts of the barks and pneumatophores of Xylocarpus moluccensis were assessed for their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) using a series of established pharmacological tests including pentobarbitone-induced sleeping time, open field, hole cross, hole-board and evasions tests in mice model. These extracts produced a dose-dependent reduction of the onset and duration of pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, reduction of locomotor and exploratory activities in the open field, hole cross, head-dip and evasion tests. These results suggest that both the bark and pneumatophore extracts possess CNS depressant activity, the pneumatophore extract being more potent than the bark extract.

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... Traditionally, its bark is used as an astringent and a febrifuge, and in the treatment of fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and other abdominal disorders (Uddin et al., 2005;Raja and Ravindranadh, 2014). Fruits of this plant are used in the treatment of swellings of the breast and elephantiasis (Uddin et al., 2011), and diarrhea, whereas the seed ash is used to manage itching (Sarker et al., 2007). Sarker et al., (2007) indicated that the methanol bark extract of this plant exhibits a dose-dependent CNS depressant effect in mice. ...
... Fruits of this plant are used in the treatment of swellings of the breast and elephantiasis (Uddin et al., 2011), and diarrhea, whereas the seed ash is used to manage itching (Sarker et al., 2007). Sarker et al., (2007) indicated that the methanol bark extract of this plant exhibits a dose-dependent CNS depressant effect in mice. ...
... Dose selection for this study was carried out according to the procedure outlined by Sarker et al., (2007) According to this method, thirty five mice were randomly divided into seven groups of five animals each (n = 5). Group I: Negative control (vehicle: 0.05% tween 80 dissolved in 0.9% NaCl solution); group II: Positive control (DZP); groups III and IV were treated with MEXM: 250 and 500 mg/kg), respectively; groups V and VI were treated with a combination of DZP2 and MEXM (DZP2 + MEXM 250 and DZP2 + MEXM 500). ...
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Article Info Scientific reports suggest that Xylocarpus moluccensis has numerous important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-diarrheal, insecticidal, antifeedent, neuropharmacological (e.g., CNS depressant), anti-atherosclerotic, and lipid-lowering activity. Anxiety disorders are common and disabling psychiatric conditions that are often associated with depressive symptoms. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anxiolytic-like effects of the methanolic bark extract of X. moluccensis (MEXM) in different behavioral paradigms in Swiss albino mice. For this, adult mice of either sex were treated with MEXM (250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) and/or diazepam (2 mg/kg, i.p.), and subjected to a number of behavioral studies. In the open-field test, the number of square field cross, grooming, and rearing, was counted, while in the light/dark and swing tests, the time spent in the dark portion and the number of swings were calculated, respectively. Findings from this investigation revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenes (including triterpenes), and gums in MEXM. In addition, MEXM caused a significant (p < 0.05) anxiolytic-like effect in experimental animals, where it dose-dependently increased the total time in the center and decreased the number of rearing and grooming's responses in the open field test. The MEXM also increased the dark residence time and decreased the number of swings in a dose-dependent manner. A dose of 500 mg/kg of MEXM caused the highest calming effect was when combined with the diazepam group. Taken together, these results extend our understanding of the effects of X. moluccensis on the central nervous system and suggest that this plant may be useful for the management of neurological diseases and disorders, especially anxiety.
... [3,7,29] Uddin et al. [30] showed the antidiarrheal activity of the methanolic extract of the bark of the plant from Bangladeshi Sundarban in the castor oil and magnesium sulphate induced mice and antibacterial property thus validating the plant's use in gastrointestinal disorders in traditional medicine. Alamgir et al. [23] and Sarker et al. [31] demonstrated the neuropharmacological property of X. moluccensis from Bangladeshi Sundarban exhibiting the CNS depressant activity in mice. Though no antimicrobial activity from leaf was observed by Uddin et al. [17] , but Haque et al. [32] reported the presence of strong antimicrobial activities of crude extracts from stem bark and three isolated pure compounds (structures not elucidated) called XM-1, XM-2 and XM-3. ...
... [52] In a study carried out on the species from Bangladeshi Sundarban, Wangensteen et al. [52] for the first time reported the presence of a new rotenoid [ Figure 3] sarcolobin (20) and a new isoflavone sarcolobone (21). The study also reported a few known rotenoids [ Figure 3] such as tephrosin (22), 12aα-hydroxyrotenone (23), 12aα-hydroxydeguelin (24), 11-hydroxytephrosin (25), 12a-hydroxyrotenone (26), 6aα, 12aα-12a-hydroxyelliptone (27), 6a, 12a-dehydrodeguelin (28), 1 3 -h o m o -1 3 -o x a -6 a , 1 2 a -d e h y d r o d e g u e l i n ( 2 9 ) , the isoflavone barbigerone (30) and a chromone 6,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydrochromone (31). The group for the first time reported 6,7-dimethoxy-2,3-dihydrochromone (31) a s a n a t u r a l p r o d u c t . ...
... [7] Chakraborty et al. [58] showed the chemopreventive potential of the aqueous leaf extract of the species in transplantable Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing murine model manifested in limiting metallothionein protein expression and in preventing DNA alternations in the animal liver. The study demonstrated decreases (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38) and Sonneratia caseolaris (39,40) in tumor cell count, increase in mean survival duration of the animals, restoration in hematological and hepatic histological profiles. Banerjee et al. [18] reported the antioxidant activity of the species from Indian Sundarbans. ...
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This review represents the studies performed on some beneficial mangrove plants such as Ceriops decandra, Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Excoecaria agallocha, Sarcolobus globosus, Sonneratia caseolaris and Acanthus ilicifolius from the Sundarban estuary spanning India and Bangladesh with regard to their biological activities and chemical investigations till date. Sundarban is the largest single chunk of mangrove forest in the world. The forest is a source of livelihood to numerous people of the region. Several of its plant species have very large applications in the traditional folk medicine; various parts of these plants are used by the local people as cure for various ailments. Despite such enormous potential, remarkably few reports are available on these species regarding their biological activities and the active principles responsible for such activities. Though some chemical studies have been made on the mangrove plants of this estuary, reports pertaining to their activity-structure relationship are few in number. An attempt has been made in this review to increase the awareness for the medicinal significance as well as conservation and utilization of these mangrove species as natural rich sources of novel bioactive agents.
... The potential activity of Xylocarpin H is not well understood. Sarker and colleagues firstly reported that the methanolic extracts from stem and root of X. granatum had inhibitory effects on the central nervous systems (CNS), including sleep time prolongation and anxiolytic activity; these findings indicated that some Xylocarpus granatum's active components had potential application in the treatment of psychiatric diseases [15]. ...
... contemporary pharmacological studies only began to discern the active components of this plant that were responsible for its multiple therapeutic actions [20]- [22]. A previous study reported that the methanolic extracts of the barks and pneumatophores of Xylocarpus moluccensis produced CNS depressant activity, with the pneumatophore extract being more potent than the bark's [15]. Very interestingly, as a single component of methanolic extracts from Xylocarpus granatum's fruits, Xylocarpin H also significantly increased the time spent in central zone in the LA test, indicating a potential anxiolytic activity for Xylocarpin H. ...
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Major depression is a common psychiatric disorder worldwide that imposes a substantial health burden on society. Currently available antidepressants do not meet the clinical needs. Here, we report that Xylocarpin H, a limonoid of Xylocarpus granatum, has antidepressant-like effects in mouse forced swimming and tail suspension tests, two validated models of depression. 7-day oral administration of Xylocarpin H resulted in dose-dependent decreases immobility duration within the dose range of 15-50 mg/kg. Xylocarpin H dose-dependently increases the time spent in the central zone at doses of 5-50 mg/kg in locomotion activity test. In addition, 7-day treatment Xylocarpus H at 15 and 50 mg/kg doses significantly decreases levels of serum corticosterone and adrenocorti-cotropic hormone (ACTH) following the acute stress of forced swimming test. Furthermore, these effective doses of Xylocarpin H do not affect locomotor activity and levels of serum corticosterone and ACTH in the absence of stress. In summary, the present study, for the first time, demonstrates that Xylocarpin H exerts antidepressant-like effects in mouse behavioral models of depression, likely by inhibiting HPA axis systems. These data provide primarily basis for developing Xylocarpin H as a novel antidepressant candidate for the treatment of depression and stress related disorders.
... Fruits from X. moluccensis have been used to cure swellings of the breast and elephantiasis [28,243] and (powdered or as a decoction) against diarrhoea [245]. An ointment prepared from seed ash, sulphur and coconut oil is used as a cure for itch [246]. ...
... Methanolic extracts of bark and pneumatophores of X. moluccensis had CNS depressant properties, with the pneumatophore extract showing the highest activity [246]. ...
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Diarrhoea is a common disease which causes pain and may be deadly, especially in developing countries. In Bangladesh, diarrhoeal diseases affect thousands of people every year, and children are especially vulnerable. Bacterial toxins or viral infections are the most common cause of the disease. The diarrhoea outbreaks are often associated with flood affected areas with contaminated drinking water and an increased risk of spreading the water-borne disease. Not surprisingly, plants found in the near surroundings have been taken into use by the local community as medicine to treat diarrhoeal symptoms. These plants are cheaper and more easily available than conventional medicine. Our question is: What is the level of documentation supporting the use of these plants against diarrhoea and is their consumption safe? Do any of these plants have potential for further exploration? In this review, we have choosen seven plant species that are used in the treatment of diarrhoea; Diospyros peregrina, Heritiera littoralis, Ixora coccinea, Pongamia pinnata, Rhizophora mucronata, Xylocarpus granatum, and Xylocarpus moluccensis. Appearance and geographical distribution, traditional uses, chemical composition, and biological studies related to antidiarrhoeal activity will be presented. This review reveals that there is limited scientific evidence supporting the traditional use of these plants. Most promising are the barks from D. peregrina, X. granatum and X. moluccensis which contain tannins and have shown promising results in antidiarrhoeal mice models. The leaves of P. pinnata also show potential. We suggest these plants should be exploited further as possible traditional herbal remedies against diarrhoea including studies on efficacy, optimal dosage and safety.
... Animal head-dipping behavior remains closely correlated with their psychological response. Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) can modulate the central nervous system through the voltage-gated Ca 2+ channel or chlorine conductance [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. It was revealed that the animals' head-dipping behavior is clearly relevant to their mental state, and this test is used to investigate anxiety-related activities. ...
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... Animal head-dipping behavior remains closely correlated with their psychological response. Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA) can modulate the central nervous system through the voltage-gated Ca 2+ channel or chlorine conductance [40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. It was revealed that the animals' head-dipping behavior is clearly relevant to their mental state, and this test is used to investigate anxiety-related activities. ...
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Citrus limon L. is an ingenious alternative medication and has a broad scope in managing several health conditions as part of natural remedies. Recently, medicinal plants have witnessed incredible consideration worldwide in the field of neuroscience for remedial intervention. The present work has investigated the phytochemical compounds and neuropharmacological potential of the seed extract of Citrus limon as a step to partially validate its formulations as nutraceuticals using an in vivo model. Diverse phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, gums, saponins, steroids were qualitatively identified through colorimetric methods utilizing standard compounds. The neuropharmacological properties were studied in Swiss albino mice with the sleep time induced by thiopental sodium taken as an end-point, in standard hole cross, hole board, and open-field experiments at varying doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight. Phytochemical screening showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, and glycosides are present in the aqueous extract of the seed. The extracts demonstrated a significant reduction in sleep onset and enhanced the sleep duration in a dose-dependent manner in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping time, along with a marked decrease in unconstrained locomotors and explorative properties in both hole cross and open field tests. Moreover, in the hole board study, the extracts minimized the count of head dips observed in the treated mice. The results shown in this study demonstrate that Citrus limon extracts have neuropharmacological properties that can be further examined for their potential role as an adjuvant with conventional medications or nutraceuticals.
... However, the observed reduction in rearing with acute administration of 0.15 mg/kg might be explained by potentiation of inhibitory (GABA, glycine) pathways or inhibition of excitatory (Glutamate, noradrenalin, acetylcholine) pathways. Fluphenazine, muscimol and baclofen injected into the region containing the ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens and ventral palladium prevent novelty induced motor activity and this observation supports the hypothesis that this region is necessary for novelty induced motor activity [16]. A confirmation of these observation and mechanism is required. ...
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Calcium channel blockers (CCB) are used in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders for their actions on the voltage sensitive calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscles. The N-type calcium channels are of particular importance in control of release of neurotransmitters from the peripheral and central terminals. Nifedipine is a potent agent used in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and angina, it is a drug that is taken chronically by most patients. This study is geared towards assessment of the effects of nifedipine on anxiety, behaviour, memory, movement, and other CNS parameters, to provide knowledge on side effects and drug repurposing. Three different sets of twenty five mice each were used for this study. For the neurobehavioral models (open field, hole board, elevated plus maze, Y maze and activity cage) twenty five mice were randomly divided into five groups (n =5). The groups include two controls (distilled H2O and diazepam) and three treatment groups for doses 0.15, 0.30 and 0.6 mg/Kg (calculated based therapeutic dose of nifedipine). The muscle relaxant models (traction test and inclined plane) were done using another set of twenty five according to grouping above. The third sets of twenty five animals were used for the pentobarbitone induced hypnosis test also according to the five groups earlier described. The results generated from this study suggest that nifedipine does not have CNS depressant effect even though a chronic use of 0.15 mg/kg proved otherwise. Nifedipine show an anxiogenic effect at a chronic dose of ≥ 0.3 mg/kg. Central depressive activity might be seen on administration of high dose of Nifedipine. Chronic use of Nifedipine show mild effect on learning and memory. Keywords: Nifedipine; anxiogenic; muscle relaxant; neurobehavioural effect; hypnosis test.
... The plates were kept at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow diffusion of the extracts into the agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Diameter of the zones of inhibition formed around each well was measured in millimeter [44,45]. The same was repeated for the other solvents extract of the Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces using different concentrations. ...
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Aim: The aim of this research is to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of ethanol and aqueous (hot and cold) extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces and the survival of spoilage bacteria in water melon juice fortified with the ethanol extract. Materials and Methods: The isolation and identification of spoilage bacteria of water melon juice was carried out using culture dependent method and morphological and biochemical characterization respectively while extraction of phytochemicals was done with reference to standard procedures. The antimicrobial activities of the different solvent extracts were evaluated based on the agar well diffusion method while the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were carried out using the macro dilution broth method. Results: The results obtained showed that Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris were isolated as spoilage bacteria of water melon and phytochemical determination using different extracts showed that Ethanol extract contained 1.35 ± 0.5, 1.21 ± 0.3, 0.41 ± 0.1, 1.50 ± 0.2, 2.40 ± 0.0 mg/g of saponin, tannin, alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids respectively while the hot aqueous extract contained 0.2 ± 0.0, 0.79 ± 0.2, 0.27 ± 0.1 and 0.32 ± 0.1mg/g of saponin, tannin, alkaloids and phenol respectively and the cold aqueous extract contained 0.19 ± 0.1, 0.52 ± 0.2, 0.24 ± 0.1, and 0.11 ± 0.1 mg/g of saponin, tannin, alkaloids, phenol respectively while flavonoids was not detected in the hot and cold aqueous extract. The spoilage bacteria were inhibited by the different extracts showing inhibition zones of 15.3 ± 0.2, 14.3 ± 0.6, 10.7 ± 0.4, 11.0 ± 0.0, 10.7 ± 0.1 and 8.3 ± 0.5mm for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris at a concentration of 200 mg/ml respectively of Ethanol extract while the hot aqueous extract demonstrated inhibition zones of 10.7 ± 0.4, 11.0 ± 0.1, 9.0 ± 0.0, 6.7 ± 0.6, 7.3 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.0 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris at a concentration of 200 mg/ ml respectively and the cold aqueous extract showed inhibition zones of 6.7 ± 0.3, 6.0 ± 0.0, 4.0 ± 05, 3.7 ± 0.4, 4.3 ± 0.2 and 0.0 ± 0.0 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris at a concentration of 200mg/ml respectively which were significantly different (p < 0.05). The MIC values for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Proteus vulgaris ranges from 50 ± 0.4 to100 ± 0.8 mg/ml using ethanol extracts while the MBC value for Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris using Ethanol extracts was 200 ± 0.9 mg/ml. The hot and cold aqueous did not have values for the MBC.
... conclude that depressant effect of test compounds on locomotor activity was probably not due to a peripheral neuromuscular blockage. 22 Diazepam, used as positive control in this test, belongs to the BZD group reduces SMA. Hence, we can say that all three Benzopyran-2-one derivatives act like that of diazepam, by increasing the influx of Clions through GABA channels. ...
... Limonoids are structurally diverse and can be classified into gedunins, phragmalins, mexicanolides, obacunols and andirobins. These triterpenoids have a wide range of biological activities such as antibacterial, anti-filarial, anti-diarrheal ( Wangensteen et al., 2013), anti-inflammatory ( Ravangpai et al., 2011), antioxidant, CNS depressant ( Sarker et al., 2007) and other activities ( Wangensteen et al., 2013). A new andirobin, thaimoluccensin A and two new phragmalin-type limonoids, thaimoluccensins B and C from seeds of X. moluccensis, contributed to the anti-inflammatory activity ( Ravangpai et al., 2011). ...
Article
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lamk.) M. Roem of family Meliaceae has triterpenoids rich fruits. Triterpenoids have been known to possess cardioprotection and anti-atherosclerotic activities (Han and Bakovic, 2015; Wu et al., 2009). Standardised fraction of these fruits exhibited anti-dyslipidemic (Srivastava et al., 2015), anti-inflammatory (Ravangpai et al., 2011) and CNS depressant activity (Sarker et al., 2007). However, there is no report in the literature on its cardiovascular effects. Aim of the study: The present study was undertaken to assess vasoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic and further examine the anti-dyslipidemic effect of the standardized fraction of Xylocarpus moluccensis (F018) fruits in the mechanical injury and high fat diet (HFD) induced dyslipidemic/ atherosclerosis models. Materials and methods: Guinea pigs were fed 0.08% cholesterol + 15% fat diet for 3 weeks, while ApoE KO mice were fed high fat diet for 18 weeks to induce dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. A combination of balloon injury and high fat diet (1% cholesterol, 6% peanut oil) for 5 weeks was used to accelerate atherosclerosis in NZW rabbits. F018 was administered once daily by oral route in guinea pigs (10, 25 or 50mg/kg/day for 3 weeks), ApoE KO mice (50mg/kg/day for 6 weeks) and in NZW rabbit (25mg/kg/day for 5 weeks) to monitor its effect on dyslipidemia, vasoreactivity and plaque composition by using standard methodologies. Results: F018 treatment in guinea pigs (25 and 50mg/kg/day), ApoE mice (50mg/kg/day) and rabbits (25mg/kg/day) significantly reduced plasma lipids and improved ACh induced vasorelaxation. Anti-dyslipidemic effect of F018 seems to be due to the modulation of enterohepatic genes involved in the cholesterol absorption and excretion. Moreover, significant improvement in the acetylcholine (ACh) induced vasorelaxation was accompanied with reduced inflammatory burden and enhanced activation of eNOS in ApoE mice aortic tissue. Similarly inflammatory cytokines, immunolabeling of macrophage marker (CD68) and MMP-9 were reduced along with augmentation in vascular smooth muscle cells and collagen type I and III in the mechanically injured iliac artery segment in the rabbits. Conclusions: Altogether, F018 preserved vasoreactivity, reduced atherosclerotic plaque progression and enhanced plaque stability by reducing lipids, inflammatory cytokines, improving endothelial function and collagen content.
... Xylocarpus moluccensis, also known as Possur, is one of the Meliaceae families which can be found abundantly in Peninsular Malaysia (Sarker et al., 2007). The wood of this plant consists of two parts which are sapwood (yellow) and heartwood (dark red). ...
Article
Problem statement: Traditionally, extraction of natural dyes with boiling method produced only one single tone of colorant/dyes which involved plenty of water in several hours of extraction time. A new modern extraction technique should be introduced especially to textile dyers so that a variety of tone of colorants can be produced in a shorter time with less consumption of water. Approach: This study demonstrated Pressurized Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) as a new technique to extract colorants from a selected plant, i.e., Xylocarpus moluccensis species which can be found abundantly in Peninsular Malaysia. Colorant from the heartwood of Xylocarpus moluccensis was extracted at different elevated temperatures, from 50
... Previous phytochemical studies on E. agallocha revealed the presence of diterpenoids (ISI database, 2008;Ji-Dong et al., 2007;Li et al., 2007;Wang et al., 2006Kang et al., 2005), triterpenoids (Zou et al., 2006), fl avonoid (Konishi et al., 2003) and phorbole esters (Ericson et al., 1995). As part of our continuing phytochemical and bioactivity studies on Bangladeshi medicinal plants and also in other parts of the world (Alam et al., 2008a,b;Ali et al., 2008;Datta et al., 2007Datta et al., , 2004Saha et al., 2007;Uddin et al., 2007aUddin et al., -c, 2006aUddin et al., ,b, 2005Uddin et al., , 2004Rouf et al., 2006;Haque et al., 2004;Rahman et al., 2004;Delazar et al., 2006;Shoeb et al., 2007;Auzi et al., 2007;Zamani et al., 2007;Razavi et al., 2008), we now report on the neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities, and acute toxicty of the ethanol extract of the bark of E. agallocha in laboratory rodents as well as brine shrimp toxicity. ...
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Background and objectives: Excoecaria agallocha L. (Family: Euphorbiaceae) is a Bangladeshi medicinal plant found predominantly in the tidal forests and swamps of the Sundarbans and other coastal areas in Bangladesh. As part of our on-going phytochemical and bioactivity studies on medicinal plants from Bangladeshi flora, the in vitro antioxidant property on the bark of this plant was evaluated. Methods: The hydroalcohol extract of the dried and ground bark of E. agallocha was assessed for antioxidant activity using a series of well-established assays including the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), the lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid (TBA), the reducing power, the nitric oxide (NO.) and the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging assays. Results: In the DPPH, the NO and the H2O2 scavenging assays, the extract of E. agallocha displayed significant antioxidant activities with the IC50 values of 179.16, 120.24 and 134.29 μg/ml, respectively. The reducing power of the extract increased dose-dependently, and the extract reduced the most Fe3+ ions to the extent less than butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT). In the lipid peroxidation assay, the extract showed significant inhibition of peroxidation effect at all concentrations, with an IC50 value of 189.27 μg/ml. Conclusion: Since reactive oxygen species are important contributors to serious ailments such as atherosclerosis, alcoholic liver cirrhosis and cancer, the antioxidant property of the extract of E. agallocha as observed in the present study might be useful for the development of newer and more potent antioxidants.
... Although the plant has traditional uses as pain killer or stimulant (removes tiredness, laziness, and sleeps), but there is no scientific report to-date on its neuropharmacological and analgesic activity. As a part of our continuing screening of medicinal plants with analgesic and neuropharmacological activity [16][17][18], here we now report the central-stimulating and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of A. sessilis in mice models. ...
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Background Alternanthera sessilis is a popular vegetable and used in traditional medicinal practice of Bangladesh and other parts of Asia to relive tiredness, laziness, and sleeps as well as pain and inflammation. However, no report was found on the neuropharmacological and analgesic activity of this plant to-date. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the neuropharmacological and analgesic activity of the ethanol extract of A. sessilis whole plant (ETAS) in mice models. Methods Central stimulating activity was investigated by pentobarbitone induced sleeping time, open field, and hole cross tests. Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhing and hot-plate methods. The tests were performed at 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight dose levels. Results In sleeping time test, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) increased the onset of sleep, and decreased the duration of sleep. In open field and hole cross tests, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) increased the movements of mice which persisted throughout the study period. In writhing test, ETAS showed, significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of writhing reflex. In hot plate test, ETAS significantly (p < 0.001) raised the pain threshold. In HPLC analysis for polyphenols, (+)-catechin, rutin, ellagic acid, and quercetin were detected in ETAS (117.72, 490.74, 3007.26, and 13.85 mg/100 g of dry extract, respectively). Conclusion Present study supported the traditional uses of A. sessilis and indicated that the plant can be a potential source of bioactive molecules.
... The bark extract exhibits significant antidiarrhoeal activity in castor oiland magnesium sulphate-induced diarrhoea models in mice 4 . The plant also shows neuropharmacological and cytotoxic properties 5,6 . Eight limonoids were isolated from the seeds of X. moluccensis and the compounds moluccensin R, 6R-hydroxymexicanolide, and 2hydroxyfissinolide exhibited marked antifeedant activity 7 . ...
... It has earlier been reported that X. moluccensis have been used in the treatment of cholera and fever whereas the fruits are aphrodisiac. The bark as well as pnematophore of X. moluccensis have been reported for neuro pharmacological properties [5] whereas its fruits husk has been reported as bactericidal. The kernels are used in tonics and in relieving colic. ...
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Objective: To investigate the antihyperglycaemic and antidyslipidemic activities in ethyl acetate fraction of fruits of marine mangrove Xylocarpus moluccensis (EAXm) by measuring the status of biochemical parameters of diabetic animal models and in vitro glucose uptake effect. Method: The ethyl acetate fraction of the epicarp from the fruits of Xylocarpus moluccensis (EAXm) (Family: Meliaceae) was tested for their glucose tolerance, declining blood glucose, lipid, renal and hepatic function markers, enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism of low dosed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, high fructose/high sucrose high fat fed streptozotocin induced rats and db/db mice, respectively for 10 consecutive days and in vitro glucose uptake effect by L-6 skeletal muscle cells. Results: The EAXm was found effective in improving glucose tolerance, declining blood glucose, serum fructosamine levels of low dosed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, high fructose/high sucrose high fat fed streptozotocin induced rats , and db/db mice, respectively. HFD/HSD-STZ rats and dyslipidemic hamsters, when treated with EAXm for 10 consecutive days displayed decline in their serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and elevation in their HDL-cholesterol levels and improvement in the hepatic as well as renal functions of HFD/HSD-STZ rats as evidenced by decline in their serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea, uric acid, creatinine levels. Treatment with EAXm also restored the altered activities of few key regulatory enzymes like glucokinase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, glucose-6- phosphatase, and fructose 1-6 bisphosphatase in liver, muscle and renal tissues and glycogen degrading enzyme i.e. glycogen phosphorylase in liver and muscle of STZ-induced diabetic rats and db/db mice, respectively. EAXm also increased glucose uptake by L-6 skeletal muscle cells and inhibits the intestinal brush border enzyme alpha-glucosidase in vitro with IC50 around 28.4 μg /ml. The inhibition was found mixed type with respect to the substrate i.e. p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside.
... [10] Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity in pathogenic bacteria was studied for aqueous fruit peel and leaf extracts of M. paradisiaca. [11] Chemical investigation on M. acuminata led to the isolation of 4,4'-dihydroxy-anigorootin, 4'-hydroxy-anigorootin, 3,3'-bishydroxyanigorufone, [12] (S)-(+)-6-methoxy-α-methyl-2-naphthaleneacetic acid, [13] and oxabenzochrysenones. [14] As part of our ongoing studies on medicinal plants form the Bangladeshi flora, [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30] we now, for the very first time, report on the antioxidant, analgesic, antidiarrheal, anthelmintic activity, and general toxicity of the ethanol extract of the roots of M. seminifera. ...
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Musa seminifera Lour is a tree-like perennial herb that has been used in folk medicine in Bangladesh to heal a number of ailments. To evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic, antidiarrheal, anthelmintic activities, and general toxicity of the ethanol extract of the roots. The extract was assessed for free-radical-scavenging activity by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, total phenolic content (TPC) by the Folin Ciocalteu reagent, antioxidant activity by the ferric reducing power assay, analgesic activity by the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate tests, antidiarrheal activity by the castor oil-induced diarrhea model in mice, anthelmintic activity on Paramphistomum cervi and Haemonchus contortus, and general toxicity by the brine shrimp lethality assay. The extract showed free-radical-scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 44.86 μg/mL. TPC was 537.89 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g of dried plant material. It showed concentration-dependent reducing power, and displayed 42.11 and 69.32% writhing inhibition at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively. The extract also significantly raised the pain threshold at the above-mentioned dose levels. In vivo antidiarrheal property was substantiated by significant prolongation of latent period and decrease in total number of stools compared with the control. The LC50 against brine shrimp nauplii was 36.21 μg/mL. The extract exhibited dose-dependent decrease in paralysis and death time of the helminths. The above results demonstrated that the plant possesses notable bioactivities and somewhat supports its use in folk medicine.
... While previous bioactivity studies on this plant revealed its antimicrobial, antioxidant and wound healing properties, antimalarial and antihepatotoxic activities (Umachigi et al., 2007), the phytochemical investigations resulted in the isolation of indole alkaloids, secoiridoids, triterpenes and saponins from this plant (Banerji, 1977; 1978; Brown and Chapple, 1976; Kitagawa et al., 1996; Sahu et al., 1999;. In continuation of our phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Uddin et al., 2005Uddin et al., , 2007a Saha et al., 2007; Datta et al., 2007), we now report on the antidiarrhoeal property of Anthocephalus cadamba fl owering tops. ...
... In continuation of our studies on bioactivity of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Chitnis et al., 2007;Datta et al., 2007;Mondal et al., 2007;Rouf et al., 2006;Saha et al., 2007;Shilpi et al., 2004;Uddin et al., , 2005aUddin et al., , 2005bUddin et al., , 2007a, we now report on comparative free radical scavenging (antioxidant), antibacterial activities, and brine shrimp toxicity of two Bangladeshi medicinal plants, Mimosa pudica and Mimosa rubicaulis. ...
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Comparative antioxidant, antibacterial activities and general toxicity studies on the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Mimosa pudica and Mimosa rubicaulis, two Bangladeshi medicinal plants, were carried out, using the 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the resazurin microtitre plate based assay, and the brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively. The DCM and MeOH extracts of both M. pudica and M. rubicaulis showed prominent antioxidant property, with the RC50 values ranging from 4.70 x 10-1 to 2.10 x 10-2 mg/mL. While M. rubicaulis did not show any antibacterial activity, the DCM and the MeOH extracts of M. pudica displayed considerable bacteriostatic activity against all six bacterial strains (MIC range = 0.625 - 2.50 mg/mL) including Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None of these plants exhibited any significant toxicity towards brine shrimps. Abstract Comparative antioxidant, antibacterial activities and general toxicity studies on the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Mimosa pudica and Mimosa rubicaulis, two Bangladeshi medicinal plants, were carried out, using the 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the resazurin microtitre plate based assay, and the brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively. The DCM and MeOH extracts of both M. pudica and M. rubicaulis showed prominent antioxidant property, with the RC50 values ranging from 4.70 x 10-1 to 2.10 x 10-2 mg/mL. While M. rubicaulis did not show any antibacterial activity, the DCM and the MeOH extracts of M. pudica displayed considerable bacteriostatic activity against all six bacterial strains (MIC range = 0.625 - 2.50 mg/mL) including Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None of these plants exhibited any significant toxicity towards brine shrimps.
... Previous phytochemical studies on E. agallocha revealed the presence of diterpenoids (ISI database, 2008;Ji-Dong et al., 2007;Li et al., 2007;Wang et al., 2006Kang et al., 2005), triterpenoids (Zou et al., 2006), fl avonoid (Konishi et al., 2003) and phorbole esters (Ericson et al., 1995). As part of our continuing phytochemical and bioactivity studies on Bangladeshi medicinal plants and also in other parts of the world (Alam et al., 2008a,b;Ali et al., 2008;Datta et al., 2007Datta et al., , 2004Saha et al., 2007;Uddin et al., 2007aUddin et al., -c, 2006aUddin et al., ,b, 2005Uddin et al., , 2004Rouf et al., 2006;Haque et al., 2004;Rahman et al., 2004;Delazar et al., 2006;Shoeb et al., 2007;Auzi et al., 2007;Zamani et al., 2007;Razavi et al., 2008), we now report on the neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities, and acute toxicty of the ethanol extract of the bark of E. agallocha in laboratory rodents as well as brine shrimp toxicity. ...
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The results of neuropharmacological, microbiological and toxicological studies on the ethanol extract of the bark of Excoecaria agallocha are reported. The extract (100 and 200 mg/kg dosages) was found to produce a profound decrease in exploratory activity in a dose-dependent manner. It also showed a marked sedative effect as evidenced by a significant reduction in gross behaviour and potentiation of sodium thiopental-induced sleeping time. The totality of these effects showed that the extract possesses depressant action on the central nervous system (CNS). The extract of E. agallocha exhibited significant in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei and Enterococci with the zones of inhibition ranging from 11 to 15 mm. While the extract showed considerable brine shrimp toxicity (LD50 = 20 mg/mL), it displayed only low level of toxicity in mice.
... In continuation of our phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Uddin et al., 2005(Uddin et al., , 2007aSaha et al., 2007;Datta et al., 2007), we now report on the antidiarrhoeal property of Anthocephalus cadamba fl owering tops. ...
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The antidiarrhoeal property of the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Anthocephalus cadamba was assessed on experimental animals. The dry hydroethanolic extract (250-500 mg/kg body mass, p.o.) exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in the total number of faecal droppings in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice. The extract also produced a significant (p < 0.01) and dose-dependent reduction in intestinal fluids accumulation and in the gastrointestinal transit from 64.59 % and 71.19% at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. The reduction rates were 37.85% and 74.91%, respectively, with the control and standard drug group.
... In continuation of our studies on bioactivity of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Chitnis et al., 2007;Datta et al., 2007;Mondal et al., 2007;Rouf et al., 2006;Saha et al., 2007;Shilpi et al., 2004;Uddin et al., , 2005aUddin et al., , 2005bUddin et al., , 2007a, we now report on comparative free radical scavenging (antioxidant), antibacterial activities, and brine shrimp toxicity of two Bangladeshi medicinal plants, Mimosa pudica and Mimosa rubicaulis. ...
... While previous bioactivity studies on this plant revealed its antimicrobial, antioxidant and wound healing properties, antimalarial and antihepatotoxic activities (Umachigi et al., 2007), the phytochemical investigations resulted in the isolation of indole alkaloids, secoiridoids, triterpenes and saponins from this plant (Banerji, 1977; 1978; Brown and Chapple, 1976; Kitagawa et al., 1996; Sahu et al., 1999;. In continuation of our phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Uddin et al., 2005Uddin et al., , 2007a Saha et al., 2007; Datta et al., 2007), we now report on the antidiarrhoeal property of Anthocephalus cadamba fl owering tops. ...
... Previous phytochemical studies on E. agallocha revealed the presence of diterpenoids (ISI database, 2008;Ji-Dong et al., 2007;Li et al., 2007;Wang et al., 2006Kang et al., 2005), triterpenoids (Zou et al., 2006), fl avonoid (Konishi et al., 2003) and phorbole esters (Ericson et al., 1995). As part of our continuing phytochemical and bioactivity studies on Bangladeshi medicinal plants and also in other parts of the world (Alam et al., 2008a,b;Ali et al., 2008;Datta et al., 2007Datta et al., , 2004Saha et al., 2007;Uddin et al., 2007aUddin et al., -c, 2006aUddin et al., ,b, 2005Uddin et al., , 2004Rouf et al., 2006;Haque et al., 2004;Rahman et al., 2004;Delazar et al., 2006;Shoeb et al., 2007;Auzi et al., 2007;Zamani et al., 2007;Razavi et al., 2008), we now report on the neuropharmacological and antibacterial activities, and acute toxicty of the ethanol extract of the bark of E. agallocha in laboratory rodents as well as brine shrimp toxicity. ...
... Previous bioactivity studies on this plant revealed its antioxidant (Chen et al., 2006) and antimicrobial (Wiart et al., 2005) properties; phytochemical analysis led to the isolation of a variety of plant secondary metabolites, including long-chain alkane derivatives (Misra et al., 1997), flavonoids (Wagner et al., 1971;Nair & Subraman, 1974;Behari et al., 1981), sterols and terpenoids (Behari et al., 1981;Singh et al., 2002;Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases, 2007). In continuation of our studies on the bioactivity of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Rouf et al., 2006;Datta et al., 2007;Saha et al., 2007;Uddin et al., 2005Uddin et al., , 2007aUddin et al., , 2007bUddin et al., , 2007c, we now report on the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanol extract of Ruellia tuberosa in animal models. ...
... While previous bioactivity studies on this plant revealed its analgesic, anti-infl ammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antimalarial, antihepatotoxic activities, and antidiarrheal and wound-healing properties (Umachigi et al., 2007;Alam et al., 2008a,b), the phytochemical investigations resulted in the isolation of indole alkaloids, secoiridoids, triterpenes and saponins from this plant (Banerji, 1977;1978;Brown & Chapple, 1976;Kitagawa et al., 1996;Sahu et al., 1999;. In continuation of our phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Uddin et al., 2005(Uddin et al., , 2007aDatta et al., 2007;Nayeem et al., 2006;Saha et al., 2007;Alam et al., 2008a,b;Mazid et al., 2009;Ara et al., 2010;Miah et al., 2010), we report on the hypoglycemic and oxidative stress-reducing activities of the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of A. cadamba in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. ...
... http://www.informapharmascience.com/phb plants (Rouf et al., 2006; Datta et al., 2007; Saha et al., 2007; Uddin et al., 2005 Uddin et al., , 2007a Uddin et al., , 2007b Uddin et al., , 2007c), we now report on the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the ethanol extract of Ruellia tuberosa in animal models. ...
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The ethanol extract of Ruellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) was evaluated for its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in experimental mice and/or rat models. In the hot-plate test, the group that received a dose of 300 mg/kg showed maximum time needed for the response against thermal stimuli (5.11 ± 0.12), which was similar to that of diclofenac sodium (5.96 ± 0.18), a well-known painkiller. The maximum possible analgesia (MPH) was 1.93 for the extract dose 300 mg/kg, while that for diclofenac was 2.29 after 60 min of administration in the hot tail-flick method. The extract at 500 and 250 mg/kg doses showed significant reduction in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice with a maximum effect of 63.21% reduction at 500 mg/kg dose, which was similar to positive control diclofenac sodium (66.98%). The extract also demonstrated significant inhibition in serotonin and egg albumin-induced hind paw edema in rats at the doses 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg (serotonin-induced edema 35.85, 46.78 and 55.18%; egg albumin-induced edema 42.96, 48.30, and 55.61% inhibition after 1-4 h). The anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by the extract were comparable to that of indomethacin at a dose of 5 mg/kg (serotonin-induced edema 53.22; egg albumin-induced edema 57.01% inhibition after 4 h).
... While previous bioactivity studies on this plant revealed its analgesic, anti-infl ammatory, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, antimalarial, antihepatotoxic activities, and antidiarrheal and wound-healing properties (Umachigi et al., 2007;Alam et al., 2008a,b), the phytochemical investigations resulted in the isolation of indole alkaloids, secoiridoids, triterpenes and saponins from this plant (Banerji, 1977;1978;Brown & Chapple, 1976;Kitagawa et al., 1996;Sahu et al., 1999;. In continuation of our phytochemical and pharmacological screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Uddin et al., 2005(Uddin et al., , 2007aDatta et al., 2007;Nayeem et al., 2006;Saha et al., 2007;Alam et al., 2008a,b;Mazid et al., 2009;Ara et al., 2010;Miah et al., 2010), we report on the hypoglycemic and oxidative stress-reducing activities of the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of A. cadamba in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. ...
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The hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq., Rubiaceae, a Bangladeshi medicinal plant, was studied for its potential hypoglycemic effect and antioxidant property in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The extract induced significant reduction in serum glucose, and transaminases, e.g. aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatases (ALP), activities. Significant changes in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxidase and catalase levels during the experimental period were also observed. The results established that the hydroethanolic extract of the flowering tops of A. cadamba possesses hypoglycemic property and is able to protect liver and brain from oxidative damages caused by diabetes.
... No reports on any bioactivity studies on M. rubicaulis are available to date, but bioactivity studies on M. pudica established its anticonvulsant property (Bum et al., 2004), antifertility activity (Norton, 1978), antivenom activity (Girish et al., 2004), hyperglycemic effect (Amalraj and Ignacimithu, 2002 ), and effectiveness in the treatment of snakebites (Mahanta and Mukherjee, 2001). In continuation of our studies on bioactivity of Bangladeshi medicinal plants (Chitnis et al., 2007; Datta et al., 2007; Mondal et al., 2007; Rouf et al., 2006; Saha et al., 2007; Shilpi et al., 2004; Uddin et al., , 2005a Uddin et al., , 2005b Uddin et al., , 2007a,b), we now report on comparative free radical scavenging (antioxidant), antibacterial activities, and brine shrimp toxicity of two Bangladeshi medicinal plants, Mimosa pudica and Mimosa rubicaulis. ...
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Comparative antioxidant, antibacterial activities and general toxicity studies on the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH) extracts of Mimosa pudica and Mimosa rubicaulis, two Bangladeshi medicinal plants, were carried out, using the 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the resazurin microtitre plate based assay, and the brine shrimp lethality assay, respectively. The DCM and MeOH extracts of both M. pudica and M. rubicaulis showed prominent antioxidant property, with the RC50 values ranging from 4.70 x 10-1 to 2.10 x 10-2 mg/mL. While M. rubicaulis did not show any antibacterial activity, the DCM and the MeOH extracts of M. pudica displayed considerable bacteriostatic activity against all six bacterial strains (MIC range = 0.625 ¿ 2.50 mg/mL) including Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Escherichia coli, ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. None of these plants exhibited any significant toxicity towards brine shrimps.
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Alzheimer's disease (AD), a debilitating neurodegenerative condition, is characterized by progressive cognitive decline brought about by the deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain initiates downstream neuronal dysfunction and death in AD pathogenesis. The β-secretase (BACE-1) enzyme plays a crucial role in generating Aβ from amyloid precursor protein (APP). Hence, we report the virtual screening of marine phytochemicals as BACE-1 inhibitors. 2583 compounds, retrieved from Comprehensive Marine Natural Product Database (CMNPD), were primarily screened for drug-likeliness and blood-brain barrier permeability using admetSAR 2.0 and in-house BBBper tool and resulted in a total of 635 phytochemicals, selected for further docking studies using BACE-1 as target receptor and Atabecestat as standard BACE-1 inhibitor. Seven of 635 compounds docked against BACE-1, showed better binding affinities than Atabecestat, with the red algal metabolite lactodehydrothyrsiferol showing lowest binding energy of -10.83 kcal/mol. These compounds are worth investigating further to assess their neuroprotective efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties. The study also provides a rational framework to uncover novel pharmacophores from marine sources for AD therapy acting through BACE-1 inhibition.
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The methanol extract of Diospyros peregrina bark was studied for its effect on the central nervous system (CNS) using the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time test, the open field test and the hole cross test in Swiss albino mice. The present investigation revealed that the extract, at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly prolonged the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time in mice though the onset of sleep was delayed as compared to the control. In open field test, the depressing effect was prominent from the second observation period (30 min) and persisted throughout the entire experimental period (240 min). In the hole cross test, the depressing effect was observed from the second observation period (30 min) and persisted up to fifth observation period (120 min) for 250 mg dose group and up to sixth observation period (180 min) for 500 mg dose group. These results support the finding that D. peregrina bark extract at the above doses has CNS depressing effects and indicate that D. peregrina bark may contain biologically active constituent(s) having CNS depressant activity.
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The ethanol extract of Ceriops decandra leaf and pneumatophore, at the oral doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, showed a dose-dependent and significant inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. On the contrary, the bark extract was devoid of any significant activity.
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The methanol extract of Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber, given orally at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, showed significant analgesic activity in mice.
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