Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
This study is aimed at investigating/elucidating the molecular structure and the biochemical mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of an isolated but yet unknown bioactive compound CA1 from Crateva adansonii stem bark extract. Qualitative phytochemical tests on the isolated bioactive anti-inflammatory compound gave positive reaction to terpenoid only, while the structural elucidation indicates that CA1 is (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol, a pentacyclic triterpene with molecular weight of 426.70 g, and molecular formular of C30H50O. The molecular structure of this pentacyclic triterpene was established using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultra-violet/visible spectrophotometer, infra-red, gas and mass spectrophotometers. The (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol was subjected to in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity study using egg-albumin induced rat hind paw edema method. However, (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-olwas investigated for its selective COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activities. An in-vitro model of inflammation using a colourimetric COX (ovine) inhibitor screening assay method was used as a model to investigate the effect of CA1 on PGE2 production. (3β)-lup-20(29)-en-3-ol at the tested concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) and selectively inhibited the inducible form of cyclooxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, but exhibited no inhibitory...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the most studied medicinal plants, and its bioactive compounds, especially alkaloids, have been demonstrated to possess intense pharmacological activities. We aimed to identify and quantify the major alkaloids present in ginger rhizomes, using phytochemical screening, spectrophotometric analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The authenticated fresh ginger rhizomes were processed by methanol extraction, which produced 0.704% (w/w) crude extract. In qualitative tests (Mayer’s, Wagner’s, and Dragendorff’s reagents) alkaloids were confirmed; and in spectrophotometric tests, total alkaloid content was determined (18.45 ± 1.27 mg of atropine equivalents/g of extract). In addition, we also analyzed constituents of ginger and found four principal alkaloids of HPLC as follows: 6-gingerol (10.73 ± 0.85 mg/g), 6-shogaol (10.42 ± 0.47 mg/g), 8-gingerol (3.81 ± 0.32 mg/g) and 10-gingerol (3.45 ± 0.43 mg/g). The calibration curves (r²>0.95) for these compounds were excellent, indicating reliability of the method. The high contents of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol are associated with their well-known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, whereas those of 8- and 10-gingerol add to those are presented...
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Posted by admin on Apr 30, 2025 in |
Keratinases of microbial origin are a group of protease enzymes with specific characteristic feature of proteolytic cleavage of keratin resulting in the generation of soluble peptides and free amino acids. They play important roles in conversion of world richest proteinous solid-waste‘’ keratinaceous waste’’ into value-added products. This current research work aimed at isolation, purification, characterization and optimization of keratinase isolate from Aspergillus niger Strain (ND44) obtained from human hair macerated in salt medium, for its enzymatic properties in the degradation of trichocytic α-keratin(a fibrous structural protein that resist most proteases degradation based on its stabilized intra-molecular disulphide and hydrogen bonding), while gene sequencing and phylogenetic tree gave expanded details on the structural identity of the isolated Aspergillus niger Strain (ND44). High keratinolytic activity exhibited by this microbial keratinase at high temperature up to 90⁰C confirms it as a hyperthermophilic enzyme, with non-optimums pH peaks at 5.5 and 9.00that spread across both acidic and alkaline regions. The optimum pH, temperature and best co-factors for this human hair keratinase activities obtained...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2025 in |
Lantana camara L., belonging to family Verbenaceae. It is a native to tropical and subtropical regions and sprawls as an array of strains and diverse varieties. Lantana camara is a flowering ornamental, erect, hairy aromatic shrub, it is a most widespread, variable straggling plant with variegated flower characteristics. The plant is sprawled all round India with their ability to accustom in diverse climatic and atmospheric conditions. Different parts of plants have been considered to possess numerous constituents of pharmaceutical importance. Lantana camara predominantly the leaves have been used in the treatment of various human ailments. UV-radiation is perceived as a major cause that vitiate the intuitive nature and function of skin. UV-radiation may cause detrimental effects to the usual characteristics of human skin. UV-filters or sunscreens are the agent that could help to assuage the deleterious effect of UV radiation by absorbing and tempering the harmfulness to a major extent. The present study supports the sun protective efficacy of Lantana camara in concentration dependent manner that could heighten cosmeceutical scope...
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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2025 in |
Nigella sativa (black seed) is a medicinal plant renowned for its diverse phytochemical composition and therapeutic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of Nigella sativa seed extracts obtained using different solvents. Seeds were procured, authenticated, cleaned, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Extracts of Nigella sativa seeds, obtained using ethanol, methanol, acetone, n-hexane, and water via Soxhlet extraction, yielded both polar and non-polar compounds. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids, proteins, steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, quinones, and saponins, with methanol and ethanol extracts showing the highest concentrations. LC-MS analysis identified significant bioactive constituents, including thymoquinone, thymol, nigellidine, carvacrol, α-pinene, p-cymene, and α-hederin, compounds widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and therapeutic potentials. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays, with the methanolic extract demonstrating the strongest activity (IC50: 12.4±0.5 µg/mL; FRAP: 520±15 µM Fe(II) equivalents), comparable to ascorbic acid. The aqueous extract showed moderate activity, while acetone and n-hexane extracts exhibited lower antioxidant potential. These findings highlight...
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