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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Posted by admin on Mar 31, 2025 in |
Traditionally Mallotus philippinensis Lam. Mull. Arg (Euphorbiaceae) has been reported to treat a variety of ailments, particularly skin conditions and wounds. The objective of the current work is to formulate and optimize the emulgel formulation containing Mallotus philippinensis (MP) Lam. Muell. Arg extract. Moreover, it seeks to validate the traditional claim by investigating the effects of topical emulgel on diabetic wound healing. Initially extract of Mallotus philippinensis Lam. Mull. Arg fruit was prepared using 70 % ethanol. The extract was evaluated for antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The formulations (F1 to F6) incorporating varying concentrations of extract were prepared and Carbopol 934 used as a gelling agent. The formulations were assessed for rheological, physicochemical properties, drug release, stability and healing of diabetic wounds. Wound healing potential was assessed using an excision wound model in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The optimized formulation F6 demonstrated satisfactory drug release and prominent diabetic wound healing activity in comparison to other formulations. Hence, emulgel infused with ethanolic fruit extract of Mallotus philippinensis Lam. Mull. Arg...
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