International Journal of Plant Based Pharmaceuticals

Potentilla fulgens Wall ex Sims. exerts anti-diabetic effects by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase: deeper insights through molecular docking

Anita Kumari Rai — 2025-01-01

Potentilla fulgens Wall ex Sims., a local medicinal plant used by the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya, India, has been reported to be rich in tannins, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and flavonoids. Although several studies have been conducted on its antidiabetic and anti-oxidant properties, most reports were done with crude polar extracts. In this study, we report the inhibitory effect of the non-polar chloroform extract of P. fulgens (NPFE) on α- amylase and α- glucosidase. The extract exhibited a potent antioxidant effect comparable to the reference standard as reflected by the IC₅₀ values in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Further, the antihyperglycemic action of NPFE was observed in alloxan-induced diabetic mice from the Intraperitoneal Glucose Tolerance Test (IPGTT). Spectral and chromatographic analysis using FTIR and GC-MS/MS showed the presence of important functional groups and bioactive compounds. In silico molecular docking of the identified bioactive compounds carried out against α-amylase and α-glucosidase provided more insights into its antihyperglycemic properties.

Biochemical and histological evaluation of kidney, liver, and hematological indices in normal Wistar rats administered dietary formulations of roasted Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (Af-rican yam bean)

Nene Hephzibah Chiaka-Onyemeze — 2025-01-03

Sphenotylis stenocarpa seeds (African yam bean) represent one of the under-exploited nutrient-rich legumes associated with African folklore and disease-remedy claims, that have not been fully authenticated scientifically. The wellness enhancement effect of roasted pulverized S. stenocarpa (PROSS) diet formulations on liver, renal, and hematological indices was investigated. Rats were assigned randomly into five groups (n = 5). Group I received standard rat chow. Groups II-V received a diet of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% PROSS mixed with standard rat chow to make 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively. After a five-week regular feeding regimen, animals were humanly sacrificed, and biochemical and histological indices were determined. Groups administered various diet formulations of PROSS showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxide activity and a decrease (p < 0.05) in MDA level compared to normal control. Although serum creatinine, total protein, and potassium levels did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) across the groups, however, the chloride level increased significantly (p < 0.05), compared to the control. Furthermore, sodium ion level decreased at low doses (10% and 20% PROSS) (p < 0.05) but increased at higher doses (p < 0.05), while serum urea level decreased with an increase in dosage (p < 0.05). A significant increase in HDL level (p < 0.05) and a decrease in TAG, LDL, and VLDL levels (p < 0.05) were also recorded. Also, ALP, ALT, and AST activity in the serum decreased across the groups (p < 0.05), while RBC, WBC, Hb, and hematocrit (Ht) levels were elevated as the dose increased. Normal organ architectures were observed in all the groups. Our data suggest that moderate consumption of PROSS enhances hepatic and renal well-being.

Evaluation of cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of Echium italicum L. in MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines

Dilek Arslan Atessahin — 2025-01-10

The use of plants for medicinal purposes from past to present continues as traditional treatments. One of these plants, Echium species, is known for its high phytochemical content and its use as a sedative or in colds. In this study, the antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer properties of Echium italicum L. were investigated. Its anticancer effect was tested in HepG2 (liver cancer) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines. Its antimicrobial effect was also investigated in Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the highest cytotoxic effect was observed in the HepG2 cell line with 23% dead cell count. This suggests that the plant is especially effective in liver cancer cell lines. It was found that the extract prepared in hexane had the largest inhibition zone diameter (15 mm) against C. albicans in terms of antibacterial activity. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in methanol extract with 37.6%. Considering the IC₅₀ value in DPPH, hexane extract exhibited better activity than methanol extract (IC₅₀ = 20.7 µg/ml). The data obtained from the study indicate that E. italicum has cytotoxic, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. It is thought that the present study may contribute to the development and design of new anticancer and antimicrobial drugs, especially in the field of cancer research and pharmacology. In addition, it was concluded that the studies on the medical potential of E. italicum should be expanded and more comprehensive studies should be conducted.