The antioxidant activity of methanol and aqueous extract of Sambucus Ebulus (SE) was examined employing various in vitro assay systems, i.e. DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging, reducing power, linoleic acid and iron ion chelating power. IC₅₀ for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 202.50 ± 1.38 for aqueous extract (SW) and 723.62 ± 3.36 μg ml^-1 for methanol extract (SM). Reducing powers of all the extracts also increased with the increase of their concentrations. Both of them exhibited a weak reducing power at 25-800 μg ml^-1. The SW extract had shown better reducing power than SM. Tested extracts exhibited week Fe²⁺ chelating ability. Both extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity. There were no significant differences between them in peroxidation inhibition. SW extracts manifested better pattern of activity than Vitamin C and BHA at different incubation times. SE fruit extracts exhibited different levels of antioxidant activity in all the models studied. The SE extracts had good reductive capability for anti-lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide-scavenging activity. Aqueous extract had higher total phenol and flavonoid contents than methanol extract.

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Current research into free radicals has confirmed that foods rich in antioxidants play an essential role in the prevention of many diseases. The potential antioxidant activities of Diospyros lotus and Pyrus boissieriana fruits investigated employing six in vitro assay systems. IC ₅₀ for DPPH radical-scavenging activity was 1.45 ± 0.03 for D. lotus and 3.0 ± 0.04 mg ml ^-1 for P. boissieriana, respectively. The extracts showed weak nitric oxide-scavenging and Fe ^2* chelating ability activity. The D. lotus extracts was better than P. boissieriana. The peroxidation inhibition of D. lotus and P. boissieriana extracts exhibited values from 89 (at 24 ^th ) to 94% (at 72 ^nd hrs) and 91 to 95% respectively. Neither of them showed good scavenging activity of H ₂ 0 ₂ . The total amount of phenolic compounds in each extracts was determined as gallic acid equivalents and total flavonoid contents were calculated as quercetin equivalents from a calibration curve. Both of them had high total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

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Ageratum conyzoides has been used in folklore for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. In the present investigation, the in vitro activity of ethanol, petroleum ether, ethylacetate, butanol, and water extracts of A. conyzoides were screened in some cancer cell lines using the sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay. These cell lines include: Human non-small cell lung carcinoma (A-549), human colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29), human gastric carcinoma (SGC-7901), human golima (U-251), human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231), human prostate carcinoma (DU-145), human hepatic carcinoma (BEL-7402), and mouse leukemia (P-388) cancer cell lines. Furthermore, kaempferol was isolated from the ethylacetate extract and the structure was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectroscopy. The effect of DPPH antiradical activity on the extracts and kaempferol was also determined. The results showed that ethylacetate extract exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity on A-549 and P-388 cancer cells with IC ₅₀ values of 0.68 and 0.0003 µg/ml, respectively. Kaempferol isolated from the ethylacetate extract of A. conyzoides rapidly scavenged DPPH at a concentration of 130.07 ±17.36 g/kg. The result therefore showed that A. conyzoides possessed anticancer and antiradical properties.

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Hairy root cultures were induced from leaf explants of Linum tauricum ssp. Tauricum by infection with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. Different bacterial strains of Agrobacterium rhizogenes - TR 105 and ATCC 15834 were evaluated for induction of transformed hairy roots in Linum tauricum ssp. Tauricum. These different strains varied in their virulence for induction of hairy roots in this species. Acetosyringon in cultivation medium was used to increase of frequency of hairy root induction. Growth kinetics of transgenic roots indicated a similar pattern of growth, with maximum growth occurring between 17 and 20 days. The transformed nature of tissue was confirmed by the production of opines. The lignin production of different clones was found to be growth-related. The cultures produced to 2.6% of the lignin 4'-demethyl-6-methoxypodophylotoxin (4'-DM-MPTOX) and to 3.5% of the lignin 6-methoxypodophyllotoxin (6MPTOX) on a dry weight basis, which was 10 to 12 times higher than in Linum tauricum ssp. Tauricum cell suspensions. Transformed cultures showed significant differences in lignin content. The highest amount of 4'-DM-MPTOX and MPTOX was found in transformed line induced by strain ATCC 15834. Rapidly growing root lines were selected to increase the efficiency of he production of lignans.

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Currently, no standard protocols and objective measures are existing in present system for quality analysis of herbal sunscreens. Present work is an attempt to compile rapid, non-invasive technologies to investigate the sunscreens containing various herbs like aloe vera, jojoba, cucumber, wheat germ, olive etc for their efficacy in protecting skin from UVA and UVB sunrays. Commercial herbal sunscreens containing herbs aloe vera, basil, green tea, etc and bearing SPF range 10-40 coded as HS1- HS14, were analyzed by subjective, photostability and other parameters evaluation. All sunscreens shown pH [6.09±0.01 to 8.30±0.03], Saponification value [6.01±0.2 to 207.57±0.3], Acid value [1.56±0.6 to 17.27±0.5], Ash value [0.01±1 to 0.08±2 gm], Spreadibility [96±0.9 to 98±0.9 %], Layer thickness [28.99±1.55 to 32.25±1.00 %]. Viscosity profile showed the pseudoplastic behaviour of all formulations. Phase separation was observed in HS1 to HS4, HS7& HS9 to HS12 during stability study. None of them were found to be irritant [erythema score = 0] and have microbial count load in the range of to 31±1 to 34±2 CFU/gm. 98±5 % of all sunscreens has shown SPF as per labelled claim by In-vitro and In-vivo method. HS 6, 9, 11 were found to be unstable in UVA range. HS8, most preferred by volunteers after Psychometric evaluation. Results of the study scientifically verified that herbs are having enough potential to protect skin to protect skin from harmful sunrays and it is worthwhile for consumers to use herbal sunscreens. Overall study is useful to substantiate product claims.

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Allium sativum (Meaning pungent) belongs to the Alliaceae family and genus Allium, is generally known in the developing world for its characteristic flavor, a medicinal plant and a source of vegetable oil. Besides, the plant is reported to have various biological activities including hypocholesterolemic, antiatherosclerotic, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti­tumor agent; used for treating various disease such as inflammation, cardiovascular and liver diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of Allium sativum on lead induced toxicity in mice. Chronic dose of lead (2 mg/Kg body weight, i.p.), showed significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the nonenzymatic antioxidant as glutathione (GSH) and total protein content in the liver, kidney and brain. This decrease was accompanied with significant increase in lipid peroxidation and cholesterol level. Also, there were disturbances in the liver, kidney and brain functions manifested by significant changes in their functional markers. Efficacy of garlic to reduce tissue lead concentration was also evaluated. Mostly, all of the investigated parameters were restored nearly to the normal values after raw garlic extract treatment. In conclusion, garlic exerts its effects not only as an antioxidant but also as a sulfur donor. So, garlic has a promising role and it is worth to be considered as a natural chelating agent for lead intoxication.

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The possible protective effect of Solanum nigrum fruit extract (SNFEt) was investigated for its antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity against ethanol-induced toxicity in rats. The experimental animals were intoxicated with 20% ethanol (7.9 g/kg/day) for 30 days via gastric intubation. SNFEt was administered at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight along with the daily dose of ethanol for 30 days. From the result it was observed that ethanol-induced rats showed a significant elevation in the levels of Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), which lowered the antioxidant defense systems, such as, reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamins C and E, when compared to the controls. In the lipid profiles, the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), free fatty acids (FFA), and phospholipids were significantly elevated in the ethanol-induced group, whereas, the high density lipoproteins (HDL) were found to be reduced in the plasma, and the phospholipid levels were significantly decreased in the tissues. Supplementation of SNFEt improved the antioxidant status by decreasing the levels of TBARS and altering the lipid profiles to near normal. These activities were also compared to the standard drug silymarin (25 mg/ kg body weight). Thus the findings of the present study indicated a significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity of Solanum nigrum fruits, which offered protection against ethanol-induced toxicity.

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Background: The fact that antioxidants have several preventative effects against different diseases, such as coronary diseases, inflammatory disorders, neurologic degeneration, aging, and cancer, has led to the search for food rich in antioxidants. Honey has been used as a traditional food and medical source since ancient times. However, recently many scientists have been concentrating on the antioxidant property of honey. By use of human renal cancer cell lines (ACHN), we investigated the antiproliferative activity, apoptosis, and the antitumor activity of honey. Materials and Methods: The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with 10% fetal bovine serum treated with different concentrations of honey for 3 consecutive days. Cell viability was quantitated by the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Apoptotic cells were determined using Annexin-V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) by flow cytometry. Results: Honey decreased the cell viability in the malignant cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The IC ₅₀ values against the ACHN cell lines were determined as 1.7 ± 0.04% and 2.1 ± 0.03% μg/mL after 48 and 72 h, respectively. Honey induced apoptosis of the ACHN cells in a concentration-dependent manner, as determined by flow cytometry histogram of treated cells. Conclusion: It might be concluded that honey may cause cell death in the ACHN cells, in which apoptosis plays an important role. Most of the drugs used in the cancer treatment are apoptotic inducers, hence apoptotic nature of honey is considered vital. Therefore, it prompted us to investigate honey as a potential candidate for renal cancer treatment.

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Various parts of Newbouldia laevis (fam. Bignoniaceae) are used for pain and several inflammatory conditions in Ghana. This study presents the effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of N. leavis stem bark in formalin-induced pain, a model of neuropathic pain, in rats. Morphine (1-10 mg kg ^-1 i.p) and stem bark extract of N. laevis (10-300 mg kg ^-1 p.o.),dose-dependently decreased both phases of the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviour. Nocifensive response for morphine was four fold higher in the first phase (ED _50; 7.59 ± 0.63 mg kg ^-1 ) compared to the second (ED ₅₀ ;7.59± 2.26) ; however the response for the extract was similar in both phases (ED _50; first phase 28.28±7.02; ED _50; second phase 25.07 ± 5.83). Diclofenac (10-100 mg kg ^-1 ) was effective only in the second phase (ED ₅₀ 33.24± 5.20). The potency of the drugs was in the order; morphine > extract > diclofenac for the first phase and morphine > extract = diclofenac for the second phase. The results from this study show that N. laevis extract has central and peripheral analgesic properties and thus adds credence to its traditional uses.

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Guava leaves, as most medicinal plants used in folk medicine, lack any systematic methodology needed to demonstrate genuine efficacy. The method described in this study is the first step towards establishing consumer confidence in guava preparations and demonstrates the use of HPTLC-UV to quantify the quercetin content of Psidium guajava L. leaves (quercetin content of the leaves ranged from 0.181 0.393 %) The results obtained were accurate (recovery ranged from 96 - 97.20 %) and precise (% RSD 0.856 and SD 0.01).

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We have investigated the effect of Nyctanthes arbortristis (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) and Calotropis gigantea leaves and flower chloroform (10, 20, 50 mg/kg) and Calotropis gigantea flower petroleum ether extracts (10, 20, 50 mg/kg) in high-fructose diet induced insulin resistance in rats. The fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride and cholesterol levels were measured in blood serum for 27 days of treatment. The fasting serum glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index (FIRI) levels of high-fructose diet (control) rats significantly (P<0.001 vs. normal) increased, like wise, serum triglyceride, cholesterols significantly (P<0.001-P<0.01 vs. normal) increased. The Nyctanthes arbortristis and Calotropis gigantea leaves and flower treatment prevent significantly (P<0.001-P<0.01) vs. control) increase serum glucose, insulin, levels in high fructose-diet treated rats, except in glucose Calotropis gigantea leaves 50 mg/kg, while significantly (P<0.05-P<0.01 vs. control) decreased in triglyceride, cholesterol, except in triglyceride Nyctanthes arbortristis leaves 50 mg and in cholesterol Nyctanthes arbortristis leaves and flowers 50 mg. Further more, high-fructose diet (control) had higher in FIRI (P<0.001) than normal. In contrast, Nyctanthes arbortristis and Calotropis gigantea significantly (P<0.001) decreased FIRI in the high-fructose diet treated rats.

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Several fruit characteristics of five loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) cultivars/selections grown in Dörtyol, Hatay, Turkey were investigated in 2008. The cultivars/selections included 'Baduna 5', Güzelyurt 1, 'Hafif Çukurgöbek', 'Ottaviani,' and Type 1. The characteristics evaluated included fruit weight, width, length, seed number and weight, flesh/seed ratio, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, acidity, total phenolic (TP) content, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The analyses were conducted by three replicates, with 30 fruits in each replicate. The results indicated that there were significant differences among the cultivars, for all the traits tested. For example, 'Hafif Çukurgöbek' and 'Ottaviani' had smaller fruits than others, although 'Hafif Çukurgöbek' had heavier seeds. The flesh/seed ratio was the highest in Type 1, while 'Hafif Çukurgöbek' had the highest pH and high soluble solids. 'Baduna 5' and 'Hafif Çukurgöbek' had the highest acidity. The TP ranged from 129 ('Baduna 5') to 578 ('Hafif Çukurgöbek') mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg fresh fruit (fw). 'Hafif Çukurgöbek' also had the highest FRAP mean (12.1 mmol Trolox Equivalent (TE)/kg fw). The results suggest that loquat cultivars have a variable range of TP content and a relatively high total antioxidant capacity, which is crucial for human health.

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Pereskia bleo and Pereskia grandifolia, belonging to the botanical family Cactaceae, have been traditionally used by the locals in Malaysia for treatment of various ailments. The current study reports the outcome of acute oral toxicity investigation of Pereskia bleo and Pereskia grandifolia, on ICR mice. No mortalities or evidence of adverse effects have been observed in ICR mice following acute oral administration at the highest dose of 2500 mg/ kg crude extracts of Pereskia bleo and Pereskia grandifolia. This is the first report on the acute oral toxicity of Pereskia bleo and Pereskia grandifolia and the findings of this study are in agreement with those of in vitro experiments and thus provide scientific validation on the use of the leaves of Pereskia bleo and Pereskia grandifolia.

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Satureja Macrostema is used both as a functional food and as a drug. In this study, the antioxidative potential of the methanol extract of Satureja Macrostema (SM) was evaluated using various antioxidant assays, including DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl radical scavenging and iron-chelating activity. Total phenolic and flavonoid content of SM was also determined by a colorimetric method. The extract exhibited powerful free radical scavenging, especially against DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging and iron-chelating activity as well as a moderate effect on NO and superoxide anions. The protective effects of methanol extract of SM were studied in carbon tetrachloride-reduced biochemical markers of hepatic injury such as glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxalaoacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum bilirubin, cholesterol alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The increased level of HDL demonstrated dose dependant reduction in the in vivo peroxidation induced by CCl4. SM could protect from paracetamol-induced lipid peroxidation eliminating the deleterious effects of toxic metabolites from paracetamol. Degree of protection was measured by using biochemical parameters such as serum transaminase (GOT and GPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and bilirubin. Hexane and chloroform extracts did not show any effects. Results obtained in the present study suggest that S. Macrostema elicits hepatoprotectivity through antioxidant activity on carbon tetrachloride- and paracetamol-induced hepatic damage in rats.

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Thirteen Hypericum species growing in Bulgaria were investigated for free radical-scavenging activity, antioxidant activity, total tannins and total flavonoids contents. Methanolic extracts from the Hypericum species were analyzed for radical scavenging and antioxidant activities using DPPH-, ABTS- free radicals, total antioxidant activity and inhibition of lipid peroxidation by ferric thiocyanate (FTC) method. Butylated hydroxytoluene and ascorbic acid were used as positive controls. Methanolic extracts from H. cerastoides, H. perforatum and H. maculatum demonstrate the highest antioxidant activities and are potential sources of natural antioxidant compounds. The quantification of tannins and flavanoids were determined in Hypericum species using Folin-Chiocalteu reagent and AlCl3, respectively. The amounts of the tannins ranged from 1.30 ± 0.01 mg/100 g dw in H. elegans to 8.67 ± 0.02 g/100 g dw in H. perforatum. The highest concentration of flavonoids was found in H. cerastoides (1.22 ± 0.02 g/100g dw), and the lowest amount was established in H. olympicum (0.20 ± 0.03 g/100g dw).

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Psidium guajava L. leaves were subjected to extraction, fractionation and isolation of the flavonoidal compounds. Five flavonoidal compounds were isolated which are quercetin, quercetin-3-O-α-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside. Quercetin-3-O-b-D-arabinopyranoside was isolated for the first time from the leaves. Fractions together with the isolates were tested for their antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial studies showed good activities for the extracts and the isolated compounds.

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