Displaying publications 21 - 40 of 201 in total

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  1. The Antimetastatic and Antiangiogenesis Effects of Kefir Water on Murine Breast Cancer Cells
    Zamberi NR, Abu N, Mohamed NE, Nordin N, Keong YS, Beh BK, et al.
    Integr Cancer Ther, 2016 Dec;15(4):NP53-NP66.
    PMID: 27230756
    BACKGROUND: Kefir is a unique cultured product that contains beneficial probiotics. Kefir culture from other parts of the world exhibits numerous beneficial qualities such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and anticancer effects. Nevertheless, kefir cultures from different parts of the world exert different effects because of variation in culture conditions and media. Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women, and metastasis is the major cause of death associated with breast cancer. The antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of kefir water made from kefir grains cultured in Malaysia were studied in 4T1 breast cancer cells.

    METHODS: 4T1 cancer cells were treated with kefir water in vitro to assess its antimigration and anti-invasion effects. BALB/c mice were injected with 4T1 cancer cells and treated orally with kefir water for 28 days.

    RESULTS: Kefir water was cytotoxic toward 4T1 cells at IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of 12.5 and 8.33 mg/mL for 48 and 72 hours, respectively. A significant reduction in tumor size and weight (0.9132 ± 0.219 g) and a substantial increase in helper T cells (5-fold) and cytotoxic T cells (7-fold) were observed in the kefir water-treated group. Proinflammatory and proangiogenic markers were significantly reduced in the kefir water-treated group.

    CONCLUSIONS: Kefir water inhibited tumor proliferation in vitro and in vivo mainly through cancer cell apoptosis, immunomodulation by stimulating T helper cells and cytotoxic T cells, and anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, and antiangiogenesis effects. This study brought out the potential of the probiotic beverage kefir water in cancer treatment.

  2. Fulltext TREM-1 modulation produces positive outcome on the histopathology and cytokines release profile of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice
    Chin VK, Asyran AMY, Zakaria ZA, Abdullah WO, Chong PP, Nordin N, et al.
    J Parasit Dis, 2019 Mar;43(1):139-153.
    PMID: 30956457 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-018-1070-3
    Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM-1) is a potential molecular therapeutic target for various inflammatory diseases. Despite that, the role of TREM-1 during malaria pathogenesis remains obscure with present literature suggesting a link between TREM-1 with severe malaria development. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the role of TREM-1 and TREM-1 related drugs during severe malaria infection in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice model. Our findings revealed that TREM-1 concentration was significantly increased throughout the infection periods and TREM-1 was positively correlated with malaria parasitemia development. This suggests a positive involvement of TREM-1 in severe malaria development. Meanwhile, blocking of TREM-1 activation using rmTREM-1/Fc and TREM-1 clearance by mTREM-1/Ab had significantly reduced malaria parasitemia and suppressed the production of pro- inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Furthermore, histopathological analysis of TREM-1 related drug treatments, in particular rmTREM-1/Fc showed significant improvements in the histological conditions of major organs (kidneys, spleen, lungs, liver and brain) of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. This study showed that modulation of TREM-1 released during malaria infection produces a positive outcome on malaria infection through inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and alleviation of histopathological conditions of affected organs. Nevertheless, further investigation on its optimal dosage and dose dependant study should be carried out to maximise its full potential as immunomodulatory or as an adjuvant in line with current antimalarial agents.
  3. Fulltext Synthesis, in vitro urease inhibitory potential and molecular docking study of benzofuran-based-thiazoldinone analogues
    Taha M, Rahim F, Ullah H, Wadood A, Farooq RK, Shah SAA, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2020 06 30;10(1):10673.
    PMID: 32606439 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67414-7
    In continuation of our work on enzyme inhibition, the benzofuran-based-thiazoldinone analogues (1-14) were synthesized, characterized by HREI-MS, 1H and 13CNMR and evaluated for urease inhibition. Compounds 1-14 exhibited a varying degree of urease inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 1.2 ± 0.01 to 23.50 ± 0.70 µM when compared with standard drug thiourea having IC50 value 21.40 ± 0.21 µM. Compound 1, 3, 5 and 8 showed significant inhibitory effects with IC50 values 1.2 ± 0.01, 2.20 ± 0.01, 1.40 ± 0.01 and 2.90 ± 0.01 µM respectively, better than the rest of the series. A structure activity relationship (SAR) of this series has been established based on electronic effects and position of different substituents present on phenyl ring. Molecular docking studies were performed to understand the binding interaction of the compounds.
  4. Fulltext Synthesis of new isoquinoline-base-oxadiazole derivatives as potent inhibitors of thymidine phosphorylase and molecular docking study
    Zaman K, Rahim F, Taha M, Wadood A, Shah SAA, Ahmed QU, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 11 05;9(1):16015.
    PMID: 31690793 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52100-0
    Here in this study regarding the over expression of TP, which causes some physical, mental and socio problems like psoriasis, chronic inflammatory disease, tumor angiogenesis and rheumatoid arthritis etc. By this consideration, the inhibition of this enzyme is vital to secure life from serious threats. In connection with this, we have synthesized twenty derivatives of isoquinoline bearing oxadiazole (1-20), characterized through different spectroscopic techniques such as HREI-MS, 1H- NMR and 13C-NMR and evaluated for thymidine phosphorylase inhibition. All analogues showed outstanding inhibitory potential ranging in between 1.10 ± 0.05 to 54.60 ± 1.50 µM. 7-Deazaxanthine (IC50 = 38.68 ± 1.12 µM) was used as a positive control. Through limited structure activity relationships study, it has been observed that the difference in inhibitory activities of screened analogs are mainly affected by different substitutions on phenyl ring. The effective binding interactions of the most active analogs were confirmed through docking study.
  5. Fulltext Synthesis of Chromen-4-One-Oxadiazole Substituted Analogs as Potent β-Glucuronidase Inhibitors
    Taha M, Rahim F, Ali M, Khan MN, Alqahtani MA, Bamarouf YA, et al.
    Molecules, 2019 Apr 18;24(8).
    PMID: 31003424 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081528
    Chromen-4-one substituted oxadiazole analogs 1-19 have been synthesized, characterized and evaluated for β-glucuronidase inhibition. All analogs exhibited a variable degree of β-glucuronidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values ranging in between 0.8 ± 0.1-42.3 ± 0.8 μM when compared with the standard d-saccharic acid 1,4 lactone (IC50 = 48.1 ± 1.2 μM). Structure activity relationship has been established for all compounds. Molecular docking studies were performed to predict the binding interaction of the compounds with the active site of enzyme.
  6. Fulltext Synthesis of Benzimidazole-Based Analogs as Anti Alzheimer's Disease Compounds and Their Molecular Docking Studies
    Adalat B, Rahim F, Taha M, Alshamrani FJ, Anouar EH, Uddin N, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Oct 20;25(20).
    PMID: 33092223 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204828
    We synthesized 10 analogs of benzimidazole-based thiosemicarbazide 1 (a-j) and 13 benzimidazole-based Schiff bases 2 (a-m), and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and evaluated in vitro for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BchE) inhibition activities. All the synthesized analogs showed varying degrees of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potentials in comparison to the standard drug (IC50 = 0.016 and 4.5 µM. Amongst these analogs 1 (a-j), compounds 1b, 1c, and 1g having IC50 values 1.30, 0.60, and 2.40 µM, respectively, showed good acetylcholinesterase inhibition when compared with the standard. These compounds also showed moderate butyrylcholinesterase inhibition having IC50 values of 2.40, 1.50, and 2.40 µM, respectively. The rest of the compounds of this series also showed moderate to weak inhibition. While amongst the second series of analogs 2 (a-m), compounds 2c, 2e, and 2h having IC50 values of 1.50, 0.60, and 0.90 µM, respectively, showed moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibition when compared to donepezil. Structure Aactivity Relation of both synthesized series has been carried out. The binding interactions between the synthesized analogs and the enzymes were identified through molecular docking simulations.
  7. Fulltext Synergistic gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of a mixture of Melastoma malabathricum and Muntingia calabura leaves in rats
    Halim SZ, Zakaria ZA, Omar MH, Mohtarrudin N, Wahab IRA, Abdullah MNH
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Nov 09;17(1):488.
    PMID: 29121900 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1992-9
    BACKGROUND: Melastoma malabathricum L. (family Melastomaceae; MM) and Muntingia calabura L. (family Elaeocarpaceae; MC) have been separately reported to possess gastroprotective activity. In an attempt to develop a pharmaceutical product with antiulcer potential, the synergistic gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of a mixture of MM and MC (MMMC) at various ratios was evaluated in rat models.

    METHODS: Rats were pre-treated orally with 2% Tween 80 (vehicle), 100 mg/kg ranitidine (reference drug) or MMMC (ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1 (v/v); doses of 15, 150 or 300 mg/kg) and then subjected to the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer or pyloric ligation assays. Stomach of rats from the former assay was collected and subjected to the macroscopic and microscopic observations, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant studies while the gastric juice content and tissue from the latter assay were subjected to the antisecretory activity study. The UHPLC analysis of MMMC was also performed.

    RESULT: MMMC, in the ratio 1:1, demonstrated the most effective (P 

  8. Fulltext Suppressions of serotonin-induced increased vascular permeability and leukocyte infiltration by Bixa orellana leaf extract
    Yong YK, Sulaiman N, Hakim MN, Lian GE, Zakaria ZA, Othman F, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2013;2013:463145.
    PMID: 24224164 DOI: 10.1155/2013/463145
    The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extract of Bixa orellana (AEBO) leaves and its possible mechanisms in animal models. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was evaluated using serotonin-induced rat paw edema, increased peritoneal vascular permeability, and leukocyte infiltrations in an air-pouch model. Nitric oxide (NO), indicated by the sum of nitrites and nitrates, and vascular growth endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in paw tissues of rats to determine their involvement in the regulation of increased permeability. Pretreatments with AEBO (50 and 150 mg kg⁻¹) prior to serotonin inductions resulted in maximum inhibitions of 56.2% of paw volume, 45.7% of Evans blue dye leakage in the peritoneal vascular permeability model, and 83.9% of leukocyte infiltration in the air-pouch model. 57.2% maximum inhibition of NO and 27% of VEGF formations in rats' paws were observed with AEBO at the dose of 150 mg kg⁻¹. Pharmacological screening of the extract showed significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, indicated by the suppressions of increased vascular permeability and leukocyte infiltration. The inhibitions of these inflammatory events are probably mediated via inhibition of NO and VEGF formation and release.
  9. Fulltext Semipurified Ethyl Acetate Partition of Methanolic Extract of Melastoma malabathricum Leaves Exerts Gastroprotective Activity Partly via Its Antioxidant-Antisecretory-Anti-Inflammatory Action and Synergistic Action of Several Flavonoid-Based Compounds
    Ismail Suhaimy NW, Noor Azmi AK, Mohtarrudin N, Omar MH, Tohid SF, Cheema MS, et al.
    Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2017;2017:6542631.
    PMID: 28168011 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6542631
    Recent study has demonstrated the gastroprotective activity of crude methanolic extract of M. malabathricum leaves. The present study evaluated the gastroprotective potential of semipurified extracts (partitions): petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EAMM), and aqueous obtained from the methanolic extract followed by the elucidation of the gastroprotective mechanisms of the most effective partition. Using the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer assay, all partitions exerted significant gastroprotection, with EAMM being the most effective partition. EAMM significantly (i) reduced the volume and acidity (free and total) while increasing the pH of gastric juice and enhanced the gastric wall mucus secretion when assessed using the pylorus ligation assay, (ii) increased the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant activity of the stomach tissue, (iii) lost its gastroprotective activity following pretreatment with N-omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; NO blocker) or carbenoxolone (CBXN; NP-SH blocker), (iv) exerted antioxidant activity against various in vitro oxidation assays, and (v) showed moderate in vitro anti-inflammatory activity via the LOX-modulated pathway. In conclusion, EAMM exerts a remarkable NO/NP-SH-dependent gastroprotective effect that is attributed to its antisecretory and antioxidant activities, ability to stimulate the gastric mucus production and endogenous antioxidant system, and synergistic action of several gastroprotective-induced flavonoids.
  10. Fulltext Self-nanoemulsifying Delivery of Andrographolide: Ameliorating Islet Beta Cells and Inhibiting Adipocyte Differentiation
    Syukri Y, Taher M, Martien R, Lukitaningsih E, Nugroho AE, Zakaria ZA
    Adv Pharm Bull, 2021 Jan;11(1):171-180.
    PMID: 33747864 DOI: 10.34172/apb.2021.018
    Purpose:
    Insulin resistance is a characteristic of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus associated with obesity and caused by the failure of pancreatic beta cells to secrete sufficient amount of insulin. Andrographolide (AND) improves beta-cell reconstruction and inhibits fat-cell formation. This research aimed to improve the delivery of water-insoluble AND in self-nanoemulsifying (ASNE) formulation, tested in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and 3T3-L1 preadipocyte cells.
    Methods:
    A conventional formulation of AND in suspension was used as a control. The experimental rats were orally administered with self-nanoemulsifying (SNE) and suspension of AND for 8 days. Measurements were performed to evaluate blood glucose levels in preprandial and postprandial conditions. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the process of islet beta cell reconstruction. In vitro study was performed using cell viability and adipocyte differentiation assay to determine the delivery of AND in the formulation.
    Results:
    ASNE lowered blood glucose levels (day 4) faster than AND suspension (day 6). The histological testing showed that ASNE could regenerate pancreatic beta cells. Therefore, ASNE ameliorated pancreatic beta cells. The in vitro evaluation indicated the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation by both AND and ASNE, which occurred in a time-dependent manner. ASNE formulation had better delivery than AND.
    Conclusion:
    ASNE could improve the antidiabetic activity by lowering blood glucose levels, enhancing pancreatic beta cells, and inhibiting lipid formation in adipocyte cells.
  11. Fulltext Selective Arylation of 2-Bromo-4-chlorophenyl-2-bromobutanoate via a Pd-Catalyzed Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reaction and Its Electronic and Non-Linear Optical (NLO) Properties via DFT Studies
    Nazeer U, Rasool N, Mujahid A, Mansha A, Zubair M, Kosar N, et al.
    Molecules, 2020 Jul 31;25(15).
    PMID: 32752125 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25153521
    In the present study, 2-bromo-4-chlorophenyl-2-bromobutanoate (3) was synthesized via the reaction of 2-bromo-4-chlorophenol with 2-bromobutanoyl bromide in the presence of pyridine. A variety of 2-bromo-4-chlorophenyl-2-bromobutanoate derivatives (5a-f) were synthesized with moderate to good yields via a Pd-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. To find out the reactivity and electronic properties of the compounds, Frontier molecular orbital analysis, non-linear optical properties, and molecular electrostatic potential studies were performed.
  12. Sea cucumber (Stichopus hermanii) based hydrogel to treat burn wounds in rats
    Zohdi RM, Zakaria ZA, Yusof N, Mustapha NM, Abdullah MN
    J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater, 2011 Jul;98(1):30-7.
    PMID: 21504052 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.31828
    Malaysian sea cucumber was incorporated into hydrogel formulation by using electron beam irradiation technique and was introduced as novel cross-linked Gamat Hydrogel dressing. This study investigated whether Gamat Hydrogel enhanced repair of deep partial skin thickness burn wound in rats and its possible mechanism. Wounds were treated with either Gamat Hydrogel, control hydrogel, OpSite® film dressing or left untreated. Skin samples were taken at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post burn for histological and molecular evaluations. Gamat Hydrogel markedly enhanced wound contraction and improved histological reorganization of the regenerating tissue. Furthermore, the dressing modulated the inflammatory responses, stimulated the activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, and enhanced rapid production of collagen fiber network with a consequently shorter healing time. The level of proinflammatory cytokines; IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were significantly reduced in Gamat Hydrogel treated wounds compared with other groups as assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In summary, our results showed that Gamat Hydrogel promoted burn wound repair via a complex mechanism involving stimulation of tissue regeneration and regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The resultant wound healing effects were attributed to the synergistic effect of the hydrogel matrix and incorporated sea cucumber.
  13. Screening of microfilaricidal effects of plant extracts against Dirofilaria immitis
    Merawin LT, Arifah AK, Sani RA, Somchit MN, Zuraini A, Ganabadi S, et al.
    Res Vet Sci, 2010 Feb;88(1):142-7.
    PMID: 19500810 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.05.017
    Canine dirofilariasis is a common tropical parasitic disease of companion animals, caused by infestation of Dirofilaria immitis filarids within the pulmonary arteries and extending into the right heart. Increased reports of adverse reactions elicited by current microfilaricidal agents against D. immitis such as neurological disorders, circulatory collapse and potential resistance against these agents, warrant the search for new agents in forms of plant extracts. The use of plant extracts in therapeutic medicine is commonly met with scepticism by the veterinary community, thus the lack of focus on its medical potential. This study evaluated the presence of microfilaricidal activities of the aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale, Andrographis paniculata and Tinospora crispa Miers on D. immitisin vitro at different concentrations; 10mg/ml, 1mg/ml, 100 microg/ml, 10 microg/ml and 1 microg/ml within 24h, by evaluation of relative microfilarial motility as a measure of microfilaricidal activity. All extracts showed microfilaricidal activity with Z. officinale exhibiting the strongest activity overall, followed by A. paniculata and T. crispa Miers. It is speculated that the microfilaricidal mechanism exhibited by these extracts is via spastic paralysis based upon direct observation of the microfilarial motility.
  14. Safety evaluation of orally-administered methanol extract of Muntingia calabura Linn. leaves: A sub-chronic toxicity study in Sprague Dawley rats
    Nasir NLM, Kamsani NE, Mohtarrudin N, Tohid SFM, Zakaria ZA
    Pak J Pharm Sci, 2020 Sep;33(5):2009-2016.
    PMID: 33824108
    Muntingia calabura (M. calabura), locally known as "kerukup siam" or "buah ceri" belongs to the family Muntingiaceae and has been scientifically demonstrated to exert various pharmacological activities. The objectives of the current study are to evaluate the antioxidant activities and to determine the subchronic toxicity of 90 days orally-administered methanol extract of M. calabura (MEMC) in male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6). Vehicle control received 8% tween 80 and treatment group received 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg of MEMC orally administered daily for 90 days. Blood collection was carried out to obtain the hematological and biochemical profile of the rats. The organs harvested were subjected to histopathological analysis. For the antioxidant test, the extract was subjected to antioxidant study using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)- and superoxide anion-radical scavenging activity, total phenolic content (TPC) and phytochemical screening. Results obtained show that no adverse effects were observed during the experimental period. Hematological and biochemical analysis also showed no significant changes in this toxicity study. Besides, antioxidant analyses revealed that MEMC has higher DPPH- and SOD-radical scavenges activity as well as higher TPC value. In conclusion, M. calabura is safe for consumption and possesses beneficial antioxidant effect.
  15. Fulltext Safety Assessment of Methanol Extract of Melastoma malabathricum L. Leaves following the Subacute and Subchronic Oral Consumptions in Rats and Its Cytotoxic Effect against the HT29 Cancer Cell Line
    Kamsani NE, Zakaria ZA, Md Nasir NL, Mohtarrudin N, Mohamad Alitheen NB
    Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2019;2019:5207958.
    PMID: 31885651 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5207958
    Methanol extract of Melastoma malabathricum (MEMM) has been traditionally used by the Malay to treat various ailments. In an attempt to develop the plant as an herbal product, MEMM was subjected to the subacute and subchronic toxicity and cytotoxicity studies. On the one hand, the subacute study was performed on three groups of male and three groups of female rats (n = 6), which were orally administered with 8% Tween 80 (vehicle control group) or MEMM (500 and 1000 mg/kg) daily for 28 days, respectively. On the other hand, the subchronic study was performed on four groups of rats (n = 6), which were orally administered with 8% Tween 80 (vehicle control group) or MEMM (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg) daily for 90 days, respectively. In the in vitro study, the cytotoxic effect of MEMM against the HT29 colon cancer cell line was assessed using the MTT assay. MEMM was also subjected to the UHPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis. The results demonstrated that MEMM administration did not cause any mortality, irregularity of behaviour, modification in body weight, as well as food and water intake following the subacute and subchronic oral treatment. There were no significant differences observed in haematological parameters between treatment and control groups in both studies, respectively. The in vitro study demonstrated that MEMM exerts a cytotoxic effect against the HT29 colon cancer cell line when observed under the inverted and phase-contrast microscope and confirmed by the acridine orange/propidium iodide (AOPI) staining. The UHPLC-ESI-HRMS analysis of MEMM demonstrated the occurrence of several compounds including quercetin, p-coumaric acid, procyanidin A, and epigallocatechin. In conclusion, M. malabathricum leaves are safe for oral consumption either at the subacute or subchronic levels and possess cytotoxic action against the HT29 colon cancer cells possibly due to the synergistic action of several flavonoid-based compounds.
  16. Renal ultrastructural alterations induced by various preparations of mefenamic acid
    Jarrar QB, Hakim MN, Zakaria ZA, Cheema MS, Moshawih S
    Ultrastruct Pathol, 2020 Jan 02;44(1):130-140.
    PMID: 31967489 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2020.1717705
    Mefenamic acid (MFA) treatment is associated with a number of cellular effects that potentiate the incidence of renal toxicity. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential ultrastructural alterations induced by various preparations of MFA (free MFA, MFA-Tween 80 liposomes, and MFA-DDC liposomes) on the renal tissues. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a daily dose of MFA preparations for 28 days. Renal biopsies from all groups of rats under study were processed for transmission electron microscopic examination. The findings revealed that MFA preparations induced various ultrastructural alterations including mitochondrial injury, nuclear and lysosomal alterations, tubular cells steatosis, apoptotic activity, autophagy, and nucleophagy. These alterations were more clear in rats received free MFA, and MFA-Tween 80 liposomes than those received MFA-DDC liposomes. It is concluded that MFA-DDC liposomes are less potential to induce renal damage than free MFA and MFA-Tween 80 liposomes. Thus, MFA-DDC liposomes may offer an advantage of safe drug delivery.
  17. Reactivity of phenolic compounds towards free radicals under in vitro conditions
    Mathew S, Abraham TE, Zakaria ZA
    J Food Sci Technol, 2015 Sep;52(9):5790-8.
    PMID: 26344993 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-014-1704-0
    The free radical scavenging activity and reducing power of 16 phenolic compounds including four hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives namely ferulic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic acid and p-coumaric acid, benzoic acid and its derivatives namely protocatechuic acid, gallic acid and vanillic acid, benzene derivatives namely vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, veratryl alcohol, veratraldehyde, pyrogallol, guaiacol and two synthetic antioxidants, butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) and propyl gallate were evaluated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH(•)), 2,2'-Azinobis-3- ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical (ABTS(+•)), Hydroxyl radical ((•)OH) and Superoxide radical (O2 (•-)) scavenging assays and reduction potential assay. By virtue of their hydrogen donating ability, phenolic compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups such as protocatechuic acid, pyrogallol, caffeic acid, gallic acid and propyl gallate exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity especially against DPPH(•) and O2 (•-). The hydroxylated cinnamates such as ferulic acid and caffeic acid were in general better scavengers than their benzoic acid counter parts such as vanillic acid and protocatechuic acid. All the phenolic compounds tested exhibited more than 85 % scavenging due to the high reactivity of the hydroxyl radical. Phenolic compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups also exhibited high redox potential. Exploring the radical scavenging and reducing properties of antioxidants especially those which are found naturally in plant sources are of great interest due to their protective roles in biological systems.
  18. RAGE modulatory effects on cytokines network and histopathological conditions in malarial mice
    Chin VK, Chuah YK, Lee TY, Nordin N, Ibraheem ZO, Zakaria ZA, et al.
    Exp Parasitol, 2020 Sep;216:107946.
    PMID: 32622941 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.107946
    This study was aimed at investigating the involvement of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) during malaria infection and the effects of modulating RAGE on the inflammatory cytokines release and histopathological conditions of affected organs in malarial animal model. Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) ANKA-infected ICR mice were treated with mRAGE/pAb and rmRAGE/Fc Chimera drugs from day 1 to day 4 post infection. Survival and parasitaemia levels were monitored daily. On day 5 post infection, mice were sacrificed, blood were drawn for cytokines analysis and major organs including kidney, spleen, liver, brain and lungs were extracted for histopathological analysis. RAGE levels were increased systemically during malaria infection. Positive correlation between RAGE plasma concentration and parasitaemia development was observed. Treatment with RAGE related drugs did not improve survival of malaria-infected mice. However, significant reduction on the parasitaemia levels were recorded. On the other hand, inhibition and neutralization of RAGE production during the infection significantly increased the plasma levels of interleukin (IL-4, IL-17A, IL-10 and IL-2) and reduced interferon (IFN)-γ secretion. Histopathological analysis revealed that all treated malarial mice showed a better outcome in histological assessment of affected organs (brain, liver, spleen, lungs and kidney). RAGE is involved in malaria pathogenesis and targeting RAGE could be beneficial in malaria infected host in which RAGE inhibition or neutralization increased the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine (IFNγ) which may help alleviate tissue injury and improve histopathological conditions of affected organs during the infection.
  19. Pyroligneous acid-the smoky acidic liquid from plant biomass
    Mathew S, Zakaria ZA
    Appl Microbiol Biotechnol, 2015 Jan;99(2):611-22.
    PMID: 25467926 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6242-1
    Pyroligneous acid (PA) is a complex highly oxygenated aqueous liquid fraction obtained by the condensation of pyrolysis vapors, which result from the thermochemical breakdown or pyrolysis of plant biomass components such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. PA produced by the slow pyrolysis of plant biomass is a yellowish brown or dark brown liquid with acidic pH and usually comprises a complex mixture of guaiacols, catechols, syringols, phenols, vanillins, furans, pyrans, carboxaldehydes, hydroxyketones, sugars, alkyl aryl ethers, nitrogenated derivatives, alcohols, acetic acid, and other carboxylic acids. The phenolic components, namely guaiacol, alkyl guaiacols, syringol, and alkyl syringols, contribute to the smoky odor of PA. PA finds application in diverse areas, as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, plant growth stimulator, coagulant for natural rubber, and termiticidal and pesticidal agent; is a source for valuable chemicals; and imparts a smoky flavor for food.
  20. Fulltext Pseudocedrela kotschyi: a review of ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry
    Alhassan AM, Ahmed QU, Malami I, Zakaria ZA
    Pharm Biol, 2021 Dec;59(1):955-963.
    PMID: 34283002 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1950776
    CONTEXT: Pseudocedrela kotschyi (Schweinf) Harms (Meliaceae) is an important medicinal plant found in tropical and subtropical countries of Africa. Traditionally, P. kotschyi is used in the treatment of various diseases including diabetes, malaria, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

    OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of traditional medicinal claims, pharmacological properties, and phytochemical principles of P. kotschyi as a basis for its clinical applications and further research and development of new drugs.

    METHODS: Through interpreting already published scientific manuscripts retrieved from different scientific search engines, namely, Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct and Google scholar databases, an up-to-date review on the medicinal potentials of P. kotschyi from inception until September, 2020 was compiled. 'Pseudocedrela kotschyi', 'traditional uses', 'pharmacological properties' and 'chemical constituents' were used as search words.

    RESULTS: At present, more than 30 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from the root and stem bark of P. kotschyi, among which limonoids and triterpenes are the main active constituents. Based on prior research, P. kotschyi has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, anthelminthic, antimalaria, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-trypanosomiasis, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects.

    CONCLUSIONS: P. kotschyi is reported to be effective in treating a variety of diseases. Current phytochemical and pharmacological studies mainly focus on antimalaria, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-trypanosomiasis and anticancer potential of the root and stem bark of P. kotschyi. Although experimental data support the beneficial medicinal properties of this plant, there is still a paucity of information on its toxicity profile. Nonetheless, this review provides the basis for future research work.

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