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  1. Mohd Jamil MDH, Taher M, Susanti D, Rahman MA, Zakaria ZA
    Nutrients, 2020 Aug 26;12(9).
    PMID: 32858812 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092584
    Picrasma quassioides is a member of the Simaroubaceae family commonly grown in the regions of Asia, the Himalayas, and India and has been used as a traditional herbal medicine to treat various illnesses such as fever, gastric discomfort, and pediculosis. This study aims to critically review the presence of phytochemicals in P. quassioides and correlate their pharmacological activities with the significance of its use as traditional medicine. Data were collected by reviewing numerous scientific articles from several journal databases on the pharmacological activities of P. quassioides using certain keywords. As a result, approximately 94 phytochemicals extracted from P. quassioides were found to be associated with quassinoids, β-carbolines and canthinones. These molecules exhibited various pharmacological benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-parasitic activities which help to treat different diseases. However, P. quassioides were also found to have several toxicity effects in high doses, although the evidence regarding these effects is limited in proving its safe use and efficacy as herbal medicine. Accordingly, while it can be concluded that P. quassioides may have many potential pharmacological benefits with more phytochemistry discoveries, further research is required to determine its real value in terms of quality, safety, and efficacy of use.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
  2. Taher M, Shaari SS, Susanti D, Arbain D, Zakaria ZA
    Molecules, 2020 Jun 04;25(11).
    PMID: 32512727 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25112611
    Almost 50 species of Ophiorrhiza plants were reviewed in this work and the main objective is to critically analyse their distribution, phytochemical content, biological activity, and propagation. Moreover, the information would be useful in promoting the relevant uses of the plant, especially in the medicinal fields based on in vitro and in vivo studies. To this end, scientific sources, including theses, PubMed, Google Scholar, International Islamic University Malaysia IIUM EBSCO, PubChem, and Elsevier, were accessed for publications regarding the Ophiorrhiza genus in this review. Scientific literature regarding the Ophiorrhiza plants revealed their wide distribution across Asia and the neighbouring countries, whereby they were utilised as traditional medicine to treat various diseases. In particular, various active compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, were reported in the plant. Furthermore, the Ophiorrhiza species showed highly diverse biological activities, such as anti-cancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, and more. The genus propagation reported could produce a high quality and quantity of potent anticancer compound, namely camptothecin (CPT). Hence, it is believed that the relevant uses of natural compounds present in the plants can replace the existing crop of synthetic anticancer drugs associated with a multitude of unbearable side effects. Additionally, more future studies on the Ophiorrhiza species should be undertaken to establish the links between its traditional uses, active compounds, and pharmacological activities reported.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*
  3. 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.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/administration & dosage; Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/toxicity*
  4. 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.

    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/adverse effects; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*
  5. Das RR, Rahman MA, Al-Araby SQ, Islam MS, Rashid MM, Babteen NA, et al.
    Oxid Med Cell Longev, 2021;2021:9711176.
    PMID: 34367469 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9711176
    The purpose of this study was to look into the effects of green coconut mesocarp juice extract (CMJE) on diabetes-related problems in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced type 2 diabetes, as well as the antioxidative functions of its natural compounds in regulating the associated genes and biochemical markers. CMJE's antioxidative properties were evaluated by the standard antioxidant assays of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, nitric oxide, and ferrous ions along with the total phenolic and flavonoids content. The α-amylase inhibitory effect was measured by an established method. The antidiabetic effect of CMJE was assayed by fructose-fed STZ-induced diabetic models in albino rats. The obtained results were verified by bioinformatics-based network pharmacological tools: STITCH, STRING, GSEA, and Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba bioinformatics tools. The results showed that GC-MS-characterized compounds from CMJE displayed a very promising antioxidative potential. In an animal model study, CMJE significantly (P < 0.05) decreased blood glucose, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, uric acid, and lipid levels and increased glucose tolerance as well as glucose homeostasis (HOMA-IR and HOMA-b scores). The animal's body weights and relative organ weights were found to be partially restored. Tissue architectures of the pancreas and the kidney were remarkably improved by low doses of CMJE. Compound-protein interactions showed that thymine, catechol, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural of CMJE interacted with 84 target proteins. Of the top 15 proteins found by Cytoscape 3.6.1, 8, CAT and OGG1 (downregulated) and CASP3, COMT, CYP1B1, DPYD, NQO1, and PTGS1 (upregulated), were dysregulated in diabetes-related kidney disease. The data demonstrate the highly prospective use of CMJE in the regulation of tubulointerstitial tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
  6. Md Nasir NL, Kamsani NE, Mohtarrudin N, Othman F, Md Tohid SF, Zakaria ZA
    Pharm Biol, 2017 Dec;55(1):2102-2109.
    PMID: 28872373 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2017.1371769
    CONTEXT: Leaves of Muntingia calabura (Elaeocarpaceae) are widely used in traditional medical practice; scientific findings show various pharmacological activities. However, its anticancer effect has not been investigated thoroughly yet.

    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to study the chemoprevention effects of MEMCL against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer and to examine the involvement of endogenous antioxidants Materials and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into five groups (n = 7), were injected intraperitoneally once weekly for 2 weeks with 15 mg/kg AOM, except for the normal group (received saline). The animals were then administered orally for 8 weeks with 8% Tween-80 (vehicle; normal group), 8% Tween-80 (vehicle; cancer group) or, 50, 250 or 500 mg/kg MEMC. After treatments, colon samples were collected from each rat for the histopathological analysis, quantification of aberrant crypt foci formed and determination of colon antioxidant levels. MEMC was also subjected to HPLC analysis.

    RESULTS: The extract exerted significant (p 

    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
  7. 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.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/chemistry*
  8. Rusli RNM, Naomi R, Yazid MD, Embong H, Perumal K, Othman F, et al.
    Toxins (Basel), 2023 Feb 03;15(2).
    PMID: 36828439 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15020125
    The Bouea macrophylla fruit is native to Malaysia and is known for its many beneficial effects on one's health. Probiotics are well-known for their roles as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumour properties due to their widespread use. As a result, the purpose of this study was to incorporate the ethanolic extract of Bouea macrophylla into yoghurt and then assess the rodents for any toxicological effects. According to the findings of the nutritional analysis, each 100 mL serving of the newly formulated yoghurt contains 3.29 g of fat, 5.79 g of carbohydrates, 2.92 g of total protein, and 2.72 g of sugar. The ability of the newly developed yoghurt to stimulate the growth of Lactobacilli was demonstrated by the fact that the peak intensity of Lactobacillus species was measured at 1.2 × 106 CFU/g while the titratable acidity of the lactic acid was measured at 0.599 CFU/g. In order to carry out the toxicological evaluation, forty-eight male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were utilized. Oral administration of single doses of 2000 mg/kg over the course of 14 days was used for the study of acute toxicity. Subacute toxicity was studied by giving animals Bouea macrophylla yoghurt (BMY) at repeated doses of 50, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day over a period of 28 days, while the control group was given normal saline. The results of the acute toxicity test revealed that rats treated with increasing doses up to a maximum of 2000 mg/kg exhibited no signs of toxicity. After an additional 14 days without treatment, acute toxicity of a single dose (2000 mg/kg) of BMY did not show any treatment-related toxicity in any of the rats that were observed. According to the data from the subacute toxicity study, there were no differences between the treated groups and the control groups in terms of food and water intake, body weight, plasma biochemistry (AST, ALT, ALP, and creatinine), haematological products, or organ weights. The architecture of the liver, heart, and kidney were all found to be normal upon histological examination. This indicates that oral consumption of BMY did not result in any negative effects being manifested in the rodents.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts*
  9. Subarmaniam T, Mahmad Rusli RN, Perumal KV, Yong YK, Hadizah S, Othman F, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2023 Mar 09;24(6).
    PMID: 36982300 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065224
    Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for a notable rise in the overall mortality rate. Obesity is found to be one of the main factors behind CRC development. Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous plant famous for its medicinal properties, particularly in Southeast Asia for its anti-cancer properties. This study examines the chemopreventive impact of A. paniculata ethanolic extract (APEE) against a high-fat diet and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in Sprague Dawley rats. Sprague Dawley rats were administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg, i.p. once a week for 10 weeks) and a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to induce colorectal cancer. APEE was administered at 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg for 20 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood serum and organs were collected. DMH/HFD-induced rats had abnormal crypts and more aberrant crypt foci (ACF). APEE at a dose of 500 mg/kg improved the dysplastic state of the colon tissue and caused a 32% reduction in the total ACF. HFD increased adipocyte cell size, while 500 mg/kg APEE reduced it. HFD and DMH/HFD rats had elevated serum insulin and leptin levels. Moreover, UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed that APEE was rich in anti-cancer phytochemicals. This finding suggests that APEE has anti-cancer potential against HFD/DMH-induced CRC and anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity properties.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/adverse effects
  10. Sh Ahmed A, Taher M, Mandal UK, Jaffri JM, Susanti D, Mahmood S, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2019 Aug 14;19(1):213.
    PMID: 31412845 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2625-2
    BACKGROUND: Various extracts of Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) and its active constituent, asiaticoside, have been reported to possess wound healing property when assessed using various in vivo and in vitro models. In an attempt to develop a formulation with accelerated wound healing effect, the present study was performed to examine in vivo efficacy of asiaticoside-rich hydrogel formulation in rabbits.

    METHODS: Asiaticoside-rich fraction was prepared from C. asiatica aerial part and then incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) hydrogel. The hydrogel was subjected to wound healing investigation using the in vivo incision model.

    RESULTS: The results obtained demonstrated that: i) the hydrogel formulation did not cause any signs of irritation on the rabbits' skin and; ii) enhanced wound healing 15% faster than the commercial cream and > 40% faster than the untreated wounds. The skin healing process was seen in all wounds marked by formation of a thick epithelial layer, keratin, and moderate formation of granulation tissues, fibroblasts and collagen with no fibrinoid necrosis detected.

    CONCLUSION: The asiaticoside-rich hydrogel developed using the freeze-thaw method was effective in accelerating wound healing in rabbits.

    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts
  11. Mahmood ND, Mamat SS, Kamisan FH, Yahya F, Kamarolzaman MF, Nasir N, et al.
    Biomed Res Int, 2014;2014:695678.
    PMID: 24868543 DOI: 10.1155/2014/695678
    Muntingia calabura L. is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family. The present study is aimed at determining the hepatoprotective activity of methanol extract of M. calabura leaves (MEMC) using two models of liver injury in rats. Rats were divided into five groups (n=6) and received 10% DMSO (negative control), 50 mg/kg N-acetylcysteine (NAC; positive control), or MEMC (50, 250, and 500 mg/kg) orally once daily for 7 days and on the 8th day were subjected to the hepatotoxic induction using paracetamol (PCM). The blood and liver tissues were collected and subjected to biochemical and microscopical analysis. The extract was also subjected to antioxidant study using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-(DPPH) and superoxide anion-radical scavenging assays. At the same time, oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and total phenolic content were also determined. From the histological observation, lymphocyte infiltration and marked necrosis were observed in PCM-treated groups (negative control), whereas maintenance of hepatic structure was observed in group pretreated with N-acetylcysteine and MEMC. Hepatotoxic rats pretreated with NAC or MEMC exhibited significant decrease (P<0.05) in ALT and AST enzymes level. Moreover, the extract also exhibited good antioxidant activity. In conclusion, MEMC exerts potential hepatoprotective activity that could be partly attributed to its antioxidant activity and, thus warrants further investigations.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/therapeutic use*
  12. 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.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
  13. Hasan MM, Ahmed QU, Soad SZM, Latip J, Taher M, Syafiq TMF, et al.
    BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017 Aug 30;17(1):431.
    PMID: 28854906 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1929-3
    BACKGROUND: Tetracera indica Merr. (Family: Dilleniaceae), known to the Malay as 'Mempelas paya', is one of the medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes in Malaysia. However, no proper scientific study has been carried out to verify the traditional claim of T. indica as an antidiabetic agent. Hence, the aims of the present study were to determine the in vitro antidiabetic potential of the T. indica stems ethanol extract, subfractions and isolated compounds.

    METHODS: The ethanol extract and its subfractions, and isolated compounds from T. indica stems were subjected to cytotoxicity test using MTT viability assay on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes. Then, the test groups were subjected to the in vitro antidiabetic investigation using 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and differentiated adipocytes to determine the insulin-like and insulin sensitizing activities. Rosiglitazone was used as a standard antidiabetic agent. All compounds were also subjected to fluorescence glucose (2-NBDG) uptake test on differentiated adipocytes. Test solutions were introduced to the cells in different safe concentrations as well as in different adipogenic cocktails, which were modified by the addition of compounds to be investigated and in the presence or absence of insulin. Isolation of bioactive compounds from the most effective subfraction (ethyl acetate) was performed through repeated silica gel and sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies and their structures were elucidated through (1)H-and (13)C-NMR spectroscopy.

    RESULTS: Four monoflavonoids, namely, wogonin, norwogonin, quercetin and techtochrysin were isolated from the T. indica stems ethanol extract. Wogonin, norwogonin and techtochrysin induced significant (P 

    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*
  14. Mohamad Yusof MI, Salleh MZ, Lay Kek T, Ahmat N, Nik Azmin NF, Zakaria ZA
    PMID: 24348716 DOI: 10.1155/2013/715074
    The present study was conducted to determine the antinociceptive potential of methanol extract of Muntingia calabura L. (MEMC) and to isolate and identify the bioactive compound(s) responsible for the observed antinociceptive activity. The MEMC and its partitions (petroleum ether (PEP), ethyl acetate (EAP), and aqueous (AQP) partitions), in the dose range of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, were tested using the formalin-induced nociceptive test. The PEP, which exerted the most effective activity in the respective early and late phase, was further subjected to the fractionation procedures and yielded seven fractions (labelled A to G). These fractions were tested, at the dose of 300 mg/kg, together with distilled water or 10% DMSO (negative controls); morphine and aspirin (positive controls) for potential antinociceptive activity. Of all fractions, Fraction D showed the most significant antinociceptive activity, which is considered as equieffective to morphine or aspirin in the early or late phase, respectively. Further isolation and identification processes on fraction D led to the identification of three known and one new compounds, namely, 5-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone (1), 3,7-dimethoxy-5-hydroyflavone (2), 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone (3), and calaburone (4). At the dose of 50 mg/kg, compound 3 exhibited the highest percentage of antinociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin test. In conclusion, the antinociceptive activity of MEMC involved, partly, the synergistic activation of the flavonoid types of compounds.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts
  15. Ramasamy S, Abdul Wahab N, Zainal Abidin N, Manickam S, Zakaria Z
    PLoS One, 2012;7(4):e34793.
    PMID: 22536331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034793
    Phyllanthus watsonii Airy Shaw is an endemic plant found in Peninsular Malaysia. Although there are numerous reports on the anti cancer properties of other Phyllanthus species, published information on the cytotoxicity of P. watsonii are very limited. The present study was carried out with bioassay-guided fractionation approach to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction capability of the P. watsonii extracts and fractions on human gynecologic (SKOV-3 and Ca Ski) and colon (HT-29) cancer cells. P. watsonii extracts exhibited strong cytotoxicity on all the cancer cells studied with IC(50) values of ≤ 20.0 µg/mL. Hexane extract of P. watsonii was further subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation and yielded 10 fractions (PW-1→PW-10). PW-4→PW-8 portrayed stronger cytotoxic activity and was further subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation and resulted with 8 sub-fractions (PPWH-1→PPWH-8). PPWH-7 possessed greatest cytotoxicity (IC(50) values ranged from 0.66-0.83 µg/mL) and was selective on the cancer cells studied. LC-MS/MS analysis of PPWH-7 revealed the presence of ellagic acid, geranic acid, glochidone, betulin, phyllanthin and sterol glucoside. Marked morphological changes, ladder-like appearance of DNA and increment in caspase-3 activity indicating apoptosis were clearly observed in both human gynecologic and colon cancer cells treated with P. watsonii especially with PPWH-7. The study also indicated that P. watsonii extracts arrested cell cycle at different growth phases in SKOV-3, Ca Ski and HT-29 cells. Cytotoxic and apoptotic potential of the endemic P. watsonii was investigated for the first time by bioassay-guided approach. These results demonstrated that P. watsonii selectively inhibits the growth of SKOV-3, Ca Ski and HT-29 cells through apoptosis induction and cell cycle modulation. Hence, P. watsonii has the potential to be further exploited for the discovery and development of new anti cancer drugs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry
  16. Ayoub R, Jarrar Q, Ali D, Moshawih S, Jarrar Y, Hakim M, et al.
    Eur J Pharm Sci, 2021 Aug 01;163:105865.
    PMID: 33979659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105865
    BACKGROUND: Mefenamic acid (MFA), a commonly prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), possesses a greater risk of dose-related central nervous system (CNS) toxicity than other NSAIDs. In this study, α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol acetate were selected as prodrug moieties for MFA in an attempt to reduce the CNS toxicity and enhance the therapeutic efficacy.

    METHOD: α-tocopherol monoester of MFA (TMMA) and α-tocopherol di-ester of MFA (TDMA) were synthesized by esterification reaction and were subjected to various in vivo characterizations.

    RESULTS: Masking of the carboxylate group of MFA with the proposed pro-moieties significantly (p<0.05) delayed the onset of tonic-clonic seizure in mice. Besides, the intraperitoneal administration of TMMA and TDMA in mice produced significantly (p<0.05) stronger anti-inflammatory effects in the carrageenan-induced paw edema test and greater anti-nociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing test than MFA at an equimolar dose of 20 mg/kg. Treatment with TMMA and TDMA caused a significant (p<0.05) inhibition of pain at 1st and 2nd phases of formalin-induced licking test in mice, whereas treatment with MFA inhibited the 2nd phase only. Pretreatment with naloxone and flumazenil significantly (p<0.05) reversed the anti-nociceptive effect of MFA, TMMA and TDMA in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. In addition, treatment with TMMA and TDMA caused significantly (p<0.05) a higher inhibition of pain in the glutamate-induced licking response in mice than MFA.

    CONCLUSION: Masking the carboxylate moiety of MFA by α-tocopherol and α-tocopherol acetate has a great potential for reducing CNS toxicity, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy and altering the mode of anti-nociceptive action.

    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts
  17. Thent ZC, Lin TS, Das S, Zakaria Z
    PMID: 23983373
    Cardiovascular complications are one of the major causes of death in diabetes mellitus. Piper sarmentosum (P.s) is an herb that possesses antihyperglycaemic effects. The main aim of the study was to observe the histological changes in the heart and the proximal aorta of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats following P.s administration. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=24) were equally randomized into four groups: control group supplemented with normal saline (C); control group supplemented with P.s (CTx) ; diabetic group supplemented with normal saline (D) and, diabetic group supplemented with P.s (DTx). Diabetes was induced by STZ (50mg/kg body weight) intramuscularly. P.s extract (0.125g/kg) was administered orally for 28 days, following four weeks of STZ induction. The cardiac and aortic tissues were collected and processed under different stains: Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E), Verhoeff-Van Gieson (VVG), Masson's Trichome (MT) and Periodic Acid- Schiff (PAS). There were abnormal cardiomyocytes nuclei, disarray of myofibres and increase in connective tissue deposits in cardiac tissues of the diabetic untreated group. The thickness of tunica media and ratio of tunica intima to media were found to be significantly increased in the aorta of diabetic untreated group (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. There were degenerative changes in the proximal aorta in diabetic untreated groups. All the histological damages of cardiac and aortic tissues were found to be lesser in the diabetic treated groups. Supplementation with P.s extract prevented the oxidative damage arising from diabetes mellitus, and reduced its complications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
  18. Supardy NA, Ibrahim D, Sulaiman SF, Zakaria NA
    J Microbiol Biotechnol, 2012 Jun;22(6):872-81.
    PMID: 22573167
    The inhibitory effect of the Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883 strain caused by the hexane extract of Halimeda discoidea (Nor Afifah et al., 2010) was further evaluated by means of the microscopy view and its growth curves. The morphological changes of the K. pneumoniae ATCC 13883 cells were observed under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) after they were treated at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC; 0.50 mg/ml) (Nor Afifah et al., 2010) for 12, 24, and 36 h. The results showed the severity of the morphological deteriorations experienced by the treated cells. The killing curve assay was performed for 48 h at three different extract concentrations (1/2 MIC, MIC, and 2 MIC). An increase in the extract concentration of up to 2 MIC value did significantly reduce the number of cells by approximately 1.9 log10, as compared with the control. Identification of the potential compounds of the extract responsible for the antibacterial activity was carried out through the gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GCMS) analysis of the active subfraction, and the compound E-15-heptadecenal was identified and suggested as the most potential antibacterial compound of this extract. The subsequent cellular degenerations showed by the data might well explain the inhibitory mechanisms of the suggested antibacterial compound. All of these inhibitory effects have further proven the presence of an antibacterial compound within H. discoidea that can inhibit the growth of K. pneumoniae ATCC 13883.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/isolation & purification; Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry
  19. Othman AR, Abdullah N, Ahmad S, Ismail IS, Zakaria MP
    PMID: 25652309 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0528-4
    BACKGROUND: The Jatropha curcas plant or locally known as "Pokok Jarak" has been widely used in traditional medical applications. This plant is used to treat various conditions such as arthritis, gout, jaundice, wound and inflammation. However, the nature of compounds involved has not been well documented. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of different parts of J. curcas plant and to identify the active compounds involved.
    METHODS: In this study, methanol (80%) extraction of four different parts (leaves, fruits, stem and root) of J. curcas plant was carried out. Phenolic content of each part was determined by using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. Gallic acid was used as the phenol standard. Each plant part was screened for anti-inflammatory activity using cultured macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The active plant part was then partitioned with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and water. Each partition was again screened for anti-inflammatory activity. The active partition was then fractionated using an open column chromatography system. Single spots isolated from column chromatography were assayed for anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities. Spots that showed activity were subjected to gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis for identification of active metabolites.
    RESULTS: The hexane partition from root extract showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity. However, it also showed high cytotoxicity towards RAW 264.7 cells at 1 mg/mL. Fractionation process using column chromatography showed five spots. Two spots labeled as H-4 and H-5 possessed anti-inflammatory activity, without cytotoxicity activity. Analysis of both spots by GC-MS showed the presence of hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid methyl ester and octadecanoic acid.
    CONCLUSION: This finding suggests that hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, octadecanoic acid methyl ester and octadecanoic acid could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of the J. curcas root extract.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/therapeutic use; Plant Extracts/chemistry
  20. Ramaiya SD, Bujang JS, Zakaria MH
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:167309.
    PMID: 25028673 DOI: 10.1155/2014/167309
    This study focused on total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the leaves and stems of Passiflora quadrangularis, P. maliformis, and P. edulis extracted using three solvents: petroleum ether, acetone, and methanol. The maximum extraction yields of antioxidant components from the leaves and stems were isolated using methanol extracts of P. edulis (24.28%) and P. quadrangularis (9.76%), respectively. Among the leaf extracts, the methanol extract of P. maliformis had the significantly highest TPC and the strongest antioxidant activity, whereas among the stem extracts, the methanol extract of P. quadrangularis showed the highest phenolic amount and possessed the strongest antioxidant activity. The antibacterial properties of the Passiflora species were tested using the disc diffusion method against 10 human pathogenic bacteria. The largest inhibition zone was observed for the methanol extract of P. maliformis against B. subtilis. Generally, extracts from the Passiflora species exhibit distinct inhibition against Gram-positive but not Gram-negative bacteria. Based on the generated biplot, three clusters of bacteria were designated according to their performance towards the tested extracts. The present study revealed that methanol extracts of the Passiflora contain constituents with significant phenolic, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical uses.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/pharmacology*; Plant Extracts/chemistry*
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