"Trends in Phytochemical Research (TPR)", is a prominent journal that publishes original research articles, review papers, short communications, letter to editor, technical notes, and book reviews. It covers a wide range of topics including the characterization and processing of essential oils, analytical assessments of bioactive compounds, natural products chemistry, phytochemical evaluations of essential oils and extracts, and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal properties. The journal also explores areas such as food chemistry and the biological activities of naturally occurring compounds. The abbreviated form of this journal is "Trends Phytochem. Res.". TPR is an open access and a free of charge journal for all authors all over the world. In other words, there is no article processing charge for each accepted and subsequently published article in the journal. At present, it publishes four issues per year. “Trends in Phytochemical Research (TPR)”, an international open access and quarterly journal that has been regularly published since March 2017. Considering the statistics of TPR in 2019, the acceptance rate the submitted articles was about 49%. The average time between submission and final decision is six to eight weeks and the average time between acceptance and publication is about one month. The submitted papers are also tracked via reliable "Plagiarism Checker" like "iThenticate plagiarism checker" to make sure their originality. The other objective of our journal is to publish the highest quality articles and disseminate to all readers through our "Open Access" mode. The published articles are not recommended for commercial use. Journal Abbreviation: Trends Phytochem. Res. Journal Title Acronym: TPR Owner organisation: Islamic Azad University- Shahrood Branch Publisher: Islamic Azad University-Shahrood Branch, Co-publishing: OICC Press, UK Latest News: We would like to inform all authors and contributors that, effective 1st November 2025, an Article Processing Charge (APC) will apply to all new submissions, manuscripts submitted on or after this date that are accepted for publication in the Trends in Phytochemical Research (TPR).
The first report on the screening of the GC/MS profiles of the hydrodistilled essential oils and volatile components from the aerial parts of Verbascum sinuatum L. (Scrophulariaceae)
This study elucidates the chemical composition of the essential oil and volatile fractions from the aerial parts of Verbascum sinuatum L. using classical hydrodistillation (CHD) and headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) techniques, identifying 23 compounds via GC-MS analysis. In the CHD essential oil, non-terpene hydrocarbons (NH) predominated at 64.8%, followed by oxygenated diterpenes (OD) at 14.2%, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (SH) at 8.0%, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (OS) at 7.8%. The principal constituents were hexadecanoic acid (28.9%), phytol (14.2%), and linoleic acid (7.3%), accounting for 94.8% of the total. On the other hand, HS-SPME profiles emphasized NH (70.1%) and OS (19.1%), with hexadecanoic acid (49.3%), (E)-phytol acetate (8.1%), n-heneicosane (4.1%), and spathulenol (4.0%) comprising 92.5% overall. These findings reveal method-dependent variations in terpenoid and fatty acid content, highlighting CHD's efficacy in extracting higher quantities of oxygenated diterpenes and HS-SPME's sensitivity to volatiles, offering insights into phytochemical diversity for potential pharmacological applications.
Classical hydrodistillation (CHD), Essential oils, GC/MS, Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), Scrophulariaceae, Verbascum sinuatum L.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Deep eutectic solvent-based ultrasonic assisted extraction of polysaccharides and antioxidants from Astragalus hamosus L. seedpod
In this study, the efficiency of various solvents and techniques was compared for the extraction of polysaccharides and antioxidants from Astragalus hamosus. Among twenty solvents and four extraction techniques, ultrasonic-assisted extraction using choline chloride-urea (a deep eutectic solvent, DES) demonstrated the best performance. Extraction variables were optimized by the response surface methodology (RSM), and Box-Behnken design (BBD). Extraction yield and total carbohydrate content (TCC) were 44.5% and 2.90 mgGlu/gdw, respectively. Rhamnose, mannose and galactose (molar ratio: 0.34:1.18:1.0) were major monosaccharides in the extracted polysaccharides. Six antioxidant assays—total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and reducing power assay (RPA)—were used to evaluate antioxidant capacity. Additionally, different extraction methods, including ultrasonic-assisted, microwave-assisted, maceration, and Soxhlet extractions were compared.
Astragalus hamosus L., Antioxidants, Deep eutectic solvent, Leguminosae, Polysaccharides, Ultrasonic assisted extraction, Response surface methodology
Effects of NaCl stress on growth, photosynthesis, and phytochemical composition of creeping savory (Satureja spicigera (C. Koch) Boiss.)
The study examined the effects of NaCl treatments (50, 100, and 150 mM) on various morpho-physiological, photosynthetic and phytochemical traits of creeping savory, a wild medicinal plant, in a greenhouse experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Increasing NaCl concentration led to a linear decline in growth parameters, with the highest reductions at 150 mM. Leaf, shoot, and root fresh and dry weights decreased significantly under all NaCl levels. Photosynthetic index improved at 50 mM but declined at 150 mM NaCl. Chlorophyll index also decreased significantly at 150 mM. Essential oil percentage increased under 50 and 100 mM NaCl, however dropped at 150 mM. While α-pinene, β-bisabolene, terpinene-4-ol, methyl ether thymol, methyl ether carvacrol, trans-caryophyllene, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene were decreased in plants treated with NaCl, the percentages of thymol and carvacrol were increased.
Essential oil; Medicinal plants; Photosynthetic indices; Phytochemicals; Salt stress; Satureja spicigera (C. Koch) Boiss.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro protective effects of Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don (Asteraceae) on TM4 Sertoli cell
Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don phytocompounds play an integral role in treating various diseases due to their bioactive properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of two H. cymosum extracts (aqueous and 70% ethanol) on cell viability, morphological changes, antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GSH and TAC) and ROS production on TM4 Sertoli cells. Results showed no significant effect on cell viability after 24 h but significantly decreased after 48 h (p < 0.05). Cell structure integrity was maintained at all concentrations compared to the positive control (10% DMSO). Antioxidant enzyme activities SOD, GSH and TAC had good scavenging properties, although no statistically difference was recorded. ROS production was maintained with both extracts, albeit with no significant differences. H. cymosum extracts may contain potent bioactive components such as flavonoids that work synergistically to mitigate OS-induced infertility in males. Further investigations including in vivo experiments, are recommended to validate their use in herbal supplements and drug discovery.
Antioxidant capacity, Asteraceae, Cytotoxicity, Glutathione, Helichrysum cymosum (L.) D.Don, Phytocompounds, Superoxide dismutase
Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae): Cultivation, diversity of biochemical composition, antimicrobial activities, active biomolecules and action mode-A review
This study analyses the knowledge on the cultivation, diversity, and variation of phytochemical constituents of essential oils and crude extracts from Hypericum perforatum. Equally, we presented a detailed discussion of the antimicrobial activities against pathogens and viruses, and the implicated biomolecules. A complete and organized literature search was carried out in the basic databases. According to the reviewed papers, Hypericum perforatum contains considerable amounts of chemical constituents, including phenolic, flavonoid, and terpene compounds, which are diverse and variable depending on the geography of plants, parts used, and extraction methods. These chemical constituents demonstrated serious inhibitory effects against fungi, bacteria, and viruses.
Antimicrobial activities; Bioactive compounds; Essential oils; Hypericum perforatum L.; Hypericaceae; Mechanism; Phytochemical constituents
Unveiling the potential antidiabetic, antidyslipidemic, and antimicrobial effects of methanolic root extracts of Nymphaea pubescens Willd. plant: Evidence from in-vitro and in-vivo approaches
This study investigated the therapeutic potential of methanolic root extracts of Nymphaea pubescens Willd. with a focus on their antidiabetic, antilipidemic, and antimicrobial properties. The methanolic root extracts of the N. pubescens at higher doses (500 mg/kg) exhibited a pronounced serum blood glucose-lowering activity (p < 0.001) and also demonstrated remarkable outcomes in body weight loss (p < 0.01), closely resembling the effects of the standard metformin. The same experiment displayed a noticeable reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels (p < 0.001), along with a notable elevation in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the plant extract at 500 mg/kg unveiled significant antimicrobial activities (p < 0.001) against both Staphylococcus aureus and Aspergillus niger and also exhibited significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of Escherichia coli. In summary, these findings highlight the multifaceted therapeutic potential of N. pubescens root extracts, warranting further investigation for their possible development into novel therapeutic agents.
Antidiabetic; Antihyperlipidemic; Antimicrobial; In vitro; In vivo; Nymphaea pubescens Willd.; Nymphaeaceae
Characterization, quantification and antioxidant potential of phenolic compounds in Brachychiton rupestris (T.Mitch. ex Lindl.) K. Schum. leaves
The studies conducted to investigate the pharmacological potential or the chemical composition of Brachy chiton rupestris leaves were very limited. The present study aims to isolate, identify and quantify the major phenolics in B. rupestris leaves and to evaluate their antioxidant potential. Methanol (85.0%) extract of B. rupestris leaves was prepared and successively partitioned with petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethylacetate and n-butanol, respectively. The bioactive compounds in the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions were separated chromatographically, and their structures were characterized. Their concentrations were determined using HPLC-DAD, and their antioxidant potential was evaluated against DPPH. Caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, nicotiflorin, methyl gallate, isoquercetin, rutin, quercetin and kaempferol were the major phytochemicals. Methyl gallate exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 18.19 ± 0.161 µg/mL. B. rupestris could be considered a promising source of antioxidants which suggests its application in nutraceuticals and therapeutic formulations.
Brachychiton rupestris (T.Mitch. ex Lindl.) K. Schum.
Copyright (c) 2025 Heba Raafat Mohamed, Eman Ahmed El-Wakil, Maher Mahmoud El-Hashash, El-Sayed Saleh Abdel-Hameed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Isolation and characterization of phytoconstituents and exploration of in vitro and in vivo biological activities of Anaxagorea luzonensis A. Gray (Annonaceae)
This study aimed to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibition potential of Prosopis farcta and Rheum ribes. For this purpose, various plant parts—including the root bark, roots, fruits, and leaves of P. farcta, as well as the roots and stalks of R. ribes—were sequentially extracted employing n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The α-glucosidase inhibition potential of the extracts was assessed. Subsequently, the phytochemical investigation was carried out on the ethyl acetate extract derived from the root of P. farcta, which exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effect. This analysis resulted in the isolation and identification of six compounds, including four steroids, one pentacyclic triterpenoid, and one flavonoid. The isolated compounds underwent further evaluation for their α-glucosidase inhibition potential. Among them, daucosterol (3) demonstrated the highest potency, with an IC50 value of 18.6 µM.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sabiha Rahman, Fatema-Tuz-Zohora, Ramisa Anjum, A.H.M Nazmul Hasan, Mohiuddin Ahmed Bhuiyan, Choudhury Mahmood Hasan, Mohammad Shahriar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
In vitro assessment of the antihyperglycemic property of Prosopis farcta J. F. Macbr and Rheum ribes L. and phytochemical profiling of the most active extract
Copyright (c) 2025 Ismael Hasan Mohammed, Vahed Zarial, Mahdi Moridi Farimani, Maryam Khratha, Marzieh Tabefam, Esmail Salih Ibrahim Kakey (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of leaves infusions of Annona muricata L. (Annnonaceae) from two regions of Mexico
Annona muricata L. (soursop) is a fruit of great economic importance and one of the plants most used in alternative medicine for its phytochemical composition. This work evaluates the phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of infusions from Annona muricata leaves of three different ecotypes from two regions of Mexico. The infusions were characterized for total soluble phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, total anthocyanins, and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated using different assays. The infusions of the analyzed ecotypes showed differences in polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. A positive relation between phenols and antioxidant capacity was observed for ABTS, FRAP, and ORAC. Epigallocatechin gallate (1.22-6.49 mg/g), rutin (3.47-8.73 mg/g), ellagic acid (5.25-14.13 mg/g), epicatechin (0.83-7.57 mg/g), and chlorogenic phenolic acids (4.42 mg/g) were quantified by HPLC. The infusion of leaves of the different soursop ecotypes showed differences in phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and phenolic acids.
Copyright (c) 2025 Claudia Grijalva-Verdugo, Salvador Horacio Guzmán-Maldonado, César Leobardo Aguirre-Mancilla, Carlos Alberto Núñez-Colin, Juan Carlos Raya-Pérez, Jesús Rubén Rodríguez-Núñez (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Green synthesis of iron nanoparticles via Rhizoclonum riparium (Roth) Harvey: A promising nanotherapy against the promastigote forms of Leishmania donovani parasites
Visceral leishmaniasis, a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani (Roth) Harvey and transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies, continues to pose a significant global health concern. Conventional therapies like amphotericin B and miltefosine are often limited by severe side effects and the emergence of resistance, necessitating the development of safer and more effective alternatives. In this study, iron-nanoparticles (INPs) were biosynthesized using green macroalga Rhizoclonium riparium using FeCl₃ (0.005 M) at pH 6, and the synthesized INPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS), confirming their spindle-shaped morphology with average particle size of 82 nm. In vitro anti-leishmanial activity of the INPs was assessed against L. donovani using MTT assay, demonstrating significant efficacy with an IC₅₀ value of 43.36 µg/mL. These results suggest that algal-mediated INPs represent a promising eco-friendly nanotherapeutic strategy for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sagardeep Dey, Anwesha Mondal, Ishita Bhattacharya, Nibedita Pyne, Santanu Paul (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Bibliometric analysis of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng research: Trends and hotspots
This paper aims to establish the significance of its studies within the current research landscape and to investigate their methodologies, conclusions, and trends. Utilizing the search term “Murraya koenigii,” we examined Scopus to identify bibliometric trends and hotspots. To accomplish this aim, 735 original publications published between 2013 and 2025 were retrieved and analyzed using bibliometric analysis, which was based on the Scopus Dataset results. BibTex and CVS (comma-separated values) files containing the data were exported, and Bibliometrix was implemented for the analysis. Studies on M. koenigii have been steadily increasing; 889 publications were identified in the Scopus database. Research articles accounted for 82.7% of the publications, followed by reviews (10.6%) and book chapters (3.1%). The findings presented here provide a preliminary visual summary of the scientific output of M. koenigii, taking into consideration the authors, study topics, journal citation coupling, and keyword analysis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yuvianti Dwi Franyoto, Arief Nurrochmad, Nanang Fakhrudin (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Synthesis of biodiesel from Reseda luteola L. seeds
The present study reports the preparation of biodiesel from Reseda luteola L. seeds oil using organic solvent. The hexane extract was obtained by Soxhlet apparatus and subjected to transesterification method to result simple esters. The final prepared composition was analysed by using GC-GC/MS. Thirty- three components representing 92.7% of the extracted oil of R. luteola were identified, among them, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (23.8%), 9-octadecenoic acid methyl ester (12.2%), hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (9.9%) and n-decane (6.1%) were the major compounds. The organic extract of seeds from R. luteola detected as an important source of unsaturated fatty acid ester compounds.
Copyright (c) 2024 Trends in Phytochemical Research
Quantification of β-carotene, aucubin content, their associations and contribution to other economic traits in Plantago germplasm
Plant secondary metabolites have innumerable benefits in regard to human health. From the available 106 divergent lines of five Plantago species, a screening program was conducted to explore putative lines having best resources of aucubin and β-carotene. HPLC results indicated that seeds of selection LP3 of P. ovata contained highest (9.53%) and P. arenaria contained least (7.79%) β-carotene. Investigation was also conducted to assess the genetic variability, correlations and character contribution of β-carotene and aucubin content with other traits towards seed yield in a set of ten selected accessions in relation to seven traits in Plantago species. Results indicated that none of the accessions of any other species apart from P. lanceolata contained aucubin. PL-61 accession was detected to have maximum concentration (0.23%) of aucubin while the lowest (0.02%) was detected in PL-66. This opened the possibilities for nutritional value addition of β-carotene in seeds of isabgol.
Isolation and identification of growth promoting endophytes from Artemisia annua L. and its effects on artemisinin content
Artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone, is a well-known antimalarial drug isolated from Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae). Semi-synthetic derivatives of artemisinin like arteether, artemether, artesunate, etc. have also been explored for antimalarial as well as other pharmacological activities. Endophytes are microorganisms which reside inside the living tissues of host plants and can form symbiotic, parasitic or commensalistic relationship depending on the climatic conditions and host genotype. In this study, endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves of A. annua and were identified using the conventional as well as molecular taxonomic methods. Endophytes were identified as: Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Cochliobolus lunatus, Curvularia pallescens and Acremonium persicum. Growth promoting activity of endophytes has been reported earlier. After treating potted plants of A. annua with elicitor extracts prepared from these endophytic fungi, we observed an increase in the plant biomass as well as artemisinin content.
Extraction, purification, characterization and antioxidant activities of heat-resistance phenolic compounds from lemon pulp
Lemon as a citrus species is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean region, Turkey. The lemon pulp has been characterized as a rich source of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, phenolic acid as well as novel coumarin derivatives. It is usually obtained within the juice production in the food industries. In the current report, lemon pulp was initially dried and immediately after subjected to extraction with hot water and ethyl acetate. This study deals with the isolation of secondary metabolites along with determinations of 32 phenolic contents. After isolation of major components using Sephadex LH-20 column and silica gel, 11 phenolic components were totally characterized using the 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Lemon pulp known as citrus peel has been recognized as a potential source of coumarin, limonoids, and methoxylated flavones. The antioxidant activities of the limonin (LMN) and lemon pulp ethyl acetate extract (LPEA) were evaluated using in vitro methods involving total antioxidant activity, reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, scavenging activities of DPPH∙, H2O2 and ABTS+. and compared with standards at 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg.mL-1. According to the finding of this research, LMN and LPEA showed strong in vitro antioxidant activities and also were significantly exhibited an increase to be in a dose-dependent manner, (p <0.05).
Acaricidal activity of essential oils: a review
The environmental problems caused by the uncontrolled use of synthetic pesticides in crop production around the world has increased the search for new plant species that have this activity. As a result, studies with essential oils extracted from plants intensify because they present, among other biological properties, insecticidal and acaricidal activities. This study analyzes the use of essential oils with acaricidal potential based on reports in the literature, showing the importance of the search for alternative means to the use of chemical pesticides. Studies related to the acaricidal activity of essential oils in 121 species distributed in 25 families, Lamiaceae and Myrtaceae being the largest number of species that demonstrate this activity due to their bioactive compounds and their interactions, where carvacrol and limonene are the most common monoterpenes cited.
Fábio Fernandes Galvão-Rodrigues
Mellyssa Ayêska Custódio Sobreira Macedo
Fabíola Fernandes Galvão Rodrigues
Antioxidant properties of various extract from selected wild Moroccan aromatic and medicinal species
Antioxidant properties of various extracts from different wild Moroccan aromatic and medicinal plants (Achillea ageratum L., Salvia officinalis L., Thymus satureoiedes Cosson., Mentha suaveolens subsp. timija (Briq.) Harley and Cotula cinerea Del.) were examined by applying DPPH free radical-scavenging activity, β-Carotene/linoleic acid bleaching and reducing power assays. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the extracts were also determined. Antioxidant activity was compared with that of synthetic antioxidants (Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and Quercetin). Overall, the highest antioxidant properties were shown by the hot water and methanolic extracts obtained from all species studied. The hot water extract of M. suaveolens subsp. timija (Briq.) presented the best contribution in DPPH and reducing power assays (IC50 = 14.04 ± 0.14 and 17.36 ± 0.1 µg/mL, respectively) which was significantly associated with its high phenolic content (134.49 ± 2.14 µg GAE/mg extract). However, in β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching assay, the hot water extract of S. officinalis L. was the most effective with an IC50 value of 14.49 ± 0.40 µg/mL. These findings provide new information on the considerable potential of the five Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants as a source of natural antioxidant substances. Therefore, they could be suitable for using as antioxidative additives in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Flavonoids from two Turkish Centaurea species and their chemotaxonomic implications
Centaurea asutro-anatolica Hub.-Mor. and C. kizildaghensis Uzunh., E. Doğan & H. Duman, two indigenous perennial herbs from the Turkish flora, belong to the medicinally important genus Centaurea L. (fam: Asteraceae), which comprises ca. 600 species worldwide. While various Centaurea species are well-known for producing alkaloids, flavonoids, lignans and terpenoids, there is no report on any thorough phytochemical work on any of these two species available to date. In continuation of our phytochemical and bioactivity studies on the Turkish Centaurea species, four flavonoids apigenin (1), apigenin 7,4’-dimethyl ether (2), genkwanin (3) and quercetin (4) were isolated from the methanol extracts of the aerial parts of C. austro-anatolica and C. kizildaghensis, for the very first time. The structures of the flavonoids were elucidated conclusively by spectroscopic means, i.e., UV, MS and 1D and 2D NMR data analyses. The distribution of these flavonoids (1-4) within the genus Centaurea and their possible chemotaxonomic implications within the genus Centaurea or the family Asteraceae have been discussed.
Antibacterial activity of Butia odorata extracts against pathogenic bacteria
Currently, synthetic preservatives are added to foods to increase their microbiological safety, but the demand for foods free of these agents is on the rise. Butia odorata Barb. Rodr. is a tree native to southern South America, with fruits rich in bioactive compounds. In this investigation, hexane (BHE) and methanol (BME) extracts of B. odorata fruit were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against three Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus) and three Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) by the agar diffusion method. Antibacterial activity of both B. odorata extracts was confirmed, with BHE showing inhibition zones significantly higher than BME, and with higher activity against Gram-negative bacteria. E. coli O157:H7 was the most sensitive microorganism, being inhibited at a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 3 mg.mL-1. Of the Gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus was the most susceptible (MBC 11 mg.mL-1). γ-sitosterol was the major compound, constituting 22% of the total composition.
Ethnobotanical studies on folkloric medicinal plants in Nainamalai, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India
Indian folkloric and traditional medicinal systems are abundantly using medicinal plants or their decoctions for the treatment of various ailments. However, this traditional knowledge is on the verge of extinction, and there is an urgent necessity to conserve this oral traditional knowledge mainly by proper documentation and scientific authentication. The present ethnobotanical study was carried out among the inhabitants in the rural areas of Nainamalai, Namakkal District, in order to document the folkloric medicinal knowledge and the potential uses against various diseases. The survey was conducted among the villagers during the period of August 2015-February 2016 in the rural, foothill settlement areas of Nainamalai, Namakkal District. Direct observation and oral communications with villagers in this foothill region were adopted to collect valid information regarding the herbal formulations used to treat various ailments. This study enumerates a list of 245 plant species from 78 angiosperm families with various therapeutic potentials. The scientific, family and vernacular names of these plants, along with the parts used and their application modes are also enumerated in this communication. Plants are believed to be potent therapeutic agents from immemorial time and knowledge about their use is strictly conserved among inhabitants through generations without any recorded data. Therefore, it is an urgent need to document for scientific validation and come up with new potent drug compounds for the treatment of various diseases.
A new lupane triterpene glycoside from Euphorbia boissierana Prokh.
Euphorbia plants displayed a wide range of biological activities including anticancer, antitumor, anti-diabetic, anticoagulant, antiproliferative, antioxidant, cytotoxic and modulation of multidrug resistance. Euphorbia boissierana Prokh. is one of the 45 species growing in Georgia. A new lupane triterpene glycoside (1) was isolated from the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of E. boissierana. The structure of 1 was elucidated as 3-[(O-β-D-fucopyranosyl-(12)-β-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy] lup-20(29)-en-3β, 28-diol. Structure elucidation was accomplished through the extensive use of 1D- and 2D NMR experiments including 1H–1H (COSY) and 1H–13C (HSQC, HMBC) spectroscopy along with ESI-MS and HR-ESI-MS.This is the ﬁrst report of the isolation of betulin glycoside from the genus Euphorbia.
Lipid and volatile composition of Borage (Borago officinalis L.) leaf
Lipid and volatile composition of Borago officinalis L. leaf was investigated. The results showed that α-linolenic acid was the major fatty acid followed by stearidonic acid. Total lipids were composed of neutral and polar lipids. Polar lipids were mainly composed of phosphatidylcholine as the major phospholipid, whereas monogalactosyldiacylglycerol was the major galactolipid. Quant to neutral lipids, they were mainly composed of triacylglycerols. The volatile composition exhibited the presence of many green note compounds such as hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, hexanol, (Z)-3-hexenol, (E)-2-hexenol and nonanol. Borage leaf appears to be an important source of essential fatty acids, phospholipids, glycolipids and green note volatile compounds for food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
Chemical constituents, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the hexane extract of Alchemilla sericata Reichenb
The hexane extract from the aerial parts of Alchemilla sericata Reichenb. which was collected from Khalkhal-Asalem road, Ardabil Province, northwestern Iran, was obtained using a commercially available Soxhlet apparatus. The fatty acids were derived to methyl esters and determined through gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) systems. The extract was characterized by high amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (66.0%) along with lower quantities of some other terpenoid compounds. Accordingly, the main components of the hexane extract were found to be hexadecanoic acid (41.4%), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (21.0%), octadecanoic acid (18.0%) and dioctylphthalate (7.7%), respectively. The hexane extract from A. sericata was also detected as a rich source of an important source of palmitic acid compound. In addition, its antioxidant activity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results indicate that extracts from the aerial parts of A. sericata possess considerable antioxidant activity. The highest radical scavenging activity was detected in this plant oil (IC50=185 μg/mL). The antimicrobial activity of the hexane extract sample were determined against seven Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae), as well as three fungi (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The bioassays used showed that the hexane extract exhibited a moderate antimicrobial activity. This study revealed that the extracts from the aerial parts of this plant are potential sources of fatty acid components, as well as effective natural antioxidants.
Chemical composition of the essential oil, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of Vitex pseudo-negundo seeds collected from northeastern Iran
In this study, the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of the seeds of Vitex pseudo-negundo (Verbenaceae), growing wild in Sabzevar, Khorasan Razavi Province (Iran), were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The mean yield of total volatile oils was 0.8% (w/w). Thirty seven compounds representing 92.4% of the seed oil were identified. The main components of the oil were hexadecanoic acid (8.0%), elemol (7.0%) and α-bisabolol (6.1%). The oil was rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (51.2%). The total flavonoids of different extracts of the plant, were found the range 56-195 mg/g, with the maximum amount being in the methanol extract. In addition, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were measured by radical scavenging activity of antioxidants against the free radical 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). It was found that the antioxidant activities of the extracts of Vitex pseudo-negundo seed are higher than those of the standard synthetic antioxidants, BHT, ascorbic acid and gallic acid.
Influence of extraction methods on total phenolic, flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Thymus kotchyanus L. extract in Semnan Province, Iran
Thymus kotchyanus L. is an aromatic plant belonging to Lamiaceae family and has promising traditional uses to treat some rural disorders. This species like other wild species of thyme is an aromatic plant and has been extensively used as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, spasmolitic, sedative, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and anti-infection agent. The present work concerned with ethnopharmacology as well as the influence of extraction methods on total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TFC) and antioxidant activity of of Thymus kotchyanus L. extract in Semnan Province, Iran. In this regard, the aerial parts of plant were collected in the blooming period from Tash Mountain (2120 msl) in September 2015. Then, ethanol extracts of the plant were obtained by maceration and ultrasound‐assisted methods. In addition, TPC and TFC were determined through the standard spectrophotometric methods using the Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 approaches, respectively. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by the methods basing on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reducing power (RP) assays. The ultrasonic extract of plant was found to have higher amounts of TFC (81.17±1.07 mgQUE/g) and TPC contents (103.14±2.5 mgGAE/g) accounting for its high potential antioxidant activity (IC50=14.12±0.1 mg/mL) especially using the DPPH method. There was a strong positive correlation between influence of extraction methods on TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity of plant indicating that T. kotchyanus posess remarkable antioxidant activity and can be used potentially as a good source of natural antioxidant activities.
Phytochemical characteristics of Galeopsis ladanum subsp. angustifolia (Ehrh. ex Hoffm.) Gaudin collected in Abruzzo region (Central Italy) with chemotaxonomic and ethnopharmacological implications
In this work, a phytochemical analysis on the total aerial parts of Galeopsis ladanum subsp. angustifolia (Ehrh. ex Hoffm.) Gaudin collected in Abruzzo region (Central Italy) has been reported. Nine compounds were identified belonging to five different classes of natural compounds. Additional chemotaxonomic markers were recognized than our previous study, as well. Their presence is perfectly in accordance with the current botanical classification of the species and shows the possibility of a pronounced metabolic variability. The observed phytochemical composition may also suggest the possible use of this species in the ethnopharmacological field just like most Galeopsis species since they are endowed with several medicinal properties. Furthermore, no potential toxic component was identified in the studied accession.
Evaluation of some medicinal plants for anti-tuberculosis activity from Adamawa state, Nigeria
Tuberculosis kills approximately two million people annually. This study aimed at evaluating some selected medicinal parts that are used traditionally in Adamawa State, to treat tuberculosis and related symptoms against a microorganism that causes respiratory ailments. In this investigation, for new anti-tuberculosis lead molecules, ten medicinal plants species were selected and investigated for antimycobacterial activities following report of their therapeutic use in traditional medicine to treat infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. The stem-bark of the plants was extracted with methanol using soxhlet extractor. The crude extracts were screened for antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the broth microdilution method. The extract of Anogeisus leiocarpus showed strong activity at 0.312 mg/mL followed by Boswellia dalzielii with an activity of 0.625 mg/mL. Extracts of Acacia tortilis, Bombax constantum, Ceiba pentandra and Fiscus platyphylla showed activity at 1.25 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. However, the extracts of Echinaceae angustifolia, Fiscus trichopoda, Fiscus sycomorus and Isoberlinia doka did not exhibit any significant antimycobacterial activity. The results from this study indicated that these six plants are viable potential sources of products active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This report also demonstrated the efficacy of Nigerian medicinal plants as potential agents in treatment/management of tuberculosis and related symptoms. The results have also validated traditional knowledge from the local people regarding the use of these plants to treat tuberculosis. Therefore, the six plants have potential to be developed on new anti- tuberculosis drugs.
Genotype × environment interaction, rhizome yield stability and selection for region specific stable genotypes in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
The present investigation was carried out to determine the stability over years among seventeen genetic stocks of turmeric assembled from different places in India for high and stable rhizomes yield. The differences among genetic stocks, years and g × e interactions were highly significant for rhizome yield. The stable genetic stocks were selected on the basis of stability parameters, high mean, regression coefficient (bi) around unity and mean square deviations from regression (s2di) near zero. The environmental indices for rhizome yield also indicated clear effects over the year’s i.e. 1.85 in year I followed by 9.95 in years II; -6.31 in year III and -5.29 in the year IV. The largest AMMI1 gain of the grand mean occurs over years for picking stable genotypes/clones. Further partitioning of genotypes on the basis of AMMI and Eberhart and Russell, (1966) model, the clones/genotypes T-8, T-12 and T-13 were highly stable; T-11 and T-14 adapted to the average stable in low yielding environment/year and T-9 ant T-17 genotypes/clones with below average stable suitable for high yielding environment were recommended for commercialization.
Phytochemical investigation and isolation of new compounds from the stems of Tinospora cordifolia Miers
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers, (Menispermaceae), a glabrous, deciduous and trailing plant found in tropical India, China, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is used to treat anemia, debility, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, fevers, jaundice, rheumatism, urinary and skin diseases and snake bites. Its air-dried stem powder was exhaustively extracted with methanol. The concentrated methanolic extract was adsorbed on silica gel (60-120 mesh) for the preparation of a slurry. The dried slurry was chromatographed over silica gel column packed in petroleum ether. The column was eluted with petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol successively in order of increasing polarity to isolate a variety of new chemical constituents characterized as trans-cinnamoyl 2-n-hexanyl-7-methoxynaphthyl amide (2), trans-cinnamoyl 2-n- pentanyl- 6,7- dimethoxynaphthyl amide (3), trans-cinnamoyl 2-n-octanyl-7-methoxynaphthyl amide (4), β-D-arabinosyl-O-geranilan-10′-oate (5), 4,5,7-trimethoxy-2-naphthol-2-O-α-L- arabinofuranosyl-(2′→1′′)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-2′′-O-pentane (6), 5,7-dimethoxy-2-naphthol-2-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(2′→1′′)-α-L- arabinopyranosyl-2′′-O-decane (7) and 5-hydroxy-4''-methoxy-7- flavanoxy- (7→7'''')- β-O-labdan-1-en-3''''α,19''''-olide-18''''-oic acid (tinolabdenyl flavanone) (8) along with cetyl alcohol (1). The structures of all the isolated phytoconstituents have been established on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.