No abstract

In the present study, phytochemical screening, content of total phenolics, antifungal and antioxidant activity of leaf and fruit extract of was investigated in vitro. The leaf and fruit extracts were obtained using methanol as solvent. The extracts were screened for phytochemicals by standard tests. Flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins and phenols were found in both extracts. Antifungal activity of extracts was evaluated by poisoned f growth of test fungi to high extent when compared to fruit extract. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging and Ferric reducing assays. Both extracts exhibited radical scavenging and ferric reducing activity in dose dependent manner with marked activity exhibited by leaf extract. Folin method was employed to estimate total phenolic content of extracts. Phenolic content was slightly higher in leaf extract. A positive correlation was observed between phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The plant can be used against phytopathogenic fungi and to prevent and control oxidative damage. Further studies are to be carried out to isolate active principl from the plant and to determine their bioactivities.

Introduction: Obesity has increased at an alarming rate and is now a worldwide health problem. Everniastrum cirrhatum (Fr.) Hale (Parmeliaceae) is a foliose lichen and grow luxuriantly in tropical Himalayas, central India and higher altitudes of southern India. In this study, we report Anti-obesity activity, in terms of pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity, of methanol extract of E. cirrhatum for the first time. Methods: The powdered lichen material was extracted with methanol in soxhlet apparatus. The extract was tested for secondary metabolites by standard phytochemical tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Lipase enzyme was obtained from the chicken pancreas. Lipase inhibitory activity of different concentrations of methanol extract was determined in terms of inhibition of lipase activity using olive oil as substrate. Results: The extract was found to inhibit activity of chicken pancreatic lipase and the effect was found to be concentration dependent. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids. TLC revealed Atranorin, Salazinic acid and Protolichesterinic acid. Conclusion: The result of lipase inhibitory activity of the lichen in this study is promising. The inhibitory activity may be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites. In suitable form, the lichen could find its application as anti-obesity agent. Further studies on isolation of active principles from the extract and their enzyme inhibitory activity are under investigation.

Introduction: Ziziphus rugosa Lam. belongs to the family Rhamnaceae and is found chiefly in deciduous and semievergreen forest of Western Ghats. The present study was undertaken to determine antibacterial, insecticidal and free radical scavenging activity of methanol extract of Ziziphus rugosa Lam. fruit pericarp. Methods: The powdered fruit pericarp of Z. rugosa was extracted with methanol. Antibacterial activity of methanol extract was determined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus by Agar well diffusion method. Free radical scavenging activity was determined using DPPH assay. The insecticidal activity of extract was tested against second instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. Results: The extract exhibited dose dependent inhibition of test bacteria. Among bacteria, E. coli was found to be more susceptible to extract than S. aureus. All the concentrations of extract produced over 50% mortality of larvae and the larvicidal effect was found to be dose dependent. The extract caused 100% mortality of larvae at concentration of 50 mg/ml. The extract exhibited concentration dependent radical scavenging activity with an IC 50 value of 61.88 µg/ml. The phytochemical analysis of extract showed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and glycosides. Conclusion: The extract, in suitable form, may be used to control bacterial diseases, free radical damage and arboviral diseases. The phytoconstituents present in the extract may be responsible for the tested biological efficacies of extract. Further studies on isolation of active constituents from the extract and their biological activity are under investigation.

Antiradical and antimicrobial activity of leaf extract of ovalifolia Wight & Arn. was screened in this study. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of leaf extracts was determined by Agar well diffusion and Poisoned food technique respectively. Antiradical activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. The content of total phenolics was estimated by Folin Ciocalteau reagent method. Extract of H. ovalifolia antimicrobial activity when compared to extract of found to be higher in H. ovalifolia. A positive correlation was observed between the phenolic content and antiradical activity of extracts.