The ethylacetate fraction of the methanol extract of Duranta repens L. (Verbenaceae) showed radicalscavenging activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Three compounds were isolated from this fraction, i.e. the phenylethanoid glycoside acteoside, the iridoid lamiide and the saponin pseudo-ginsenoside-RT1. Acteoside showed an IC50 of 3.05 +/- 0.09 microg/mL in the DPPH assay, while lamiide and pseudo-ginsenoside-RT1 were not active.

Background Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is well known for its nutritional as well as medicinal value. Different parts of the plant including leaves have been used as therapeutic remedies for various diseases. The objective of the present study is to determine the impact of different extraction methods; microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted and conventional maceration on extract yield, polyphenols, flavonoids composition and subsequently, the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of papaya leaves (Carica papaya Linn.). Results Innovative extraction methods represented in microwave assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) have significant impact on the extract yield and total phenolic and flavonoids content than conventional maceration extraction (CME) of the prepared aqueous ethanol extracts. HPLC assay showed the highest content of bioactive polyphenols characterized extract from the MAE (29.99 mg/g), followed by UAE (24.75 mg/g) and the lowest content was that obtained from CME. The aqueous ethanol extract of the leaves obtained by MAE induced significant hypolipidemic activity (P < 0.05) in hyperlipidemic rats particularly, the oral treatment with 200 mg/kg b.wt. which retained the lipid profile to be compatible to the results of rats receiving simvastatin (0.18 mg/kg b.w.). Conclusion The results substantiate traditional usage and recommend the potential utilization of Carica papaya leaves for its’ beneficial therapeutic effects.

The nematicidal action of three seed mill wastes from cress (Eruca sativa Mill.), castor (Ricinus communis L.) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) as soil additives were tested at three rates (on base lower rate, recommended rate and higher rate), under field conditions at the research and production station of the National Research Centre, El-Nubaria district, El-Beheira governorate, Western Nile Delta region, Egypt, to study the physiological influence of these substances on potato yield, their role against Meloidogyne arenaria infection and the alkaloidal content. All the evaluated treatments significantly ( p 6 0.05 and/or 0.01) reduced the numbers of juveniles in soil and in roots, number of galls, egg masses, gall and egg mass indices and consequently rate of nematode build-up as compared to untreated plants(control). Statistical differences in the nematode stages were found within and between treatments. The percentage of reduction in the nematode stages was comparatively more with using of Linseed mill wastes followed by castor seed mill wastes, then cress seed mill wastes. Regarding to the potato yield, all the evaluated amendments achieved significantly (p 6 0.05 and/or 0.01) increased, total contents of alkaloidal content as compared to untreated plants. On the other hand, all the evaluated amendments achieved significantly (p 6 0.05 and/or 0.01) decreased the solanine values as compared to untreated plants. These results indicate that some natural compounds may be used as natural nematicides in controlling M. arenaria nematode and improving the quality and yield of potato plants.

Carica papaya Linn. is well known for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Growing, successfully in Egypt environment, we analyzed content of essential minerals, aqueous ethanol extract of leaves for lipoid constituents and main alkaloidal component, examination of in-vivo potential as antioxidant and hepatoprotective, anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Leaves and fruits are good source of micro and macro essential minerals. Squalene, 2-hexadecen-1-ol, βsitosterol, campesterol and palmitic acid were the major identified lipoid constituents. Carpaine, alkaloid was isolated and identified by different spectroscopic means. 80% Ethanol extract of leaves retained reduced glutathione which were highly compatible to those receiving vitamin E, it retained liver serum levels to which were compatible to the results of those receiving silymarin and demonstrated improvement in deleterious effect induced by CCl4. The extract had moderate effect, while carpaine showed high activity against ovary carcinoma. It had moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. This plant has highly economic importance.