Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine

143-146

Authors: Ravikumar S, M Syed Ali, J Margaret Beula

Objective: To identify the larvicidal activity of the seaweed extracts. Methods: Seaweed extracts of Enteromorpha intestinalis (E. intestinalis), Dictyota dichotoma (D. dichotoma) and Acanthopora spicifera (A. spicifera) were dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) to prepare a graded series of concentration. Batches of 25 early 4th instars larvae of Aedes aegypti were transferred to 250 mL enamel bowl containing 199 mL of distilled water and 1 mL of plant extracts (0.01-0.1 mg). Each experiment was conducted in three replicates. A control group consisted of 1 mL of DMSO and 99 mL of distilled water only. After 24 h, the percentage of mortality was identified with the formula: % of mortality=[(% of test mortality - % of control mortality) / (100 - % of control mortality)]×100. Results: The extract of D. dichotoma showed minimum level of LC 50 value (0.0683±0.0084 µg/mL) and LC90 value was 0.140 1. The regression equations of D. dichotoma and E. intestinalis for 4th instar larvae were Y=0.333 + 0.684x (R2=0.946) and Y=0.600 + 0.781x (R2=0.812), respectively. The results of the preliminary phytochemical constituents showed the presence of saponin, steroids, terpenoid, phenols, protein and sugars. Conclusions: It can be concluded from the present study that, the ethanolic extracts of seaweed of D. dichotoma possess active compounds for development of larvicidal ativity.

151-154

Authors: Nnodim Johnkennedy, Emejulu Adamma

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium (G. latifolium) against acute acetaminophen induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats. Methods: Thirty six Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups with 6 rats in each group. Animals in group 1 and 2 were administered with 600 mg/kg b.w. of acetaminophen only and acetaminophen plus 100 mg/kg b.w. of caffeine by oral gavages, respectively. Experimental groups 3 and 4 were treated as in group 1 but in addition received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w., respectively of the leaf extract of G. latifolium by oral gavages. The experimental groups 5 and 6 were treated as in group 2 and in addition received 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of leaf extract of G. latifolium, respectively. The treatment lasted for 14 days. Results: The results obtained showed that the serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminease (AST), glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels had a greater increase in group 2 than in group 1 but dropped marginally in groups 3 and 4. However, in groups 5 and 6, AST, ALT and ALP were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Similarly, serum protein levels were significantly increased in groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 when compared with group 1 and 2. Conclusions: It can be concluded that extract of G. latifolium offers protection against acetaminophen and caffeinated acetaminophen toxicity in Wistar rats.

159-164

Authors: Someshwar Singha, Siddharthasankar Banerjee, Goutam Chandra

Objective: To investigate the synergistic effect of crude and solvent extract of Croton caudatus (C. caudatus ) (fruits) and Tiliacora acuminata (T. acuminata) (flowers) against the larval form of Culex quinquefasciatus (Cx. quinquefasciatus). Methods: Crude and solvent [chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v), benzene and ethyl acetate] extracts of two plants, C. caudatus (fruits) and T. acuminata (flowers) were examined separately against filarial vector Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae with gradually increasing concentration i.e. from 0.1% to 0.5% of crude extract and 25 ppm to 75 ppm of solvent extracts. To observe the synergistic effect, if any, extracts of these two plant parts were mixed at different concentrations and treated against mosquito larvae. Phytochemical analyses of extracts of both the plant parts were carried out. Results: In a 72-h bioassay experiment with plant extracts, highest mortalities were recorded at 0.5% (crude) and 75 ppm (solvent) concentration for fruits of C. caudatus and flowers of T. acuminata individually. For synergistic effect, only 0.2% of the mixture of these two crude extracts and 75 ppm concentration of chloroform: methanol (1:1 v/v) and ethyl acetate extracts showed 100% mortality after 24 h and 48 h of exposure respectively. Conclusions: In the field of mosquito control, insecticides of plant origin may serve as suitable alternative to the toxic chemicals. Some secondary metabolites in combination may be responsible for better larvicidal activity.

170-173

Authors: Justella Wilfred Prakash, Johnson Marimuthu @ Antonisamy, Solomon Jeeva

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of fresh water microalgae viz., Oscillatoria sancta (O. sancta) (Kuetz) Gomont., Lyngbya birgei (L. birgei) Smith G.M., Oedogonium echinospermum (O. echinospermum), Spirogyra decimina (S. decimina) (Muller) Kuetz., Spirogyra grantiana (S. grantiana) Transeau., Spirogyra crassa (S. crassa), Spirogyra biformis (S. biformis) Jao. and Spirogyra condensata (Vaucher) Kuetz against human bacterial pathogens. Methods: Antimicrobial study was carried out by disc diffusion method against the pathogens viz., Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 35218), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 6538), Salmonella typhi (S. typhi) (MTCC 733), Proteus vulgaris (P. vulgaris), Proteus mirabilis (P. mirabilis) and Streptococcus pyogenes. Results: The methanolic extract of O. sancta showed the antibacterial activity against three pathogens viz., P. mirabilis, P. vulgaris and S. aureus with the inhibition zones of 10, 8 and 8 mm, respectively. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of L. birgei exhibited the antibacterial activity against two pathogens i.e. P. mirabilis and P. vulgaris with the maximum zone of inhibition of 8 and 8 mm, respectively. The ethanolic extracts of O. echinospermum displayed the antibacterial activity against S. typhi and P. mirabilis with the maximum of zone of inhibition (7 mm). The methanolic extracts of S. decimina exhibited the antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. mirabilis with the maximum zone of inhibition of 12 and 9 mm, respectively. The ethanolic extracts of S. grantiana showed the anti-bacterial activity against three organisms i.e. E. coli, P. vulgaris and P. mirabilis with the zone of inhibition of 9, 10 and 9 mm, respectively. The methanolic extracts of S. crassa exhibited the antibacterial activity against P. mirabilis with the maximum zone of inhibition (9 mm). The methanolic extracts of S. biformis exhibited the antibacterial activity against P. vulgaris with the maximum zone of inhibition (8 mm). Conclusions: These results give an indication of the presence of promising antibacterial compounds in the plants under studied. Further phytochemical studies are needed to elucidate the components responsible for antibacterial activity of these extracts against bacteria.

178-182

Authors: Hasson SS, Al-Balushi MS, Sallam TA, Idris MA, Habbal O, Al-Jabri AA

Objective: To study in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of hot water and methanolic extracts of the three medicinal plants-Boswellia (Luban) species. Methods: Three selected plants were collected from different localities of Soqotra (Republic of Yemen), Dohfar (Sultanate of Oman) and Republic of Somalia. The plants were dried and extracted with two different solvents (methanol and hot water) to yield six crude extracts. The obtained extracts were tested for their antibacterial activity against eleven different bacterial strains and two fungi using the standard well-diffusion and micro-dilution methods. The following microorganisms were used: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), muti-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (0157 EHEC), Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilus (ATCC 6059, reference strain), Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsella pneumonia, MRSA, Corynebacterium, Corynebacterium diphtheriae and two fungus: Candida maltosa and Candida albicans. Results: The different extracts possessed different inhibitory activity against different types of bacterial species. The patterns of inhibition varied with the plant extract, the solvent used for extraction and the organisms tested. The antimicrobial activity exhibited by the methanolic extracts of Boswellia sacra from the Suqotra and Dhofar regions was greater than that of Boswellia frereana collected from Somalia. The methanolic extract of the oleogum-resin showed higher efficacy to inhibit all the tested bacterial strains than the methanolic extract of frankincense-resin. The Boswellia frereana collected from Somalia showed lower activity compared with the two other Boswellia species. The plant extracts showed bacteriostatic activity at lower concentrations and bactericidal activity at higher concentrations. Neither water nor methanolic extracts showed any activity against the fungi Candida maltosa and Candida albicans. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the methanolic extracts of Boswellia (Luban) possess the highest antibacterial activity. Neither water nor methanolic extracts show any activity against Candida maltosa and Candida albicans.

186-190

Authors: Sachin L Badole, Subhash L Bodhankar, Chandrashekhar G Raut

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of cycloart-23-ene-3β, 25-diol (B2) on vital organs in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic mice. Methods: Diabetes was induced in mice by streptozotocin (200 mg/kg, i.p.) injected 15 min after nicotinamide (110 mg/kg, i.p.). The mice were divided into following groups; group 1- non-diabetic, group 2- diabetic control and group 3- B2 (1 mg/kg, p.o.). At the end of 28th day, mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation method. Liver, kidney, heart, eye and brain tissue were isolated. The isolated tissues were trimmed into small pieces and preserved in 10 % formalin for 24 h. Specimens were cut in section of 3-5µm in thickness and stained by hematoxyline-eosin stain. Results: Microscopic examination of vital organs showed severe alteration in diabetic control group in contrast to absence of any changes or minimum changes in B2 treatment. Conclusions: It is concluded that B2 exhibits protection of vital organs by minimizing toxic effects and related abnormalities of diabetic conditions in streptozotocin- nicotinamide induced diabetic mice.

195-198

Authors: Subramanian Sampathkumar, Ramakrishnan N

Objective: To establish the fingerprint profile of Naringi crenulata (N. crenulata) (Roxb.) Nicols. using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening was done and HPTLC studies were carried out. CAMAG HPTLC system equipped with Linomat V applicator, TLC scanner 3, Reprostar 3 and WIN CATS-4 software was used. Results: The results of preliminary phytochemical studies confirmed the presence of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, phenol, tannin, flavonoid, saponin, triterpenoid, alkaloid, anthraquinone and quinone. HPTLC finger printing of ethanolic extract of stem revealed 10 spots with Rf values in the range of 0.08 to 0.65; bark showed 8 peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.07 to 0.63 and the ethanol extract of leaf revealed 8 peaks with Rf values in the range of 0.09 to 0.49, respectively. The purity of sample was confirmed by comparing the absorption spectra at start, middle and end position of the band. Conclusions: It can be concluded that HPTLC finger printing of N. crenulata may be useful in differentiating the species from the adulterant and act as a biochemical marker for this medicinally important plant in the pharmaceutical industry and plant systematic studies.

204-215

Authors: Duraipandiyan V, Ignacimuthu S

Objective: To assess the antifungal activity of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of 45 medicinal plants and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration for each extract against human pathogenic fungi. Methods: A total of 45 medicinal plants were collected from different places of Tamil Nadu and identified. Hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of 45 medicinal plants were assessed for antifungal susceptibility using broth microdilution method. Two known antifungal agents were used as positive controls. Results: Most of the extracts inhibited more than four fungal strains. From the evaluation we found that ethyl acetate extracts inhibited large number of fungal growth. Hexane extracts also nearly showed the same level of inhibition against fungal growth. Methanol extracts showed the minimum antifungal activity. Among the 45 plants tested, broad spectrum antifungal activity was detected in Albizzia procera (A. procera), Atalantia monophylla, Asclepias curassavica, Azima tetracantha, Cassia fistula (C. fistula), Cinnomomum verum, Costus speciosus (C. speciosus), Nymphaea stellata, Osbeckia chinensis, Piper argyrophyllum, Punica granatum, Tinospora cordifolia and Toddalia asiatica (T. asiatica). Promising antifungal activity was seen in A. procera, C. speciosus, C. fistula and T. asiatica. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the plant species assayed possess antifungal properties. Further phytochemical research is needed to identify the active principles responsible for the antifungal effects of some of these medicinal plants.

220-225

Authors: Yamunadevi M, Wesely EG, Johnson M

Objective: To elucidate the terpenoids profile of Aerva lanata (A. lanata) using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening was done and HPTLC studies were carried out. The n-hexane: ethyl acetate (7.2: 2.8) was employed as mobile phase for terpenoids. Results: The desired aim was achieved using n-hexane-ethyl acetate (7.2: 2.8) as the mobile phase. The methanolic extract of stem, leaves, root, flower and seeds of A. lanata showed the presence of 27 different types of terpenoids with 27 different Rf values in the range of 0.06 to 0.97. The developed HPTLC method for terpenoid profile is simple, precise and accurate and can be used for the identification and commercial application. Conclusions: HPTLC profile of terpenoids has been chosen here to reveal the diversity existing at biochemical level in A. lanata. Such finger printing is useful in differentiating the species from the adulterant and act as a biochemical marker for this medicinally important plant in the pharmaceutical industry and plant systematic studies.

232-238

Authors: Nazni Wasi Ahmad, Lee Han Lim, Chen Chee Dhang, Heo Chong Chin, Abdullah AG, Wan-Norjuliana Wan Mustaffa, Chew Wai Kian, John Jeffery, Rosli Hashim, Sofian Mohd Azirun

Objective: To study the occurrence of insects fauna obtained in a semi forested area in Malaysia using the carcass of the monkey Macaca fascicularis, Raffles, and to compared the wave of insect succession collected from the carcass placed outdoor and indoor. Methods: The outdoor and indoor studies were conducted at a location of 3°17’57.86”N, 101°47’00.78”E. The euthanized monkeys were placed indoor and outdor. The insect seccession visited the carcass, the envirenmental temperature and relative humidity were recorded. Results: The main insects attracted to specific stages of decomposition were mainly members of Diptera and Coleoptera. There was a delay of fly arrival by two days in indoor carcass. Nocturnal oviposition behaviour was not observed in this study. The flies left the carcass during the twilight zone as noted during a 3 days observation period in outdoor study. The dipteran species found outdoor and indoor were similar but more diverse coleopteran species was found indoor. Conclusions:Information and evidence from this study can be used to improve the estimation of the post mortem interval in forensic cases.

244-248

Authors: Pasiyappazham Ramasamy, Aruldhason Barwin Vino, Ramachandran Saravanan, Namasivayam Subhapradha, Vairamani Shanmugam, Annaian Shanmugam

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of polysaccharide from cuttlebone and methanolic extract from body tissue of Sepia prashadi, against ten human pathogenic bacteria and five fungi. Methods: The activity of polysaccharide and methanolic extract was investigated against Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio alginolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Streptococcus sp., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli, and five fungal strains such as Alternaria alternata, Candida tropicalis, Penicillium italicum, Fusarium equiseti and Candida albican using disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were also calculated. Results: Both polysaccharide and methanolic extract was active against gram positive than that of gram negative pathogenic bacteria but inactive against fungi. The MIC of both the extract ranging from 60 to 100 mg/mL. Conclusions: These results suggest that cephalopod polysaccharide and methanolic extract possess relatively good antibacterial activity.

253-257

Authors: Ebenezer Jeyakumar, Rubina Lawrence, Tripti Pal

Objective: To find the efficacy of peppermint oil against selected bacterial pathogens and compare with their susceptibility towards antibiotics. Methods: Peppermint oil was evaluated for activity against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial assay was evaluated using agar well diffusion method and the viability of the organisms (MIC and MBC) was determined at different concentrations using broth dilution method. Results: Peppermint oil was found to be effective against all the gram positive and gram negative organisms tested. A progressive effect of antibacterial activity with increase in concentration of oil was observed. The test organisms were found to be inhibited by peppermint oil at lower concentration in broth dilution method as compared with agar diffusion method. When comparing the assessment of the inhibitory effect of peppermint oil, broth dilution was found to be more effective as compared with agar diffusion method. Except S. aureus, the remaining organisms tested in the present study were found to possess multiple drug resistance. However, peppermint oil was found to be effective against these bacterial strains studied. Conclusions: Hence, with such broad spectrum activity of peppermint oil, it can be further recommended in the treatment of the infections caused by these multi-drug resistant bacteria.

261-265

Authors: Okwori EE, Nwadioha SI, Nwokedi EOP, Odimayo M, Jombo GTA

Objective: To isolate bacterial pathogens and test for their antibiotic susceptibility. Methods: A total of 20 000 samples from 9 different clinical sites were processed in the laboratory between 1987 to 2000. The specimens were inoculated on the appropriate media for the isolation of the bacteria. Biochemical and serology tests were carried out on the organisms to confirm the type of bacteria isolated. Antibiotic susceptibility test was also carried out on each of the bacteria isolated. Results: A total of 18 520 bacteria were isolated from the specimens. The specimens were from nine different clinical sites, i.e. wound accounted for 22.84%, urine 31.67%, blood 12.38%, genital 7.70%, sputum 6.81%, stool 6.28%, cerebrospinal fluid 5.98%, aspirates 3.85% and ear/throat swabs were 2.49%. Gram negative bacteria accounted for 76% of isolates. The main species were Pseudomonas 2 238 (12.08%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) 2 073 (11.19%) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) which accounted for 2 511 (13.56%) of the total isolates. S. aureus showed 70% and 65% resistance to penicillin and ampicillin, respectively. Surprisingly, 40% of the organism was resistant to cloxacillin. E. coli showed 47% and 42% resistance to ampicillin and gentamicin, respectively. 49% of Salmonella typhi was resistant to chloramphenicol while 37% of Neisseria meningitidis was resistant to penicillin. Conclusions: The rate of bacteria isolated from the clinical specimens is high and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the organisms vary from one antibiotic to the other.

268-270

Authors: AKM Mamunur Rashid, AKM Saifur Rashid, Abdur Rahman

Objective: To compare intestinal parasitoses between urban and rural children in developing countries and its related factors. Methods: Children of 1-6 years old in the urban and rural areas who had not taken antihelmenthic drugs in the last 6 months were randomly selected. Various factors were taken as variables in a preformed questionnaire. Results: Among the total 52 children, 24 were in urban and 28 were in rural group. Male/female ratio of the rural group was 1:1 and that of the urban group was 1.4:1. Average income was 12 000 taka and 4 000 taka per month in urban and rural areas, respectively. None of the rural group used sanitary latrine, whereas every one in urban group used sanitary latrine. Majority (71%) of the mothers in rural group were below the primary level of education. Majority (75%) of fathers were educated above higher secondary level in urban group. In the rural group 18 (64%) fathers had not received any education. Enterobius vermicularis was observed only in 1 (4%) stool samples of urban children but in rural group it was found in 7 (25%) of the stool samples. Enterobius vermicularis was the main parasite isolated from both groups. Exclusive breast feeding practice of less than 6 months was observed in 20 (83%) children of urban group but in rural group that of less than one year was found in 22 (78%) children. Conclusions: Intestinal parasitic infestation is mostly found in rural children. Urban children almost have no intestinal parasitoses. It has the relation with the poor sanitation, low standard of living, less parental income and education, and early weaning. Unnecessary universal deworming of the urban and rural children in developing countries should be discouraged in order to use the money economically and effectively. It can be carried out in rural children and their living standard should be improved.

276-280

Authors: Sridevi M, Kalaiarasi P, Pugalendi KV

Objective: To study the antihyperlipidemic efficacy of alcoholic leaf extract of Solanum surattense (S. surattense) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Methods: The male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups with six animals in each group. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg). After being confirmed the diabetic rats were treated with S. surattense leaf extract (100 mg/kg b.w.) for 45 days. The biochemical estimation like lipid profile and fatty acid composition of tissues was performed. Results: The diabetic rats showed elevated levels of blood glucose, and a significant decrease in plasma insulin. It also showed significant increase in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), phospholipids (PL) and free fattyacids (FFA) in the plasma, liver and kidney. The plasma lipoproteins were changed in diabetic rats. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) increased. Fatty acid compositions were also altered in STZ-diabetic rats. Palmitic, stearic and oleic acids increased and the levels of linolenic and arachidonic acids decreased. It also showed decreased levels of total proteins and albumin. Administration of S. surattense (100 mg/kg b.w.) to diabetic rats for 45 days significantly reversed the above parameters towards normalcy. Conclusions: The antihyperlipidemic effect is due to the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, triterpenoids and sterols in the extract. The hypolipidemic effect mediated by S. surattense may also be anticipated to have biological significance and provide a scientific rationale for the use of S. surattense as an anti-diabetic plant.

284-286

Authors: Kiruba S, Mahesh M, Nisha SR, Miller Paul Z, Jeeva S

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary phytochemical screening of the flower extracts of Rhododendron arboreum (R. arboreum) Sm. ssp. nilagiricum (Zenker) Tagg. Methods: The preliminary phytochemical screening was performed by the standard methods as described by Harborne. Results: The phytochemical analysis carried out on the flowers of R. arboreum Sm. ssp. nilagiricum (Zenker) Tagg showed the presence of phenols, saponins, steroids, tannin, xanthoprotein and coumarin. Conclusions: The present study suggested that the flower extracts of R. arboreum Sm. ssp. nilagiricum (Zenker) Tagg possess significant phytochemical constituents and it can be used as antimicrobial agents against clinically isolated pathogens.

291-298

Authors: Raju Patil, Ravindra Patil, Bharati Ahirwar, Dheeraj Ahirwar

In India, indigenous remedies have been used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus since the time of Charaka and Sushruta. Plants have always been an exemplary source of drugs and many of the currently available drugs have been derived directly or indirectly from them. The ethnobotanical information reports that about 800 plants may possess anti-diabetic potential. Out of several Indian medicinal plants 33 plants were reviewed. The most effective antidiabetic Indian medicinal plants are Acacia arabica, Aegle marmelose, Agrimonia eupatoria, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Benincasa hispida, Beta vulgaris, Caesalpinia bonducella, Citrullus colocynthis, Coccinia indica, Eucalyptus globules, Ficus bengalenesis, Gymnema sylvestre, Hibiscus rosasinesis, Ipomoea batatas, Jatropha curcus, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Morus alba, Mucuna pruriens, Ocimum sanctum, Pterocarpus marsupium, Punica granatum, Syzigium cumini, Tinospora cordifolia, Trigonella foenum graecum. A wide array of plant derived active principles representing numerous chemical compounds has demonstrated activity consistent with their possible use in the treatment of diabetes.

303-304

Authors: Sowjanya Dasari, Kushal Naha

A 22-year-old male presented with severe myalgias and backache of acute onset, as well as one episode of opisthotonus. On repeated questioning, he admitted to having consumed leaves of Strychnos nux-vomica with suicidal intent. He was treated conservatively with intravenous diazepam and analgesia and made a complete recovery. Strychnine poisoning is rarely encountered and poisoning by consumption of leaves is even rarer. This case demonstrates the potent toxicity of strychnine as well as the effectiveness of therapy when initiated early.