Volume 5 Special Issue 1 2011
Incl. Proceedings of First Euro-Med Symposium Plant Natural Products

ISBN 978-4-903313-53-5

Guest Editor

Ashraf A Khalil

Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEBRI), Mubarak City for Science and Technology (MuCSAT), Egypt

www.mucsat.sci.eg

CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS

Mejda Daami-Remadi, Hayfa Jabnoun-Khiareddine, Fakher Ayed, Mohamed El Mahjoub (Tunisia) Comparative Aggressiveness of Verticillium dahliae, V. albo-atrum and V. tricorpus on Potato as Measured by their Effects on Wilt Severity, Plant Growth and Subsequent Yield Loss (pp 1-8)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Verticillium wilt is among the most serious diseases of potato in Tunisia. Three Verticillium species are involved in potato vascular wilt symptoms. The present study evaluated the pathogenic abilities of different Verticillium spp. isolates on the basis of their effects on wilt severity, plant growth and subsequent yield loss. Artificial inoculation of potato cv. ‘Spunta’ plants showed, 60 days post-inoculation (DPI), that all the Verticillium spp. isolates adversely affected the inoculated plants compared to the uninoculated control. A high degree of pathogenic variability among Verticillium spp. isolates, and especially those of V. dahliae was detected, according to their differential ability to cause wilt and browning of the vascular system together with a reduction in plant height, aerial part weight and tuber yield. Although, V. dahliae isolates were the most aggressive on potato plants, some V. albo-atrum and V. tricorpus isolates were found to be as aggressive as some V. dahliae isolates, according to our experiment conditions. All three Verticillium spp. seem to contribute, to variable degrees, to the potato Verticillium wilt complex in Tunisia. To our knowledge this is the first report of V. albo-atrum and V. tricorpus with comparable aggressiveness as some V. dahliae isolates on potato in Tunisia.

Ashwani Sharma, Ranga Rao Ambati, Dayananda Chandrappa, Sarada Ravi, Ravishankar Gokare Aswathanarayana (India) Botryococcus braunii, a New Elicitor for Secondary Metabolite Production in Capsicum frutescens (pp 9-13)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Botryococcus braunii is a green colonial microalga which is mainly used for the production of hydrocarbons, exopolysaccharides and carotenoids. The present study revealed that some of the bioactive principles that are present in the algal extracts of B. brauniiinfluence growth parameters, pigment and secondary metabolites production in Capsicum frutescens atdifferent levels (1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/l). Upon treatment with different B. braunii extracts seed germination, root length, shoot length and leaf length were enhanced in both light and dark conditions. A two-fold increase in germination occurred when 8 mg/l of B. braunii extract was applied, both in the light and in the dark. Similarly, a 1-1.5-fold increased in shoot and leaf length was observed with 8 mg/l of B. braunii extract, a 2-3-fold increase in chlorophyll and a 2-fold increase in carotenoid content after exposure of C. frutescens to 8 mg/l of B. braunii extract. Vanillylamine was enhanced by 1-1.5-fold, capsaicin by 2-2.5-fold and 2-fold compared to the control after 15 days of incubation with the maximum concentration of B. braunii.

Anu Annamma Mammen, Joyce Sudandara Priya, Cordilea Hannah (India) Genotoxic Effect of Furazolidone, an Anti-diarrhoeal Drug on the Root Meristem of Allium cepa L. (pp 14-16)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Research Note: The present work was conducted to study the genotoxic effect of Furazolidone, an anti-diarrhoeal drug. Onion root meristems were cultured and analyzed after exposure to different time periods to the drug. There was a time-dependent decrease in mitotic indices and an increase in chromosomal anomalies compared to the control. Cell division was completely arrested after 24 hours of incubation with 0.05% Furazolidone. This study proves the genotoxic effect of Furazolidone and emphasizes the prevention of the use of this drug in medicine.

Proceedings papers

Iyad Musallam, Mahmud Duwayri, Rida A. Shibli (Jordan) Micropropagation of Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) from Wild Plants (pp 17-21)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Caper bush is grown commercially to obtain unopened flower buds (capers) used as a condiment in salads and sauces and in the manufacture of cosmetics and medicines. Capers play an important role in the food industry and have become a costly and a commercially valuable product. The effect of various treatments on the behavior of in vitro consecutive micropropagation stages of Capparis spinosa was studied and a micropropagation protocol was developed. Many media were tested; Murashige and Skoog (MS) at different basal salt strengths, modified MS (½MSD) and woody plant medium (WPM) for the establishment stage. WPM was found to be the best medium for establishment of mother plants. Multiple shoots were obtained on WPM medium supplemented with 0.8 mgL^-1 kinetin in combination with 0.05 mgL^-1 indole-3-butyric acid and 0.1 mgL^-1 gibberellic acid. High frequency (80%) of rooting was obtained on ½MS medium supplemented with 5 mgL^-1 indole-3-acetic acid. Regenerated plantlets were successfully acclimatized with 63% survival.

Abdoallah A. Sharaf, Ahmed Bahieldin, Samir A. Ibrahim, Aly Z. Abdelsalam, Ashraf A. Khalil (Egypt) Biochemical and Genetic Characterization of 12 Silybum marianum AccessionsCollected from Borg El-Arab, an Egyptian Habitat (pp 22-29)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Silybum marianum,known as milk thistle (MT), a plant that grows throughout the Mediterranean, southern Europe and parts of the US, has been used for some 2000 years as both food and medicine. The aims of this study were to determine the morphological, biochemical (protein profile and isozyme) and molecular (RAPD- and ISSR-PCR) characteristics of MT and to identify and quantify its active ingredients. Twelve accessions of MT collected from Borg El-Arab, an Egyptian habitat located at the north/west coast, were tested. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis indicated that two accessions cultivated in location 3 had specific bands. Data analysis of isozyme banding patterns showed different migration rates for four isozymes (α- and β-esterase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase). These isozymes, belonging to different Silybum accessions found in the locations, may represent a degree of genetic variation. RAPD-PCR fingerprinting resulted in 83 amplicons (DNA bands), 33 of which were polymorphic. Furthermore, 10 accessions proved to have specific molecular markers. ISSR-PCR fingerprinting resulted in 40 amplicons, 16 of which were polymorphic. Six accessions-specific markers were found for MT accessions. The estimation of genetic distance based on SDS-PAGE, isozymes, RAPD-PCR and ISSR-PCR ranged from 85 to 95%.

Nesreen M. El-Said, Ashraf I. Nagib, Zeinab A. Rahman, Sahar F. Deraz (Egypt) Prickly Pear [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill]Peels: Chemical Composition, Nutritional Value and Protective Effects on Liver and Kidney Functions and Cholesterol in Rats (pp 30-35)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Extract of prickly pear peels (PPPs) were evaluated for its chemical and nutritional composition and toxicity on liver and kidney function, as well as low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol level on Sprague-Dawley rats. The proximate composition based on the dried weight (DW) of PPPs were: 18.50% moisture; 7% ether extract; 4.5% protein; 8% total ash; 4.9% crude fiber; 81.5% total solid, followed by both 12.8 and 288.7 mg/100 g carotenoids and ascorbic acid, respectively. Mineral analysis showed a high amount of Mg, Ca and Na: 987.2, 951.5 and 925.0 mg/100 g, respectively, followed by K (320.0 mg/100 g). Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu contents were lower 129.0, 90.8, 90.0 and 47.8, respectively. Sucrose and galacturonic acid were the main sugars. Linolenic acid (29%) was the main fatty acid followed by both palmitic (23.7%) and oleic acids (19.7%). The polyunsaturated fatty acids, linolenic acid (18:2 and 18:3) and oleic acid were also detected in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids (2: 1). In addition, kidney functions (blood urea and serum creatinine) of the treated group as well as the activity of liver enzymes viz aspartate tansaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) were not significantly altered. However, the LDL-cholesterol level in the treated group was significantly decreased compared to the control. In conclusion, PPPs have no toxic effect on liver and kidney of rats and have significant nutritional value. Information provided by our work is valuable for further investigation on PPPs and its utilization as a raw material of functional foods industry.

Hashim A. Abdel-Rahman, Abdel-Moty H. M. Hassanein, Nabawy A. I. Elkattan, Eman H. Ismail (Egypt) Evaluation of Twenty Botanical Extracts and Products as Sources of Repellents, Toxicants and Protectants for Stored Grains against the Almond Moth, Cadra cautella (pp 36-44)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Management of stored product pests using substances of natural origin is nowadays the subject of much research. The effectiveness of 20 botanical extracts and products was evaluated for protecting stored corn meal against Cadra cautella Walker (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) infestation. Toxicity of the botanical materials was evaluated through screening of the tested botanicals on adults’ oviposition preference and the mortality of eggs and larvae. Besides, the repellency effect of the tested plant materials was evaluated against C. cautella larvae (20-days old). Repellency tests were carried out through food and area preference tests. Results showed that cedar wood oil, clove buds powder and orange oil were the most promising materials in protecting stored corn meal against C. cautella infestation.

Saadya M. Elbermawy, Nabawy A. I. Elkattan, Khalafalla S. Ahmed, Rabab M. Abdel-Gawad (Egypt) Screening for Bioactive Plant Materials against House Fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) (pp 45-51)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Ground parts of various plants viz Cupressus sempervirens, Cupressus macrocarpa, Euphorbia pereskiifolia, Pelargonium zonale, Plumeria rubra (leaves), Lantana camara (leaves and flowers); Cyperus rotundus (whole plant); Acacia nilotica (seeds); Simmondsia chinensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Amygdalus communis, Citrus maxima, C. sempervirens (essential oils, EOs) were evaluated for their repellent potential, antifeedant activity and larvicidal activity towards Musca domestica larvae. In filter paper repellency tests, A. communis EO produced a repellent activity of class II, P. rubra and C. rotundus powders showed no repellent activity (class 0), and the remaining plant materials produced repellent activity of class I. In food preference tests, antifeedant activity, P. zonale and E. globulus were the most effective repellents while C. macrocarpa powder came in second followed by C. rotundus and A. nilotica. During preliminary screening, the tested plants showed high larvicidal effects. The most outstanding possible plant candidates for controlling M. domestica were L. camara, P. zonale, A. nilotica, C. rotundus, C. macrocarpa and C. sempervirens with LC₅₀s of 1.37, 1.24, 3.78, 3.24, 12.16 and 20.59 g/100 g, respectively. The LC₅₀s of A. communis and S. chinensis were 1.274 and 1.67 mL/100 g, respectively.

Marwa Azzam, Khaled Soliman, Fatma Talkhan (Egypt), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan), Atef Abdel-Razek, Hosni Aboassy, Aly Abdelsalam (Egypt) Identification of Some Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates by PCR and their Potential against the Cotton Leaf Worm (pp 52-56)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Bacillus thuringiensis produces unique crystalline cytoplasmic inclusion bodies during the process of sporulation. Both spores and inclusion bodies are released upon lysis of the parent bacterium at the end of sporulation and if ingested these spores and crystals act as poisons for certain insects. Therefore, B. thuringiensis is referred to as a stomach poison. Twenty five isolates of B. thuringiensis were tested for the presence of both crystal protein by a microscopic examination and the cryI (Aa) gene using PCR. The microscopic examination revealed that nine of the 25 isolates had the bipyramodial shaped crystal protein, a distinguishing feature of B. thuringiensis, and which is active against insects of the order Lepidoptera. Detection of the cryI (Aa) gene with PCR, using specific primers CJI-1 and CJI-2, revealed that all nine isolates which have crystal protein, also had the cryI (Aa) gene. Screening of these isolates with the cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis, order Lepidoptera) showed that M₅, ATCF and M₈ isolates were the most toxic.

Tarek A. Elbashiti, Abdelraouf A. Elmanama, Atef A. Masad (Palestine) The Antibacterial and Synergistic Effects of Some Palestinian Plant Extracts on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (pp 57-62)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: The antimicrobial activity and synergistic effect of some local plant extracts were evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Seven crude extracts from five plants obtained through four different extraction methods were screened and tested against E. coli and S. aureus. Extracts from Cakile maritima (roots and shoots), Cakile maritima (seeds), Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (whole plant), Atriplex halimus (leaves), Withania somnifera (leaves), Marrubium vulgare (stem and leaves) were tested. There was no antibacterial activity in any plant extracts against E. coli except for C. maritima (seeds) when extracted by ethanol with an inhibition zone = 13 mm. However, antibacterial potentials were observed against S. aureus when treated with extracts of W. somnifera (leaves) with an inhibition zone = 25 mm, M. vulgare (stems) with an inhibition zone = 15 mm and M. vulgare (leaves) with an inhibition zone = 13 mm, all of which were extracted by ethanol. The synergistic effect of plant extracts and antibiotics showed promising results against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results obtained with E. coli were particularly interesting since it was inhibited byantibiotics combined with C. maritima (roots, shoots and seeds), M. crystallinum (whole plant), M. vulgare (stem and leaves)extracts at least in one extraction method (ethanol for 8 h). This inhibition was not observed with the individual plant extracts alone but when they were used with the ineffective antibiotics. Some of the extractsshowed a synergistic activitywhen tested against S. aureus. However, when A. halimus (leaves)were extracted by water reflux and C. maritima (seeds), W. somnifera (leaves)and M. vulgare (stem)wereextracted by methanol for 5 days, they showed no synergistic effect. Overall, the highest synergistic effect was observed when the plant extracts were treated with tetracycline and minocycline against both E. coli and S. aureus.

Mohamed El Sayed, Doaa A. Ghareeb, Eman M. Sarhan, Ashraf A. Khalil (Egypt) Therapeutic Bio-screening of the Bioactive Ingredients of Berberis vulgaris (pp 63-68)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.; family Berberidaceae) is a well known plant with traditional herbal medical history. The objectives of the present study were to explore the phytochemical constituents of barberry and to bioscreen its crude extracted bioactive ingredients. The effect of barberry’s ingredients on lipid peroxidation in chicken liver and human semen acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α-gulcosidase activities were spectrophotometrically determined. Our results showed that barberry contains a 71% total phenolic content, including alkaloids (2.6%), flavonoids (4.9%) and saponin (0.3%). Barberry extract showed potent antioxidative capacity through a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) in liver homogenate, human seminal plasma and spermatozoa by 62.5, 72.6 and 96.5%, respectively. Hepatic α-glucosidase activity was enhanced by 51.4% while AChE activity was inhibited by 71%. This work demonstrates the potential of the bioactive ingredients of barberry on suppressing lipid peroxidation, suggesting a promising use in the treatment of hepatic oxidative stress, Alzheimer and idiopathic male factor infertility.

Maher M. Al-Dabbas, Ruba Abu-Taleb, Khalid Al-Ismail (Jordan) Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Extracts and Compounds Isolated from Varthemia (Varthemia iphionoides Bloiss) (pp 69-72)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: The present study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and antiproliferation activity against human leukemia (HL-60) cells in vitro for hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extracts of aerial parts of Varthemia iphionoides. The ethyl acetate extract showed a pronounced antibacterial activity against four bacterial and three candidal species. Hexane and ethanol extracts showed a pronounced antiproliferation effect on human leukemia (HL-60) cells (P < 0.05), with a 89.0 and 62.3 inhibition percentage, respectively at 200 μg/mL. Fractionation of ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts and further purification by columns chromatography afforded sesquiterpene, selina-4, 11(13)-dien-3-on-12-oic acid (1) from ethyl acetate extract and three 3-O-methylated flavones; 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,6-dimethoxyflavone (2), 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,5'-dimethoxyflavone (3) and 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,5'-trimethoxy-flavone (4) from ethanol extract. Compound (1) showed a pronounced antibacterial activity against studied microorganisms except Listeria monocytogenes and showed almost no inhibitory effect on the proliferation of HL-60 cells. Compound (4) exhibited the highest anticandidal activity and great antiproliferative activity against leukemia (HL-60) cells with inhibition percentage of 66.7 at 200 μg/mL. Compounds 2 and 3 inhibited completely the proliferation of human leukemia (HL-60) cells at 200 μg/mL and showed low antimicrobial activities.

Joy I. Odimegwu, Steve O. Ogbonnia, Olukemi A. Odukoya (Nigeria) Evaluation of Anti-diabetic Synergism of Two African Plants (Treculia africana and Bryophyllum pinnatum) using STZ-diabetic Models (pp 73-78)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Diabetics’ mortality is mostly attributed to hyperglycaemia and its attendant vascular diseases and is conventionally managed with medicines functioning as hypoglycaemic agents, insulin production-modulators, and lipoprotein-lowering agents singly or in combinations. Some of these agents have adverse side effects hence alternatives are highly sought for the management of disease conditions. Bioactive compounds from plants are sought-after candidates for drug development since they provide lead structures for new or existing drug targets. Treculia africana and Bryophyllum pinnatum are ethnobotanically used in Africa for the management of diabetes. Effects of aqueous ethanol (80%) extracts of T. africana leaves and B. pinnatum plants singly and in (1:1) mixture on plasma glucose level (PGL), total triglycerides (TT), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and plasma creatinine levels (PCL) in Streptozotocin (STZ)–induced diabetic rats was checked. A 1:1 T. africana and B. pinnatum mixture lowered the postprandial blood glucose level from 101.4 ± 2.2 mg/dl to 93.5 ± 1.1 mg/dl in two hrs. Significant reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in STZ-induced diabetic rats’ blood glucose levels, TT levels, and an increase in HDL were also observed. Our results suggest a rapid synergistic hypoglycaemic effect of a combined therapy of T. africana and B. pinnatum in the management of hyperglycaemia. It provides a very promising lead for a rapid-acting oral hypoglycaemic drug.

Galila Yacout, Doaa A. Ghareeb, Nihal M. Elguindy, Alshimaa A. Abd Elmoneam (Egypt) Phytochemical Constituents and Bioscreening Activities of Alexandria Mediterranean Sea Green and Red Algae (pp 79-82)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Seaweeds, besides having many nutrients, also manifest potentially beneficial properties for the treatment of various diseases. This study was carried out to investigate the bioactivities of green algae (Ulva lactuca) and red algae (Jania rupin and Pterocladia capillacea) that were collected from Abu Kir beach, Alexandria coast. The bioactivity of these algaes’ methanolic extracts were evaluated, including cell oxidants status, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. In addition, the coagulatory effect was assessed by measuring prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Our results showed that the green algae, and the two red algae extracts contained flavonoids (8.4, 17.4 and 16.75%), and phenolics (total phenolic content = 1.028, 1.23 and 1.11%, respectively). All the algal extracts showed a significant antioxidant capacity, where they decreased the level of TBARS in liver homogenate or in human seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Furthermore, J. rupin extract only inhibited hepatic α-glucosidase activity, while the other two algal extracts acted as enzyme activators. Moreover, these algal extracts showed a potent inhibitory effect toward AChE activity. Finally, they all showed anticoagulation properties by increasing PT and APTT. In conclusion, all three examined algae extracts could be used for the treatment of some cardiovascular diseases. The methanolic extract of green algae is recommended for the treatment of idiopathic male infertility and Alzheimer’s disease compared to the methanolic extracts of red algae. In addition, the methanolic extracts of red algae have a potent hepatoprotective action compared to the green algae.

Enas N. Danial, Ashraf A. Khalil, Waill A. El Khateeb, Ghada E. A. Awad (Egypt) Assessment of Phenolic Content, Free Radical-Scavenging Capacity and Antimicrobial Activities of 28 Marine Filamentous Fungi (pp 83-87)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Original Research Paper: Phenolic contents, free radical scavenging capacity, linoliec acid peroxidation and antimicrobial activities were examined for a total of 28 fungus species isolated along the Red Sea coast of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, to determine their potential as a source of natural antioxidants. Total phenolic content were evaluated according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure while the free radical scavenging activity was measured by the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) method. Most of fungal extracts exhibited strong antioxidant properties. The linoliec acid peroxidation (I %) of fungal extracts tested ranged from 44 to 98%. Aspergillus terrus EG15 and Aspergillus terrus EG14 exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity with DPPH inhibition of 98 and 93%, respectively. Total phenolic constituents of extracts tested ranged from 1.99 to 26.69 mg/g wet weight. Extracts were also found to possess antimicrobial activity against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacteria. The results suggest that fungal extracts of some isolates exhibits a potential for use as natural antioxidant. Various factors such as genus, species, cultivation conditions, extraction methods, among others, might be responsible for the observed differences.

Ruckmani Kandasamy (India), Saravanan Karumbayaram (USA), Nilani Packianathan, Duraisamy Basuviah, Dhamodaran Perumalsami Reddy, Elango Kannan (India) Hypertrophic Scar Management with a Flavonoid Fraction of Cyphomandra betacea (pp 88-90)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Short Communication: Cyphomandra betacea (Solanaceae) grows wild in India. The ethanolic fraction of the fruits of C. betacea has a rich content of the bioflavonoid quercetin, which has antihistaminic and antiproliferative activities. A study was carried out to evaluate the preventive and curative properties of a flavonoid fraction of C. betacea containing 3.47% quercetin on an animal model of hypertrophic scarring. Four circular excisional wounds were produced on each ear of 10 rabbits. Sample cream containing the flavonoid fraction of the ripe fruits of C. betacea was applied to one wound immediately and then three times a day thereafter for four weeks as a preventive treatment and three times a day for eight weeks on one hypertrophic scar as a curative treatment. Placebo cream was used on two of the other wounds and one wound was left untreated. Hypertrophic scars developed in all untreated and placebo-treated wounds after four weeks and 60% of sample-treated wounds healed with hypertrophic scars. The level of histamine and hydroxyproline increased significantly in placebo-treated wounds in the preventive group and their levels in sample-treated wounds decreased significantly. In the curative group all the hypertrophic scars were flattened after eight weeks’ treatment with sample and the histamine level was decreased significantly in sample-treated scars with a slight decrease in hydroxyproline level compared to placebo-treated scars. Due to its antihistamine activity, this flavonoid fraction could be used as a preventive or adjuvant curative treatment for hypertrophic scars.

Sameh AbouZid (Egypt) Evaluation of Usefulness of Wild Plants Growing in Beni-Sueif Region, Upper Egypt (pp 91-93)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Research Note: Extracts prepared from 20 commonly occurring wild plants growing in Beni-Sueif governorate, Upper Egypt were tested for the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardenolides/bufadenolides, saponins, flavonoids and tannins. In vitro antioxidant activity was tested only for plant extracts rich in flavonoids and/or tannins, 10 in total: Alhagi maurorum, Bidens pilosa, Conyza dioscoridis, Dolichos lablab, Kochia indica, Phragmites communis, Polygonum salcifolium, Solanum nigrum, Tamarix nilotica and Zygophyllum coccenium. In vitro antioxidant activity was tested using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Extracts of B. pilosa and T. nilotica possessed good antioxidant activity having IC₅₀ values of 16.47 and 16.26 µg/mL, respectively.

Nilani Packianathan, Ruckmani Kandasamy (India) Skin Care with Herbal Exfoliants (pp 94-97)

Full Text [PDF]

ABSTRACT

Research Note: Exfoliation is the process of removal of removing the old, dead skin cells that cling to the skin’s outermost surface. The two types of exfoliation are mechanical and chemical. People’s opportunities for seeking dermatological assistance for a myriad of conditions, including acne, rosacea, striae, photodamage, and skin cancers have increased in recent years. Chronological aging is a process of intrinsic or normal aging of the skin. Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light leads to photodamage of the skin, which is the leading cause of extrinsic aging, or alteration of the skin due to environmental exposure. Management options for photodamaged skin include alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants, antiandrogens, moisturizers and exfoliants. Many treatments are available to reverse the damage, but their efficacy remains to be proven and they may also produce unwanted side effects. Herbal Exfoliant is a cleansing formula and treatment mask that detoxifies the skin and stimulates its metabolism. It enhances absorption and retention of moisturizing agents and restores the skin’s own natural moisture factor. Skin exfoliation improves the quality and tone of skin by assisting in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface. Herbal Exfoliant produces soft, supple, re-energized skin and prevents premature skin aging.