Ghazala H. Rizwani

Epimers from the leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum

The ethanolic extract of the fresh leaves of Calophyllum inophyllum afforded a pair of new epimers named as inophynone and isoinophynone. Their structures were elucidated with the aid of spectroscopic techniques. Some known constituents, cholesterol, friedelin, canophyllol and canophyllic acid, were also isolated from the same source.

Erysubins C-F, four isoflavonoids from Erythrina suberosa var. glabrescences.

Four isoflavonoids, erysubins C-F, together with ten known compounds were isolated from the roots of Erythrina suberosa var. glabrescences, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Erysubin C is an unusual pterocarpan derivative with a formyl group.

Antimicrobial activity of the methanolic bark extract of Holarrhena pubescens (Buch. Ham), its fractions and the pure compound conessine

The antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extract of the bark of Holarrhena pubescens, its fractions, and conessine, a steroidal alkaloid, was determined against various bacteria and fungi using the agar diffusion method. They were all found to possess significant activity against some of the bacteria tested. The alkaloidal fraction and conessine also exhibited marginal activity against some of the fungi tested. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of conessine was determined against various bacteria, and the highest activity was seen against Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341 (MIC: 15.6 µg per disc).

Further constituents from the bark of Holarrhena pubescens

Three compounds, pubadysone [11 alpha-hydroxy-18,20-oxido-3-oxo-pregna-1,4,17(20)-triene] (1), puboestrene [3-acetoxy-17-oxo-1,3,5(10)-estratriene] (2) and pubamide [3,18-dioxo-11 alpha-hydroxycona-1,4-diene] (3), have been isolated from the bark of Holarrhena pubescens. Their structures have been established through spectroscopic studies.

Pregnane Glycosides from Caralluma tuberculata

Abstract Caratuberoside C & D, two new pregnane glycosides, have been isolated from Caralluma tuberculata N. E. Brown and their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidences, chemical correlation with nona-acetyl caratuberoside C & D and chemical degradation.

Three new isoflavanones from Erythrina costaricensis.

Three new isoflavanones, 5,7,3′-trihydroxy-4′-methoxy-6,5′-di(γ, γ-dimethylallyl)-isoflavanone (1), 5,3′-dihydroxy-4′-methoxy-5′-γ,γ-dimethylallyl-2″,2″-dimethylpyrano[5,6 : 6,7]isoflavanone (2) and 5,3′-dihydroxy-2″,2″-dimethylpyrano[5,6 : 6,7]-2′″,2′″-dimethylpyrano[5,6 : 5,4]isoflavanone (3), along with two known isoflavonoids, cristacarpin and euchrenone b10, were isolated from the stems of Erythrina costaricensis. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic evidence. Compound 3 is a rare isoflavanone possessing two 2,2-dimethylpyran moieties. Among the new isoflavanones, compound 1 showed potent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Phytopharmacological Review on Vitex agnus-castus: A Potential Medicinal Plant

Abstract Vitex agnus-castus is a small tree or shrub, belonging to the family Verbenaceae. It is a deciduous shrub native to European, Mediterranean, and Central Asian countries. V. agnus castus has a long tradition as a herbal remedy and was used in ancient times not only as an anaphrodisiac but also against diverse disturbances of the female genital system. The major constituents in V. agnus-castus are flavonoids, essential oils, diterpenes, and glycosides. The flavonoids (casticin, quercetagetin, and isovitexin) have been shown in vitro to affect estrogen receptors. V. agnus-castus could be used to treat acne, digestive complaints, menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), mastalgia, and infertility, and also for lactation support. Although V. agnus-castus has been used for centuries and enjoys wide support from practitioners and the general public for many gynecological complaints, few clinical studies support its documented uses. The presence of phytochemical and pharmacological activities has proved that the plant has a leading capacity for the development of new good efficacy drug in future.

Anti-urease activity of Mimusops elengi Linn (Sapotaceae).

Aim: Mimusops elengi L. (Sapotaceae) commonly known as Bakul is a small to large evergreen tree found all over the different parts of the world. Literature survey showed no reports on the anti urease activity of the flowers and leaves of Mimusops elengi. The present study was therefore envisaged to evaluate the anti urease activity of the methanolic extracts (MFE and MLE) of M. elengi. Study Design: Assessment of anti urease activity and total phenolic contents. Methodology: For the determination of total phenolic content of M. elengi extracts (MFE and MLE) the reaction mixture contained 50% Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (0.5 mL), 20% (w/v) sodium carbonate solution (2.5 mL), and gallic acid solution (1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 g/ml) or sample extracts (1.0 Original Research Article Zahid et al.; EJMP, 6(4): 223-230, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.058 224 mL). Urease inhibition activity was determined by mixing Urease (Jack bean) method was employed for urease inhibition activity. Results: From the standard calibration curve of gallic acid the total phenolic contents in extracts (MFE and MLE) was found to be 7.50.28 mg/g, 96.84.6 mg/g. Urease inhibitory activity of M. elengi extracts (MFE and MLE) was comparable with standard Thiourea. The percentage urease inhibition of Thiourea was found to be 98.2%, IC50 88.2 ± 0.01 g/ml. The maximum urease inhibitory activity was shown by the leaves extract (MLE) i. e, 77.9% (IC50 62.1±1.20 g/ml) while methanolic extract of flower (MFE) produced 47.6% urease inhibition activity. The total phenolic contents in both methanolic extracts (MFE and MLE) was found to be 7.50.28 mg/g, 96.84.6 mg/g respectively. Conclusion: It is, therefore, concluded that this plant can be a sources to isolate some natural urease inhibitory agents.

Caratuberside A2 : a new pregnane from Caralluma tuberculata

Abstract A medicinal herb, Caralluma tuberculata (Asclepiadaceae), furnished a pregnane type compound, caratuberside A2. The sugar linkage was at C-14 which is a rare site of substitution. The structure was elucidated by spectroscopic means, including COSY-45, J-resolved, HMBC, HMQC, C-H correlation experiments and derivatization.

Toxicity of Sanguinaria canadensis L. as Compared to Aloe vera L. against Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina) Using the Probit Methodology

Toxicity study of Sanguinaria canadensis L. was determined as compared to Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. against brine shrimp ( Artemia salina ). Upon statistical analysis of obtained toxicity bioassay data through the method of probits, LC 50 of Sanguinaria canadensis was estimated as 0.021 mg/ml, with (95% C.I : 0.0091-0.0485) whereas Aloe vera was found to be almost non-toxic showing relatively higher LC 50 that is, 180783.7 mg/ml. These results show that Aloe vera that is being used widely as an herbal medicine throughout the world, could be used safely for other various expected purposes for instance IPM etc. where the excessive amount is anticipated to drain into the sea ecosystem ultimately.