Ibtisam Abdul Wahab

Cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of endophytic fungi isolated from plants at the National Park, Pahang, Malaysia

BackgroundEndophytes, microorganisms which reside in plant tissues, have potential in producing novel metabolites for exploitation in medicine. Cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of a total of 300 endophytic fungi were investigated.MethodsEndophytic fungi were isolated from various parts of 43 plants from the National Park Pahang, Malaysia. Extracts from solid state culture were tested for cytotoxicity against a number of cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Antibacterial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method.ResultsA total of 300 endophytes were isolated from various parts of plants from the National Park, Pahang. 3.3% of extracts showed potent (IC50 < 0.01 μg/ml) cytotoxic activity against the murine leukemic P388 cell line and 1.7% against a human chronic myeloid leukemic cell line K562. Sporothrix sp. (KK29FL1) isolated from Costus speciosus showed strong cytotoxicity against colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) cell lines with IC50 values of 0.05 μg/ml and 0.02 μg/ml, respectively. Antibacterial activity was demonstrated for 8% of the extracts.ConclusionResults indicate the potential for production of bioactive agents from endophytes of the tropical rainforest flora.

The spectroscopic analysis of Pandanus’ tristearin

Pandanus or the screwpines are nowadays, receiving more attention. It is the largest genera in Pandanaceae family. This species is usually found along coastal region from the Southeast Asia to the Pacific Island. Almost all parts of Pandanus species are used for many purposes in daily life. For example, the leaves are used as coloring and flavoring agents. Meanwhile, the bark and large branches are used in constructions. Besides the non-medicinal values, Pandanus species were also traditionally used as medications for the treatment of fever, headache, sore throat and others. Amazingly, some medical properties of Pandanus species are scientifically proven and the active constituents were known. The objective of this research is to investigate the biomolecule from Pandanus species, specifically, Pandanuspygmaues. It is aimed purify the chemical component that might present in the leaves part. In the methodology, the samples were cut prior to the organic solvent extraction and maceration. The compositions of Pandanuspygmaues extracts were detected via analytical and preparative thin layer chromatography. The hexane extract was subjected to an open column chromatography technique. A compound was successfully isolated and was analyzed by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. This compound could be identified as a tristearin.

Introducing Pandanaceae Via IOS-Based Software Application

Pandanaceae is an application, based on the iPhone Operating System (iOS) that introduces the screwpines or pokok pandan, within a hand click. It describes both medicinal and traditional uses, chemical constituents, scientific references and geodata of this Asia Pacific plant species. For the purpose of the application prototype, the user is introduced to eight selected plants within the Pandanus genus of the Pandanaceae plant family. Fascinating pictorial views of the whole Pandanus plant and the major plant parts are not to be missed. From the users’ perspective, they can select the image of one specific Pandanus species and the scientific information on the biological and pharmacological properties of that particular plant will be displayed. The researchers’ years of experiences on sampling the Pandanus and the laboratorial work can be shared via this software, interactively. The molecular structures of the chemical ingredients of the Pandanus extracts are also shown. Consequently, Pandanus research profiling can be concluded; which touches on the scientists who are conducting experiments on this plant and their area of studies. Owing to the lack of information regarding Pandanaceae in a mobile application format, the concept is presently materialized.

The Phytochemistry Of Syzygium Species

This review deals with the literatures on Syzygium species (family: Myrtaceae). It was mentioned as a source of traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. However, due to the lacking information on Syzygium cumini, its potential benefit is still unknown among the local. This plant, commonly known as black plum, is a plant native to India. Studies from abroad showed that S. cumini is rich in anthocyanins, which could contribute to its pharmacological properties. Various extracts from different parts of S. cumini were reported for its antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antiinflammatory and antidiarrheal activities. In this research, organic solvent extractions are performed on the local S. cumini. The methodologies also include thin layer chromatography and phytochemical screening, in identifying the phytochemicals. In summary, it is expected that alkaloids are the component of the leaves extract.

A derivative of furan-2,3-diol from pandan extract

A pandan species, botanically named as Pandanus pygmaues (P. pygmaues) was studied. The chloroform extract of the leaves was fractionated. One pure compound 1̲ (5 mg) was obtained by using preparative Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). It gave a purple spot after the TLC plate was sprayed with sulphuric acid (R<inf>f</inf> = 0.61, hexane:acetone = 56ࢼ44). The molecular structure of 1̲ was later, determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. The chemical shifts of the ¹³C-NMR spectrum (125 MHz, CDCl<inf>3</inf>) ranges from δ<inf>C</inf> 29 ℃ 147 ppm. This showed the absence of a carbonyl group. In addition, two possible methoxy groups appeared at δ<inf>C</inf> 55.99 and 54.20 ppm. Meanwhile, the ¹H-NMR spectrum (500 MHz, CDCl<inf>3</inf>) showed signals below δ<inf>H</inf> 7.0 ppm only. Yet, it is believed that 1̲ could be an aromatic compound. Three aromatic protons appeared at δ<inf>H</inf> 6.91 (s), 6.90 (d, J = 10 Hz) and 6.84 (dd, J = 8 Hz, 2 Hz). A broad singlet at δ<inf>H</inf> 5.63 (br s) would correspond to a proton involving in a H-C-O- bond. Four aliphatic multiplets (δ<inf>H</inf> 3 – 5 ppm) were also detected as a doublet at δ<inf>H</inf> 4.75 (d, J = 4.2 Hz), two double doublets respectively at δ<inf>H</inf> 4.26 (dd, J = 6.7, 9.5 Hz) and δ<inf>H</inf> 3.89 (dd, J = 3.2, 9.5 Hz), and finally a multiplet at δ<inf>H</inf> 3.12 (dd, J = 4.6, 6.7 Hz). The ¹H-NMR spectrum also displayed signals at δ<inf>H</inf> 3.91 ppm, supporting the hypothesis for the methoxy groups. It is suggested that respectively one dimethoxyphenyl and oxygenated five-membered ring could be constructed for compound 1̲. This finding could be considered unusual, in comparison to the common occurrence of pyrrolidinyl-α,β-unsaturated-γ-lactones from pandan extracts. In summary, it is concluded that 1̲ could possibly be a tetrahydro-5-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)furan-2,3-diol.