Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources (IJNPR) [Formerly Natural Product Radiance (NPR)]

Chemically standardised extract of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) inhibits tumour growth, promotes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest

Subasini Uthirapathy — 2025-06-04

Withania somnifera Dunal (Family: Solanaceae), also known as ashwagandha, is indigenous to Asia and Africa. It is also known as "Indian Ginseng." It has been used for thousands of years in ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine to reduce stress and pain, increase energy, improve nutrition, and treat various health conditions. The present study aims to determine the chemopreventive potential of a chemically standardised extract of W. somnifera against lung cancer (A549) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. The anticancer activity of W. somnifera was determined against lung and breast cancer using A549 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively, in different anticancer models, and the chemical constituent was determined by the GC-MS method. After being treated for 48 hours in MTT assay, W. somnifera successfully reduced the viability of the MCF-7 cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 41.83 μg/mL in a dose-dependent manner. W. somnifera extract treatment reduced cyclin D1 and E2 expression in A549 cell lines. It was correlated to cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Additionally, it decreased nuclear factor β-translocation, a pro-survival signal. In the human lung cancer cell line (A459), the anticancer activity was evaluated by Cas 3 gene expression investigation by RT-PCR. The existence of fatty acids in higher concentrations was revealed by GC-MS analysis of the methanolic fraction from the 70% ethanolic extract of W. somnifera, which produced 28 compounds. Given its apoptogenic and antiproliferative qualities, the observations point to the chemopreventive potential of W. somnifera extract. Additional research is required to investigate these effects in in vivo models.

Phytochemicals identification, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activities of Polygala sphenoptera Fresen

DR HASANPASHA SHOLAPUR — 2025-06-04

Polygala sphenoptera Fresen, belonging to the family Polygalaceae, is a plant traditionally used in folk medicine for various health benefits. However, its chemical composition and pharmacological properties have not been explored. This study was to prepare and optimise the ethanolic extract of P. sphenoptera, investigate its phytochemical composition, and evaluate its anti-microbial, in-vitro anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activities. The ethanolic extract of the authenticated whole plant of P. sphenoptera was investigated for the presence of phytochemicals and evaluated for anti-microbial properties by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration and zone of inhibition. The anti-oxidant capacity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging assay. The anti-diabetic potential was assessed by measuring α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Phytochemical investigations indicate the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds. The phenolic content of the extract was found to be 8.733 mg GAE/g. The extract demonstrated significant anti-microbial activity against both bacterial and fungal strains. In-vitro studies indicated that the plant extract possesses strong anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Further detailed research will help to understand its mechanisms and validate its therapeutic potential.

Enhancement of metformin bioavailability by Tinospora cordifolia extracts: Insights into pharmacokinetic interactions

Rajanikanta Sahu — 2025-06-04

Tinospora cordifolia aqua-alcoholic extract (TCE) with metformin (MET) has been shown to be significantly more effective against clinical diabetes-associated disorders. Since there is insufficient clarity behind this, pharmacokinetic interaction was investigated to unravel the mechanism partly. A significant increase in area under the curve (AUC_0-_∞), half-life (T_1/2), and decrease in renal clearance (CLr) of MET was observed in animals dosed with TCE (100 mg/Kg) for 14 days. However, no significant change was observed in the time to reach maximum concentration (T_max), indicating that TCE selectively affects the CLr of MET. Many TCE’s cationic components/metabolites showed a relatively higher potential affinity for organic cationic transporter 2 (OCT2), which partly justifies the selective pharmacokinetic interaction of MET with TCE. In conclusion, TCE enhances the bioavailability of MET by reducing its renal clearance. This partly explains the basis of TCE as a complementary therapy, which requires further validation.

Exploring Clitoria ternatea (Blue pea) herbal tea: A potent beverage with antioxidant and α- amylase inhibitory activity

Sowmya Ramesh — 2025-06-04

Diabetes is a global health challenge, with oxidative stress playing a crucial role in its development. Incorporating functional foods derived from medicinal plants is an effective approach to diabetes management. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a composite herbal tea using Clitoria ternatea (Bluepea) as the primary ingredient, combined with Mentha arvensis (Mint), Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass), and Rosa centifolia (Rose petals) known for their pharmacological properties. Three herbal tea formulations were developed and subjected to sensory analysis to select the most acceptable formulation, which was then subjected to proximate nutrient analysis, phytochemical analysis, DPPH assay, microbial analysis, and in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. Blue pea and lemongrass formulation was the most acceptable formulation, with one-way ANOVA results reporting statistically significant differences (P <0.001). Nutrient analysis showed low moisture content (2.95%) with a product acceptability index of 91.60%. It also exhibited a strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 0.385 µg/g and demonstrated dose-dependent in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity, indicating the potential for glycemic control. Microbial analysis confirmed the product's safety for consumption. The composite herbal tea is a promising functional beverage for diabetes management, with potent antioxidant properties and alpha-amylase inhibitory activity.

Insights into the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of Marchantia polymorpha L.

Hiteshi Sabharwal — 2025-06-04

Marchantia polymorpha, a liverwort of the Marchantiaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, fever, pustules, diuresis and skin-related disorders. However, the scientific evaluation and validation of these traditional practices are needed to improve human health care. Among different solvent extracts employed for the analysis of antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential of M. polymorpha, methanol extract exhibited the highest ferric reducing antioxidant potential, i.e. 122.35±0.57 (μM FeSO₄ E) and antibacterial potential as the growth of both gram-positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis and L monocytogenes) and gram-negative (E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis) bacterial cultures was inhibited. More specifically, methanol extract inhibited pro-inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide (NO) in a dose-dependent manner and inflammatory cytokines, i.e. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukins IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Both LC-MS and GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract revealed the presence of numerous phytochemicals responsible for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential, such as Pentadecanal, 3-β-Hydroxy-5-cholen-24-oicacid, Stigmasterol, Phytol, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Ergosterol, Caryophyllene, some important bis-bibenzyls like Marchantin A, Marchantin M, Riccardin D, Plagiochin E and some flavonoids like Rutin, Kaempferol 3-O-glucosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside and Luteolin 7-O-diglucuronide etc while FTIR characterisation revealed the presence of functional groups like alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, phenols and aromatic compounds etc. Therefore, this study recommends further exploration and development of M. polymorpha-based products in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Efficiency of solvents in identification of bioactive compounds from selected marine red algae of the Gulf of Mannar, India

Kirithiga Aassaithambi — 2025-06-04

In the present study, three red algae samples, Acanthophora spicifera, Hypnea musciformis and Gelideilla acerosa, collected from Mandapam Coast, Gulf of Mannar, India, were extracted using polar solvents (Ethanol and Acetone) and non-polar solvents (Hexane and Chloroform). The crude extract of each alga was subjected to GCMS (Agilent 7890B; 5977A) analysis. A total of 288 compounds from all three red algae were identified. Of the 146 compounds identified in A. spicifera, 10 compounds have been commonly identified in all three solvents (hexane, ethanol and chloroform); another six compounds in ethanol and chloroform; five compounds in hexane and ethanol and another ten compounds in hexane and chloroform. Totally, 109 compounds have been identified in H. musciforms, only one compound, n-Hexadecanoic acid, was reported in all three solvents (hexane, ethanol and chloroform), and another 12 compounds have been commonly identified from ethanol and chloroform extracts. In G. acerosa, out of 151 compounds, seven compounds were identified commonly in ethanol and eleven in acetone and chloroform extracts. Overall the present study concludes that 32, 11, and 49 compounds identified were specific for hexane, ethanol and chloroform extracts of H. musciforms, respectively; 38, 27, and 42 compounds from ethanol, hexane and chloroform extracts of A. spicifera, respectively and exclusively 47, 35, and 35 different compounds in acetone, ethanol and chloroform extracts of G. acerosa, respectively. Therefore, the isolation of bioactive compounds is found to be polarity-specific. n-Hexadecanoic acid was the major constituent identified from A. spicifera in all three solvent extractions; in H. musciformis and in G. acerosa, only the acetone extract showed the highest peak area for n-Hexadecanoic acid. Seventy-one compounds identified through this study are yet to be reported in algae of India or elsewhere, and many of them have been found to have no report of biological activities. Therefore, these compounds would be evaluated, which will have a source for new drug candidates for communicable and non-communicable diseases. Further, the antimicrobial properties of crude extracts of all three red algae were tested using human pathogens (bacteria and fungi). The results revealed stronger antifungal activity against Candida sp. with hexane and chloroform extracts of H. musciformis and ethanol extracts of G. acerosa, whereas the antibacterial activity of H. musciformis extracts was stronger against all four human pathogenic bacteria than that of the other two red algae tested in this study. Therefore, the purification of compounds specific for antibacterial and antifungal properties from marine red algae may pave the way for new drug leads for the treatment of various human diseases.

Optimization of the extraction process of antioxidant compositions from Glycyrrhiza uralensis using the response surface method

Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu — 2025-06-04

This study aimed to optimise and evaluate the antioxidant activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract using a simple heating method. The optimisation of extraction conditions was conducted using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and a Box-Behnken design (BBD), focusing on variables such as temperature, ethanol concentration, extraction time, and solvent-to-material ratio. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were used as response variables. The optimal extraction conditions were determined to be a temperature of 58°C, ethanol concentration of 56%, a liquid-to-solid ratio of 30 mL/g, and an extraction time of 190 minutes, resulting in TPC and TFC values of 158.81 mg GAE/g and 122.15 mg QE/g, respectively. The extract exhibited considerable DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging effects. These findings suggest that the optimized extraction method not only simplifies the process but also enhances the scalability and cost-effectiveness of industrial applications.

Modified starch with resistant starch content and antioxidant activity from unripe Carica papaya fruits

Tu Tran — 2025-06-04

Unripe Carica papaya fruits are often discarded during cultivation, contributing to environmental waste despite their rich fibre and nutritional value. This study aimed to modify starch from unripe papayas by using different physical methods, including steaming, drying, and microwaving. The starch samples were evaluated for their amylose content, resistant starch levels, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity based on DPPH radical scavenging activity. Among the methods tested, the combination of autoclaving and microwaving yielded the best results, with an amylose content of 2.76±0.02 mg/g, resistant starch at 2.82±0.08%, polyphenols at 45.97±0.19 mg GAE/g, and an IC₅₀ value for DPPH radical scavenging of 95.12 µg/mL, which showed slight antioxidant activity compared to the positive control (Trolox, IC₅₀= 10.07 µg/mL). Furthermore, the modified starch samples were assessed for physical properties, including water solubility index (31.16±0.63–44.04±0.80%), water absorption capacity (6.70±0.38–9.83±0.22 g/g), swelling power (20.27±0.42–27.60±0.29 g/g), and light transmittance (37.59±0.21–49.32±0.25% on day 1). The findings provide valuable data on modified starch from unripe Carica papaya fruits and offer a solution to reduce the annual disposal of unripe papayas, thereby mitigating their environmental impact.

Some pharmacopoeial tests for a folklore herb Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. and monographic standards with antioxidant assay thereof

Dr. Suman Mandal — 2025-06-04

Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. also recognised as a good luck plant, it is commonly used to treat fever, asthma, rheumatic bone pains, smallpox, joint pain, bleeding skin eruptions, and as an abortifacient. In this study, standardisation tests like physicochemical and HPTLC were carried out on leaves of the plant as per Pharmacopoeia. Results of the micro powder study showed fragments of mesophyll parenchymatous tissue embedded with brownish materials, oil globules and bundles of acicular crystals. The mixture of toluene, ethyl acetate, and formic acid (8.5:3.0:0.5v/v) was used as a mobile phase to obtain the HPTLC fingerprint profile. Photo-documentation of methanolic leaf extract, when observed under UV 254 nm, revealed 13 bands, 11 bands under UV 366 nm, and densitometric scanning revealed 13 peaks at 520 nm. By HPLC, 12 peaks were obtained when a methanol and water (60:40) mixture was used as the mobile phase. The antioxidant property of the methanolic leaf extract of C. fruticosa was analysed by ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging techniques. The DPPH radical scavenging method showed that the IC₅₀values of C. fruticosa and standard ascorbic acid were 70.317±0.51849 and 11.13±1.29179 μg/mL, respectively. The IC₅₀values of C. fruticosa and standard trolox were found 47.2348±1.56651 and 37.6146±1.24248 μg/mL, respectively when it was analysed by the ABTS radical scavenging method. The total flavonoid and total phenolic content of the methanol extract of C. fruticosa was determined to be 0.7298±0.00162 µg QE/mg and 34.92±0.01808 µg GAE/mg, respectively.

Anti-inflammatory flavonoids found in medicinal plants of acanthaceae family

Santanu Giri — 2025-06-04

Plants of the Acanthaceae family are a broad range of small flowering herbs extensively found in India and other Asian countries. They are known for their potent anti-inflammatory activities, as evidenced by their traditional uses and different studies performed on animal models. This review aims to compile all the anti-inflammatory plants of different species belonging to different genera of the family Acanthaceae, their traditional uses, their potent anti-inflammatory flavonoids and the mechanism of action targeting specific receptors or signalling pathways present in the pathophysiology of inflammation. Literature was explored to obtain detailed information about different plants of the Acanthaceae family and the different bioactive flavonoids present in them. About 40 plants were found distributed all over India, encompassing different flavonoids, mainly from the classes Flavonols and Flavones. Their mechanism of action was elaborately discussed, associated with the normal pathophysiology of inflammation. These anti-inflammatory flavonoids can be isolated and further investigated for therapeutic efficacies and toxicities in various in-vivo models, thus providing an informative reference for more detailed targeted therapy for modern medicines.

Dodonaea viscosa Jacq: Multi potential therapeutic agent for human health - A review

Dr. N. Balasubramanian — 2025-06-04

The review's objective was to provide a comprehensive summary of the medicinal plant Dodonaea viscosa Jacq, which has been used for therapeutic purposes to treat various communicable and non-communicable diseases. Medicinal plants are a valuable resource in traditional medicine or cultural practices worldwide. Micro and macro bioactive compounds from medicinal plants have been employed to control various diseases. Despite the advances in treatment, the prevalence of infectious diseases is continuing to increase the mortality rate due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The D. viscosa parts of the plant, or on the whole, have been used to treat various human ailments. In recent years, several medicinal plants, including D. viscosa, have been used to treat cancer due to their rich anticarcinogenic and anti-chemoprotective properties. In this review, we focused D. viscosa bioactive compounds' effect on various biological activities such as antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, anticancer, antiulcer, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-fertility activity. We conducted an extensive bibliographic review of peer-reviewed publications to update this review. This review provides an overview of D. viscosa and its bioactive compounds, which can treat various human diseases without side effects.