This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
1. Introduction
Medicinal plants are naturally God-gifted with a lot of chemical compounds that are formed in different plant parts and used in the treatment of various ailments. These chemical compounds are also known as secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites can be utilized in the formulations of novel medications and have been reported as very effective in curing serious health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that about 80% of the population in the world still depends on medicinal plants for their basic healthcare due to their effectiveness and easy availability [1]. Advancements in biotechnology have made it possible to manufacture therapeutic protein drugs in significant quantities [2]. Historically, fruits have served as a basis for various medicinal and liquor products [3]. Additionally, plant hydrocolloids have shown potential in mitigating cardiovascular disease risk, decreasing blood cholesterol levels, and enhancing immune function [4].
Aromatic medicinal plants are widely used by people for various purposes including the food industry, perfumery, textile industry, and pharmaceutical industry. The medicinal properties of plants are due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as saponins, glycosides, quinones, alkaloids, and flavonoids [5].
Pain is associated with potential or actual tissue damage. Pain is not only a symptom used to diagnose several diseases and conditions but also has a protective function [6]. Analgesic drugs have been used for the elimination of pain without significantly altering consciousness. The use of synthetic analgesic drugs has several side effects including gastrointestinal disorders, bleeding, and ulcers [7]. A physiological response that protects a body from tissue injury is called inflammation. There are two types of inflammation, i.e., acute inflammation and chronic inflammation [8]. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat inflammation but it has a lot of side effects, including gastrointestinal and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the development of new drugs is necessary for the management of pain and inflammation. Plant-based beverages typically contain advantageous bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and phytosterols, known for their exceptional antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing significantly to health benefits [9, 10]. In the past twenty years, numerous research studies have underscored the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in influencing health and disease. Alterations in the composition of the intestinal microbiome have been linked to diverse intestinal and metabolic disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and obesity [11].
An imbalance in the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of functional Dyspepsia (FD). This imbalance disrupts the intestinal environment, ultimately causing a decrease in beneficial probiotics and triggering a range of acute and chronic diseases [12]. The condition of increased stool frequency, liquidity, or volume is called diarrhea. It mainly affects neonates and babies and is a significant cause of illness and mortality in developing countries [13]. Medicinal plants are reservoirs of essential antidiarrheal bioactive constituents without any side effects and can be used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, for example, constipation and diarrhea [14].
Ziziphus mauritiana belonging to the family Rhamnaceae Juss., locally called Ber, is a fruit tree that grows worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions [15]. Z. mauritiana is a medicinal plant used to cure several disorders such as ulcers, asthma, allergies, depression, digestive problems, weakness, obesity [16, 17], diabetes, urinary issues, and skin infections [18].
Oenothera biennis L. also known as evening primrose belongs to Onagraceae Juss. It is distributed in Peshawar Pakistan and eastern and central North America. The seed oil of O. biennis is used for the treatment of several ailments such as asthma, eczema, breast problems, rheumatoid arthritis, menopausal syndrome [19] fistulas, and lung disease [20]. The present study will analyze the plant in terms of drug standardization and evaluating its pharmacological effect which can be used as a potential candidate for future drug developments.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Plant Collection
Ziziphus mauritiana was collected from the area of Palosai Peshawar, and Oenothera biennis was collected from the Department of Botany, University of Peshawar KPK Pakistan which is located at 34.0011°N and 71.4874°E in August 2022. The identification of the plant was carried out with the help of Flora of Pakistan and Ghulam Jelani (plant taxonomist) and kept in the herbarium for future reference with Voucher Number Ambrin Bot. 33 (PUP) and Ambrin Bot. 34 (PUP).
2.2. Extraction of Plant Material and Sample Preparation
Whole plants were washed with distilled water, shade dried in the air dryer, and ground into a fine powder, and 50 g was soaked in 250 mL each in ethanol and ethyl acetate, respectively, which were supplied by U.M. enterprises. After 48 hours, the extract was passed through muslin cloth followed by filtration through filter paper. The extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator (RE-100D Phoenix) supplied by MED Lab Services. The derived ethyl extracts (10.1 g) and ethanol extract (9.5 g) of Z. mauritiana and ethyl extracts (10.4 g) and ethanol extract (10.12 g) each were kept at 4°C in capped bottles before use [21].
2.3. Phytochemical Screening
Phytochemical analysis of the extracts was carried out to detect flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, and tannins following protocols [22].
2.4. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
A gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the crude extract of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis was carried out by coupling Thermo GC-Trace Ultra version 5.0 with Thermo MS DSQ II which was supplied by MED Lab Services. The sample was prepared by adding 2 mg crude extract in 5 mL of respective solvents. To purify the samples, the mixtures were divided on a ZB 5-MS capillary regular nonpolar column (30 m 0.25 mm ID 0.25 lm FILM). The temperature of the column was kept at 70°C with an increasing rate of 2°C/minute. Finally, the increase in temperature was raised to 260°C at 6°C/minute with a holding time of about ten minutes. The splitless mode was used to introduce the particle-free, diluted sample (10 mL/min split flow and 1 min spitless period). Helium was used as the carrier gas at a constant flow rate of 1 mL/min, and 1 L of sample was injected. Peak area normalization was used to quantify the relative percentages of crude extract elements. In full scan mode, the mass spectral scan range was adjusted to 50 to 650 (m/z). By comparing the retention indices of the compounds with those of real samples stored on the Wiley and Main Lab computer library search software, the compounds were identified [23].
2.5. Analgesic Activity
2.5.1. Acetic Acid-Induced Writhing
Ziziphus mauritiana and Oenothera biennis ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts (sample was prepared by adding 10 mg crude extract in 25 mL of respective solvents) were tested for their analgesic activity following the method of [24] with few modifications. Mice were divided into five groups containing five mice in each group. Group 1 served as control and administered only with normal saline (10 ml/kg i.p.) Group 2 was administered with standard diclofenac sodium (25 mg/kg), and groups 3–5 were administered with three doses of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg), respectively, and these extracts were administered orally one hour before intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% v/v acetic acid and after five mins of postinjection; the number of writhing was counted for the next 20 min. The percent analgesic effect was calculated by the following formula:
2.5.2. Eddy’s Hot-Plate Method
Its requirements were similar to the previous method. To perform this activity, the method of [25] was followed, the albino mice (male) were divided randomly into 5 groups, and each group consisted of 5 mice. Group 1 served as control and administered only with normal saline (10 ml/kg ip), group 2 was treated with the standard drug diclofenac sodium (25 mg/kg), and groups 3–5 were orally administered with different concentrations (100, 200, and 300 mg body weight) of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. The initial reaction time of control and test group animals was recorded by placing them on the hot plate (55 ± 0.5°c), and the licking of the paw or jumping was taken as the index of reaction of heat: the post-treatment reaction time of each animal after the administration of plant extracts recorded at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min.
2.6. Anti-Inflammatory Activity
The anti-inflammatory activity of the Z. mauritiana and O. biennis ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts was investigated on carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice paws following the procedure [26]. The sample was prepared by adding 10 mg crude extract in 25 mL of respective solvents. Animals were divided into 5 groups comprising five animals per group. In all groups, acute inflammation was produced by subplantar injection of 0.1 ml freshly prepared 1% suspension of carrageenan. The paw volume was measured plethysmometrically from 0 to 180 min after carrageenan injection. All the animals were orally premedicated with diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg b.wt), two hours before the infection. The mean increase in paw volume was measured, and the percentage was calculated for all the extracts. Percentage inhibition of paw volume was calculated by the following formula:
2.7. Antispasmodic Activity
The antispasmodic activity of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts was carried out by adopting the method of [27]. The sample was prepared by adding 10 mg crude extract in 25 mL of respective solvents. The selected mice were divided into four groups of five mice each. At first, 1 ml of castor oil was given orally to every mouse in each group to produce diarrhea. After 1 hr, group I (control group) orally received saline (10 ml/kg). Group II received the standard drug (atropine sulfate 10 mg/kg b. wt in), and group it-V (the rest of the three groups) received ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of plants (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b. wt ip, respectively). After 1 h, all animals orally revived of the charcoal meal (10 charcoal is a pension in 5% gum acacia). After one hour following the charcoal meal administration, all animals were sacrificed, and the distance covered by the charcoal meal in the intestine, from the pylorus to the caecum, was measured and expressed as a percentage of the distance moved intestinal transit.
2.8. Ethical Approval
The animal study was reviewed and approved by the Ethical Committee Pharmacy Lab, Qurtuba University of Science and Information Technology Peshawar, Pakistan, under permit no (148/VIEC/VRIP).
2.9. Statistical Analysis
The data were analyzed by Dunnett’s t-test statistical methods using SPSS Software 22.0. For the statistical tests,
3. Results
3.1. Phytochemical Screening
The phytochemical screening of ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis revealed the existence of different bioactive compounds. The ethanolic extract of Z. mauritiana showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and triterpenoids whereas saponins were found absent. Similarly, the ethyl acetate extracts of Z. mauritiana detect alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids while steroids were absent. Likewise, the ethanolic extract of O. biennis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and steroids and the absence of tannins and triterpenoids. The ethyl acetate extract of O. biennis unveiled the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and triterpenoids and the absence of tannins (Table 1).
Table 1
Phytochemical screening of Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea and Oenothera biennis.
Chemical constituents | Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea. | Oenothera biennis | ||
Ethyl acetate extract | Ethanol extract | Ethyl acetate extract | Ethanol extract | |
Alkaloids | + | + | + | + |
Flavonoids | + | + | + | + |
Saponins | − | + | − | + |
Tannins | + | + | + | − |
Steroids | + | − | + | + |
Triterpenoids | + | + | + | − |
3.2. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling identified the probable phytochemicals in the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis. In ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of Z. mauritiana, fourteen phytoconstituents were detected by GC–MS (Tables 2 and 3; Figures 1 and 2). Similarly, eight phytoconstituents were detected in the ethanolic extract of O. biennis, and eight phytoconstituents were detected in its ethyl acetate extract (Tables 4 and 5; Figures 3 and 4). The results showed that phytoconstituents found in maximum concentration in ethanolic extract of Z. mauritiana was heptadecane (9.06%) followed by 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (6.54%) and dodecanoic acid (4.50%) (Table 2; Figure 1). In the ethyl acetate extract of Z. mauritiana, tetracosane (11.52%) was detected in the highest concentration followed by dodecane, 1,1-dimethoxy- (4.06%), and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (6.36%) (Table 3; Figure 2). In an ethanolic extract of O. biennis, bioactive constituents detected in the maximum amount were phytol (7.45%), followed by furfural (6.53%) and 4-vinyl-2-methoxy-phenol (2.36%) (Table 4; Figure 3). Likewise, the phytoconstituents detected with maximum concentration in ethyl acetate extract of O. biennis include 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- (7.33%), followed by hexathiane (1.06%) and ethyl hexadecane (4.37%) (Table 5; Figure 4).
Table 2
GCMS analysis of ethanol extract of Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea.
S. No | Name of the compound | Compound formula | Retention time (min) | Peak area (%) | Compound structure | Molecular weight |
1 | Heptadecane | C17H36 | 7.2 | 9.06 | 240.475 g·mol−1 | |
2 | 2-Methoxy-4-vinyl phenol | C9H10O2 | 10.5 | 6.54 | 150.17 g/mol | |
3 | Dodecanoic acid | C12H24O2 | 17.4 | 4.50 | 201.31 g/mol | |
4 | 2,3,6-Trimethyl decane | C11H24 | 25.3 | 8.43 | 156.31 g/mol | |
5 | Octadecanoic acid | C18H34O2 | 30.2 | 5.36 | 282.5 g/mol | |
6 | Methyl 14-methyl pentadecanoate | C17H34O2 | 39.5 | 3.40 | 270.5 g/mol | |
7 | Hexadecanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester | C19H38O4 | 42.6 | 2.53 | 330.5 g/mol |
Table 3
GCMS analysis of ethyl acetate extract of Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea.
S. no | Name of the compound | Compound formula | Retention time (min) | Peak area (%) | Compound structure | Molecular weight |
1 | Dodecane, 1,1-dimethoxy- | C12H26O2 | 6.3 | 4.06 | 202.33 g/mol | |
2 | 2-Methoxy-4-vinyl phenol | C9H10O2 | 10.0 | 6.36 | 150.17 g/mol | |
3 | 9-Octadecene | C18H36 | 14.5 | 3.45 | 252.5 g/mol | |
4 | Methyl 11-octadecenoate | C19H36O2 | 19.4 | 10.65 | 296.5 g/mol | |
5 | Hexadecanoic acid | C16H32O2 | 24.4 | 7.06 | 287.61 g/mol | |
6 | 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, methyl ester | C18H32O2 | 27.6 | 5.43 | 280.4 g/mol | |
7 | Tetracosane | C24H50 | 30.6 | 11.52 | 389.0 g/mol |
[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]
Table 4
GCMS analysis of ethanol extract of Oenothera biennis.
S. No | Name of the compound | Compound formula | Retention time (min) | Peak area (%) | Compound structure | Molecular weight |
1 | Furfural | C4H5O2 | 9.3 | 6.53 | 96.08 g/mol | |
2 | 4-Vinyl-2-methoxy-phenol | C9H10O2 | 14.2 | 2.36 | 150.17 g/mol | |
3 | Hexadecanoic acid and methyl ester | C17H32O2 | 16.5 | 1.42 | 268.4 g/mol | |
4 | 7-Methyl hexadecane | C17H36 | 20.2 | 4.06 | 240.5 g/mol | |
5 | 2,3,6-Trimethyl decane | C11H24 | 22.4 | 3.40 | 156.31 g/mol | |
6 | Squalene | C30H50 | 26.5 | 2.53 | 410.7 g/mol | |
7 | Phytol | C20H40O | 30.3 | 7.45 | 296.5 g/mol |
Table 5
GCMS analysis of ethyl acetate extract of Oenothera biennis.
S. no | Name of the compound | Compound formula | Retention time (min) | Peak area (%) | Compound structure | Molecular weight |
1 | Hexathiane | C6H8 | 15.3 | 1.06 | 80.13 g/mol | |
2 | Ethyl hexadecanoic | C98H184O10 | 18.6 | 4.37 | 1522.5 g/mol | |
3 | 2,3,6-Trimethyl decane | C11H24 | 22.4 | 3.16 | 156.31 g/mol | |
4 | n-Eicosane | C41H86 | 25.3 | 6.05 | 579.1 g/mol | |
5 | 1,19-Eicosadiene | C8H14 | 28.5 | 5.32 | 110.20 g/mol | |
6 | 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)- | C18H32O2 | 33.4 | 7.33 | 280.4 g/mol | |
7 | Tetradecanoic acid | C14H28O2 | 45.5 | 1.56 | 228.37 |
[figure(s) omitted; refer to PDF]
3.3. Analgesic Activity
3.3.1. Writhing Method
The ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis exhibited significant (
Table 6
Analgesic activity of Ziziphus mauritiana. var spontanea and Oenothera biennis L. by writhing method.
Treatment | Dose (mg/kg) | Ziziphus mauritiana | Oenothera biennis | ||
Average no. of writhing | % Inhibition | Average no. of writhing | Inhibition % | ||
Normal saline | 5 ml/kg | 70.6 ± 5.03 | — | 70.6 ± 5.03 | — |
Diclofenac sodium | 10 mg/kg | 22.3 ± 2.51 | 68.5 | 22.3 ± 2.51 | 68.5 |
Ethyl acetate | 100 mg/kg | 60.66 ± 9.45 | 14.1 | 58.66 ± 0.57 | 17.0 |
200 mg/kg | 55.00 ± 4.00 | 22.0 | 53.66 ± 3.21 | 24.0 | |
300 mg/kg | 30.00 ± 5.00 | 57.5 | 25.33 ± 5.50 | 64.1 | |
Ethanol | 100 mg/kg | 57.66 ± 6.65 | 18.4 | 61.66 ± 6.65 | 12.7 |
200 mg/kg | 53.00 ± 4.35 | 25.0 | 50.00 ± 1.73 | 29.1 | |
300 mg/kg | 19.33 ± 1.15 | 72.6 | 28.66 ± 7.02 | 59.4 |
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Significance is shown as
3.3.2. Hot-Plate Method
The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis showed a significant (
Table 7
Analgesic activity of Ziziphus mauritiana by hot-plate method.
Treatment | Dose (mg/kg) | After 0 min | After 30 min | After 60 min | After 90 min | Percent decrease in latency time |
Normal saline | 10 ml/kg | 3.30 ± 0.62 | 4.20 ± 0.36 | 3.73 ± 0.41 | 4.53 ± 0.80 | … |
Diclofenac sodium | 10 mg/kg | 3.70 ± 0.17 | 8.10 ± 0.45 | 9.23 ± 0.37 | 10.60 ± 0.10 | 57.2 |
Ethyl acetate | 100 mg/kg | 3.50 ± 0.30 | 4.56 ± 0.15 | 4.13 ± 0.55 | 6.40 ± 0.52 | 29.2 |
200 mg/kg | 3.53 ± 0.87 | 4.63 ± 0.45 | 5.23 ± 0.95 | 8.50 ± 0.17 | 46.7 | |
300 mg/kg | 3.63 ± 0.20 | 4.73 ± 0.45 | 6.13 ± 0.50 | 10.30 ± 0.45 | 56.0 | |
Ethanol | 100 mg/kg | 3.40 ± 0.79 | 4.26 ± 0.40 | 3.80 ± 0.36 | 5.56 ± 0.15 | 18.5 |
200 mg/kg | 3.30 ± 0.45 | 4.56 ± 0.11 | 4.70 ± 0.62 | 7.33 ± 1.05 | 38.1 | |
300 mg/kg | 3.46 ± 0.75 | 4.70 ± 0.10 | 5.80 ± 0.70 | 9.50 ± 0.70 | 52.3 |
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Significance is shown as
Table 8
Analgesic activity of Oenothera biennis L. by hot-plate method.
Treatment | Dose (mg/kg) | After 0 min | After 30 min | After 60 min | After 90 min | Percent decrease in latency time |
Normal saline | 3.30 ± 0.62 | 4.20 ± 0.36 | 3.73 ± 0.41 | 4.53 ± 0.80 | … | |
Diclofenac sodium | 10 | 3.70 ± 0.17 | 8.10 ± 0.45 | 9.23 ± 0.37 | 10.60 ± 0.10 | 57.2 |
Ethyl acetate | 100 | 3.40 ± 0.62 | 4.63 ± 0.41 | 3.96 ± 0.47 | 5.83 ± 0.41 | 22.2 |
200 | 3.50 ± 0.60 | 4.73 ± 0.90 | 4.40 ± 0.20 | 7.60 ± 0.60 | 40.3 | |
300 | 3.66 ± 0.90 | 4.86 ± 0.28 | 6.80 ± 0.62 | 9.80 ± 0.55 | 53.7 | |
Ethanol | 100 | 3.46 ± 0.90 | 4.23 ± 0.45 | 4.33 ± 0.05 | 7.23 ± 0.95 | 37.3 |
200 | 3.63 ± 0.45 | 4.30 ± 0.80 | 5.50 ± 0.26 | 8.80 ± 0.45 | 48.5 | |
300 | 3.70 ± 0.85 | 4.50 ± 0.90 | 6.43 ± 0.25 | 11.20 ± 0.40 | 59.5 |
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Significance is shown as
3.4. Anti-Inflammatory Activity
3.4.1. Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema
A significant reduction (
Table 9
Anti-inflammatory activity of Ziziphus mauritiana. var. spontanea.
Treatment | Dose (mg/kg) | Paw volume after drug administration (mean + SEM) | ||||
1 hour | 2 hour | 3 hour | 4 hour | 5 hour | ||
Normal saline | 10 ml/kg | 0.90 ± 0.02 | 0.77 ± 0.08 | 0.86 ± 0.10 | 0.95 ± 0.02 | 1.50 ± 0.27 |
Diclofenac sodium | 10 mg/kg | 0.80 ± 0.04 (11.11%) | 0.54 ± 0.04 | 0.45 ± 0.03 | 0.52 ± 0.04 | 0.38 ± 0.08 |
Ethyl acetate extract | 100 mg/kg | 0.86 ± 0.06 (4.44%) | 0.68 ± 0.08 (15.58%) | 0.75 ± 0.08 (12.7%) | 0.65 ± 0.04 | 0.53 ± 0.06 |
200 mg/kg | 0.88 ± 0.07 (2.22%) | 0.57 ± 0.08 (26.0%) | 0.66 ± 0.06 (23.2%) | 0.55 ± 0.08 | 0.47 ± 0.05 | |
300 mg/kg | 0.76 ± 0.09 (15.5%) | 0.59 ± 0.06 (23.3%) | 0.64 ± 0.07 (34.3%) | 0.53 ± 0.09 | 0.45 ± 0.04 | |
Ethanolic extract | 100 mg/kg | 0.87 ± 0.03 (3.33%) | 0.71 ± 0.04 (7.79%) | 0.75 ± 0.18 (12.7%) | 0.70 ± 0.14 | 0.64 ± 0.19 |
200 mg/kg | 0.86 ± 0.12 (4.44%) | 0.66 ± 0.10 (23.2%) | 0.70 ± 0.24 (26.3%) | 0.64 ± 0.12 | 0.59 ± 0.04 | |
300 mg/kg | 0.84 ± 0.09 (6.66%) | 0.63 ± 0.09 (18.1%) | 0.67 ± 0.12 (22.0%) | 0.73 ± 0.10 (23.1%) | 0.51 ± 0.10 |
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Significance is shown as
3.5. Antispasmodic Activity
3.5.1. Charcoal Meal Test
The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis significantly (
Table 10
Anti-inflammatory activity Oenothera biennis L.
Treatment | Dose (mg/kg) | Paw volume after drug administration (Mean + SEM) | ||||
After 1 hour | After 2 hour | After 3 hour | After 4 hour | After 5 hour | ||
Normal saline | 0.90 ± 0.02 | 0.77 ± 0.08 | 0.86 ± 0.10 | 0.95 ± 0.02 | 1.50 ± 0.27 | |
Diclofenac sodium | 10 mg/kg | 0.80 ± 0.04 (11.11%) | 0.54 ± 0.04 | 0.45 ± 0.03 | 0.52 ± 0.04 | 0.38 ± 0.08 |
Ethyl acetate extract | 100 mg/kg | 0.86 ± 0.01 (4.44%) | 0.67 ± 0.07 (12.98%) | 0.72 ± 0.15 (16.27%) | 0.64 ± 0.10 | 0.70 ± 0.11 |
200 mg/kg | 0.85 ± 0.02 (5.55%) | 0.58 ± 0.08 (24.6%) | 0.66 ± 0.05 (23.2%) | 0.55 ± 0.11 | 0.48 ± 0.05 | |
300 mg/kg | 0.83 ± 0.03 (7.77%) | 0.61 ± 0.09 (20.7%) | 0.68 ± 0.11 (20.9%) | 0.49 ± 0.09 | 0.43 ± 0.02 | |
Ethanolic extract | 100 mg/kg | 0.87 ± 0.07 (3.33%) | 0.64 ± 0.11 (16.8%) | 0.73 ± 0.15 (15.1%) | 0.61 ± 0.07 | 0.50 ± 0.06 |
200 mg/kg | 0.87 ± 0.06 (3.33%) | 0.59 ± 0.11 (23.3%) | 0.67 ± 0.100 (22.0%) | 0.5733 ±0 .13051 | 0.4633 ±0 .06028 | |
300 mg/kg | 0.84 ± 0.04 (6.66%) | 0.57 ± 0.15 (26.0%) | 0.63 ± 0.08 (18.1%) | 0.56 ± 0.06 | 0.40 ± 0.02 |
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Significance is shown as
Table 11
Antispasmodic activity of Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea and Oenothera.
Treatment | Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea | Oenothera biennis L. | |||||
Dose | The mean length of the intestine | Mean distance travelled by charcoal | Percent inhibition (%) | The mean length of the intestine | Mean distance travelled by charcoal | Percent inhibition (%) | |
Normal saline + castor oil | 10 ml/kg | 55.2 | 46.06 ± 2.51 | 16.6 | 55.2 | 46.06 ± 2.51 | 16.6 |
Atropine sulfate | 10 mg/kg | 54.3 | 20.60 ± 0.70 | 62.0 | 54.3 | 20.60 ± 0.70 | 62.0 |
Ethyl acetate extract | 100 mg/kg | 50.6 | 34.63 ± 3.61 | 31.6 | 49.5 | 36.63 ± 10.66 | 26.0 |
200 mg/kg | 51.3 | 29.13 ± 3.82 | 43.2 | 54.3 | 30.80 ± 4.96 | 43.2 | |
300 mg/kg | 52.3 | 18.65 ± 0.21 | 64.4 | 54.6 | 17.90 ± 2.26 | 67.2 | |
Ethanolic extract | 100 mg/kg | 52.5 | 37.3 ± 3.70 | 28.9 | 53.2 | 34.80 ± 15.39 | 34.5 |
200 mg/kg | 49.4 | 29.3 ± 2.72 | 40.6 | 54.4 | 32.30 ± 9.83 | 40.6 | |
300 mg/kg | 54.4 | 23.56 ± 1.85 | 56.8 | 52.2 | 25.70 ± 2.64 | 50.7 |
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Significance is shown as
4. Discussion
For peripherally acting drugs, the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test is used. The pain induction occurs by releasing endogenous substances and other pain mediators such as prostaglandins [28]. The dosage of 300 mg/kg of ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis significantly (
Anti-inflammatory drugs can be tested by the carrageenan-induced inflammation model [36]. Acute inflammation is produced in the rat paw by the subcutaneous injection of carrageenan, and certain mediators including histamine, prostaglandin, and serotonin are released causing fever and pain. The findings indicated that ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis at the 5th hour exhibited significant inhibition (
The effect of drugs on peristaltic movement can be tested by charcoal meal test [21]. The irritation and inflammation of intestinal mucosa can result from the hydrolysis of castor oil into ricinoleic acid which results in diarrhea. It results in the release of prostaglandins which provoke gastrointestinal motility and result in secretion of water and electrolytes [22]. The result showed that ethyl acetate (
5. Conclusion
In the current research, both plants showed important phytochemicals and therapeutic potential. From the results, it can be concluded that Z. mauritiana and O. biennis contained important chemical constituents including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids as determined by phytochemical screening. GCMS revealed the presence of pharmacologically active compounds such as hexadecanoic acid, 4-vinyl-2-methoxy-phenol, n-eicosane, and 2,3,6-trimethyldecane which may be responsible for the significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic activity. Hence, these plants can be used for alleviating pain and treating various inflammatory and diarrhoeal disorders. Both plants can be used in the future for drug development and various herbal formulations having fewer side effects.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Authors’ Contributions
A.A. administrated the project and proposed methodology, M.A. wrote the original draft, and M.N. edited, supervised, and visualized the study. F.Z.F. developed software, collected data, and provided funding.
Acknowledgments
The authors are highly grateful for receiving support from the Deanship of Scientific Research (DSR) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Grant No. IFPRC-187-130-2020.
[1] B. Patwardhan, Traditional Medicine: A Novel Approach for Available, Accessible and Affordable Health Care, vol. 13, 2005.
[2] A. J. Xie, H. S. Yin, H. M. Liu, C. Y. Zhu, Y. J. Yang, "Chinese quince seed gum and poly (N, N-diethylacryl amide-co-methacrylic acid) based pH-sensitive hydrogel for use in drug delivery," Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 185, pp. 96-104, DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.01.007, 2018.
[3] L. Wang, H. M. Liu, C. Y. Zhu, A. J. Xie, B. J. Ma, P. Z. Zhang, "Chinese quince seed gum: flow behaviour, thixotropy and viscoelasticity," Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 209, pp. 230-238, DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.12.101, 2019.
[4] L. Wang, H. M. Liu, A. J. Xie, X. D. Wang, C. Y. Zhu, G. Y. Qin, "Chinese quince (Chaenomeles sinensis) seed gum: structural characterization," Food Hydrocolloids, vol. 75, pp. 237-245, DOI: 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2017.08.001, 2018.
[5] G. S. Gnintoungbe, T. C. M. Medehouenou, F. Adounkpe, C. Akpovi, F. Loko, "Phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity and safety of Petroselinum crispum (mill.) AW hill apiaceae leaves grown in Benin," Open Journal of Applied Sciences, vol. 13 no. 01, pp. 36-50, DOI: 10.4236/ojapps.2023.131004, 2023.
[6] E. Ashenafi, T. Abula, S. M. Abay, M. Arayaselassie, S. Taye, R. A. Muluye, "Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of the leaves of vernonia auriculifera hiern. (Asteraceae)," Journal of Experimental Pharmacology, vol. 15, pp. 29-40, DOI: 10.2147/jep.s398487, 2023.
[7] N. B. Situmorang, S. Widya Ningsih, "Analgesic activity test of waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus L.) leaves ethanol extract in male white miscules ( Mus musculus )," Jurnal Farmasimed (JFM), vol. 5 no. 1, pp. 22-25, DOI: 10.35451/jfm.v5i1.1238, 2022.
[8] F. Alam, M. Hanif, A. U. Rahman, S. Ali, S. Jan, "In vitro, in vivo and in silico evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activity of salicylate rich fraction from Gaultheria trichophylla Royle (Ericaceae)," Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 301,DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115828, 2023.
[9] S. Piazza, F. Colombo, C. Bani, M. Fumagalli, O. Vincentini, E. Sangiovanni, G. Martinelli, S. Biella, M. Silano, P. Restani, M. Dell’Agli, C. Di Lorenzo, C. Di Lorenzo, "Evaluation of the potential anti-inflammatory activity of black rice in the framework of celiac disease," Foods, vol. 12 no. 1,DOI: 10.3390/foods12010063, 2022.
[10] A. Xie, Y. Dong, Z. Liu, Z. Li, J. Shao, M. Li, X. Yue, "A review of plant-based drinks addressing nutrients, flavor, and processing technologies," Foods, vol. 12 no. 21,DOI: 10.3390/foods12213952, 2023.
[11] A. Xie, S. Zhao, Z. Liu, X. Yue, J. Shao, M. Li, Z. Li, "Polysaccharides, proteins, and their complex as microencapsulation carriers for delivery of probiotics: a review on carrier types and encapsulation techniques," International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 124784, 2023.
[12] X. Shen, A. Xie, Z. Li, C. Jiang, J. Wu, M. Li, X. Yue, "Research progress for probiotics regulating intestinal Flora to improve functional Dyspepsia: a review," Foods, vol. 13 no. 1,DOI: 10.3390/foods13010151, 2024.
[13] M. Li, Q. Li, H. Dong, S. Zhao, J. Ning, X. Bai, X. Yue, A. Xie, A. Xie, "Pilose antler polypeptides enhance chemotherapy effects in triple-negative breast cancer by activating the adaptive immune system," International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 222, pp. 2628-2638, DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.10.045, 2022.
[14] M. M. Islam, M. J. Hossain, M. S. Zahan, F. Nur, M. A. Al Mansur, M. A. Rashid, "Stixis suaveolens (roxb.) fruit extract deciphered antidepressant and antidiarrheal effects via in vivo approach," Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal, vol. 26 no. 1, pp. 28-35, DOI: 10.3329/bpj.v26i1.64215, 2023.
[15] S. Paul Roy, "Formulation and evaluation of a novel herbal-based face wash by using hydra-africana (subfamily-Hydnoraceae) fruit extract," 2023.
[16] M. R. Paudel, M. R. Poudeyal, H. P. Devkota, "Ziziphus spp. (Ziziphus jujuba mill., Ziziphus mauritiana lam.)," Himalayan Fruits and Berries, pp. 491-497, 2023.
[17] R. Mohankumar, S. E. L. Prakash, N. Irfan, S. Mohanraj, C. Kumarappan, "Evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of Ziziphus Mauritania Lam leaves in animal models," Pharmacological Research-Modern Chinese Medicine, vol. 4,DOI: 10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100153, 2022.
[18] M. K. Ramar, K. Chidambaram, B. Chandrasekaran, R. Kandasamy, "Standardization, in-silico, and in-vivo safety assessment of methanol extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam leaves," Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, vol. 131,DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105144, 2022.
[19] R. Fecker, I. Z. Magyari-Pavel, I. Cocan, E. Alexa, I. M. Popescu, A. Lombrea, L. Bora, C. A. Dehelean, V. Buda, R. Folescu, C. Danciu, C. Danciu, "Oxidative stability and protective effect of the mixture between helianthus annuus L. And Oenothera biennis L. Oils on 3D tissue models of skin irritation and phototoxicity," Plants, vol. 11 no. 21,DOI: 10.3390/plants11212977, 2022.
[20] S. Montserrat-de la Paz, M. A. Fernández-Arche, M. Ángel-Martín, M. D. García-Giménez, "Phytochemical characterization of potential nutraceutical ingredients from Evening Primrose oil (Oenothera biennis L.)," Phytochemistry Letters, vol. 8, pp. 158-162, DOI: 10.1016/j.phytol.2013.08.008, 2014.
[21] M. I. Qadir, K. Abbas, R. Hamayun, M. Ali, "Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of aqueous ethanolic extract of Tamarix aphylla L. (Saltcedar) in mice," Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, vol. 27 no. 6, pp. 1985-1988, 2014.
[22] M. Adil, G. Dastagir, J. Bakht, A. Ambrin, "Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of medicinally important Achillea millefolium l and chaerophyllum villosum wall EXDC," Pakistan Journal of Botany, vol. 52 no. 3, pp. 971-974, DOI: 10.30848/pjb2020-3(29), 2020.
[23] J. Liu, J. Zhang, M. Zeng, M. Li, S. Xie, X. Zheng, W. Feng, "Anti-pulmonary fibrosis activities of triterpenoids from Oenothera biennis," Molecules, vol. 27 no. 15,DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154870, 2022.
[24] N. H. Mat, S. N. S. Bakar, V. Murugaiyah, M. C. Chawarski, Z. Hassan, "Analgesic effects of main indole alkaloid of kratom, mitragynine in acute pain animal model," Behavioural Brain Research, vol. 439,DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114251, 2023.
[25] M. Bilal, A. Naz, A. S. Khan, R. Ghaffar, R. Ghaffar, A. Abrar, "Assessment of Iris albicans lange as potential antimicrobial and analgesic agent," PLoS One, vol. 18 no. 1,DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280127, 2023.
[26] M. A. Aziz, S. Naher, M. I. Akter, S. M. Rahman, S. R. Sajon, "Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of methanolic extract of Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. leaves," Journal of Research in Pharmacy, vol. 23 no. 2, pp. 198-207, DOI: 10.12991/jrp.2019.125, 2019.
[27] T. Shamala, B. S. Surendra, M. V. Chethana, G. bolakatti, S. Shanmukhappa, "Extraction and isolation of Isoflavonoids from stem bark of Bauhinia purpurea (L): its biological antipsychotic and analgesic activities," Smart Materials in Medicine, vol. 3, pp. 179-187, DOI: 10.1016/j.smaim.2022.01.004, 2022.
[28] S. Madièye, S. B. Firmin, S. Abdou, K. D. Fatou, D. Charlot, N. Mamadou, N. S. Awa, Y. S. Guata, G. Y. Sy, "Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic extract of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. leaves (Arecaceae) and its fractions," African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, vol. 17 no. 2, pp. 43-51, DOI: 10.5897/ajpp2022.5349, 2023.
[29] A. Sumitha, R. Dhanasekaran, A. Archana, S. Sa, S. Thamizharasan, B. Cs, "Phyllanthus seeds Methanolic extract: in vivo evaluation of Analgesic activity," Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, vol. 15 no. 2, pp. 713-716, DOI: 10.52711/0974-360x.2022.00118, 2022.
[30] D. Venkatachalam, B. S. Thavamani, "Evaluation of analgesic activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of leaf of Plumeria rubra in albino rat," Pharmaceutical and Biological Evaluations, vol. 5 no. 2, pp. 52-58, DOI: 10.26510/2394-0859.pbe.2018.06, 2018.
[31] E. Z. Yassine, B. Dalila, E. M. Latifa, B. Smahan, S. Lebtar, A. Sanae, F. Abdellah, "Phytochemical screening, anti-inflammatory activity, and acute toxicity of hydro-ethanolic, flavonoid, tannin and mucilage extracts of Lavandula stoechas L. from Morocco," International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research, vol. 8 no. 1, pp. 31-37, 2016.
[32] A. Bouyahya, F. E. Guaouguaou, N. El Omari, N. El Menyiy, A. Balahbib, M. El-Shazly, Y. Bakri, "Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Moroccan medicinal plants: phytochemistry, in vitro and in vivo investigations, mechanism insights, clinical evidence, and perspectives," Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, vol. 12 no. 1, pp. 35-57, DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2021.07.004, 2022.
[33] M. Shahed-Al-Mahmud, T. Jahan, M. Towhidul Islam, "Antidiarrheal activities of hydroalcoholic extract of Sida cordifolia roots in Wister albino rats," Oriental Pharmacy and Experimental Medicine, vol. 18 no. 1, pp. 51-58, DOI: 10.1007/s13596-017-0295-5, 2018.
[34] M. Wahid, F. Saqib, M. Qamar, Z. M. Ziora, "Antispasmodic activity of the ethanol extract of Citrullus lanatus seeds: justifying ethnomedicinal use in Pakistan to treat asthma and diarrhea," Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 295,DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115314, 2022.
[35] F. Tasleem, "Biomedical analysis on phytopharmaceuticals," 2016. Doctoral dissertation
[36] R. Ventura-Martinez, G. E. Angeles-Lopez, M. E. Gonzalez-Trujano, O. F. Carrasco, M. Deciga-Campos, "Study of antispasmodic and antidiarrheal activities of Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon) in experimental models and its mechanism of action," Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2020,DOI: 10.1155/2020/7140642, 2020.
[37] A. Rauf, M. Akram, P. Semwal, A. A. Mujawah, N. Muhammad, Z. Riaz, N. Munir, D. Piotrovsky, I. Vdovina, A. Bouyahya, C. O. Adetunji, M. A. Shariati, Z. M. Almarhoon, Y. N. Mabkhot, H. Khan, H. Khan, "Antispasmodic potential of medicinal plants: a comprehensive review," Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vol. 2021,DOI: 10.1155/2021/4889719, 2021.
[38] E. Tadesse, E. Engidawork, T. Nedi, G. Mengistu, "Evaluation of the anti-diarrheal activity of the aqueous stem extract of Lantana camara Linn (Verbenaceae) in mice," BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 17 no. 1, pp. 190-198, DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1696-1, 2017.
[39] R. Koster, M. Anderson, E. De Beer, "Acetic acid-induced analgesic screening," Federation Proceedings, vol. 18, 1959.
[40] N. B. Eddy, D. Leimbach, "Synthetic analgesics. II. Dithienylbutenyl-and dithienylbutylamines," Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, vol. 107 no. 3, pp. 385-393, 1953.
[41] C. A. Winter, C. C. Porter, "Effect of alterations in side chain upon anti-inflammatory and liver glycogen activities of hydrocortisone Esters∗∗Merck institute for therapeutic research, west point, Pa," Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association, vol. 46 no. 9, pp. 515-519, DOI: 10.1002/jps.3030460902, 1957.
[42] N. Mascolo, A. A. Izzo, G. Autore, F. Barbato, F. Capasso, "Nitric oxide and castor oil-induced diarrhea," Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, vol. 268 no. 1, pp. 291-295, 1994.
You have requested "on-the-fly" machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Show full disclaimer
Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
Copyright © 2024 Ambrin Ambrin et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (the “License”), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Abstract
Bioactive compounds of medicinal plants, including polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, are essential sources for developing analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiarrheal drugs. In the current study, secondary metabolites were assessed through phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis whereas analgesic activity was carried out through hot plate (HP) and acetic acid-induced method (AAI), anti-inflammatory through paw edema model (PEM), and antispasmodic activity via charcoal meal test (CMT) using ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana var. spontanea and Oenothera biennis. The phytochemical screening revealed that the ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis were rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, triterpenoids, and saponins. GC-MS analysis of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis of ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract showed the existence of many bioactive substances at various retention durations (min). These included pharmacologically active compounds such as heptadecane, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, hexadecanoic acid, and tetradecanoic acid. The results of the HP method revealed that ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of Z. mauritiana and O. biennis at 300 mg/kg increased basal reaction time significantly (
You have requested "on-the-fly" machine translation of selected content from our databases. This functionality is provided solely for your convenience and is in no way intended to replace human translation. Show full disclaimer
Neither ProQuest nor its licensors make any representations or warranties with respect to the translations. The translations are automatically generated "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" and are not retained in our systems. PROQUEST AND ITS LICENSORS SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTIES FOR AVAILABILITY, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, COMPLETENESS, NON-INFRINGMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Your use of the translations is subject to all use restrictions contained in your Electronic Products License Agreement and by using the translation functionality you agree to forgo any and all claims against ProQuest or its licensors for your use of the translation functionality and any output derived there from. Hide full disclaimer
Details


1 Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Qurtuba University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan
2 Department of Chemical and Life Sciences, Qurtuba University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, Pakistan; Centre for Plant Sciences and Biodiversity, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan
3 Division of Botany, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia