Antifungal effects of Paeonia suffruticosa extracts on A. niger
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Comparative antifungal activities of specified and modified secondary metabolites of paeonia suffruticosa root extract against aspergillius niger under different conditions
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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F. Rehman, Samya Mairaj and U. K. Jetley
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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Comparative antifungal activities of specified and modified secondary metabolites of paeonia suffruticosa root extract against aspergillius niger under different conditions
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20169-6961
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study explores the antifungal properties of secondary metabolites extracted from the root of Paeonia suffruticosa, a revered medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic benefits. This research emphasizes the importance of natural compounds in combating fungal infections, particularly given the rising rates of multi-drug resistance (MDR) in recent years. The paper assesses the antifungal activity of phenolic compounds, particularly paeonol and its oxime derivative, against the fungal strain Aspergillus niger under varying conditions of temperature and pH.
Antifungal Activity and Conditions
The antifungal activities of the extracts were evaluated by varying the pH and temperature, with notable findings regarding how these factors influence fungal growth and susceptibility. The study indicated that pH levels significantly affect the growth of A. niger, with maximum growth observed at more acidic conditions (pH 3.34) and reductions in growth at alkaline conditions (pH 11.4). Additionally, the antifungal efficacy was enhanced at higher temperatures (37°C), whereas low temperatures adversely impacted the efficacy of the tested compounds. This emphasizes the necessity of optimizing treatment conditions to enhance the effectiveness of natural antifungal agents.
Isolation and Phytochemical Analysis
The research entailed a detailed process of isolating paeonol from the root extract of Paeonia suffruticosa, followed by a thorough phytochemical screening to identify the beneficial secondary metabolites present in the extract. The isolation process was conducted using chemical methods, followed by characterization through spectral analysis. The findings highlight the diverse array of compounds in the plant that contribute to its medicinal properties, including glycosides, polyphenols, and flavonoids, underscoring the potential of natural products in pharmaceutical applications.
Mechanism of Action
The antifungal mechanism of the isolated compounds involves disruption of fungal cell integrity by affecting the cell membrane's structural components, such as ergosterol and chitin. The study suggests that these compounds interfere with the metabolic pathways of fungi, leading to significant growth inhibition by preventing the synthesis of essential fungal proteins and enzymes. Additionally, the alteration of pH caused by the compounds may influence nutrient availability and fungal metabolism, creating an environment that is less conducive to fungal growth.
Conclusion
The findings from this research underscore the potential of Paeonia suffruticosa and its active compounds as viable antifungal agents, particularly in light of the growing issue of drug resistance in fungal pathogens. With the identified antifungal properties of paeonol and its oxime, there is a compelling case for further investigation into the development of these natural compounds into new therapeutic alternatives. Future research should focus on refining and modifying these extracts to enhance their antifungal potency while minimizing adverse effects, paving the way for novel solutions in fungal infection management.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study conducted by Rehman et al.?
The study investigates the comparative antifungal activities of specified and modified secondary metabolites from Paeonia suffruticosa root extract against Aspergillus niger under various conditions.
What are the key components studied for antifungal activity?
Paeonol and its oxime, both secondary metabolites from the extract, were analyzed for their efficacy against fungal strains, showing promising results compared to standard drugs.
Which conditions significantly affect the antifungal activity observed in the study?
Antifungal activity was influenced by pH levels, temperature, and solvent types, with optimal growth inhibition occurring at alkaline pH and elevated temperatures.
Why are medicinal plants being researched for antifungal properties?
Medicinal plants are being explored as potential antifungal agents due to the increasing issue of multi-drug resistance in existing medications, aiming to find safer, effective alternatives.
How was the effectiveness of the antifungal compounds measured in the study?
The effectiveness was measured by calculating the percent inhibition of fungal growth and determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), providing quantitative insight into the compounds' antifungal potentials.
What conclusion was drawn regarding the use of paeonol and its oxime?
The study concluded that paeonol and its oxime show significant antifungal properties, suggesting potential for development into novel antifungal agents against resistant fungal strains.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antifungal effects of Paeonia suffruticosa extracts on A. niger”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
In the context of the study, 'activity' refers to the measurable antifungal effects that the secondary metabolites of Paeonia suffruticosa exhibit against various fungal strains, particularly Aspergillus niger. The efficacy of these metabolites can vary under different experimental conditions such as concentration, temperature, and pH, highlighting their biological significance.
2) Drug:
The term 'drug' signifies the various compounds tested for their antifungal efficacy, particularly focusing on paeonol and its oxime derived from the root of Paeonia suffruticosa. This research investigates the potential of these natural compounds to serve as effective alternatives to conventional antifungal medications, particularly in light of increasing drug resistance.
3) Medium:
In this research, 'medium' pertains to the specific culture environments used for growing Aspergillus niger to evaluate the antifungal activity of various test compounds. The Richard liquid medium is significant for assessing fungal growth and the effects of solvents on its development, which are critical for the experimental results.
4) Table:
'Table' refers to the structured presentation of data in the study, showcasing results such as the effect of pH, solvents, and concentrations of antifungal agents on the growth of Aspergillus niger. Tables are vital for summarizing findings, thus aiding in the comprehension and analysis of the study's outcomes.
5) Medicine:
'Medicine' in this text denotes the application of various compounds derived from natural sources, such as the paeonol from Paeonia suffruticosa, in treating infections or diseases. It highlights the ongoing bridge between traditional herbal remedies and modern pharmaceutical practices aimed at addressing health issues effectively.
6) Disease:
'Disease' refers to the various health conditions, including fungal infections, that are targeted by the antifungal properties of the extracted compounds. The study emphasizes the importance of discovering new antimicrobial strategies to combat these disease-causing organisms, especially in light of rising multi-drug resistance.
7) Cancer:
The term 'cancer' indicates one of the health conditions for which components from Paeonia suffruticosa are traditionally used. The study mentions the plant's potential therapeutic applications, suggesting the active ingredients may counteract cancer cell growth along with their antifungal properties, showcasing its multifaceted medicinal relevance.
8) Suffering:
'Suffering' highlights the impact of disease on individuals and society as a whole. The text notes health problems that prevalent fungal infections cause to people, thereby indicating the urgency in discovering effective treatments derived from natural sources to alleviate patients' suffering from such ailments.
9) Blood:
In the research, 'blood' alludes to the physiological processes and relevant health conditions affected by the actions of the tested compounds. This study may indirectly relate to blood health through its antimicrobial properties against infections that can affect humoral immunity and overall blood composition in affected individuals.
10) Cina:
'China' is relevant as the native habitat of Paeonia suffruticosa, emphasizing the cultural and traditional significance of this plant in the region. The study acknowledges the research interest in Chinese herbal treatments, reflecting its global influence in pharmaceutical exploration of traditional remedies.
11) Pharmacological:
The term 'pharmacological' pertains to the study and action of drugs and their effects on living systems. This research investigates the pharmacological properties of paeonol and its modifications, underlining their potential in developing new antifungal agents and addressing public health challenges posed by resistant pathogens.
12) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibiotic' refers to conventional medications used against bacterial infections, but the context here contrasts them with natural alternatives derived from plants. The increasing resistance observed in antibiotics highlights the relevance for research to pivot towards discovering effective antifungal and antibacterial agents in the plant kingdom.
13) Phytochemical:
The word 'phytochemical' is significant as it refers to the chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants, such as those found in Paeonia suffruticosa. This study focuses on these phytochemicals, evaluating their biological activities and exploring their potential as novel therapeutic agents against fungal pathogens.
14) Dysmenorrhea (Dysmenorrhoea):
'Dysmenorrhea' is mentioned in the context of the medicinal applications of Paeonia suffruticosa, which has been traditionally used to alleviate menstrual discomfort. This highlights the plant's diverse applicability in treating various conditions, reinforcing its value in both folk medicine and modern pharmaceutical exploration.
15) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
'Accumulation' in the study pertains to the buildup of metabolites or components in the fungal biomass, which may reflect the impact of various treatments on fungal growth and viability. Understanding this aspect is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of antifungal agents and their mode of action.
16) Observation:
In this research, 'observation' refers to the critical findings obtained during the experiments, such as the effects of different conditions on fungal growth. These observations contribute to the overall understanding of antifungal efficacy, informing future research directions and potential applications of the compounds.
17) Discussion:
'Discussion' is the section where the results of the study are interpreted in the context of existing knowledge. It links the experimental findings on the antifungal activities of paeonol to broader themes in pharmacology and medicinal plant research, highlighting their practical implications and future research avenues.
18) Developing:
'Developing' emphasizes the ongoing efforts to discover and formulate new antifungal agents derived from natural sources. The necessity to develop effective treatments addresses the growing challenge of drug resistance, underlining the relevance of the research in improving health outcomes through novel pharmaceutical innovations.
19) Container:
'Container' refers to the sterile environments employed for storing the extracted compounds for further analysis. The use of sterilized containers ensures the integrity of the samples and prevents contamination, which is crucial for obtaining valid and reliable results during pharmacological assessments.
20) Flavonoid:
'Flavonoid' is a class of compounds within the secondary metabolites of plants, including those found in Paeonia suffruticosa. Their significance lies in their antioxidant and potential antimicrobial properties, which support the study's focus on the bioactivity of such compounds against fungal infections, further enriching the pharmacological potential of the plant.
21) Toxicity:
'Toxicity' concerns the adverse effects that synthetic drugs may have on health, driving the investigation into natural compounds with lower toxicity profiles. The study highlights the importance of exploring plant-derived antifungal agents like paeonol to reduce toxicity risks associated with conventional medications while maintaining efficacy.
22) Mountain:
'Mountain' in 'cortex moutan' signifies the specific type of peony root being studied. This term not only identifies the plant from which the antifungal agents are derived but also connects to regional herbal traditions and the ecological aspects vital for understanding the plant's therapeutic potential.
23) Epilepsy:
'Epilepsy' denotes one of the various health conditions traditionally treated with the extracts of Paeonia suffruticosa. The mention of epilepsy showcases the breadth of the plant's medicinal applications, implying that its pharmacological constituents may contribute to managing neurological and systemic disorders while highlighting areas for further research.
24) Species:
'Species' refers to the various forms of organisms studied, particularly focusing on Aspergillus niger in this research. Understanding the specific species of fungi is essential for assessing the antifungal efficacy of the test compounds and their potential applications in treating fungal infections in human health.
25) Nature:
'Nature' reflects the organic origins of the compounds sourced from plants like Paeonia suffruticosa. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing natural resources in medicinal discoveries, underscoring the potential of phytochemicals to offer sustainable solutions to health challenges prevalent in modern medicine.
26) Shamya (Samya):
'Samya', one of the authors mentioned in the study, reflects collaboration in research, highlighting the team effort vital in carrying out the experiments and analyses presented. Contribution from multiple researchers facilitates rigorous scientific inquiry, broadening the scope of findings and supporting further exploration in the field.
27) Ulcer:
'Ulcer' refers to another health issue that is historically addressed by the extracts of Paeonia suffruticosa. Mentioning ulcers reinforces the traditional usage of the plant in treating digestive health concerns while indicating areas where natural remedies can be explored further in addressing various gastrointestinal conditions.
28) Death:
'Death' signifies the severe consequences posed by infections such as fungal diseases, highlighting the need for effective therapies. The study aims to address these critical health threats by exploring natural antifungal agents, emphasizing the urgency of research in developing effective treatments to prevent mortality associated with resistant infections.
29) Study (Studying):
'Study' encompasses the entire research process focused on evaluating the antifungal activity of extracts from Paeonia suffruticosa. It involves investigating various parameters such as concentration, solvent type, and environmental conditions, contributing to a broader understanding of natural antifungal agents and their potential therapeutic applications.
30) Pain:
'Pain' refers to the distress associated with health conditions treated by the medicinal compounds studied. The research aims to discover effective agents for mitigating pain due to infections, highlighting the holistic approach in plant-based medicine where alleviating physical suffering is a key objective through pharmacological means.
31) Soil:
'Soil' signifies the initial source of the fungal strains utilized in the experiments, reflecting the natural habitat where Aspergillus niger was isolated. The interaction between soil microorganisms and plant compounds plays an essential role in understanding ecosystem dynamics and the implications for drug discovery from natural sources.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antifungal effects of Paeonia suffruticosa extracts on A. niger’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Herbal medicine, Temperature condition, Treatment Protocol, Phytochemical screening, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Secondary metabolite, Traditional herbal remedies, Aspergillus niger, Activity index, Chemical constituent, PH range, Multi Drug Resistance, Phenolic components, Antifungal agent, Paeonol, Herbals, Ergosterol content.