Evaluation of Neoscona adianta Spider Extracts: Bioactive Metabolite Contents, Mosquito Larvicidal, and Anti-Plasmodial Activities.
Abstract:
Medicinal plants have long been recognized for their therapeutic properties due to the presence of active ingredients. Helianthus annuus L (Asteraceae), commonly known as “sunflower,” has historically been used to manage and treat various ailments. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo antibacterial effects of crude extracts obtained from Helianthus annuus seeds on Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli.
Phytochemical screening of the methanolic and ethanolic crude extracts revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and phenols. The antibacterial activity of the crude extracts against the test organisms was evaluated, showing inhibition zones ranging from 7.33±0.67 mm to 25.67±0.33 mm at concentrations varying from 60 mg/ml to 480 mg/ml. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts ranged from 0.07±0.03 mg/ml to 2.40±0.06 mg/ml, and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranged from 0.48±0.01 mg/ml to 2.40±0.12 mg/ml.
The acute toxicity study indicated that the LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the subjects) was greater than 2000 mg/kg, signifying the relative safety of the extracts. In the subacute toxicity study, treated groups displayed significant decreases in Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, and Alanine phosphatase levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, while high-density lipoprotein levels increased significantly in the treatment groups. Serum biochemical protein components were comparable to the control group. The haematological study revealed significant increases in mean cell volume, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume levels in most of the treated groups compared to the control group. Importantly, no acute or chronic damage was observed in the hepatic and renal tissues due to the extracts.
The in vivo antibacterial effect of the extracts was confirmed, as they led to a reduction in total bacteria load in treated rats. Therefore, Helianthus annuus seed extracts possess antibacterial effects against Salmonella spp and E. coli and can be considered relatively safe. Further research is necessary to identify the specific active compound(s) responsible for the bactericidal activity. Additionally, the validity and mechanism of the hepato-protective effect of H. annuus seed extracts inferred in this study should be further explored.
Evaluation of Neoscona adianta Spider Extracts: Bioactive Metabolite Contents, Mosquito Larvicidal, and Anti-Plasmodial Activities.