My Publications

List of Publications with Abstracts:

2014:

Asaduzzaman, M.; Uddin, M.J.; Kader, M.A.; Alam, A.H.M.K.; Rahman, A. A.; Rashid, M.; Kato, K.; Tanaka, T.; Takeda M.; Sadik, G. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and the antioxidant properties of Aegle marmelos leaf extract: implications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Psychogeriatrics, 2014, 14: 1-10.

Abstract: Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by loss of memory and cognition. The effective therapeutic options for AD are limited and thus there is a demand for new drugs. Aegle marmelos (Linn.) (A. marmelos) leaves have been used in traditional medicine to promote intellect and enhance memory. In this study, we evaluated A. marmelos for its acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and antioxidant property in vitro in the treatment of AD. Methods: A crude methanol extract and four fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous) were prepared from the leaves of A. marmelos. The preparations were assessed for AChE inhibitory activity by the Ellman method, and their antioxidant properties were assessed by several assays: reducing power, scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and hydroxyl radical, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of endogenous substances in A. marmelos were performed by the standard phytochemical methods. Results: Among the different extracts tested, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest inhibition of AChE activity. In the same way, ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest reducing activity and radical scavenging ability towards the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (half maximal inhibitory concentration = 3.84 μg/mL) and hydroxyl free radicals (half maximal inhibitory concentration = 5.68 μg/mL). The antiradical activity of the ethyl acetate fraction appeared to be similar to that of the reference standard butylated hydroxytoluene and catechin used in this study. In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction displayed higher inhibition of brain lipid peroxidation. Phytochemical screening of different extractives of A. marmelos showed the presence of phenols and flavonoids, alkaloid, saponin, glycoside, tannin and steroids. Quantitative analysis revealed higher contents of phenolics (58.79-mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried extract) and flavonoids (375.73-mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried extract) in the ethyl acetate fraction. Conclusion: The results suggest that ethyl acetate fraction of A. marmelos is a significant source of polyphenolic compounds with potential AChE inhibitory property and antioxidant activity and thus, may be useful in the treatment of AD.

Ali, H.; Rahman, A.F.M.T.; Islam, S.; Mamun, A.; Zannah, S.; Alam, A.H.M.K.; Rahman, A.A.; Rashid, M. Combined Therapy of Pioglitazone and Atorvastatin Alleviate Diabetes in Rats More Effectively than That of Mono Therapy. Pharmacology & Pharmacy, 2014, 5, 504-513.

Abstract: Present research was designated to investigate the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity of the combination of pioglitazone and atorvastatin on long-term alloxan-induced diabetes rats (AIDRs). The experiments were carried out to determine blood glucose level, lipid profile, free radial scavenging activities, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in liver tissue. In addition, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and cardiomyocyte size were also determined by histological analysis. It was found that in short-term induction, pioglitazone significantly reduced the blood glucose level without having any considerable effect on lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) in rats. On the other hand, atorvastatin significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with marked increase in the level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and improved activity of SOD and catalase enzymes. However, pathological changes of heart and pancreas were not observed after shortterm exposure to alloxan in rats. Long-term diabetes induction resulted in LV hypertrophy and prominent shrinkage of islets of Langerhans cells. Treatment with atorvastatin in combination with pioglitazone significantly reduced the LV hypertrophy, TC, TG and LDL level whereas they noticeably increased HDL level, DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity, SOD and catalase activity with satisfactory recovery of Langerhans cells. The result demonstrated that combination therapy was more effective than that of mono-therapy for preventing diabetes with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in rats.

 Ali, M.S.; Dey, A.; Sayeed, M.A.; Rahman, A.A.; Kuddus, M.R.; Rashid, M.A. In vivo sedative and cytotoxic activities of methanol extract of leaves of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham. Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 2014, 17 (3): 439-442.

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the sedative and cytotoxic activities of a crude methanol extract of leaves of Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham. Sedative activity was evaluated by using hole cross, open field and Elevated-Plus Maze (EPM) tests at 400 mg kg-1 body weight. The crude extract decreased the locomotor activity of mice in hole cross, open field and EPM tests. The cytotoxic activity of this extract was determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay where the LC₅₀ value was found to be 55.46 μg mL^-1 as compared to that of 0.451 μg mL^-1 exhibited by standard vincristine sulphate. The result shows that the crude extract of the leaves of C. nurvala have significant (*p<0.05) sedative and cytotoxic activities.

2013:

Rahman, A.F.M.T.; Islam, M.S.; Ali, M.H.; Alam, A.H.M.K.; Rahman,M.A.A.; Sadik, M.G.; Rashid, M. Nigella sativa Oil Potentiates the Effects of Pioglitazone on Long Term Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats. Bang. Pharma. J., 2013, 16(2): 143-151.

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of combination of Nigella sativa oil and pioglitazone on long-term alloxan-induced diabetic rats. In short-term (two weeks) alloxan-induced diabetic rats, N. sativa oil (NSO) reduced significant amount of glucose in blood, TC, TG and LDL-C and increased significant amount of HDL-C compared to diabetic rats. However, pathological changes of pancreas’s Islets of Langerhans were observed after long-term (four weeks) induction of alloxan in rats. Administration of NSO recovered Langerhans cells from shrinkage whereas pioglitazone displayed slight recovery. But the combination therapy showed complete recovery of Langerhans cells as compared with diabetic rats. Combination of drugs significantly reduced the TC, TG and LDL-C level as well as increased significant amount of HDL-C level to the normal level. Combination also increased DPPH free radical scavenging activity compared with diabetic rats. The results suggest that treatment with combination therapy was more effective than mono-therapy for preventing diabetes as N. sativa oil potentiates the effects of pioglitazone on long term alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Islam, S.; Nasrin, S.; Khan, M.A.; Hossain, A. S. M. S.; Islam, F.; Khandokhar, P.; Mollah, M. N. H.; Rashid, M.; Sadik, G.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Alam, A. H. M. K. Evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer properties of the seed extracts of Syzygium fruticosum Roxb. growing in Rajshahi, Bangladesh. BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2013, 13:142 (doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-142).

Abstract: Background: The use of plants and their derived substances increases day by day for the discovery of therapeutic agents owing to their versatile applications. Current research is directed towards finding naturally-occurring antioxidants having anticancer properties from plant origin since oxidants play a crucial role in developing various human diseases. The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant and anticancer properties of Sygygium fruticosum (Roxb.) (abbreviated as SF). Methods: The dried coarse powder of seeds of SF was exhaustively extracted with methanol and the resulting crude methanolic extract (CME) was successively fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate to get petroleum ether (PEF), chloroform (CHF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and lastly aqueous (AQF) fraction. The antioxidant activities were determined by several assays: total antioxidant capacity assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay. The in vivo anticancer activity of SF was determined on Ehrlich’s Ascite cell (EAC) induced Swiss albino mice. Results: All the extractives showed strong antioxidant activities related to the standard. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the fractions was in the following order: EAF>AQF>CME>PEF>CHF. The TAC of EAF at 320 μg/mL was 2.60±0.005 which was significantly higher (p < 0.01) than that of standard catechin (1.37 ± 0.005). The ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity of the extracts was in the following order: EAF>AQF>CME>AA>CHF>PEF. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the IC₅₀ value of EAF was 4.85 μg/mL, whereas that of BHT was 9.85 μg/mL. In hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay, the EAF showed the most potent inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 43.3 and 68.11 μg/mL, respectively. The lipid peroxidation inhibition assay was positively correlated (p < 0 .001) with both DPPH free radical scavenging and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. The total phenolic contents of SF were also positively correlated (p < 0 .001) with DPPH free radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay. Based on antioxidant activity, EAF was selected for cytotoxic assay and it was found that EAF inhibited 67.36% (p < 0.01) cell growth at a dose of 50 mg/kg (ip) on day six of EAC cell incubation. Conclusion: Our results suggest that EAF of seeds of SF possess significant antioxidant and moderate anticancer properties. Seeds of SF may therefore be a good source for natural antioxidants and a possible pharmaceutical supplement.

Khatun, M.; Parvin, S.; Islam, E.; Islam, R.; Rahman, A.A.; Alam, A.H.M.K.; Khondhokar, P.; Rashid, M. Estimation of total phenol content and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Albizia procera leaves. BMC Res. Notes, 2013, 6: 121 (doi:10.1186/1756-0500-6-121)..

Abstract: Methods: Antioxidant activity of the methanol extract and its derived fractions petroleum ether (APP), carbon tetrachloride (APC), dichloromethane (APD), ethyl acetate (APE), and residual aqueous fraction (APA) of the leaves of Albizia procera was performed by in vitro chemical analyses. Total phenolic content of the APM and other five fractions were also determined. APM and its derived fractions were also subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening test for various constituents. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, steroids, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids in the extracts. Amongst the extracts, APE showed the highest total phenolic content (449.18 ± 18.41mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of extract). In DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging test, the IC50 value of APM, APP, APC, APD, APE and APA was 43.43, 63.60, 166.18, 41.15, 11.79, and 63.06 μg/mL, respectively. Therefore, among the APM and its derived fractions, APE showed the highest antioxidant activity which is comparable to that of standard ascorbic acid (AA) (IC50 10.12 μg/mL). The total antioxidant capacity was found to be varied in different fractions. The reducing activity on ferrous ion was ranked as APE > APD > APM > APA > APC. Conclusion: The above evidences suggest that APE of A. procera leaf is a potential source of natural antioxidant and can be used to prevent diseases associated with free radicals.

Khan, M.A.; Rahman, A. A.; Islam, S.; Khandokhar, P.; Parvin, S.; Islam, M.B.; Hossain, M.; Rashid, M.; Sadik, G.; Nasrin, S.; Mollah, M.N.; Alam, A. H. M. K. A comparative study on the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from different parts of Morus alba L. (Moraceae). BMC Res. Notes, 2013, 6:24 (doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-24).

Abstract: Background: Antioxidants play an important role to protect damage caused by oxidative stress (OS). Plants having phenolic contents are reported to possess antioxidant properties. The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant properties and phenolic contents (total phenols, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthrocyanidins) of methanolic extracts from Morus alba (locally named as Tut and commonly known as white mulberry) stem barks (TSB), root bark (TRB), leaves (TL) and fruits (TF) to make a statistical correlation between phenolic contents and antioxidant potential. Methods: The antioxidant activities and phenolic contents of methanolic extractives were evaluated by in vitro standard method using spectrophotometer. The antioxidant activities were determined by total antioxidant capacity, DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine) radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, ferrous reducing antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation inhibition assay methods. Results: Among the extracts, TSB showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by TRB, TF and TL. Based on DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, the TSB extract was the most effective one with IC₅₀ 37.75 and 58.90 μg/mL, followed by TRB, TF and TL with IC₅₀ 40.20 and 102.03; 175.01 and 114.63 and 220.23 and 234.63 μg/mL, respectively. The TSB extract had the most potent inhibitory activity against lipid peroxidation with IC₅₀ 145.31 μg/mL. In addition, the reducing capacity on ferrous ion was in the following order: TSB>TRB >TL>TF. The content of phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidins of TSB was found to be higher than other extractives. Conclusion: The results indicate high correlation and regression (p-value <0 .001) between phenolic contents and antioxidant potentials of the extracts, hence the Tut plant could serve as effective free radical inhibitor or scavenger which may be a good candidate for pharmaceutical plant-based products. However, further exploration is necessary for effective use in both modern and traditional system of medicines.

Ali, Y.; Islam, M. S.; Alam, A.H.M. K.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Mamun, A.; Hossain, M.K.; Hossain, A.K.M. M.; Parvin, M. S.; Rashid, M. Inhibitory effects of Nigella sativa seed extract on adrenaline-induced dyslipidemia and left ventricular hypertrophy in rats. J. Sci. Res. 2013, 5 (2): 325-334.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Nigella sativa seed extract (abbreviated as NSSE) on adrenaline-induced dyslipidemia and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in rats. Intraperitoneal injection of adrenaline for two weeks induced dyslipidemia whereas injection of adrenaline for four weeks induced both dyslipidemia and LVH significantly, compared with normal rats. Injection of NSSE with different doses (0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight, BW) on adrenaline-induced dyslipidemic rats (AIDRs) for two weeks significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C and increased HDL-C compared with AIDRs and the most effective dose was 1.5 mg/kg BW. Treatment with NSSE (1.5 mg/kg BW) on AIDRs for eight weeks, significant anti-dyslipidemic effect was observed. Moreover, NSSE significantly increased free radical scavenging activity and attenuated the LVH and cardiomyocyte size compared with AIDRs. The results suggested that the anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidative and inhibitory effects of NSSE on LVH were closely resembled to that of atorvastatin, a most effective lipid lowering agent. Therefore, NSSE might be used as a therapeutic alternative or as a combination with drug in the treatment of dyslipidemia and LVH.

Ali, M.S.; Sayeed, M.A.; Nabi, M.M.; Rahman, M.A.A. In vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Methanol Extract of Leucas aspera Leaves. J. Pharmacog. Phytochem., 2013, 2 (1): 8-13.

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, cytotoxicity of methanol extract of the Leucas aspera leaves.The drug development programs in the pharmaceutical industry. Herbal drugs have gained importance in recent years because of their efficacy and cost effectiveness. In the continuation of this strategy of new drug discovery we have studied the fresh leaves of Leucas aspera. In vitro antioxidant activity of extract was studied using DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, total phenol and total flavonoid content determination assays. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was found promising. The reducing power of this crude extract increase with the increase of concentration; IC₅₀ values of DPPH scavenging activity was 150μg/ml; Total phenol and total flavonoid content was 131.15 and 135.85 mg/ml respectively. The cytotoxic activity of crude extract was determined using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and LC₅₀ values of the sample was 30.00μg/ml where as for standard vincristin sulphate was 10.44μg/ml as a positive control.

Mamun, A.; Islam, S.; Alam, A.H.M.K.; Rahman, M.A.A.; Rashid, M. Effects of ethanolic extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves on Alloxan-Induced Diabetes with Dyslipidemia in Rats. Bang. Pharma. J., 2013, 16 (1): 27-31.

Abstract: Diabetes associated dyslipidemia is one of the major causes of disability in western as well as in developing countries. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis (EHBS) leaves on alloxan-induced diabetes with dyslipidemia in rats. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetes with most effective observed dose (2.0 mg/kg body weight) of EHBS for 1 week significantly reduced glucose level, TC, TG and LDL-C, with the increase of HDL-C and weight of kidney, pancreas and liver when compared with diabetic rats. The observation was also made for consecutive 4 weeks to confirm the results obtained in one week model. Like one week, we got similar results when the treatment of alloxan-induced rats was done with the EHBS for 4 weeks. The results indicated that the EHBS leaves, in comparison with metformin, had profound hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities.

Ali, M.S; Faruq, K.O.; Rahman, M.A.A.; Hossain, M.A. Antioxidant and cytotoxic ativities of methanol extract of Urena lobata (L) Leaves. The Pharma Innov., 2013, 2 (2): 9-14.

Abstract: The methanol extract of leaves of Urena lobata (L) (Malvaceae) has been selected to determine the antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials. The crude extract were tested for in vitro free radical scavenging assays such as 1, 1 diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Total phenolic and flavonoids content of U. lobata were analyzed. The sample effectively scavenged free radical at all different concentrations and showed potent antioxidant activity. Finally cytotoxic activity has been assayed using brine shrimp lethality bioassay where vincristine sulphate was used as standard. The antoxidant results were compared with standard antioxidant such as ascorbic acid and quercetin. The whole study shows that the crude methanol leaves-extract has potent antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.

2012:

Islam, M. S.; Alam, A. H. M. K.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Ali, Y.; Mamun, A.; Rahman, M; Hossain, A. K. M. M.; Rashid, M. Effects of Combination of Antidiabetic agent and statin on alloxan-induced Diabetes with cardiovascular diseases in rats. J. Sci. Res., 2012, 4 (3), 709-720.

Abstract: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of combination drugs (metformin and atorvastatin) on long-term alloxan-induced diabetes with CVD in rats. In short-term alloxan-induced diabetic rats, metformin reduced significant amount of glucose in blood, but it had no significant effect on lipid profile. Atorvastatin significantly reduced TC, TG and LDL-C, whereas it increased significant amount of HDL-C. However, pathological changes of heart were not observed after short-term induction of alloxan in rats. In long-term induction of diabetes by alloxan, LV hypertrophy was observed and cardimyocyte size in rats was increased. Atorvastatin alone and in combination with metformin significantly reduced the LV hypertrophy, cardiomyocyte size, TC, TG and LDL-C level. They increased significant amount of HDL-C level and showed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Present findings may suggest that treatment with combination therapy is more effective than mono-therapy for preventing diabetes with CVD in rats.

Chowdhury, M. A.; Rahman, M. M.; Chowdhury, M. R. H.; Alam, M. M. S.; Rahman, M. A. A. Antidiarrheal activity of Polypodium leucotomos. Phytopharmacology, 2012, 3(2): 245-251.

Abstract: The rhizomes of Polypodium leucotomos are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of diarrhea. Thus the methanol extract of P. leucotomos rhizomes was investigated for its antidiarrheal property against experimental diarrhea induced by castor oil in rats. Castor oil induced diarrhea, castor oil induced enteropooling and gastrointestinal motility test were used to investigate antidiarrheal activity of the rhizome extract at different concentrations (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight). The diarrheal episode was inhibited by 19% and 41.77% at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively. The extract significantly (p < 0.01) lessened the intestinal volume (1.93 ± 0.18 - 1.60 ± 0.06 ml) compared to control (2.79 ± 0.18 ml) in castor oil induced enteropooling and also decreased in intestinal transit (16.26 - 27.93%) comparable to that of standard drug loperamide (5 mg/kg). These findings demonstrate that the rhizome extract of P. leucotomos rhizomes have excellent antidiarrheal activity.

Monira, S.; Haque, A.; Muhit, A.; Sarker, N. C.; Alam, A. H. M. K.; Rahman, A. A.; Khondkar, P. Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Properties of Hypsizygus tessulatus Cultivated in Bangladesh. Res. J. Med. Plant, 2012, 6 (4): 300-308.

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to evaluate certain biological properties of Hypsizygus tessulatus. Metabolic extract of submerged culture and mycelia mats of H. tessulatus mycelium was taken for investigating cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity using brine shrimp lethality bioassay and disc diffusion technique, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract showed higher antibacterial activity than chloroform extract against the Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The average zone of inhibition for ethyl acetate extract was in the range of 17-22 mm. Ethanol extract of mycelia mats of H. tessulatus showed significant antioxidant property using 1,1-diphenyl-2-pecrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay along with total phenol content demonstrated moderate activity with IC₅₀ value of 105 μg mL^-1 and 36.45±1.754 g/100 g, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity of H. tessulatus was 442.61 mg equivalents of ascorbic acid. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, LC₅₀ values obtained from the best fit line slope were 7.36 and 10.63 μg mL^-1 for ethyl acetate and chloroform extract, respectively. The study reveals that H. tessulatus mushroom has potential antimicrobial effect with moderate anticancer and antioxidant activity.

Zhang, J; Rahman, A.A.; Jain, S.; Jacob, M.R.; Khan, S.I.; Tekwani, B.L.; Ilias, M. Antimicrobial and antiparasitic abietane diterpenoids from Cupressus sempervirens. Research and Reports in Med. Chem., 2012, 2: 1-6.

Abstract: Cupressus sempervirens L. (Cupressaceae) is a species of cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region. The ethanol extract of the powdered cones (fruits) of this plant, collected from Oxford, Mississippi during the fall of 2010, exhibited potent antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities. Bioassay-guided fractionation using a centrifugal preparative thin-layer chromatography yielded two potent antileishmanial and antimicrobial diterpenes, 6-deoxytaxodione (11-hydroxy-7, 9(11), 13-abietatrien-12-one) (1) and taxodione (2), together with ferruginol (3) and sugiol (4). Compounds 1 and 2 displayed potent antileishmanial activity with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 0.077 μg/mL and 0.025 μg/mL, respectively, against Leishmania donovani promastigotes, compared to those of the standard antileishmanial drugs, pentamidine (IC₅₀ 1.62 μg/mL) and amphotericin B (IC₅₀ 0.11 μg/mL). Compounds 1-3 were also evaluated against L. donovani amastigotes in THP1 macrophage cultures. In addition, both 1 and 2 showed potent antibacterial activities (IC₅₀ 0.80 and 0.85 μg/mL) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Compounds 1 and 2 had previously been isolated from Clerodendrum eriophyllum, where 2 showed potent cytotoxic activity. However, this is the first report of antimicrobial and antileishmanial activities of compound 1.

Naher, N; Alam, A.H.M. K.; Islam, S.; Mamun, Al; Hossain, A. K. M. M.; Rahman, A. A.; Rashid, M. Effects of Acacia nilotica Leaves Extract on Adrenaline induced Hyperlipidemia and Cardiac Remodeling in Rats. Bangladesh Pharm. J., 2012, 15 (2): 135-139.

Abstract: Hyperlipidemia is one of the major causes of disability in western as well as in developing countries. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the ethanolic leaves extract of Bangladeshi medicinal plant Acacia nilotica (AN) on adrenaline-induced hyperlipidemia and cardiac remodeling in rats. The plant extract and commercial lipid lowering drug atorvastatine were administered in adrenaline-induced hyperlipidemic rats (AIHRs) through intraperitoneal route for one week at a dose of 30 mg and 0.04 mg per 150 gm body weight, respectively. The AN extract showed a significant (P<0.01) decrease in lipid profile, and reducing the left ventricular hypertrophy (heart weight/body weight), heart weight, cardiac myocytes size as well as kidney, pancreas and liver weight of AIHRs. The observation was also made for consecutive four weeks (long term treatment) to confirm the results obtained in one week model. The results indicated that the leaves extract of Acacia nilotica in comparison with atorvastatine has got profound hypolipidemic and anticardiac remodeling activities.

2011:

Rahman, A. A.; Samoylenko, V.; Jacob, M. R.; Sahu, R.; Jain, S. K.; Khan, S. I.; Tekwani, B. L.; Muhammad, I. Antiparasitic and Antimicrobial Indolizidines from the Leaves of Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa. Planta Med, 2011, 77: 1639-1643.

Abstract: A new indolizidine alkaloid, named D^1,6-juliprosopine (1), together with previously known indolizidine analogs (2-6), was isolated from the leaves of Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa, collected from Nevada, USA; while two other known indolizidines juliprosopine (6) and juliprosine (7) were isolated from P. glandulosa leaves collected in Texas, USA. The structures of compound 1 and 7 were determined using a combination of NMR and MS techniques. Compound 7 exhibited potent antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum D6 and W2 strains with IC₅₀ values of 170 and 150 ng/mL, respectively, while 1 was found to be less active (IC₅₀ values 560 and 600 ng/mL). Both the compounds were devoid of VERO cells toxicity up to a concentration of 23800 ng/mL. The antileishmanial activity of indolizidines was evaluated against Leishmania donovani promastigotes, axenic amastigotes and amastigotes in THP1 macrophage cultures. When tested against macrophage cultures, the tertiary bases (1, 3, 6) were found to be more potent than quaternary salts (2, 5, 7), displayed IC₅₀ values between 0.8-1.7 μg/mL and 3.1-6.0 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, compound 7 showed potent antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium intracellulare, while 1 was potent only against C. neoformans and weakly active against other organisms.

Tantry, M. A.; Rahman, A. A. Amplexicine-An antioxidant flavan-3-ol from Polygonum amplexicaule, Nat. Prod. Comm. 2011, 6 (11): 1597-1598.

Abstract: Bioassay guided fractionation of ethanolic extract of Polygonum amplexicaule led to the isolation of Amplexicine, a new flavan-3-ol (1) along with khellactone (2). The structure of isolates was established by UV, IR, HRESI/MS and NMR including 1D and 2D experiments. Compound 1 exhibited considerable antioxidant activity in a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay.

Rahman, A. A.; Samoylenko, V.; Jain, S. K.; Tekwani, B. L.; Khan, S. I.; Jacob, M. R.; Midiwo, J. O.; Hester, J. P.; Walker, L. A.; Muhammad, I. Antiparasitic and Antimicrobial Isoflavanquinones from Abrus schimperi. Nat. Prod. Comm. 2011, 6 (11): 1645-1650.

Abstract: The EtOH extract of Abrus schimperi (Fabaceae), collected in Kenya, demonstrated significant activity against Leishmania donovani promastigotes with IC₅₀ value of 3.6 µg/mL. Bioassay-guided fractionation of CHCl₃ fraction using Centrifugal Preparative TLC afforded two antiparasitic isoflavanquinones, namely amorphaquinone (1) and pendulone (2). They displayed IC₅₀ values of 0.63 µg/mL and 0.43 µg/mL, respectively, against L. donovani promastigotes. Both the compounds were also evaluated against L. donovani axenic amastigotes and amastigotes in THP1 macrophage cultures. In addition, compounds 1 and 2 showed antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum D6 and W2 strains, while 2 displayed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (each IC₅₀ 1.44 µg/mL). The ¹H and ¹³C data of 1, not fully assigned previously, were unambiguously assigned using 1D and 2D NMR HMBC and HMQC experiments. In addition, the absolute stereochemistry of the isolated compounds 1 and 2 was revised as C-(3S) based on Circular Dichroism experiments. This appears to be the first report of amorphaquinone (1) and pendulone (2) from the genus Abrus.

2010:

Moon, S. -S.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Manir, M. M.; Ahamed, V. S. j. Kaempferol Glycosides and Cardenolide Glycosides, Cytotoxic Constituents from the Seeds of Draba nemorosa (Brassicaceae). Archive Phar. Res. 2010, 33 (8): 1169-1173.

Abstract: Bioassay-directed fractionation of a methanolic extract from the seeds of Draba nemorosa (Brassicaceae) led to isolation of a new flavonol glycoside, drabanemoroside (5, kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranose) along with four known flavonoid derivatives (1-4), four cardenolide glycosides (6-9). Kaempferol glycosides 2 and 5 showed strong cytotoxicity against human small lung cancer cell line A549 and melanoma SK-Mel-2 with an IC₅₀ of 0.5 μg/mL and 1.9 μg/mL, respectively. Cardenolide glycosides 6-9 showed potent cytotoxicity (A549) in the range of 0.01-0.032 μg/mL. Their structures were characterized based on spectroscopic data (2D NMR, HRTOFMS, IR, and UV) and comparison of literature values. The carbohydrate units were also confirmed by comparing the hydrolysate of 5 with authentic monosaccharides.  

2008:

Moon, S. -S.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Kim, J. -Y.; Kee, S. -H. Hanultarin, a cytotoxic lignan as an inhibitor of actin cytoskeleton polymerization from the seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2008, 16: 7264-7269.

Abstract: Bioactivity-directed fractionation of extracts from the seeds of Trichosanthes kirilowii led to the isolation of (-)-1-O-feruloylsecoisolariciresinol (2), named hanultarin, In addition, four known lignans were also isolated, including (-)-secoisolariciresinol (1), 1,4-O-diferuloylsecoisolariciresinol (3), (-)-pinoresinol (4), and 4-ketopinoresinol (5). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited strong cytotoxic effects against human lung carcinoma A549 cells, melanoma SK-Mel-2 cells, and mouse skin melanoma B16F1 cells with IC₅₀ ranges of 3–13 μg/mL. Compound 2 showed an inhibitory effect on the polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton in normal epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT cells), suggesting unique biological properties of compound 2 compared to those of the other isolates.

2007

Rahman, M. A. A.; Moon, S. -S. Antioxidant polyphenol glycosides from the plant Draba nemorosa. Bull. Korean Chem. Soc. 2007, 28 (5): 827-831.

Abstract: Bioassay-directed fractionation of Draba nemorosa led to the isolation of two new phenolic glycosides, 1-O-(sinapoyl)-glucitol (2) and 1,3-disinapoylgentiobiose (5) along with five known phenolic glycosides (1, 3, 4, 6, and 7). Their structures were characterized based on spectroscopic methods (2D NMR, HRTOFMS, IR, and UV). The isolated compounds showed antioxidant activities (IC₅₀) in the range of 14-98 mM which were estimated by DPPH radical-scavenging assay.

Rahman, M. A. A.; Cho, S. -C.; Song, J.; Mun, H. -T.; Moon, S. -S. Dendrazawayne A and B, Antifungal Polyacetylenes from Dendranthema zawadskii Herbich (Asteraceae). Planta Medica 2007, 73: 1089-1094.

Abstract: Two new C₁₄ polyacetylenes dendrazawayne A (7) and dendrazawayne B (9) together with known C₁₃ polyacetylenes (2, 3), C₁₄ polyacetylenes (1, 4, and 8) and polyacetylene amides (5 and 6) were isolated from the roots of Dendranthema zawadskii. The structures of 7 and 9 were elucidated based on spectroscopic methods including 2D-NMR, HRTOFMS, IR, and UV. Compound 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 showed moderate activity against tumor cell lines (human small lung cancer cell line A549, melanoma SK-Mel-2, and mouse melanoma B16F1) with IC₅₀ range of 7.4-30 μg/mL. Compound 7 and 9, including other polyacetylenes showed strong activity against the fungus Trichophyton (MIC, 5-10 μg/mL).

Rahman, M. A. A.; Moon, S. -S. Antimicrobial phenolic derivatives from Dendranthema zawadskii var. latilobum Kitamura (Asteraceae). Archive Phar. Res. 2007, 30 (11):1374-1379.

Abstract: Phytochemical study on the root of Dendranthema zawadskii var. latilobum Kitamura has led to the isolation of (1S,2S)-1,2,3-trihydroxy-1-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propane (1), 4-methoxycinnamic acid (2), acacetin (3), and caffeic acid methyl ester (4) by a series of purification of silica gel column chromatography and reversed phase C-18 HPLC. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, HRTOFMS, and NMR) as well as by comparison of their spectral data with previously reported values. Compound 1 was isolated for the first time and compounds, 2 and 4, are first report from this plant. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the compounds isolated were measured using disc diffusion method. Also, cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines, A549, B16F1, and SK-Mel-2, and brine shrimp lethality were evaluated.

Rahman, M. A. A.; Moon, S. -S. Isoetin 5’-methyl ether, A Cytotoxic flavone from Trichosanthes kirilowii. Bull. Korean Chem. Soc. 2007, 28 (8): 1261-1263.

Abstract: Bioassay-directed fractionations of the seed extracts of Trichosanthes kirilowii­, have resulted in the isolation of two new compounds, 2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxo-1-propanol (2), and isoetin 5’-methyl ether (5,7,2’,4’-tetrahydroxy-5’-methoxyflavone) (3), together with two known compounds, 7-hydroxychromone (1) and 5,7,4’-trihydroxy-3’,5’-dimethoxyflavone (tricin, 4). Their structures were characterized by spectroscopic analysis such as 2D-NMR, HRTOFMS, and UV. Compound 3 showed cytotoxicity against human lung cancer cell line A549, human skin melanoma SK-Mel-2, and mouse melanoma B16F1, with IC₅₀ of 0.92, 8.0, and 7.23 μg/mL, respectively.

2004:

Rashid, M. H. O.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Sadik, M. G.; Habib, M. A.; Gafur, M. A.; Toxicological  studies of a  novel acrylamide derivetive  isolated from Ipomoea Turpethum. Bangladesh J.  Physiol. Pharmacol. 2004, 20 (1-2): 16-18.

Abstract: The subacute toxicity of a plant metabolite, 3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxy phenyl)-ethyl]-acrylamide (H-1), isolated from Ipomoea turpethum (family Convolvulaceae) was studied on long Evan’s rats. The studies include the gross general observation such as changes in body weight, haematological profiles [total count of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC), differential count of WBC, platelet count and haemoglobin (Hb) %], biochemical parameters of blood [serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase, uric acid and creatinine] and histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen of both control and experimental groups of rats. The change of haematological and biochemical parameters were statistically not significant after the administration of metabolite in a dose of 300 mg rat-1 day-1 for consecutive 14 days. No abnormalities were also found in the histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen in the experimental group of rats following same dose, when compared with the control group. This preliminary toxicological study suggests that the plant metabolite may be used safely for clinical trial.

2003:

Sultana, B.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Al-Bari, M. A.; Banu, M. L. A.; Islam, M. S.; Khatune, N. A.; Sadik, G. In vitro antimicrobial screening of three cadmium coordination complexes and two addition compounds of antimony and arsenic. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2003, 6 (5): 525-527.

Abstract: Three cadmium coordination complexes (cadmium deprotonated phthalyl pyridine [Cd(DPH)(Py)₂, C₁], cadmium deprotonated phthalyl 8-hydroxy quinoline [Cd(DPH)-8-HQ, C₂] & cadmium deprotonated phthalyl isoquinoline [Cd(DPH)IQ, C₃] and two addition compounds  1:1 antimony(III) chloride with acetophenone [SbCl₃.C₆H₅COCH₃, C₄] & 1:1 arsenic(III)bromide with benzamide [AsBr₃.C₆H₅CONH₂, C₅] were tested for their antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion and serial dilution methods. All the compounds were active against various test pathogenic organisms. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities were shown by the compound C₄. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compound C₄ was determined against two Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus β-haemolyticus) and two Gram negative (Shilgella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi) bacteria and the values were found between 4 and 16 μg/ml.

Khatune, N. A.; Islam, M. E.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Mosaddik, M.  A.; Haque, M. E. In vivo cytotoxic evaluation of a new benzofuran derivative isolated from Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis L. on ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells (EAC) in mice. J. Med. Sci. 2003, 3 (2): 169-173.

Abstract: The potential cytotoxic effect of a new benzofuran derivative, 4-hydroxy hexahydrobenzofuran-7-one isolated from Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn was evaluated on Ehrlich Ascite Carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss Albino mice. 4-Hydroxy hexahydrobenzofuran-7-one was administered in a daily dose of 20 mg kg-1 of mouse after inoculation of Ehrlich Ascite Carcinoma (EAC) cell to the mice. After 5 days, the growth inhibition of cell in percentage was determined in comparison with control mice and it was found that there was no significant difference between average no. of cells counted after treatment in mice receiving 4-hydroxy hexahydrobenzofuran-7-one and in control mice (2.15±0.031) x 10⁷ vs (3.79±0.019) x10⁷ cells, respectively. The compound inhibited the cell growth by 43.27% only. 4-Hydroxy hexahydrobenzofuran-7-one (20 mg kg-1 mouse day-1) over 5 days had no significant cytotoxic effect in mice in dose of 20-mg kg-1 mouse for 5 days.

Uddin, M. K.; Sayeed, M. A.; Islam, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Sadik, M. G. Purification, characterization and cytotoxic activity of two flavonoids from Oroxylum indicum Vent. (Bignoniaceae). Asian J. Plant Sci. 2003, 2 (6):515-518.

Abstract: Phytochemical examination of the ethyl acetate extract of root parts of Oroxylum indicum Vent. has led to the isolation of two flavonoid: 2,5-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy flavone and 3,7,3’,5’-tetramethoxy-4-hydroxy flavone by a combination of column and preparative thin layer Chromatography. The structure of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis as well as by comparison of their spectral data with previously reported values. The cytotoxicity of these two compounds and crude petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts was done by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC₅₀ values of compound 1 and 2 and petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were found to be 14.12, 3.80, 3.97, 6.02 and 8.70 μg/ml, respectively.

Rashid, M.H.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Gafur M.A.; Sadik, G.; Alam, A. H. M. K.; Sugimoto, M.; Chowdhury R.; Rashid, M. A. Chemical constituents of Ipomoea turpethum. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 2003, 2(2): 73-76.

Abstract: Chromatographic separation and purification of the organic solvent extracts of Ipomoea turpethum stem bark afforded a total of three compounds, daucosterol (1), salicylic acid (2) and N-p-trans-coumarolyltyramine (3). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analyses, including ¹H and ¹³C NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and mass spectroscopy. These compounds are hitherto unknown from I. turpethum.

Uddin, M. K.; Sayeed, M. A.; Islam, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Sadik, M. G. Biological activities of extracts and two flavonoids from Oroxylum indicum Vent. (Bignoniaceae). Online J.  Bio. Sci. 2003, 3 (3): 371-375.

Abstract: The chromatographic examination of the ethyl acetate extract of a local plant Oroxylum indicum Vent. (Family: Bignoniaceae) has led to the isolation of two flavonoids: 2,5-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy flavone (Compound 1) and 3,7,3´,5´-tetramethoxy-4-hydroxy flavone (Compound 2). The in vitro anti microbial activity of crude petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts and compound 1 and 2 was screened against fourteen (five Gram-positive and nine Gram-negative) pathogenic bacteria and seven pathogenic fungi using the disk diffusion method. The zones of inhibition produced by the crude petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts and compound 1 and 2 against pathogenic bacteria were found between 8-16, 8-19, 0-8, 9-18, and 9-21 mm respectively and against pathogenic fungi, 8-20, 8-18, 9-15, 9-20 and 7-18 mm respectively. The crude petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts and compound 1 and 2 showed mild to moderate activity against all bacteria and fungi, whereas the methanol extract showed little activity against bacteria but moderate activity against fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compound 1 and 2 were measured against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Shigella dysenteriae and the values were found to be between 64-128 mg/ml.

2002:

Rashid, M. H. O.; Gafur, M. A.; Sadik, M. G.; Rahman, M. A. A. Biological activities of a new acrylamide derivative from Ipomoea turpethum. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2002, 5 (9): 968-969.

Abstract: The acrylamide derivative, 3-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-N-[2-(4-hydroxy phenyl)-ethyl]-acrylamide (H-1) was screened against thirteen pathogenic bacteria for its antibacterial activities. The zones of inhibition produced by the test materials were found between 11 and 20 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was also measured against Bacillus subtilis and Shigella dysenteriae and the value was found to be 128 μg/ml. The cytotoxic activity was also measured by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the LC₅₀ values of H-1 and standard ampicillin trihydrate were found to be 56.23 and 6.13 μg/ml.

Rahman, M. A. A.; Gafur, M. A.; Islam, M. E.; Islam, M. A. U.; Chowdhury, M. A. U. Sub-acute toxicity studies of a  metabolite  of Streptomyces species. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2002, 5 (10): 1067-1069.

Abstract: The subacute toxicity study of a brown antimicrobial metabolite Di-(2-ethyl hexyl)-Phthalate (AK₂), isolated from the culture filtrate of a Streptomyces species, was carried out on long Evan`s rats. The studies include the gross general observations such as changes in body weight, haematological profiles [such as total count of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC), differential count of WBC, platelet count and haemoglobin (Hb) percentage], biochemical parameters of blood such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum alkaline phosphatase, uric acid and creatinine and histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen of both control and experimental groups of rats. The change of haematological and biochemical parameters were statistically insignificant. No abnormalities were found in the histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen in the experimental group of rats at a dose of 200 μg/rat/day for 14 consecutive days, when compared with the control group.

Baki, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Khatune, N. A.; Zahid, R. A.; Khalequzzaman, M.; Husain M. M.; Sadik, G. Synergic effects of Wedelia calendulacea less. plant extracts with lambda cyhalothrin on common housefly Musca domestica L. Online J. Bio. Sci. 2002, 2 (10): 686-689.

Abstract: Combined effects of Lambda cyhalothrin and W. calendulacea plant extracts (synergists) were tested against house fly M. domestica L. in methanol. Lambda cyhalothrin offered synergism when used with W. calendulacea extract. It was observed that the plant extract behaves synergism from 1:1 to 1:5 ratios and above. 

Sultan, M. Z.; Khatune, N. A.; Sathi, Z. S.; Bhuiyan, M. S. A.; Sadik, M. G.; Choudury, M. A.; Gafur, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A. In vitro antibacterial activity of an active metabolite isolated from Streptomyces Species. Biotechnology 2002, 1 (2-4): 100-106.

Abstract: The ethyl acetate extract of yeast extract-glucose broth medium of an Actinomycetes strain, Streptomyces yielded a reddish yellow antibiotic metabolite by chromatographic technique and was identified as 2 N-butanamide 3-methyl 4-methoxy 5-b-L-arabinosyl propanophenone (MZ-4) on the basis of spectral data. The compound exhibited significant antibacterial activity against five Gram positive and nine Gram negative bacteria when compared with standard Kanamycin antibiotic. The zone of inhibition were observed between 17 to 20 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compound was determined against four Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and the values were found between 32 and 64 mg/ml.

Khatune, N. A; Islam, M. E.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Baki, M. A.; Sadik, G.; Haque, E. Pesticidal activity of a novel coumestan derivative isolated from Psoralea corylifolia Linn. against Tribolium casteneum Herbst. adults and larvae (Coleptera: Tenebrionidae). Pak. J. Agrono. 2002, 1 (4): 112-115.

Abstract: The pure compound, 6-(-3-methylbut-2-enyl)-6¢-7-dihyroxycoumestan (1) isolated from the chloroform extract of the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia Linn. was evaluated for the pesticidal activity against  both adults and different instars of Tribolium casteneum Hebrst. under laboratory conditions. The LD₅₀ values for the compound were 910.34, 620.47, 388.45 and 1159.87, 714.88, 404.26 and 1395.70, 740.75, 493.97 and 1605.34, 835.61, 565.83 and 1652.84, 916.79, 729.50 and 1764.32, 994.16, 784.09 and 1678.52, 992.04, 795.67 and 2350.41, 1395.70, 985.12 ppm for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, adult male and female, respectively at 24, 48 and 72 hours post exposure. These results demonstrated that the earlier instars were more sensitive to the compound than those of late instars those follow to those of individual adults.

Barman, R. K.; Sathi, Z. S; Habib, M. A.; Chowdhury, M. A.; Biswas, M. H. U.; Gafur, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A. Toxicity study of 8-propionato-2--(D+)-glucosyl-9,10-pyranopyridine isolated from Streptomyces species on long evan’s  rats. Biotechnology 2002, 1 (2-4): 94-99.

Abstract: The subacute toxicity studies of 8-propionato-2-b-(D)-glucosyl-9, 10-pyranopyridine (R-1), isolated from the Streptomyces species was carried out in Long Evan’s rats. The compound was administered at a dose of 300 mg/rat/day for 14 consecutive days. The gross general observations such as changes of body weight, hematological profiles, biochemical parameters of blood and the histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart and lungs were investigated both in control and experimental rats. The body weights of the rats were slightly increased. The change of hematological and biochemical parameters were statistically insignificant. No abnormalities were detected in the histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart and lung in the experimental group of rats as compared with control group of rats.

Sultan, M. Z.; Sathi, Z. S.; Bhuiyan, M. S. A.; Choudury, M. A.; Biswas, M. H. U.; Gafur, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A. Sub acute toxicity studies of a metabolite of Streptomyces species. Biotechnology 2002, 1 (2-4): 88-93.

Abstract: The ethyl acetate extract of yeast extract-glucose broth medium of an Actinomycetes strain, Streptomyces yielded a reddish yellow metabolite by chromatographic technique and was identified as 2-N-butanamide-3-methyl-4-methoxy-5-b-L-arabinosyl-propanophenone (MZ-4) on the basis of spectral data. The subacute toxicity study of this metabolite was carried out on long Evan’s rats. The change of haematological and biochemical parameters were statistically insignificant. No abnormalities were found in the histopathology of the liver, kidney, heart, lung and spleen in the experimental group of rats at a dose of 300 mg rat^-1 day^-1 for 14 consecutive days, when compared with the control group.

Alam, A. H. M. K.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Baki, M. A.; Sadik, M. G. Chemical Constituents of Hemigraphis hirta T. Anders. (Acanthaceae). Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2002, 5 (11): 1264-1266.

Abstract: Phytochemical examination of the petroleum ether extract of Hemigraphis hirta has led to the isolation of squalene (1), lupeol (2) and β-sitosterol (3) by a combination of column and preparative thin layer chromatography. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR) as well as by comparison of their spectral data with previously reported values.

Sultan, M. Z.; Sathi, Z. S.; Biswas, M. H. U.; Bhuiyan, M. S. A.; Choudury, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Gafur, M. A. In vitro toxicological studies of metabolites of Streptomyces species on brine shrimp. J. med. Sci. 2002, 2 (5-6): 240-242.

Abstract: The ethyl acetate extract of yeast extract-glucose broth medium of an Actinomycetes strain, Streptomyces yielded three active metabolites C-1, C-2 and C-3, among which C-3 was identified as 2-N-butanamide-3-methyl-4-methoxy-5-b-L-arabinosyl-propanophenone on the basis of spectral data. The cytotoxic activity of the crude ethyl acetate extract and compound 1, 2 and 3 were determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The compounds showed lower LC₅₀ values indicating that these compounds are significantly cytotoxic. The LC₅₀ of the crude ethyl acetate extract, C-1, C-2, C-3 and standard Ampicillin trihydrate were 6.69, 12.30, 4.67, 6.62 and 10.28 mg/ml respectively. 

Alam, A. H. M. K.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Bhuiyan, M. S. A.; Gafur, M. A.; Sadik, M. G. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of extracts from Hemigraphis hirta T. Anders. Bangladesh Pharma. J. 2002, 12 (4): 11-14.

Abstract: The in vitro anti microbial activity of crude petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of a local anti diarrheal plant  Hemigraphis hirta, (family Acanthaceae) was screened against fourteen (five Gram-positive and nine Gram-negative) pathogenic bacteria and three pathogenic fungi using the disk diffusion method. The crude petroleum ether and methanol extracts showed strong activity against all Shigella species and mild to moderate activity against other pathogenic bacteria and fungi, where as the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed mild to moderate activity against bacteria and fungi. All the extracts were found to be inactive against Candida species. The cytotoxic activity was measured by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC₅₀ value of the petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were found to be 9.77, 9.77, 7.94 and 10 mg/ml respectively.

Alam, A. H. M. K.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Baki, M. A.; Rashid, M. H. O.; Bhuiyan, M. S. A.; Sadik, M. G. Antidiarrhoeal principles of Achyranthes ferruginea Roxb. and their cytotoxic evaluation. Bangladesh Pharma. J. 2002, 12 (4): 1-4.

Abstract: The plant Achyranthes ferruginea (family Amaranthaceae) has folkloric reputation in the treatment of diarrhoeal diseases. The present investigation was done to observe the effects of different extracts of the plant against six diarrhoea producing bacteria as well as some other pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The crude chloroform extract showed satisfactory results against all Shigella species and other pathogenic bacteria whereas methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed mild to moderate activity. The chloroform extract also exhibited potent antifungal activities. The LC₅₀ values of the petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were found to be 12.58, 16.21, 7.07 and 11.74 mg/ml respectively by brine shrimp lethality bioassay.

Rashid, M. H. O.; Gafur, M. A.; Sadik, M. G.; Rahman, M. A. A. Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of extracts and isolated compounds from Ipomoea turpethum. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2002, 5 (5): 597-599.

Abstract: Three compounds H-1 (β-sitosteryl-β-D glucoside), H-2 (22, 23-dihydro-α-spinosteryl glucoside) & CH-2 (salicylic acid) isolated from the chloroform extract of stem of Ipomoea turpethum and the crude petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were screened against thirteen pathogenic bacteria for their antibacterial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the isolated compound CH-2 was also measured against Bacillus subtilis, Shigella dysenteriae, Sarcina lutea and Escherichia coli. The values were found to be between 128 and 256 µg/ml. The cytotoxic activity of CH-2 and chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts was also measured by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the LC₅₀ values were found to be 56.23, 199.53 and 31.62 µg/ml, respectively.

2001:

Choudury, M. A.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Gafur, M. A. In Vitro Antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of a brown antibiotic metabolite from a strain of Actinomycetes. The Sciences 2001, 1 (4): 206-208.

Abstract: The research work was conducted to investigate the in vitro antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of an antibiotic metabolite. The chloroform (CHCl₃) extract of Yeast extract-broth media (acidic) of an Actinomycetes strain yielded a brown, amorphous antibiotic pigment Di-(2-ethyl hexyl)-phthalate [AK₂]. The antibiotic and the extract exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram negative organisms. The zones of inhibition produced by the test materials were found to be between 10 to 22 mm. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the antibiotic were determined against six strains of bacteria and were found to be between 128 to 256 μgml‾¹. The cytotoxic activity of the antibiotic and CHCl₃ extract was done by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and the LC₅₀ (median lethal concentration) values were 15.8 and 12.5 μg ml‾¹respectively, calculated by extrapolation from graph.

Sathi, Z. S.; Rahman, M. A. A.; Gafur, M. A. Identification and In vitro antimicrobial activity of a compound isolated from Streptomyces species. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2001, 4 (12): 1523-1525.

Abstract: A pure antimicrobial compound was isolated from the chloroform extract of the broth culture of Streptomyces species by preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) and was characterized as 4-hydroxy nitrobenzene (ZS-3) on the basis of spectral data (UV, IR, ¹H-NMR, HMBC and HMQC). The compound showed significant antimicrobial activity against six gram positive bacteria, ten gram negative bacteria and three pathogenic fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the compound determined against ten pathogenic organisms was found to be between 32-64 μg/ml.

2000:

Rahman, M. A. A.; Azam, A. T. M. Z.; Sugimoto, N.; Gafur, M. A. Two flavonoids, pectolinarigenin and hispidulin, from the stem and root of Clerodendrum indicum Linn. (Verbenaceae). J. Bio-Sci, Bangladesh 2000, 8 (7-5): 27-30.

Abstract: Phytochemical examination of the chloroform extract of stem and root parts of Clerodendrum indicum has lead to the isolation of two flavonoid: 5,7-dihydroxy-4¢, 6-dimethoxy flavon (Pectolinarigenin, CA-2) and 5,7,4¢-trihydroxy-6-methoxy flavon (Hispidulin, CA-3) by a combination of column and preparative thin layer Chromatography. The structure of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, MS, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMBC, HMQC) as well as by comparison of their spectral data with previously reported values (Markham et al., 1982). The percentage of these two flavonoids in chloroform extract of root and stem are 4.06 % and 2.56 %, 1.718 % and 0.943 %, respectively.

Rahman, M. A. A.; Azam, A. T. M. Z.; Khanam, J. A.; Gafur, M. A. In vitro cytostatic activity of a flavonoid, pectolinarigenin, isolated from Clerodendrum indicum Linn. on ehrlich ascite carcinoma cell to mice. J. Asiat. Sos. Bangladesh, Sci. 2000, 26 (2): 289-291 (short communication).

Abstract: The cytostatic activity of an antibacterial compound Pectolinarigenin isolated from Clerodendrum indicum was performed on Swiss Albino Mice by giving a daily dose of 20 mg/kg mouse after inoculation of Ehrlich Ascite Carcinoma (EAC) cell to the mice. After 5 days, the percentage of cell growth inhibition was determined in comparison with control mice and was found to be 66.17 %.

Rahman, M. A. A.; Azam, A. T. M. Z.; Gafur, M. A. In vitro antibacterial principles of two flavonoids and extracts from Clerodendrum indicum Linn. Pak. J. Biol. Sci. 2000, 3 (10): 1769-1771.

Abstract: Two flavonoidal compounds, pectolinarigenin (CA-2) and hispidulin (CA-3) isolated from the stem and root of the plant Clerodendrum indicum. The petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of the same portion of the plant were screened against twelve pathogenic bacteria for their antibacterial activities. The test materials found to be significant in vitro antibacterial activities against almost all gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The zones of inhibition produced by the test materials were found to be between 6 mm and 22 mm. The MIC values of the isolated compounds were also determined against four test organisms for CA-2 and two test organisms for CA-3. The values were found to be between 64 mg/ml and 128 mg/ml.

Rahman, M. A. A.; Azam, A. T. M. Z.; Gafur, M. A. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay with two flavonoids and extracts from Clerodendrum indicum Linn. Pak. J. Pharmacol. 2000, 17 (1 & 2): 1-6.

Abstract: Phytochemical examinations of the root and stem of Clerodendrum indicum have lead to the isolation of two flavonoids, Pectolinarigenin (CA-2) and Hispidulin (CA-3). The cytotoxicity of these two compounds and crude chloroform extracts of root and stem was done by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The LC₅₀ values of CA-2 & CA-3, and chloroform extracts of stem & root were found to be 4.27 & 3.31 and 5.75 & 3.72 mg/ml, respectively.