South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology

Medicinal and Pharmacological Dimensions of Olea europaea L.: A Comprehensive Exploration of Bioactive Compounds and Their therapeutic Potentials

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Olea europaea possesses significant ethnopharmacological and nutritional importance. The olive tree is primarily associated with numerous health benefits, including the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, reduction of blood sugar, cholesterol, and uric acid levels, as well as serving as a laxative, mouthwash, and vasodilator. It has also been utilized in the management of diabetic ketoacidosis, inflammation, diarrhoea, respiratory and urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and asthma, while combating inflammation and inhibiting microbial growth. Besides fruits, leaves of the plants have also medicinal attributes. Olive-based products, particularly extra virgin olive oil and leaf extracts, are rich in phenolic compounds such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleic acid, which exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. Increasing pharmacological evidence suggests that these compounds play multifaceted roles in mitigating oxidative stress, modulating lipid metabolism, and enhancing vascular function. Emerging studies also reveal their potential in neuroprotection, metabolic regulation, and cancer prevention through modulation of signaling pathways. Overall, the cumulative scientific communication reaffirm that olive and its extracts hold remarkable promise in integrative medicine for promoting health, longevity, and disease prevention.

Induction of Apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Mesua ferrea

Rajeshwari Dhumal, Akshay Pandit, Prasad Wagh, Rohini Pungle — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to analyze potential of Mesua ferrea (Nagkesar) stamen’s extract for its ability to inhibit growth Saccharomyces cerevisiae by apoptosis. Stamen extracts were prepared using solvents including water and ethyl acetate to ensure the isolation of phytochemicals. Phytochemical studies revealed aqueous extract (Naq) of stamens of Mesua ferrea rich in secondary metabolites tannins, saponins, mucilage and gum, glycosides, quinones, phenols, terpenoids, carbohydrates, phlobatannins, steroids, quinine and alkaloids where ethyl acetate extract (Nea) was rich in flavonoids, quinones, coumarins, terpenoids, carbohydrate, steroids, quinine and alkaloids. The extract (Nea) were exposed to silica gel column chromatography for partial purification using a gradient solvent system.Major constituents of analyzed fractions were phytochemicals like Alkaloids, Terpenoids and Flavonoids which were identified by Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirms the presence functional groups. F8 obtained from gradient silica gel chromatography of Nea extract was found to be consisting of Catechin, Epicatechin, Isoquercitrin, Hyperoside, Gallic acid, Quercetin and Harmol when analysis one by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy (HRLC-MS/MS). Yeast survival assay suggest that aqueous extract (10.51± 0.024) is significantly superior than ethyl acetate extract (59.62±0.11). Fraction No.8 from column chromatography was observed for significant effects on cell viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Death mechanism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated by DNA ladder assay confirming cytotoxic effect by induction of apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae which was used as model organism by stamens extract of Mesua ferrea.

Phytochemical screening, GCMS and effect of syzygium cumini (jamun) aqueous leaf extract against diethylnitrosamine by biochemical assays and histopathology using zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Noor Jahan CM, Zuha Kulsoom O — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical constituents, GC-MS profile, biochemical alterations and histopathological changes using Syzygium cumini leaf extract in diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver damage using zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous leaf extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, saponins and glycosides,was carried out and the results indicating the medicinal importance of the plant leaf extract. GC-MS analysis identified several bioactive compounds responsible for antioxidant and therapeutic activities. Biochemical analysis was carried out by estimating antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). DEN-induced zebrafish showed elevated oxidative stress and altered antioxidant enzyme activities, whereas treatment with Syzygium cumini leaf extract significantly restored the biochemical parameters towards normal levels. Histopathological examination of liver tissues in DEN-treated zebrafish exhibited hepatocellular degeneration, necrosis, vacuolization and disrupted hepatic architecture. However, extract-treated groups showed improved liver structure with reduced tissue damage and restoration of normal hepatocytes. The findings of the present study suggest that Syzygium cumini leaf extract possess significant hepatoprotective potential due to its phytochemical constituents and antioxidant properties.

Evaluation of Di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP)-Induced Genotoxicity in Channa punctatus Using the Micronucleus Assay

Roushni Parween, Dr. Dharmshila Kumari — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The extensive and often indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, particularly diammonium phosphate (DAP), poses a potential threat to freshwater ecosystems. The present study evaluated the genotoxic effects of DAP in the freshwater fish Channa punctatus using the micronucleus assay. Fish were exposed to three sub-lethal concentrations of DAP (0.4, 0.8, and 2.0 g/L) for 96 h, along with an unexposed control group maintained under identical laboratory conditions. Peripheral blood smears were prepared from individual fish, stained with 6% Giemsa solution, and approximately 3,000 erythrocytes were examined per treatment group. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test. Exposure to DAP produced a significant dose-dependent increase in micronucleus frequency. The middle-dose (0.8 g/L) and high-dose (2.0 g/L) groups showed significantly higher micronucleus frequencies than the control group (p < 0.001), whereas the low-dose group (0.4 g/L) did not differ significantly (p = 0.997). In addition to micronuclei, several nuclear abnormalities, including blebbed nuclei, V-shaped nuclei, kidney-shaped nuclei, nuclear buds, notched nuclei, and nucleoplasmic bridges, were observed in DAP-treated fish. The frequency and diversity of these abnormalities increased with increasing DAP concentration, indicating progressive genomic damage. These findings demonstrate that DAP can induce chromosomal damage and genotoxic stress in Channa punctatus even at sub-lethal concentrations and highlight the need for improved management of fertilizer runoff to protect freshwater ecosystems.