Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Pharmacognosy Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 67-71)

ABSTRACT
Hyoscyamus aureus L belongs to the family Solanaceae. This plant has been used both
in ancient times and in modern medicine for the treatment of certain disease conditions
such as the relief of pain, anti-inflammation, relieves constipation, extra palpitations
of the heart, for the relief of cough, treatment of rheumatism, and in the rejuvenation
of the body tissues and cells. This research was aimed to investigate the
phytochemicals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the leaf extract, the plant was
equally subjected to macroscopic, physicochemical, and microscopic examinations.
The macroscopic examination of the plant showed that it is brownish green when
powdered, has a characteristic smell, has a characteristic taste and a gritty texture,
while the microscopic evaluation revealed the presence of microscopic structures such
as the stomata and the trichomes. Physicochemical analyses were carried out and
values obtained such as moisture content= 5.5%, ash content= 6.0%, acid insoluble
ash= 1.0%, alcohol soluble value= 5.0%, water soluble value= 2.0% and the petroleum
ether soluble value = 8%. Phytochemical screening carried out shows the presence of
some compounds such as the alkaloids, most especially the tropane alkaloids,
flavonoids, quinones which has been associated with numerous health benefits.
Evaluation of antioxidant was done and indicated scavenging activity of 87.81%,
95.19%, 95.79%, 96.15%, 96.03% for the plant extract at a concentration of 10, 5, 2.5,
1.25 and 0.625 respectively, using DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity
indicated 4.08%, 9.86%, 14.44%, 18.96%, 31.88% for the plant extract at a
concentration of 10, 5,2.5,1.25, and 0.625 respectively. Also, the β-carotene
antioxidant scavenging activity was carried out, and the activity indicated 76.70%,
78.05%, 78.90%, 81.65%, 82.40% for the plant extract at a concentration of 10, 5, 2.5,
1.25, and 0.625 respectively. Anti-bacterial using bacterial strains was done using the
Agar disk diffusion method. The plant extract shows positive results which ranges
between 2- 5mm for the plant extract, inhibition zones were clearly indicated. This
therefore implies that Hyoscyamus aureus can be used against bacteria strains and as
antioxidants as indicated by the clear inhibition zones and scavenging activity,
respectively.
In conclusion, the research shows that Hyoscyamus aureus leaf extract is embedded
with so many phytochemicals that can be used in drug formulation.
Keywords: Antioxidants, Anti-microbial activity, Hyoscyamus Aureus,
Phytochemicals screening, Tropane alkaloids