Ursolic acid (UA, 3 beta-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid) are isomeric triterpenic acids. The high quantities of pentacyclic triterpenoids in Scabiosa species seems to be obvious and there is an evidence that most of pentacyclic triterpenoids that have been isolated are saponins. This is one of the most important characteristic of the genus Scabiosa, the main aglycones are ursolic acid and oleanolic acid. In the current study, isolation from the aerial part and roots of Scabiosa palaestina L. was performed using Preparative HPLC. Furthermore, detection and quantitation of ursolic acid was performed by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The identification of isolated triterpenoid involves two methods including FT-IR coupled with LC-MS/MS that have been used for the simultaneous determination of the isolated UA. Quantitative analysis of Ursolic acid content in chloroform fractions revealed that both of the aerial parts and roots contain comparable concentration of 0.052 and 0.054 mg/ml respectively. The FT-IR and LC-MS/MS spectra of the isolated compound shows good agreement with those reported in literatures of Ursolic acid. Quantitative concentration of UA in chloroform fraction revealed that aerial parts and roots contain comparable concentrations and the spectral data for the isolated unknown were in good agreement with those reported in literature of UA.

The liver is an important organ in the body; its diseases are considered the major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Hepatotoxic chemicals cause damage to liver cells. Medicinal plants have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. This study has been aimed to assess the potential hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Plumbago auriculata Lam. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced hepatocyte damage in albino mice. The methanolic extract of the plant was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis to determine the presence of secondary metabolites according to standard protocols. The acute toxicity study was carried out to measure the LD50. Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups treated intraperitoneally (IP) once daily for 7 days; the first group was a negative control, while the second group, considered as a CCl4 model, received a single dose of carbon tetrachloride during the last day. The third group received 500 mg/kg of body weight of methanolic extract of P. auriculata, and the last group received 100 mg/kg of body weight of standard silymarin, after 2 h of treatment, on the last day, all animals (except negative control group) have received CCl4 at a dose of 1 mL/kg of body weight. Biochemical analysis of collected blood and histopathological examination were performed. Results revealed that the preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the plant confirmed the presence of many biologically active secondary metabolites like flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides and phenols and LD50 of the extract was 2.5 g/kg. The CCl4- intoxicated mice showed an increase in biochemical enzyme levels (ALT and AST) compared with the negative control group. The extract of 500 mg/kg revealed a significant reduction (p ? 0.05) in enzyme activities. The histopathological analysis of plant extract and silymarin-treated groups revealed a decrease in the pathological features compared with the CCl4-intoxicated group. It was concluded that the extract of P. auriculata has a significant effect on hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage and this may be because of the combined effects of the bioactive compositions of plant extract.

Numerous cultures have a history of using herbal remedies to manage diabetes based on the belief that some plants possess antidiabetic properties with limited adverse effects. Murraya paniculata plant displays pharmacological properties that combat several ailments such as diabetes, bacterial infections, cancer, diarrhea and anxiety. This study aimed at phytochemical investigation and the evaluation of the blood glucose lowering impact of M. paniculata plant extracts on diabetic mice stimulated by alloxan. 85% methanolic extract of M. paniculata was fractionated using petroleum ether, chloroform and ethyl acetate. Various qualitative chemical assays were conducted to categorize different groups of chemicals in the plant extracts. An oral dose of 500 mg/kg of petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate extracts from the whole plant of M. paniculata was given to alloxan-stimulated diabetic mice for 14 days. Blood glucose levels were measured using a glucometer and compared with non-diabetic mice, alloxan-induced diabetic mice without treatment and diabetic mice treated with metformin. The results of the phytochemical analysis detected various secondary metabolites in distinct fractions of the extract. Also, the study found no statistically significant difference in blood glucose levels among the non-diabetic group, the group treated with metformin, and those treated with chloroform or ethyl acetate extract, but the group that received petroleum ether extract treatment exhibited a notable difference compared to the other groups in the study. This study concluded that the ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts of M. paniculata effectively regulated blood glucose levels in mice with diabetes caused by alloxan.

Clitoria ternatea L., commonly known as butterfly pea, conch flower, Asian pigeonwings and Shankapushpi, is a traditional medicinal plant belonging to the Fabaceae family, widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Various parts of this plant contain many bioactive components, which contribute to its distinct pharmacological effects, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and bronchodilatory properties. The primary objective of this study was to identify, isolate and structurally characterize the bioactive purine alkaloid theophylline from C. ternatea cultivated in Iraq, employing several chromatographic and spectroscopic approaches. The plant material was first defatted using n-hexane, then extracted with 85 % methanol via a soxhlet device and subsequently fractionated with ethyl acetate. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to identify theophylline in the ethyl acetate fraction. Theophylline was then isolated through HPLC and characterized using several analytical techniques, including HPLC (via standard comparison and spiking), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR). Chromatographic and spectroscopic results proved the presence of theophylline, with its spectral features and fragmentation patterns matching those with the existing literature. Theophylline, a xanthine alkaloid, is recognized for its bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a fundamental component in respiratory therapies. This study represents the first report on the isolation of theophylline from Iraqi C. ternatea, as well as the first global quantification of its content in this plant, highlighting its therapeutic potential.

Herbal medicine stands as a pivotal realm of contemporary research, offering substantial benefits with minimal side effects. Lycium barbarum, recognized for its abundant bioactive compounds, holds promise in treating various ailments, particularly in antiaging and antioxidative capacities. Carotenoids, notably lutein and zeaxanthin, constitute key bioactive compounds with diverse functions in both plant physiology and human health, including photo protection against intense light and detoxification of reactive oxygen species. This study meticulously examines the lutein content within leaves and fruit of L. barbarum, employing a uniform extraction method and solvent. The investigation illuminates significant variations in lutein content between the leaves and fruit, shedding light on potential applications in herbal medicine and nutraceuticals. Highlight: Herbal Medicine Advancements: This study underscores the pivotal role of herbal medicine in contemporary research, emphasizing its potential for providing substantial benefits with minimal side effects. Lycium barbarum's Therapeutic Potential: The research highlights Lycium barbarum's significance due to its rich array of bioactive compounds, particularly in addressing antiaging and antioxidative requirements. Bioactive Carotenoids in Focus: The study delves into the functions of essential bioactive compounds, lutein and zeaxanthin, elucidating their roles in plant physiology and human health, including their photoprotective and detoxifying properties. Keyword: Herbal Medicine, Lycium Barbarum, Bioactive Compounds, Carotenoids, Lutein Content

Background/Aim: Capsicum annuum Grossum Senise, a widely cultivated sweet pepper in Iraq contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids and capsinoids, known for their beneficial effects on health. The study aimed to employ advanced analytical techniques to elucidate the compound's chemical properties and concentration within this specific Capsicum cultivar, contributing to the growing body of knowledge regarding plant-derived sterols with potential nutraceutical application. Methods: This study focused on the extraction, isolation, purification and quantitative analysis of b-sitosterol from Iraqi Capsicum annuum Grossum. Advanced chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques were employed to ensure accurate quantification and structural characterisation. Results: The chloroform fraction exhibited a high b-sitosterol concentration (0.492 mg/mL dry weight), suggesting efficient biosynthesis of this secondary metabolite, possibly due to favourable biochemical and environmental factors. Conclusion: The findings underscore the potential of Iraqi-grown Capsicum annuum Grossum as a valuable source of b-sitosterol, supporting its use in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Further research is warranted to explore its mechanistic pathways and therapeutic efficacy in clinical settings.