The present data on the extracts of C. procera indicate a direct action on the myocardium, stimulatory effect on smooth muscle motility, and relaxant action on skeletal muscle contraction. Chemical constituents could directly affect the cell membrane probably through receptors coupling to G proteins. They regulate the ion channel physiology as in the myocardium.

An investigation of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceace) chemical constituents led to the isolation of six flavonoids, kaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1999→699)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-I.1), kaempferol-3-O-β-d-rhamnopyranosyl (1999→699)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-I.2), texasin-7-O-β-dglucopyranoside E-II.2, kaempferol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-III.1), kaempferol (E-IV.1) and kaempferide-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl (1999→699)-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (E-I.1a). The isolation of these compounds was carried out using Sephadex LH-20 low pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC), preparative paper chromatography (PC), and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were established by mass spectrometry (FAB-and EI-techniques), nuclear magnetic resonance NMR (1 H-, 13 C-and COSY) spectral data and ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopic techniques. The acute toxicity of total alcoholic and total flavonoid extracts were examined by brine shrimp. The LC 50 values were 11.89 and 84.14 ppm for the total alcoholic and total flavonoid extracts, respectively. The mortality rates of the isolated flavonoid fractions of E-I, E-I.1, E-I.2 represent the higher percentages of mortality compared with the rest of the flavonoid fractions. The plant exhibited activity as an antitumor agent in the initial potato disc screen.

A new series of vinyl amide-, imidazolone-, and triazinone-linked combretastatin A-4 analogues have been designed and synthesised. These compounds have been evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The triazinone-linked combretastatin analogues (6 and 12) exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity, in sub-micromolar concentration compared with combretastatin A-4 as a reference standard. The results of β-tubulin polymerisation inhibition assay appear to correlate well with the ability to inhibit β-tubulin polymerisation. Additionally, these compounds were subjected to biological assays relating to cell cycle aspects and apoptosis induction. In addition, the most potent compound 6 was loaded on PEG-PCL modified diamond nanoparticles (PEG-PCL-NDs) and F4 was picked as the optimum formula. F4 exhibited enhanced solubility and release over the drug suspension. In the comparative cytotoxic activity, PEG-PCL modified F4 was capable of diminishing the IC50 by around 2.89 times for nude F4, while by 3.48 times relative to non-formulated compound 6 .

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Fungal spore populations in the outdoor and indoor atmosphere of Ismailia have been studied during the period from Mar~:h 1992 to May 1993. A total of 23 350 cfu and 73 species were recorded. Cladosporittm cladosporioides, AureobasMium ptt/ht/ans and AspergiHus flavus were the most abundant. The indoor and outdoor mycoflora showed marked quantitative and qualitative differences. In view of count, recorded species could be categorized into three groups as follows: (a) species showing higher counts in out-than indoor, (b) species showing the opposite trend i.e. lower counts in out-door than indoor, (c) species showing approximately equal counts in out-and indoor. Regarding seasonal periodicity, March and either September or October showed the highest count for both normal fungal flora (NFF) and opportunistic fungal flora (OFF). While January and July showed the lowest count of them both, May but not July was the lowest as for outdoor NFF.

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GC-MS analysis of isolated alkaloids from aerial parts of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forsk.) Decne (Asclepiadaceae) was performed. Twenty-four alkaloids and six simple amines were detected for the first time in this plant. Almost all of the alkaloids belonged to pyridine, pyrrole, pyrazine, and indole types. The acute LC 50 of the total alkaloids and alcohol extracts estimated by means of brine shrimp toxicity test were 63.09 and 11.89 ppm, respectively. The antitumor activities of these extracts, using potato disc screen, showed good activity represented by −33.6% and −49.3%, respectively.