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TNPL caters to the scientific needs of students and researchers alike by analyzing plant extracts (e.g., phytochemical testing, enzyme inhibition assays, mutagenicity testing).
The TNPL comprises the bioassay facility housed at the Institute of Chemistry Research Building, UP Diliman which performs medium-throughput screening of plant extracts and compounds for potential application in certain disease indications (e.g., diabetes, inflammation, pain). Occassionally, the facility hosts training workshops aiming to capacitate Tuklas Lunas Development Centers (TLDCs) in performing enzyme inhibition assays: alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, and cyclooxygenase inhibition assays.
ENZYME INHIBITION ASSAYS
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibition Assay
Alpha-glucosidase Inhibition Assay
Disease Indication: Diabetes | Alpha-glucosidase breaks down diextrins into glucose units, increasing its level in the blood. Therefore, inhibiting the enzyme prevents increase in blood glucose level.
Alpha-amylase Inhibition Assay
Alpha-amylase Inhibition Assay
Disease Indication: Diabetes | The assay is based on the action of the enzyme alpha-amylase on starch (white solution) producing dextrin, maltose, and glucose. Maltose and glucose act as the reducing agents in the reduction of yellow-colored 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA).
Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) Inhibition Assays
Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) Inhibition Assays
Disease Indication: Inflammation/Pain | The assay utilizes the peroxidase component of cyclooxygenases. The peroxidase activity is assayed colorimetrically by monitoring the appearance of oxidized N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) at 590 nm.
Cholinesterase (AChe and BuChe) Inhibition Assays
Cholinesterase (AChe and BuChe) Inhibition Assays
Disease Indication: Neurodegenerative Disorders | Cholinesterase hydrolyzes acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for sending signals between neurons. Therefore, inhibiting cholinesterases can be used in studying Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
MISCELLANEOUS
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis
Qualitative Phytochemical Analysis
The qualitative phytochemical analysis tests for the presence of the following phytochemicals: tannins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.
MUTAGENICITY AND CLASTOGENICITY ASSAYS
Genotoxicity looks at the chemical agents' properties which causes mutations due to the genetic information impairment. Genotoxicity is often confused with mutagenicity, but all mutagens are genotoxic, while not all genotoxic agents are mutagenic. Genetoxicity assays examine DNA impairment in cells that are exposed to the toxic substrates.
AMES Test
AMES Test
Micronucleus Test
Micronucleus Test
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