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There is a high demand for natural agrochemicals to control postharvest phytopathogens in fruit. In this study, the Colletotrichum magnum strain was isolated from Maradol papaya fruits showing symptoms of anthracnose, identified based on its morphological characteristics and confirmed by an analysis of its 5.8S ribosomal DNA sequence. The antifungal activity of aqueous and ethanol extracts from Acacia pennatula, Acalypha gaumeri, Bonellia flammea, Calea urticifolia and Croton chichenensis was evaluated against Colletotrichum magnum by agar dilution bioassay at a concentration of 1 mg mL−1 and recording mycelial growth inhibition (MGI), sporulation inhibition (SI) and spore germination inhibition (SGI) were recorded. The extracts that caused MGI of C. magnum by more than 30% were re-evaluated. It was concluded that the aqueous and ethanol extracts from B. flammea stem bark were the most effective in the MGI (91.53–94.49%), SI (99.32–99.65%), and SGI (91.65–100%) of C. magnum at a 3% (w/v) concentration. A serial dilution of the aqueous extract of B. flammea demonstrated that 2.35% and 3% (w/v) were highly effective against C. magnum in vitro, and both concentrations were randomly applied to postharvest Maradol papaya fruit by dip. The results found that both concentrations caused an anthracnose disease severity of 0.92–0.97% in papaya fruits, which was lower than the commercial fungicide Tecto 60®. The aqueous extract from B. flammea stem bark represents a promising opportunity for developing a natural biopesticide to effectively control anthracnose in papaya fruits induced by C. magnum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vernonia amygdalina, commonly known as bitter leaf, is a widely grown plant in Africa that has several health benefits. This study aimed to compare the antibacterial activities of ciprofloxacin with those of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) on selected bacteria. Swabs were collected from patients presenting with bacterial conjunctivitis at the Eye Clinic, Department of Optometry, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. The samples were transported to the Microbiology Laboratory at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, for culturing and identification of microorganisms using standard microbiological methods. The zones of inhibition of ciprofloxacin on selected bacteria isolated from the swab samples were compared with those of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina. Four bacteria were isolated from the samples: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. At concentrations of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 mg/ml respectively, there were significant differences (p=0.05) in the zones of inhibition between ciprofloxacin and the ethanolic and aqueous extracts against S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes. With 12.5 mg/ml concentration, the extracts showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the zone of inhibition. Ciprofloxacin showed significantly higher (p=0.05) zones of inhibition, followed by Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic extract (p=0.05) and Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract (p=0.05). The zones of inhibition produced by Vernonia amygdalina ethanolic extract on both grampositive and gram-negative bacteria highlight its antibacterial effect and its potential as an alternative treatment option for bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plants from the genus "Terminalia" are well known for their various pharmacological and medicinal properties. Terminalia bellirica is considered a vital medicinal plant from the genus Terminalia. It has been reported for its astringent, antipyretic, and purgative effects. It is also used to treat dyspepsia, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, allergic eruptions, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and leprosy. The present research study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of T. bellirica in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: In rats, type 2 diabetes was induced by the alteration in the diet by administration of a high-fat diet for 15 days, followed by the administration of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p.). The experimental animals were given 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of T. bellirica aqueous fruit extract for six weeks. Liver enzymes and lipid parameters, homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index, glycohemoglobin, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at the end of the study. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for the SIRT1 expression of pancreatic tissue were also performed. Results: The selected doses of the aqueous extract of T. bellirica (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose (p < 0.05). The 1,000 mg/kg dose of T. bellirica notably decreased glucose tolerance (p < 0.001) in experimental animals. A high dose of T. bellirica significantly reduced resistance (p < 0.001). The lipid profile was improved significantly (p < 0.01) at both the selected dose levels. Glycohemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced in experimental animals (p < 0.001) at both dose levels. The extract treatment increased the expression of SIRT1 in the pancreas. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the extract has significant effects on the management of type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed at characterizing the phenolic composition of the aqueous extract from Anabasis articulata and its biological properties, in terms of in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects. The phytocomplex was investigated by HPLC-DAD analysis, whereas total phenolics, tannins and flavonoids using spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant property of the extract was determined applying four assays (i.e. total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH, and β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching). The enzymatic inhibitory function was evaluated against tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase, whereas toxicological and anti-inflammatory aspects through in vivo evaluations. More in detail, twenty-one specific phenolic compounds were successfully detected, identified, and quantified in the plant extract, which showed considerable antioxidant potential. The aqueous preparation also revealed a high anti-tyrosinase and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity. In particular, an in-silico prediction analysis, by molecular docking approach, was performed to understand which plant metabolite from A. articulata could be potentially responsible for acetylcholinesterase inhibition, favoring the identification of putative new compounds useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. All the present evidence could partially explain and justify the therapeutic efficacy of the Algerian traditional medicine linked to the application of A. articulata aqueous extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melissa officinalis (MO) is a valuable medicinal herb from the Lamiaceae family, MO extracts possess different beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, memory enhancer, anxiolytic, and anti-depression. It seems that phytochemicals found in MO including flavonols (luteolin and apigenin) and polyphenols (rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid) are responsible for the beneficial effects of MO. The present study aimed to assess the role of opioid receptors in the effect of MO in anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in stressed rats. Male hooded rats received oral administration of MO (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), with or without intraperitoneal injection of naloxone (1 mg/kg), and were exposed to 30 min stress, then anxiety-like and OCD-like behaviors were evaluated using light/dark box and marble burying test. Our results showed that oral administration of MO has anxiolytic effects and a reduction in OCD-like behavior in stressed rats that could be inhibited by injection of naloxone. On the other hand, in silico study showed that phytochemicals found in MO have a possible affinity for opioid receptors. Taken together, these data revealed that the opioid receptors may be involved in the anxiolytic effect of MO in stressed rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In order to reduce the use of synthetic and chemical agents in agriculture, more and more research is turning to ecological, more environmentally friendly methods. Plant aqueous extracts are products that can be a significant source of various elements, depending on the type and quality of soil on which the plant species from which the solution is prepared is grown. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of aqueous extracts of different plant species on the yield and quality parameters of soybean seeds (Glycine max L.). Aqueous extracts of: nettle, nettle+comfrey, banana, banana peel, onion, willow and soybeans were used foliarly. The 1st foliar treatment plants was done when first flowers opened and the 2nd treatment was done when first pod reached final length. Result: The effect of aqueous extracts depends on the agroecological conditions and the analyzed traits. In 2020 the greatest effect was achieved on the free proline, SOD, Px and CAT. In 2021 the application of certain aqueous extracts had a significant effect on the yield, gerimination energy, germination percentage and vigour seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world faces a grave threat from antimicrobial resistance. Currently, many bacterial and fungal infections cannot be treated with the majority of well-known antibiotics. Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were achieved by a novel, simple green chemistry procedure to counter microbial familiarity using Taraxacum officinale aqueous extract as a reducing agent. The current study was carried out to explore the efficacy of AgNPs by aqueous extract of Taraxacum officinale followed by physicochemical characterization including ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the aqueous extracts AgNPs were assessed using the seeding technique and the tube diluton technique respectively. The UV-Vis distinctive spectral peak was observed at 445 nm. SEM showed a particle size range of 100 nm at 30,000 × magnification whereas TEM showed the spherical shape (100 nm) of nanoparticles. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure of the AgNPs, whereas FTIR validated the phytochemicals in their capping, stabilization, and synthesis of AgNPs. Antibacterial assay of synthesized NPs showed significant action against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Similarly, the antifungal activity of synthesized AgNPs showed significant action against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, and Fusarium oxysporum. These results suggest that the aqueous extract AgNPs of T. officinale could provide a safer alternative to conventional antibacterial and antifungal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy has a profound impact on the germination and growth of plants, influencing the establishment of plant populations and shaping community ecological patterns. However, the allelopathic potential of many grassland species remains poorly understood. In this study, we prepared aqueous extracts from 17 herbaceous plants to investigate their allelopathic effects on the seed germination and seedling growth of Leymus chinensis, a dominant grassland species. Our results revealed that the response of L. chinensis to allelopathic compounds was dependent on the specific plant species, extract concentration, and target plant organ. Notably, Fabaceae plants exhibited a stronger allelopathic potential than Poaceae, Asteraceae, and other plant families. Moreover, we observed that root growth of L. chinensis was more sensitive to allelopathy than shoot growth, and seed germination was more affected than seedling growth. Generally, the germination of L. chinensis was strongly inhibited as the donor plant extract concentration increased. The leachate of Fabaceae plants inhibited the seedling growth of L. chinensis at concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 0.1 g mL−1. On the other hand, the leachate from other families' plants exhibited either inhibitory or hormetic effects on the early growth of L. chinensis, promoting growth at 0.025 g mL−1 and hindering it at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.1 g mL−1. These findings highlight the significant allelopathic potential of grassland plants, which plays a critical role in establishing plant populations and associated ecological processes. In addition, they shed light on the coexistence of other plants with dominant plants in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we employed an eco-friendly approach to produce nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) employing an aqueous leaf extract derived from Alternanthera sessilis. The resulting NiO NPs exhibited a monodispersed nature, as verified through UV-Vis spectroscopy, which exposed a clear peak at λmax 280 nm and stabilizing agents during the synthesis of A.S-NiO NPs. The XRD examination asserted the Face Centre Cubic (FCC) crystallinity of the biogenic A.S-NiO NPs. TEM examination revealed a size of 18 nm and a spherical morphology for A.S-NiO NPs. The biogenic NiO NPs demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The DPPH scavenging activity was shown to be maximum at an amount of 100 µg/ml, at 62.72%, and an IC50 value of 86.46 µg/ml. Additionally, A.S-NiO NPs exhibited superior antibacterial efficacy P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and other bacteria showed the strongest antibacterial activity. S. pyogenas, and S. aureus, resulting in Zone of Inhibition values of 16 mm, 14.5 mm, 10.6 mm, and 6.5 mm, respectively. Furthermore, A.S-NiO NPs demonstrated potential dose-dependent anticancer efficacy against HeLa and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark residues from Douglas fir are an abundant resource that is currently used primarily in low-value energy recovery or is landfilled. Bark extractives are rich in diverse compounds like terpenes, fatty acids, phenols, and sugars with potential uses in a variety of high value applications. The study explores the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis to improve phenolic compounds from Douglas fir bark. It also assesses differences in chemical composition among rhytidome, phloem, and comingled bark fractions from an industrial waste pile. Phloem fractions exhibit higher yields of extractives, rhytidome fractions have elevated lignin levels, while the comingled fraction lies between the two except in ash content which was higher than in the separated fractions. Fungal decay tests with Gloeophyllum trabeum and Coniophora puteana on extract treated wood suggest potential for growth inhibition in extracts, about 58–31 % and 30–7% mass loss (in average) respectively, but due to high mass loss at low concentrations an enzymatic modification approach seems crucial for enhanced inhibition. Growth responses in whole-cell fermentation approach display variability depending on the participating microorganisms. Enzymatic hydrolysis with beta-glucosidase improved the antioxidant properties of bark extracts and holds promise for altering the chemical composition and enhancing bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, natural resources were used as best therapeutic sources for different diseases. Among several herbal resources, certain plant families are known for their analgesic activities, such as Dianthus crinitus , which showed a good curative potential. The mentioned plant has been used traditionally for the healing of several illnesses such as pain, inflammation, injuries, etc. The current study, therefore, evaluated the analgesic and anti-antioxidant activities of ethanolic extracts of leaves, flowers, and seeds of Dianthus crinitus in mice. For analgesic activity, acetic acid and a hot plate thermal stimulation method were used to induce writhes in mice, followed by a tail emersion process. Results showed that the extract demonstrated analgesic potential in mice, signifying both peripheral and central modes of action. Furthermore, extract also significantly inhibited the rat paw edema triggered by carrageenan seaweed and dextran as revealed by neutrophil migration toward the peritoneal cavities of animals and enhanced vascular permeability. The data suggested that the extract exhibited a dose-dependent antioxidant action. These preliminary observations provided support for further exploration and justification for the potential development of a new class of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicines from the constituents of Dianthus crinitus extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal mobility disorders are either hypo or hypermotility conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract due to smooth muscle or neuronal disorders. Betalains are good candidates to be evaluated for their intestinal modulating properties since they may have a higher safety index and pleiotropic efficacy. In this small sample, clinical trials (N = 26 cases of motility disorders), fasting, and betalains intake cases of motility disorders had been measured for their electro enterography EEnG at 8:00 am. Betalains intake cases were given oral doses of 12 mg/kg betalains extract 30 minutes before measurements. A biosignal interface was used (UNO, Italy) and the driver was installed within the Simulink R2021b block with the use of a lowpass filter to cancel ECG wave interference. The participant's privacy, autonomy, and information about the use of this habitually used beetroot extract were insured and verbally explained regarding the purpose of the study, the method, and the time of analysis. The results have clearly shown that the oral administration of the aqueous extract of betalains achieved mild antispasmodic effects in cases with intestinal hypermotility disorders by decreasing the maximum force of contraction as had been indicated by EEnG reduction in the mean amplitude difference from 1.25 micV to 1.07 micV. Moreover, betalains caused EEnG frequency to decline from 21.5 MHz to 18.5 MHz. These effects were mild although statistically significant (P = 0.04). The oral dose of 12 mg/kg of betalains aqueous extract showed mild but significant intestinal relaxing effects in patients with intestinal hypermotility disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are a major source of numerous therapeutic agents, and the emergence of pathogenic bacteria has rekindled interest in traditional medicine systems as an alternative approach to overcoming resistance. The dried plant material of four medicinal plants, namely Terminalia arjuna (bark), Terminalia bellirica (fruit), Aegle marmelos (leaves), and Bacopa monnieri (leaves), was powdered, and aqueous extracts were prepared. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was evaluated against three clinically important strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 385. As E. coli 385 was resistant to the broadest spectrum of antibiotics tested, it was classified as (MDR multi-drug resistant). E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis (MTTC), and Vibrio alginolyticus (ATCC) were also assessed using the agar well diffusion method for zones of inhibition and minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentration (MIC/MBC). Clinically important strains were found to be sensitive to the aqueous extract of T. bellerica (19.51 ± 0.61 mm) with MICs ranging from 0.31 to 0.62 mg/ml. The MDR strain was also sensitive to Bellirica monnieri (16.10 ± 0.31 mm) aqueous extract. To determine the potential for a wide range of applications, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The T. arjuna plant extract exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with the lowest EC50 values for DPPH (1.15 ± 0.061 mg/ml) and ABTS (1.02 ± 0.07 mg/ml). The plant extracts were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous and organic solvent extracts of stem bark, leaves and pods of Cassia fistula L. and their residues were tested for their phytotoxic effects on seed germination and seedling growth of Raphanus sativus L. Bioassay with different solvents extracts revealed that inhibition by ethyl acetate extract of stem bark, leaves and pods was more than other extracts. Epiafzelechin and epicatechin (tannins or the building blocks of the proanthocyanidins) were present in the ethyl acetate extract of pods, kaempferol was obtained from the stem bark, while 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl anthraquinone (chrysophenol) and 1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl-6-methoxy acetophenone (physcion) were found in the leaves of Cassia fistula L. The chemical studies revealed that epiafzelechin and epicatechin (tannins) most inhibited the plumule and radicle growth of Raphanus sativus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research focused on assessing essential oils (MSEO) and aqueous extracts (MSAE) derived from M. subtomentella leaves, with a primary focus on evaluating their properties. From 1 kg of leaves, we successfully obtained 18 mL of essential oil. Upon conducting GC/MS analysis, we identified eleven compounds within the oil, collectively accounting for 100% of the constituents identified. Notably, the predominant compounds in the leaf oil were p-Menth-48) -en-3-one (50.48%), 9-Ethylbicyclo (3.3.1) nonan-9-ol (10.04%) (E)-3,3-Dimethyl-delta-1, alpha-cyclohexaneacetaldehyde (8.53%), and D-Limonene (7.22%). Furthermore, utilizing HPLC/DAD, we explored the phenolic profile of MSAE, extracted through decoction. This analysis revealed the presence of fifty-eight compounds, with five major components collectively constituting 61% of the total compounds identified, rosmarinic acid as the major one. We evaluated the antimicrobial effectiveness of the MSEO against ten different strains, observing its notable efficacy against A. Niger (MIC = 0.09%), P. digitatum (MIC = 0.5%), and G. candidum (MIC = 1%). However, the essential oil demonstrated comparatively lower efficacy against bacteria than fungi. In contrast, the MSAE did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity against the tested strains. Regarding antioxidant activity, the aqueous extract displayed a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than the essential oil, which exhibited relatively lower antioxidant activity. The IC50 values were determined to be 0.04 ± 0.01 mg/mL, 0.17 ± 0.01 mg/mL, and 13% ± 0.01% (V/V), for ascorbic acid MSAE and MSEO, respectively. We used a computational method called molecular docking to investigate how certain plant compounds affect antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. This involved analyzing the interactions between these compounds and specific protein targets known for their roles in these activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) petals against some of the most important food-borne bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli in vitro. According to the results, all three aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic extracts of saffron petals (at concentration of 350 mg/ ml) showed significant inhibitory effect on the studied food-borne bacteria. However, the aqueous extract of saffron petal showed higher antibacterial activity against the studied bacteria compared to other two extracts and its inhibitory effect on the studied gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, B. cereus was significantly higher than gram-negative bacterium E. coli. The results of the MIC determinations of aqueous extract of saffron petals showed that concentrations lower than 43.75 mg/ml did not inhibit the growth of B. cereus and S. aureus bacteria, while MIC values were lower for E. coli and L. monocytogenes bacteria. According to the results, saffron petal, especially its aqueous extract, has the potential to be used as a natural preservative in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant Russian knapweed is known as a blood sugar lowering drug, and the antimicrobial properties of its extracts and essential oils have been proven; Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of extracting the aqueous extract of R. knapweed and investigating its antimicrobial activity. The aqueous extract of R. knapweed was extracted by the maceration method. The antibacterial activity of the extract against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus was investigated using disk diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration methods. The results of this research showed that the antimicrobial activity of the extract was dependent on the concentration and the highest diameter of the inhibition zone was observed at the concentration of 100 mg/ml of the extract. Based on disk diffusion agar and well diffusion agar tests, Listeria monocytogenes bacteria had the highest and Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Bacillus cereus had the lowest inhibition zones, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration for Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus bacteria was obtained as 64, 64, 16, and 32 mg/ml, respectively, and the minimum bactericidal concentration values for these bacteria were 512, 512, 256, and 256 mg/ml, respectively. In generally, the Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the extract compared to the Gram-negative types. The growth of pathogenic bacteria and the diseases transmitted by these bacteria can be controlled by using natural antimicrobial compounds such as R. knapweed aqueous extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prangos ferulacea is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the antifungal effect of P. ferulacea aqueous extract on Alternaria alternata, Alternaria solani, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Fusarium solani. The antifungal methods used were disc diffusion agar, well diffusion agar, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC). The extract concentrations used in the study were 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/mL. The study found that the antifungal effect was concentration -dependent and increased with concentration. S. cerevisiae was the most sensitive species to the extract while F. solani was the most resistant. At 80 mg/mL, the inhibition zones for S. cerevisiae were found to be 11.90 mm and 13.00 mm in disc diffusion agar and well diffusion agar methods, respectively. The corresponding zones were 9.60 mm and 10.20 mm for F. solani, respectively. In the combined mode (interaction) of P. ferulacea aqueous extract with nystatin antibiotic, synergistic mode was observed for all fungal strains. The MIC and MFC values for S. cerevisiae were 32 and 128 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MFC results for F. solani were found to 256 and > 512 mg/mL, respectively. The results of this study showed that P. ferulacea aqueous extract could be used as a natural antifungal agent to inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi on fresh fruits and vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Breast cancer is still the most common cancer among women all over the world. Considering the medicinal and therapeutic properties of F. vulgare, in this research, first, the morphological and structural characteristics of metal nanoparticles biosynthesized from the aqueous extract of F. vulgare and then the antioxidant and anticancer properties of essential oil, aqueous extract and the biosynthesized nanoparticles were investigated. Materials and methods In this research, after the biosynthesis of iron, copper, zinc, and silver nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of fennel plant (F. vulgare) and their properties in terms of size with XRD and confirmation of the structure by FTIR, the amount of secondary metabolites, the amount of antioxidant and anticancer activity of the essential oil And the aqueous extract of fennel plant (F. vulgare) and iron, copper, zinc and silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from it were evaluated on the Sum-159 and the Hs-578T cell lines. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. Graphpad and FlowJ software were used to study cell viability and flow cytometry results, respectively. Results According to the results obtained from DLS of biosynthesized metal nanoparticles, the sizes of iron, copper, zinc, and silver nanoparticles were 35, 32, 33, and 34 nm, respectively. The results of FTIR also confirmed the existence of the synthesized metal nanoparticles. Also, according to the results of HPLC and spectrophotometry, the presence of biochemical compounds such as flavonoid and anthocyanin and metabolites such as rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol in the aqueous extract of fennel plant was confirmed. In terms of antioxidant activity, a significant difference was observed between different treatments, it was also observed that with the increase in the concentration of the treatments, the amount of their antioxidant activity also increased, and the highest amount of antioxidant activity of each treatment was related to the highest concentration of each treatment. The highest amount of antioxidant activity (87.41%) was related to copper nanoparticles at a concentration of 500 mg/ml. In terms of the IC50 value of the mentioned treatments, it was also found that the Sum-159 cell line had higher resistance compared to the Hs-578T cell line against equal concentrations of different treatments. The results of anticancer properties demonstrated that in Sum-159 cell line, the highest pre-apoptotic and post)apoptotic rates were 4.31% and 17.56%, respectively, related to silver nanoparticle treatment. While, in the case of Hs-578 cell line, the highest rate of pre-apoptotic and post-apoptotic are respectively 4.5% and 18.7% related to silver treatment. Conclusions According to the obtained results, the amount of anticancer properties of essential oil and water extract of fennel plant and iron, copper, zinc, and silver nanoparticles biosynthesized from it showed that the percentage of necrotic cells, the percentage of cells in the pre-apoptotic and post)apoptotic stages significantly influenced with the type of treatment used, the type of cell line and their interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For years, Moringa oleifera has been known for possessing wound-healing properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two extracts: aqueous extract (AE) and ethanolic extract (EE) of Moringa oleifera leaves planted at two regions (Mssisi and Lamta) in Morocco for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties, for which mice were used as a biological model. Inflammation was monitored by assessing forepaw volume of mice, measured at 0 min, 1 h, 3 h, and 5 h, after its induction by carrageenan. Hind paw of mice were treated with extracts of M. oleifera, at a dose of 50 mg/kg, obtained from Mssisi region. This resulted in reduction of edema by 99.2% with EE and by 91.8% with AE, compared to controls and the phenolic extract of M. oleifera planted at Lamta region. Regarding healing of burns induced on rat’s dorsal region; results showed that application of Moringa-based ointment for 14 days, at a dose of 50 mg/kg on wounds, resulted in total healing, compared to controls (negative control: more than 22 days, and positive control: 22 days). M. oleifera extracts resulted in nearly complete tissue repair of 98.26% and 95.34% with EE and AE, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathy is a phenomenon that has both beneficial and deleterious influences among plants within the same ecosystem. The allelopathic activity of sunflower on cereals, one of the most popular crops in crop rotation, is still poorly studied and understood. This experiment was aimed at evaluating the allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of different parts of the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in the Boreal environmental zone on seedling morphological parameters of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The following three factors were studied: factor A—two growth stages: flowering sunflower (FS) and ripe sunflower (RS); factor B—three sunflower plant parts: leaves and stems (L + S), heads (H), and roots (R) for extract preparation; factor C—five concentrations (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% (initial concentration 1:10, referred to as 100% solution)) of sunflower aqueous extracts and deionised water (0%) as a control. FS extract revealed an inhibitory effect on all parameters of spring barley and spring wheat in comparison to RS extract. Extracts from different plant parts differed in their allelopathic effects. Compared with L + S extract, R extract significantly stimulated SG and the morphological characteristics of wheat. H extract significantly inhibited barley RL and SL. With increasing concentrations of the extracts, the values of all investigated parameters were significantly inhibited for both receptor plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red flour beetle Tribolium castanium was rearing in the laboratory on its natural food, which is mainly composed of flour or rice, with laboratory temperature (28 + 2) and humidity (50 + 10%) and various life stages were obtained for this insect. The results of the current study showed that the aqueous sweet cumin seed extract affected the increase in the mortality percentages of red flour beetle larvae and adults with the increase in the concentrations used, and there was a direct relationship between the concentrations used (5, 10, 15, 20) mg/ml for the aqueous extracts of Nigella sativa seeds and the adults and larval mortality percentages of the red flour beetle. The highest larval mortality was 100% when using the concentration of 20 mg/ml after 192 hours of treatment, while the highest mortality percentage for adults was 100% when using the concentration of 20 mg/ml after 192 hours of treatment. The highest mortality percentages were recorded for adults and larvae on the first day of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plant extracts have a wide variety of chemical compounds. In this research, a qualitative study was conducted to reveal the chemical composition of the aqueous extract of figs (Ficus carica L.), mulberry (Morus alba L.) and eucalyptus (camaldulensis L.) leaves. This study included the detection of proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, and saponins. The phytochemical analysis of the aqueous extracts from the studied plants leaves showed the presence of bioactive constituents like proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides and tannins in all mentioned extracts, while revealing the absence of alkaloids from mulberry and eucalyptus extracts, steroids from fig extract, and saponins from mulberry extract. Different concentrations of aqueous extracts (5, 10, 15, 25, 50 and 75%) were evaluated for efficiency against germination and growth of Zea mays L. Using distilled water as a control, the germination percentage, and root and shoot length were observed. The results showed beneficial effects and a slight improvement in the percentage of germination and the above growth parameters compared with the control using mulberry extract at 5% and eucalyptus extract at 10%; however, higher concentrations of the extracts showed a negative effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal effect of Iranian oak Jaft extract on Penicillium italicum and Penicillium digitatum, as an indicator of mold spoilage after citrus fruits harvest. Different extraction methods were used to obtain tannins and flavonoids from the Oak Jaft. The study investigated the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), and non-growth diameter of the molds using three different methods: tube dilution, surface culture, and diffusion in agar well. The results showed that different concentrations of aqueous extract had varying effects on the non-growth diameter of the molds. The antifungal effect was significantly increased with a concentration of 40 and 80 mg/ml of aqueous extract. In comparison, the control group, which used Fludioxonil 25% poison, showed a significant difference in mold growth. Therefore, the extract of Iranian oak Jaft can be used as an alternative to control fungal spoilage of citrus fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different plant part extracts of cherry laurel [Prunus laurocerasus (Rosaceae)] were investigated for the acaricidal and repellent activity against Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae). The leaf, flower, and seed aqueous extracts of cherry laurel were prepared for efficacy bioassays. The tested concentrations of each extract were 1% (volume/volume, v/v), 5% (v/v), 10% (v/v), 20% (v/v) and 30% (weight/volume, w/v). Distilled water and a mixed formulation of 228.6 g/L spiromesifen + 11.4 g/L abamectin were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. It can be concluded that the flower and leaf extract of P. laurocerasus at 30% concentration and the seed extract at 10% or greater concentrations have the potential to control P. latus in the egg stage. Although spiromesifen+abamectin caused extremely low egg mortality (9.5%), all larvae died shortly after hatching (indirect ovicidal effect). In contrast, all adult mites died within 20 hours after spraying. Moreover, the adult mortalities (92%-98%) associated with seed extract at 30% during the experimental period, and the leaf (93.78%) and flower (91.11%) extract at 30% 72-h after exposure were statistically similar to that of spiromesifen+abamectin (100%) application. All extracts at 20% and seed extract at 10% or greater concentrations may also have a great potential for repelling P. latus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high productivity potential of sweet potato is restricted by myriads of insect pests that reduce the quantity and quality of its yield. This study investigated the insect pests of Ipomoea batatas and evaluated extracts from four botanicals namely: Carica papaya, Azadirachta indica, Chromolaena odorata and Moringa oleifera for the control of insect pests of the crop. The vines of two varieties of I. batatas (Shaba and SPK004) were used for the experiment. Aqueous extracts of the botanicals were prepared at 10% w/v and applied as from 4 weeks after planting (WAP) and subsequently at weekly intervals till 10 WAP. Five insect pests infested sweet potato crop in both planting seasons. In the early planting season, the number of insect pests in the plots of Shaba variety of I. batatas treated with plant extracts of C. odorata, C. papaya, M. oleifera and A. indica was 0.7, 0.25, 1.67 and 0.7 respectively and they were significantly (p <.05) lower than the number of insect pests (3.08) in untreated plots. Similarly result was obtained for the effects of other botanicals on the number of insect pests in both early and late planting seasons. The yield of sweet potato (16.14 kg) was highest in the plots of sweet potato treated with extract of C. papaya and it was significantly higher than the yield (2.60 kg) from the untreated plots. The yield from other plots treated with the other extracts were also significantly (p <.05) higher than the yield from the plots not treated with botanicals. The study concluded that the plant extracts can be applied on sweet potato to reduce insect infestation and enhance yield of storage roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: Oxidative stress is associated with the pathology of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. The aim of the study was to examine the impacts of the lavender aqueous extract (LAE) on the levels of oxidative stress markers in an animal model with chronic mild stress induced depression. Materials & Methods: 36 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were haphazardly split into 6 groups (n=6). Rats in the test groups were put through five weeks of chronic mild stress. The sucrose preference test (SPT) confirmed depressive-like behaviors in the rats. Rats in both unstressed and stressed control groups received LAE (200 or 400 mg/kg) and distilled water respectively. The specific activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), malondialdehyde (MDA) and as well as the total content of glutathione (GSH) were examined in the serum, liver and prefrontal cortex (PFC) using colorimetric assays. Results: The stress group experienced a significantly decreased level of GSH, SOD, GR, Gpx and CAT, and a statistically considerable augment in MDA level in in the serum, PFC and liver p<0.05. LAE at both doses significantly reversed the depression-caused oxidative stress markers in all the studied tissues. No significant difference was observed between the two used dosages of LAE. Conclusion: LAE is able to ameliorate depression-induced pathology possibly through anti-oxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lactuca serriola extracts induced chromosomal abnormalities in saffron roots. • L. serriola extracts reduced germination characteristics of Lepidium sativum. • Morpho-physiological changes of L. sativum depended on L. serriola concentrations. In this study, two independent experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of the aqueous extract concentrations of wild lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) on the cytogenetic behavior of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) roots and seed germination and physiological characteristics of cress (Lepidium sativum L.). So that the fleshy arisen roots of saffron corms as well as cress seeds were exposed to various concentrations of L. serriola (i.e., 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) and (i.e., 0, 10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100%) for cytological and bioassay studies, respectively. Results showed that the exposure of the apical meristem cells of the saffron roots to the aqueous extract concentrations of L. serriola had a harmful effect on the mitotic division process, inducing chromosomal abnormalities at different stages. Moreover, bioassay results indicated that L. serriola extracts also negatively affected several characteristics, such as seed germination and seedling growth of L. sativum. In contrast, there were significant positive relations among physiological responses of L. sativum with the most concentration of L. serriola extract. These results also indicated that the rate of changes in chromosomal abnormalities in the saffron roots, as well as germination and the physiological characteristics of L. sativum was dependent on the concentration threshold of L. serriola extract. Generally, the decrease in seedling growth of L. sativum despite the relative increase in protective pigments, the osmolytes, and the activities of the enzymes might be due to an insufficient amount of these compounds against oxidative stress caused by L. serriola extract. Generally, the high content of total phenolic and alkaloid in L. serriola extracts and their suitable effectiveness against the experimental plants can make this plant a suitable resource for the possible production of biological antioxidants, antibacterial and even bio- herbicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pain and pyrexia are the warning signals, primarily protective in nature, that cause discomfort and suffering and may even be unbearable and incapacitating. The modern drugs (such as opioids, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids) currently used for the management of pain, fever, and inflammatory conditions, present with many known adverse effects. Tinospora cordifolia known as Giloe or guduchi, widely used in folk medicine due to its property to cure several diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to explore the analgesic activity of water-soluble extract of T. cordifolia in albino rats in experimentally induced pain. Materials and Methods: The present study was done in the Department of Pharmacology, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad. Albino rats were used to study the analgesic activity of T. cordifolia aqueous extract at the dose of 300 mg/kg and 1 g/kg and tramadol 50 mg/kg per orally. Eddy’s hot plate was used for the antinociceptive study. Results: In Eddy’s hot plate, an increase in reaction time was observed with peak effect at 90 min. Results were close to the standard drug tramadol. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of T. cordifolia was effective in model of pain suggesting its possible action by central and peripheral mechanisms, and in higher doses, it was found to be effective like that of tramadol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antrodia cinnamomea is a valuable fungus. The 4-acetylantroquinonol B (4-AAQB) contained in it has strong anticancer activity. In this study, five kinds of herbs, burdock, wolfberry, coix seed, hawthorn, and tangerine peel were selected and processed into powders, aqueous extracts, and ethanolic extracts to investigate the effects on the production of 4-AAQB by A. cinnamomea. A combination strategy was conducted by adding burdock and tangerine peel aqueous extract. By this means, the production of 4-AAQB was improved to 54.5 mg/L, which was approximately 33-fold higher than the control. After analysis of components of the tangerine peel aqueous extract and the addition of the major components, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, and their analogs played an important role in the synthesis of 4-AAQB. It was demonstrated that the addition of Chinese herbs facilitated both cell growth of A. cinnamomea and 4-AAQB production, providing a feasible way to increase the yield of 4-AAQB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apostichopus japonicus is preserved in dried form after processing and used as food and traditional medicine. During the sea cucumber drying process, the boiled liquid is discarded as waste. In this study, the freeze-dried powder obtained from the boiled aqueous extracts from sea cucumbers cultured in Japan and Taiwan (SCAE-Tw and SCAE-Jp) were used to observe the anti-melanogenesis effects of the extracts on B16F10 cells and zebrafish embryos. A foam test, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and ultraviolet (UV) spectra analysis revealed that SCAEs had amphiphilic features similar to saponin. According to the saponin standard, we calculated that SCAE-Tw and SCAE-Jp contained 3.45 and 6.48 mg, respectively, of the saponin component per 100 mg after the lyophilization treatment. The survival rate experiments indicated that the lethal concentration in B16F10 cells is 54 and 201 μg/mL, respectively. The anti-melanogenic activity of the SCAEs was confirmed by assessing the inhibition of melanin content and intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells and zebrafish embryos. qPCR analysis demonstrated that SCAEs suppressed the expression of Mitf, Tyr, and Trp-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. This research may provide new insights into the reuse of food processing wastewater and the development of novel anti-melanin treatments and applications in aquaculture, cosmetics, and medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin considered a potent carcinogen for humans that contaminates a wide range of crops. Various strategies have been established to reduce or block the synthesis of AFB1 in food and feed. The use of aqueous extracts derived from plants with high antioxidant activity has been a subject of study in recent years due to their efficacy in inhibiting AFB1. In this study, we assessed the effect of Aloysia citrodora aqueous extract on Aspergillus flavus growth and on AFB1 production. A bio-guided fractionation followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass spectrometry analysis of the active fraction were applied to identify the candidate molecules responsible for the dose-effect inhibition of AFB1 synthesis. Our results revealed that polyphenols are the molecules implicated in AFB1 inhibition, achieving almost a total inhibition of the toxin production (99%). We identified luteolin-7-diglucuronide as one of the main constituents in A. citrodora extract, and demonstrated that it is able to inhibit, by itself, AFB1 production by 57%. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-Aflatoxin B1 effect of this molecule, while other polyphenols surely intervene in A. citrodora anti-AFB1 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical and pharmacological potential of Viscum album extracts are widely used for the treatment of various diseases in many countries. The effect of aqueous extract from different mistletoe host trees (Abies alba, Acer saccharinum, Malus domestica, Pinus sylvestris) on model objects (Allium cepa and Drosophila milanogaster), bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus), and fungi (Aspergillus niger, Heterobasidion annosum, Inonotus obliquus) was evaluated. The influence of mistletoe extracts on A. cepa, D. melanogaster and basidiomycetes species H. annosum and I. obliquus was demonstrated for the first time. The study findings revealed that the impact of mistletoe aqueous extract exhibits considerable variation, influenced by multiple factors. These factors include the specific tree from which mistletoe is obtained, the concentration used, and the organism targeted. Mistletoe extracts caused the appearance of cells with pathologies in the meristematic tissues of A. cepa at different stages of the plant cell cycle. A clear cytostatic effect on A. cepa and D. melanogaster was shown, with the highest effect of mistletoe extract obtained from A. saccharinum. The main action of the solution on cells is probably manifested in the inhibition of cell division according to the results of the cytotoxicity assessment of aqueous extracts of mistletoe. Antibacterial activity of concentated mistletoe extract obtained from A. saccharinum was found only against S. aureus with zone of growth inhibition 11.0 ± 0.1 mm. In the assay on agar plates the tested extracts stimulated the mycelial growth of A. niger 1.85 times higher compared to the control, but inhibited the growth of H. annosum, I. obliquus at 65.5% and 62.2%, respectively. However, the biomass production of H. annosum was strongly dependent on the host mistletoe tree of the aqueous extract, and both the inhibition of mycelial synthesis of the wood-destroying fungus and its stimulating effect on mycelial accumulation were found. Anegative effect (1.46 times decrease in biomass ) of H. annosum was found in the case of application of mistletoe extract obtained from A. saccharinum. The highest stimulation effect on fungus (1.53 times increase in biomass) was established by using mistletoe extract prepared from A. alba. In this study the main effects on living organisms used were indirectly caused by the host trees of mistletoe extracts. The overall negative impact was associated with the host tree Acer saccharinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work aims to develop and evaluate hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans aqueous extract. The silver nanoparticles and silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans were prepared by a green synthesis approach using 0.1 mM silver nitrate solution and a 1 % aqueous extract of Withania coagulans. The silver nanoparticles were used for characterization purposes, whereas the silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans were incorporated in the hydrogel formulation containing carbopol 971P NF of different concentrations, propylene glycol, triethanolamine and distilled water of appropriate amount. The silver nanoparticles were evaluated for their particle size (Zavg), polydispersity index, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The prepared hydrogels were assessed for physical appearance, pH, viscosity, syneresis, spreadability, occlusivity, and drug-excipient compatibility. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were stable and spherical in shape with an average particle size of 174.9±0.062 nm, indicating the particles were in the nano range and the polydispersity index value of 0.174±0.054 showed the homogeneity of particle size distribution. The scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy data reflected the spherical and smooth surface of silver nanoparticles. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis spectra of silver nanoparticles showed a strong spectral signal of silver. The crystalline nature of the silver nanoparticles was confirmed from the spot pattern obtained by selected area electron diffraction. The silver nanoparticles with Withania coagulans loaded hydrogel formulations (F1, F2 and F3) were found to be yellowish-brown in color, homogeneous in nature, with pH of 6.24±0.047-6.78±0.082 and percentage syneresis from 0.46±0.074 to 1.47±0.12. The spreadability data (4.83±0.08-6.4±0.124 cm) indicated the easily spreadable nature of hydrogel and the viscosities in the range of 41840±257.07-87538±389.87 cp were found to be suitable for topical application. The percntage occlusiveness of the prepared hydrogel was found to be 54.43±1.24 to 74.82±2.48. The drug excipient compatibility by attenuated total reflectance-fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectroscopy revealed the compatibility of the extract with the hydrogel formulation components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are precursor cells of osteoblasts. Exploring its differentiation mechanism is of great significance for guiding the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Eucommia ulmoides Oliver can induce the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. However, it is unclear about the effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver on proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and Nur77/MDM2/p53 pathway. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver aqueous extract on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and differentiation. METHODS: The aqueous extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver bark was used to treat human and mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay were used to detect the proliferation and apoptosis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The expression of proliferation and apoptosis related proteins and the expression of Nur77 and its downstream MDM2, p53 pathway related proteins and the ubiquitination of p53 protein were detected by western blot assay. After directed induction of adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, the degree of differentiation was evaluated by detecting the expression of adipocytes and osteoblasts marker proteins using western blot assay. Nur77 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was transfected into bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells treated with 10 mg/mL Eucommia ulmoides Oliver aqueous extract. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation were detected. Finally, after knocking down Nur77, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were treated with p53 inhibitor (Pifithrin-α), and the changes of cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation were detected to clarify the mechanism. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The Eucommia ulmoides Oliver aqueous extract promoted the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, inhibited cell apoptosis and adipogenic differentiation. (2) Eucommia ulmoides Oliver aqueous extract upregulated Nur77 and MDM2 protein expression and promoted p53 ubiquitination. Knockdown of Nur77 inhibited MDM2 protein expression and p53 protein ubiquitination, promoted p53 protein expression, and further inhibited bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. (3) Pifithrin-α reversed the effects of Nur77 siRNA, promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation, and inhibited cell apoptosis and adipogenic differentiation. (4) It is concluded that the Eucommia ulmoides Oliver aqueous extract promotes bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation via the Nur77/MDM2/p53 pathway, which provides a theoretical reference for the research of Eucommia ulmoides Oliver in bonerelated disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black pepper (Piper nigrum) is a plant highly valued for its functional aromatic compounds. To increase bioavailability of its phytochemicals, a novel approach to extraction using microwave heating and optimization was investigated. Fixed (microwave power and particle size) and variable (heating time and solvent volume) extraction criteria were applied to obtain aqueous extracts, followed by the optimization of the quality of extracts by subjecting the extracts to meat quality test using the central composite design. Thereafter, quality indices (pH, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value, refrigeration loss, colour and cooking loss) of meat subjected to storage were determined and the outcomes were analysed using response surface methodology. A total of six optimised solutions were derived but the best extraction criteria (variable) were 87.28 min and 364.26 mL of heating time and solvent volume respectively with a desirability value of 0.624, while microwave power and particle size were kept constant. Afterwards, selected optimised extraction criteria was applied, and black pepper aqueous extract obtained was compositionally analysed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Remarkably, a total of 71 compounds were extracted, comprising element-based compounds such as silicon, nitrogen, sulphur and iodine. Two silicon and nitrogen-based compounds as well as one sulphur and nitrogen-sulphur based compound were obtained while seven iodine-based compounds were discovered alongside other functional compounds. This approach results in green and efficient extraction process with increased bioavailability of functional compounds. However, further modifications of extraction criteria can be applied to upscale the desirability level (score) for increased extraction efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococcus mutans is considered as a major microorganism causing tooth decay, affecting individuals globally. Different types of chewing sticks possess anti cariogenic properties, traditionally been consumed in maintaining dental hygiene. Usage of these sticks can be economical in developing and rural regions where dental caries is a major health concern. Objective: The current study aims to evaluate antibacterial action of different type of chewing sticks extract on Streptococcus mutans. Methods: Aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica (Neem), Melia azedarach (Bakain), Mangifera indica (Mango), Salvadora persica (Peelu), Terminalia chebula (Harhar), Dalbeigia sissoo (Tali) and Juglans regia (Akhrot) plants which have justified folk use were prepared in Punjab University College of Pharmacy, Punjab University. Next, in vitro antimicrobial activity was studied by broth dilution method in Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as well as the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were quantitatively evaluated on basis of turbidity index. Results: There is a significant effect of aqueous extracts of plants on the bacterial inhibition. MIC and MBC values were in the range of 6.125 to 100 mg/mL against S. mutans. The notable effect occurred with aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica showing MIC and MBC values as 6.25mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. Alternatively, Salvadora persica demonstrated 8.33mg/mL and 16.66 mg/mL values of these parameters Conclusions: Each plant studied exhibited moderate to high antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strain. However, Azadirachta indica and Salvadora persica aqueous extracts showed promising effect against Streptococcus mutans [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study investigates the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and hematopoietic and antioxidant effects of Dianthus orientalis leaves aqueous extract (DO.AQ) in rabbits intoxicated with paracetamol. Different experimental groups were formed, i.e., group N, group T, group ELD, group EMD, group EHD and group SM. The groups with leaves aqueous extract of Dianthus orientalis of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, i.e., group EMD and group EHD, showed remedial effects; however, a high dose extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase ALT, aspartate transaminase AST and alkaline phosphatase ALP and renal related indices such as serum creatinine, urea and uric acid, and serum electrolytes such as Ca, Mg, P, Na and K, as well as the total count of RBC, WBC, platelets and hemoglobin Hb concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCH concentration and hematocrit HCT values. Additionally, the extract showed positive effects on the lipid profile, i.e., decreasing levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and increasing levels of HDL. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances TBARS, glutathione GSH and radical scavenging activity were also evaluated in liver and kidney homogenates. Paracetamol fed animals had high levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and low levels of glutathione GSH and radical scavenging activity (RSA). Extract ingestion caused a significant increase in glutathione and radical scavenging activity RSA levels, while reducing the (TBARS) levels, showing that the extracts have antioxidant potentials. The antioxidant capacity of the Dianthus orientalis leaves aqueous extract at various dosages demonstrated an increased inhibition of DPPH, i.e., 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylehydrazyle free radical. The histological study of the liver and kidney supports the protective activity of Dianthus orientalis leaves aqueous extract against paracetamol intoxication with optimistic effects regarding oxidative stress condition and serum electrolytes balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of both aqueous extract of Nigella sativa and its oil in treating the hypothyroid induced by methimazole in female of white mice in order to determine which one of them is more effective in treating of hypothyroidism, aiming to use it as a natural treatment instead of the chemical treatments which have dangerous side effects. Materials and Methods: The study included 40 female white mice dived into 4 groups 10 mice each one. Group 1 (control): orally administered and treated with distilled water. Group 2 (HYP): orally treated with methimazole at a dose 0.05-mg/kg/ body weight/day for 3 weeks. Group 3 (NSE): the hypothyroidism was induced as in group 2, then treated orally with aqueous Nigella sativa extract at a dose of 400mg/kg/body weight/ day for 4 weeks. Group 4 (NSO): the hypothyroidism was induced as group 2, then treated orally with Nigella sativa oil at a dose of 1 ml/kg/body weight/ day for 4 weeks. Results: This study showed that both NSE and NSO caused a significant decreasing p<0.05 of TSH level and a significant increase of FT3 level. Also, NSO caused increasing of FT4 level, while the increase of FT4 was unsignificant under NSE treatment. Conclusions: The efficacy of NSO is higher than the NSE in treating hypothyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hops contain a wide variety of polyphenolic compounds with diverse antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of temperature on the bioactive components of samples of aqueous extracts of hops with different characteristics. A central compound rotating design model was used in order to obtain optimal conditions of temperature and extract concentration to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria solani. At intermediate temperatures according to the design of experiments, significant effects on antifungal activity were observed. The optimal conditions with antifungal activity were at a concentration of 160 mg/mL and a temperature of 65 °C to obtain mycelial diameters ≤ 25 mm. The bioactive compounds were shown in the FT-IR spectrum after each heat treatment of both samples; significant changes were observed in the bands between 2786 to 3600 cm−1 and 1022 to 1729 cm−1. The content of total phenols and flavonoids showed a concentration increase of 4.54 to 6.24 mg GAE/g and 6.21 to 8.12 mg QE/g from an initial evaluation temperature of 25 °C to 57.5 °C, respectively, benefited by the heating temperature, enhancing antifungal activity. However, when increasing the temperature ≥90 °C, a tendency to decrease the concentration of bioactive compounds was observed, probably due to their denaturation due to the effect of temperature and exposure time, being non-thermolabile compounds at high temperatures. These aqueous extracts are an alternative to effective natural antifungals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitex madiensis Oliv. is a plant widely used in traditional medicine by healers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The uses of this plant are already known and published but no toxicological investigations have been carried out on this plant to determine its safety. This study, conducted in April 2019, aimed to determine the toxicity profile of the aqueous extract of Vitex madiensis by determining its acute and sub-acute toxicities after oral administration in a male guinea pig model. For the acute toxicity, in adult guinea pigs, single oral administration of the aqueous extract of Vitex madiensis (1; 2; and 3 g/kg body weight) was administered, and general poisoning behaviors such as alopecia, abdominal bloating, weight loss, asthenia, convulsion, etc. was constantly monitored for 14 days. The oral lethal dose 50 was determined with the mortality rate by the Dragstedt and Lang method. In sub-acute toxicity, a daily single oral dose of Vitex madiensis aqueous extract 0.1 g/kg (human dose used in traditional medicine) and 1 g/kg (about the LD 50) was used for 28 days. The LD 50 calculated was 1.4 g/kg with change in mobility behavior, weight loss, alopecia, asthenia, convulsion, and bloating of the abdomen. After 28 days of observation, the aqueous extract of Vitex madiensis induced significant changes in body weights. However, hematological, and biochemical parameters showed a significant decrease in ALT, AST, and creatinine levels suggesting disturbances of haemopoiesis, liver, and kidney functions. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the aqueous leaf extract of Vitex madiensis has a moderated toxicity for single oral administration and could be dangerous for daily use of doses higher than those used in traditional medicine (0.1 g/kg). This would justify the nontoxic use of this plant under the traditional condition utilizations. [Display omitted] • Many changes in behavior signs of intoxication with high doses of V. madiensis. • Acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract of this plant on Cavia porcellus L. is currently known. • Vitex madiensis is moderately toxic orally at a single dose. • This plant is dangerous in repeated doses in 28 days. • Hematological and biochemical parameters showed a significant decrease in transaminase enzymes. • First toxicity assessment of V. madiensis on Cavia porcellus L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous seaweed extracts are a biological product which have beneficial effects on plant growth as well as improving their resistance to several biotic and abiotic stresses. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of three seaweeds Fucus spiralis, Cystoseira ericoides (Phaeophyceae) and Ulva lactuca (Chlorophyceae) harvested from Atlantic coast of Rabat region in Morocco, on lead (Pb) tolerance and accumulation in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants. Aqueous extracts were obtained by the combination of 2 extraction processes, ultrasonication and heating. The brown seaweeds F. spiralis and C. ericoides extracts had good antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay. The growth and physiological parameters were compared between Solanum lycopersicum seedlings grown in hydroponic conditions at 0 and 100 μmol Pb with or without 4% seaweed extract. The F. spiralis and C. ericoides extracts significantly increased the aboveground parts and roots biomass compared to control plants treated with Pb alone. In Pb stress conditions, these seaweed extracts enhanced the plant's tolerance with a reduction of anthocyanin and proline content. F. spiralis extract treatment led to a significant Pb accumulation in aboveground parts of the plant. The effect of U. lactuca extract on tomato plants biomass, anthocyanin and proline was not significant. The study demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of F. spiralis and C. ericoides improved the plant response to heavy metals stress, highlighting the potential use of these seaweeds in phytoremediation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors contributing to the severity of cardiovascular disease. Treatment of hyperlipidemia involves diet control and the use of lipid-lowering drugs. However, some patients cannot tolerate the side effects of these drugs, so modern medicine is turning to traditional medicine in search of new therapeutic agents. The objective of this study is the determination of the effect of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of Thymus vulgaris L. administered orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight on the lipid profile — total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very lowdensity lipoproteins (VLDL), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) — of mice on a high cholesterol diet. Determination of lipid parameters after 30 days of treatment showed a significant decrease in the level of TC, TG, LDL, and VLDL with a non-significant increase in HDL level. These results demonstrated that Thymus vulgaris extracts have hypolipidic activity and could be used for the prevention of disorders associated with hyperlipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable tissue engineering scaffolds with tunable degradation, high biocompatibility, adequate mechanical strength and intrinsic biomineralization potential instigating biomimetic interactions with osteogenic cells have been well-received for effective bone-defect repair. This study demonstrates the early biomimetic as well as biomineralization of aqueous stem extract (WE) of Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) integrated natural scaffold composed of chitosan and collagen (CC) with a tunable degradation profile. Results demonstrate that the scaffold (CC-WE) synergistically contributes to its biomineralization, water absorption capacity and tunable degradation. The microporous CC-WE with an average pore size of 43.13 ± 13.59 µm attained complete swelling within 1h and maintained equilibrium swelling for 10 days and subsequently underwent controlled degradation (42.3% by day 60) under physiological pH and ambient temperature. Early biomimetic mineralization has been observed by SEM analysis after immersing CC-WE in simulated body fluid under biomimetic conditions for 7 days. In complementary, early biomineralization has been confirmed by Alizarin Red S (ARS) and von Kossa (VK) staining upon interaction with Human Osteosarcoma (HOS) cells for 7 days, viewed as respective coloured adduct formation. The findings, therefore, suggest innate biomineralization proficiency of CC-WE scaffold under a beneficial biological microenvironment to aid faster bone defect healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Scabiosa genus of the family Caprifoliaceae comprises around 100 species distributed mainly in the Mediterranean. Studies on Scabiosa species, incentivized by their wide use in folk medicine, highlighted their interesting phytochemical contents and biological activities. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity and phenolics contents of the aqueous extracts obtained from the different parts of Scabiosa maritima at four stages of development. Extraction was conducted by maceration, infusion, and decoction methods. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), condensed tannin content (CTC), flavonols content, ferric reducing power (RP), total antioxidant activity (TAC), and ABTS and DPPH scavenging activity were evaluated. Pigments (β-carotene, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b , leukopene) contents of the different plant parts were also investigated as well as the chemical composition of essential oils obtained from leaves collected during April (pre-flowering stage) and inflorescence collecting during May (flowering stage). Mixed effect models were fitted to the different datasets, to elucidate the effect of the different intervening factors (organs, sampling date, and extraction method). The studied parameters have shown an organ-dependent variation, with leaves exhibiting in general the highest values. The analysis of random effect plots revealed an opposite behavior of leaves vs. stem and roots across time. Pigments, phenolics contents, and antioxidant activities were the highest in leaves during March, while they attained their peak during either April or June for stem and roots. The extraction method did not drastically affect the variation pattern of different variables across plant parts and sampling date, however, a significant effect on deviation magnitude was recorded. Infusion extraction generally assures the best recovery of phenolics from the different plant parts. Leaves and inflorescence essential oils exhibited a distinct chemical composition with only hexahydrofarnesyl acetone as the common compound. Leaves essential oil composition was dominated by apocarotenoid derivatives while pyridine derivatives were the group of the major compounds identified in inflorescence essential oil. Inflorescence essential oil was also characterized by a considerable amount of mescalin (5.66%). Repeated measure correlation (rmcorr) and multivariate analysis (MFA) highlighted respectively a moderate to strong correlation between extracts' antioxidant activities and phenolics contents and confirm the opposite time evolution pattern displayed by roots and leaves regarding the different analyzed variables. The extreme position on the second axes of the factorial map, occupied by stems collected during June and roots collected during May highlighted the distinctively high antioxidant activities of their decoctions. [Display omitted] • Phenolics contents and antioxidant activity recorded in the different aqueous extracts were shown to be organ dependent, with a significant effect of plant growing stage. • Extraction process (maceration, infusion, decoction) have shown a significant impact on phenolics contents and antioxidant capacity deviation magnitudes rather than their profiles across plant parts and sampling date. • Leaves extracts have shown an opposite deviation pattern over time to those of stem and roots with regard of the different variables. • Scabiosa.maritima essential oils chemical compositions were investigated for the first time. • Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone was the only common compounds to leaves and inflorescence essential oils. • A considerable amount of mescaline was recorded in Scabiosa.maritima inflorescence essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six samples of bio-capped copper oxide nanoparticles were made from two bio-waste extracts: Punica granatum L. peels and Psidium guajava Linn. leaves. Extraction methods included soaking in water or hydroethanol and boiling in water. The samples were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TGA. Results showed organic residue capping on CuO nanoparticles varied based on the extract and capping medium used. The thermal stability of all CuO samples was observed to be high, as recorded from TGA patterns and confirmed by EDX analysis, which showed a high content of copper ranging from 10.1 to 36.1%. TEM analysis revealed an average particle size of less than 20 nm for all six samples, suggesting a similarity in size. The soaking technique produced the most stable bio-capped CuO nanoparticles with a high negative zeta potential value. According to the study, the CuO samples synthesized from aqueous extracts obtained through soaking showed the highest antibacterial activity. This could be attributed to the high oxygen ratio, which was confirmed via EDX analysis. The bio-capped CuO was effective against multidrug-resistant gram-positive bacteria MRSA, and C. albicans. A mechanism was proposed to explain how the capping media affected the antimicrobial activity of the bio-capped CuO nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, field crops with allelopathic activity have gained overwhelming importance in overcoming the adverse effects of chemical herbicides on the environment and the increasing weed resistance to herbicides. Among the many cover crops studied for their allelopathic activity, wheat has exhibited strong allelopathic activity against a wide range of weed species, as reported in the previous literature. Several previous studies have focused on identifying wheat allelochemicals responsible for the weed suppression effect. The current review represents details about the most critical and influential chemical groups, including benzoxazinoids and phenolic compounds. In addition, several methods have been reported to exploit wheat's ability to combat weeds, including growing wheat in a crop rotation, applying wheat residues as soil mulch, or exposing weeds to wheat aqueous extract. A general background is also provided about allelopathy and allelochemicals; their concept, importance, chemical groups, mode of action and environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Massularia acuminata stem is often used in folkloric medicine in the management of erectile dysfunction (ED), without full scientific basis for its action. Thus, the effects of aqueous extract of M. acuminata stem (MAS) on sexual activity, hormonal action, enzymatic activity and levels of molecules associated with erectile function were assessed. ED was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg body weight of streptozotocin in rats and treated with sildenafil citrate or MAS (50 or 100 mg/kg) orally for 2 weeks. The results revealed that there was significant (p < 0.05) reduction in mounting and intromission frequencies, testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and nitric oxide levels, as well as elevation in mounting and intromission latencies, phosphodiesterase 5, arginase, acetylcholinesterase, adenosine triphosphatidase, and adenosine deaminase activities, nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive species, and glycated haemoglobin levels were observed in ED rats in comparison with the control rats. Treatment with MAS or sildenafil citrate significantly (p < 0.05) modulated the sexual behaviour, biochemical parameters and histological architecture, with 100 mg/kg of MAS having the best erectogenic effects. Furthermore, phenolic characterization revealed that catechin and kaempferol as the main phenolic compounds present in MAS, that can act in synergistically or additively with other phytochemicals to confer erectogenic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Juniperus oxycedrus L. (J. oxycedrus) has a rich historical background in herbal remedies to treating digestive system abnormalities. However, no comprehensive evaluation of its potential toxic effects has been conducted. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the acute and subacute toxicity of an aqueous extract of J. oxycedrus (AEJO). AEJO was prepared by the conventional Moroccan methods by decoction the arial part of the plant. The acute and subacute toxicity tests were conducted in mice and rats, respectively. Acute toxicity tests showed that the extract was not toxic even at high doses of 5000 mg/kg. In the subacute study, no detectable indications of toxicity or mortality were observed and there were no notable deviations in food intake or water consumption among all rats. However, changes in body weight of animals treated with 1000 and 2000 mg/kg underwent a significant decrease. AEJO administration decreased platelet number, elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, and reduced albumin levels. Histological examination revealed normal renal parenchyma despite increased creatinine. It also showed binucleation, and hepatocyte vacuolation. The results indicate that AEJO has considerable tolerance for consumption, but repeated use can affect hepatocytes and kidneys. Therefore, additional analyses, such as subchronic, chronic, and neurotoxic studies, are required before using this plant in clinical research. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  : Detarium microcarpum, is a species confined to drier regions of west and central Africa used to treat various diseases including cancer. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites (alkaloids) The aim of this work is to study the effect of total aqueous extracts and alkaloid fractions from D. microcarpum leaves, bark and roots on Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. ‘Bright Yellow 2’ (BY-2) tobacco cell line GFP-TuA3 expressing a N-terminal fusion of GFP. The plant was harvested in two different regions of Mali with a contrasting climate. The effects of the extracts on the microtubules was followed by spinning disc confocal microscopy. We showed that the anti-microtubular effect of the extracts is dose-dependent, depends of the sampling site and the part of the plant used. Total alkaloids extracted of D. microcarpum bark have more effect on microtubules than leaf and root. The bioactivity‐guided fractionation should be used to screen out the biologically active compounds of the total alkaloid extracts of the bark of D. microcarpum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]