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This research examined the effectiveness of using Albizia lebbeck seed pods (ALB) as an adsorbent to remove dye effluents and clean up wastewater. More specifically, the binding capacity of methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) dyes from aqueous solution using unmodified Albizia lebbeck seed pods (UALB) and citric acid modified Albizia lebbeck seed pods (CALB) were compared. The adsorbents underwent characterization via the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Several operational factors were investigated using batch tests to ascertain their effects. These parameters included pH, adsorbent dose, interaction duration, and initial dye concentration. The residual dye concentrations were determined, and the data generated were fitted to equilibrium and kinetic models. In CALB and UALB, MB adsorption ideal pH values were 10 and 12, whereas CR optimal pH values were 3 and 2. Also, MB and CR equilibrium durations were 360 and 240 min, respectively. Temkin model best described the adsorption in CALB ( r 2 = 0.9916, 0.9484) whereas Freundlich worked well for UALB in MB and CR ( r 2 = 0.9626, 0.9871). Kinetic modeling of the adsorption data showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best fit ( r 2 = 0.9998, 0.9999) for CALB and ( r 2 = 1, 0.9992) for UALB for both MB and CR dyes. Maximum adsorption for MB was 9.499 mg/g and for CR it was 8.628 mg/g, and the findings showed a positive linear correlation between the concentration of dye-ions and their adsorption ability. The CALB also demonstrated superior efficacy in the removal of MB (4.661 mg/g) dye relative to CR (4.113 mg/g). The results of this study demonstrate that the use of ALB, in both modified and unmodified forms, is a cost-effective and efficient approach for the removal of MB and CR from the aqueous environment. NOVELTY STATEMENT: In this study, Albizia lebbeck seed pod (ALB), an agricultural waste, was used in both its unmodified (UALB) and modified (CALB) forms to remove cationic MB and anionic CR dyes from aqueous solution. The study showed that ALB proved to be an excellent low-cost alternative adsorbent for the removal of MB and CR dyes from an aqueous solution. However, the adsorption capacity was higher for MB (9.499 mg/g) compared to CR (8.628 mg/g). According to the results, CALB also proved to be more efficient in the removal of MB dye (4.661 mg/g) compared to CR (4.113 mg/g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crude extracts from stem barks of Pittosporum pentandrum (Blanco) Merr., Albizia julibrissin Durazz., and Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. were tested singly and in combination against the giant earthworms (Pheretima sp. Kinberg) infesting the Ifugao rice terraces causing water seepage and collapse of rice paddy walls. Laboratory assay revealed that all plant extracts used singly or in combination caused dose-dependent vermicidal effect causing 100% mortality to giant earthworms within 5-35 min. Field trials showed that at 100 mL/L crude extracts from the species used singly or combined effectively control giant earthworms within 2-6 h. The use of the organic vermicide from the above species, as demonstrated in this study, exhibits their potential as a safer way of managing destructive giant earthworms than synthetic chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing scarcity of major commercial tropical hardwood species has necessitated the utilization of plantation grown exotic timber species as a potential means of maintaining Ghana's foundation of timber resources. To better consider Albizia lebbeck as a substitute for wood species which are being seriously over-exploited to the point of commercial extinction, its wood properties were characterized to expatiate its utilization potentials. Three mature plantation grown Albizia lebbeck trees with diameters 45-50 cm at breast height were purposively selected and sampled at four stem height levels of tree height. The samples were sawn into the required sizes in accordance with the British standard, BS 373 (1957) for testing. The heartwood and sapwood proportions were evaluated and the samples were examined for hardness, bending strength (MOE and MOR), compression strength parallel to grain, shear strength parallel to grain, and air-dry density. All trees had a significantly higher heartwood than sapwood percentage. The air-dry density values at 12% MC were 868 kg/m3, 806 kg/m3, 695 kg/m3 and 564 kg/m3 for four sections of the stem (heights 0-25%, 26-50%, 51-75% and 76-100%). In general, the plantation grown Albizia lebbeck exhibited favourable strength values, suggesting that it is endowed with adequate properties for being an alternative species to supply the wood industry.

Inter-specific competition among species in a mixed species plantation is inevitable, and the degree of competition for available resources determines the success of species co-existence. Different species compete and interact for resources at different physiological and developmental stages. However, most research has investigated inter-specific competition at the mature stage. We examined seed germination and seedling growth of two confamilial species, Albizia saman and Albizia lebbeck, and explored inter-specific competition at their early life stages, grown in a mixture of different proportions of seeds and seedlings through a series of replacement experiment. The experiment included germination and height growth tests for each species on its own, as well as three mixtures of species with ratios of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25. We found that the germination speed and percentage, the probability of seedling emergence, and the seedling height were significantly higher in A. saman than in A. lebbeck. Moreover, in mixtures, we observed that A. saman exhibits higher germination speed and percentages compared to A. lebbeck. The increase in seedling height did not vary significantly among treatments when the seedlings of the studied species were mixed in different proportions. However, both species showed an apparent benefit when growing together, which was significantly influenced by A. saman in terms of inter-specific competition indexes. The knowledge of the early growth performance of these species and their inter-specific competition presented in this study may influence recruitment success and will be useful in understanding the population dynamics in the case of a mixed species plantation. Furthermore, our study suggests that there could be an impact of species mixture on the regeneration or recruitment process, even when the species are confamilial. Therefore, this information could be useful for selecting suitable species mixtures in any afforestation and reforestation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Spasms are involuntary muscular contractions commonly seen frequently. This study used isolated tissue preparations to test the efficacy of Albizia lebbeck (A.L) and Emblica officinalis (E.O) extracts for spasmolytic activity. Materials and methods: The herbal extracts were tested in isolated guinea pig ileum, rat uterus, rat fundus, and rabbit jejunum. Histamine was used as spasmogen in guinea pig ileum, while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was in rat uterus and rat fundus. Spontaneous contractions' amplitude and frequency were recorded in the rabbit jejunum after administering herbal extracts. The influence of the extracts on smooth muscle contraction was calculated and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The P value was kept at

Background: Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth, a medium to large tree belonging to the family Fabaceae, is commonly used as a medicinal plant for various disease conditions. Aim: The aim of this study was to establish a pharmacognostical profile for the leaves of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth in order to aid its identification and authentication. Method: Standard macroscopic methods were employed to analyze the physical parameters of the Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth leaves. Fresh leaf samples and dried leaf powder were studied under a microscope to reveal the plant's microscopic features. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of the plant material was also conducted using standard methods. Result: The results showed the presence of fibers, epidermal cells, stomata, sclereids, prismatic crystals, vascular bundles, and parenchyma cells. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, glycocides, terpenes, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, and quinones. Conclusion: These pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical observations can be considered as standard for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) are serious soil pollutants that adversely affect plant growth and development and need to be removed through phytoremediation. The present study aimed to assess the morphological indices of Albizia lebbeck (L.) (Benth.) in relation to anatomical modifications for survival under both Pb and Ni stress. The seedlings of A. lebbeck were established and then subjected to four different concentrations, viz. 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM and 75 mM, of Pb and Ni for 14 days in two phases. Morphological traits such as shoot length (70.93%), fresh weight (79.27%), dry weight (83.9%), number of root hairs (65.7%), number of leaves per plant (67.4%) and number of leaflets per plant greatly reduced under Pb or Ni stress. Surprisingly, root length increased rather than decreased with the increase in Pb or Ni concentrations, along with an increase in leaflet width, leaflet length and leaflet area. Moreover, root cortical cell area, metaxylem area and phloem area decreased at 75 mM of Pb and Ni while epidermal thickness and cell area increased. Stem epidermal thickness, cell area and phloem area significantly decreased with the consistent increase in metaxylem area and cortical region thickness under both Pb and Ni stress. Leaf anatomical traits such as midrib thickness, abaxial epidermal thickness and stomatal density and adaxial epidermal thickness and stomatal area significantly increased with increasing Pb or Ni stress. Correlation analysis revealed close relations among morphological and anatomical traits (such as root length with cortical region thickness) for better plant survival under Pb or Ni stress, and a PCA-biplot further verified these correlation analyses. Cluster analyses demonstrated the associations among the morphological and anatomical traits based on different stress levels. Furthermore, we found that the longer exposure (from phase 1 to phase 2) of heavy metals stress is more dangerous for plant survival and can ultimately lead to plant death. Moreover, our results also confirmed that Ni is more harmful or dangerous to plants than Pb at high and moderate concentrations. The anatomical modifications ensured the survival of A. lebbeck in extreme heavy metals stress and therefore unlocked its potential to be used as a natural source of phytoremediation. We also recommend that the genetic potential of A. lebbeck associated with its survival under heavy metal stress be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical investigation of the fresh flowers of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) led to the isolation of two new echinocystic acid saponins. They were isolated by using chromatographic methods and their structures were elucidated by detailed 1H and 13C NMR spectral data including 2 D-NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC and APT) spectroscopic techniques, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and acid hydrolysis. Their structures were established as 16-hydroxy-3-[[O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-(3β,16α)-olean-12-en-28-oic acid O-6-deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-6-deoxy-α-L-mannopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 16-hydroxy-3-[[O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→6)-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl]oxy]-(3β,16α)-olean-12-en-28-oic acid 6-O-[(2S,3R,4R)-tetrahydro-3-hydroxy-4-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furanyl]-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2). Additionally, the permeability property and the capacity of interaction with biological membranes of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study has described biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Albizia lebbeck leaf (L-ZnO) and flower extracts (F-ZnO) which was further confirmed using UV–vis spectroscopy, PL studies, FESEM, XRD, ATR-IR, GC–MS, HR-MS and 1H NMR analysis. UV–vis spectra for both L-ZnO and F-ZnO showed maximum absorbance ∼370 nm characteristic for ZnO nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed highly crystalline nature of L-ZnO and F-ZnO. Morphological analyses of both L-ZnO and F-ZnO underlined the presence of floral and spherical structures within the size ranges 82–246 nm and 82–328 nm respectively. Presence of involvement of N–H, C = C = C, C–O and C-N stretching, –CH2 and O–H deformation, C–H scissor as well as CH3 in-plane rocking vibrations contributed by different biomolecules involved during L-ZnO/F-ZnO biosynthesis were identified using ATR-IR which were further confirmed using GC–MS, HR–MS and 1H NMR analysis. Uncalcinated L-ZnO exhibited antibacterial properties only against E. coli. Non-antibacterial activities against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis were seen in case of calcinated L-ZnO in addition to uncalcinated and calcinated F-ZnO. L-ZnO and F-ZnO nanoparticles displayed absence of antifungal potential against Penicillium spp., A. flavus, R. solani and F. oxysporum as well as cytotoxicity against HCT-116 carcinoma before and after calcination. Size, shape and surface coating of L-ZnO and F-ZnO as well as membrane structure of micro-organisms influence their antimicrobial capabilities. Thus, both ZnO nanoparticles showed selective antimicrobial toxicity and high biocompatibility to be used in drug delivery applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal modification is a chemical-free process for improving hydrophobicity, dimensional stability, and biological durability of wood. There are inconsistent reports on the UV resistance of thermally modified wood with the majority of studies indicating its vulnerability to UV degradation. This may be due to the natural variability of chemical constituents, particularly extractives, in different wood species. In this study, the UV resistance of sapwood and heartwood of Albizia lebbeck was evaluated to elucidate the role of extractives on photo-stabilisation. A comparison between the extractive rich untreated and heat-treated sapwood and heartwood was carried out. UV resistance was evaluated by exposing modified wood to UV light in an accelerated weathering tester. Untreated sapwood attained dark colour (photoyellowing) upon UV light exposure, whereas thermally modified sapwood showed contrasting behaviour (lightening). Untreated heartwood showed more resistance to photodegradation. Thermally modified heartwood retained its colour for a considerable extent and exhibited good UV resistance than the untreated samples. Results indicate that extractives present in the heartwood of A. lebbeck act as UV absorber to impart substantial UV stability to wood. Furthermore, the enhanced UV resistance of heat-treated heartwood could be due to the accumulation of photostable compounds evolved during the thermal modification of wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the growing demand for natural sources of drugs, in addition to chemical ones, the present study aimed to explore the phytochemical and biological activity of acetone stem bark extract of Albizia lebbeck. The phytoconstituents of the derivatized acetone stem bark extract were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while the phenolic and flavonoid compounds were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Six bacterial strains (Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Erwinia carotovora, Escherichia coli) and three fungal strains (Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium italicum, Fusarium oxysporum) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed against three cancer cell lines (PC-3, Caco-2, and MCF-7). Our findings indicated that the acetone extract of A. lebbeck stem bark was rich in fatty acids, with a predominance of oleic acid (19.2%). Additionally, eight phenolic acids, primarily cinnamic acid, and eight flavonoids, primarily chrysoeriol and hesperidin, were identified. It was found that the acetone extract of the A. lebbeck stem bark exhibited a high potential antibacterial effect against B. subtilis and S. marcescens and evident antifungal activity against F. oxysporum. Based on the calculated selectivity index, PC-3 cells were found to have the highest value (2.95), followed by Caco-2 cells (1.92) and MCF-7 cells (1.34). These results suggest the richness of A. lebbeck stem bark in phytochemicals with promising antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of agroforestry practice as a source of improving soil quality was studied with the aim of assessing the effect of six-year-old Albizia lebbeck on soil. The experiment was laid out on a randomised complete block design comprising of five treatments and three replicates at 0-15cm and 15-30 cm depths. The soil physiochemical properties were estimated using standard analytical procedures. The result revealed increase in clay and decrease in silt and sand contents, down the depth. The silt clay ratio indicated young soil with high weathering potential. The control favoured macro-aggregate (0.881), while A. lebbeck and 10 t ha-1 green manure favoured micro-aggregate. Mean weight diameter showed that the control (0.910) was more stable than other treatments. Organic carbon, organic matter, total nitrogen and carbon to nitrogen ratio were not significantly influenced, while phosphorus was at 15-30 cm depth, influenced by A. lebbeck. Soil pH was slightly acidic but suitable for plant production, and change in pH was negative indicating the exchangeable capacity of the soil. All the soil quality indicators studied were low. Therefore, in choosing A. lebbeck as an alternative source of improving soil quality production, the factors evaluated should be tree age, incorporation method, soil stability and other cultural practices like tillage operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree that has many benefits for the environment and the end user. The extent to which this tree species is cultivated is very low due to seed coat dormancy, which causes a longer germination period and late seedling growth. This research was done at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, located in Kumasi, Ghana, at the Department of Horticulture, to ascertain the effect of seed pretreatment on germination and early seedling growth. Germination was observed in seeds pretreated with hot water (100º) for 1 minute (T1), dry heat (90º) for 2 minutes (T2), in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes (T3), cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T4) and untreated seed (T5) as the control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained for seed germination percentage were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance in Statistix 7.0 software, and the least significant difference at 5% probability level was used to separate the means of height, collar diameter and number of leaves. A comparison between the pretreated and control seeds showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on germination percentage, germination rate, and root and shoot dry weights of Albizia lebbeck. However, it had a positive influence (P < 0.05) on early growth characteristics. Seeds soaked in cold water (T4) had maximum early seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (T3) yielded the highest collar diameter growth. Hot water treatment (T1) had the lowest height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Cold water at room temperature should be encouraged as a pretreatment method for the early growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings.

Con el objetivo de estudiar el efecto de la edad de almacenamiento en condiciones de finca sobre el deterioro de las semillas de Erythrina berteroana (erythrina), Albizia lebbeck (albizia), Gliricidia sepium (gliricidia) y Bauhinia purpurea (bauhinia), en cada especie se utilizó un diseño de clasificación simple con cuatro réplicas de 100 semillas cada una. Se determinó la viabilidad (%) y la germinación (%) a través de análisis de varianza y la matriz de comparación múltiple de medias de Student Newman Keul (SNK) de SAS ® . La ger- minación en erythrina mostró un incremento significativo durante el estudio (de 20% a 0 mes a 68% a los 12 meses), mientras que en albizia presentó un comportamiento variable; en ambas especies la viabilidad decreció, pero aún en la evaluación final sobrepasó el 80%. La edad de las simientes de erythrina y albizia influyó decisivamente sobre el reforzamiento de la impermeabilidad de las cubiertas y, por ende sobre su alta supervivencia. Los valores de germinación y viabilidad coincidieron durante todo el estudio para bauhinia y gliricidia y disminuyeron significativamente durante el transcurso del almacenamiento. En la primera, las semillas evaluadas a los 10 meses resultaron de inferior calidad; mientras que en la segunda, se alcanzó la muerte fisiológica a los nueve meses. Dichas especies, durante el almacenamiento al ambiente, se deterioran a ritmo acelerado.

Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases are mostly transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, these mosquitoes constitute a socio-economic scourge. Due to the resistance of mosquitoes to synthetic chemical insecticides and the pollution they generate, this study was conducted to assess the larvicidal activity of plant crude extracts on larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Results Bioassays performed on larvae shown that the extract of Calotropis procera at 0.6 mg/mL recorded the highest mortality rate of 100% for L1, L2 and L3. However, the extract of Albizia lebbeck at 0.7 mg/mL recorded the highest mortality rate of 100% for all the four stages of larvae. Negative and positive controls recorded 16% and 100% mortalities, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. The extract of Calotropis procera recorded LC50 values as follows: 0.194, 0.251, 0.258 and 0.284 mg/mL for L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. The LC90 of Calotropis procera were: 0.340, 0.433, 0.444 and 0.502 mg/mL for L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. In contrast, the extract of Albizia lebbeck recorded the following LC50: 0.238, 0.264, 0.290 and 0.316 mg/mL for L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. Also, its LC90 were: 0.456, 0.498, 0.531 and 0.580 mg/mL, respectively, to L1, L2, L3 and L4. Conclusion The larvicidal bioassays performed revealed that these plant extracts have significant larvicidal properties. In the framework of fighting against vector-borne diseases, these two plants constitute alternative products to control mosquitoes.

Defensin genes form part of a plant's defense system and are activated when exposed to biotic or abiotic stress. They play a vital role in controlling many signaling pathways involved in various plant defense mechanisms. This research aimed to isolate and characterize novel defensin genes from selected medicinally important plants to explore their signaling mechanisms and defense associated roles for breeding. The DNA of Albizia lebbeck and Moringa oleifera was subjected to PCR amplification using gene-specific primers of defensin genes. Two novel defensin genes were isolated in each species, with sequence lengths of 300bp in A. lebbeck and 150bp in M. oleifera. In-silico analysis undertaken to retrieve and align their orthologous sequences revealed 100% similarity of the A. lebbeck gene with the Musa acuminate peroxidase P7-like gene and 85% similarity of the M. oleifera gene with the Manihot esculenta GDP dissociation inhibitor gene. The reliability, stability and physiochemical properties of homology models of these sequences was confirmed through online computational studies. This preliminary study confirmed the presence of novel genes with peroxidase P7 and Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor gene-like activity in A. lebbeck and M. oleifera, respectively, and their potential defense role in plants. Thus, the defensin genes of both species could be used in the synthesis of transgenic self-defensive plants with increased disease resistance and as potential candidates for improved crop production and thraputic formulation in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-two compounds were isolated from the fruit of Albizia lebbeck including one unprecedented, rare amino acid-derived zwitterionic and one new flavone derivative. The isolation was performed on repeated column chromatography over silica gel and their structures were determined by 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra together with reported data in the literature. The chemophenetic significance is also discussed. Some isolated compounds were reported for the first time to be found in the species. Additionally, compound 2 showed antibacterial activity and compounds 1 and 2 revealed moderate cytotoxic activity against the Raw 264.7 cancer cell line with IC50 values of 37.19 µM and 29.36 µM, respectively. Furthermore, a proposed biosynthetic pathway of compound 1 is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defensin genes form part of a plant’s defense system and are activated when exposed to biotic or abiotic stress. They play a vital role in controlling many signaling pathways involved in various plant defense mechanisms. This research aimed to isolate and characterize novel defensin genes from selected medicinally important plants to explore their signaling mechanisms and defense associated roles for breeding. The DNA of Albizia lebbeck and Moringa oleifera was subjected to PCR amplification using gene-specific primers of defensin genes. Two novel defensin genes were isolated in each species, with sequence lengths of 300 bp in A. lebbeck and 150 bp in M. oleifera. In-silico analysis undertaken to retrieve and align their orthologous sequences revealed 100% similarity of the A. lebbeck gene with the Musa acuminate peroxidase P7-like gene and 85% similarity of the M. oleifera gene with the Manihot esculenta GDP dissociation inhibitor gene. The reliability, stability and physiochemical properties of homology models of these sequences was confirmed through online computational studies. This preliminary study confirmed the presence of novel genes with peroxidase P7 and Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor gene-like activity in A. lebbeck and M. oleifera, respectively, and their potential defense role in plants. Thus, the defensin genes of both species could be used in the synthesis of transgenic self-defensive plants with increased disease resistance and as potential candidates for improved crop production and thraputic formulation in the future.

Lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) are serious soil pollutants that adversely affect plant growth and development and need to be removed through phytoremediation. The present study aimed to assess the morphological indices of Albizia lebbeck (L.) (Benth.) in relation to anatomical modifications for survival under both Pb and Ni stress. The seedlings of A. lebbeck were established and then subjected to four different concentrations, viz. 0 mM, 25 mM, 50 mM and 75 mM, of Pb and Ni for 14 days in two phases. Morphological traits such as shoot length (70.93%), fresh weight (79.27%), dry weight (83.9%), number of root hairs (65.7%), number of leaves per plant (67.4%) and number of leaflets per plant greatly reduced under Pb or Ni stress. Surprisingly, root length increased rather than decreased with the increase in Pb or Ni concentrations, along with an increase in leaflet width, leaflet length and leaflet area. Moreover, root cortical cell area, metaxylem area and phloem area decreased at 75 mM of Pb and Ni while epidermal thickness and cell area increased. Stem epidermal thickness, cell area and phloem area significantly decreased with the consistent increase in metaxylem area and cortical region thickness under both Pb and Ni stress. Leaf anatomical traits such as midrib thickness, abaxial epidermal thickness and stomatal density and adaxial epidermal thickness and stomatal area significantly increased with increasing Pb or Ni stress. Correlation analysis revealed close relations among morphological and anatomical traits (such as root length with cortical region thickness) for better plant survival under Pb or Ni stress, and a PCA-biplot further verified these correlation analyses. Cluster analyses demonstrated the associations among the morphological and anatomical traits based on different stress levels. Furthermore, we found that the longer exposure (from phase 1 to phase 2) of heavy metals stress is more dangerous for plant survival and can ultimately lead to plant death. Moreover, our results also confirmed that Ni is more harmful or dangerous to plants than Pb at high and moderate concentrations. The anatomical modifications ensured the survival of A. lebbeck in extreme heavy metals stress and therefore unlocked its potential to be used as a natural source of phytoremediation. We also recommend that the genetic potential of A. lebbeck associated with its survival under heavy metal stress be investigated.

Albizia lebbeck has been a medicinally important plant for its pharmacological potential. This study aims to determine the in vitro antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic potential of A. lebbeck seeds. The seed extracts were prepared in petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol. Crude methanolic extract (ME ext) was subjected further to sequential fractionation in increasing polarity based solvents. Extracts and fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic potentials using hepatic cell line, HepG2. Results showed that crude extracts of A. lebbeck seeds specifically, ME ext are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. ME ext has also shown highly significant antioxidant and alpha-amylase inhibition potential compared to petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. In vitro assays using different fractions of methanolic extract further highlighted the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions exhibiting significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic potentials. Alpha-amylase inhibition coupled with enhanced glucose uptake of cells treated with ME ext and ethyl acetate fraction emphasized on significant anti-diabetic potential of the plant. Expression alteration of genes and reduced level of cholesterol suggested the lipid synthesis mediated anti-diabetic activity of the plant. It is therefore, concluded that A. lebbeck seed has significant antioxidant, anti-diabetic and antilipidemic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tapinanthus globiferus Linn is a specie of Viscum album commonly called mistletoe, which is used as medicinal plant. The efficiency of mistletoe species from different host trees were reported and found to depend on the bioactive constituents. Phytochemicals in methanolic leaf extract of Tapinanthus globiferus from Azadirachta indica (neem) and Albizia lebbeck (lebbeck) host trees were analysed using standard laboratory procedures and spectrophotometry methods. Extracts from both trees contained certain elements, amino acids and vitamins A, C and E. The two host trees also revealed varying concentrations of tannins, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, total phenolic content (TPC) and scavenge DPPH radicals with an IC50 of 28.73(µg/ml) and 0.02(µg/ml) respectively. Potassium (32.80%), manganese (92.33%), copper (70.43%), zinc (30.92%) and most of the amino acids were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in the extract from A. indica as compared to A. lebbeck. Flavonoids, alkaloids and total phenolic content were also significantly decreased in A. indica. Calcium (96.95%), Leucine (9.54%), phenylalanine (18.27%), and glycine (14.04%), vitamins A, C and E (90.91%, 41.09% and 47.07 %) respectively, were however significantly (p<0.05) higher in the A. indica. Manganese, zinc, lysine, isoleucine, tryptophan, and methionine had positive significant correlations (r = 0.70 - 0.80, p<0.05) with TPC. The extract from A. lebbeck has significantly higher concentrations in 21 (67.74%) of the 31parameters analysed. Therefore, A. lebbeck may be responsible for a more efficient and diverse targeted pharmacological actions than A. indica. Also higher concentrations of vitamins C and E in A. indica could make it a better source of antioxidant vitamin supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colon cancer is one of the major prevailing types of cancer worldwide. It has been the most important public health difficulty. Thus, we planned phytoconstituents arbitrated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and examined their curative efficacy against the colon cancer (HCT-116) cells. In this current study, we formulated the AuNPs by using Albizia lebbeck (AL) aqueous leaf extract by the green method and synthesized AL-AuNPs were distinguished by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED) pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Synthesized AL-AuNPs confirmed by the UV absorption highest at 535 nm and the crystal structure of AL-AuNPs was additionally established by XRD and SAED pattern. HR-TEM images explained the size and morphology allocation of nanoparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alkynes, aromatic compounds, and alkenes of biomolecules in AL-AuNPs. Furthermore, AL-AuNPs induced cytotoxicity at the IC50 concentration 48 µg/ml and also induced apoptosis by enhanced ROS production, decreased ΔΨm, apoptotic morphological changes by AO/EtBr and altering pro and anti-apoptotic protein expressions were analyzed in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The findings of this investigation proved that the AL-AuNPs were revealed the potential anticancer activity against colon cancer (HCT-116) cells.

A factorial experiment according to Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD)was conducted in Serchnar Nursery of the General Directorate of Agriculture in Sulaimani /Kurdistan Region - Iraq, to study the effect of Biofertilizer (Biohealth)at three level were using 0gmL-1 , seed inoculation in biohealth at level 10gmL-1 of distiller water, soil innoculation with biohealth 5gm in 20 litter of water) and Biosimulator( Powhumus at two concentration 0mgL-1 (0ppm) of Powhumus, irrigation with 100mgL-1 (100ppm) of Powhumus), and foliar application with Biozyme TF at two concentration 0ml L-1 and 1ml L-1 on seeds germination and seedlings growth of Albizia lebbeck. It contains the individual factors and their combinations. Data were analyzed using XLSTAT software. The results showed the superiority of the Biohealth inoculation treatment of seeds in germination percentage which recorded 93.33% and soil inoculation showed superiority in (plant height, stem diameter, percentage of P, K, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, shoot dry matter and root fresh weight) with a score of (101.92 cm, 6.73 mm, 2.38 %, 2.61 %, 139.39 gm, 30.55 gm and 21.44%) respectively. The treatment of using Powhumus showed its superiority in the characteristics of the ( percentage of germination, percentage of N,P,K, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, percentage of shoot dry matter, fresh and dry weight of the root system) which were recorded (88.89%, 2,30%, 0.33%, 2.43%. 104.71 g, 23.89 gm, 22.54%, 63.87%, 12.03 gm and 17.64% ) respectively. Whereas, the Biozyme treatment excelled in the traits (plant height, stem diameter, N,P and K, relative chlorophyll in leaves, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, fresh and dry weight of the root system) which they were recorded (80.99 cm, 5.64 mm, 2.36%, 0.31%, 2.34%, 47.20, 97.82 gm, 21.81 gm, 59.57gm, and 10.08gm respectively. In the interaction between soil inoculation with biohealth, irrigation with Powhumus and foliar application with Biozyme B2P1Z1 treatment showed its superiority in the characteristics (plant height, stem diameter, percentage of N,P and K, fresh and dry weight of the shoot system, root dry weight) which were recorded (146.50%, 8.90 mm, 2.93%, 0.49, 2.97, 119.32 gm, 44.77 gm and 25.21) respectively.

To address the growing demand for natural sources of drugs, in addition to chemical ones, the present study aimed to explore the phytochemical and biological activity of acetone stem bark extract of Albizia lebbeck. The phytoconstituents of the derivatized acetone stem bark extract were analyzed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), while the phenolic and flavonoid compounds were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Six bacterial strains (Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter johnsonii, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Erwinia carotovora, Escherichia coli) and three fungal strains (Rhizoctonia solani, Penicillium italicum, Fusarium oxysporum) were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed against three cancer cell lines (PC-3, Caco-2, and MCF-7). Our findings indicated that the acetone extract of A. lebbeck stem bark was rich in fatty acids, with a predominance of oleic acid (19.2%). Additionally, eight phenolic acids, primarily cinnamic acid, and eight flavonoids, primarily chrysoeriol and hesperidin, were identified. It was found that the acetone extract of the A. lebbeck stem bark exhibited a high potential antibacterial effect against B. subtilis and S. marcescens and evident antifungal activity against F. oxysporum. Based on the calculated selectivity index, PC-3 cells were found to have the highest value (2.95), followed by Caco-2 cells (1.92) and MCF-7 cells (1.34). These results suggest the richness of A. lebbeck stem bark in phytochemicals with promising antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.

Background: Vector-borne diseases are mostly transmitted by mosquitoes. Therefore, these mosquitoes constitute a socio-economic scourge. Due to the resistance of mosquitoes to synthetic chemical insecticides and the pollution they generate, this study was conducted to assess the larvicidal activity of plant crude extracts on larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Results: Bioassays performed on larvae shown that the extract of Calotropis procera at 0.6 mg/mL recorded the highest mortality rate of 100% for L1, L2 and L3. However, the extract of Albizia lebbeck at 0.7 mg/mL recorded the highest mortality rate of 100% for all the four stages of larvae. Negative and positive controls recorded 16% and 100% mortalities, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. The extract of Calotropis procera recorded LC50 values as follows: 0.194, 0.251, 0.258 and 0.284 mg/mL for L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. The LC90 of Calotropis procera were: 0.340, 0.433, 0.444 and 0.502 mg/mL for L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. In contrast, the extract of Albizia lebbeck recorded the following LC50: 0.238, 0.264, 0.290 and 0.316 mg/mL for L1, L2, L3 and L4, respectively. Also, its LC90 were: 0.456, 0.498, 0.531 and 0.580 mg/mL, respectively, to L1, L2, L3 and L4. Conclusion: The larvicidal bioassays performed revealed that these plant extracts have significant larvicidal properties. In the framework of fighting against vector-borne diseases, these two plants constitute alternative products to control mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Albizia lebbeck is a multipurpose tree that has many benefits for the environment and the end user. The extent to which this tree species is cultivated is very low due to seed coat dormancy, which causes a longer germination period and late seedling growth. This research was done at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, located in Kumasi, Ghana, at the Department of Horticulture, to ascertain the effect of seed pretreatment on germination and early seedling growth. Germination was observed in seeds pretreated with hot water (100º) for 1 minute (T1), dry heat (90º) for 2 minutes (T2), in 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 minutes (T3), cold water at room temperature for 24 hours (T4) and untreated seed (T5) as the control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained for seed germination percentage were statistically analysed using one-way analysis of variance in Statistix 7.0 software, and the least significant difference at 5% probability level was used to separate the means of height, collar diameter and number of leaves. A comparison between the pretreated and control seeds showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on germination percentage, germination rate, and root and shoot dry weights of Albizia lebbeck. However, it had a positive influence (P < 0.05) on early growth characteristics. Seeds soaked in cold water (T4) had maximum early seedling growth. Hydrogen peroxide treatment (T3) yielded the highest collar diameter growth. Hot water treatment (T1) had the lowest height, collar diameter and number of leaves. Cold water at room temperature should be encouraged as a pretreatment method for the early growth of Albizia lebbeck seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta and clinically manifested mainly with motor dysfunctions. Plants are rich source of medicinally important bioactive compounds and inhabitants of underdeveloped countries used plants for treatment of various ailments. Albizia lebbeck has been reported to possess antioxidant and neuroprotective properties that suggest the evaluation of its traditional therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of present study was to validate the traditional use of Albizia lebbeck (L.) and delineate its mechanism of action in PD. The systems pharmacology approach was employed to explain the Albizia lebbeck (L.) mechanism of action in PD. Methods The haloperidol-induced catalepsy was adopted as experimental model of PD for in-vivo studies in wistar albino rats. The systems pharmacology approach was employed to explain the Albizia lebbeck (L.) mechanism of action in PD. Results In-vivo studies revealed that Albizia lebbeck improved the motor functions and endurance as demonstrated in behavioral studies which were further supported by the rescue of endogenous antioxidant defense and reversal of ultrastructural damages in histological studies. System pharmacology approach identified 25 drug like compounds interacting with 132 targets in a bipartite graph that revealed the synergistic mechanism of action at system level. Kaemferol, phytosterol and okanin were found to be the important compounds nodes with prominent target nodes of TDP1 and MAPT. Conclusion The therapeutic efficiency of Albizia lebbeck in PD was effectively delineated in our experimental and systems pharmacology approach. Moreover, this approach further facilitates the drug discovery from Albizia lebbeck for PD.

The thick, hard and water-impermeable seed coat cause physical dormancy and low germination rate in Albizia lebbeck (L.), to overcome this physical dormancy, seeds were pretreated with concentrated HCl and cold mist condition. Immersing seeds in concentrated HCl acid 37% for 30 and 45min effectively raised seed germination rate (35.56% and 46.67%) respectively as compared to control treatment (15.56%). Cold mist storage at 5◦C for 4 and 8 weeks also significantly increased germination percentage (51.11% and 68.89%) respectively. Furthermore, the combination of cold mist stratification for 8 weeks and immersion in HCl for 15min boost the germination rate to 75.56% an increase of 59.90% comparing to control treatment. For seedling parameters, all treatments have positive effects on the studied characters highest seedling height (37cm) and number of leaves per plant (18 leaves) where found in, 8 weeks cold mist condition, however, the combination of 15min acid scarification and 8 week cold mist stratification resulted in higher leaves area (207.52). Acid scarification and cold mist stratification both increased germinations and improved seedling features, but germination rates were highest and fastest when these treatments were applied together. The results suggest that to enhance seedling qualities, seed germination rate and speed, a combination of scarification and stratification should be used.

Abstract Powdered adsorbent prepared from Albizia lebbeck pods as agricultural waste has been used for the adsorption of Pb(II), Cd(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The powdered adsorbent was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller. Effects of various parameters like contact time, solution pH, initial concentration dosage and temperature were investigated on a batch adsorption system. Equilibrium and kinetic experiments were carried out at the optimum pH of 6, 8 and 10 at 29 °C using particle size of 250 μm for Cd(II), Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) ions. Changes in free energy, enthalpy and entropy were also evaluated. The adsorption data fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model with correlation coefficient ($$R^{2} > 0.94$$ R2>0.94 ), whereas the adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. The thermodynamic parameters proved that adsorption of metal ions is endothermic and non-spontaneous at low temperatures, while spontaneity occurred at higher temperatures. This study shows that powdered Albizia lebbeck pods prove to be a promising inexpensive adsorbent for metal ion removal from aqueous solutions.

Twenty-two compounds were isolated from the fruit of Albizia lebbeck including one unprecedented, rare amino acid-derived zwitterionic and one new flavone derivative. The isolation was performed on repeated column chromatography over silica gel and their structures were determined by 1D-, 2D-NMR and HR-ESI-MS spectra together with reported data in the literature. The chemophenetic significance is also discussed. Some isolated compounds were reported for the first time to be found in the species. Additionally, compound 2 showed antibacterial activity and compounds 1 and 2 revealed moderate cytotoxic activity against the Raw 264.7 cancer cell line with IC50 values of 37.19 µM and 29.36 µM, respectively. Furthermore, a proposed biosynthetic pathway of compound 1 is described.

Pakistan comprises of lowest forest resources and its southern region is facing the worst deforest conditions. Farm forests are providing 90% fuelwood and 76% timber wood of the country's demand but the forest cover area is declining day by day. Therefore, it is the need of time to promote agroforestry on private lands to meet the requirements of the community for tangible and intangible purposes. The objective of this study was to identify the uses and benefits of less familiar tree species such as Terminalia arjuna and Albizia lebbeck by visiting timber merchants, farmers, nursery owners and traditional healers locally known as Hakims. Data were collected from 11 different localities of the Multan division of Southern Punjab. The results indicated that both species were preferred by the grower for specific uses: A. lebbeck is preferably grown on agricultural lands due to more market value, fuelwood and fodder demand, but T. arjuna was found to be important for hakims and was reported as more important medicinal plant than A. lebbeck. An important source of information in the study area about tree cultivation was the neighbor farmers (42.2%) and major problems were lack of technical assistance (28.7%) and less availability of seedlings (22%). To overcome the pressure of wood production by some specific tree species, the government should focus on the planting of T arjuna and other fast-growing trees. Moreover, the Government should also give incentives, financial subsidies, and market assistance to the farmers to promote the cultivation of less familiar fast-growing trees in conventional farming systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field samples of Albizia lebbeck, deciduous tree with drought tolerant properties, growing on industrial soil (Challawa Industrial Estate) were collected and separated into leaves, stems, roots and associated ground soil to assess the accumulation and translocation of Six Potentially Toxic Metals (PTMs) (Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) from the soil. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) was used to assess their levels. The bioaccumulation/transfer of metals from roots to shoots and from soil to roots were evaluated in terms of translocation and bioconcentration factor. TF values of 1.22, 1.41, 3.57 and 1.86 for Cu, Cd, Pb and Ni respectively indicate that A. lebbeck was efficient in translocation of PTMs from roots to shoots and follows the trend Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr respectively. This depicts the plant as a likely candidate for phytoextraction of Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni. BCF values of Zn (0.94), Cu (0.85), Cd (1.37), Cr (1.25), Pb (2.3) and Ni (1.66) were noted for the PTMs. This reveals that A. lebbeck may be suitable for phytostabilization of Zn and Cr in the contaminated soils as it retains high concentration of these PTMs in its roots in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of age of storage under farm conditions on the deterioration of seeds from Erythrina berteroana (erythrina), Albizia lebbeck (albizia), Gliricidia sepium (gliricidia) and Bauhinia purpurea (bauhinia) was studied. For this purpose, a simple classification design was used in each species with four replications of 100 seeds each. The viability (%) and, germination (%) were determined, which analysis was conducted through variance analysis and the mean multiple comparison matrix of Student-Newman Keuls (SNK) of SAS®. The variable germination in erythrina showed a significant increase during the study (from 20% in month 0 to 68% in month 12); while in albizia it showed a variable performance. In both species, viability decreased but in the final evaluation, it still exceeded 80%. Seed age in erythrina and albizia decisively influenced the reinforcement of the coat impermeability and thus their high survival. The germination and viability values coincided during the whole study for bauhinia and gliricidia and decreased significantly during storage; in the former, the seeds evaluated after 10 months had lower quality, while in the latter physiological death was reached after nine months; such species have a high deterioration rate during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the stem bark of Albizia lebbeck and Acacia nilotica was investigated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity assay. The powdered stem bark was extracted successively with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol solution. The crude extracts were subjected to antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity assay by using disc diffusion method, DPPH and hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, and brine shrimp lethality test, respectively. The petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of both plants showed the most prominent activity in antimicrobial susceptibility test as compared to methanol extracts. These extracts showed moderate activity against the Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio mimicus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Candida arrizae and Aspergillus niger. The zone of inhibition against the tested bacteria and fungi were 11–14 mm and 8–10 mm, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract of both plants showed the highest antioxidant and cytotoxic activity when compared with that of petroleum ether and methanol extracts. All the tested extracts showed higher free radical scavenging activity than that of the standard, ascorbic acid. In compared with A. lebbeck, A. nilotica was found to have the lower IC50 value which was 74.29 µg/ml and 68.03 µg/ml in DPPH and hydroxyl free radical scavenging assay, respectively. The LC50 value was 42.36 and 37.32 µg/ml for the ethyl acetate extract of A. lebbeck and A. nilotica, respectively. We suggest further study for the identification of active compounds from the bark extracts of A. lebbeck and A. nilotica.

Colon cancer is one of the major prevailing types of cancer worldwide. It has been the most important public health difficulty. Thus, we planned phytoconstituents arbitrated synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and examined their curative efficacy against the colon cancer (HCT-116) cells. In this current study, we formulated the AuNPs by using Albizia lebbeck (AL) aqueous leaf extract by the green method and synthesized AL-AuNPs were distinguished by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected area (electron) diffraction (SAED) pattern, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Synthesized AL-AuNPs confirmed by the UV absorption highest at 535 nm and the crystal structure of AL-AuNPs was additionally established by XRD and SAED pattern. HR-TEM images explained the size and morphology allocation of nanoparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alkynes, aromatic compounds, and alkenes of biomolecules in AL-AuNPs. Furthermore, AL-AuNPs induced cytotoxicity at the IC50 concentration 48 µg/ml and also induced apoptosis by enhanced ROS production, decreased ΔΨm, apoptotic morphological changes by AO/EtBr and altering pro and anti-apoptotic protein expressions were analyzed in HCT-116 colon cancer cells. The findings of this investigation proved that the AL-AuNPs were revealed the potential anticancer activity against colon cancer (HCT-116) cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to investigate the chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) from fresh and air-dried Albizia lebbeck. The EOs was extracted by hydro-distillation using the Clevenger apparatus and the identification and quantification of chemical constituents were done via GC/MS analysis. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method. A total of 98.58, 82.37, 46.65 and 98.69 % constituents respectively were identified in the EOs of fresh leaf, pod, stalk and twig of A. lebbeck while the air-dried leaf, pod, stalk and twig had a total of , 77.56, 83.86 and 83.66 % of constituents respectively identified. The IC50 values of the essential oils decreased as follows: BHA > air-dried-stalk > air-dried-pod > fresh-leaf > fresh-pod > fresh-stalk > fresh-twig > air-dried-twig > air-dried-leaf > α-Tocopherol. The essential oils showed considerable antioxidant activities when compared with the known antioxidants and this could be due to the synergetic effects of the identified essential oil components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many marketed polyherbal formulations containing Albizia lebbeck are available for treatment of allergic disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. But these formulations are not standardized in terms of markers. The present work discusses development and validation of a new, simple and rapid HPLC-DAD method for quantification of phytomarker- catechin in methanol extracts for standardization of extracts and polyherbal formulations containing Albizia lebbeck. Materials and Methods: HPLC analysis was carried out using C18 column (100 mm X 4.6 mm, 2.6 µm). 0.1% Phosphoric acid and acetonitrile in gradient mode was used as mobile phase. The column oven was equilibrated at 28°C. The injection volume was 2 µl and detection was carried out at 279 nm. Results: The developed HPLC method was found to be linear over the range of 3.0-60 µg/ml with correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 1.0 µg/ml and 3.0 µg/ml, respectively. The recovery of the catechin was between 97.12% -100.04%. The low RSD values of intra and inter-day precision studies indicated good precision of the developed method. The method was found to be robust as small changes in method parameters did not significantly change peak symmetry and content of catechin. Conclusion: The developed method was sensitive, rapid and requires no special technique for sample preparation. The method was successfully applied for standardization of three bark extracts and marketed polyherbal formulations containing Albizia lebbeck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NP‐AE) are synthesized and stabilized by the extract of an ethnomedicine, Albizia lebbeck bark aqueous extract (AE). Ag‐NP‐AE is active against several multidrug‐resistant (MDR) clinical isolates. The nanoparticles are characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies. The antibacterial potency of Ag‐NP‐AE is determined by Disc diffusion, Agar and Broth dilution assays against 14 MDR isolates along with their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The growth kinetics was determined by quantification of colonies; while toxicity by quantification of viable cells. The Ag‐NP‐AE shows free‐radical scavenging activity at 15–20 μM and is non‐toxic up to 50 μM but demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against all the test isolates with zone diameter of 10.4–19.5 mm and MIC of 0.5–0.84 μM (0.085‐0.143 μg); while the zone diameter with AE was 10.2–15 mm and MIC of 128–1024 μg/mL, respectively; while 100 % killing was observed at 0.50 μM within 2–4 h of exposure due to damage of cellular architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel is an oxygenated, nontoxic, sulfur-free, biodegradable, and renewable fuel. It can be used in CI (Compression Ignition) engines in any proportion blended with diesel without any major modification. It is having the drawbacks of lower performance and higher NO emission. These problems can be prevented by means of providing low heat rejection (LHR) concept in CI engine and addition of natural leaf additive (NLA) with biodiesel. The LHR engine will improve the performance and the addition of NLA in biodiesel will improve the biodiesel properties and reduce NOx emission significantly. In this present work, the performance, combustion, and emission characteristics on lanthanum oxide coated in a CI engine fueled by jamun biodiesel with NLA of Albizia lebbeck (AL) at various concentrations like 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 ppm. The biodiesel is prepared from jamun oil using simple base catalyst transesterification process. The 20% proportions of jamun biodiesel showed lower brake thermal efficiency (BTE) are 2.54% and reduction in HC is 3.2%, CO is 3.7%, and smoke is 6.8% emissions except NOx emission is 13.7% than that of diesel at all loads. The 20% proportions of jamun showed higher efficiency ranging from 1 to 1.8% and reduction in HC by about 7%, CO by about 3%, and smoke by about 5% and NOx emission increased by 10% than that of diesel at all loads. The experiments are conducted in LHR engine and conventional engine with jamun along with NLA. The results showed a significant improvement in performance and a reduction in NOx emission by 27%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One new acacic acid-type saponin, named lebbeckoside C (1), was isolated from the stem barks of Albizia lebbeck. Its structure was established on the basis of extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR (1H, 13C NMR, DEPT, COSY, TOCSY, ROESY, HSQC and HMBC) experiments, HRESIMS studies, and by chemical evidence as 3-O-[β-d-xylopyranosyl-(l→2)-β-d-fucopyranosyl-(1→6)-[β-d-glucopyranosyl(1→2)]-β-d-glucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(2E,6S)-6-O-{4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(β-d-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-4-O-[(2E,6S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-O-(β-d-quinovopyranosyl)octa-2,7-dienoyl]-β-d-quinovopyranosyl}-2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dienoyl}acacic acid 28 O-[β-d-quinovopyranosyl-(l→3)-[α-l-arabinofuranosyl-(l→4)]-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(l→2)-β-d-glucopyranosyl] ester. The isolated saponin (1) displayed significant cytotoxic activity against the human glioblastoma cell line U-87 MG and TG1 stem-like glioma cells isolated from a patient tumor with IC50 values of 1.69 and 1.44 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thick, hard and water-impermeable seed coat cause physical dormancy and low germination rate in Albizia lebbeck (L.), to overcome this physical dormancy, seeds were pretreated with concentrated HCl and cold mist condition. Immersing seeds in concentrated HCl acid 37% for 30 and 45min effectively raised seed germination rate (35.56% and 46.67%) respectively as compared to control treatment (15.56%). Cold mist storage at 5◦C for 4 and 8 weeks also significantly increased germination percentage (51.11% and 68.89%) respectively. Furthermore, the combination of cold mist stratification for 8 weeks and immersion in HCl for 15min boost the germination rate to 75.56% an increase of 59.90% comparing to control treatment. For seedling parameters, all treatments have positive effects on the studied characters highest seedling height (37cm) and number of leaves per plant (18 leaves) where found in, 8 weeks cold mist condition, however, the combination of 15min acid scarification and 8 week cold mist stratification resulted in higher leaves area (207.52). Acid scarification and cold mist stratification both increased germinations and improved seedling features, but germination rates were highest and fastest when these treatments were applied together. The results suggest that to enhance seedling qualities, seed germination rate and speed, a combination of scarification and stratification should be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size and number of the stomata present on the foliar epidermis of Tree species is directly influenced by the Suspended Particulate Matter. Marble dust is a very fine powder having approximately 40% particles below 75μm diameter of which approximately 30% are having a size less than 25μm present in the atmosphere. A comparative micromorphological study of stomatal index of the dominant tree speciesAlbizialebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Callistemon lanceolatus growing in the vicinity of Marble slurry dumpyard, Kishangarh (Ajmer) was done from the month of April 2014 to March 2015.The stomatal index of the lower epidermis of A. indica and A. lebbeck leaves from polluted sites was found to have greater value as compared to that with those of unpolluted site during the months of May to October while in case of the rough, leathery leaves of Callistemon lanceolatus, the stomatal index value in leaves from polluted site was less during these months. This may be attributed to the prevailing winds and weather conditions in the area of study which play a crucial role in the accumulated particulate matter on the phylloplane of the selected tree species viz.A. lebbeck, A. indica,C. lanceolatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract As part of the ongoing efforts in discovering potentially bioactive natural products from medicinal plants, the present study was conducted to isolate a new complex triterpenoid saponin from the barks of Albizia lebbeck. It was isolated by using chromatographic methods and its structural elucidation was performed using detailed analyses of 1H and 13C NMR spectra including 2D-NMR (COSY, TOCSY, HSQC and HMBC) spectroscopic techniques, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) analysis and chemical conversions. Its structure was established as 21-[[(2 E ,6 S)-6-[6-deoxy-4- O -[(2 E ,6 S)-6-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1-oxo-2,7-octadienyl]-[(β - d -glucopyranosyl)oxy]-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methyl-1-oxo-2,7-octadienyl]-[(β - d -glucopyranosyl)oxy]-2,6-dimethyl-1-oxo-2,7-octadienyl]oxy]-16-hydroxy-3-[[ O - β - d -xylopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- O - α - l -arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-2-(acetylamino)-2-deoxy- β - d -glucopyranosyl]oxy]-(3 β ,16 α ,21 β)-olean-12-en-28-oic acid O - α - l -arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 4)- O -[ β - d -glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)]- O -6-deoxy- α - l -mannopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- β - d -glucopyranosyl ester (1). Additionally, this study aimed to investigate the permeability property of 1 , its activity on membrane integrity and supramolecular interactions with cellular constituents using in vitro experimental models. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A new complex triterpenoid saponin was isolated from Albizia lebbeck. • The chemical structure was established by spectroscopic techniques and chemical methods. • The permeability property was investigated using in vitro experimental models. • The compound exhibited powerful capacity of interaction with membranes. • S upramolecular interactions of the compound with cellular components were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spasms are involuntary muscular contractions commonly seen frequently. This study used isolated tissue preparations to test the efficacy of Albizia lebbeck (A.L) and Emblica officinalis (E.O) extracts for spasmolytic activity. The herbal extracts were tested in isolated guinea pig ileum, rat uterus, rat fundus, and rabbit jejunum. Histamine was used as spasmogen in guinea pig ileum, while 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) was in rat uterus and rat fundus. Spontaneous contractions' amplitude and frequency were recorded in the rabbit jejunum after administering herbal extracts. The influence of the extracts on smooth muscle contraction was calculated and statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The P value was kept at <0.05 for all statistical analyses to consider it significant. Observation from the present study indicated that A.L significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced the contraction induced by histamine and 5-HT in guinea pig ileum (50 mcg/ml) and rat fundus (150 mcg/ml), respectively. In the rabbit jejunum, the amplitude and frequency of contraction were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at 500 mcg/ml. E.O. was found to suppress the spasmogenic (histamine and 5-HT) at doses beyond 150 mcg/ml and, in rabbit jejunum, enhanced the amplitude and frequency of contraction at 50 and 150 mcg/ml. The IC 50 values for E.O. in guinea pig ileum, rat uterus, and rat fundus were 35.2, 50.3, and 124.7 mcg/ml, respectively. The observation suggests that A.L enhanced smooth muscle contraction in the presence of known spasmogens and reduced it in the absence. Opposite effects were found for E.O. , where it reduced contraction in the presence of spasmogens and increased in the absence. These findings suggest potential spasmogenic/spasmolytic activities of the tested extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]