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Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) which belongs to the Gramineae family. Lemongrass leaves were extracted by water. Several methods were used to evaluate total antioxidant capacity for C.citratus leaves aqueous extract by estimation (reduction power and free radical inhibiting DPPH (1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) effect compared with synthetic antioxidant, Propyl gallate (PG) ,butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid. C.citratus leaves aqueous extract were showed superior to reduction power registered 135.33% than PG and BHT were 99.2% and 134.93% respectively at 50mg/ml. Aqueous extract showed highest effectiveness against free radicals reached 92.32 % at 500 µl/ml. Antioxidant properties of fish balls treated with (5 ,10, 15, 20) % C.citratus leaves aqueous extract were determined for (1,3,6,9,12,15) days under refrigerated conditions. A significant reduction in moisture and increasing in protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate contents as compared with control (untreated fish balls). Treatment Lg3 (treated with 15% aqueous extract) had the best chemical properties in thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Peroxide value (PV) during refrigerated storage.

Food poisoning is one of the riskiest illnesses caused by an organism like bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can contaminate food at any stage of food production. Most reports are associated with bacterial contamination through the food preparation process. Researcher nowadays attempts to discover a safer agent to use in food preparation as a food preservative agent. Thus, the potential of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves as an antimicrobial agent was explored in this study. It was tested against two bacteria which are Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Eschericia coli (gram-negative). Antimicrobial activity of methanol and aqueous R. tomentosa leaves extract was compared using gram staining, bacterial identification, antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and statistical analysis. The disc diffusion technique was used for AST where the mean area of inhibition methanol and aqueous extract against S. aureus was 18 mm and 16 mm respectively, whereas there was no area of inhibition for E. coli. MIC was done to determine the minimum concentration of the extract needed to inhibit the bacteria. After that, MBC was performed to confirm the previous MIC result. Statistical analysis was done by conduct it through SPSS software program. Then, the result for S. aureus is obtained from finding its p-value. Statistically, a significant difference between the two bacteria was analyzed by using independent t-test. A result of p-value less than 0.05 was considered significantly different as one another. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between methanol and aqueous extract on antimicrobial activity. In conclusion, both aqueous and methanol leaves R. tomentosa yielded similar antibacterial activity which susceptible to S. aureus and can be used safely toward foodborne pathogen.

[Display omitted] • The study focuses on solutes in the GI aqueous extract of compost products. • Acetic acid, formic acid and NH 4 + are inhibitory factors influencing GI. • The inhibitory concentration of acetic acid corresponding to 70 % GI is 85 mg/L. • The inhibitory concentrations of formic acid and NH 4 + are 85 and 104 mg/L. • Cl− have no inhibitory effect on GI; instead, they exhibit a promoting effect. The seed germination index (GI) serves as the principal determinant that impedes the integration of aerobic composting products into agricultural lands. The current research work predominantly focuses on exploring the correlation between physical and chemical indicators of the compost products and GI, neglecting the fundamental cause. This study systematically analyzed the composition of GI aqueous extracts from compost products derived from kitchen waste under various composting methodologies, with nitrogen, carbon, and inorganic salt as critical factors. The analytical work concluded that acetic acid, formic acid, and ammonium were the inhibitory factors influencing GI. Validation experiments introduced inhibitory factors, yielding a functional relationship formula depicting GI variations due to a single influential factor. This study conclusively identified acetic acid as the primary constraint, establishing that its inhibitory concentration corresponded to 70 % GI stands at 85 mg/L. This study will provide guidelines for the future research on enhancing aerobic composting techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr 2 O 3 NPs) were synthesized using aqueous extract of Moroccan saffron by-products. • Bioactive compounds of aqueous extract of saffron by-products were screened using spectrophotometric methods. • Spherical shape, nanometric size and crystalline structure of Cr 2 O 3 NPs were confirmed by characterization technics. • Antioxidant activities of samples were investigated using DPPH method. • Cr 2 O 3 NPs have significant antioxidant activity compared to aqueous solution of chromium nitrate, and saffron by-products. The production of nanomaterials using safe, biological and environmentally friendly methods is attracting increasing attention. In the present study, aqueous extracts of Moroccan saffron (Crocus sativus L) by-products were used for the first time as a green stabilizer and reductant agent to synthesize chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr 2 O 3 NPs). The aqueous extract of saffron by-products was analyzed for phytochemical screening, while the green synthesized Cr 2 O 3 NPs were analyzed using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The antioxidant activity of Cr 2 O 3 NPs, aqueous chromium nitrate solution (Cr (NO 3)), and aqueous extract of saffron by-products have been also investigated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The results showed that the aqueous extract of saffron by-products used for the synthesis of Cr 2 O 3 NPs appeared to be rich in phenolic (2.32 mg GA / g dry weight), flavonoid (2.28 mg RE / g dry weight), and anthocyanin compounds (33.67 mg Delphinidin / L extract). The XRD analysis confirmed that the Cr 2 O 3 NPs have a particle size of 31 nm with a hexagonal crystal structure. SEM micrographs of Cr 2 O 3 NPs showed a homogenous distribution and spherical shape, while the EDX spectrum confirmed that Cr 2 O 3 NPs contain significant amount of Chromium (61,90 %), and oxygen atoms (36,55 %). Moreover, the presence of absorption bands characteristic of the alcohol group (3451 cm−1) and the aromatic rings (1639 cm−1) in the infrared spectrum of Cr 2 O 3 NPs, indicates that the secondary metabolites of the saffron plant were successfully active in reducing chromium ions to Cr 2 O 3 NPs. Besides, the antioxidant activity results showed that the biosynthesized Cr 2 O 3 NPs exhibited strong inhibition percentages (63 %) compared to the aqueous extract of saffron by-products (74 %), and the aqueous solution of chromium nitrate (30 %) at 1,30 mg/mL. The study suggests that saffron by-products extract can be used as a natural reducing agent in the synthesis of Cr 2 O 3 NPs. Furthermore, the environmentally friendly synthesis process for Cr 2 O 3 NPs and their antioxidant effect make them suitable for use in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxocara canis can produce the " larva migrans " syndrome in humans, and in puppies, it can cause severe digestive disorders. The most used treatments are based on anthelmintics, although there are reports of anthelmintic (AH) resistance. The Yucatan Peninsula has a great variety of plant species whose AH properties are still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro AH activity of ethanolic (EE), methanolic (ME) and aqueous (AE) extracts from the leaves of five native plant species of the Yucatan Peninsula on T. canis eggs of dogs from Merida, Yucatan. As part of a screening, the EE of the plants Alseis yucatanensis, Calea jamaicensis, Cameraria latifolia, Macrocepis diademata, and Parathesis cubana were evaluated at doses of 2400 and 3600 μg/ml. The EE and AE of A. yucatanensis and M. diademata presented high percentages (≥ 91.3%) of inhibition of the larval development of T. canis after six days of exposure. The lowest LC 50 and LC 99 was presented by the ME from A. yucatanensis (255.5 and 629.06 µg/ml, respectively) and the ME from M. diademata (222.4 and 636.5 µg/ml, respectively), and the AE from A. yucatanenesis (LC 50 of 535.9 µg/ml). Chemical profiling of the most potent AH extract (Alseis yucatanensis) was carried out by LC-UV-HRMS. Data from the ME and AE from this plant indicated the presence of the known glucosylngoumiensine, kaempferol 3,7-diglucosyde, uvaol, linoleic acid and linolenic acid together with unknown alkaloids. The EE, ME and AE from leaves of M. diademata and A. yucatanensis could be developed as natural alternatives to control T. canis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionotropic gelation is a low-cost, easy and green microencapsulation technique. However, the encapsulation of highly soluble compounds is challenging because of the wide loss of material into the external water phase by passive diffusion and the consequent low encapsulation efficiency. In this work an important increase of encapsulation efficiency for Thymus vulgaris L. aqueous extract in alginate-based microparticles has been obtained. A formulation with the proper thyme extract/alginate ratio (30:70) was used as reference and then optimized by adding different co-carrier excipients. Microparticles obtained by dropping a solution containing thyme extract and alginate into a chitosan/calcium-chloride/acid acetic solution lead to a high encapsulation efficiency (70.43 ± 5.28 %). After drying, microparticles had a particle size of 1096 ± 72 μm, 20.087 ± 1.487 % of extract content, 6.2 % of residual water, and showed a complete release of thyme extract within one hour. Combining alginate and chitosan as polymeric co-carrier was a valuable option for efficiently encapsulating an aqueous extract by ionotropic gelation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer which affects the cervix cells. The conventional treatments for cervical cancer including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are only effective in premature stages and less effective in late stages of this tumor. Therefore, the therapeutic strategies based on biologically active substances from plants are needed to develop for the treatment of cervical cancer. The aim of the present study was to assess in vivo toxicity, hematological and biochemical blood parameters in Wistar rats fed Retama sphaerocarpa aqueous leaf extract (RS-AE), as well as to perform in silico molecular docking studies and dynamic simulation of phenolic compounds against HPV16 oncoprotein E6 in order to identify potential inhibitors. RS-AE was found not to induce acute or sub-acute oral toxicity or significant alterations in hematological and biochemical blood parameters in Wistar rats. A total of 11 phenolic compounds were identified in RS-AE, including dihydrodaidzein glucuronide, chrysoperiol pentoside, genistin and vitexin, which turned out to have the highest binding affinity to HPV16 oncoprotein E6. Based on these results, these RS-AE phenolic compounds could be used as natural drugs against the HPV16 E6 oncoprotein. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea cucumber extracts and their bioactive compounds have the potential for stem cell proliferation induction and for their beneficial therapeutic properties. In this study, human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (hUC-MSCs) were exposed to an aqueous extract of Holothuria parva body walls. Proliferative molecules were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis in an aqueous extract of H. parva. The aqueous extract concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µg/mL and 10 and 20 ng/mL of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) as positive controls were treated on hUC-MSCs. MTT, cell count, viability, and cell cycle assays were performed. Using Western blot analysis, the effects of extracts of H. parva and EGF on cell proliferation markers were detected. Computational modeling was done to detect effective proliferative compounds in the aqueous extract of H. parva. A MTT assay showed that the 10, 20, and 40 µg/mL aqueous extract of H. parva had a proliferative effect on hUC-MSCs. The cell count, which was treated with a 20 µg/mL concentration, increased faster and higher than the control group (p < 0.05). This concentration of the extract did not have a significant effect on hUC-MSCs’ viability. The cell cycle assay of hUC-MSCs showed that the percentage of cells in the G2 stage of the extract was biologically higher than the control group. Expression of cyclin D1, cyclin D3, cyclin E, HIF-1α, and TERT was increased compared with the control group. Moreover, expression of p21 and PCNA decreased after treating hUC-MSCs with the extract. However, CDC-2/cdk-1 and ERK1/2 had almost the same expression as the control group. The expression of CDK-4 and CDK-6 decreased after treatment. Between the detected compounds, 1-methyl-4-(1-methyl phenyl)-benzene showed better affinity to CDK-4 and p21 than tetradecanoic acid. The H. parva aqueous extract showed proliferative potential on hUC-MSCs.

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.

Leaf‐cutting ants (LCA) try to reduce the risk of contamination in their colonies by avoiding contact with their nest refuse (NR), as it can harbor substances harmful to them and their symbiotic fungi. Here, we tested whether an aqueous extract with 10% (vol/vol) of NR of the leaf‐cutting ant Atta opaciceps Borgmeier (Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Attini) causes a deterrent effect. We placed leaves of Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. (Malvaceae) sprayed with NR extract or distilled water (control) in the foraging areas of 12 colonies – eight colonies of A. opaciceps and four of Atta sexdens (L.) – for 60 min, on three consecutive days. The fresh weight of remaining leaf fragments between treatments was compared using linear‐mixed effect models. Leaf consumption was significantly lower in the presence of NR extract for 48 h, indicating that the NR odor impregnated in the leaves may have been the responsible factor for the deterrence. Further studies are needed to establish a deterrent extract with a broad spectrum and lasting effect on plants, and to better understand the mechanisms involved in deterrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of flour obtained from red alga Gelidium sp., which is underutilised nowadays in food applications. Thus, a model system consisting of minced mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle and aqueous flour extract was subjected to heating treatment (50 °C) for 11 days. Resulting levels on conjugated diene (CD) and triene (CT) contents, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid index, and fluorescent compound and free fatty acid (FFA) formation were monitored at different heating times. As a result, the presence of the aqueous extract of the alga flour led to higher levels (p < 0.05) of primary lipid oxidation compounds (CD and CT assessment) and lipid hydrolysis (FFA content). Contrarily, alga flour addition led to lower (p < 0.05) fluorescent compound formation measured in the aqueous and organic fractions resulting from the lipid extraction of the fish muscle and in the supernatant medium corresponding to the heating reaction system. All effects were found to be more important (p < 0.05) with increased alga flour concentration and heating reacting time. According to the straight relationship between the interaction compound formation and nutritional and sensory values, this study opens the way to the quality enhancement of thermally treated seafood by the addition of flour extract from Gelidium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of flour obtained from red alga (Gelidium sp.) both in vitro, against most common food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, and in a food model system during the chilled storage of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Results of in vitro assays allowed the conclusion that the aqueous flour extracts have antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and proteobacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus), and against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis. In the food model study, different concentrations of the flour extract were present in the icing medium, microbial and chemical analyses being carried out in fish muscle at different storage times. An inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on microbial growth (aerobes, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, and proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria) and on chemical quality indices (pH, total volatile amines, and trimethylamine) was concluded. This effect was more pronounced when the flour extract concentration in the ice increased and at advanced storage times. This study provides a first approach to the beneficial use of flour of the alga Gelidium as a new preserving strategy for chilled fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIDS is a global disease caused by HIV, affecting millions of people and causing death. The current limitations of antiretroviral therapy used in the therapy of HIV/AIDS have led to the need to search for new and effective drugs from natural products, especially plants. Herewith, using the present study, the detection of HIV‐1‐RT inhibition of aqueous extract of Satureja spicigera (C.KOCH) BOISS. was performed for the first time. Besides, total phenolic content (TPC), analysis of phenolic constituents by RP‐HPLC‐DAD and antioxidant capacity by DPPH and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods were determined for the first time. In addition, molecular docking studies were carried out between HIV‐1‐RT and phenolic substances, the presence of which was determined in the aqueous extract, for the determination of the phenolics that may be responsible for HIV‐1‐RT activity. HIV‐1‐RT inhibition was defined as IC50: 22.83 μg/ml. Benzoic acid, vanillin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid were present as main phenolics in quantities of 621.96, 505.87, 349.33, and 323.23 µg phenolic/g extract, respectively. Further, TPC, DPPH, and FRAP were calculated as in the order of 151.69 mg GAE/g extract, 23.77 µg/ml, and 445.7 µmol TE/g extract. Chlorogenic acid (−8.48 kcal/mol) was found to be the most effective ligand in docking studies, with a value close to positive standard nevirapine (−9.35 kcal/mol). Hereby, although the aqueous extract of S. spicigera can be used as a natural antioxidant, the crude extract or its phenolics have the potential to be used in the treatment of AIDS due to its high HIV‐1‐RT activity. Practical applications: In this study, anti‐HIV‐1‐RT and antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Satureja spicigera aqueous extract were determined. In addition, HPLC analysis of some phytochemicals and the activities of these phytochemicals against HIV‐1‐RT enzyme was determined by molecular docking studies. The results showed that the aqueous extract of S. spicigera and some of the phytochemicals it contains have the potential to be used as a natural product against HIV infection or in the treatment of AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green silver nanoparticles (green AgNPs) exhibit an exceptional antimicrobial property against different microbes, including bacteria and fungi. The current study aimed to compare the antifungal activities of both the crude aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea or different preparations of green AgNPs biosynthesized by mixing that aqueous extract with silver nitrate (AgNO 3). Two preparations of the green AgNPs were synthesized either by mixing the aqueous extract of P. oleracea with silver nitrate (AgNO 3) (normal AgNPs) or either irradiation of the AgNPs, previously prepared, under 60Co γ-ray using chitosan (gamma-irradiated AgNPs). Characterization of different AgNPs were tested by Zeta potential analyzer, Ultraviolet (UV) Visible Spectroscopy, and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. Three different plant pathogenic fungi were tested, Curvularia spicifera , Macrophomina phaseolina , and Bipolaris sp. The antifungal activities were evaluated by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) for either the crude aqueous extract of P. oleracea at three doses (25%, 50%, and 100%) or the newly biosynthesized AgNPs, normal or gamma-irradiated. With a few exceptions, the comparative analysis revealed that the irradiated green AgNPs at all three concentrations showed a relatively stronger antifungal effect than the normal AgNPs against all the three selected fungal strains. UV–visible spectroscopy of both preparations showed surface plasmon resonance at 421 nm. TEM results showed that both AgNPs were aggregated and characterized by a unique spherical shape, however, the gamma-irradiated AgNPs were smaller than the non-irradiated AgNPs (0.007–0.026 µM vs. 0.009–0.086 µM). TEM photographs of the fungal strains treated with the two AgNPs preparations showed flaccid structures, condensed hyphae, and shrunken surface compared with control cells. The data suggested that the biosynthesized P. oleracea AgNPs have antifungal properties against C. spicifera , M. phaseolina , and Bipolaris sp. These AgNPs may be considered a fungicide to protect different plants against phytopathogenic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of molecules that promote plant defence mechanisms turn out to be an alternative in disease management in agriculturally important crops contributing to the reduction of pesticide use. The activation of the defence responses in plants constitute a promising tool for the control of diseases in conventional agriculture. The results of the effect of a Chamomile aqueous extract as organic inducer and a sulphur-based fungicide as inorganic chemical inducer, as well as their combination, on the induction of resistance-related PR1 and MPK1 genes are presented in this work. In vivo results show a deleterious effect of the organic inducer in papaya plants. However, this effect decreased when combined with the sulphur-based compound, which also reduced the severity of symptoms caused by PRSV. Our results indicate that the combined treatment generates a similar response in plants to that produced by Salicylic Acid in the induction of PR1 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out at a private farm for duck breeding in Al-Muthanna Governorate, from 14/12/2021 to 14/2/2022. The field experiment was included to study the effect of adding aqueous extract of licorice to drinking water on the carcass trait from Chinese ducks. A total 60 unsexed, Chinese duck chicks one-day old were used, prepared from one of Al- Qadisiyah Governorate hatcheries, the chicks were distributed randomly to 4 treatments, included 3 replicates, (5 chicks each replicate), the treatments were as follows: T1: control treatment (without addition). T2, T3 and T4 treatments were 5, 10 and 15 ml aqueous extract of licorice /liter of drinking water, respectively. The results showed a significant improvement in all characteristics of the studied carcass (dressing percentage with and without geblet, the ratio of main and secondary cuts), when aqueous licorice extract is added to drinking water, in addition to the high level of water licorice extract (15 ml of licorice per liter of drinking water), which gave the best results and signific [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted at the agricultural research station for raising ducks in Al- Muthanna Governorate, from 14/12/2021 to 14/02/2022 (60 days). A total of 60 one-day-old Chinese duck chicks were reared with an average weight of 42 gm. Ducklings were prepared from local markets in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, Chicks were held in a semi-enclosed hall with dimensions of 25 x 10 m, were randomly distributed into four treatments, each treatment was three replicates (5 chicks/replicate). It was placed in 12 pennies, an area of 1.5 x 1 m, and the experiment's parameters were as follows: the control treatment (T1), and treatments T2, T3 and T4, water extract of sage leaves was used at a concentration of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 ml per liter of drinking water, respectively. The results show that all treatments of the sage leaf extract gave the best results as a significant (P≤0.05) for carcass quality traits compared to the control treatment. The T4 treatment gave the best performance as a significant (P≤0.05) of carcass traits compared to the rest of the treatments of the aqueous extract of sage leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles are materials that measure from 1 to 100 nm of length. Currently, the antimicrobial property of silver nanoparticles is used by industries for the manufacture of beauty products and medicines. Nanoparticles can be synthesized from plants, algae or microorganisms, and they can also be obtained from combustion products. In this study, extracts of rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (NPs-Ag) in order to produce an antimicrobial compound to be used as a fruit preservative. NPs-Ag were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively by phytochemical analysis and UV-VIS spectroscopy, showing an absorption in the range of 389-418 nm, which corresponds to their surface plasmon resonance. Furthermore, Scanning Electronic Microscopy was used to determine the size and morphology of the NPs-Ag, observing a spherical shape of 10 nm of diameter. Two bacterial strains were used in the antimicrobial tests, the Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and the Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) to verify the antimicrobial activity of the NPs-Ag. For E. coli, a better antibacterial activity was obtained with an inhibition halo of 3.21 mm. Subsequently, the NPs-Ag were used in apples to determine their use as a preservative, using beeswax smeared on the surface of the fruit as control, observing that synthesized NPs-Ag prolonged the maturation time of the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Laboratory and Field bioassays, the higher concentrations of shoot aqueous extracts of Neanotis lancifolia (Hook. f.) W.H. Lewis proved inhibitory to mungbean and rice. The highest concentration (10 %) of aqueous extract reduced the plumule and radicle length of both test crops. From the N. Lancifolia extracts, 15-allelochemicals (Phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, flavonols and glycerol) were identified by GC-MS. Of these 5 were major allelochemicals [Oleic acid, Glycidyl oleate, Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid and 18-Nonadecenoic acid]. These compounds at 5 DAS (days after sowing) significantly inhibited the seed germination in mungbean (58.38 %) and rice (57.48 %) at 5 DAS. The inhibitory effects of allelochemicals on seeds germination followed the order: Oleic acid> Glycidyl oleate >Linoleic acid > Palmitic acid > 18-Nonadecenoic acid. The radicle and plumule growth at 11 DAS also followed the same trend. The metabolic changes in both mungbean and rice crops revealed that the aqueous extract reduced the protein, carbohydrates, phenols, tannins and flavonoids contents and the reductions were concentration dependent. We found that the allelopathic potential of N. lancifolia (Hook.f.) W.H. Lewis was due to the presence of 15 inhibitory compounds identified in its extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crassostrea sikamea (C. sikamea) is used as an important edible and medicinal seafood in China. In the present study, an aqueous extract of C. sikamea (AECs) was prepared, and its immunomodulatory effects on rat splenocytes were studied. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay revealed that AECs was able to promote splenocyte proliferation. Moreover, flow cytometry revealed that AECs treatment markedly altered the populations of splenic lymphocyte subtypes. Data from real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that AECs promoted the mRNA expression and secretion of TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐12, and IFN‐γ. Mechanistically, p38 MAPK phosphorylation in splenocytes was significantly upregulated under AECs treatment and p38 MAPK inhibitor reversed the promoting effect of AECs on the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, our novel evidence suggests that AECs exhibits immunomodulatory activity in vitro, supporting the further application of C. sikamea as a potential functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boswellia serrata has been traditionally used for the treatment of several inflammatory diseases, and bacterial resistance to antibiotics has recently increased the use of bioproducts. The present study aimed to assess the antibacterial effect and phagocytic ability of the aqueous extract of the Boswellia serrata in bacteria isolated in nosocomial infections. Boswellia carterii plant was collected and prepared from the aqueous extract in different concentrations. A total of 125 samples were collected from various clinical sources, including urine, sputum, wounds, otitis, and blood, from patients of both genders in different age groups. The results demonstrated that out of the 59 infected samples, urine samples had the highest infection (68%), followed by wounds, sputum, and otitis reported as (60%), (44%), and (40%), respectively. On the other hand, blood samples had the lowest percentage of infection (28%). Microscopic diagnostic results, biochemical tests, API Staph System, API 20E System, and Vitek 2 Compact pointed out that the highest infection rates were related to Staphylococcus aureus (32.20%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.33%), and Escherichia coli (22.03%), while the lowest infection rate was detected in Klebsiella pneumonia (20.33%). The results indicated that aqueous extract of Boswellia carterii had an antibacterial activity for all bacterial isolates, 25 mg/ml of extract gave an inhibition zone of 10.8 mm, 10.4 mm, 7mm, and 10mm for S. aureus, E. coli, P aeruginosa, and K. pneumonia, respectively, while 200 mg/ml of extract gave 24 mm, 22 mm, 18.4 mm, and 20 mm, respectively. The results pointed to a significant increase in the phagocytosis rate, with the phagocytosis of blood samples treated with Boswellia carterii extract (79.7%), as compared to control samples (57.75%). As evidenced by the results of this study, the aqueous extract of the Boswellia carterii plant showed antibacterial effects and a positive impact on the phagocytic ratio; nonetheless, it is recommended that further studies be conducted to characterize the compounds of this herb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the utilization value of tobacco leaves by making full use of tobacco, aqueous extracts of tobacco were prepared from leaf residues after subcritical extraction, and the Maillard reaction products prepared under different conditions were quantitatively analyzed by GC-MS. The effects of amino acid species, glucose/amino acid molar ratios and reaction time on the chemical composition of the reaction products and the sensory quality of cigarettes were systematically studied. The correlations between 18 components in the Maillard reaction products and the sensory indexes of prepared cigarettes were investigated. The results showed that: 1) The Maillard reaction products of glutamic acid and aspartic acid were similar to those of the aqueous extract itself. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural was dominant in the products, followed by hydroxyacetone and 2-acetylpyrrole. The products of Maillard reaction involving proline were dominated by hydroxyacetone, furfuryl alcohol and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. 2) On the basis of cigarette smoke sensory effects, the optimal conditions for the Maillard reaction for the tobacco aqueous extract were at the molar ratio of reduced sugar (glucose) and glutamic acid 1:0.5, reacting for 2 h at 110 °. 3) Among the 18 components, the relationship between 2-methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one and smoke concentration was close; furfural, 5-methyl-2-furfural, 2-furanyl hydroxymethyl ketone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural were closely correlated to smoke volatility; and hydroxyacetone and 3-methylcyclopentane-1,2-dione were closely correlated to baked aroma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactivated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines generally require adjuvants to enhance the immunogenicity. To test whether the aqueous extracts of Cistanche deserticola (AECD) could be developed into a polysaccharide adjuvant for inactivated FMD vaccines in mice. Experimental vaccines were prepared with inactivated FMD viral antigen plus AECD or inactivated FMD vaccine plus AECD to subcutaneously immunize mice. AECD developed an FMDV-specific humoral response by increasing IgG antibodies and IL-4 in CD4+ T cells and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and a balanced Th1/Th2 response. Importantly, AECD induced Th1 type immunity by augmenting the activation of T subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD44+) and the induction of IFN-γ in T lymphocytes, especially CTL response and neutralizing antibodies in sera. In addition, AECD maintained the higher levels of CD80, CD40, MHC-II, CD86 on CD11c+ cells and decreased the Treg frequency. Our results suggested that AECD had the potential utility as an polysaccharide adjuvant for FMD vaccines.

Previous research has shown that there are allelopathic interactions between plants, releasing allelochemicals for which it is still unknown whether they are randomly generated or transmitted from generation to generation. In this paper, the influence dried ragweed leaves (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) aqueous extract of different concentrations: concentrated extract (10%), extract diluted to 1/2 (5%); 1/4 (2.5%) and 1/8 (1.25%) on germination and growth of peas and beans was monitored. The results showed that the increased concentration of ragweed extract inhibited germination, prolonged germination time and decreased the germination index of both test plant species compared to the control. The ragweed extract (concentrated and 1/2) reduced the growth of shoots and roots compared to the control (by more than 50%), with the inhibitory effect being more visible on young pea plants compared to beans. The results of the research showed that the presence of ragweed as a weed in the field significantly reduces the germination and growth of cultivated plants, which is why care should be taken to suppress and remove it in a timely manner.

An experiment was done to study effects of savory aqueous extract on performance, carcass traits, some blood biochemical and immune parameters of broiler chickens under heat stress condition. To do this 320 day-old Ross chickens were assigned to four distinct treatments in a complete randomized design. Each treatment was given to four replicates of twenty birds. Variables were heat stress (34±2°C for 8 hours) and savory extract (0.4 ml/L) in drinking water. At different weeks of trial, feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was measured. Some relative weight of different organs (dressing, breast, thigh, liver, heart, spleen and bursa of Fabricus) determined at d 42 of age. The blood serum glucose and plasma content of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured after blood sampling at d 42 of age. Plasma IgG were quantified on days 21, 28, 35 and 42. The savory extract did not affect FCR, or the relative weights of different organs (p>0.05). BW and FI increased with savory oil inclusion (p0.05). Totally, blood IgG of heat stressed broilers, increased with savory extract treating (p

Introduction: Recently, much attention has been paid to the biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) due to their eco-friendly, cost-effective, and easily applied nature. This study aimed to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs using Eriobotrya Japonica seed aqueous extract. Moreover, it was attempted to evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Materials & Methods: Initially, the Eriobotrya Japonica seed aqueous extract was prepared, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured in this study. After the preparation of ZnO NPs by the extract, the antioxidant activity of ZnO NPs was evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging method. In addition, the antibacterial activities of the extract and NPs were determined using a disc diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus gram-positive bacteria and Escherichia coli gram-negative bacteria. Ethics code: Ir.ausmt.rec.1398.11.33 Findings: The results showed that aqueous extract had a specific amount of phenolic and flavonoids (9.86 mg/g and 27 mg/g dry weight of extract, respectively). Moreover, the synthesized ZnO NPs were

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as one of the major public-health issues in recent times. The multi-drug resistant opportunistic bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium cause urinary tract, respiratory infections and diarrhea. The prevalence in the hospital environment increases multi-drug resistant bacteria and beta-lactam antibiotics (carbapenems) are highly effective against these pathogens, however development of drug resistance against these antibiotics may lead to increased mortality. Hence, it is of utmost significance to develop alternative antibiotics against these drug-resistant bacteria. In this study, we have synthesized iron nanoparticles using the water extract of marine algae (Ulva lactuca) collected from Tamilnadu coast, India. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-spectroscopy, transform infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy. The green synthesized nanoparticles have the size of 30–40 nm and have potent biological activities. The synthesized nanoparticles showed anticancer activity against HeLa and DLD-1 cell lines. The methanol extract of U. lactuca showed maximum activity against E. coli (24 ± 2 mm), followed by S. typhimurium (23 ± 1 mm), B. cereus (19 ± 1 mm), P. vulgaris (17 ± 2 mm), and S. aureus (16 ± 2 mm). Antibacterial disc diffusion analysis of nanoparticles showed improved activites than algal extract. The iron nanoparticles showed activity against S. aureus (24 ± 1 mm), E. coli (29 ± 1 mm), and S. typhimurium (31 ± 2 mm). The minimum inhibitory concentration values of nanoparticles against diarrhoea causing bacteria varied widely. U. lactuca extract was highly effective against S. typhimurium (25 µg/mL), followed by E. coli (30 µg/mL), and S. aureus (45 µg/mL). These results clearly demonstrate that iron nanoparticles could be developed as alternate therapeutics against carbapenems resistant bacteria and against types of cancers.

In the present study an attempt has been made to find out Potential activity of aqueous extract of Corn Silk on Carrageenan induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity Using Albino Rats. Corn silk has a great medicinal importance due the presence of a variety of bioactive phytochemical compounds. The principal phytochemicals present in corn silk include polyphenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, glycosides, carotenoids, and some water-soluble vitamins. Active ingredients contributing to anti-inflammatory property are tannins, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, β-sitosterol, vanillin, hydroxymellein, moringine, moringinine, β-sitostenone, and 9-octadecenoic acid. The aquaous extract of corn silk at doses 100 and 200 mg/kg produced a significant effect against carrageenan induced inflammatory effect and the results were comparable to that of control. Anti-inflammatory activity of aquaous extract of corn silk showed significant and similar to that of indomethacine (10 mg/kg). It was observed that the aquaous extract of corn silk (400 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibits maximum anti-inflammatory activity against Carrageenan induced hind paw edema. Nitric oxide scavenging activity was measured by using UV-Visible spectrophotometer. Sodium nitroprusside (5mM) in phosphate buffer was mixed with different concentrations of EEET (25-800 µg/ml), dissolved in normal saline and incubated at 25°C for 30 min. Control without test compound but with equivalent amount of sodium nitroprusside was taken. Aquaous extract of corn silk known to scavenge the free radicals generated by ABTS by donating a hydrogen atom indicating aquaous extract of corn silk a potent anti-oxidant. Decolorization of ABTS is observed which expressed IC50value of 60µg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the aqueous extracts (AE) of leaves and flowers of Bituminaria bituminosa (L.). The results reveal that both the leaves and flowers contain high levels of total phenols, estimated respectively at 141.4 ± 1.43 mg EAC/g of extract and 128.11 ± 3.00 mg EAC/g of extract. Also, the test shows that the FRAP reducing power AE leaves is higher (64.27 ± 2.97 mg ET/g of extract) as that of the flowers (53.61 ± 3.81 mg ET/g of extract). Scavenging capacity of DPPH (2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical is very interesting with an IC50 equal to 0.203 ± 0.002 mg/ml for AE leaves and 0.457 ± 0.003 mg/ml for AE flowers. Furthermore, the two extracts tested exhibit protective antiradical activity resulted in a half time of major hemolysis, 133.61 ± 1.22 min and 103.45 ± 6.63 min respectively to the leaves and flowers. As for testing antimicrobial activity, AE leaves proved more effective than the flowers extract, it shows a remarkable activity against all the strains studied. The effect of this extract is significantly for Bacillus subtilis with a maximum inhibition of approximately 13.33 ± 0.57 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Nanotechnology is one of the newest, most important and most efficient sciences in the world. It is an interdisciplinary technology that has caused significant changes and developments in the sciences by solving problems and shortcomings. Nanoscience and nanotechnology is the production of nanometer-sized material that has recently attracted the attention of many researchers in the fields of medicine, agriculture and industry. The great importance and application of this technology has attracted much attention. Nanoparticles are particles about 1 to 100 nm the properties of these materials depend on their nanometer size. Nano materials have unique properties including lightweight and small nanoparticles, High surface-to-mass ratio, using in small quantities, saving consumables, being multifunctional and safe for the environment. Chitosan is a linear amino polysaccharide that has been taken into consideration for its properties such as non-toxicity, antibacterial properties, adhesion properties, unique structure, multidimensional properties and high performance. Physical and chemical methods are mostly used to produce nanoparticles. Although these methods may be successful and well-known, they are generally expensive, time-consuming, and dangerous to the environment and humans. Therefore, alternative methods such as microorganisms, fungi, plants, plant extracts and plant biomass should be used instead, which have less environmental hazards. Among the methods of synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles, green synthesis using plant extracts is more beneficial than other methods. Many plant biomolecules such as polyphenols, flavonoids, amino acids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, alcohols, vitamins and proteins can play a role in the formation and stabilization of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to develop a green method using the extract of the aerial parts of the Russian knapweed to prepare and produce chitosan nanoparticles. Methods: In this study, chitosan nanoparticles were synthesized in a process by the extract of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens L.) which containing phenolic compounds. In order to preparation the materials needed for the experiment, the aerial parts of the Russian knapweed in the pre-flowering stage were collected from a land in Ardabil with severe contamination. The collected plant was transferred to the weed laboratory and dried at 60 °C for 72 h in the oven. The dried samples were powdered by a grinding (mill) machine. The aqueous extract was prepared by maceration method. 100, 150 and 200 grams of Russian knapweed powder in to erlenmeyer flask spilled and then added a certain amount of twice distilled water until the final volume reaches of 1000 ml. Then they were placed on the shaker at 25 °C for 24 hours. The obtained extracts were smoothed using Whatman filter paper. At the final stage, the extracts were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 15 minutes and supernatant were extracted as pure extract and were kept at 4 °C for testing. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using ionic gelation method. In the present study, commercial chitosan with medium molecular weight was used. At first, 3 g of chitosan was dissolved in 300 ml of distilled water and placed on a magnetic stirrer at 550 rpm to dissolve completely and evenly at room temperature (with one magnet). To adjust the pH =5, some acetic acid was added. Then a certain amount of Russian knapweed extract was added to it. In the next step, 0.5 g of sodium polyphosphate (TPP) in 50 ml of distilled water was completely dissolved and added drop by drop to the chitosan solution, that was stirring on a magnetic stirrer, and the stirring process continued for 60 minutes. This was repeated for all 3 concentrations of Russian knapweed extract separately. After the reaction time, the final solution was centrifuged for 5 min and after smoothing, the top solution of sediments deposited in the oven was dried for 24 h at 60 °C. Results: Basic techniques for investigation and determination of nanoparticle properties including: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) tests. The samples obtained by these tests were analyzed. Infrared spectroscopy was used to investigate the vibrational frequencies of chemical compounds. Thermal weight measurement analysis method, which is based on weight changes during sample heating, was performed to investigate the difference in thermal stability of the samples in the temperature range of 0-700°C. X-ray diffraction pattern of the samples was performed using Cu-Ka radiation. Surface morphology and particle distribution were also obtained using scanning electron microscopy with accelerator voltage k 15. In Spectrophotometric analysis, the presence of a peak in the range of 700 nm indicates the biological synthesis of these nanoparticles with extract of Russian knapweed. FTIR spectroscopy showed the biomolecules present in the extract and involved in the synthesis, which confirms the process of green synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles. In the FTIR spectrum obtained from chitosan nanoparticles with aqueous extract of Russian knapweed and pure extract of Russian knapweed, the presence of factor groups confirming the existence and presence of effective antioxidant compounds such as phenols and flavonoids in the plant extract is used. Based on this, the participation and involvement of phenolic compounds in the Russian knapweed in the synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles is quite clearly observed and understood. The size and morphology of biologically synthesized nanoparticles were determined by scanning electron microscopy, and it was found that the shape of the nanoparticles produced is approximately spherical with an average size of about 33 to 76 nanometers. One of the main reasons for the difference in the shape and size of the synthesized nanoparticles is the different concentrations of the plant extract used. The results of X-ray diffraction analysis also showed the nanocrystals synthesized by the extract of Russian knapweed. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be said that the polyphenolic compounds in the Russian knapweed extract were acted reducing agents, and also as a complexing agent synthesize chitosan nanoparticles and make them sustainable. The process of ion reduction and synthesis of nanoparticles are done by primary and secondary metabolites such as antioxidants, flavonoids, flavonoids, isoflavones, anticyanidins, isothiocyanates, carotenoids and polyphenols present in the extract. According to the obtained results, plant extracts have a good compatibility with the environment, so that they can be used for rapid production of chitosan nanoparticles, which is a simple, green and efficient method for the synthesis of nanoparticles at room temperature. It is a reducing and inhibiting agent without the use of any chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an endemic infectious disease in Iran. Failure to treat the disease requires the use of effective medicinal plants. Different species of Artemisia have anti leishmania activity. The aim of this study was to study effect of aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri seed on Promastigote and Amastigote of leishmania major in vitro. Methods: In this study, the aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri was prepared. The concentration of Artemisia aucheri was 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 µg/ml to investigate on promastigote and amastigote of Leishmania major. The effects of concentrations on leishmania promastigotes, non-infected macrophages and amastigote-infected macrophages were investigated by MTT and flow cytometry tests. The effect of the extract on apoptosis in promastigotes was investigated by flow cytometry. Results: Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Increasing the time and concentration of Artemisia aucheri significantly decreased the number of promastigotes of Leishmania major (P≤0.05). The growth of the parasite was completely stopped at a concentration of 400 and 200 µg / ml. Percentage of macrophages infected with amastigotes was 11.84% for the treated group at a concentration IC50 of extract was 37.5 µg /ml for promastigotes. At this concentration there was a 50% inhibition of growth. Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Artemisia aucheri seed had good activity in destroying Leishmania major promastigotes in culture and Leishmania major amastigotes in macrophages and the extract was able to induce apoptosis in 9.28% of promastigotes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current experiment was performed to determine the nematicidal behaviour of aqueous extract of various weed plants viz., Parthenium hysterophorus, Cymbopogon citratus, Eichhornia crassipes, Monstera deliciosa and Tinospora cardifolia against hatching, mortality and penetration rate of Meloidogyne incognita under in vitro condition. The eggs and second stage juveniles were exposed to various concentrations (250, 500, 1000, 1500, 2000 and 2500 µg/ml) for 5 days and 12, 24 and 48 h respectively. During the experiment, all plant extracts displayed nematicidal potential. Comparison of LC50 values of different plant extracts showed that P. hysterophorus was found to be most effective with LC50 664.9 µg/ml, while T. cardifolia was less effective at 48h of LC50 1419.0 µg/ml. Aqueous extracts of P. hysterophorus at 2500 µg/ml was highly effective against hatching and mortality after 5 days and 72h exposure period respectively. Whereas T. cardifolia was found least effective. The macerated leaves of P. hysterophorus applied at 0.3 g/kg sand showed the lowest penetration of M. incognita in brinjal roots while T. cardifolia displayed highest after 3 and 5 days' post inoculation. This study suggests that aqueous extract of the selected plants having nematistatic and nematicidal properties that can be used for the management of M. incognita in an eco-friendly manner and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Crataegus aronia L. Syn: Azarolus (C. aronia) is a hawthorn species and a perennial bush native to Mediterranean regions. It is recognized for its high polyphenol content and potent antioxidant effects. Research was conducted to test the antidepressant activities of an aqueous extract of C. aronia in a chronic, unpredictable, mild stress-induced rat model. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two adult Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: A control group (no stress and no treatment), stress-model group (stress and no treatment), fluoxetine-treated stress group (stress and fluoxetine treatment), and C. aronia-treated stress group (stress and C. aronia treatment). Urine samples were collected at 0, 21, 36, and 51 days. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to assess serotonin, norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) levels. Results: There was a decrease in serotonin levels 3 weeks after stress exposure, but urinary NE and DA levels increased. C. aronia significantly (P < 0.001) reversed the depressive-like symptoms in the rats according to the increased urinary levels of serotonin. Moreover, C. aronia also reduced urinary levels of urinary NE and DA. The neuromodulatory effects of C. aronia were comparable to that of fluoxetine. Conclusion: With its active ingredients of anthocyanins and procyanidins, C. aronia exhibits significant antidepressant-like activity in validated stressed rats, which may be related to its neuromodulatory effects on central monoamines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematicidal efficacy of tulsi extracts were evaluated against root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in the laboratory. Treatments comprised of aqueous and hot water extracts of tulsi at different concentration (10, 20 and 30 %) and control. The treatments were imposed on second stage juveniles of M. incognita and the mortality was recorded after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. Aqueous and hot water extracts of tulsi at different concentrations were found lethal to second stage juveniles of root-knot nematode. Aqueous extract of tulsi at 30 per cent caused the highest mortality of J2s at all the periods of exposure and it was significantly higher than all other treatments. The per cent mortality increased with increase in the concentration of extracts and exposure time. As compared to hot water extracts, aqueous extract of tulsi gave better results. The present study prooved nematicidal activity of tulsi extracts and suggests that tulsi extracts at higher concentration can be used for the management of root knot-nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) administrated with dose, 20 mg/ rat/ day of aqueous extract of plants “Vinca-rosea” for 15 days and 30 days showed significant changes in body weight and testes weight. The aqueous extract of plant also caused significant in reproductive physiology and influence the testicular activity positively. The treatment for 15 days and 30 days caused increase in body weight and decrease in testes weight. The treatment also caused significant change in testicular, sugar, protein, cholesterol, lipids, sialic acid, alkaline acid, phosphatase activity. It resulted in inhibition of spermatogenesis and androgenesis. Destruction in gonial layers in seminiferous tubules & loss of muscular elements in rats show a positive and reversible antifertility contraceptive effect in male albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Allium genus with more than 900 important breeding and wild species, as a natural and bioactive antioxidant, is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant activity of aqueous extract of Allium canadense and its effect on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme and recovery of the inhibited enzyme activity. Material & Methods: After the preparation of Allium canadense aqueous extract, the antioxidant activity of the extract at the concentrations of 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml was investigated using DPPH free radical scavenging method. Following that, the activity of serum acetylcholinesterase and its reactivation after inhibition by organophosphate diazinon was evaluated at the concentrations of 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of the extract by the Ellman method. Findings: Inhibition concentration of 50% (IC50) of free radicals of DPPH was 360/19 μg/ml. Aqueous extract of Allium canadense did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity and was added to the concentration dependently. The regeneration of the inhibited enzymes activity was also observed in the vicinity of different concentrations of the aqueous extract of the plant. Discussion & Conclusion: The aqueous extract of Allium canadense does not inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity; however, it can reactivate the enzyme inhibited by diazinon. The reason for this positive effect may be related to the high antioxidant activity in the extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a Peruvian nutraceutical plant, whose hypocotyl has a variety of colors ranging from black to white. The black and red varieties of maca have been the most studied since their extracts are associated with effects such as increased sperm count, decreased glucose levels, reversal of prostatic hyperplasia, among others. However, the properties related to reduction of oxidative stress, metabolic diseases and anti-aging have not yet been confirmed. The aim was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts, obtained from spray-dried hydroalcoholic extract of hypocotyl of black and red maca (Lepidium meyenii), on mortality, growth, reproduction, lipid accumulation and the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress and heat shock, in the in-vivo model, Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), using different concentrations. The results showed that maca extracts were not toxic to the model at concentrations below 100 mg L-1. However, higher concentrations caused high mortality, growth disturbances, oxidative stress and lipid accumulation. Black maca extracts increased the reproduction of C. elegans by increasing the number of offspring in C. elegans, both in aqueous and ethanolic extracts. On the other hand, ethanolic extracts produced an increase in the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, indicating a mild stressor behavior of the same. C. elegans represents an established model for evaluating the biological properties of nutraceutical plants of biological interest and can be used in the search for antioxidant activity of L. meyenii (hypocotyl), as well as it can be used in future studies to identify some metabolites involved in each biological property and to understand the biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in these properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pests and diseases are among the major factors limiting plant growth and yields. Pests are known vectors of pathogens including viruses. Proper management of plant pests is an indirect means of controlling viral diseases in plants. This study aimed at comparing the potential of neem extract and a synthetic insecticide (lambda cyhalothrin) for the management of aphids and Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in five different cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) genotypes and to determine the residual effects of the insecticide in the cowpea grains. The experimental field was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Treatments included; spraying of cowpea plots with aqueous neem extract and lambda cyhalothrin (LC) twice at foliage stage, once at flowering and podding stages. Control plots were left unsprayed. Data were obtained on growth and yields of cowpea genotypes as well as the pest and virus disease traits. Results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that variations attributable to genotypes were significant (p ≤ 0.01) for cowpea yields and virus disease traits. Treatments applied influenced the occurrence of pests and virus diseases. Neem extract reduced aphid infestations and virus diseases as much as the insecticide. Ife BPC accumulated a very high level of LC (1.14 ppm) in its grain when compared with the maximum residue level (MRL) for lambda cyalothrin in cowpea seeds. The study concludes that the use of eco-friendly bio-pesticide such as neem aqueous extract is effective for the management of aphids and aphid-borne virus in cowpea fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The oil-in-water (O/W) nano-emulsion (NE) is expanded to enhance the bioavailability of hydrophobic compounds. The NE can be prepared by herbal extract and essential oil as herbal medicines for antidiabetic treatment. In the present study, the O/W NE was prepared by fenugreek extract (FE), nettle extract (NE), and cumin essential oil (CEO) using tween 80 and span 80 surfactants in an ultrasonic bath, at room temperature within 18 min. The antidiabetic property was evaluated by determining glucose absorption using cultured rat L6 myoblast cell line (L6) myotubes and insulin secretion using the cultured mouse pancreatic beta-cell (RIN-5) for NEs. The samples were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) to examine the size distribution and size, zeta potential for the charge determination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate morphology and size. The rheological properties were studied by viscosity. The sample stability was evaluated at different temperatures and days by DLS and SEM analyses. The cytotoxicity of samples was explored by MTT assay for HEK293 human cell line as a specific cell line originally derived from human embryonic kidney cells at three different concentrations for three periods of time. The NEs with nanometer-size were observed with antidiabetic properties, low cytotoxicity, and suitable stability. This study provides definitive evidence for the NE as a plant medicine with antidiabetic properties. The NE can be a good candidate for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inactivated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccines generally require adjuvants to enhance the immunogenicity. To test whether the aqueous extracts of Cistanche deserticola (AECD) could be developed into a polysaccharide adjuvant for inactivated FMD vaccines in mice. Experimental vaccines were prepared with inactivated FMD viral antigen plus AECD or inactivated FMD vaccine plus AECD to subcutaneously immunize mice. AECD developed an FMDV-specific humoral response by increasing IgG antibodies and IL-4 in CD4+ T cells and enhanced lymphocyte proliferation and a balanced Th1/Th2 response. Importantly, AECD induced Th1 type immunity by augmenting the activation of T subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD44+) and the induction of IFN-γ in T lymphocytes, especially CTL response and neutralizing antibodies in sera. In addition, AECD maintained the higher levels of CD80, CD40, MHC-II, CD86 on CD11c+ cells and decreased the Treg frequency. Our results suggested that AECD had the potential utility as an polysaccharide adjuvant for FMD vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of iron- and sulfur- oxidizing microorganisms in the generation of acid mine drainage (AMD) from sulfide ores and tailings is widely recognized. The inhibition of these microorganisms is a very important alternative to mitigate AMD formation and its effects on the environment and ecosystems. Parastrephia quadrangularis (commonly known as Tola–Tola) is a xerophytic plant that usually grows very close to or even on mineral processing tailings located in the Puna region of Argentina. We demonstrate that the aqueous extract of P. quadrangularis is capable of inhibiting the growth of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans in suspension. The presence of chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, butyl-1caffeoylquinic, ferulic acid, and euparin, which have already demonstrated antimicrobial action, was detected. The inhibition of A. ferrooxidans could be the basis of a possible alternative to inhibit microbial activity in tailings and thus prevent AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is one of the highest causes of mortality in the populations of African, South Asia, and Latin America as it contributes a large part of the continued impoverishment of these populations. The efficacy of both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the fruits of Calotropis gigantea, R. Br. (Ascelepiadaceae), Aframomum melegueta K. Schum (Zingiberaceae), and seeds of Blighia sapida (Sapindaceae) were tested on the third instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae (L). 200 g of the blended form of each plant material was suspended in 500 mls of water and filtered after 1 day. The filtrates were then dried to get the stock from which serial concentrations (20, 10, 1, 0.1 mg/ml) were reconstituted. The result after a 24 hrs bioassay time shows that the A. meleguta (59.4 %) ethanolic extract with LC50 values of 0.3 mg/ml acted most followed by its aqueous form (38.89 %) with LC50 2.57 mg/ml, ethanolic extract of C. gigantea (27.78 %) with LC50 5.57 mg/ml, the ethanolic form of B. sapida (27.5 %) 6.25 mg/ml while the aqueous forms of C. gigantea and B. sapida were 6.37 at 25 % and 6.5mg/ml at 26.6% respectively. For all the plants used, A. melegueta was the most potent plant and there was significant difference (p<0.05) between the ethanolic extract and the aqueous form. The use of insecticides of plant origins may serve as a suitable alternative to chemical insecticides in the future with their characteristic relative safety, degradability, and abundance in many areas of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work aims to investigate the anti-arthritic activity as well as the phytochemical screening of black cumin seed extracts (aqueous and hydroalcoholic) in vitro. The dosage of flavonoids has shown that the content found in the hydroalcoholic extract (134.7 ± 0.289 mg QE/g) was significantly higher compared to the aqueous extract (48.495 ± 0.035mg QE/g). The photochemical tests of the studied seed extracts showed the presence of tannins, saponins and reducing compounds and absence of alkaloids. The results of anti-arthritic activity, showed an important impact of the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts inflammation inhibition. This research work revealed that the seed extracts exhibited an important anti-inflammatory effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regarding the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects of Salvia officnalis (S. officinalis) extracts and the use of medicinal herbs as an alternative to chemical drugs, this study aimed to evaluate the enzymatic changes and reduction of hepatocyte damage in mice poisoned with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) after treatment with aqueous and alcoholic extract of Salvia officnalis. A total of 40 adult male mice were divided into eight groups including six experimental, one negative, and one positive control group, which were exposed to CCl4 at the concentration of 2.3 mg/kg. The active compounds in the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of S. officinalis were obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, S. officinalis extract in 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses were fed orally to mice for six days. The enzymes (GST, ALP, ALT, AST, and MDA) were determined in mice serum. The study results showed that enzyme activity was significantly decreased in the group treated with S. officinalis extract, and the concentration of 300mg/kg proved to be most effective. In addition, it was indicated that the alcoholic extract had a higher effect than the aqueous extract, which might be due to the greater amount of active compounds in the alcoholic extract. The improving effects of S. officinalis can be attributed to the bioactive components with antioxidant properties that inhibit the damaging effects of free radicals, chemical drugs, and tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]