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Ovarian tissue cryopreservation is regarded as useful method for fertility preservation. This study aimed to preserve most of the follicular reserve from the destructive effects of cryoprotectant solutions and liquid nitrogen. For this purpose, 48 female NMRI mice (8 weeks old) were randomly divided into six groups: Fresh (not vitrified), Vitrification (not encapsulated), Alginate 1 (encapsulated in 1% alginate hydrogel before placing in vitrification solutions), Alginate 2 (encapsulated in 1% alginate hydrogel before placing in liquid nitrogen), Aloe vera 1 (encapsulated in Aloe vera pieces before placing in vitrification solutions), Aloe vera 2 (encapsulated in Aloe vera pieces before placing in liquid nitrogen). After vitrification and warming, the histological evaluation showed that the average number of intact primordial follicles decreased significantly in all groups compared to the Fresh group. (P < 0.05). Results of evaluating the expression of apoptosis-related genes showed that the ratio of Bax/Bcl2 and P53 significantly decreased in the Alginate 2 group compared with the vitrification group. The level of Kit gene (KIT proto-oncogeni receptor tyrosine kinase gene) expression was either the same or lower in the experimental groups than in the vitrification group, but there was no statistically significant difference. Levels of tissue nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in Alginate groups 1 and 2 showed a significant decrease compared with the vitrification group (P < 0.05). To conclude, Encapsulation of ovaries in 1% alginate hydrogel before immersion in liquid nitrogen may reduce the damage caused by cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

House mites frequently trigger allergic conditions. Although conventional treatments are effective, they can result in drug resistance and pose risks to the environment, human health, and non-target organisms. Therefore, this study evaluates new botanical extracts for their biological activities against Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart 1897; Pyroglyphidae), D. farinae (Hughes 1961; Pyroglyphidae), and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank 1781; Acaridae), not only to control them but also to reduce their allergens (dead bodies and faecal particles) by keeping them away. It is noteworthy that of these plants, Allium cepa L. (Alliaceae) and Solanum melongena L. (Solanaceae) peel extracts, as well as leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae), were tested for the first time in the present study as new bioacaricides, while Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) and H. sabdariffa leaves proved to be new botanical repellents for these mite species. Based on LC50 values, A. cepa, Beta vulgaris, and S. melongena extracts had the most potent toxic effects on these mite species, while extracts of Aloe vera, Capsicum annum, and P. nigrum had the strongest repellent activity against them at the highest concentration. These natural plant extracts may have valuable potential as new acaricidal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid lipid-natural source polysaccharides smart cubosome affords crystalline cubic. to inverse hexagonal phase transition and active membrane disturbances for prolonged. and triggered bioactive delivery. [Display omitted] Smart nanocarrier-based bioactive delivery systems are a current focus in nanomedicine for allowing and boosting diverse disease treatments. In this context, the design of hybrid lipid-polymer particles can provide structure-sensitive features for tailored, triggered, and stimuli-responsive devices. In this work, we introduce hybrid cubosomes that have been surface-modified with a complex of chitosan- N -arginine and alginate, making them pH-responsive. We achieved high-efficiency encapsulation of acemannan, a bioactive polysaccharide from Aloe vera , within the nanochannels of the bioparticle crystalline structure and demonstrated its controlled release under pH conditions mimicking the gastric and intestinal environments. Furthermore, an acemannan-induced phase transition from Im3m cubic symmetry to inverse hexagonal H II phase enhances the bioactive delivery by compressing the lattice spacing of the cubosome water nanochannels, facilitating the expulsion of the encapsulated solution. We also explored the bioparticle interaction with membranes of varying curvatures, revealing thermodynamically driven affinity towards high-curvature lipid membranes and inducing morphological transformations in giant unilamellar vesicles. These findings underscore the potential of these structure-responsive, membrane-active smart bioparticles for applications such as pH-triggered drug delivery platforms for the gastrointestinal tract, and as modulators and promoters of cellular internalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to enhance the effectiveness of known anticancer medications using natural compounds. The study investigated the impact of combining AVE with PAX on non-small cell lung cancer (A549) and breast cancer (MCF7). In this study, A549 and MCF7 cells were treated with PAX (5 μM), AVE (24 μg/mL), and a combination of PAX and AVE (5 μM + 24 μg/mL). The glucose consumption rates of the cells were determined by extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) thanks to the SeaHorse XFe24 instrument. In addition, gene expression profiles were determined by performing Total RNA sequencing with the Novaseq 6000 instrument. Finally, the expressions of GAPDH, BAX, and BCL-2 genes involved in the apoptotic pathway were detected by RT-qPCR. The combined application of PAX and AVE reduced the ECAR value in both cell lines. According to the RT-qPCR results, the expression level of the apoptotic gene BAX increased in both cell lines (p < 0.05). Total RNA sequencing revealed that the combination effects of PAX and AVE play a role in the ribosome mechanism, thereby affecting the protein translation system in MCF7 while apoptosis and cell cycle have come to the forefront in A549. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A crucial tradeoff between material efficacy and environmental impact is often encountered in the development of high‐performance sensors. The use of rare‐earth elements or intricate fabrication techniques is sometimes needed for conventional sensing materials, posing concerns regarding sustainability. Exploring the potential of tomato peel (TP) as a dual‐purpose sensing dielectric layer for pressure and humidity monitoring is a paradigm shift, capitalizing on its porous structure and hygroscopic nature. TP‐based humidity sensor (TP‐HS) exhibits impressive results, with a wide humidity sensing range (5%–95%), fast response/recovery time (6.5/9 s), a high sensitivity (12 500 pF %RH−1), and a high stability (30 days). Additionally, TP‐based pressure sensor (TP‐PS) also shows excellent performance in accurately sensing pressure changes in a wide range (0–196 kPa). TP‐HS can easily distinguish between breathing rates (normal, fast, and slow) and moisture content present in different moisturizers (aloe vera and sanitizer) along with its successful use for proximity sensing. Alternatively, TP‐PS demonstrates weight measurement (490 and 980 N), grip recognition (measuring the pressure exerted by each finger), and gesture detection (by monitoring multiple bending angles 0°, 30°, 50°, and 80°). A wearable, biocompatible dual sensor based on a promising sustainable material for environmental, robotic, and health monitoring applications is successfully demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vitro macrophage response on Aloe vera-blended collagen-chitosan (COL-CS-AV) scaffold was studied using Murine Raw 264 macrophage cells. The cells were cultured on 1-cm2 scaffolds in a standard condition; at a predefined period, the cultured constructs were subjected to various experimental studies. The cytocompatibility of the constructs was assessed by dead/live examination by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) fluorescent dyes, and the live cells were quantified by MTT assay. The morphology of macrophages was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cellular apoptosis and necrosis were examined by flow cytometer using annexin V FITC conjugate and propidium iodide (PI) fluorescent probes. The cellular total antioxidant level was estimated from the cell lysate of macrophages cultured on the scaffold construct. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity was assessed by the gelatinolytic property of cell lysate by zymography technique. The expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNFα and IL-6 was studied by western blot analysis using its specific antibody. The COL-CS-AV scaffold showed promising results over the collagen-chitosan. Overall, the increased biological property with less activation of macrophage response by downregulating the TNFα and IL-6 was observed in the Aloe vera-blended scaffold construct. In support of this, the active form of MMP-9 disappeared in earlier days than without Aloe vera-blended scaffold. Through these encouraging results, we conclude that the COL-CS-AV scaffold may be used as a better solution for tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This experiment investigated the impact of aloe vera gel and safe salts on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of minimally processed carrots during storage, aiming to determine the most effective edible coating postharvest treatment. The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Results indicated significant (p ≤ 0.01) effects of various treatments on the physical quality and physicochemical properties of carrots compared to untreated ones. Freshly harvested carrots were subjected to different treatments, including a control (T1), 30% aloe vera gel (T2), 1% NaCl (T3), and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T4), combinations thereof, such as 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl (T5) or 1.5% NaHCO3 (T6), and 1% NaCl with 1.5% NaHCO3 (T7), and a combination of 30% aloe vera gel with 1% NaCl and 1.5% NaHCO3 (T8). Among the treatments, the combination of 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl (T5) exhibited the most promising results after nine days of storage, with the lowest weight loss (1.19%), highest firmness (3.80 N), total soluble solids (TSS) content (8.40%), titratable acidity (0.477%), ascorbic acid content (9.02 mg/100 g FW), anthocyanin content (28.84 μg/g FW), phenol content (4.278 mg/100 g FW), and total sugar content (13.32%). This treatment effectively protected carrots from undesirable color, texture, and flavor changes during storage. The utilization of natural‐source‐based edible coatings containing health‐promoting additives presents a viable strategy to enhance both the internal and external qualities of minimally processed carrots. Overall, the edible coating comprising 30% aloe vera gel and 1% NaCl emerges as a promising approach for preserving the quality of minimally processed carrots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology has enormous, economic, social, and environmental ramifications. Due to their capacity to survive in complex processes, inorganic nanomaterials like metal/metal oxides have received substantial study during the past decade. Nanoparticles have antibacterial, magnetic, electrical, and catalytic characteristics due to their greater surface area. There are several methods to develop nanoparticles but environment friendly behavior with no toxic byproducts attracts researchers toward biological process of nanoparticles. This work synthesizes copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles and zinc oxide (ZnO) with Aloebarbadensis (Aloe vera) leaves extract and successfully characterizes them with different analytical techniques. The catalytic activity of such nanoparticles tests over different cationic and anionic dyes like methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and methyl red (MR) for different intervals of time and reveals. The degradation efficiency of CuO nanoparticles for MB, MO, and MR dyes are 59.92%, 73.48%, and 73.10% respectively, and for ZnO nanoparticles it is 81.44%, 76.46%, and 63.30% for MB, MO, and MR dyes respectively under the exposure of sunlight for 8 h. The present work successfully develops an ecofriendly process of dye degradation by biologically synthesized nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Valorization of agricultural and food by-products (agri-food waste) and maximum utilization of this raw material constitute a highly relevant topic worldwide. Agri-food waste contains different types of phytochemical compounds such as polyphenols, that display a set of biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, chemo-preventive, and immune-stimulating effects. In this work, the microencapsulation of strawberry (Fragaria vesca) plant extract was made by spray-drying using individual biopolymers, as well as binary and ternary blends of pectin, alginate, and carrageenan. The microparticle morphologies depended on the formulation used, and they had an average size between 0.01 μm and 16.3 μm considering a volume size distribution. The encapsulation efficiency ranged between 81 and 100%. The kinetic models of Korsmeyer–Peppas (R2: 0.35–0.94) and Baker–Lonsdale (R2: 0.73–1.0) were fitted to the experimental release profiles. In general, the releases followed a "Fickian Diffusion" mechanism, with total release times varying between 100 and 350 (ternary blends) seconds. The microparticles containing only quercetin (one of the main polyphenols in the plant) showed higher antioxidant power compared to the extract and empty particles. Finally, the addition of the different types of microparticles to the gelatine (2.7 mPa.s) and to the aloe vera gel (640 mPa.s) provoked small changes in the viscosity of the final gelatine (2.3 and 3.3 mPa.s) and of the aloe vera gel (621–653 mPa.s). At a visual level, it is possible to conclude that in the gelatine matrix, there was a slight variation in color, while in the aloe vera gel, no changes were registered. In conclusion, these microparticles present promising characteristics for food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is an important source of animal food for humans because it contains essential nutrients that are easily absorbed by the body. However, the intensification of aquaculture can be harmful to the fish, making them more susceptible to reduced diseases and slow growth. The excessive use of antibiotics is a major concern as it can lead to the accumulation of antibiotic residue in the fish. As a result, many countries have banned the use of antibiotics in fish feed. Phytobiotics, derived from various plant sources, have gained importance as additives in fish feeds and are seen as a promising alternative to antibiotics due to the presence of various bioactive compounds that have the potential to enhance fish production and health. The bioactive compounds present in plant sources such as essential oils, microalgae, seaweed, medicinal plants, and seeds, like Aloe vera and licorice, offer a wide range of beneficial effects in promoting growth, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, and immunostimulant. The main topics of this review highlighted the various sources of phytobiotics, their mode of action, their effects on growth performance, and their therapeutic effects in fish. While phytobiotics have low bioavailability, exposure to them has shown positive effects on organs and several tissues in fish. This present article is also designed to provide an insightful information about the administration of phytobiotics and its bioavailability in fish. Furthermore, this review offers an intuitive knowledge regarding various methods for extracting the phytobiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to produce a diet beverage based on aloe vera and investigate its physicochemical, microbiological, antioxidant, and sensory properties. To achieve this goal, aloe vera gel at concentrations of 5%, 5.7%, and 10% underwent heat treatment at 80°C for 30 minutes (Treatment A) and 90°C for 3 minutes (Treatment B). Aspartame was added at concentrations of 100, 150, and 200 ppm, and the beverages were stored for a period of 31 days. The study was conducted using a fractional factorial design with 34 samples under investigation. Optimization was performed based on a maximum amount of 10 gr of aloe vera, 200 ppm of aspartame, and a minimum amount of 5 gr of aloe vera and 100 ppm of aspartame. The use of the sweetener aspartame was highly effective in improving the taste of the beverage, as it provides a much sweeter sensation compared to saccharide sugars and is beneficial for diabetic patients. Based on the microbiological test results, the heat treatment (pasteurization) was successful. Furthermore, sensory evaluation showed improvements in taste, aroma, texture, and mouthfeel with the addition of aloe vera gel to the samples with no undesirable characteristics observed. After determining the models and variable combinations using the Design Expert software, an optimized sample was introduced, containing 200 ppm of aspartame, 10 gr of aloe vera, and the optimized pasteurization process, which was Treatment B for 30 minutes. The results of this study indicate that a vegetable -based diet beverage containing aloe vera can be successfully produced as a beneficial product with desirable sensory characteristics that are acceptable to consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plant extracts are widely used in sustainable agriculture practices to enhance crop production and reduce chemical usage in agriculture. This study employed several extraction solutions of various plant extracts to synthesize planting and spraying strategies, assess the persistence efficacy of rice, and investigate the influence of selected water extracts on secondary chemicals at different rice planting stages. Among 17 water extracts that were evaluated on rice seeds, 7 were enhanced to align with the lengths of rice roots 50–70% and shoots 40–50%. The analysis of extraction, spraying, and planting experiments revealed that water extracts, soil application, and transplanting were the most efficient methods for stimulating rice growth, especially 0.1 and 0.5% concentrations. The efficacy of the extracts remained intact also after 14 days of treatment. This study showed that photosynthesis and antioxidant activities may play crucial roles in plant growth. Rice growth stimulation has been linked to photosynthesis, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant enzymes, providing a balanced supply of nutrients for plant growth. Among all tested water extracts, Psidium guajava, Aloe vera, Allium sativum, and Medicago sativa extracts can be used to promote plant growth in organic farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages and can lead to significant physical and psychological distress. The first line of action against acne is topical products, though the most effective are topical antibiotics. In such a scenario, the development of effective and safe herbal formulations for the treatment of acne is of great importance. Rubia cordifolia, Aloe barbadensis, and Allium cepa extracts are rich sources of bioactive metabolites and are safe compared with antibiotics, in addition to being cost effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Also, their combination has not been studied for treating acne, and their potential benefits need to be investigated. The present study aimed to develop an effective polyherbal gel formulation of R. cordifolia, A. barbadensis, and A. cepa combined extract for treating acne and validate its effect with reference to conventional antibiotics. Plant materials were extracted in water by the reflux method, and phytochemical analysis was done for flavonoid, anthraquinone, and phenolic contents. The combined extract (R. cordifolia, A. barbadensis, and A. cepa extracts) was formulated in gel. The selected polyherbal gel was evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity using agar well diffusion against Cutibacterium acnes (P. acnes) culture. Phytochemical analysis of the composite extract revealed the rich presence of flavonoids, phenolics, and anthraquinones. The polyherbal gels showed good physicochemical properties; however, FCEG-4 was selected for further studies. It was found to be effective against C. acnes (MTCC 1951) in agar well diffusion, as it showed a similar zone of inhibition as that of standard. Also, during in vivo studies, FCEG-4 showed comparable efficacy with clindamycin gel. It was concluded from the study that composite extracts incorporated in an aqueous-based gel system were effective in topical therapy of mild acne vulgaris, showing similar efficacy to that of clindamycin cream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a global threat, the presence of which has encouraged the development and implementation of renewable energies, including plant–microbial fuel cells, which could generate 6 629 568–33 147 840 MWh per year due to their large-scale applicability. One of the main challenges associated with microbial cells is internal resistance—a parameter whose magnitude is influenced by several factors. In the case of plant–microbial fuel cells, adding a plant positively affects the mitigation of internal resistance. However, the species employed is expected to play an important role. In the present study, the objective was to determine as a general reference the internal resistance of cells using various plant species, among which were tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), aloe vera (Aloe vera), corn (Zea mays), and moss (Dicranidae). For this purpose, an experimental procedure was carried out to compare the manual voltage measurements with a free cell concerning the voltage obtained by adding an external resistor in series. The internal resistance values were determined as a function of the measured voltage, obtaining 177, 179, 175, 324, and 233 kΩ for aloe vera, corn, tomato, black beans, and moss, respectively. From this, it was shown that the roots of the plants represent an essential addition to the internal resistance of the cell in the short term. In contrast, plants with a C4 photosynthetic metabolism are more favourable, while C3 plants can also benefit from internal resistance during a more extended period of rhizodeposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to formulate and evaluate an ointment incorporating Agave americana and Aloe vera extracts, known for their medicinal properties, particularly in skin care and wound healing. Preformulation studies, including purity analysis via Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), confirmed the identity and compatibility of the herbal components. Qualitative phytochemical tests identified the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and saponins in the extracts. Ointments were prepared using various concentrations of Agave americana and Aloe vera with standard excipients. The physical properties of the ointments, such as spreadability, viscosity, homogeneity, and pH were assessed, demonstrating suitable consistency for topical application. The optimized ointment formulation exhibited a pH of 6.2, excellent spreadability (7.5 g.cm/sec) and high entrapment efficiency (84.5%). In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release of 78% over 24 hours, indicating a prolonged therapeutic effect. This research supports the potential of Agave americana and Aloe vera as effective components in herbal-based topical formulations for skin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the formulation development and characterization of a topical ethosomal gel incorporating Alpinia galanga and Aloe Vera extract, aimed at enhancing skin absorption and therapeutic efficacy. Preformulation studies assessed the physicochemical properties of the herbal extracts, utilizing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for purity identification and various qualitative tests to confirm the presence of active phytoconstituents. The partition coefficient was determined to evaluate drug permeability and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed for melting point analysis. Ethanol-based ethosomal formulations were prepared via the classical cold method, followed by the formulation of gels using Carbopol 934. The characterization of ethosomes included assessment of entrapment efficiency and vesicle morphology via optical microscopy. Physical evaluation of the final gel formulations encompassed measurements of pH, spreadability, viscosity, consistency, and drug content, along with an in vitro release study using a Franz diffusion cell. Results indicated successful incorporation of the active compounds in a stable ethosomal gel formulation, with favorable characteristics for topical application. This innovative delivery system has the potential to improve the therapeutic outcomes of Alpinia galanga and Aloe vera in topical treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the changes in the main biochemical composition of the aromatic plants, such as Curcuma longa and Allium cepa, which are infected with their corresponding pathogenic fungus and the medicinal plants, which include Tinospora cordifolia, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Alloe vera. Fungal infections' effects on total protein, MDA, H2O2, total phenols, total flavonoids and total tannins. Additionally, we assessed the activity of antioxidant enzymes in each of the five plants that were tested after they were infected with fungi. When comparing several plants afflicted with fungal infections to controls, a notable difference was seen in all metrics. Despite being medicinal plants, the aforementioned five plants experience a significant reduction in output as a result of numerous fungal diseases. Furthermore, the detrimental impact of pathogens during the course of infection on plant leaves was closely linked to variations in the concentration of its primary biochemical groups. Controlling fungal diseases through the implementation of suitable management measures is therefore crucial to safeguarding the plant with significant commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloe vera is one of the most significant therapeutical plant species that belongs to the family Liliaceae. Aloe vera is composed of a high amount of water, with the remainder being dry matter. The dry matter contains a lot of bioactive compounds like carbohydrates, fats, and enzymes, with various therapeutic and antimicrobial properties. It can enhance the proliferation of cells and prevent cell damage by anti-oxidative properties (stimulating the secretion of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase). Human skin is colonized by microbes like fungi (Candida albicans), bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus), and mites. These commensals are responsible for skin characteristics such as acidic pH, the pungent smell of sweat, etc. Human fetuses lack skin microbiota, and their skin is colonized after birth. Commensals present on the skin have a crucial role in training the human immune system against other pathogenic microbes. Propionibacterium acnes act as an opportunistic pathogen when the balance between the commensals is disturbed. We also emphasize the recent progress in identifying the aloe metabolite biosynthesis pathways and the associated enzyme machinery. The hyperproliferation of Propionibacterium acnes causes acne, and acemannan plays a significant role in its cure. Hence, we need to consider a new treatment approach based on the root cause of this dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The research of natural and sustainable solutions to improve rural water quality in developing countries of Sub-Saharan Africa represents a major challenge. It is in this context that the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a biocoagulant/bioflocculant mixture based on Boscia senegalensis seeds powder and Aloe vera leaves extract for treating water intended for human consumption in rural areas. Methods: To do this, 100 g of Boscia senegalensis seeds powder and 50 g of Aloe vera leaves extract were prepared separately as aqueous solutions in 1 L of distilled water, then applied, respectively, as biocoagulant for Boscia and bioflocculant for Aloe to raw water samples in jar tests. The quality of the treated water was evaluated, and compared with WHO standards of acceptability. Results and discussion: Experimental results showed that the Boscia senegalensis biocoagulant (at 7 mL/L) initially reduced turbidity by 85% after 2 h of decantation. When combined with Aloe bioflocculant (at 0.4 mL/L), a 99% reduction was obtained after just 15 min of decantation. Quality control of the water treated with this biocoagulant/bioflocculant mixture showed perfect compliance of physicochemical parameters with WHO standards, and almost total elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this new Boscia/Aloe mixture in the rapid potabilization of raw water intended for human consumption. However, prolonged storage of water treated with the Boscia/Aloe mixture at room temperature may lead to further bacterial proliferation due to the remaining organic matter. To avoid this problem, additional disinfection methods such as boiling, SODIS (Solar Disinfection) method or sand filtration are recommended for prolonged storage of treated water. Ultimately, the adoption of this environmentally-friendly biotechnology could not only improve public health, but also empower local communities in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing them with a local and effective methodology for tackling the growing challenges associated with access to drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the microbiological safety of aloe-based dietary supplements available on the Polish market. The study investigates how the form of the aloe supplement (juice vs. capsules) and the storage time affect microbial contamination levels, emphasizing the importance of quality management and risk management in ensuring the safety of plant-based supplements. Design/methodology/approach: The study focused on assessing the microbiological stability of 68 aloe-based dietary supplements, including Aloe vera juice and gel-shell capsules, at two key time points: immediately after opening (time 0) and at the final storage period (time K). Microbiological analysis included testing for the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, yeasts, molds, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, alongside an evaluation of the active acidity and microbiological stability in the juice preparations. The research methodology emphasized a comprehensive laboratory-based approach to evaluate the impact of the supplement form (juice vs. capsules) and storage duration on microbial contamination. By focusing on the end-user stages, the study indirectly addressed risk management by identifying potential contamination risks linked to product form and storage. Additionally, quality management principles were applied through the systematic assessment of supplements' compliance with microbiological safety standards. Findings: The study found that S. aureus and E. coli were absent in all samples, with 18% of the samples free from any microbial contamination. Aloe capsules were more prone to fungal contamination compared to juices. Juices demonstrated greater microbiological stability, with approximately 19% stability compared to around 11% for capsules. These findings underscore the importance of rigorous quality control to ensure the microbiological safety of aloe supplements and highlight the need for ongoing post-market monitoring to mitigate potential health risks. Research limitations/implications: The study focused specifically on aloe supplements from the Polish market, which may limit its generalizability to other types of plant-based supplements. Future research could broaden the scope to include other popular plant supplements, such as young barley, to compare microbiological stability and safety across different categories of plant-based products. This would provide a more comprehensive view of potential risks and quality control measures needed for various supplements. Practical implications: The research underscores the need for enhanced quality control measures during the production, storage, and distribution of aloe supplements. Manufacturers should implement risk management strategies to reduce contamination risks, particularly in capsule-based products, and improve hygiene practices to meet safety standards. These findings could influence regulatory policies and encourage more rigorous post-market surveillance of dietary supplements. Social implications: The study highlights the potential risks associated with the uncontrolled consumption of plant-based supplements and emphasizes the importance of ensuring their safety. The findings can contribute to promoting more responsible supplement use and may encourage stricter regulatory frameworks, ultimately improving public health and enhancing consumer protection. Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the microbiological safety of aloebased dietary supplements available on the Polish market. It contributes to the fields of quality management and risk management in dietary supplements by offering valuable information for manufacturers, regulators, and health professionals. Additionally, the findings are relevant for consumers, as they highlight the importance of product safety and informed usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water absorption characteristics of thermoplastic starch (TPS) reveal its ability to interact with and absorb water, influencing its overall performance in various applications. The introduction of aloe vera (AV) gel into the TPS polymeric matrix film has proven beneficial in enhancing tensile strength but a notable deficiency is observed in lowering water absorption percentage. Therefore, this paper aims to reduce the water absorption of the TPS30AV polymer matrix film by utilizing polyethylene (PE) without reducing the tensile strength performance of the TPS30AV film. The TPS30AV film was produced using melt-blending and hot-press techniques. Six samples were presented consisting of a control film (TPS30AV) and TPS30AV film with different concentrations of PE resins (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The film's performance was assessed by examining its mechanical properties, water absorption, and water solubility. The finding shows that TPS30AV with 40% PE has the highest improvement in water absorption percentage which reduces from 309.86% to 34.16% but a tremendous decrement in tensile strength performance. However, TPS30AV with 10% PE has the highest tensile strength, 9.65 MPa with a 20.99% improvement in water absorption reduction. The properties obtained for TPS30AV10PE were also good in Young's modulus and water solubility percentage. It shows that the film formulated is comparable with previous studies, and improvement has been achieved. As a conclusion, adding PE improved the polymeric structure of TPS30AV and can be used as a biodegradable food-packaging film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The white button mushroom is a significant vegan food with a limited shelf‐life. To prolong the shelf‐life of mushrooms, certain treatment must be implemented. The current investigation is involved in the development of biocomposite film (BCF) by employing cellulose nano crystal (CNC), dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The CNC extracted from aloe vera rind exhibited a sharp crystalline peak and rod‐shaped structures with a particle size of ~322.7 nm. Among the various concentrations of the CNC, incorporated in the BCF, the 8% CNC (BCF‐8%)‐loaded film showed the highest mechanical strength of ~166.73 MPa and a best crystallinity pattern. The study examined the synergistic impact of BCF along with neroli and palmarosa essential oil vapours, which effectively preserved the overall physiochemical properties and sensory characteristics of white button mushrooms for up to 8 days of storage. Hence, these innovative packaging systems are suitable substitute for the commercial food grade packaging to maintain the quality of mushrooms during postharvest storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the quality and storability of the orange fruit cv. Diyala after 60 days of storage at 6±1°C and 90% RH under aqueous ozone at 4 mg L-1 or 15% Aloe vera gel. The fruit packaging was applied in three types: without packing, perforated plastic bags, and paper wrapping bags. The experiment was performed in a complete randomized design with three replicates. These parameters were studied: weight loss, respiration rate, moisture content, firmness, pH, juice, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, TSS/TA, total sugar, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids. Results indicated that the lowest weight loss in orange fruits was recorded for the 15% Aloe vera + Perforated plastic bag (7.17%), the minimum respiration rate was recorded for the 15% Aloe vera + Perforated plastic bag (8.96 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1), the same treatment had the most significant effect on the moisture content (80.55%), all treatments significantly affected on the firmness of orange fruits. The aqueous ozone + Perforated plastic bag treatments were significantly superior to the control treatment on the pH value. On the other hand, the highest juice percentage was recorded from the control treatment—the total titratable acidity obtained in aqueous ozone + 15% Aloe vera (0.72%). Furthermore, 15% Aloe vera + without packaging significantly affected the ascorbic acid content of oranges. The aqueous ozone + 15% Aloe vera + fruit wrapping paper bag treatment greatly affected the total sugar and carotenoid contents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) prepared with aloe vera leaf extract and several antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant Shigella and Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria were obtained from Kirkuk General Hospital and re- diagnosed based on reliable diagnostic sources. According to the study, aloe vera leaf extract reduces silver ions while changing the color of the solution to reddish brown. The silver nanoparticles produced by the aloe vera plant were detected using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and found to fall at wavelengths (430( nm The results of (111), (200), and (220) indicate that silver particles and antibiotic tablets extracted from aloe vera leaves (amoxicillin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin) have synergistic effects against drug-resistant bacteria such as shigella and salmonella. As a result, their antimicrobial efficacy was enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mozzarella is a soft white fermented cheese comprising up to 40% saturated fats and is well known for its stretchability. Consumers' demand for low‐fat mozzarella cheese (LFMC) has increased with increasing health consciousness. However, the rubbery texture of LFMC tends to lower its acceptability. The study investigates the effect of aloe vera mucilage (AVM) as a fat replacer on the physicochemical, proximate composition, functional, and sensory attributes of LFMC using buffalo milk as substrate. For this purpose, mucilage from AV leaves was extracted and added in concentrations (1%, 2.5%, and 5% v/v) during the formulation of LFMC treatments using the direct acidification technique. A significant reduction in fat contents of LFMC treatments prepared using AVM (p = 0.02) was observed, and among all LFMC treatments, AT2 with 2.5% AVM exhibited significantly improved (p = 0.00) stretchability and meltability. The higher free oil content of 3.8% was observed in LFMC in To (positive control), whereas the lowest (1.28%) was reported in T* (negative control). For hardness, the lowest puncture force of 2.12 and 2.17 N was experienced by the LFMC treatments prepared using 2.5% AVM v/v. The study concluded that adding AVM with a concentration of 2.5% v/v was considered best for its organoleptic properties, improving the textural and functional attributes of LFMC. Practical Application: The demand of consumers for low‐fat mozzarella cheese (LFMC) has increased with increasing health consciousness. The rubbery texture of LFMC tends to lower its acceptability. This research will help to formulate LFMC at the industrial level, creating more diversity and availability of health‐modulating functional foods in markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of used cooking oil can be improved by purifying it using bagasse activated charcoal. Purified used cooking oil can be used as raw material for soap. Use of soap can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Skin suffering from ACD is characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration of the skin, the inflammatory cells involved are mast cells, macrophages and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), namely basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils. Therefore, inflammatory cells were chosen as a parameter for the ACD response to the use of used cooking oil liquid soap containing betel and aloe vera. Liquid soap formed was use an extract concentration of 4.5, 9 and 15 %. Skin sensitivity testing was tested on male Wistar rats aged 2 - 3 months for 14 days. Quantitative data was obtained through histopathological examination of the number of inflammatory cells, which were analyzed statistically. The results showed that the use of liquid soap with an extract concentration of 9 % (4.24 ± 0.74) and 15 % (3.96 ± 0.25) had no effect on basophil infiltration. The use of liquid soap with an extract concentration of 4.5 % (2.96 ± 1.17, 6.42 ± 0.86, 5.96 ± 0.38), 9 % (3.12 ± 0.47, 4.62 ± 0.68, 6.42 ± 1.06) and 15 % (3.36 ± 0.41, 5.08 ± 0.30, 6.44 ± 0.55) had no effect on infiltration of neutrophils, eosinophils and macrophages. The use of liquid soap with an extract concentration of 9 % (4.60 ± 0.86) had no effect on mast cell infiltration. Therefore, it can be concluded that the best concentration of 9 % extract betel and aloe vera showed no infiltration of inflammatory cells in rats' skin given soap from waste cooking oil. Thus, that the soap formed from waste cooking oil treated with bagasse activated charcoal and contain betel and aloe vera is predicted safe to used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there are various physical and mechanical agents that can cause skin wounds, which are still traditionally treated with plant extracts. It has been reported that the genus Tagetes has a wide range of biological properties, including antibacterial and wound healing activity. Likewise, Agave americana extract and Aloe vera gel have shown potential in the treatment of burn wounds and other skin conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, the antibacterial and wound healing activities of each of these plants were investigated, as well as the possibility of enhancing these activities by combining them. First, the secondary metabolites of the extracts were quantified, the antibacterial activity was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method, and their cytotoxicity was measured in 3T3 and HaCaT cells using the sulforhodamine B assay. The results revealed that Tagetes nelsonii extract had a higher amount of secondary metabolites, which is why it exhibited antibacterial activity. Finally, the scratch assay showed that the individual extracts of T. nelsonii and A. americana demonstrated greater cell migration and proliferation starting from 12 h, as well as when using the combination of A. americana extract and A. vera gel, which almost completely closed the wound compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Aloe vera-coated curcumin encapsulated nanoparticles in mitigating Alzheimer's disease progression in mice, by examining behavioural changes, biochemical markers, and histopathological alterations, thus elucidating its potential as a treatment strategy. The green synthesis method was used to synthesise this nanoformulation, which was then characterised using a variety of techniques, including percentage encapsulation efficacy, UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, FT-IR, FESEM, and EDX. Several in-vivo assessments, including behavioural evaluations, dose optimisation studies, oxidative stress marker estimation, and histological studies, were conducted to determine the potential therapeutic impact of nanoformulation on the Alzheimer-induced mice model. The synthesised nanoparticles show a mean diameter of 76.12 nm ±1.23, a PDI of 0.313 ± 0.02, a zeta potential of 6.27 ± 0.65 mV, and the percentage encapsulation efficiency between 90% and 95% indicating good stability of synthesised nanoformulation. With the help of Morris water maze, Y-maze, and novel object recognition assay, the learning capacity and memory were assessed, and the results show that the synthesised nanoformulation significantly decreased the transfer latency to reach baited arm or to the hidden platform within 7 days. The formulation demonstrated significant biochemical benefits and remarkable cognitive advantages, establishing it as a prospective therapeutic intervention option that is both safe and effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the huge volumes of fruit waste that is a concern for waste management challenges today is the fruit juice industry sour cherry kernel (SCK) waste. The gel obtained by processing the leaf extract of aloe vera (AVG) is the most commercial aloe species and has become a major industry worldwide. This study used AVG and SCK as an additive in acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) to prepare biobased film materials. Two types of processes were used in curing the films: UV curing from acrylate groups and thermal curing from epoxide groups of AESO. The effect of additive type and amount on antibacterial activity, mechanical, swelling, mass loss, and water vapor permeability properties of the films were investigated. The produced films were characterized using FTIR spectra. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biodegradability of AESO was determined as 7.095%. In comparison, the highest biodegradation was observed in films with 50% additive content and this value was measured as 8.89% and 39.95% for AVG- and SCK-containing films, respectively. In addition, the corrosion tests of the films were also carried out and the films with SCK additives were more resistant to corrosive environments. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aloesone is a bioactive natural product and biosynthetic precursor of rare glucosides found in rhubarb and some aloe plants including Aloe vera. This study aimed to investigate biocatalytic aloesone glycosylation and more than 400 uridine diphosphate-dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) candidates, including multifunctional and promiscuous enzymes from a variety of plant species were assayed. As a result, 137 selective aloesone UGTs were discovered, including four from the natural producer rhubarb. Rhubarb UGT72B49 was further studied and its catalytic constants (k cat = 0.00092 ± 0.00003 s−1, K M = 30 ± 2.5 μM) as well as temperature and pH optima (50 °C and pH 7, respectively) were determined. We further aimed to find an efficient aloesone glycosylating enzyme with potential application for biocatalytic production of the glucoside. We discovered UGT71C1 from Arabidopsis thaliana as an efficient aloesone UGT showing a 167-fold higher catalytic efficiency compared to that of UGT72B49. Interestingly, sequence analysis of all the 137 newly identified aloesone UGTs showed that they belong to different phylogenetic groups, with the highest representation in groups B, D, E, F and L. Finally, our study indicates that aloesone C -glycosylation is highly specific and rare, since it was not possible to achieve in an efficient manner with any of the 422 UGTs assayed, including multifunctional GTs and 28 known C -UGTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the demand for innovative, sustainable, and efficient food packaging solutions has surged in response to growing concerns about environmental impact, food safety, and quality preservation. A sericin-based polymer composite film with multifunctional properties shows promise as an alternative for enhancing food packaging. In this study, sericin-based composite films were prepared by incorporating Aloe vera gel, chitosan, and glycerol into a sericin solution (1.5 % w/v) through facile homogenisation at 70 °C, followed by casting and subsequent drying on a glass platform. The resulting dried film exhibited uniformity, a smooth texture, and successful integration of the composite components. The film demonstrated a moisture content of 21.02 % and a porosity of 3.56 %, with a thickness of (62.1 ± 2.3) µm. It exhibited moderate transparency with reasonable water vapour permeability. Notably, the DPPH scavenging results indicated that the film has a potent antioxidant capacity with an efficacy rate of 99.1 %, supported further by a phenolic content of 11.5 mg GAE per gram of film. Controlled solute migration of components from the composite films was observed, particularly under acidic conditions. Importantly, toxicity evaluation on A549 cells revealed no adverse effects, even at higher concentrations. Due to its consistent film-forming ability, antioxidant potency, controlled migration, and safe nature, the developed sericin polymer-based film could be an effective alternative for food packaging sensitive foods, maintaining oxidative stability, reducing moisture loss, improving quality, and extending shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research in Agricultural Sciences is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Industrial wastewater containing benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and styrene (BTEXS) poses serious risks to soil, water, air, and especially people due to their hazardous contents. Therefore, it is crucial to remove it from wastewater that has been tainted by this kind of pollutant. Photocatalytic performance was examined when removing BTEXS from an Aloe vera-titanium oxide nanocomposite (ALV-TiO2) that had three different percentages doped on a Co-MCM-41 nanocatalyst. Nanocomposite structures were characterized by FTIR, XRD, zeta potential, XRF, N2 adsorption-desorption, EDX, FESEM, and TEM measurement. A laboratory-scale double-walled reactor was used for all experiments. At pH 11, the reaction time of 90 min, the total concentration of BTEXS cyclic hydrocarbon solution of 250 mg/L, and the nanocomposite dose of 1.0 g, optimal results were obtained. Surprisingly, the findings demonstrate a relationship between the addition of more ALV-TiO2 nanocomposite and the photocatalytic performance of the nanocomposite. Under ideal circumstances, 89.18% of the cyclic hydrocarbons in industrial wastewater samples were removed. Also, their reusability was evaluated, it was observed that the particles were reusable in five cycles, and a 5% reduction in their degradation efficiency was observed. The appropriate dosages of photocatalytic nanocomposite for a variety of other real-world applications can be directly guided by this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bananas have been experiencing increased production worldwide due to increased cultivated areas over the last three decades. However, postharvest losses of bananas are the major concern due to their highly perishable nature and therefore require appropriate treatments and storage methods to extend storage life. This study evaluates the effects of Aloe vera coating and storage temperatures on the physiological changes, and sensorial attributes of Lantundan and Cavendish bananas. Research method: These fruits were coated with Aloe vera and stored at 10°C or 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity of 70-75% or 50-55% respectively. The fruits were evaluated every 2 days for 10 days. Findings: Aloe vera treatment reduced weight loss, inhibited peel colour changes, delayed total soluble solids and titratable acidity changes, and minimised decay of the two banana cultivars. Coating did not significantly affect taste and overall acceptability, although panelists preferred coated bananas. The combined effects of Aloe vera coating and storage at 10°C was the most effective treatment in maintaining Lantundan and Cavendish bananas qualities. Research limitations: This study could not measure endogenous ethylene and respiration to ascertain their impact on peel colour changes to a lack of equipment. Originality/Value: It therefore extended the shelf life of the fruits to 10 days, compared with uncoated bananas which had a shorter shelf life of 6 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, TiO2 spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 10.08 nm (SD = 4.54 nm) were synthesized using Aloe vera extract. Rutile, brookite, and anatase crystalline phases were identified. The surface morphology of a carbon paste electrode does not change in the presence of nanoparticles; however, the surface chemical composition does. The voltammetric response to dicresyl dithiophosphate was higher when the electrode was modified with TiO2 nanoparticles. After an electrochemical response study from pH 1.0 to 12.0, pH 7.0 was selected for the electroanalysis. The electroactive area of the modified sensor was 0.036 cm2, while it was 0.026 cm2 for the bare electrode. The oxidation process showed mixed adsorption-diffusion control. The charge transfer resistance of the modified sensor (530.1 Ω, SD = 4.08 Ω) was much lower than that of the bare electrode (4298 Ω, SD = 8.53 Ω). The linear quantitative range by square wave voltammetry was from 5 to 150 μmol/L, with a limit of detection of 1.89 μmol/L and a limit of quantification of 6.26 μmol/L under optimal pulse parameters of 50 Hz frequency, 1 mV step potential, and 25 mV pulse amplitude. The sensor response was repeatable and reproducible over 30 days. The results on real flotation and synthetically contaminated soil samples were statistically equivalent to those obtained by UV-vis spectrophotometry. A dithiocarbamate showed an interfering effect on the sensor response to dithiophosphate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to conduct a comparative investigation of the biological properties of phenolic and polysaccharide extracts obtained using an ultrasound-assisted technique from Aloe vera gel and their effects on each stage of the wound healing process in in vitro experimental models. HPLC analysis showed that the phenolic extract contained aloin, ferulic, and caffeic acid, as well as quercetin dihydrate, as major compounds. Capillary zone electrophoresis indicated the prevalence of mannose and glucose in the polysaccharide extract. Cell culture testing revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of the phenolic extract at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL through significant inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines—up to 28% TNF-α and 11% IL-8 secretion—in inflamed THP-1-derived macrophages, while a pro-inflammatory effect was observed at 0.5 mg/mL. The phenolic extract induced 18% stimulation of L929 fibroblast proliferation at a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, enhanced the cell migration rate by 20%, and increased collagen type I synthesis by 18%. Moreover, the phenolic extract exhibited superior antioxidant properties by scavenging free DPPH (IC50 of 2.50 mg/mL) and ABTS (16.47 mM TE/g) radicals, and 46% inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was achieved. The polysaccharide extract demonstrated a greater increase in collagen synthesis up to 25%, as well as antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a bacteriostatic effect at 25 mg/mL and a bactericidal one at 50 mg/mL. All these findings indicate that the phenolic extract might be more beneficial in formulations intended for the initial phases of wound healing, such as inflammation and proliferation, while the polysaccharide extract could be more suitable for use during the remodeling stage. Moreover, they might be combined with other biomaterials, acting as efficient dressings with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties for rapid recovery of chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of harvesting stages (turning-color fruit and light red color) and postharvest treatments (distilled water, hot water at 35 °C, 10% Aloe vera, 2% CaCl2, 5% Mint, and 5% Catnip) for 5 min on the quality and storability of tomato fruits cv. Sangaw stored at 10 ± 1 °C and a relative humidity of 90%–95% for 20 days. Fruit harvested at the turning-color fruit stage presented significantly lower weight loss, greater firmness, and higher amounts of vitamin C, total phenol, and calcium (3.22%, 1118.31 g mm/s, 15.83 mg 100 g−1, 95.49 mg 100 mL−1 FW, and 0.14%, respectively). However, the tomatoes harvested from the light red color fruit stage presented the highest contents of total soluble sugars, total sugars, and lycopene (4.36%, 3.99%, and 41.49 mg kg−1, respectively). Notably, the postharvest treatment of tomato fruits with 2% CaCl2 significantly decreased weight loss and resulted in greater firmness, pH, total sugar, total phenol, and calcium contents (3.90%, 1212.39 g mm/s, 4.83, 3.85%, 95.60 mg 100 mL−1 FW, and 0.18%, respectively) than the control. Hence, coating with 10% Aloe vera resulted in the highest amount of total soluble solids and the highest amount of vitamin C. Tomato picked at the turning-color fruit stage and immersed in 5% Mint significantly lowered the loss of fruit weight, increased the total titratable acidity, and had the lowest content of lycopene. Additionally, the fruits harvested at the same stage and immersed in 2% CaCl2 retained greater firmness, total phenol content, and calcium content. On the other hand, fruits harvested in the light red stage and dipped in 5% Mint presented the highest total soluble sugars and total sugar contents. Finally, the harvested tomato fruits coated with 10% Aloe vera retained a relatively high level of vitamin C, indicating the storage life and quality of the tomato fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An incision wound is a wound caused by being sliced. Two ingredients that play a key role in the wound-healing process are glucomannan and acemannan, which are rich in polysaccharides and growth hormones. Growth hormones stimulate fibroblast activity and proliferation. The present study involved 35 Sprague Dawley male rats, aged 2-3 months old and weighing 200-300 grams. The study comprised seven groups including, negative control group (G1), positive control (aquades, G2), betadine 10% (G3), gel base (0.5 mg, G4), gel base + sodium metabisulfite 0.2 gr (G5), gel base + Aloe vera 5% (G6), and gel base + Aloe vera 5% + sodium metabisulfite 0.2 gr (G7). Each group had five replications. Initially, a 4-cm incision was made on the dorsal skin of each rat. The study lasted 15 days with observations made on days 3, 7, and 15. After the observation period, the rats were anesthetized and then terminated to collect skin tissues for microscopic examination. The tissue samples were then stained immunohistochemically to assess fibroblast growth factor (FGF) expressions. The results showed that the highest FGF expression was observed in the 5% Aloe vera + 2% metabisulfite group (G7), while the lowest FGF expression was in the negative control group (G1). It is concluded that Aloe vera L. extract gel at 5% + 2% metabisulfite (G7) significantly enhances the expression of FGF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the quality and storability of the orange fruit cv. Diyala after 60 days of storage at 6±1°C and 90% RH under aqueous ozone at 4 mg L-1 or 15% Aloe vera gel. The fruit packaging was applied in three types: without packing, perforated plastic bags, and paper wrapping bags. The experiment was performed in a complete randomized design with three replicates. These parameters were studied: weight loss, respiration rate, moisture content, firmness, pH, juice, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, TSS/TA, total sugar, ascorbic acid, and total carotenoids. Results indicated that the lowest weight loss in orange fruits was recorded for the 15% Aloe vera + Perforated plastic bag (7.17%), the minimum respiration rate was recorded for the 15% Aloe vera + Perforated plastic bag (8.96 mg CO2 kg-1 h-1), the same treatment had the most significant effect on the moisture content (80.55%), all treatments significantly affected on the firmness of orange fruits. The aqueous ozone + Perforated plastic bag treatments were significantly superior to the control treatment on the pH value. On the other hand, the highest juice percentage was recorded from the control treatment—the total titratable acidity obtained in aqueous ozone + 15% Aloe vera (0.72%). Furthermore, 15% Aloe vera + without packaging significantly affected the ascorbic acid content of oranges. The aqueous ozone + 15% Aloe vera + fruit wrapping paper bag treatment greatly affected the total sugar and carotenoid contents.

The aim of the research is to determine the effects of different rooting contents [control (water), plant growth regulator-rooting hormone (H1: 0.25 g l-1, H2: 0.50 g l-1 and H3: 1.0 g l-1), cinnamon powder (T) and Aloe vera gel (AV)] and two different planting times on the rooting of leaf cuttings prepared from the stock mother plants of wild Prometheum sempervivoides (Fisch. ex Bieb.) H. Ohba taxon. Observations and measurements of vitality rate (%), number of rooted cuttings (NR), number of callusing cuttings (NC), maximum root length (MRL), rooting rate (%) and rooting scale (1-5) were made on cuttings whose rooting was completed. The results were evaluated statistically. The most positive rooting effect was determined in the H3 application, which is the highest dose of the commercial rooting hormone tested in the study. Cinnamon powder application was determined as a more effective natural extract for rooting leaf cuttings of P. sempervivoides when compared to Aloe vera gel application. At the end of our study, in which the effects of different planting times were also examined, it was determined that planting the leaf cuttings of P. sempervivoides as soon as they were taken from the stock mother plant had a positive effect on rooting. The very good quality roots were observed in H1 (0 h), H2 (0 h), H3 (0 h) and H3 (24 h) applications. These applications can be recommended for rooting the leaf cuttings of P. sempervivoides succulent plant. It was also concluded that P. sempervivoides can be reproduced by vegetative propagation method using leaf cuttings.

Purpose: Bananas have been experiencing increased production worldwide due to increased cultivated areas over the last three decades. However, postharvest losses of bananas are the major concern due to their highly perishable nature and therefore require appropriate treatments and storage methods to extend storage life. This study evaluates the effects of Aloe vera coating and storage temperatures on the physiological changes, and sensorial attributes of Lantundan and Cavendish bananas. Research method: These fruits were coated with Aloe vera and stored at 10°C or 25 ± 2°C and relative humidity of 70-75% or 50-55% respectively. The fruits were evaluated every 2 days for 10 days. Findings: Aloe vera treatment reduced weight loss, inhibited peel colour changes, delayed total soluble solids and titratable acidity changes, and minimised decay of the two banana cultivars. Coating did not significantly affect taste and overall acceptability, although panelists preferred coated bananas. The combined effects of Aloe vera coating and storage at 10°C was the most effective treatment in maintaining Lantundan and Cavendish bananas qualities. Research limitations: This study could not measure endogenous ethylene and respiration to ascertain their impact on peel colour changes to a lack of equipment. Originality/Value: It therefore extended the shelf life of the fruits to 10 days, compared with uncoated bananas which had a shorter shelf life of 6 days.

Coccidia poses significant challenges to poultry farming, impacting productivity and welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera supplementation in managing coccidial infection in quails. A total of 360 one-day-old quails chicks were divided into five groups (six replicates with twelve birds per replicate) and challenged with mixed sporulated oocysts of Eimeria species (E. tenella, E. nicatrix, E. maxima, E. mitis). The groups included a positive control (infected, untreated), negative control (uninfected, untreated), and three treatment groups: Amprolium (1 g/l water), Aloe vera 2% (AV2), and Aloe vera 4% (AV4). Results demonstrated significant (p

Statement of the Problem: Dentin adhesion is challenging and needs modifications. Newly introduced nature-derived materials may be a useful solution in improving dentin adhesion. The use of natural antimicrobial agents for pretreating prepared dentin surfaces before restoration has become of interest. Purpose: The present study investigated the effect of natural compounds on the shear bond strength (SBS) of resin composite adhesively bonded to dentin. Materials and Method: Sixty extracted human molar teeth were randomly divided into six groups (n= 10); Group I: two-step etch and rinse adhesive system, Adper Single Bond 2 (SB2) (experimental control), Group II: 2.5% Chitosan+etch+SB2, Group III: 15% Neem (Azadirachta indica)+etch+SB2, Group IV: 15% Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)+etch+SB2, Group V: 2% Aloe vera+etch+SB2, and group VI: 2% Chlorhexidine (CHX)+etch+SB2. Resin composite (Z350, 3M ESPE USA) was placed over the prepared dentin surfaces and was light cured. Data analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (p< 0.05). Results: Neem specimens showed the highest mean SBS, statistically greater than the control (p= 0.042). Other experimental groups showed no significant differences in SBS comparison to the control. The mean SBS values of 2.5% Chitosan, 15% Neem, 15% Tulsi, and 2% Aloe vera were significantly higher than 2% CHX (p= 0.046, p= 0.001, p= 0.010 and p =0.002 respectively). Conclusion: Dentin pretreatment with Neem may improve the bond strength of a two-step etch and rinse adhesive system. The application of Chitosan, Tulsi, Aloe vera, and CHX did not demonstrate significantly different SBS values from that of the Control, although CHX was lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human onchocerciasis is caused by the filarial worm. Onchocerca volvulus is a parasite that forms nodules under the skin. The aim of this work was to assess the nematicidal activities of Aloe vera on Onchocerca ochengi and Caenorahbditis elegans and to determine the phytochemical compounds. Nodules were collected from the umbilical region of infected cattle, dissected and male worms were cultured in RPMI-1640. Worms were incubated with different concentrations of A. vera extracts in RPMI-1640 and M9-buffer. Polyphenol, tannin and flavonoid contents of extract were determined by using gallic acid and rutin as standards. The anthelmintic effect of A. vera extract against O. ochengi was concentration dependent with LC50 of 20.71 µg/mL and 11.75 µg/mL after 48 and 72 h respectively. A. vera extract exerted concentration dependent lethal effects (LC50 = 2747 and LC50 = 31,937 µg/mL) against C. elegans (Wild Type). Methanolic-methylene chloride (MeOH–CH2Cl2) of A. vera extract exhibited high DPPH activity with an IC50 value of 15 µg/mL and 9 µg/mL for ascorbic acid. The highest activity in adult worms was observed with the MeOH (100: 0) and AcOEtMeOH fractions with LC50 values of 12.82 and 15.50 µg/mL respectively. EcOEtMeOH (8:2 v/v) was more effective (LC50 = 250 µg/mL) on WT of C. elegans. A. vera contains polyphenols (1015.05 and AcOEtMeOH = 893.60), flavonoids (25.35 and MeOH = 225.76) and tannins (401.37 and Hex = 788.89). A. vera showed in vitro nematicidal activity against O. ochengi and C. elegans. A. vera could be used as an alternative anthelmintic for onchocerciasis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the ithmid kohl/zinc-oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), ithmid kohl/Aloe vera, and ZnONPs/Aloe vera in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis. The endophthalmitis model was prepared by contaminating both eyes of 24 healthy adult male albino rabbits with a clinical isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae. The animals were randomly divided into eight groups (A-H) according to the treatment. Group A received 1 ml of ithmid kohl/ZnONPs ointment, group B received 1 ml of ithmid kohl/Aloe vera gel ointment, group C received 1 ml of ZnONPs/Aloe vera gel ointment, and groups D, E, and F were treated with 1 ml of ithmid kohl solution (0.5 g/ml in distilled water), 1 ml of ZnONPs (0.5 g/ml) colloidal dispersion, and 1 ml of Aloe vera gel, respectively. Group G received 100 μl of a tetracycline antibiotic solution (final concentration: 16 µg/ml), and group H received sterile distilled water (no treatment). In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated against K. pneumoniae using the agar well diffusion. The combination of ithmid kohl/ZnONPs was the most effective formulation for treating endophthalmitis model in infected rabbits within 2 days. In vitro antibacterial assay confirmed the potential of the ithmid kohl/ZnONPs formulation, which had the largest zone of inhibition (31 mm) among the compounds tested. The preparation of the ithmid kohl/ZnONPs formulation and its in vivo experiment in albino rabbits for the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis was an innovative approach that has shown promise and may potentially serve as a viable alternative in clinical practice.