Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Some Aromatic Plants on the Main Parasitic Nematodes of Banana (Musa spp.) In Vitro

Background and Objectives: Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is an herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant that grows up to thirty-five inches tall, with smooth stems and square in cross-section. It is an aromatic herb that is used for health purposes, fragrances, and cosmetics. The study aimed to extract aqueous and non-aqueous plant extracts from Mentha piperita, determine the efficacy of these plant extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli pathogens and compare the antimicrobial potency of the plant extracts. Materials and Methods: The aqueous and non-aqueous plant extracts were subjected to the extraction process using solvent systems such as distilled water and methanol in the maceration technique. The crude extracts were obtained and further subjected for sample preparation using different concentrations of 20%, 40% and 50% respectively. Antibacterial activity assay was done to determine the sensitivity of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the concentrations. Result: The peppermint aqueous and non-aqueous extracts showed the presence of antimicrobial activity on Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The aqueous plant extracts had large and more distinct zones of inhibition between 15-20 mm for Staphylococcus aureus. The Escherichia coli pathogens showed resistance to all plant extracts. Discussion: Based on the findings of the study, Mentha piperita plant extracts showed potential for antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and not Escherichia coli. The antibacterial activity in the plant was attributed to the presence of polar and non-polar compounds in the plant. These compounds inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and not Escherichia coli. The extracts penetrated through the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus inhibiting the growth of the pathogens. Conclusion: Thus, the aqueous and non-aqueous plants extracts were more effective on Staphylococcus aureus pathogens than on Escherichia coli pathogens. Therefore, it was concluded that future work to focus on in vivo assays to be done for the establishment of right dosage development that could be used as a remedy for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Keywords: Mentha piperita, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aqueous and Non-aqueous Extracts, Zones of inhibition, Microbiota, Diffusion

Four aqueous traditional plant extracts from rosemary leaves (Rosmarinus officinalis), clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum [L.] Merr at Perry, Myrtaceae), cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) were tested as natural antibiotics against multi-drug resistant bacteremia isolates: Six Gram negative isolates, viz. Acinetobacter baumanni/haemolyticus, Citrobacter freundii, Escherichia coli, E. coli ESβL, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp. and four Gram positive isolates viz. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus sp. were which used to test antibiotic activity. The usage of clove extract (25X) appeared to have maximum antibacterial activity against all tested Gram negative bacteria, when compared with other tested plant extracts at the same concentration. In the case of G+ve bacteria, tested extracts appeared to have almost the same efficiency. Swabs were taken from inhibition zone resulting from the inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts towards the tested isolates and re-inoculated to detect either the bacteriostatic or bactericidal action. Again, clove extract exhibited the highest effect when compared with other tested against the isolates from bloodstream. Scanning electron microscopy was used to record external morphological changes of the bacterial cells such as appendages, shortness and lyses. Key words: Aqueous plants extracts, bacteremia, antibiotics, rosemary, clove, cinnamon, ginger, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Acinetobacter, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus.

BackgroundThe problem of drug resistance and toxicity in trypanosomiasis is ever-increasing, thereby creating a need to search for efficacious and safer alternatives that are of plant origin. We designed the present study to assess the oral acute toxicity, and anti-trypanosomal activity of Brillantaisia owariensis in mice.MethodsFifty-eight BALB/c mice were used for this study. For toxicity assessment, eighteen mice were divided into two groups of nine mice each, and acute single oral administration of the aqueous and methanol whole plant extracts of B. owariensis was assessed for each group as per Lorke’s method. Mice were observed for signs of toxicity of liver and kidney organs after two weeks of oral administration. For the anti-trypanosomal activity, forty mice were divided into eight groups of five mice. Mouse in each group was inoculated with 0.1 mL containing106T. brucei /mL. Following patency of 3 days, mice were treated at different dosages of methanol and aqueous extracts. Pre-infection, post-infection, and post-treatment data for rectal temperature, body weight, parasiteamia level, packed cell volume, and daily survival were monitored.ResultsThe acute oral toxicity studies (LD50) for methanol and aqueous plant extracts in this study were calculated as 3535 mg/kg/body weight, and are non-toxic. No obvious histopathologic observation in the liver and kidney tissues. The mean daily rectal temperature and mean weights of all the treated mice were restored to normal values and significant (P, 0.05) in comparison to the positive control.Parasitaemia clearance by both extracts was suppressive. The mean PCV values were significantly increased following treatment, and there was prolonged survival especially in mice treated with methanol extracts.ConclusionThe study concludes that the extracts of B. owariensis are relatively non-toxic with a good safety margin when administered to mice orally. Crude methanol extract exhibited better suppressive and haematinic antitrypanosomal activities than the aqueous extract, and it has a promising effect by its ability to reduce anaemia in mice challenged with T. brucei brucei, and prolonged survival.

Many previous reports suggested that conventional antioxidant assays could not forecast antioxidant performance of plant extracts, especially when it came to a real food system such as oil‐in‐water emulsion. In this study, antioxidant activities of aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts are investigated using multiple conventional assays (TPC, ABTS, FRAP, ORAC) and the oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion‐based high throughput assays (the CAT and ApoCAT) in a comparison with an autoxidative O/W emulsion model monitored by formation of lipid hydroperoxide and TBARS values. Results suggest that only the ApoCAT assay is able to forecast the antioxidative performances of the extracts in O/W emulsions, regardless of the differences in extraction solvents, while the CAT assay can explain only the performance of ethanolic plant extracts in O/W emulsions. According to untargeted metabolite analysis, the antioxidants activities of plant extracts might be strongly influenced by extraction solvents. As a result, not only is the quantity of particular metabolites impacted, but also the whole metabolite (antioxidant) profiles of the extracts are modified. In addition, this study demonstrates that both the chemical reaction scheme and physical‐state of a model are important parameters for designing a better antioxidant assay in the future.Practical Applications: The ApoCAT assay would be a more practical method for screening antioxidant compounds and/or crude plant extracts than conventional antioxidant assays and the original CAT assay. The antioxidant capacity of plant extracts obtaining from the ApoCAT can be used to represent their antioxidant performances in food emulsions regardless of their extraction solvents.Several crude plant extracts using different solvents are used to validate the performance of the CAT and the ApoCAT assays in comparisons with multiple conventional antioxidant assays. These assays differ from each other in terms of scheme of reaction and physical state of the test. In addition, oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsion model is used as a reference method representing the antioxidant activities in food matrices. Principal component analysis (PCA) is performed to better understand the relationship among all assays. The results suggest that only the ApoCAT assay exhibits a close relationship with O/W emulsion model in both crude ethanolic and aqueous plant extracts. Furthermore, putative metabolite profiles of crude plant extracts are identified using LC‐orbitrap MS/MS.

This paper focuses on determining the antifungal potential of plants traditionally used to treat infections. Five (5) plants were collected. The anti-Candida albicans activity was evaluated by the double dilution method in tilted tubes with the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the different plants. The results showed that 70% ethanolic extracts were more active than the aqueous extracts for all the plants. The 70% ethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis (MFC = 1.56 mg/mL) was the most active on the tested strain. This was followed by Terminalia Superba (MFC = 3.125 mg/mL), Distemonanthus benthamianus (MFC = 50 mg/mL), Gmelina arborea (MFC= 50 mg/mL), and Justicia secunda (MFC ˃ 50 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of seven (7) major groups of compounds. Saponosides are present only in the aqueous extracts of plants. Polyphenols, Flavonoids, Polyterpenes, and Sterols as well as Tanins are present in both alcoholic and aqueous extracts. These compounds could justify its activity and its traditional use. The interesting results obtained with the hydroethanolic extract of Terminalia ivorensis incite further research with this extract. A bio-guided study on the fractions from this extract could lead to the discovery of one or more molecules of interest in the fight against pathogenic fungi.

Sterculia diversifolia, widely distributed in Jordan as an ornamental plant, is a synonoum for Brachychiton populneus. Phytochemical studies examining the volatile chemicals in Sterculia diversifolia leaves are limited, despite the rising demand for their numerous applications. Furthermore, it was only recently that a report described the friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract derived from Brachychiton populneus leaves. Therefore, AgNPs were produced using either aqueous plant extracts (AgWPE) or ethanolic plant extracts (AgEPE), and Shimadzu GC-MS equipment was used to detect volatile compounds in the ethanolic leaf extracts. GC-MS profile of leaf ethanolic extracts of the Jordanian chemotypes of S. diversifolia revealed the existence of major components: (3β)-Lup-20(29)-en-3-ol acetate (30.97%) and 1-octadecyne (24.88). Other compounds are squalene (7.19%), germanicol (6.23), dl-α-tocopherol (5.24), heptacosane (4.41), phytol (3.54) and pentacosane (2.89). According to published studies, these reported chemicals have numerous uses, including as animal feed, vitamin precursors, possible eco-friendly herbicides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Aqueous extracts of S. diversifolia leaves had total phenolic of 5.33 mg GAE/g extract and flavonoid contents of 64.88 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The results indicated the contribution of phenolic and flavonoids to this plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The reduction in AgNO3 to AgNPs using S. diversifolia leaf extracts was confirmed by the change in solution color from colorless to dark black. Further characterization was attempted by X-ray diffraction, Malvern zeta-sizer and scanning electron microscope. The efficacy of synthesized Ag nanoparticles using aqueous or ethanolic plant extract of S. diversifolia against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus showed appreciable activity at 25 µg/mL concentration compared to the source plant extracts.

The present study included to know about the effectiveness of steep chickpea Cicer arietinum L. seeds with ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the Oleander Nerium oleander, Basil Ocimum basilicum, Chinaberry Melia azedarach, and Natgrass Cyperus rotundus leaves with four concentration (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0) % on some biological sides of the cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.). The present study showed the superiority of leaves extracts of Oleander and Chinaberry as compared with leaves extracts of Basil and Natgrass, as well as the superiority of aqueous extracts as compared with ethanolic extracts of the present study plant's leaves on some biological sides of the cowpea beetle C. maculatus (Fab.). Also, the present study showed that the least number of laid eggs was recorded at a concentration of 1.0% of the ethanolic extract of the chinaberry with several 31.5 eggs, the least percentage of hatched eggs was recorded in the aqueous extract of chinaberry at a concentration of 5.0% with a percentage of 64.8%, the highest larval stage period was recorded at a concentration of 5.0% of the ethanolic extract of the chinaberry with a period of 19.8 days. Total mortality (100%) in the larval stage was achieved with a concentration of 5.0% of the aqueous extracts of the Oleander and Chinaberry. The highest pupal stage period was recorded at 5.0% of the ethanolic extract of the chinaberry at 14.8 days. The highest mortality in the pupal stage was recorded at a concentration of 2.5 % of the aqueous extract of the chinaberry with a percentage of 23.0%. The least number of emerged adults in the first generation and least percentage of productivity were recorded at a concentration of 5.0 % of the aqueous extracts of the Oleander and Chinaberry, with several 0.0 adults and a percentage of 0.0%, respectively.The study also showed that the germination percentage of Chickpea seeds was not significantly affected when it was treated with different concentrations of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the present study plants' leaves.

Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor-oil induced diarrhoea

Aqueous extract of leaves, bark and seeds of Meliaazedarach.L and Thujaorientalis L. were assayed at 1, 5 and 10g/L concentration with different time period to check their effect on seed germination, fresh and dry weight and seedling growth of Pennesitiumamericanum L. Result revealed that aqueous extracts of both plants at all concentration and time period had significantly inhibited seed germination ofP.ammericanum L. when compared with control. The inhibitory effect increases with increasing concentration of extracts and time period. The bark extract of all concentration of T.orientalis in 24hr and 48hrs show stimulation in seedling growth while other parts and extracts of all parts of M.azedarachin all concentration and time period show inhibition in all parameters. The order of inhibition when compared different parts of M.azedarch was seeds >bark > leaves while that of T.orientalis was leaves > bark >seeds. Hence it is concluded that aqueous extract of these plant contain water soluble allelochemicals which inhibit the seed germination and seedling growth of P. americanum L. It is suggested that these chemicals may be used as herbicides.

Lens aldose reductase inhibiting potential of some indigenous plants

Compatibility of endophytic fungal entomopathogens with plant extracts for the management of sweetpotato whitefly Bemesia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)

The aim of the paper was to examine the allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts of herbs and medicinal plants on the quality parameters of aged soybean seeds. The research was carried out at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on aged seeds of two soybean varieties, NS simba and NS viseris. The seeds were aged for 20 months. In order to determine the allelopathic effect, the seeds were primed in aqueous plant extracts: geranium (Geranium sinense), dill (Anethum graveolens), andy everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), celery (Apium graveolens), oregano (Origanum vulgare), basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), sage (Salvia officinalis), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). The results show that it is not possible to talk about the universal application of a particular aqueous extract, because the effect of the allochemicals was significantly influenced by the variety. In the variety NS viseris, all aqueous extracts except Melissa officinalis, significantly reduced GE, GP, and VI. The most negative effect was achieved with the use of Apium graveolens, Thymus serpyllum, and Ocimum basilicum. Apium graveolens and Thymus serpyllum also had the greatest impact on quality reduction in the NS simba variety. However, in the NS simba variety, a significant increase in seed quality was achieved in addition to the reduction. The use of the aqueous extract of Salvia officinalis increased GE and GP by 13.7%, and VI by 10.21%. A positive effect was achieved with the use of Melissa officinalis. All aqueous extracts had a significant effect on T50 in both varieties, even the aqueous extracts that had a negative effect on GE and GP.

To date, various reports have exhibited the antidiabetic activity of plant extracts, but this activity could be improved through the conversion of plant bioactives into metal nanoparticles. Aqueous plant extracts were prepared from two plants, Zingiber officinale and Mentha longifolia. Silver nanoparticles from aqueous plant extracts were synthesized and characterized through spectroscopic techniques, including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in comparison with their respective plant extracts. After successful synthesis, these nanoparticles were evaluated for biological potentials of antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic activities. The nanoparticles of both plants offered outstanding antidiabetic potential, but the silver nanoparticles of Z. officinale showed the highest inhibition potential of 80.52% to α-amylase even at lower concentrations. The synthesized nanoparticles were found to be better antimicrobial agents against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli as measured through a well diffusion assay as compared with aqueous extracts. These nanoparticles offered antioxidant potential that was better than that of their plant extracts but was slightly lower than that of the positive control gallic acid. This study gives a direction for improvement of the biological activity of plant-based medicine through green synthesis of silver nanoparticles.

<p>The insecticidal activity of<strong><em> </em></strong><em>Cassia sieberiana </em>(DC) and <em>Vernonia amygdalina </em>(Del.) aqueous extract against <em>Callosobruchus maculatus </em>(F.) in treated bambara groundnut was evaluated under laboratory conditions (25 – 29°C and 56 – 70% r.h.). Seeds were treated separately at four concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8 ml/100g of seeds) of both plants aqueous extracts. Pirimiphos methyl applied at 8 mg a.i./kg was included as positive control. Data collected were adult mortality, number of adult progeny (F<sub>1</sub> and F<sub>2</sub>), percentage seed damage, percentage weight loss and germination capacity. Results showed that increasing concentration of both plant extracts and period of exposure to treated seeds significantly (<em>P</em><0.05) increased adult mortality levels from 16.9±2.9 to 100%. Furthermore, both plant extracts applied at 8 ml/100 g of seeds were comparable to pirimiphos-methyl after 96 h of exposure. The plant extracts significantly (P<0.05) reduced number of adult progeny, percentage seed damage and percentage weight loss, which all progressively declined with increasing concentration from 2 to 8 ml. Both plant aqueous extracts had no effect on germination capacity of treated seeds. For all the parameters measured, the plant extracts tested showed significantly higher biological activity in treated seeds compared to the untreated control. The present results suggest that these plant aqueous extracts have the potential to control <em>C. maculatus</em> populations in stored bambara groundnut. </p><p> </p>

Psidium quajava has for long been employed in the management of many diseases in Kenya, including diabetes mellitus. However, the use of this plant extract lacks scientific validation in regard to its efficacy. This study aimed at investigating in vivo antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of Psidium quajava in alloxanized diabetic mice. Antidiabetic property was assessed through oral and intraperitoneal administration of aqueous plants extract at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 300mg/kg body weight and profiling the levels of blood glucose after 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 24 hours using a glucometer. The mineral composition of the aqueous plant extract was assayed using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence system (TRXF), while the different types of secondary metabolites were assessed using standard procedures. The aqueous plant extract exhibited a dose dependent hypoglycemic activity in alloxanized diabetic mice. The studied plant extract contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and total phenols at varying concentration. The mineral profile demonstrated the presence of detectable levels of K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and As. The plant’s aqueous extract was effective in lowering blood glucose levels.