Activity Test Research Articles

LRP1 in GABAergic neurons is a key link between obesity and memory function

ObjectiveLow-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) regulates energy homeostasis, blood-brain barrier integrity, and metabolic signaling in the brain. Deficiency of LRP1 in inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons causes severe obesity in mice. However, the impact of LRP1 in inhibitory neurons on memory function and cognition in the context of obesity is poorly understood. MethodsMice lacking LRP1 in GABAergic neurons (Vgat-Cre; LRP1loxP/loxP) underwent behavioral tests for locomotor activity and motor coordination, short/long-term and spatial memory, and fear learning/memory. This study evaluated the relationships between behavior and metabolic risk factors and followed the mice at 16 and 32 weeks of age. ResultsDeletion of LRP1 in GABAergic neurons caused a significant impairment in memory function in 32-week-old mice. In the spatial Y-maze test, Vgat-Cre; LRP1loxP/loxP mice exhibited decreased travel distance and duration in the novel arm compared with controls (LRP1loxP/loxP mice). In addition, GABAergic neuron-specific LRP1-deficient mice showed a diminished capacity for performing learning and memory tasks during the water T-maze test. Moreover, reduced freezing time was observed in these mice during the contextual and cued fear conditioning tests. These effects were accompanied by increased neuronal necrosis and satellitosis in the hippocampus. Importantly, the distance and duration in the novel arm, as well as the performance of the reversal water T-maze test, negatively correlated with metabolic risk parameters, including body weight, serum leptin, insulin, and apolipoprotein J. However, in 16-week-old Vgat-Cre; LRP1loxP/loxP mice, there were no differences in the behavioral tests or correlations between metabolic parameters and cognition. ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that LRP1 from GABAergic neurons is important in regulating normal learning and memory. Metabolically, obesity caused by GABAergic LRP1 deletion negatively regulates memory and cognitive function in an age-dependent manner. Thus, LRP1 in GABAergic neurons may play a crucial role in maintaining normal excitatory/inhibitory balance, impacting memory function, and reinforcing the potential importance of LRP1 in neural system integrity.

In Vitro Determination of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition, Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Content of Various Natural Products (Bee and Herbal Products).

It is obvious that the oxidation process is an undeniable fact and when it comes to aging, one of the first solutions that come to mind is natural products. When it comes to natural products, both plants and bee products play an important, almost combative role against oxidation. For this purpose, natural products of both plant and animal origin were considered together in our study: Linden, green tea, aronia, wild grapes, myrtle, blueberries and basil, honey, pollen and propolis. Total phenolic content values of the extracts ranged between 49.28 and 3859.06 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, and propolis, green tea, chestnut flower and aronia samples were found to have the highest values. When looking at the NOS inhibition potential, it was determined that propolis, pollen and aronia samples had the highest percentage inhibition values of 98.11, 92.29, 83.44, respectively. Antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts were investigated using iron(III) reducing/antioxidant capacity (FRAP), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity test and NOS inhibition tests. The phenolic composition of methanolic extracts was tested using the RP-HPLC-UV (high-performance liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet) method with 19 phenolic standards.

The CoSe2 hollow cube/CoSe2 nanosheet interface catalyst for efficient electrolysis of urea–assisted hydrogen production at industrial–grade currents

Cobalt–based catalysts are regarded as the most innovative catalyst in the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Nevertheless, the activity limitation of Co–based catalysts by the unavoidable self–oxidation reaction of Co species (CSOR) during UOR is generally ignored. Therefore, the interface strategy was used to synthesize a CoSe2 hollow cube (HC)/CoSe2 nanosheet (NS) homogeneous interface catalyst to achieve bifunctional UOR and HER performance. In situ EIS, ex situ Raman spectroscopy, and ex situ XPS analysis verify the unique mechanism of the CoSe2 HC/CoSe2 NS interface in triggering UOR. Electrochemical activity tests demonstrated that CoSe2 HC/CoSe2 NS requires only 1.27 and 1.32 V of cell voltage to reach 10 mA cm–2 in the overall urea electrolyzer (UOR || HER) and overall human urine electrolyzer (HUOR || HER) regimes, respectively. Moreover, under an industrial–grade current (500 mA cm–2), the cell voltage can be maintained at ＜2 V for 110 h. Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy confirms the potential of CoSe2 HC/CoSe2 NS to degrade urea wastewater. Software simulations reveal the advantages of the unique interface strategy of CoSe2 HC/CoSe2 NS in the UOR process.

Recent Advances in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Degrading Pharmaceuticals in Wastewater—A Review

A large variety of pharmaceutical compounds have recently been detected in wastewater and natural water systems. This review highlighted the significance of removing pharmaceutical compounds, which are considered indispensable emerging contaminants, from wastewater and natural water systems. Various advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), including UV-H2O2, Fenton and photo-Fenton, ozone-based processes, photocatalysis, and physical processes, such as sonolysis, microwave, and electron beam irradiation, which are regarded as the most viable methods to eliminate different categories of pharmaceutical compounds, are discussed. All these AOPs exhibit great promising techniques, and the catalytic degradation process of the emerging contaminants, advantages, and disadvantages of each technique were deliberated. Heterogeneous photocatalysis employing metal oxides, particularly anatase TiO2 nanoparticles as catalysts activated by UV light irradiation, was reviewed in terms of the electron–hole separation, migration of the charge carriers to the catalyst surfaces, and redox potential of the charge carriers. This brief overview also emphasized that anatase TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2-based nanomaterials are promising photocatalysts, and a combination of photocatalysis and other AOPs enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency. Finally, the challenges of applying anatase TiO2-based photocatalysis in environmental remediation and wastewater treatments to degrade pharmaceutical compounds, including mass spectroscopic analysis and a biological activity test of by-products of the emerging contaminants resulting from photocatalysis, are summarized.

Four new resin glycosides from Ipomoea muricata seeds: muricatins XIV-XVII.

Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. seeds (Convolvulaceae) are used as a traditional laxative and carminative medicine. Muricatins XIV (1), XV (2), XVI (3), and XVII (4), were isolated from I. muricata seeds as four new resin glycosides, along with seven known compounds, three of which were isolated for the first time as natural products; their structures were determined using MS and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1-4 are macrolactones (jalapins); the sugar moieties of 1, 2, and 4 are partially acylated with 2S-methylbutyric acid, while that of 3 is esterified with 2S-methylbutyric and 2S-methyl-3S-hydroxybutyric acids. In addition, the antiviral activities of the seven compounds obtained in this study, together with five known compounds obtained in our previous study into resin glycosides from I. muricata seeds, were evaluated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); their cytotoxicities against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells were also investigated. All examined jalapins exhibited similar or slightly weaker anti-HSV-1 activities than acyclovir, the positive control; however, the glycosidic acid of 4 was inactive, while its methyl ester was weakly active. On the other hand, cytotoxicity testing against HL-60 cells showed similar results to those observed during anti-HSV-1 activity testing, with the exception that one jalapin was less active.

NANOENCAPSULATION OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF PAPAYA LEAF (CARICA PAPAYA LINN.) USING CHITOSAN AND TESTING ITS EFFECTIVENESS AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Objective: Papaya is a plant typical of West Kalimantan which has many properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimalarial, and antibacterial. This research aims to formulate ethanol extract of papaya leaves into a nanoencapsulated preparation and test its effectiveness as an anti-inflammatory. Methods: Nanoparticle formulations made with the ionic gelation method use polymer chitosan (0.25%-1%) with crosslinker sodium tripolyphosphate (0.25%). Nanoencapsulation ethanol extract of papaya leaf was evaluated for characteristics including particle size distribution, index polydispersity, zeta potential, particle morphology, and entrapment efficiency. Furthermore, The efficacy of anti-inflammatory nanoencapsulation was then evaluated on male Wistar rats with carrageenan-induced inflammation using doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. The assessment of anti-inflammatory activity utilized the Rat hind paw edema method by observing the development of inflammation in the volume of the soles of the test animals' paws. Results: The results of nanoencapsulation characterization showed that papaya ethanol extract in Formula 1 with a ratio of Chitosan: Papaya Leaf Extract Ethanol: NaTPP = 6:1:1 was the best formula, exhibiting an average particle size of 217.3±47.8 nm, a polydispersity index value of 0.271, a zeta potential value of+34.3 mV, an entrapment efficiency value of 65.54, and a particle morphology that is less spherical. The test for anti-inflammatory activity of papaya leaf ethanol extract nanoparticles, administered orally at a dosage of 200 mg/kgBW, demonstrated the highest percentage of anti-inflammatory efficacy at 61.538%. In comparison, the positive control group (diclofenac sodium) exhibited 54.325%, and the low-dose group (100 mg/kgBW) showed 51.585%. The results showed that the ethanol extract of papaya, when nanoencapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, exhibits good characteristics and has significant potential for inhibiting inflammation in male Wistar rats induced by carrageenan. Conclusion: The characterization results of the optimal chitosan-ethanol papaya leaf extract nanoparticles were obtained using Formula 1. Nanoparticles of chitosan-ethanol extract from papaya leaves at doses I and II exhibited anti-inflammatory activity that was not significantly different.

Promoted Production of Lactic Acid from Glucose by Calcium Hydroxide in the Presence of Hydrogen

AbstractCatalytic conversion of glucose to lactic acid is a green promising strategy for the effective utilization of biomass‐derived carbohydrates to generate valuable chemicals. The generation of lactic acid would also be distinguishing in different reaction atmospheres. In this work, we firstly investigated the decomposition of lactic acid and glucose transformation to lactic acid in H2. No obvious decomposition of lactic acid was observed in H2. The activity testing results showed that glucose could be completely converted over the selected hydroxides, while the formation of lactic acid was closely related to the alkalinity of hydroxide. The yield of lactic acid was remarkably obtained to be 87 % over Ca(OH)2 at 220 °C for 3 h. Stronger alkalinity of the catalyst would facilitate glucose isomerization to fructose, and then easily be transformed into dihydroxyacetone or glyceraldehyde intermediates through reverse aldol condensation, which is beneficial to the generation of lactic acid.

Nutraceutical potential of Mesembryanthemum forsskaolii Hochst. ex Bioss.: Insights into its nutritional composition, phytochemical contents, and antioxidant activity

Abstract Mesembryanthemum forsskaolii Hochst. ex Bioss is a resilient succulent plant in the Aizoaceae family. This plant has been recognized for its nutritional and metabolic benefits, but its potential remains underexplored. The aim of this research is to analyze the nutritional composition, phytochemical content, and antioxidant potential of M. forsskaolii. The protein content, total sugars, macro-, and micronutrients were estimated in seeds, leaves, and stems of the studied plant. To investigate the phytochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity, GC-MS analysis, determination of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant activity (TAC) tests, and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays were conducted. The soluble protein (147.55 mg g−1 DW), total protein (341.23 mg g−1 DW), total carbohydrate (0.258 mg mL−1), and nitrogen (26.152 mg g−1) contents of M. forsskaolii seeds were the highest. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, such as β-sitosterol, phthalic acid, and phytol, which have potential antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Seeds showed the greatest presence of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, indicating high antioxidant activity in FRAP and TAC tests. The ABTS and DPPH scavenging assays showed that the antioxidant activity increased proportionally with concentration in all plant parts. However, seeds consistently demonstrated the greatest capacity. This study provides a detailed analysis on the dietary protein, carbohydrates, essential nutrients, and antioxidants that can be obtained from M. forsskaolii, highlighting its potential as a valuable source of nutrition and phytochemicals.

Larvicidal Activity of Some Aromatic Thiosemicarbazone and Metal Complexes [Ni (II), Cu (II), Co (II)] Against Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae.

A series of aromatic thiosemicarbazone-oxime [TP1 and TP2] derivatives and their Ni(II), Cu(II), and Co(II) complexes were synthesized, and their larvicidal activity was evaluated against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae. The efficacy of these substances to Aedes albopictus larvae has been demonstrated for the first time. Laboratory colonized Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae were subjected to larvicidal activity tests. Larval mortality rates at 24 and 48 hours were recorded and LC50 values were calculated. The study was carried out at Aydın Adnan Menderes University in 2021. For Aedes aegypti, LC50 of TP1 and its Co(II) complex were 15.41, 9.75, μg/mL whereas for TP2 and its Co(II) complex, LC50 were 21.62, 20.50 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h respectively. For Aedes albopictus, TP1 and its Co(II) complex showed an LC50 of 12.06, 8.75 μg/mL, whereas TP2 and its Co(II) complex showed an LC50 of 32.87, 25.48 μg/mL, for 24, and 48 h respectively. Both TP1 and TP2 compounds and their Co(II) complexes presented high efficacy against the larvae; it can be said that C=S groups in thiosemicarbazone derivatives are effective in showing activity and for this reason, studies should be continued to make these components effective.

Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of 4-Propylphenol Against Fusarium graminearum, Agent of Wheat Scab, and Its Potential Application.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a predominant disease of wheat. Due to the lack of disease-resistant germplasm, chemical control is an important means to control wheat scab. Volatile substances produced in near-isogenic wheat lines were detected after inoculation with F. graminearum, and 4-propylphenol, which appears in FHB-resistant lines, was identified. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity tests demonstrate that 4-propylphenol effectively inhibits the mycelial growth of F. graminearum. Metabolomics analysis showed changes in glutathione metabolism, indicating that 4-propylphenol triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress. This was consistent with the increasing ROS levels in Fusarium cells treated with 4-propylphenol. Further results demonstrated that excessive accumulation of ROS induced DNA and cell membrane damage in the mycelium. Moreover, 4-propylphenol showed different degrees of inhibition against other soil-borne pathogens (fungi and oomycetes). These findings illustrated that 4-propylphenol has broad spectrum and high antifungal activity and should be considered for use as an ecological fungicide.

Acetylcholinesterase enzyme among cancer patients a potential diagnostic and prognostic indicator a multicenter case–control study

Acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) activity is impaired by a variety of inhibitors including organophosphorus pesticides, leading to the accumulation of acetylcholine. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between cancer and the blood level of the (AChE). This is a multicenter hospital-based case–control study conducted in the Radiation and Isotopes Center Khartoum, and Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Biology and Oncology Gezira. One hundred and fifty participants, half of them cancer patients and half cancer free were recruited. All participants were screened for demographic, environmental, occupational, and clinical characteristics. Blood for the (AChE) activity test was drawn from participants in the two groups. The mean age of the participants was 40.6 ± 14.8 years. Geographical distribution showed the Central Region of Sudan had the highest rate of cancer, followed by North State, Khartoum State, West State, and East State. The most common tumor subtype was breast cancer, followed by leukemia, colon, esophageal, and prostate cancer. Inferential analysis revealed significantly impaired (AChE) activity among cancer patients compared to controls (53.4 ± 20.3% vs. 93.8 ± 8.8, p-value 0.001). There was a significant statistical association between impaired (AChE) activity and cancer. (AChE) activity might be applied in the future as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target. Further large sample and molecular studies are recommended.

Antibacterial Activity Test of Ag Nanoparticle Soap Turi Leaf Extract (Sesbania grandiflora) Against Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria

Silver metal nanoparticles have biocidal properties as a non-toxic inorganic antibacterial agent. Flavonoid compounds from the Turi Leaf (Sesbania grandiflora) plant extract as a natural bio reductant. In the research, UV-Vis spectrophotometric testing parameters and antibacterial soap preparations were carried out. Synthesis and Characteristics of Silver Nanoparticles were carried out, with soap preparations made into 3 formulas with different variations in Agno3 concentration, namely 1 mM, 2 mM, and 3 mM and antibacterial activity tested using well diffusion. The results of the absorption spectrum of Ag nanoparticles show the highest peak at a value of 280-290 nm. In the antibacterial activity test, the greater the AgNO3 concentration in the Ag nanoparticle soap, the greater the inhibition zone created by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The optimum concentration in soap preparations is 3 mM producing a wavelength of 300 nm with an absorbance value of 1.105. In terms of antibacterial activity, the most effective way to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is formulation III, with an inhibitory power of 7.69 cm2 .

Effective separation of maslinic acid and oleanolic acid from olive pomace using high-speed shear off-line coupled with high-speed countercurrent chromatography and their antibacterial activity test

In this work, a high-speed shear extraction off-line coupling high-speed countercurrent chromatography method was developed to separate maslinic acid and oleanolic acid from olive pomace. To improve extraction efficiency, the polar disparity between maslinic acid and oleanolic acid necessitated the concurrent utilization of both polar and non-polar solvents during high-speed shear extraction. Then, the high-speed shear extraction was directly feed to high-speed countercurrent chromatography for subsequently separation. A total of 250 min were needed to complete the extraction and separation process. This yielded two molecules from 3.3 g of defatted olive pomace: 7.2 mg of 93.8 % pure maslinic acid and 2.3 mg of 90.1 % pure oleanolic acid, both determined by HPLC at 210 nm. Furthermore, the compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, its efficacy in inhibiting hyaluronidase was comparable to that of the standard drug indomethacin. Compared with the conventional separation method, this coupled technique reduced the whole time due to the direct injection of sample extraction solution. This technique provides a useful approach for the separation of natural products with significant polarity differences.

Formulation and Test of Burns Healing Effects of Preparations Cream Extract Leaf Nangka Kuning (Vincetoxicum villosum (Blume) Kuntze)

V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze shows inhibition of the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is usually the cause of infection in burn wounds. The aim of this research was to formulate V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze leaf extract into a cream preparation and determine the time needed for V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze leaf extract cream to heal burn wounds in rabbits. This research was a type of experimental research. The research was conducted at the University of Bengkulu Laboratory in September 2022-August 2023. The equipment used was the Ohaus Starter 3100 brand pH meter and the NDJ-8S viscometer. The materials used are V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze leaf extract, mice, ethanol solvent. Oil-in-water (O/W) phase cream formulation with 3 variations of stearic acid and triethonolamine emulsifiers (15:4), (16:3) and (17:2). Then the three formulas were evaluated for their preparations which included organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, pH tests, adhesion tests, spreadability tests, viscosity tests and descriptive stability tests. The activity test against burn wound infections used rabbits consisting of groups K1 (without treatment), K2 (given 0.2% hyaluronic acid cream), P1 (given 2% V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze leaf extract), and P2 (given 2% V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze leaf extract cream). Groups K2, P1 and P2 showed perfect wound healing on day 12. Meanwhile group K1 experienced incomplete wound healing until day 14. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that the cream formulations I, II and III were declared stable at a temperature of 25º and the extract cream Kuntze V. villosum (Blume) Kuntze leaves showed complete wound healing in 12 days. The results of the Kruskal Wallis test obtained p value = 0.670 > 0.05, which means there is no difference in the length of the healing process for all treatments.

Preparation of Liquid Soap Utilising Used Cooking Oil with Aloe Vera as an Antibacterial Agent

Waste cooking oil has been repurposed in the preparation of liquid hand soap, enriched with Aloe vera extract as an antibacterial agent. To ensure the safety and efficacy of the product in bacterial inhibition, comprehensive testing of physical quality and antibacterial activity has been undertaken on the produced liquid soap. The test results affirm that the soap product complies with the Indonesian National Standard for free alkali content, acidity level (pH), foam height, foam stability, and water content. Notably, the soap exhibits a free alkali content of 0.01873%, a pH of 10, a foam height of 65 mm, and a foam stability value of 84.61%. The water content in the soap is measured at 40%. These results collectively position the soap within the criteria for high-quality soap. In the antibacterial effectiveness test against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, the addition of Aloe vera has markedly expanded the inhibitory zone, demonstrating a significant enhancement in antibacterial activity. In light of the above, this study aims to address environmental pollution and health risks associated with improper disposal of waste cooking oil. Moreover, the addition of antibacterial Aloe vera presents an economically valuable solution by repurposing waste cooking oil into a useful product.

Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of instant red ginger from various volumes of added water

The aim of this research is to obtain the right volume of water in ginger juice extract that has the best effect on the physicochemical and sensory properties of instant ginger. The research was carried out from March to May. The location of this research was carried out at the Agroindustry Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture and Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tadulako University, Palu. Research parameters include yield, water content, pH test, antioxidant activity and sensory tests with ginger juice extract and water treatment formulations, namely, (100g:100mL), (100g:150mL), (100g:200mL), (100g:250mL), (100g:300mL). The research results showed that the ratio of ginger juice extract and water at an added volume of 300 mL of water provide the best physicochemical and sensory characteristics of instant ginger drink. Yield, antioxidant activity, aroma, taste, preferences have a tendency increases with increasing water volume, while water content, pH and IC50 decrease.

The impact of administration of Annona muricata leaf on estrogen and progesterone functions following mercury-induced toxicity in adult female Wistar rats

Environmental toxicants have been linked to female reproductive dysfunction resulting from oxidative stress. The study assesses the impact of ethanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata (EAM) on ovarian and uterine function following mercury-induced toxicity in female Wistar rats. The study involved 40 female Wistar rats, each weighing 114–156g, divided into eight groups of five animals each. Group A received feed and water only; group B received 500 mg/kg of EAM only; and group C received 25 mg/kg of mercury chloride (HgCl2). Groups D and E received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks and were treated with 25 mg/kg of HgCl2, respectively. Group F received 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks and treated immediately with co-administrstion of 25 mg/kg of HgCl2 and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks. Groups G and H received 25 mg/kg of HgCl2 and received 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of EAM for 4 weeks, respectively. Progesterone amd Estrogen levels were measured at the end of the administration. The data was analysed using SPSS version 25, with inferential statistics performed, and significant values were set at p≤0.05. Administration of mercury resulted in a decreased level of oestrogen, and progesterone. EAM treatments resulted in statistically significant increased levels of progesteron in groups E, F, G and H; group D also showed an increase, though not statistically significant. Estrogen levels were increased in groups F, G and H, but groups D and E showed a decrease in estrogen levels, though not statistically significant. The study reveals that EAM enhances female reproductive hormonal levels and may turn out into a potential capable of reversing or preventing female infertility linked to mercury chloride toxicity.

Shelf Life Study of Pedada Fruit Jam (Sonneratia caesolaris) With The Addition of Carrageenan

Pedada fruit (Sonneratia caseolaris) contains phytochemicals such as steroids, tripenoids and flavonoids. Phytochemical compounds are antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that attack body cells. The application of making pedada fruit jam with the addition of carrageenan can function as a natural preservative. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding carrageenan to the shelf life of pedada fruit jam. The research treatment consisted of 0 week of storage (P0), 1 week (P1), 2 weeks (P2), 3 weeks (P3), and 4 weeks (P4). Parameters observed in this study were the total plate count test, viscosity test, and antioxidant activity test with spektrofotometer Uv-Vis. The data obtained was tested with the ANOVA statistical test and continued with the DMRT test. The results of the research show that antioxidant activity and viscosity have decreasing values with each storage period, while microbiological activity is inversely proportional to antioxidant activity and viscosity, namely with increasing values with each storage period. The storage time for pedada fruit jam with the addition of carrageenan had a significant effect on antioxidant activity, viscosity and microbiological activity which had significantly different values (p < 0.05).

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY FROM STEEPING HERBAL TEA COMBINATION FIG LEAF (Ficus carica L.) AND SUNGKAI LEAF (Paronema canesescens Jack)

Herbal tea is made from a mixture or single form of leaf, seeds, or roots of various types of plants that have properties in help treatment. The combination of Ficus carica (fig) leaf and Peronema canescens Jack (sungkai) leaf is one of the innovative ingredients that can be used in herbal teas. This study aims to determine the antioxidant and hedonic activity of herbal tea steeping a combination of fig leaf, sungkai leaf, and their combinations with various weight variations, namely (70:30), (50:50), (30:70). Antioxidant activity was tested using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, then analyzed using a UV-Visible Spectrophotometer. To find out the level of consumer preference for herbal tea brewing, a hedonic test was carried out. From the antioxidant activity test, the IC50 values of fig leaf, sungkai leaf, and the combination were 25.4885, 30.7039, 18.0717, 21.0907, and 25.0547 µg/mL respectively. Hedonic tests were performed on panelists and analyzed using the Friedman test results obtained p-value>0.05. It can be concluded that all formulas have very strong antioxidant activity, and there is no significant effect between the 5 formulas on the color, smell, and taste of the brew.

Can a Small Change in the Heterocyclic Substituent Significantly Impact the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of (Z)-2-(5-Benzylidene-4-oxo-2-thioxothiazolidin-3-yl)acetic Acid Derivatives?

Rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives are attractive compounds with versatile effects. What is very important is that compounds of this type have many biological properties. They are tested, among others, as fluorescent probes for bioimaging and aldose reductase inhibitors. Rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives also have antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activity. The presented work demonstrates that a slight change in the five-membered heterocyclic substituent significantly affects the properties of the compounds under consideration. Three rhodanine-3-acetic acid derivatives (A-1-A-3) were obtained in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction with good yields, ranging from 54% to 71%. High thermal stability of the tested compounds was also demonstrated above 240 °C. The absorption and emission maxima in polar and non-polar solvents were determined. Then, the possibility of using the considered derivatives for fluorescence bioimaging was checked. Compounds A-1 and A-2 were successfully used as fluorescent dyes of fixed cells of mammalian origin. In addition, biological activity tests against bacteria and fungi were carried out. Our results showed that A-1 and A-2 showed the most excellent antimicrobial activity among the newly synthesized compounds, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.