Alcoholic Extract Research Articles

Extracts from the leaves of knotweeds (Reynoutria spp.) have a stimulating effect on the germination and initial growth of wheat grains.

Knotweed (Reynoutria sp.) plants are known in the world mainly as invasive plants. However, it is known that their rhizomes or leaves contain secondary metabolites with biological activity. Our goal was to determine which of the three knotweed plants (Reynoutria japonica, Reynoutria × bohemica, and Reynoutria sachalinensis) is most suitable for seed growth stimulation. We tested alcoholic extracts of all three knotweed species by seed priming method on wheat germination and seedling characteristics, when 12 measured characteristics were monitored. Extracts from all three species of Reynoutria sp. generally showed an improvement in wheat germination and growth compared to the control. R. × bohemica appears to be the best source for stimulating wheat growth, as seedling vigor indexes I and II, R/S dry weight, shoot and seedling lengths, root, shoot, and seedling dry weights were significantly different (ANOVA, Duncan's test, α < 0.05). The plants Reynoutria spp. seem to be possible sources for the protection and stimulation of agriculture crops.

The influence of the alcoholic extract of lemon balm on the growth of Lactobacillus helveticus MDC 9602 and the technological, physicochemical, organoleptic, and antioxidant properties of fermented milk

The influence of the alcoholic extract of lemon balm on the growth of Lactobacillus helveticus MDC 9602 and the technological, physicochemical, organoleptic, and antioxidant properties of fermented milk

A comparative study of the Anti-Diabetic effects of avocado seed extracts and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles in Alloxan-Induced diabetic Albino mice

In this research, a comparative study of the anti-diabetic effects of Avocado (Persea americana) seed extracts and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in alloxan-induced diabetic albino mice was conducted. The animals were assigned into twenty-one groups of five animals each; the diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of the prepared alloxan monohydrate. After 15–25 days of using 7.5 mg/ml aqueous extract of P. americana seeds, it was found that blood sugar levels dropped significantly. In addition, over the 20–25 days treatment period, levels of blood sugar were reduced considerably when doses of 5.0 or 10 mg/ml of the aqueous extract were introduced. However, throughout this treatment period, animals injected with 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, or 10.0 mg/ml of P. americana seed aqueous extract showed a significant rise in weight. In addition, over 20–25 days of treatment, animals treated with 7.5 and 10.0 mg/ml P. americana seed alcoholic extract showed a substantial decrease in blood sugar levels. Over the 25 days of treatment, animals treated with 7.5 mg/ml P. americana seed in alcoholic extract also showed a noticeable rise in weight. On the other hand, the prepared Ag NPs were synthesized and characterized using color changes, UV–visible spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM analysis. A substantial reduction in blood sugar levels was noted with 2.5 mg/ml of biosynthesized Ag NPs, while mice weights significantly increased. The highest substantial reduction in glycaemia occurred by combining 7.5 mg/ml aqueous extract and 2.5 mg/ml biosynthesized Ag NPs, resulting in a high increase in animal weight across all combination concentrations. Regarding the interaction between combination concentrations and treatment periods, animals’ weight increased significantly in all combined concentrations during the 20–25 days compared to the control. Furthermore, an increase in LDL and VLDL concentrations was observed in the negative control group compared to the positive control and other treated groups.

Platelet antiaggregant activity of Hypericum perforatum extracts

BackgroundIn addition to its potential use as an antidepressant, different studies have shown that Hypericum perforatum (HP) can have antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Despite this potential, most of the therapeutic bioactivities attributed to HP need further scientific support. In a previous study we found an inhibitory effect of HP in platelet activation markers. So, in the present work we investigate the effect of HP in another aspect of platelet function, platelet aggregation. MethodsFirst, the effect of different concentrations of the total alcoholic extract of HP on platelet aggregation was studied in 9 healthy donors by aggregometry methods using collagen as agonist. After that, to obtain dose-effect curves, 3 experiments were carried out independently in a single individual using collagen, adenosine diphosphate and epinephrine as agonists. ResultsOur results reveal a marked inter-individual variability and a significant dose-dependent decrease of aggregation responses induced by collagen in the presence of HP extracts (mean of minimum inhibition: 8% at a dose of 0.068 mg es/ml and mean of maximum inhibition: 43% at a dose of 0.456 mg es/ml). With the results obtained it was possible to obtained a IC50 value of 0.34 mg es/ml. ConclusionsWe can conclude that HP has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on platelet function (activation and aggregation responses), therefore, our results suggest that HP may be recognized as an herbal medicine with anti-platelet properties.

Study the effect of Convolvulus pilosellifolius Desr. as antialzheimer and identification of its active compounds

The phenolic pattern of the plant using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Three flavonoid and two phenolic compounds were isolated for first time from the alcoholic plant extract which identified as; Quercetin-3’-galactoside, Quercetin-7-glucoside, Quercetin −3-glucoside and two phenolic compounds identified as Methyl-trans-dihydroxy cinnamic acid and Methyl-cis-dihydroxy cinnamic acid, they were isolated and purified using classical and modern chromatographic methods; (PC, TLC, CC and HPLC); identified by Rf, UV,1H NMR,13C NMR and 2D NMR (HMQC) spectroscopy. The activity of total alcoholic extract of Convolvulus pilosellifolius as antialzheimer was investigated concerning its activity as acetylcholine esterase inhibitor. The recorded IC50 was 0.391 and 0.131 µg/mL for the extract and donepezil respectively. The activity of isolated compounds as acetylcholine esterase inhibitor were evaluated by Autodock Vina software to perform the docking protocol. This revealed that the most active compound was Quercetin-3Ì· galactoside.

Evaluation of African Neem Plant (Dogon Yaro) antibacterial activity against certain pathogenic organisms

The neem plant is a tropical evergreen plant native to the Indian sub-continent. It has been used in ayurvedic medicine for more than 4000 years due to its medicinal properties. The phytochemical screening carried out on the extract of Neem plant revealed the presence of some active ingredients such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenols also glycosides, steroids, Terpenoids, flavonoids, and phlobatanins are present in this extract. It was observed that alkanoids has a concentration of 0.52g/ml, tannins has a concentration of 9.00g/ml, saponins has a concentration of 1.99g/ml, flavonoid has a concentration of 0.62g/ml and phenol has a concentration of 0.024g/ml. The antimicrobial activity of the Leaf, Stem, Stem-bark and Root extract of Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) against some of the pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, was determined. This was done by using alcoholic and water extracts of Neem leaves, stem, stem bark and roots. Varying concentration of each extracts 200mg/ml, 150mg/ml and 100mg/ml were prepared and tested. When compared with Gentamycin 10mg, the Ethanol Extract of Neem Root shows maximum inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli in an ascending order, followed by the ethanol extract of Neem Leaf which shows maximum inhibition on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis in an ascending order. Conclusively, this can explain the rationale for the use of the plant in treating infections in traditional medicine. The plant could be a veritable and cheaper substitute for conventional antibiotics since it is easily obtainable and the extract can easily be made via a simple process of maceration or infusion. However, further research is necessary to determine and purify the active components against micro-organisms.

Detection of the antibacterial role of Achillea millefolium against Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections

Despite the fact that the pharmaceutical industry has developed numerous novel antibiotics over the last three decades, bacteria have developed resistance to these medications. Bacteria have the genetic potential to transfer and develop resistance to medications used as therapeutic agents. Therefore, the present study aimed to reveal the antibacterial role of Achillea millefolium against Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections. Between February and July of 2024, 130 clinical samples were taken from individuals who were admitted to Kirkuk Hospital in Kirkuk City after visiting a specialist and being sent to the laboratory. Urine samples were taken from patients with UTI ranging in age from (1-60 years) of women, after which they were transferred directly to the laboratory to be cultured on the culture media, then A. millefolium extract was tested against Escherichia coli, compared with some standard antibiotics. Results showed that 57 (43.8%) of the total samples showed positive results for bacterial growth when cultured on the best culture media, which included blood and MacConkey agars. 73 (or 56.2%) of the total samples had results that showed no bacterial growth. E. coli showed total resistance (100%) to Ampicillin. While, a low sensitive toward Nalidixic acid (20.0%), Clindamycin (20.0%) 21.5%. Otherwise, E. coli showed a high sensitive to Gentamycin (87.7%), Imipenem (96.9%), and Amikacin (90.8%). While Tobromycin showed high sensitive 100.0% respectively. Based on the results, it was shown that the extract of A. millefolium at a dosage of 100 mg induced an inhibition diameter rate of 18.7±3.45, while at a concentration of 150 mg, it produced an inhibition diameter rate of 29.49±2.97. It is concluded from that the alcoholic extract of A. millefolium has an antibacterial effect and is very effective in treating cases of urinary tract infection resulting from infection with Escherichia coli.

The Phytochemistry and Medicinal value of Psidium guajava ( guava ) : Antiobesity Effect

Obesity in society has reached epidemic proportions in the 21 st century. Being Overweight is not only appearance issue but also is actually a medical concern, because it is serious health condition. Diabetes and Heart diseases that can stem from obesity . The plant Psidium guajava Linn (Guava) is used not only as food but also as folk medicine. We subjected the leaves of these plant for Alcoholic extraction using solvent Ethanol and extract were prepared we infer that the oral administration of guava leaves extract shows Anti Obesity effect (weight loss). So this study proves that the guava leaves extract helps to control obesity.

Beneficial effect of Caesalpinia pulcherrima linn., on diabetic neuropathy, cognitive dysfunction and cardiac complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Pharmacological relevanceCaesalpinia pulcherrima L. is used in Indian Traditional Medicinal system to treat Diabetes. AimThis study was carried out to evaluate the standardized alcoholic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed (CPS) in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathic and cardiac complications in rodents. Materials and methodsHPLC finger printing profile of CPS was performed to identify the bioactive molecules. Two doses of CPS (100 & 200 mg/kg b.w.) was orally administered daily once for six weeks to streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.v.)-induced diabetic rats. Every week intervals hot & cold immersion tests were carried to know the effect of CPS on peripheral neuropathy. In addition, blood glucose, body weight, food and water intake were also monitored. At the end of the study, sciatic nerve conduction velocity, diabetic cardiomyopathy and diabetic cognitive parameters were evaluated. Furthermore, histopathological studies of sciatic nerve and aortic strip were also carried out. ResultsHPLC finger print experiment showed the presence of gallic acid and protocatechuic acid. Administration of CPS for six weeks significantly prevented the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), cardiomyopathy and cognitive dysfunction in diabetic rats. The CPS treated rats displayed prominent (P < 0.001) improvement in motor coordination, muscle grip, locomotor activity and memory in diabetic rats. CPS treatment restored elevated systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), and heart rate to near normal in diabetic condition. These observed beneficial effects were well correlated and justified with histopathological studies. In addition, CPS treatment also exhibited significant (P < 0.001) reduction of loss in body weight, and reduce the water and feed intake throughout the study. ConclusionTaken together, the present study provided a good insight in the therapeutic efficacy of Caesalpinia pulcherrima seed extract in dealing with diabetic complications. The study also scientifically justifies the ethnomedicinal/traditional claims of the title plant.

Unveiling the chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and mechanistic insights of Convolvulus arvensis extract through molecular docking simulations

The use of herbal extracts has gained significant importance in modern health practices, making it essential to explore their properties and applications in detail. This study investigates the effect of ultrasound on the extraction yield of Convolvulus arvensis leaves, with a focus on its chemical composition, antioxidant properties, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activities, and mechanism of action. Antimicrobial activity was determined using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), well diffusion agar, and disk diffusion agar assays. The antioxidant properties were assessed through ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and DPPH free radical scavenging assays. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were utilized to identify the chemical composition and functional groups present in the extract. The findings revealed that ultrasound-assisted extraction exhibited significantly higher extraction efficiency (p < 0.05). The extract displayed significant antimicrobial activity against Listeria innocua, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extract were measured at 328.85 ± 0.046 (mg GAE/100 g) and 226.23 ± 0.043 (mg QE/100 g), respectively. Moreover, the extract demonstrated notable radical scavenging activity against DPPH, with a value of 37.40 ± 0.111 (g/100 g). The FRAP assay revealed that the antioxidant activity of C. arvensis extract was quantified at 23.796 ± 0.045 μmol Fe²⁺. The highest amount of phenolic and alkaloid compounds in the extract was related to β-Phellandrene (341.52 µg/mL) and Swainsonine (360.24 µg/mL), respectively. Furthermore, the in vitro cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against the Caco-2 cell line, with the IC50 value determined to be 26.55 mg/mL. The results of the docking study demonstrated that Ferulic acid displayed a significant binding energy of −6.2 kcal/mol, suggesting a robust interaction with the target enzyme and the potential to act as a modulator of glutathione peroxidases. The findings of the present study revealed that the alcoholic extract of C. arvensis possesses proper antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, it has been used as a food preservative. However, further medical and clinical researches are required before any application in human health.

The Inhibitory Effect of Pomegranate Peel and Mint Ethanolic Extracts and the Synergy Between Their Active Components on Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteria Isolated from Urinary Tract Infection

Many people rely on medicinal plants to treat illnesses, enhance health, and support a variety of sectors like food and pharmaceuticals. As a result, they are an ancient source of therapy and healthcare. This is as a result of their potent chemicals. This study examined the inhibitory impact of various doses of pomegranate and mint plant alcoholic extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, two types of bacterial pathogens that cause urinary tract infections. The studied extracts elicited different responses from the bacteria. The bacteria that responded to the pomegranate peel alcoholic extract the most was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, then Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly impacted by the pomegranate peel extract, but less so by the mint extract. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth was less affected by the alcoholic extract of mint than Escherichia coli. The combined inhibitory impact of both extracts, at varying doses, was shown to be more effective against Escherichia coli than it was against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Mesona chinensis Benth. Extract Ameliorates Hyperlipidemia in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice and Rats by Regulating the Gut Microbiota.

Mesona chinensis Benth. (or Platostoma palustre (Blume) A. J. Paton), an edible and medicinal plant, is the main ingredient in black jelly, Hsian-tsao tea, and beverages, and its processed products are popular in China as well as in Southeast Asian countries. Previous studies have shown that the alcohol extract of Mesona chinensis Benth. (MC) can reduce the accumulation of oleic acid and ameliorate hyperlipidemia. However, researchers have not yet determined whether it could improve intestinal permeability and metabolic dysfunction by controlling gut microbial dysbiosis and thus reducing hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism by which MC regulates metabolic function disorders in hyperlipidemic high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats and mice from the perspective of gut microbiota. This study analyzed the effects of MC on metabolic indices related to hyperlipidemia in HFD-fed rats and the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota via 16S rRNA V3-4 region pyrosequencing to investigate the regulation of the gut microbiota by MC. We further confirmed that MC ameliorates hyperlipidemia by regulating the gut microbiota by simultaneously administering antibiotics and MC to C57BL/6 mice and measuring their metabolic indices. These results indicate that MC reduces the lipid concentration in the serum of HFD-fed rats, thereby significantly alleviating hyperlipidemia, and regulates the abundance ratio and diversity of the gut microbiota, thereby exerting a beneficial effect on hyperlipidemia. Our further antibiotic experiments in mice revealed that the administration of MC was unable to reduce body weight or serum and organ lipid concentrations in the antibiotic-treated group of hyperlipidemic mice. This study provides evidence that the microbiota is an alternative target for the antihyperlipidemic effect of MC.

Biogenic synthesis and physicochemical characterization of metal nanoparticles based on Calotropis procera as promising sustainable materials against skin cancer

The UAE harbors a rich diversity of wild medicinal plants, such as Calotropis procera (CP), that are renowned for their extensive use in traditional medicine due to their abundance of bioactive phytochemicals. Zinc and iron metals possess significant pharmacological effects including antioxidant and anticancer properties. In this study, nanoparticles (NPs) containing zinc and iron were green synthesized utilizing ethanolic and aqueous extracts of CP aerial parts. UV-Vis spectra revealed absorption peaks around 270–275 nm, while FT-IR analysis confirmed successful coating of the NPs with plant’s phytochemicals. SEM/EDX analysis indicated a more potent reducing effect of the aqueous extract, whereas the alcoholic extract demonstrated more effective coating of the NPs. DLS showed monodispersed NPs with average sizes of 32.67–202 nm. The alcoholic extract-based zinc and iron NPs exhibited the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (51.06 ± 2.82 µg of GAE/mg of DW and 66.26 ± 1.12 µg of Qu/mg of DW, respectively) and the strongest antioxidant effect against ABTS and DPPH radicals (IC50 = 52.81 and 148.46 µg/mL, respectively). The aqueous extract-based zinc NPs demonstrated the greatest cytotoxicity against A-431 cell lines (IC50 = 188.97 µg/mL). The findings highlight promising potential of these sustainable materials for therapeutic applications, indicating a need for continued research and development in this area.

GC–MS analysis, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic studies on Dalbergia sissoo barks extracts for compounds with anti-diabetic potential

Diabetes is a metabolic condition defined by abnormal blood sugar levels. Targeting starch-hydrolyzing enzymes and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) expressed on the surface of numerous cells is one of the key strategies to lower the risk of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. bark (DSB) extracts have been reported to have anti-diabetic properties. This study intended to scientifically validate use of alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of DSB for T2DM by conducting preliminary phytochemical investigations, characterising potential phytochemicals using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis followed by comprehensive in-silico analysis. A qualitative phytochemical evaluation indicated the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, glycosides, conjugated acids and flavonoids. Ethanolic extracts showed highest total phenolic content (TPC) (127.072 ± 14.08031 μg GAE/g dry extract) and total flavonoid content (106.911 ± 5.84516 μg QE /g dry extract). Further FT-IR spectroscopy also revealed typical band values associated with phenol, alcohol, alkene, alkane and conjugated acid functional groups. The GC–MS analysis identified 139 compounds, 18 of which had anti-diabetic potential. In-silico ADMET analysis of potential compounds revealed 15 compounds that followed Lipinski’s rule and demonstrated drug-like properties, as well as good oral bioavailability. Molecular docking was utilised to analyse their potential to interact with three targets: α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and DPP-4, which are crucial in managing diabetes-related problems. Molecular Docking analysis and membrane permeability test utilising the PerMM platform revealed that compounds in the extracts, such as Soyasapogenol B and Corydine, had better interactions and permeability across the plasma membrane than standard drugs in use. Molecular dynamics simulations also showed that selected compounds remained stable upon interaction with α-amylase. Overall, using the in-silico approaches it was predicted that DSB extracts contain potential phytochemicals with diverse anti-diabetic properties. It further needs to be investigated for possible development as formulation or drug of choice for treating T2DM.

STUDY OF ANTI-ULCER, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITIES OF FRUITS POLYEXTRACT OF ZIZIPHUS JUJUBA MIL L.

Introduction. Plant-based drugs and medicines are used in medical practice for the treatment of a wide range of diseases, including gastrointestinal diseases: chronic gastritis and/or gastroduodenitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers. The purpose of the work is to study and evaluate of anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of jujuba fruits (Ziziphus Jujuba Mill.) polyextract. Material and methods. Experimental samples of CO2 extract, alcoholic extract, thick extract, dry extract and polyextract of Ziziphus Jujuba Mill fruits were studied. Biological activity of the samples was evaluated using a specific enzyme biotest system based on inducible NO synthase in vitro. The acute toxicity affecting the exudative phase of the acute reaction was studied in a model of formaldehyde edema of the paw of mice, as a result of screening the polyextract of jujube fruits which has the most pronounced pharmacological activity, and also studied its antiulcer effect on an ethanol model of damage to the gastric mucosa in rats. Results. As a result of screening studies using a specific enzyme biotest system based on inducible NO synthase, immunomodulatory properties were discovered in all experimental jujube fruit extracts. Polyextract of jujube fruits demonstrated the most pronounced immunomodulatory therefore it was chosen for further pharmacological studies. In accordance with the classification of toxicity of chemical substances according to the standards of the Russian Federation, polyextract of jujube fruits is a low-toxic substance. The polyextract has an anti-inflammatory effect, it suppresses the development of the exudative phase of inflammation in a model of formaldehyde edema of mouse paws. A significant gastroprotective effect of the polyextract of the fruits of Ziziphus Jujuba Mill was revealed in an experimental model of rat gastric ulcer caused by the administration of ethanol. Conclusions. Polyextract of jujube fruits has a wide range of biological activity: immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and is also a low-toxic substance. This extract is promising for further in-depth study and the creation of a new effective herbal medicine based on it.

Utilization of Hibiscus, Tamarind and Carob in Production of Low Calories Healthy Soft Drinks

The demand for carbonated beverages is increasing, offering opportunities to develop drinks with significant health benefits. Beverages containing carob, tamarind and hibiscus offer multiple nutritional and functional benefits and can serve as healthy alternatives to other soft drinks on the market. This is particularly important given the high sugar and calorie content of traditional soft drinks, which has been linked to increased issues associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease globally. The focus of the current work is to evaluate low-calorie soft drinks made from hibiscus, tamarind and carob and sweetened with erythritol that cater to diverse consumer segments, including diabetics and health-conscious individuals. Hibiscus, tamarind and carob extracts were sweetened with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g erythritol sugar/200 ml carbonated beverage. The results showed that the alcoholic extract from hibiscus cups gave the highest content of phenols and flavonoids (70.3 mg gallic/g on DW and 7.8 mg catechin/g on DW), followed by carob pod alcoholic extract (19.3 mg gallic/g on DW) and tamarind alcoholic extract (11.6 mg gallic/g on DW). Tamarind gave a higher content of flavonoids (2.3 mg/g) than carob (1.2 mg/g); however, carob pods had the highest antioxidant activity (91.92%), followed by tamarind pulp (87.66%) and hibiscus cups (79.76%). The soft drinks of hibiscus and tamarind sweetened with erythritol at 1.5 g/200 ml gave the best sensory properties compared with control (adjusted by sucrose at 12% brix) and others concentrations used of erythritol sugar at (0.5 and 1.5 g /200 ml carbonated beverage). Carob pods soft drink sweetened with 0.5 g erythritol /200 ml gave the best sensory characteristics compared to the control sample and others concentrations of erythritol sugar at (1 and 1.5 g /200 ml carbonated beverage), which may be due to the high content of sugars in carob. Hibiscus carbonated beverage outperformed tamarind in terms of overall acceptability and carob carbonated beverage was the least acceptable in terms of sensory properties. Carob carbonated beverage recorded the highest antioxidant activity (90.9%) and phenolic content while representing the second highest in terms of flavonoids. Tamarind carbonated beverage ranked second in terms of antioxidant activity (86.0%) and phenolic content although it ranked first in terms of flavonoids. Hibiscus carbonated beverage recorded the lowest content in terms of antioxidant activity (79.36%), phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Hibiscus, tamarind and carob are a great choice for the production of carbonated beverages because they give the beverage desirable nutritional, cosmetic and medicinal qualities. Moreover, the simplicity of production and availability of raw materials allows for the stimulation of the economy by reducing dependence on multinational companies offering unhealthy or industrialized soft drinks.

ANTI-OXIDANT, ANTI-BACTERIAL, AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF Scutellaria baicalensis ROOT SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTS

Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) root extract has been used for a long time in Oriental medicine and the cosmetics industry due to its natural anti-oxidant properties in disease treatment. However, comprehensive studies comparing the physiological activities of different S. baicalensis root extracts are lacking. Specifically, there is a need to compare S. baicalensis root hydrothermal extract (SBHE), S. baicalensis root 75% ethyl alcohol extract (SBAE), and S. baicalensis root supercritical fluid extracts (SBSEs) simultaneously. In this study, we extracted S. baicalensis roots using three different methods: hydrothermal, 75% ethyl alcohol, and supercritical fluid extraction. We then evaluated their radical scavenging activities, SOD-like activity, anti-bacterial activities, and the production of inflammatory factors. Among the extracts tested, the S. baicalensis root supercritical fluid 35°C extract (SBSE35) exhibited superior overall physiological activities. Notably, only the SBSEs demonstrated anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas SBHE and SBAE did not. SBHE and SBAE increased interleukin (IL)-6 levels (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, SBHE and SBAE showed a slight decrease in IL-8 at low concentrations, but an increase in IL-8 production in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, SBSE35 significantly reduced both IL-6 and IL-8 levels (p ≤ 0.05). These findings suggest that SBSE35 has greater potential for improving human health in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical fields. Keywords: Scutellaria baicalensis root; supercritical fluid extraction; anti-oxidant; anti-bacterial; anti-inflammation

Exploring aegle marmelos (bael fruit): understanding its health benefits and potential for therapy

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body's fluid balance through precise regulation of sodium, chloride, and water levels. They expel sodium and chloride, prompting water release and reducing fluid volume. Conversely, retaining these elements leads to water retention and increased fluid volume. This intricate mechanism ensures internal stability. Kidneys filter these substances into tubules, with most being reabsorbed into the blood and exiting as urine. Complex processes in various tubule segments complicate sodium and chloride reabsorption. Diuretics are valuable in treating edema, congestive heart failure, and hypertension. Bael (A. marmelos), a significant herb in Ayurveda, contains compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids. It's used for diarrhea, diabetes, inflammation, and hyperlipidemia. An alcoholic extract from the mature fruit of Aegle marmelos exhibits diuretic activity, potentially assisting with common kidney ailments. Bael's therapeutic potential arises from its diverse compounds and established use in traditional medicine.

Establishment of a Highly Efficient Micropropagation System of Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte

Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex Lecomte is a principal species renowned for its production of agarwood. However, the active components of agarwood are not universally in compliance with the standards set by the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. We have identified an elite A. crassna tree with agarotetrol and alcohol extract levels that exceed these standards and have successfully established a stable in vitro micropropagation system using stem segments from this elite tree. The effects of auxins and minerals on axillary-bud induction, shoot multiplication, and rooting were investigated. The most effective medium for axillary-bud induction was a half-strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2MS) medium supplemented with 0.50 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), achieving an induction rate of 53.33% with minimal hyperhydricity. The optimal shoot proliferation medium was an MS medium with 0.40 mg/L 6-BA, yielding a propagation coefficient of 2.96 without hyperhydricity. The best rooting medium comprised quarter-strength MS (1/4MS) macroelements and 1/2MS microelements with 0.10 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), resulting in an 82.54% rooting rate. Substrate effects on transplant survival and growth were also evaluated, and peat soil was identified as the best substrate, achieving a survival rate of 96.67%. This study introduces a straightforward and efficient in vitro micropropagation system utilizing mature A. crassna as explants. It holds significant importance for the consistent production of agarwood that complies with the standards of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and provides a model for the targeted breeding of medicinal plants.

The Effect of Cyperus esculentus on Sperm Function Parameters in Prepubertal Mice as a Model for Human

The objective of this work was to study the effect of oral administration of Cyperus esculentus (CE) and its alcoholic extract on sperm function parameters in prepubertal mice as a model for human .The animals were divided into three groups each contains 6 animals .Group 1 was treated with 150 mg/ kg body weight /day of crude CE, group 2 was treated with same dose of alcohol extract of CE and group 3 regarded as control throughout six weeks period. The results showed a significant (p&gt; 0.05) increase in the mean of sperm concentration ,sperm motility percent and progressive sperm motility between treated groups and control . There was no differences among groups in the mean of sperm normal morphology and sperm viability . No significant differences was recorded in the mean of body weight among groups throughout the study. The results revealed that the administration of Cyperus esculentus may enhance certain sperm characters in prepubertal mice without affecting body weight.