Calotropis Procera Research Articles

Molluscicidal activities of ethanolic extracts of Calotropis procera and Morinda lucida against Lymnaea natalensis

Snails control is considered the most effective method in reducing the transmission of fascioliasis. Chemical molluscicides are reported to be toxic and ineffective due to snail resistance, hence, the need for safer and effective molluscicides. The aim of this study was to assess the molluscicidal activities of two medicinal plants against snail host of Fasciola gigantica. The molluscicidal activity of Morinda lucida and Calotropis procera was investigated against Lymnaea natalensis, the intermediate host of F. gigantica. Ethanolic extract of leaves of the tested plants were evaluated for their lethal activity against the embryos within the egg masses and adult L. natalensis. All the two tested plants exerted toxic lethal effect against both the embryos and the adult snails. While M. lucida extract appeared to be more potent at lower concentration on the embryos, the extract of C. procera leaves was significantly more potent than that of M. lucida in adult snails (P<0.05). The LC50 of ethanolic extracts of M. lucida and C. procera was 1.698 mg/ml and 0.500 mg/ml, respectively, at 72 h exposure time of adult L. natalensis. The two tested plants have molluscicidal activities, but these activities could be stage specific at certain concentrations.

The efficacy of prolonged gentle massage with herbal oil versus dry cupping in nonspecific neck pain - a randomized controlled clinical trial

Dalk Layyin Kathīr (prolonged gentle massage) with Roghan Gul-i Ākh (herbal oil containing Calotropis procera as the chief ingredient) is a potent intervention for nonspecific neck pain in the Unani system of medicine, but scientific evidence is lacking. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of Dalk Layyin Kathīr with Roghan Gul-i Ākh versus Hijama bila Shart (dry cupping) in participants of nonspecific neck pain. This open-label randomized control trial was carried out on 40 eligible participants with nonspecific neck pain after obtaining written informed consent. In the massage group, Dalk Layyin Kathir with Roghan Gul-i Ākh was applied for 15–20 min on the neck region, while the Hijama group received dry cupping on the neck region for 8–12 min every fourth day for 21 days. The primary outcome measure was the change in neck disability index (NDI), and the secondary outcome measure was the change in neck pain severity measured on a 10-point customised visual analogue scale (VAS). The observed mean difference of NDI and VAS between both groups was -0.80 (95% CI: -3.10, 1.50, p = 0.485, Cohen's d = 0.22) and -0.10 (95% CI: -0.78, 0.58, p = 0.769, Cohen's d = 0.09) after completion of the protocol therapy, respectively. The study inferred that Dalk Layyin Kathir (prolonged gentle massage) with Roghan Gul-i Ᾱkh and Hijama bila Shart (dry cupping) have comparable efficacy and safety in reducing the non-specific neck pain.

Ovicidal and miracicidal activities of Calotropis procera and its green-synthesized nanotized derivative: A quest for new antifasciola agents

Fascioliasis is an important zoonotic disease but treatment with the mainstay drugs poses challenge of parasite resistance. The aim of the study was to determine the anthelmintic efficacy of ethanolic leaf extract of Calotropis procera (CP) and its synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against the eggs and miracidia of Fasciola species. The ethanolic extract of C. procera was used to synthesise its corresponding green-synthesis derivative using silver nitrate (CP-AgNPs). The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX). The ova and miracidia of Fasciola spp. were exposed to 1, 2, and 4 mg/ml CP ethanolic extracts and its corresponding AgNPs. FTIR showed that the formulation was capped with compounds present in the extract. The XRD showed the crystalline property of CP-AgNPs. The SEM image showed clusters of irregularly shape nanoparticles. The ovicidal activities were concentration dependent and showed highest activities 81.02±4.03% and 92.91±1.25% in 4 mg/ml CP and CP-AgNPs respectively (p < 0.05). The LC50 of CP (1.49 mg/ml) was more than 3 folds higher than that of CP-AgNPs (0.47 mg/ml). While CP did not cause miracidia death after 60 min exposure, however, 100% miracidia death were observed within 30 min exposure in all the tested concentration with CP-AgNPs. The positive control (ABZ) only showed 100% mortality after 60 min of exposure of miracidia. The study showed that green-synthesised C. procera nanoparticles showed superior ovicidal and miracicidal activities over C. procera leaf extracts and could be a source of potential antifasciola agent.

Models for predicting broadleaf vegetable responses to green manures mixtures in semi-arid environment

The broadleaf vegetables require large amounts of nutrients to provide a high productivity, and quality products, mainly due to their short period of development and growth. The green manuring has emerged as a viable alternative to provide these requirements for these vegetables, mainly from spontaneous species in the Caatinga biome. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate and estimate the maximum physical and economic efficiencies of lettuce and arugula agro-economic characteristics in monocropping as a function of equitable quantities of Merremia aegyptia and Calotropis procera biomass mixtures at different growing seasons, using polynomial and exponential models, based on the criteria of biological logic of growth and production of the cultures, of significance of the regression mean square, of high value of the coefficient of determination (R2), of significance of the regression parameters, and of maximization of productivity and profit. The types of polynomial and exponential models chosen estimated the lettuce and arugula agro-economic characteristics with good precision and high R2 values. The maximum agronomic (physical) efficiency of the lettuce and arugula was made possible with the incorporation into the soil of 47.38 and 42.23 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera, respectively, and the maximum economic efficiency of production for these leafy vegetables was reached with biomass amounts of 45.96 and 33.61 t ha-1, respectively. The rates of return obtained for lettuce and arugula cultivation for the optimized mixture amounts were 2.6 and 1.5 of those achieved in the control treatment (without fertilization), respectively.

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antidiabetic Applications.

This study was designed to check the potential of secondary metabolites of the selected plants; Citrullus colocynthis, Solanum nigrum, Solanum surattense, Calotropis procera, Agave americana, and Anagallis arvensis for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic agents. Plant material was soaked in ethanol/methanol to get the crude extract, which was further partitioned via solvent extraction technique. GCMS and FTIR analytical techniques were applied to check the compounds responsible for causing antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. It was concluded that about 80% of studied extracts/fractions were active against α-amylase, ranging from 43 to 96%. The highest activity (96.63%) was exhibited by butanol fractions of A. arvensis while the least response (43.65%) was shown by the aqueous fraction of C. colocynthis and the methanol fraction of fruit of S. surattense. The highest antioxidant activity was shown by the ethyl acetate fraction of Anagallis arvensis (78.1%), while aqueous as well as n-hexane fractions are the least active throughout the assay. Results showed that all tested plants can be an excellent source of natural products with potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential. The biological response of these species is depicted as a good therapeutic agent, and, in the future, it can be encapsulated for drug discovery.

Efficacy of leaf extracts of apple of sodom (Calotropis procera) for the control of subterranean termite Odontotermes Obesus

Despite serious safety concerns, Calotropis procera is used for gastrointestinal disorders. The subterranean termites Odontotermes obesus is extremely invading wood pests that cause direct economic losses worth billions of dollars throughout the world particularly in humid and subtropic regions. Leaf extract of Calotropis procera in two solvent hexane and acetone, is used against workers of subterranean termites, mortality. LC50 and tunneling behavior of termites was observed at different concentration of 3%, 7% and 10% respectively and distilled water applied a control. Two solvent hexane and acetone is used for extraction. Data have been analyzed using software Minitab (version 16).

USO DE BIOMASSA DE MERREMIA AEGYPTIA E DE CALOTROPIS PROCERA NO CULTIVO DO COENTRO EM AMBIENTE SEMIÁRIDO

ABSTRACT Green manuring with spontaneous species from the Caatinga has emerged as a viable alternative to supply vegetables with nutrients and thus increase their productivity. This study aimed to evaluate and estimate the maximum physical and economic efficiencies of coriander productive characteristics as a function of equitable biomass amounts of hairy woodrose [Merremia aegyptia (L.) Urban] and roostertree [Calotropis procera (Aiton) W. T.] in different cropping seasons. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five treatments and five replicates. The treatments consisted of green manure amounts (16, 29, 42, 55, and 68 t ha-1 on a dry basis). A treatment without fertilization (control) was used in each experiment. The maximum agronomic efficiency (coriander green mass yield) was possible with the incorporation of equitable amounts of 49.56 t ha-1 of M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass, respectively. The maximum economic efficiency of production (evaluated in terms of net income and rate of return) of this leafy vegetable was achieved with the addition to the soil of 42.68 and 41.64 t ha-1 of biomass of these green manures, respectively. The net income and the rate of return optimized for these amounts of green manures were 30,243.92 R$ ha-1 and 2.79 reais for each real invested in the production of this leafy vegetable. The use of biomass from Merremia aegyptia and Calotropis procera from the Caatinga biome proved to be a viable technology for producers who practice the cultivation of coriander when monocropping in a semiarid environment.

Purification, Partial Characterization, and Evaluation of the Antiulcer Activity of Calotropis procera Leaf Lectin.

Lectins are proteins with therapeutic and diagnostic potential that can be applied in battling various ailments. This study was designed to purify and characterize the hemagglutinating activity derived from the leaves of Calotropis procera and its possible role in protecting the stomach against ethanol-induced lesions. The Calotropis procera leaf lectin (ProLec), was isolated by homogenization of the defatted leaf powder in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) and purified by affinity chromatography on Sephadex G-100. The lectin was eluted from the affinity column by 3% acetic acid and was physicochemically characterized. In a dose-dependent manner, ProLec was administered to rats with ethanol-induced ulcers, and biochemical, histopathological, and toxicological examinations were performed. ProLec is a heterodimer of 75 and 68 kDa. It agglutinated all human RBCs, whereas it showed weak interaction with animal erythrocytes. The protein was optimally active at 25 °C and was labile above this temperature. ProLec exhibited two pH optima and was a metalloprotein requiring Ca, Mn, and Ni. It contains 1.6% tryptophan residues of which about 1% is exposed and critical for lectin activity. The lectin exhibited a potent gastroprotective effect against ethanolinduced gastric lesions with no apparent toxicity to both kidneys and liver. Examination of the pH of the gastric juice of lectin-treated animals indicated a possible role of lectin in maintaining stomach acidity within the normal ranges compared to the gastric juice pH of animals that received ethanol only. These results may suggest that ProLec could conceivably be a good future drug for the treatment of gastric ulcers, however, extensive immunological and toxicological research remains to be done.

Benefícios agroeconômicos no consórcio de rabanete e alface sob adubação verde e densidade de plantio otimizadas

ABSTRACT One of the biggest difficulties in the intercropping of radish-lettuce is to obtain the ideal dose of green manure and the adequate planting density for the crops. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the agro-economic benefits of radish-lettuce intercropping under the influence of green manuring with Merremia aegyptia (hairy woodrose) and Calotropis procera (roostertree) and lettuce population densities in a semi-arid environment, in two cropping seasons. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with treatments arranged in a 4x4 factorial scheme, with 4 replicates. The first factor in this scheme consisted of equitable biomass amounts of M. aegyptia and C. procera at doses of 20, 35, 50 and 65 t/ha on a dry basis, and the second factor of lettuce population densities of 150, 200, 250 and 300 thousand plants/ha. The production of radish and lettuce and its components, in addition to the agroeconomic indicators, system productivity index (SPI), land equivalent coefficient (LEC) and monetary equivalent ratio (MER) were evaluated. The greatest agro-economic benefits of the intercropped radish-lettuce were obtained with SPI of 15.37 t/ha, LEC of 1.27 and MER of 1.30, respectively, in the combination of 65 t/ha of M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass with the lettuce population density of 300 thousand plants/ha. The maximum commercial productivity of radish roots in the intercropping system was 8.45 t/ha in the combination of the biomass amount of 20 t/ha of M. aegyptia and C. procera and lettuce population density of 300 thousand plants/ha, while the maximum lettuce leaf productivity optimized in intercropping was 17.72 t/ha, in the combination of green manures biomass amount of 65 t/ha and population density of 300 thousand plants/ha of lettuce. The use of spontaneous species from the Caatinga biome as green manure in the radish-lettuce intercropping provides optimized agro-economic benefits in a semi-arid environment.

Processing and preservation methods of Wagashi Gassirè, a traditional cheese produced in Benin

PurposeWagashi Gassirè (WG) is a traditional cheese produced from cow milk following local processing methods in Benin. The aim of this study was to describe the milk processing methods and the preservation practices with the objective of improving WG production and sanitary quality. MethodsA survey was carried out among 390 actors (84 dairy farmers, 165 producers, 53 traders, and 88 consumers) from two municipalities (Dassa and Nikki) in Benin. ResultsWG is highly preferred by consumers for its whiteness (63.0%), softness (24.7%), smoothness (19.2%), and firmness (13.7%). WG production is based on the coagulation of milk using Calotropis procera extracts as coagulant. Six milk processing methods, including three new WG production methods were identified, depending on how the C. procera extracts were pre-treated and used during WG production. Boiling (67%) was the most widely used as WG preservation method. The use of aluminium cooking pots (100% of WG producers), WG open-air production (66.7% of producers) and antibiotic misuse (59.3% of dairy farmers) may lead to the chemical or microbiological contamination of WG. ConclusionsSix WG production and six preservation methods were identified after the survey among WG producers and traders. Future studies should assess the sanitary and physico-chemical quality of WG from the identified processing and preservation methods. The next step of research should be also focused on the development of specific standards to produce a better quality of WG.

The Vegetation of the United Arab Emirates Gulf Coast: Description and Analysis

Leandro, P.; Knuteson, S.L., and Bartholomew, A., 2022. The vegetation of the United Arab Emirates Gulf coast: Description and analysis. Journal of Coastal Research, 38(5), 951–967. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. This geobotanical study describes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) mangrove and coastal halophyte plant communities in the intertidal areas and coastal salt flats along part of the UAE Arabian Gulf coast. Nine coastal vegetation association/community groups have been identified with TWINSPAN: Association 1, Avicennietum marinae Chapman, J. 1970.; Association 2, Salicornietum fruticosi Br. Bl. 1928; Association 3, Arthrocnemo macrostachi–Halocnemetum strobiliaci assoc. nova; Association 4, Suaedetum verae (fruticosae) Br. Bl. ex O. Bolós and Molinier 1958; Association 5, Tetraenetum qatarensis assoc. nova; Community 6, Calotropis procera; Community 7, Heliotropium bacciferum and Cornulaca monacantha; Community 8, Prosopis cineraria, and two new communities associated with anthropogenic disturbance; Community 9a, Avicennia marina with Sesuvium portulacastrum; and Community 9b, Avicennia marina with Salicornia fruticosa. Vegetation profiles of each community are presented. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the A. marina communities are associated with: higher salinity of the soil, higher soil CaCO3 content, and higher soil ion concentrations (K+, Mg++, Na+, Cl–). Coastal development has modified the UAE Gulf coast extensively in recent years, and this study describes the coastal plant association/communities, which will be useful for botanists, ecologists, and managers involved in coastal restoration efforts.

Effect of Biocidal Substances on Population Dynamics of Plutella Xylostella Linnaeus, 1758, Auxiliary Insects, and Cabbage Production in the Suburban Area of Dakar

This study was conducted to determine the effects of biopesticides, used in the control of Plutella xylostella, major bioaggressor of cabbage, on its auxiliaries as well as on cabbage quality. It took place in a field of 65 m2, located in Malika, peri-urban area of Dakar. Treatments, based on Crateva religiosa (200g/l), Calotropis procera (400g/l), a mixture of the two products, and the control, were performed every two weeks on a random block device. Analysis of the results was done with the Rstudio software. Results showed that untreated plots were more infested with Plutella xylostella larvae (p-value = 0.01271). Efficacy of Calotropis procera on P. xylostella larvae has been demonstrated. The effect was all the more interesting since auxiliaries were not affected by treatments, as the regular sampling revealed. A satisfactory agronomic result was obtained at the end of this test, with as indicator, a much larger harvest from the treated plots.

Comprehensive assessment of the Calotropis procera natural dye extracts with weather effects for photovoltaic solar cell manufacturing

Comprehensive assessment of the <i>Calotropis procera</i> natural dye extracts with weather effects for photovoltaic solar cell manufacturing

Antibacterial Efficacy of Herbal Solutions in Disinfecting Gutta Percha Cones Against Enterococcus Faecalis.

Objective:Even when endodontic procedures are performed with the utmost care, reinfection can occur. One possible explanation is that contaminated gutta-percha cones were used in the root canals. The study's goal is to assess the antimicrobial activity and efficacy of Neem, Turmeric, and Calotropis Procera in disinfecting gutta percha cones prior to obturation.Materials and Methods:80 Gutta percha (GP) cones were contaminated with 0.5ml Ferlands standard Enterococcus Faecalis for 10 minutes.20 cones each were treated up to 5 minutes in their prepared neem, turmeric, calotropis and sodium hypochlorite solutions. Then, they placed in BHI broth and vertex is done for 1 minute. One loopful of broth was stroked on 20 blood agar plates of 5 each neem, turmeric, calotropis and sodium hypochlorite. The plates were then incubated for 24 hours aerobically at 37°C and the colony forming units were counted with a digital colony counter.Results:Mean colony forming units were compared in all the groups and there was a statistically significant difference present among the groups (p<0.01). Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCL)as control group showed average of 5 colony forming units(CFU). Turmeric had the least average of 55 CFU and was the most effective of the experimental groups. Neem and Calotropis had the higher average of 130 CFU and 200 CFU respectively, making it the least effective of the solutions tested.Conclusion :All of the herbal solutions tested positive for disinfection of GP points. When compared to Neem and Calotropis, Turmeric was the most effective and has superior antibacterial activity.

Nutritional Profile of Different Rangelands Plant Species Grazed by Small and Large Ruminants in Balochistan

This study conducted to know the nutrients composition of different rangelands plant species (grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees) grazed by small and large ruminants in Lasbela region, Balochistan. Fifteen different rangeland plant species were collected from three different areas of Lasbela region and botanically identified by panel as Salvadora persica L, Prospis Juliflora, Suaeda fruticosa, Conolulus glomeratus Choisyin, Calotropis Procera, Prospis Juliflora, Cressa Cretica L, Sehoenus Nigricans L, Datura Alba Solanaceae, Taverniera Spartea, Abutilon Muticuin, Heliotropium Curassavicum, Prosopis Cineraria, Ziziphus Mauritiana and Cynodon Dactylon. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, cell soluble (SC) and organic matter (OM) contents were determined according to the standard procedures. Data collected on nutritive profile of all collected rangeland plant species were statistically analyzed and significance difference was measured among collected rangeland plant species.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of methanol extract of latex of Calotropis procera in rat model of colorectal cancer

Ethnopharmacological relevancePreparations derived from the plant Calotropis procera, have been used for medicinal purpose though the plant is known for its toxic effects. The aerial parts of the plant contain latex in plenty and have been found effective in treating disorders of gastrointestinal system and cancer. Aim of the studyThis study evaluated the efficacy of C. procera dried latex extract prepared in methanol (MeDL) against inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental model of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Materials and methodsTwo subcutaneous injections of chemical carcinogen, 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH; 150 mg/kg) were given at an interval of one week to induce CRC in rats. The MeDL (50 and 150 mg/kg) and aspirin (60 mg/kg) were given daily and their effect was evaluated on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation after completion of 8 weeks following second injection of carcinogen. A comparison was made with normal and experimental control groups. The colon tissue levels of glutathione (GSH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitrite and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and immunohistochemical analysis was performed for IL-1β. ResultsInduction of cancerous changes in the colon resulted in altered oxidative homeostasis as evident from a reduction in GSH level and SOD activity and rise in TBARS level when compared with normal rats. Elevated levels of nitrite, MPO, TNF-α, PGE2 and immunoreactivity of IL-1β were also observed in these rats. The levels of these markers were normalized when the rats were treated with MeDL or anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation contributes to the beneficial effect of MeDL in rat model of colon carcinogenesis.

Ethno-botanical survey of medicinal plants used traditionally in the treatment of mental disorders in Kano, Nigeria

Purpose: To identify medicinal plants used by traditional medicine practitioners to treat mental disorders within Kano metropolis, Nigeria.Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered. It was made up of demographic information (Section A), description of the medicinal plants (Section B), and the professional experience of the respondents (Section C). The data generated were recorded, processed and analyzed.Results: 255 responses were collected from 127 respondents. Among the participants, 101 (79 %) were male and 26 (21 %) were female. The age groups less than 31 years were 22 (17 %), 31 - 40 years were 29 (23 %), 41 - 50 years were 45 (36 %), and above 51 years were 31 (24 %). The sources of knowledge identified include ancestral (83 %), ancestral/training (9 %), training (6 %), and divination (2 %). Out of the total responses, fifty (50) different medicinal plants with various claims in the treatment of mental disorders were reported. The most commonly stated medicinal plants were Securidaca longepedunculata (8.6 %), Jatropha curcas (7.5 %), Solanum aethiopicum (7.1 %), Artemesia annua (6.7 %), Terminalia macroptera (6.3 %), Aristolochia albida (5.9 %), Nigella sativa (5.5 %), Andira inermis (5.5 %), Calotropis procera (5.1 %), and Burkea africana (4.7 %).Conclusion: This survey revealed fifty medicinal plants used traditionally in the treatment of mental disorders within Kano metropolis.

Desempenho produtivo e eficiência agroeconômica do consórcio rabanete-rúcula sob adubação verde e densidade de plantio

ABSTRACT The cultivation of radish with arugula in strip-intercropped systems is growing in semi-arid environments. The great challenge has been to assess whether there is agro-economic efficiency in the intercrops when fertilized with plant biomass of spontaneous species from the Caatinga biome. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the productive and economic viability of radish and arugula strip-intercrops fertilized with Merremia aegyptia and Calotropis procera biomass equitable amounts from the Caatinga biome at different population densities of arugula at two cropping years. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with the treatments arranged in a 4x4 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The first factor was constituted by four biomass equitable amounts of M. aegyptia and C. procera (20, 35, 50 and 65 t ha-1 on a dry basis), and the second factor by the population densities of arugula plants [40, 60, 80 and 100% of the recommended density for single crop (RDSC)] intercropped with 100% of the radish RDSC. The highest agro-economic advantages of radish and arugula intercropping were obtained for a land equivalent coefficient (LEC) and monetary equivalent ratio (MER) of 0.55 and 1.35, respectively, for M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass amounts of 54.75 and 54.55 t ha-1 added to the soil. The arugula population density of 100% of the RDSC provided the greatest agro-economic efficiency of the intercropped system of radish with arugula with LEC and MER of 0.58 and 1.33, respectively. The use of M. aegyptia and C. procera biomass from the Caatinga biome, proved to be a viable technology for producers who practice the cultivation of radish and arugula in intercropped systems in a semi-arid environment. The concern of the farmer regarding the preservation of natural resources, as well as with the search for a better quality of life, circumvents the possible limitations that the environment may offer in a given intercropping crop. The option by intercropping system can provide to producers viable alternatives to optimize the planted area, in addition to greater productivity and economic stability of activities on the rural property.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF Calotropis procera OF TOXICITY OF MERCURIC CHLORIDE VIA ROUTE OF BIOCHEMISTRY PARAMETERS

Mercury chloride is one of the most dangerous metals for health due to its volatility and its rapidity to pass through the human body. We undertook this study with the aim of investigating the detoxification of mercury chloride by the Calotropis procera plant taken from the Algerian Sahara. In this study, the toxicity of mercury chloride affected the kidney weights of male and female rats through increased weight. On the other hand, the plant Calotropis procera demonstrated a beneficial effect by restoring the weight of the kidneys. The results of this study demonstrated that the plant Calotropis procera. procera has a beneficial effect on the liver, which was able to restore its weight affected by the mercury chloride. Treatment of male and female rats with mercury chloride has also been found to lower blood urea levels, uric acid, proteins total, alkaline phosphatase and direct, indirect, total bilirubin levels. This toxicant caused an increase in blood sugar levels, blood creatinine, in male and female rats. Our results demonstrated no effect of mercury chloride and of the plant on cholesterol levels and triglycerides in female rats. No change in albumin levels was found in male and female rats. However, mercury chloride was found to increase cholesterol and triglyceride levels in male rats. The Calotropis procera plant restored cholesterol and triglycerides in male rats. This study can help to clarify that the detoxification of mercury chloride by Calotropis procera act directly on liver and kidney by ameliorating uric acid, blood sugar, creatinine, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, urea, total protein.

POSTHARVEST MANAGEMENT OF GRAY MOULD DISEASE THROUGH BIOLOGICAL AND SYSTEMIC CHEMICALS

Gray mould disease caused by Botrytis cineria of different economically important crops, on more than 500 species of plants, with 10 to 100 billion dollars losses throughout the world. Grey mould disease is considered as a major postharvest disease of different fruits especially apple, strawberry and grapes. Fungicides are the main source of the management of the postharvest diseases. Along with fungicide different medicinal plants like Citrullus colocynthis, Calotropis procera and Capparis decidua are used an antifungal agent against different post-harvest diseases of fruits caused by Botrytis cineria. Citrullus colocynthis inhibit 77.9% growth rate at 200ppm concentration. Topes’ (100EC) fungicide inhibits growth of Botrytis cineria by 83.5% at 150ppm concentration but at 200ppm concentration growth inhibition % remain same as 150ppm concentration. During management plants extracts and systemic fungicide were used for fruits coating. CRD (Completely randomized design) was used in lab and for greenhouse experiments. For comparing the differences between the means (LSD) was used at the 5% variation. The ultimate aim of present research to increase shelf life of fruits product and reduce their postharvest loss that cause economic losses.