Crude Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effects of the Punica granatum Peels Extracts Against some Pathogenic Bacteria: An In vivo and In vitro Study

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of Punica granatum extract on such pathogenic bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Materials and methods: The samples from 130 patients with skin infections in Baghdad, Iraq, aged between 15 and 60 over years were collected for this study. The study collected. Each isolate was positively identified using morphological, cultural, and biochemical assays as detailed in the reference. The P. granatum peels were air-dried and powdered. Then 25g were extracted using 500 mL of water and ethanol on Soxhlet equipment for 72 hours. The extracts were then cooled, filtered, and concentrated at 40oC to get the crude extract; it was kept at four degrees centigrade in dark vials until use. The extracts were tested for the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, as well as steroidal terpenes. The efficacy of antimicrobial effects was calculated using well-diffusion techniques on Muller Hinton Agar (MHA). The plates were injected with a standardized suspension of the test isolates against McFarland tube 0.5. Five wells, each measuring five millimeters in diameter, were evenly spaced out using a sterile standard core borer. The well bottoms were sealed with sterile molten nutritional agar to prevent the extract from leaking out from beneath the agar. The aqueous and ethanolic crude extracts dissolved in DMSO served as positive controls, while sterile water and 10% DMSO served as negative controls. Each extract was diluted to a final concentration of 50, 100, or 200mg/ml, and 25 ml was added to the appropriate well on the infected plate. The plates were then incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. A millimeter-calibrated ruler was used to measure the size of the resultant inhibitory zones. The zone of inhibition of the test microorganisms at that dose was calculated as the mean of three measurements. Results: Clinical isolates of E. coli and S. aureus were inhibited by pomegranate extracts at a concentration of 200mg/ml compared to other concentrations, and this extract concentration showed a non-significant difference with chloramphenicol (P<0.01). The study revealed that pomegranate peel extract significantly reduced E. coli levels in feces and increased survival rates in rats. On the first day, E. coli concentrations were much higher in the control group (G2) compared to the treatment group (G3). By day 6, all rats in the control group had died, while all rats in the treatment group survived. Pomegranate peel extract shows notable antibacterial properties, impacting bacterial membrane permeability and cell survival. The variation in extract composition affects its efficacy. Conclusion, Pomegranate peel extract significantly reduced E. coli levels and improved survival rates in rats. On day 6, all rats in the control group died, while all in the treatment group survived. The extract's antibacterial effects and impact on bacterial membranes highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent.

Antimicrobial Effect of Waterborne Polyurethane-Based Cellulose Nanofibril/Silver Nanoparticles Composites and Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC Extract (Shikakai).

Antimicrobial coatings are becoming increasingly popular in functional material modification and are essential in addressing microbial infection challenges. In this study, the phytochemical and antimicrobial potential of aqueous, 80% methanol and 80% ethanol pod extracts of Acacia concinna (Willd.) DC (AC) and its application in the green in situ (one pot) synthesis of silver nanoparticles on Cellulose nano fibrils (CNF) and Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) were prepared. The phytochemical evaluation of Acacia concinna crude extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids. The surface plasmon Resonance peak of CNF/AC-AgNPs was 450 nm and the FTIR result confirmed functional groups such as carbonyl, phenols and carboxyl were present which was important for the bio-reduction of silver nanoparticles. The crude AC aqueous pods extract against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared with AC ethanol and AC methanol extracts. The WPU/CNF/AC-AgNPs composite dispersion was also good in terms of its antibacterial activities. The WPU/CNF/AC-AgNPs nanocomposites could be applied as bifunctional nanofillers as an antimicrobial agent in food packaging systems and other biological applications.

Exploring the Potential of Turmeric as a Natural Antibacterial Agent: In Vitro Evaluation of Crude Paste and Aqueous Extract

Background: There is growing concern in the use of natural antimicrobial compounds due to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. One such contender is turmeric (Curcuma longa), an herb known for its usage in medicine for centuries; nowadays, however, its prospects in pharmacology are being actively discussed. Since access and utilization of modern health care is scarce in Bangladesh, such natural cures are worth researching. Objective: To assess the in vitro antibacterial activity of turmeric’s crude paste and aqueous extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: The study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology with the collaboration of Department of Microbiology, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, over a period of one year from July 2010 to June 2011, and it consisted of three experiments: Effects of crude turmeric paste incorporated in nutrient agar media, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Aqueous Turmeric Extract and Amikacin by broth dilution method, and Subculture method to confirm bactericidal effect. Results: CTP demonstrated effective growth of S. aureus at 10% concentration and E. coli at 30% concentration. The MIC of ATE was found to be 800 μg/ml for S. aureus and 2000 μg/ml for E. coli. The MIC for amikacin was 10 μg/ml for both organisms. These effects have been further substantiated in subculture studies regarding their bactericidal properties. Conclusion: From the findings of the current study, it is evident that both turmeric and its crude paste had profound antibacterial effects against S. aureus and E. coli, though the effect of crude paste was observed to be stronger than that of the aqueous extract. Although not as strong as Amikacin, its organic nature and possibility of side effects make it worth pursuing. Hence, this work adds to the literature on the fact that turmeric has health benefits as highlighted by traditional medical practice and points to the need to find new natural sources of .............

Phytocompound profiling and GC-MS analysis of Lantana camara leaf extract

The primary objective of this investigation was to conduct an initial analysis of the chemical composition of Lantana camara leaves, with a specific focus on identifying potential pharmacologically active compounds. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to perform a preliminary phytochemical screening on various leaf extracts. The results identified multiple classes of phytoconstituents in Lantana camara leaves, including steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids, quinones, carbohydrates, alkaloids, and phenols. A detailed analysis of the crude aqueous extract using GC-MS identified several biologically active components, such as 13-docosenamide, alpha-hydroxyisocaproic acid, cyclo(L-prolyl-L-valine), and 2,5-piperazinedione etc. These compounds were present in varying proportions, indicating a complex chemical composition within the leaves of Lantana camara. The study's findings suggest that these identified chemicals may contribute to the plant's pharmacological properties and hold significant potential for innovative medical applications. The plant's bioactive compounds, including pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexadecanoic acid, hexahydro and oleic acid, point to a wide range of possible therapeutic benefits. This investigation provides valuable insights into the chemical constituents of Lantana camara and underscores the potential significance of these compounds in medicinal research. Furthermore, it opens up promising avenues for future studies and the exploration of new pharmaceutical opportunities.

<i>Iv vitro</i> synergistic antimicrobial interactions between the extract of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> and antibiotics against <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>

This study aims to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial interactions between crude aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica and standard antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, and norfloxacin. Using checkerboard techniques with Bacillus subtilis as the test microorganism, the synergistic effect of Azadirachta indica and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin), was determined. The checkerboard assay presented FIC indices indicative of synergy, particularly notable with the combination of A. indica extract and the antibiotics. Specifically, with the 4:6, 8:2, and 9:1 ratios of ciprofloxacin and 1.9 to 9:1 of norfloxacin. These results suggest a potentiation of antibacterial effects when the plant extract is used in conjunction with conventional antibiotics. The synergistic interaction could potentially reduce the required doses of antibiotics, thereby minimizing side effects and the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Plant extracts and commercial products for controlling black spot and inducing resistance in rose bushes

Rose is one of the most appreciated flowers in the world; however, fungal diseases can affect its production, decreasing its commercial value. Thus, the objective of this work was to assess the potential of extracts of medicinal plants and commercial products based on plant extracts, plant oils, and potassium phosphite to control black spot (Diplocarpon rosae) in roses by evaluating the activation of plant defense mechanisms. The treatments consisted of using crude aqueous extract (CAE) of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves; CAE of Equisetum arvense stems; CAE of Moringa oleifera seeds; commercial product (CP) based on fermented plant extracts; CP based on potassium phosphite; CP based on plant oils; CP based on citrus mass; and fungicide. Severity of black spot disease, and yield, biometry, chlorophyll contents, and enzyme activity of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase in rose plants were evaluated. The treatments presented no difference from the control (water) for disease incidence and severity and yield. However, the longest stem was found in rose plants in the treatment with potassium phosphite-based commercial product, whereas the thickest stems were found in the three treatments with commercial products. The highest enzyme specific activities of peroxidase, catalase, and polyphenoloxidase were found in plants treated with potassium phosphite, CAE of M. oleifera, and CAE of R. officinalis. The results found showed that the tested natural products did not control black spot in rose bushes, despite their positive effect on plant physiology.

Fractionated Leaf Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Inhibit the Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis of A549 Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Previous in vitro studies in our laboratory demonstrated that ethyl acetate (P2) and water- soluble (PS/PT1) fractionated leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum inhibit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. It has been reported that the crude aqueous extract induces apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells; however, the efficacy of the fractionated extracts against these cells remains unclear. In the present study, we hypothesized that the ability of the fractionated extracts to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis is associated with the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and induction of DNA condensation in A549 cells. Ocimum gratissimum was cultivated and its leaves were harvested, extracted, and fractionated to produce fractions P2 and PS/PT1. Anti-proliferative activity was assessed by direct cell count. For morphological characterization of apoptosis, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining was employed. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the apoptotic activity of the fractionated extracts. In data generated from anti-proliferation studies, P2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner; PS/PT1 elicited a decrease in the viability of cells, occurring at 500 µg/mL. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining revealed the induction of apoptosis, as evidenced by the formation of apoptotic bodies. Increased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins were observed as the concentrations of the fractionated extracts increased. These results suggest that fractionated leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of A549 cells.

Continuous and Intermittent Exposure to the Toxigenic Cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa Differentially Affects the Survival and Reproduction of Daphnia curvirostris.

Anthropic eutrophication leads to water quality degradation because it may cause the development of harmful cyanobacterial blooms, affecting aquatic biota and threatening human health. Because in the natural environment zooplankters are exposed continuously or intermittently to cyanotoxins in the water or through cyanobacterial consumption, this study aimed to assess the effects of the toxigenic Microcystis aeruginosa VU-5 by different ways of exposure in Daphnia curvirostris. The acute toxicity produced by the cells, the aqueous crude extract of cells (ACE), and the cell-free culture medium (CFM) were determined. The effect on the survival and reproduction of D. curvirostris under continuous and intermittent exposure was determined during 26 d. The LC50 was 407,000 cells mL-1; exposure to the ACE and CFM produced mortality lower than 20%. Daphnia survivorship and reproduction were significantly reduced. Continuous exposure to Microcystis cells caused 100% mortality on the fourth day. Exposure during 4 and 24 h in 48 h cycles produced adult mortality, and reproduction decreased as the exposure time and the Microcystis concentrations increased. The higher toxicity of cells than the ACE could mean that the toxin's absorption is higher in the digestive tract. The temporary exposure to Microcystis cells produced irreversible damage despite the recovery periods with microalgae as food. The form and the continuity in exposure to Microcystis produced adverse effects, warning about threats to the zooplankton during HCBs.

Nematicidal Potential of Green Chiretta Extracts Against Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. Incognita: In vitro Assessment for Agricultural Application

Root-knot nematodes pose a persistent threat to various economically important crops in Thailand, with limited available management strategies for farmers. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of aqueous (AE), methanolic (ME), ethanolic (EE), ethyl acetate (EAE), and chloroform (CE) crude extracts derived from green chiretta in controlling Meloidogyne enterolobii and M. incognita under laboratory conditions. The results demonstrated significant inhibitory effects of all crude extracts, except for CE, against both nematode species. Notably, AE (10 and 20 mg/mL), ME (20 mg/mL), and EE (20 mg/mL) treatments exhibited maximum inhibition of hatching, leading to a considerable reduction in nematode hatch rates by 87.5 - 96.8 % for M. enterolobii and 88.5 - 96.5 % for M. incognita, compared with distilled water (DW). In terms of second-stage juveniles (J2s) mortality, AE (10 and 20 mg/mL), ME (20 mg/mL), and EAE (20 mg/mL) demonstrated the highest nematicidal activity, resulting in mortality rates of 94.2 - 100 % for M. enterolobii and 92.2 - 99.2 % for M. incognita. Chemotaxis assays revealed a repellent effect of all extracts on both nematode species, except for the ethyl acetate extract (EAE), which attracted M. incognita J2s without affecting M. enterolobii J2s. The observed efficacy was attributed to the higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids, in the extracts compared to CE. Based on these in vitro findings, it is suggested that AE, ME, EE, and EAE of green chiretta exhibit significant nematicidal activity against M. enterolobii and M. incognita. Further evaluation under greenhouse and field conditions is warranted to ascertain the practical applicability and effectiveness of these extracts in a real-world agricultural setting.

Antimalarial efficacy test of the aqueous crude leaf extract of Coriandrum sativum Linn.: an in vivo multiple model experimental study in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei

BackgroundMalaria continues to wreak havoc on the well-being of the community. Resistant parasites are jeopardizing the treatment. This is a wake-up call for better medications. Folk plants are the key starting point for antimalarial drug discovery. After crushing and mixing the leaves of Coriandrum sativum with water, one cup of tea is drunk daily for a duration of three to five days as a remedy for malaria by local folks in Ethiopia. Additionally, in vitro experiments conducted on the plant leaf extract elsewhere have also demonstrated the plant’s malaria parasite inhibitory effect. There has been no pharmacologic research to assert this endowment in animals, though. This experiment was aimed at evaluating the antimalarial efficacy of C. sativum in Plasmodium berghei infected mice.MethodsThe plant's leaf was extracted using maceration with distilled water. The extract was examined for potential acute toxicity. An evaluation of secondary phytoconstituents was done. Standard antimalarial screening models (prophylactic, chemosuppressive, curative tests) were utilized to assess the antiplasmodial effect. In each test, thirty mice were organized into groups of five. To the three categories, the test substance was given at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day before or after the commencement of P. berghei infection. Positive and negative control mice were provided Chloroquine and distilled water, respectively. Rectal temperature, parasitemia, body weight, survival time and packed cell volume were ultimately assessed. Analysis of the data was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.ResultsNo toxicity was manifested in mice. The extract demonstrated a significant inhibition of parasitemia (p < 0.05) in all the models. The inhibition of parasite load was highest with the upper dose in the suppressive test (82.74%) followed by the curative procedure (78.49%). Likewise, inhibition of hypothermia, weight loss hampering, improved survival and protection against hemolysis were elicited by the extract.ConclusionsThe results of our experimental study revealed that the aqueous crude leaf extract of C. sativum exhibits significant antimalarial efficacy in multiple in vivo models involving mice infected with P. berghei. Given this promising therapeutic attribute, in depth investigation on the plant is recommended.

Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Crude Gymnema inodorum Leaf Extract against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) causes nosocomial infections with high mortality and morbidity rates. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of aqueous crude Gymnema inodorum leaf extract (GIE) against the VREF ATCC 700221 strain. The antimicrobial activity of GIE against VREF was performed using disk diffusion and broth microdilution. The antibiofilm activities were evaluated using the crystal violet staining assay. The antioxidant potential was evaluated. Preliminary screening of the antimicrobial activity of 50 and 100 µg/disk of GIE against VREF revealed inhibition zones of 8.33 ± 0.58 mm and 8.67 ± 0.29 mm, respectively. Additionally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against VREF were 125 and ≥ 250 mg/mL, respectively. SEM analysis showed that treatment with GIE caused morphological changes, including incomplete cell division, damaged cell walls, and cell content leakage, suggesting a disruption of bacterial cells. GIE also inhibited and eradicated biofilms formed by VREF. The extract exhibited antioxidant activities in the DPPH and ABTS assays. While GIE shows potential as an antibacterial and antibiofilm agent, further studies are necessary to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and optimize its use for therapeutic applications.

Efficacy of Extracts of Bishop's Flower &lt;i&gt;Ammi majus&lt;/i&gt; against Black Bean Aphid &lt;i&gt;Aphis fabae&lt;/i&gt; Scopoli

Experiments were performed in the laboratory of the Biological Control Department at the Al-Mussaib Technical College during February-July, 2023 for evaluating the efficacy of crude aqueous and alcoholic extracts of flowers and leaves of Bishop’s flower Ammi majus against the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli, results revealed that the hot water extract proved superior to cold water extract and hot water extract of flowers was superior compared to leaf extract with mortality of 29.7% nymphs and adults 19.6% respectively.

Insecticidal activity on Tribolium castaneum and Phenacoccus solenopsis and characterization of active phytonanoparticles

Phytonanoparticles can be used as an alternative method for pest control in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of mono, bi and trimetallic phytonanoparticles (PNPs) synthesized from cachanilla (Pluchea sericea Nutt. Coville) and epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.) against the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) and the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis). Overall, T. castaneum showed greater sensitivity to PNPs than P. solenopsis. The trimetallic PNPs, Zn/Cu/Mn of P. sericea showed significantly higher effect against T. castaneum than the crude aqueous extract of P. sericea. No other PNPs showed more effect than their respective aqueous plant extract. Physicochemical characterization of the most active PNPs showed that the Zn/Cu/Mn NP of P. sericea had a strong zeta potential of +200 mV, hydrodynamic size of 16 nm, and contains zinc (6.73%), copper (0.13%), and manganese (4.69%). This study suggests that the trimetallic Zn/Cu/Mn PNPs of P. sericea have high insecticidal effect on T. castaneum, but low toxicity on P. solenopsis. Additional research on the mode of action of PNPs on insect targets is required.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Investigations of Extracts from the Leaves of Macaranga heterophylla (Müll. Arg.) (Euphorbiaceae), A Medicinal Species used in Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: This work aims to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of the leaves of Macaranga heterophylla. Methodology: For this purpose, phytochemical screening by detection tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC), determination of total phenols content, total flavonoids content and condensed tannins content, and assessment of antioxidant potential by DPPH and reducing power tests were carried out on aqueous crude extracts, ethanolic crude extracts and selective extracts of the leaves of M. heterophylla. Results: The percentage yields obtained with ethanol (70%) (28.90 and 24.70% for the ethanolic decoction and ethanolic macerate respectively) are higher than those obtained with water (24.30 and 21.10% for the aqueous decoction and aqueous macerate respectively). The phytochemical screening highlighted the presence of several phytochemical families such as phenolic compounds (coumarins, flavones, tannins), quinones, sterols and polyterpenes, saponosides, glycosides, cardiotonic glycosides and oligosaccharides. Quantitative analysis of total phenolics, total flavonoids and proanthocyanidols showed that their respective levels in the leaves of M. heterophylla varied depending on the solvent and the extraction technique. Concerning total phenolics, the aqueous decoction and ethanolic macerate gave the best total phenol contents (129.04 ± 9.53 and 119.82 ± 2.63 mg EAG/g DM respectively); for total flavonoids, the aqueous decoction gave the best content (33.03 ± 1.61 mg EQ/g DM), while for condensed tannins, the aqueous macerate gave the best content (0.87 ± 0.02 mg ECT/g DM). With regard to DPPH antioxidant activity, the results showed that the ethanolic decoction has more pronounced antioxidant activity than the aqueous decoction, while the aqueous macerate showed better antioxidant activity than the ethanolic macerate. Concerning the reducing power test, the opposite trend was observed. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that M. heterophylla is a concentrate of secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties, which would explain its use in traditional medicinal practice.

Phytochemicals, antioxidant ability and in vitro anthelmintic activity of crude extracts from Vitexnegundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic effect of crude aqueous, methanol, ethanol, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts of Vitex negundo leaves against Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae. Phytochemical analysis to identify the number of compounds in extracts was done by chemical tests and gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrophotometer detector (GC-MS). First off all the effectiveness of dried plant materials was evaluated on larval development by mixing powdered material (no nano particles) to faecal cultures from donor sheep. Adding powder to the faecal culture resulted into 100% inhibition in larval development at 200 and 300mg/g of faeces. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatch assay (EHA) and the larval mortality assay (LMA). Comparison of mean inhibition percentage of egg embryonation, mean inhibition percentage of egg hatching and mean percentage of larval mortality at different concentrations with control was performed by one-way ANOVA. The means were compared for statistical significance using DMRT at P < 0.05. For both the assays, 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and lethal concentration (LC50) were calculated by probit analysis. Chemical test revealed presence of high concentration of saponin and flavoinoids and moderate concentration of total phenols in leaves. The antioxidant activity (radical scavenging activity, RSA %) measured was 35.47%. On GC-MS, the methanolic leaves extract revealed 30 phyto-compounds. On EHA, there was marked effect on inhibition of egg hatching by aqueous, hydro alcohol and acetone extracts. On LMA all the five extracts showed excellent larvicidal activity. V. negundo leaves methanol extract mediated silver nanoparticles were found very effective at much lower concentrations as compared to crude methanol extract. The results indicated that the V. negundo leaves crude extracts possessed excellent in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal properties against H. contortus which needs more investigation, especially in vivo trials for the control of parasite.

Phytomediated stress modulates antioxidant status, induces overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, α-esterase, and suppresses the ABC transporter in Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) exposed to Ocimum tenuiflorum extracts.

The incorporation of phytoactive compounds in the management of malarial vectors holds promise for the development of innovative and efficient alternatives. Nevertheless, the molecular and physiological responses that these bioactive substances induce remain underexplored. This present study investigated the toxicity of different concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum against larvae of Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) and unraveled the possible underlying molecular pathways responsible for the observed physiological effects. FTIR and GCMS analyses of phytoactive compounds in aqueous and methanol crude extracts of O. tenuiflorum showed the presence of OH stretching vibration, C = C stretching modes of aromatics and methylene rocking vibration; ring deformation mode with high levels of trans-β-ocimene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene in aqueous extract and 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 1,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexane and o-cymene in methanol extract. The percentage mortality upon exposure to methanol and aqueous extracts of O. tenuiflorum were 21.1% and 26.1% at 24 h, 27.8% and 36.1% at 48 h and 36.1% and 45% at 72 h respectively. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), down-regulation of ABC transporter, overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, and α-esterase, coupled with significantly increased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, were observed in An. gambiae (s.s.) exposed to aqueous and methanol extracts of O. tenuiflorum as compared to the control. Findings from this study have significant implications for our understanding of how An. gambiae (s.s.) larvae detoxify phytoactive compounds.

Marching towards bioeconomy: Larvicidal effect of three indigenous plant extracts from Sri Lanka—Garcinia quaesita, Garcinia zeylanica, and Coleus hadiensis on dengue vector Aedes aegypti

AbstractBioeconomy would be a beneficial solution for funding through the rational use of finances and human resources in order to achieve better productivity and fruitfulness of mosquito control programs. Synthetic insecticides are widely used to repress mosquitoes. However, it instigates problems such as insecticide resistance among mosquitoes such as developing resistance, bio‐accumulation, and ecosystem destabilization. Natural plant‐based products are a healthy alternative to use as mosquito larvicides. The country has to spend a considerable cost for buying synthetic insecticides too. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate larvicidal efficacy of Garcinia zeylanica, Garcinia quaesita, and Coleus hadiensis against Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. Fresh leaves of plants were collected, and the aqueous crude extract was prepared. Phytochemicals were extracted using refluxing technique. A concentration series of crude extract of leaves were prepared separately from 20 to 100 mg/L. Batches of each containing 100 third instar larvae of Ae. aegypti were used for larval bioassays. Ae. aegypti mosquito larvae were evaluated in accordance with the guidelines of World Health Organization. The experimental setup was repeated four times at each concentration. Probit analysis was used to evaluate the relationship of mortality with the concentration of aqueous crude extract. The G. zeylanica and G. quaesita leaf extracts showed a dose‐dependent effect against Ae. aegypti larvae after the 24 and 48 h exposure period. Interestingly, C. hadiensis did not show any dose‐dependent effect against A. aegypti mosquito larvae. The percentage mortality rates have shown a significant variance among different concentrations (P = 0.000). The recorded LC50 and LC90 for aqueous crude extract of G. zeylanica were 27.167 and 52.861 g/L, respectively, and LC50 and LC90 for aqueous crude extract of G. quaesita were 36.841 and 76.036 g/L, respectively, after 24 h of exposure period. The G. zeylanica and G. quaesita plant's high larvicidal activity is supported by the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, steroids, flavonoids, and phenol, which showed combination effects in terms of larvicidal action to mosquito larvae. Hence, there is a potential of G. zeylanica and G. quaesita aqueous leaf extracts as a key source for the development of an environment‐friendly plant‐based larvicide against Ae. aegypti. Hence, this warrants vector control entities to re‐think “biological wealth for economic prosperity” with environmentally friendly country‐wide control approaches for medically important disease vectors.

Phytochemical investigation, in-vitro antiplasmodial assessment and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria (Benth)

Crotataria arenaria (Benth) is a native plant from Northern part of Nigeria which is employed as antimalarial herb in traditional medicine in the communities where it grows. The phytochemical composition, In-vitro antiplasmodial activity and in-vitro cytotoxic effect of the extract and fractions of the whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria were investigated. The mature and fresh whole plant of C. arenaria were collected, air dried and pulverized. The pulverized form of the plant were soaked in ethanol for two weeks and later decanted, filtered and concentrated using rotatory evaporator at 40oC and evaporated to dryness and labeled CRA-1. The dried ethanol solid extract (CRA-1) was patitioned/fractionated using water, chloroform, ethyl acetate, 18% aqueous methanol, n-hexane which afforded chloroform fraction (CRA-1-01), water fraction (CRA-1-02), ethyl acetate fraction (CRA-1-03) aqueous methanol fraction (CRA-1-04) and n-hexane (CRA - 1- 05) and they were dried and tested for their photochemicals and In-vitro antiplasmdial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain (K1). The ethanol extract and its fractions were found to significantly inhibited/suppressed multi-drug resistant strain of P. falciparium (K1) in the range of 86.73% - 65.31% at varied concentrations of 5000 µg/ml, 2000 µg/ml, 1000 µg/ml and 500 µg/ml. The ethanol extract and its fractions showed the presence of tannins, saponins and alkaloids which could be responsible for the In-vitro antiplasmodial activity of the whole plant extract of C. arenaria and each of its fractions. Ethanol crude extracts of whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria and its fractions were investigated for cytotoxicity in Brine shrimp lethality Test (BSLT). Larvicidal activities were noticed with dosage concentration from 1000 µg/ml down to 10 µg/ml of the plant extract and all its fractions. The relative cytotoxic effects of extract and fractions obtained from whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria were found to be dose-dependent because higher dosage brought about an increase in mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Sea salty water of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions served as the negative control. The chloroform fraction was observed to be most cytotoxic killing 30% of brine shrimp larvae at lowest concentration of 10 µg/ml with average percentage lethality of 46.67%. Aqueous methanol and ethanol crude extract appears to show similar and closely related activities against brine shrimp larvae at highest concentration of 1000 µg/ml. The ethanol crude extract and aqueous methanol fractions are toxic at higher dosage as they were found to induce significant mortality effect (In-vitro) against Artemia salina Leach particularly at concentration of 1000 µg/ml and therefore not safe for oral consumption especially at higher uncontrolled doses but at relatively low/moderate doses. The findings in this present study demonstrated that the extract of C. arenaria (whole plant) and fractions have significant in vitro antiplasmodial activity and this has justified the traditional use of the whole plant extract of Crotaria arenaria in the folklore medicine to cure malaria related illness. The results obtained in this study may serve as key data for utilization of Crotalaria arenaria in the development of bioactive agents which could be used as antimalarial, anticancer, pesticidal, insecticidal and anti-proliferation agents. The study recommended in-vivo antiplasmodial assay of the extract of the whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria to further substantiate the findings of this present study.

Chemical fingerprinting, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer potential of greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles from pistachio (Pistacia vera) nuts and senna (Cassia angustifolia Vahl.) leaves.

There is a growing interest in standardizing the biocompatible, cost-effective, and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques for metallic nanostructures due to their widespread applications in the industrial and medical sectors. In recent decades, green synthesis has been proven as the most suitable technique for synthesizing metal nanoparticles. The present research study investigates the use of Cassia angustifolia (senna) leaves and Pistacia vera (Pistachio) nuts to prepare crude aqueous extracts, ethanolic extracts, and biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The prepared aqueous extracts were used as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents for the production of silver nanoparticles. These AgNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The outcomes validated the formation of stable AgNPs with bioactive functional components. Invitro antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials were assessed by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test, MIC test, MBC test, MTT assay, BSA denaturation inhibition assay, and DPPH antioxidant assay, respectively. Results confirmed that the tested plant extract possesses a variety of bioactive compounds with various biological activities and is therapeutically effective. These findings verified that C. angustifolia and P. vera are promising bioresources for the synthesis of therapeutic extracts and nanostructures with commendable therapeutic potency.

Safety assessment of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark: acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies.

Annona senegalensis Pers., (wild custard apple), is a shrub used traditionally to treat respiratory and skin diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-malaria, anti-snake envenomation and anti-cancer activities. However, its toxicological profile remains limited, particularly in male and female animals. This study aims to evaluate the safety of crude aqueous methanol extract of Annona senegalensis stem bark (AMEAS) through acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. The stem bark of A. senegalensis was collected, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using 70% methanol. Phytochemical screening, elemental analysis, and acute toxicity evaluation were carried out on AMEAS. Sub-chronic toxicity study was conducted on Wistar rats of both sexes at different doses administered orally for 28 days. Elemental analysis revealed the presence of heavy metals and essential mineral elements with the highest contents being calcium (59.88%) and potassium (25.39%). Acute toxicity testing showed no mortality up to 5000 mg/kg, suggesting an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, no mortality or significant harmful effects were observed. The blood glucose decreased from 13.68 mMol/L at 250 mg/kg to 10.71 mMol/L at 1000 mg/kg, much lower than the distilled water group (17.06 mMol/L). In conclusion, the extract appeared to be well-tolerated, with no obvious adverse effects. AMEAS is rich in Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K). It has been shown to have LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg and is assumed to be safe. On repeated use, AMEAS may cause hypoglycemia and weight loss which may be useful in managing diabetes and obesity respectively.