Aqueous Fruit Extract Research Articles

Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam. at the Forefront of Pharma to Confront Zika Virus and Microbial Infections-An In Vitro and In Silico Perspective.

The recent emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil and the increasing resistance developed by pathogenic bacteria to nearly all existing antibiotics should be taken as a wakeup call for the international authority as this represents a risk for global public health. The lack of antiviral drugs and effective antibiotics on the market triggers the need to search for safe therapeutics from medicinal plants to fight viral and microbial infections. In the present study, we investigated whether a mangrove plant, Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Lam. (B. gymnorhiza) collected in Mauritius, possesses antimicrobial and antibiotic potentiating abilities and exerts anti-ZIKV activity at non-cytotoxic doses. Microorganisms Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 70603, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 (MRSA), Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Sarcina lutea ATCC 9341, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 25933, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 and Candida albicans ATCC 26555 were used to evaluate the antimicrobial properties. Ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and streptomycin antibiotics were used for assessing antibiotic potentiating activity. ZIKVMC-MR766NIID (ZIKVGFP) was used for assessing anti-ZIKV activity. In silico docking (Autodock 4) and ADME (SwissADME) analyses were performed on collected data. Antimicrobial results revealed that Bruguiera twig ethyl acetate (BTE) was the most potent extract inhibiting the growth of all nine microbes tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.19–0.39 mg/mL. BTE showed partial synergy effects against MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa when applied in combination with streptomycin and ciprofloxacin, respectively. By using a recombinant ZIKV-expressing reporter GFP protein, we identified both Bruguiera root aqueous and Bruguiera fruit aqueous extracts as potent inhibitors of ZIKV infection in human epithelial A549 cells. The mechanisms by which such extracts prevented ZIKV infection are linked to the inability of the virus to bind to the host cell surface. In silico docking showed that ZIKV E protein, which is involved in cell receptor binding, could be a target for cryptochlorogenic acid, a chemical compound identified in B. gymnorhiza. From ADME results, cryptochlorogenic acid is predicted to be not orally bioavailable because it is too polar. Scientific data collected in this present work can open a new avenue for the development of potential inhibitors from B. gymnorhiza to fight ZIKV and microbial infections in the future.

Bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and probiotics fermentation of Brazilian fruits residues with antioxidant and antidiabetic potential

The aim of this study was to analyze the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of fruits (pomegranate, jambolan, jackfruit, physalis and bitter melon) residues regarding the assessment of α-amylase inhibition, cytotoxicity and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidants after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and fermentation with probiotics and phenolic compounds by UFLC-DAD. The extracts showed a high rate of α-amylase inhibition, presenting a possible antidiabetic potential. The cytotoxicity test showed good response at the tested concentrations (10, 50, 100 and 1000 μg/mL). The contents of phenolics total after digestion and the fermentation, ranged from 483 ± 4 to 9816 ± 80 mg GAE/100g. ORAC method showed a significant increase in the antioxidant activity with bioaccessibility index above 100% for most extracts, ranging from 221 ± 9 to 868 ± 34%. The bioaccessibility of the catechin, protocatechuic acid, gallic, vanillic, propyl gallate and pyrocatecol compounds has been reported firsthand for some residues. Thus, bioactive compounds present in the fruit residues can be released during gastrointestinal digestion, being good sources of natural antioxidants and with promising potential benefits for human health.

Surface modified nanoparticles: a green catalyst for the reduction of ketones

In the present study, a creative and eco-friendly synthetic method was demonstrated for the reduction of ketones using surface modified metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs). Nickel oxide, iron oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles were biosynthesized from the aqueous immature fruit extract of Cocos nucifera and the nanoparticle’s surface was modified using glycerol to improve the catalytic efficiency. Surface modification of the nanoparticles enhanced the catalytic activity of nanoparticles as compared to the unmodified metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs) for the reduction of ketones. Among the MO NPs used as catalysts for the reduction of acetophenone derivatives, glycerol modified iron oxide nanoparticles showed greater results with 74%–91% of yield due to its uniform morphology. The catalyst retained its stability even after seven repeated cycles of reaction.

In silico docking analysis of selective bioactive compounds of Phyllanthus acidusaqueousfruit extractagainst MAPK1

Introduction and Aim: Phyllanthus acidus L.Skeels (Family: Phyllanthaceae) or Star Gooseberry which bears small, edible, juicy, sour, yellow berries fruit is known as a “liver tonic” in ayurvedic medicine. However, the behavior of the plant fruit or its constituents in cell apoptosis/cell survival is unknown. Hence, the purpose of thepresent study was to perform an in silico docking of selective bioactive compounds of aqueous extract of fruit of P.acidus (PAFAE) against MAPK1. Mitogen activated protein kinase is a family of serine threonine specific protein kinases- MAPK1/ERK1/2, JNK1-3, p38MAPK and ERK5.Activation ofMAPK1 promotes cell survival in certain tissues by inhibiting proapoptotic proteins and by stimulating anti apoptotic factors.
 
 Methodology: In silico docking studies was carried out using bioinformatics tools.The active compounds (Trihomovitamin D3; 2Z,6Z,8Z,12E Hexadecatetraenoic acid, Methyl prednisolone, Hydroxysalmeterol and Tridesacetoxykhivorin) ofP.acidus aqueous fruit extract were docked against MAPK1 resulting in receptor-ligand complex.
 
 Results: The binding energy is correlated with the probability of affinity and stable bound between ligand and its receptor.
 
 Conclusion: The molecular docking study of selective bioactive compounds of PAFAE with MAPK1 protein revealed that Tridesacetoxykhivorinand Methyl Prednisolone, is having good interaction in favorable pose with MAPK1 as shownfrom theireffective binding energy(-7.79kcal/mol and -7.19 kcal/mol), strong bond length and interactions with active site of MAPK1.

Neuroprotective Effect of Phoenix dactylifera (Date Palm) on Paraquat Triggered Cortico-Nigral Neurotoxicity

Background: Herbicides including paraquat (PQ) have been reported to have deleterious effects on biological systems and normal functioning of the brain, especially regions related to motor functionality and coordination like the cerebrum and substantia nigra resulting in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Phoenix dactylifera has high nutritional value and is beneficial in the management and treatment of diverse ailments. Aim: This study assessed the protective properties of Aqueous fruit extract of P. dactylifera (AFPD) on PQ-triggered cortico-nigral neurotoxicity in rats. Neuroprotective properties of AFPD were assessed using beam walking performance (BWP) for motor coordination, oxidative stress biomarkers (Malondialdehyde [MDA], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and glutathione [GSH]) and histological examination (H and E stained) for cytoarchitectural changes. BWP across the study period revealed no motor coordination deficit with PQ exposure. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five rats were categorized into five groups (n = 5); the control was administered 2 ml/kg distilled H2O, another group received 11.35 mg/kg PQ, another received 11.35 mg/kg PQ + 10 mg/kg L-dopa as reference drug, while two other groups received 11.35 mg/kg PQ + 500 mg/kg AFPD and 11.35 mg/kg PQ + 1,000 mg/kg AFPD, respectively, for 28 days. Results: PQ-treated group revealed oxidative stress by significant elevation of MDA levels and decrease in antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH). Remarkable cytoarchitectural distortions were observed with PQ treatment. However, AFPD treatment showed ameliorative properties by a significant decrease in MDA levels and increased SOD and GSH activities. Mild distortion-to-relatively normal neuronal cytoarchitecture relative to the control was also observed with AFPD treatment. Conclusion: AFPD possesses potential neuroprotective properties against PQ-triggered pathological changes in cortico-nigral structures of Wistar rats.

Pharmacological Activities for Morus alba L., Focusing on the Immunostimulatory Property from the Fruit Aqueous Extract.

Depending on the extraction method, numerous compounds that have specific pharmacological effects can be obtained from M. alba L. There is a growing scientific interest in health problems related to aging. Efforts to develop safe immune-enhancing pharmaceuticals are increasing. This review aims to summarize and critically discuss the immunity enhancement effects and pharmaceutical efficacy of M. alba L. extracts. The scientific database search was conducted using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed until May 2021. Additional articles were identified and obtained from references in the retrieved articles. Ethanol or methanol extraction of various parts of M. alba L. identified a large amount of phenols and flavonoids, which are effective for immunosuppression, antioxidants, and cardiovascular diseases, and are antibacterial, and anticancer. Water extraction of M. alba L. enhanced the innate immune response based on immune cell activation. A polysaccharide and an alkaloid related to increased macrophage activity were isolated from M. alba L. fruit extracts. M. alba L. fruit water extracts primarily induced the production of pro-inflammatory substances, in model organisms, via TLR4 in immune cells. Water extracts have been shown to be effective in pathogen defense and tumor suppression by enhancing macrophage activity. Based on our literature review on the bioactivity of M. alba L. fruit extracts, particularly in relation to their immunity enhancement activity, we anticipate that M. alba-derived pharmaceuticals will have excellent potential in future medical research.

Genotoxic effect of fruit extract of wild and cultivated cucurbits using Allium cepa assay

ABSTRACT Many chemical substances in plants have the potential to be toxins, which may induce harm by altering physiological mechanisms. Allium cepa L. assay is a sensitive test used for the determination of anti-mitotic and genotoxic effects in plant extracts. Genotoxic effects of aqueous, acetone, and methanolic fruit extracts of the cucurbit species were studied using the A. cepa bioassay, of which Cucumis melo var. agrestis L. and Momordica balsamina L. are wild and C. melo. L., C. melo. var. momordica L., M. charantia L., and M. dioica L. are cultivated. Onion bulbs were exposed to fruit extracts for 48 h and onion roots were examined with a microscope to determine their effect on cells. The extracts were slightly mito-depressants with a minimum mitotic index (46.20 ± 0.23%) in methanolic fruit extract of C. melo var. momordica, compared to the aqueous solution, a negative control (64.20 ± 0.12%), and 1 mg∙L−1sodium azide (NaN3) solution (22.53 ± 0.41%). The highest percentage of clastogenic aberrations was in the methanolic extract of C. melo var. momordica (11.8%) and least in the aqueous extract of C. melo var. momordica (2%). Also, mitotic abnormalities, chromosome stickiness, chromatin transfer, chromatin bridges, disorientation of chromosomes, laggards, and polar deviation occurred in root cells of A. cepa. Genotoxicity has been reported in different fruit extracts of cucurbits, which needs to be further investigated in animal models to nullify possible detrimental effects in humans.

Protective effects of a polysaccharide from Boletus aereus on S180 tumor-bearing mice and its structural characteristics

A polysaccharide from the aqueous extract of Boletus aereus fruit (BAP) was isolated. The antitumor activities of BAP and/or cyclophosphamide (CTX) were investigated using the model of S180 tumor-bearing mice. Results indicated that BAP could effectively inhibit the growth of S180 solid tumors and protect the immune organs. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential analysis demonstrated that BAP could induce the apoptosis of S180 tumor cells. In combination with CTX, BAP exhibited a significant synergistic antitumor effect on S180 cells. Furthermore, a novel polysaccharide, namely, BAPF, was purified from BAP by using DEAE Cellulose-52 column and Sephadex G-100 gel column. Structural characterization revealed that BAPF was primarily composed of mannose, glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, arabinose, and fucose at a proportion of 12.98:1:16.8:16.48:1.08:9.1. Its average molecular weight was 1.79 × 106 Da. FTIR and NMR analyses demonstrated that BAPF was a pyranose with α-type and β-type glycosidic residues.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Diospyros malabarica Fruit Extract and Assessments of Their Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Catalytic Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP).

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has currently been gaining wide applications in the medical field of nanomedicine. Green synthesis is one of the most effective procedures for the production of AgNPs. The Diospyros malabarica tree grown throughout India has been reported to have antioxidant and various therapeutic applications. In the context of this, we have investigated the fruit of Diospyros malabarica for the potential of forming AgNPs and analyzed its antibacterial and anticancer activity. We have developed a rapid, single-step, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of AgNPs using Diospyros malabarica aqueous fruit extract at room temperature. The AgNPs began to form just after the reaction was initiated. The formation and characterization of AgNPs were confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, FESEM, EDX, TEM and photoluminescence (PL) methods. The average size of AgNPs, in accordance with TEM results, was found to be 17.4 nm. The antibacterial activity of the silver nanoparticles against pathogenic microorganism strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was confirmed by the well diffusion method and was found to inhibit the growth of the bacteria with an average zone of inhibition size of (8.4 ± 0.3 mm and 12.1 ± 0.5 mm) and (6.1 ± 0.7 mm and 13.1 ± 0.5 mm) at 500 and 1000 µg/mL concentrations of AgNPs, respectively. The anticancer effect of the AgNPs was confirmed by MTT assay using the U87-MG (human primary glioblastoma) cell line. The IC50 value was found to be 58.63 ± 5.74 μg/mL. The results showed that green synthesized AgNPs exhibited significant antimicrobial and anticancer potency. In addition, nitrophenols, which are regarded as priority pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), can also be catalytically reduced to less toxic aminophenols by utilizing synthesized AgNPs. As a model reaction, AgNPs are employed as a catalyst in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, which is an intermediate for numerous analgesics and antipyretic drugs. Thus, the study is expected to help immensely in the pharmaceutical industries in developing antimicrobial drugs and/or as an anticancer drug, as well as in the cosmetic and food industries.

Sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Alstonia scholaris for enhanced catalytic degradation of methylene blue

The present work described a simple, green, and fast approach for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using an aqueous fruit extract of Alstonia scholaris(AS-AgNPs). The role of plant extract was identified as both reducing as well as capping agent in the synthesis of AS-AgNPs. The formation of AS-AgNPs was confirmed through the visible color change from pale yellow to brown and the respective surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak observed at 426 nm in the UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrum. Further, the synthesized AS-AgNPs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy with Energy dispersive spectrum (SEM with EDS), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and Dynamic light scattering (DLS) with Zeta potential. The DLS derived average particle size and poly dispersion index (PDI) of AS-AgNPs are about 50 nm and 0.664 with Zeta potential of -22.4 mV, suggested the presence of mono and polydispersive AS-AgNPs with good stability. The synthesized AS-AgNPs were mainly distributed (56 %) as a quasi-spherical shape with size ranges from 5 to 50 nm revealed by SEM and TEM images. Moreover, the catalytic reduction of methylene blue (MB) by AS-AgNPs has been accessed via time-dependent UV-Vis spectroscopy. The UV-Vis results suggested that AS-AgNPs show enhanced catalytic activity on the reduction of MB by aqueous sodium borohydride with pseudo first-order kinetics and the calculated rate constant was about 0.7 × 10−3 s−1. Overall, the green synthesized AS-AgNPs have a great catalytic potential in the degradation of MB in water.

Biosynthesis of lead oxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles and their cytotoxic activities against colon cancer cell line

Green synthesis of nanoparticles is considered as a potential and efficient choice compared to chemical and physical ways for the preparation of nanoparticles due to important advantages such as eco-friendliness, safety, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, up-scalable potentials, and also is according bioethics principles. In this study, cerium oxide (CeO2) and lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles were prepared in a green approach by aqueous extract of Prosopis fracta fruit. The structure and morphology of prepared nanoparticles were confirmed using PXRD, UV–Vis, FT-IR, TEM, EDX, and FESEM analyses. The cytotoxic activity of PbO and CeO2 nanoparticles was studied on colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. Based on the obtained results, PbO and CeO2 nanoparticles were non-toxic in below concentration of 500 and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, these nanoparticles can play vital roles in biological assays, and further studies should be performed on their cytotoxic evaluations, in vivo.

Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of normal Vero and Anticancer Activity of Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines by Aqueous Unripe Fruit Extract of Solanum torvum

In the present study aqueous extract of Solanum torvum unripe fruits was used to evaluate its cytotoxic effect and anticancer activity through in vitro studies by 3-(4, 5 dimethyl thiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide- MTT assay) on Normal VERO cell line and MCF-7 (Human breast adenocarcinoma cell line). Aqueous extracts of Solanum torvum unripe fruits was found to be effective in the prevention of cell proliferation by breast adenocarcinoma cell lines at 1000 µg/ml from the results obtained during 24 hours of incubation.

Insight into the impact of zinc doping on the structural, surface, and biological properties of magnasium oxide nanoparticles stabilized by Vateria indica (L.) fruit extract

The present study is an attempt to delineate the effect of zinc doping on the green synthesized magnesium oxide (MgO) NPs. Pure (MgOVI) and zinc doped (ZnMgOVI) NPs were synthesized employing an aqueous fruit extract of V. indica as capping and reducing agents. The various analytical techniques viz. FTIR, PXRD, FESEM, and EDS spectroscopy together with elemental mapping analyses substantiated the formation of pure and doped NPs with crystallite sizes 23.74 and 25.41 nm. The study of surface properties through BET analysis unfolded the formation of mesoporous NPs with a surface area of 7.4 and 5.3 m2g-1 for pure and doped NPs respectively. Additionally, the refinement of obtained PXRD data through Rietveld refinement corroborated the changes in cell parameters after zinc doping. The anti-inflammatory activity carried out unveiled the biocompatibility of obtained NPs by exhibiting a % HRBCS of 83.65 ± 0.002 and 85.69 ± 0.003 for MgOVI and ZnMgOVI NPs. The in-vitro antidiabetic activity of MgOVI and ZnMgOVI NPs performed revealed their excellent α-amylase inhibition activity (86.29 ± 0.001and 86.44 ± 0.002%). Furthermore, the NPs also displayed anti-microbial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtulis, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Pseudomonas syringae, and Escherichia coli. Thus the studies have evinced the superlative antidiabetic and antimicrobial potentialities of MgOVI and ZnMgOVI NPs with high biocompatibility.

Au Nanostructures with Controlled Morphology, Biosynthesized from Garcinia cowa Fruit Extract, and Their Use in Microwave‐Mediated Bisindole Synthesis

AbstractAu nanoparticles (NPs) of controlled morphology have been synthesised through an eco‐friendly biogenic method utilizing the aqueous fruit extract of Garcinia cowa at room temperature. The bio extract executes dual role of reducing agent and stabilizing agent to add excellent stability to the synthesized colloidal Au NPs. The variation of particle size and morphology of Au nanostructures with respect to the quantitative part of the bio‐extract were studied. After microscopic and spectroscopic characterization, further application of the Au NPs synthesized via green method in the preparation of complex organic molecules was studied. The Au NPs were employed as homogeneous catalyst in coupling of substituted indole and aromatic aldehydes to yield bisindolylmethanes, which are known precursors of anti‐cancer bioactive molecules. In addition, microwave irradiation makes the coupling reaction more sustainable with very short reaction time of 40 secs.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of fruit extracts from yerba mate progenies (Ilex paraguariensis a St-Hil.): a natural biopesticide

This study evaluated the biocidal activity of aqueous fruit extracts from Ilex paraguariensis progenies at different ripening stages in two ecotoxicity assays using Pomacea canaliculata juveniles and Danio rerio larvae. Mutagenicity was verified by the Salmonella/microsome assay (TA 98 and TA 100) in the presence and absence of hepatic metabolism in vitro. The results showed that the snails were more sensitive than the larvae to the P.1 progeny extracts in all three evaluated ripening stages. P.3 progeny extracts were the most toxic to Danio rerio larvae after 96 hours of exposure. The toxicity results indicate that the progenies' selection influenced the metabolic contents present in the fruits in all ripening stages over time, indicating high molluscicidal activity for the P.1 progeny. In the Salmonella/microsome assays, the semi-ripe and ripe extracts from progenies P.1 and P.3 showed mainly base pair substitution mutation in assays with metabolism, but at higher doses than the toxic concentrations detected for Danio rerio or Pomacea canaliculata. Therefore, the toxicological investigation of the progenies' extracts can be interesting, given the selection of plant materials influenced the response of the bioassays.

A, The Allelopathic effects of Papavare somniferum on germination and initial seedling growth of Echinochloa cruss-galli

Weeds are unwanted plants in crop that can be control by different methods among them use of aqueous extract of crop is an imperative method. To investigate the allopathic potential of aqueous extract of winter crop Papavare somniferum (opium) on summer weed Echinochloa cruss-galli (barnyard grass) laboratory experiments were conducted. The experiment coomprised seven concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, and 8%) of different plant parts i.e., leaves, stem and flower of P. somniferumwere. All the tested concentrations and plant parts of P. somniferum significantly reduced mean emergence time, germination index, germination percentage, time to 50% germination as well as well growth of E. cruss-galliweed. However, maximum mean emergence time (9.07 days), time to 50% germination (3.67 days) was noted at leaves and stem extract, respectively. Application of aqueous extract of stem at 8% concentration resulted in greatest time to complete 50% germination (5.42 days) and lowest fresh weight (6.28 g), dry weight (1.00 g) and root length (0.33 cm) of E. cruss-galli. Whereas leaf extract at 8% concentration produces less shoot length (1.13 cm) and more emergence time (9.18 days). Lowest emergence percentage (6.67%) and germination index (0.89) were produced by aqueous extract of fruit at 8% concentration. On the basis of this experiment, it can be concluded that higher concentration (8%) of stem extract of P. somniferumwas used to biologically control the infestation of E. cruss-galli weed.

Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous and Ethanol Fruit Extracts of Cucumis ‎sativus Linn. Against Selected Microorganisms at the University of ‎Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus Linn) [Cucurbitaceae] is a famous vegetable crop used for food since ancient times but little is known of its antibacterial potential. This study investigated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activities of the aqueous and ethanol fruit extracts of the plant against some clinical isolates (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis and Corynebacterium spp) using the disc diffusion method. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, cardenolites and flavonoids. Corynebacterium spp was the most susceptible (with maximum inhibition zone of 30.00±0.00 mm). The two extracts had varied antibacterial activity at the same level. At the concentration of 400mg/ml, aqueous extract inhibited S. aureus, Corynebacterium spp, E. coli and K. pneumoniae, while ethanol extract inhibited S. aureus, S. pyogenes, S. typhi and Corynebacterium spp. B. subtilis was inhibited only at the highest (significant) concentration of 600mg/ml (7.00±0.00 mm)[p<0.05]. The MIC value for both extracts against Corynebacterium spp was 25mg/ml. The MBC value against Corynebacterium spp was observed at 50mg/ml and 25mg/ml for the aqueous and ethanol extract respectively. The results suggest that the ethanol extract was bactericidal at low concentration while the aqueous extract was bacteriostatic at low concentration and bactericidal at high concentration against Corynebacterium spp. The difference between the MBC for the two extracts was significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study showed that extract of C. sativus could be a potential source of natural antibacterial agent

A, The Evaluating Allelopathic potential of aqueous extracts of Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) on emergence and seedling growth of Red rice (Oryza punctata)

ABSTRACT Chemical weed control method caused environmental hazards and residual effects in crops and soil. Alternate approach to control weeds is getting attentions in sustainable production system. Use of aqueous extracts of weed is getting scientific attention as eco-friendly alternative to chemical herbicides especially under scenario of fast increasing herbicide resistance in weeds. To investigate the herbicidal potential of aqueous extract of winter weed of Sonchus oleraceus L. (Sow thistle) on summer weed Oryza punctate L. (red rice) seed emergence and initial seedling growth, a study was planned. In this study, seeds of O. punctate were incubated in seven concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 2, 4, and 8%) of different parts i.e. leaves, stem, flower of S. oleraceus. All the tested concentrations of various plant parts of S. oleraceus significantly inhibited the mean emergence time, emergence index, emergence percentage (%), time taken to 50% emergence as well as growth of O. punctata weed. However, maximum mean emergence time (5.26 days), minimum germination index (1.69), germination percentage (40%), root length (2.04 cm), shoot length (5.71 cm), fresh weight (59 g), dry weight (4.06 g) was noted at 8% concentration with fruit aqueous extract of S. oleraceus. Seed of O. punctata take maximum time to complete 50% emergence (3.33 days) under control where we applied distilled water. Results suggested fruit extract of S. oleraceus at 8% concentration can be used potential bio-herbicide for the control of O. punctate. Key words: Chemical, eco-friendly, herbicidal potential, fruit extract

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Activity of Acetone Extract of Pistacia atlantica Leaf, Fruit, and Gall

Background: Bacterial infectious diseases caused by antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation agents are one of the most important challenges researchers and doctors face. Therefore, many studies have been done on medicinal plants to find phytochemical antibacterial and anti-biofilm agents. Objectives: In this study, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the acetone and aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica leaf, fruit, and gall were evaluated against some bacteria. Methods: The leaves, fruits, and galls of P. atlantica were collected from the forests of Lorestan province, Iran. Antibacterial effects of extracts were studied by well diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Microdilution method was used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of extracts. Anti-biofilm activity of acetone and aqueous extracts in sub-lethal concentration was investigated by crystal violet-stained microtiter method. Results: Acetone extract of P. atlantica had significant antibacterial effects against tested bacteria except for E. coli. There was a significant relationship between antibacterial activity and extract concentration (P<0.05). The minimum inhibitory concentration of acetone and aqueous extract of leaf, fruit, and galls ranged from 3-12.5 mg/mL. The acetone extract of P. atlantica galls had a high inhibitory effect on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilm formation at a concentration of 12.5 and 25.0 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: The gall extracts of P. atlantica have a significant inhibitory effect against bacteria, which is probably related to certain active compounds. These extracts inhibited biofilm formation of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.

The use of Robinia pseudoacacia L fruit extract as a green corrosion inhibitor in the protection of copper-based objects

The most important inhibitors used in bronze disease are BTA and AMT. While these inhibitors control corrosion, they are toxic and cancerous. In this study, the acacia fruit extract (200 ppm to 1800 ppm) was used to the prevention of corrosion inhibition of bronze alloy in corrosive sodium chloride solution 0.5 M, for 4 weeks consecutively. The Bronze alloy used in this research, was made based on the same percentage as the ancient alloys (Cu-10Sn). IE% was used to obtain the inhibitory efficiency percentage and Rp can be calculated from the resistance of polarization. SEM–EDX was used to evaluate the surfaces of alloy as well as inhibitory. The experiment was conducted in split plot design in time based on the RCD in four replications. ANOVA was performed and comparison of means square using Duncan's multiple range test at one percent probability level. The highest rate of corrosion inhibition (93.5%) was obtained at a concentration of 1800 ppm with an increase in the concentration of the extract, corrosion inhibition also increased, i.e., more bronze was prevented from burning. Also, the highest corrosion inhibitory activity of Acacia extract (79.66) was in the second week and with increasing duration, this effect has decreased. EDX analysis of the control sample matrix showed that the amount of chlorine was 8.47%wt, while in the presence of corrosive sodium chloride solution, after 4 weeks, the amount of chlorine detected was 3.20%wt. According to the morphology (needle and rhombus) of these corrosion products based on the SEM images, it can be said, they are the type of atacamite and paratacamite. They have caused bronze disease in historical bronze works. The green inhibitor of Acacia fruit aqueous extract can play an effective role in inhibiting corrosion of bronze, but at higher concentrations, it became fungal, which can reduce the role of Acacia fruit aqueous extract and even ineffective. To get better performance of green inhibitors, more tests need to be done to improve and optimize.