Aqueous Plant Extracts Research Articles

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of biosynthesized Silver nanoparticles using Sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) extracts against some pathogenic bacteria

Multidrug-resistant bacteria have contributed to a rise in morbidity and death from microbial infections, making it more difficult to treat illnesses caused by resistant pathogenic bacteria. There is a growing interest in using nanoparticles as biomaterials around the globe. Nanoparticles might become a crucial, feasible therapeutic alternative for treating infections resistant to several drugs. Currently, they are recognized as feasible alternatives or additions to conventional antimicrobials. Nanotechnology focuses on developing eco-friendly methods for producing nanoparticles. The current work aims to generate a quick, ecologically friendly approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles utilizing aqueous and alcohol sumac plant extracts. These silver nanoparticles appear synthesized and capped by sumac extract bioactive components. FTIR, XRD, SEM, AAS, EDX, AFM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to determine the nanoparticle structure, shape, and optical properties. Within 15 minutes, the AgNPs had formed. The aqueous and alcoholic sumac extracts resulted in silver nanoparticles with an average particle size of 43.82 nm and 39.55 nm, respectively. Against the multi-drug-resistant clinical isolates, silver nanoparticles from both extracts had good antibacterial activity (Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Also, these nanoparticles had an inhibitory effect on the productivity of the biofilm virulence factor. For this study with highly significant differences (P≤0.01). Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Green synthesis, Rhus coriaria L., Sumac, antibacterial activity, antibiofilm activity; multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Inhibition Effect of Water and Alcohol Extracts of Cinnamomun zeylanicam (Cinnamomun Plant) and Zingiber offcinale (Ginger Plant) in the Growth and Efficacy of Some Microorganisms

A test was done to see if the medicinal herbs ginger and cinnamon would stop Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli from growing when their water and alcohol extracts were applied, additionally examined the bacterial isolates’ susceptibility to the medicines ampicillin and amoxicillin. To identify the concentrations in which the bacteria displayed their development, gradient concentrations of each plant extract were utilised, which yielded vitality almost equivalent to the control group. The alcoholic extracts had less activity in comparison with aqueous extracts of both plants improved activity in reducing bacterial growth at concentrations of (15, 25, 35) and (5, 15, 25%), respectively. Amoxicillin also demonstrated a clear inhibitory effect on E. coli at a concentration of 0.05 ml, while P. aeruginosa demonstrated a wide antibody resistance. Two bacterial isolates did not respond to ampicillin in any way.

The impact of two bacterial species and five aqueous plant extracts on yield and yield components of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and surof (Echinochloa crus-galli L.)

Chemical exudates from some plants to the environment have been reported as causative agents of adverse effect on growth of neighboring plants and thus affecting normal growth in their natural environment. The mode of action of Chemical exudates on plants is involves a large number of biochemical reactions. This research aimed to investigate the effect of foliar application of different levels of two bacterial species and five aqueous plant extracts on the yield and yield components of Oryza sativa L. and Echinochloa crus-galli L. This research was conducted as a factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three factors with three replications during the 2017–2018 crop year. The main factor included aqueous extracts of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica), Nettle (Urtica dioica), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and Streptomyces sp-albos containing thaxtomin, Xanthomonas campestris, and control (without aqueous plant extracts and surfactant). The sub-factor includes foliar application treatment with different levels of zero (control), 5, 10, and 15% of extracts, and the third experimental factor included Oryza sativa L. and E. crus-galli L. The results indicated the plant height, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, biological yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and grain protein content decreased, and the grain starch content increased with increasing the extract concentration; the highest effect was obtained at 15% of extracts. The lowest value of leaf area index (3.13) were found in higher concentration of X. campestris followed by Elderberry extract (5%, 10% and 15%) and Nettle (10%) extracts. It was also found that using extract reduced yield characteristics and components of Oryza sativa L., E. crus-galli L., and Elderberry extract showed the highest negative effect. According to the results, Oryza sativa L. had higher plant height, LAI, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, chlorophyll, grain protein content, and grain starch content than E. crus-galli L. In all extractions, control treatment had the highest number of panicles plant−1 in both plants (rice and E. crus-galli L., 260.1 and 117.1 mg g−1 FW). The results suggested that various extracts, especially Nettle, and 15% of Elderberry can control E. crus-galli L. at the germination stage under field conditions.

Synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles from Enicostemma littorale plant extract and investigation of their photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties

Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiOxi‐NPs) with a spherical shape have been developed using a green aqueous extract of the Enicostemma littorale plant, and their efficacy on various photochemical and biological applications like antibacterial and anticancer has been studied. The intense vibrational bands in the Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectrum correspond to Ni‐O, C=O, and O‐H, confirming the formation of NiOxi‐NP. Also, two intense peaks at 2θ = 36.42° (111) and 42.87° (200) in the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum confirm the NiOxi‐NP crystal lattice as face center cubic (FCC). To determine the light‐absorbing behavior and shape of the newly produced NiOxi‐NP, UV‐visible, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations were performed. NiOxi‐NP has a maximal distinctive UV‐visible absorption wavelength in the 306‐nm region. The nickel oxide nanoparticles are formed in spherical form and dispersed in the 33‐ to 46‐nm size range, according to the SEM and TEM investigations. According to the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl thiazolyl‐2)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) breast tumor cancer cell line is extremely responsive to the green NiOxi‐NPs' exceptional lethal effectiveness. The IC50 value for MCF‐7 cell lines is 12.87 μg/mL. When tested against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli stains, the aforementioned particles demonstrate greater activity on the three bacteria. The photocatalytic activity of the greenery NiOxi‐NP over the dye rhodamine B (RBD) was finished in 16 min when the solution concentration was 0.025 mg/L. The green synthesis of NiOxi‐NP nanoparticles can behave as a better UV‐visible screener between 290 and 450 nm, a better antimicrobial agent, a better RBD degradation agent, and a better low‐dose anticancer agent.

Synthesis of Bio-Active Silver Nanoparticles against Human Lung Cancer Cell Line (A549) with Little Toxicity to Normal Cell Line (WRL68).

Nanomaterials are characterized by mechanical, thermal, chemical, biological, and other properties that are different from the basic materials that make them up due to their large surface area to size ratio and quantum effect. There are multiple ways to produce nanomaterials mechanically, chemically, and physically, but they are not safe for the environment. Researchers have sought to find safe methods for the production of nanomaterials, such as green manufacturing, that is, manufacturing nanomaterials from plants. Moreover, there are other sources, such as bacteria or fungi that are used in the production of nanomaterials. This study aimed to try to find an alternative to chemically manufactured drugs, such as those used in the treatment of human cancers, through nanotechnology and from plant sources (green-biosynthesis), which is characterized by abundance and low economic cost. Silver nanoparticles were green-synthesized using an aqueous extract of the licorice plant, their properties were diagnosed, and their differences with the crude aqueous extract were determined. The sizes of nanoparticles were within the range of 60.27-89.80 nm, while the sizes of the crude aqueous extract particles were within the range of 53.96-113.1 nm. Atomic force microscopy was used to find out the shapes, topography, roughness, and protrusions of the surfaces of biosynthesized AgNPs and aqueous extract particles, where the roughness rate of the nanoparticles was 75.54 nm, while it appeared. In vitro test of AgNPs showed a higher anti-lung cancer activity against the A549 cell line than that of the extract at an inhibitory concentration for half of the cells used in the experiment (IC50) of 58.78 µg/ml while the IC50 of the extract was 67.44 µg/ml. The results showed that the toxicity of AgNPs on the normal hepatocyte line (WRL68) was less than that of the aqueous extract, with IC50 concentrations of 244.2 and 147.0 µg/ml, respectively. It is worth mentioning that the lower IC50 led to higher toxicity.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Inhibitory Study of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), Syzygium aromaticum (Loung), Lawsonia inermis (Henna), Rheum emodi (Revand Chini), Curcuma longa (Haldi) Against Lipid Per-Oxidation in Mice Brain and Liver.

The aerobic organisms not only need oxygen for survival, but oxygen is also fundamentally malignant to the aerobic organism on the grounds of free radical generation and their affiliation with free oxidative stress. This study was done to evaluate the antioxidant and protective properties of P kurroa, S aromaticum, L inermis, R emodi, and C longa against lipid peroxidation induced by different pro-oxidants. The aqueous extracts of these medicinal plants showed inhibition against thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) induced by different pro-oxidants (10mM FeSO4 and 5mM sodium nitroprusside) in the brain and liver of mice. Moreover, the free radical scavenging activities of the extracts were evaluated by the scavenging of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. L inermis, S aromaticum, and R emodi showed higher inhibitory effects, which could be attributed to their significantly reduced ability and free radical scavenging activities. Therefore, the oxidative stress in the brain and liver could be potentially managed or prevented by the dietary intake of L inermis, S aromaticum, and R emodi plants, which justifies the use of these plants in various degenerative diseases. C longa and P kurroa showed relatively weak antioxidant activities.

Biological properties of experimental dental alginate modified for self-disinfection using green nanotechnology

ObjectivesDisinfection of alginate impression materials is a mandatory step to prevent cross-infection in dental clinics. However, alginate disinfection methods are time-consuming and exert a negative impact on accuracy and mechanical properties. Thus, this study aimed to prepare disinfecting agents (CHX and AgNO3) and silver nanoparticles reduced by a natural plant extract to produce a self-disinfecting dental alginate.MethodsConventional alginate impression material was used in this study. Silver nitrate (0.2% AgNO3 group) and chlorohexidine (0.2% CHX group) solutions were prepared using distilled water, and these solutions were later employed for alginate preparation. Moreover, a 90% aqueous plant extract was prepared from Boswellia sacra (BS) oleoresin and used to reduce silver nitrate to form silver nanoparticles that were incorporated in the dental alginate preparation (BS+AgNPs group). The plant extract was characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis while green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized by UV-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An agar disc diffusion assay was used to test the antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant and susceptible Staphylococcus aureus strains, and Micrococcus luteus. Agar plates were incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 24 h to allow microbial growth. Diameters of the circular inhibition zones formed around each specimen were measured digitally by using ImageJ software.ResultsChemical analysis of the plant extract revealed the presence of 41 volatile and semi-volatile active compounds. UV–Vis spectrophotometry, SEM, and EDX confirmed the formation of spherical silver nanoparticles using the BS extract. CHX, AgNO3, and the BS+AgNPs modified groups showed significantly larger inhibition zones than the control group against all tested strains. BS+AgNPs and CHX groups showed comparable efficacy against all tested strains except for Staphylococcus aureus, where the CHX-modified alginate had a significantly higher effect.Conclusions and clinical relevanceCHX, silver nitrate, and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles could be promising inexpensive potential candidates for the preparation of a self-disinfecting alginate impression material without affecting its performance. Green synthesis of metal nanoparticles using Boswellia sacra extract could be a very safe, efficient, and nontoxic way with the additional advantage of a synergistic action between metal ions and the phytotherapeutic agents of the plant extract.

Quality, Safety and Biological Studies on Campylanthus glaber Aerial Parts.

In Cabo Verde, several endemic species are used in traditional medicine. However, no scientific studies have been conducted on the quality, efficacy, and safety of most of these plants. This study focused on establishing the botanical and chemical identification parameters required for a quality monograph of Campylanthus glaber Benth. aerial parts, a medicinal plant of Cabo Verde traditionally used to treat fever and muscular pain. In addition, in vitro antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity were assessed for this medicinal plant. Optical microscopy, LC/UV-DAD-ESI/MS, and colorimetric assays were used for botanical, chemical, and biological studies, respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the MTT assay with HepG2 cells, and genotoxicity by the Ames test. Microscopically, the xeromorphic leaf of C. glaber presents a thick cuticle (13.6-25.5 µm), thick-walled epidermal cells, anomocytic-type stomata, glandular trichomes (stalk length = 49.4-120.8 µm), and idioblasts containing calcium oxalate microcrystals. The chemical screening of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of this medicinal plant revealed the presence of organic acids, iridoids, phenylethanoids, and flavonoids as the main classes of marker compounds, with malic acid, citric acid, and verbascoside being the main marker compounds identified. Both extracts showed similar LC/UV-DAD/ESI-MS qualitative profiles and DPPH radical scavenger activity (IC50 = 130.9 ± 1.4; 134.3 ± 3.1 µg/mL). The hydroethanolic extract inhibited both α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes in a dose-dependent manner. Both extracts showed no cytotoxicity (up to 1000 µg/mL) by the MTT assay and no genotoxic potential with or without metabolic activation up to 5 mg /plate. The results obtained are an important contribution to the monographic quality assessment of C. glaber aerial parts and suggest that this medicinal plant may be safe and potentially used as an herbal drug raw material for pharmaceutical purposes.

Antibacterial Effects of Chewing Stick Extracts on Streptococcus Mutans

Background: Streptococcus mutans is considered as a major microorganism causing tooth decay, affecting individuals globally. Different types of chewing sticks possess anti cariogenic properties, traditionally been consumed in maintaining dental hygiene. Usage of these sticks can be economical in developing and rural regions where dental caries is a major health concern. 
 Objective: The current study aims to evaluate antibacterial action of different type of chewing sticks extract on Streptococcus mutans. 
 Methods: Aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica (Neem), Melia azedarach (Bakain), Mangifera indica (Mango), Salvadora persica (Peelu), Terminalia chebula (Harhar), Dalbeigia sissoo (Tali) and Juglans regia (Akhrot) plants which have justified folk use were prepared in Punjab University College of Pharmacy, Punjab University. Next, in vitro antimicrobial activity was studied by broth dilution method in Post Graduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Moreover, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as well as the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were quantitatively evaluated on basis of turbidity index.
 Results: There is a significant effect of aqueous extracts of plants on the bacterial inhibition. MIC and MBC values were in the range of 6.125 to 100 mg/mL against S. mutans. The notable effect occurred with aqueous extracts of Azadiracta indica showing MIC and MBC values as 6.25mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. Alternatively, Salvadora persica demonstrated 8.33mg/mL and 16.66 mg/mL values of these parameters 
 Conclusions: Each plant studied exhibited moderate to high antibacterial activity against tested bacterial strain. However, Azadirachta indica and Salvadora persica aqueous extracts showed promising effect against Streptococcus mutans

Innovative strategy based on green nanotechnology for elimination and reduction of aquatic weeds

"This study reports an interesting idea to convert aqueous extracts of invasive terrestrial plants [Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense L.) and Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare L.)] into valuable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and used them against aquatic weeds (Cladophora). The phyto-generated AgNPs presented nano scaled dimension (estimated by DLS), and good antioxidant activities (evaluated by chemiluminescence technique). UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy confirmed the AgNPs phyto-development. The total polyphenols (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents of the aqueous herbal extracts and of AgNPs phyto-generated from them, revealed the major contribution of polyphenols and flavonoids to phyto-reduction of silver ions, and also, they are responsible for the antioxidant properties of the obtained samples. The bio impact of the prepared AgNPs against Cladophora depends on the AgNPs dose, and the time exposure. These findings could be useful in for various biomedical, agronomic, and biotechnological applications."

The Antimicrobial and Mosquitocidal Activity of Green Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by an Aqueous Peel Extract of Punica granatum

An aqueous extract of Punica granatum peel was used as a biocatalyst for magnesium oxide nanoparticle (MgO-NP) synthesis, which was characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, DLS, and zeta potential. Data showed the efficacy of the plant aqueous extract in forming spherical, crystalline-nature, well-arranged MgO-NPs with sizes in the range of 10–45 nm with average sizes of 24.82 ± 8.85 nm. Moreover, EDX analysis revealed that the highest weight and atomic percentages were recorded for Mg and O ions. The green synthesized MgO-NPs showed antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in a concentration-dependent manner with clear zones in the range of 8.7 ± 0.6 to 19.7 ± 0.5 mm with various concentrations. Also, the MIC value was varied to be 25 µg mL−1 for Gram-negative bacteria, B. subtilis, and C. albicans and 50 µg mL−1 for S. aureus. Moreover, MgO-NPs showed high activity against the 3rd-instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The mortality percentages were concentration- and time-dependent. Data analysis showed that the highest mortality was 88.3 ± 3.2%, attained at a concentration of 100 µg mL−1 after 72 h. Also, all originated pupae were malformed and did not hatch to adults, with mortality percentages of 100% at all concentrations. Overall, the P. granatum-mediated MgO-NPs showed promising activity in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbes and the hatching of C. quinquefasciatus larvae to adults.

Plant‐mediated fabrication of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their catalytic effects on electro‐oxidation of formaldehyde

AbstractCobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4‐NPs) were synthesized by aqueous extract of Artemisia vulgaris plant at 50°C. The biosynthesized extract mediated Co3O4‐NPs were characterized through different methods containing FT‐IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDS (Energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy), and XRD (x‐ray diffraction). Co3O4‐NPs as an efficient and practical catalyst was employed for the electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde; which was an irreversible charge transfer controlled by mass transfer. The coefficients of electron transfer and diffusion were 0.87 and 0.122 cm2/s for formaldehyde oxidation on Co3O4 electrode, respectively. The formation of the CoOOH species during potential sweeping appears to be involved in the catalytic activity of the Co3O4 toward formaldehyde oxidation.

Phytoextract-mediated synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Caccinia macranthera extract and examination of their photocatalytic and anticancer effects

In the current study, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgONPs) were produced by a sol–gel procedure using an aqueous extract of the Caccinia macranthera plant as a reducing agent. The produced MgONPs were illustrated by different analyses. UV–vis spectrophotometry displays an adsorption band at 357 nm. The XRD pattern illustrates that the mean crystal dimension of MgONPs is almost 34 nm with the cubic crystal structure. The existence of magnesium and oxygen elements was shown by the EDX outcomes, and the sphericity of NPs was confirmed by FESEM images. FTIR analysis demonstrated the functional groups imported in the reaction. which may be responsible for the synthesis of NPs. The extent of survival of Huh-7 cancer cells by MgONPs was investigated and the IC50 value displayed about 223 μg/mL. The degradation rate of methylene blue (MB) by the photocatalytic effect of MgONPs after 120 min was reported to be 87%.

Euphorbia tirucalli: potential plastic digester and in bioeconomics

In view of the global concern with persistent plastic waste in the environment, the present study seeks reuse and reuse alternatives to reduce pollution through extracts of the Euphorbia tirucalli specimens. The method involved collecting latex from different geographic regions and evaluating the corrosive and shrinkage effects of aqueous plant extracts on polypropylene. Results indicate variations in the ability of extracts to interact with plastic, with some showing corrosive and digesting effects over time. This approach, exploring the enzymatic and corrosive action of Euphorbia tirucalli extracts, suggests potential for the degradation of non-degradable plastics over time. The study also underscores the importance of bioengineering as an innovative approach to solving environmental problems. The research highlights the relevance of the search for sustainable solutions for the management of plastic waste, aiming at promoting environmental sustainability and mitigating environmental impacts. Although more in-depth research is needed to understand the mechanisms of action of Euphorbia tirucalli extracts and their viability on a large scale, this approach offers promising bioeconomics perspectives for the degradation of persistent plastics in nature and the appreciation of ethnic communities that already practice these precepts. In summary, the study highlights the importance of exploring natural alternatives to deal with plastic pollution and contribute to the conservation of the environment.

EFICACY OF ENDJULULU-KAPASSARINHO (DATURA STRAMONIUM) IN CONTROLLING SPODOPTERA FRUGIPERDA IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN VITRO

In order to control Spodoptera frugiperda in the maize crop in the laboratory, vegetative parts of the Edjululu-Kapassarinho plant were harvested, crushed and the concentrations formed: T0=0ml, T1=20ml, T2=40ml, T3=60ml, T4=80ml and T5=100ml. The caterpillars were collected and fasted for two hours before being placed in the treatment concentrations of each vegetative part for observation at times of 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours respectively. The results showed that the fruit was the most active ingredient (Atropine, Hyoscyamine Scopolamine), followed by the stem, root and leaves, representing 60%, 27%, 24% and 13% respectively, with the leaves proving to be repellent to the caterpillars. Caterpillar mortality increased after 24 hours at all concentrations, showing 96% mortality with the stem-based extract, 98% with the leaf-based extract, 90% with the fruit-based extract and 79% with the root-based extract. In the statistical analysis observed at 5%, there was significant variation between treatments. In view of the results, the aqueous plant extract of the Endjululu-Kapassarinho plant (Datura Stramonium) proved to be effective in controlling the cartridge caterpillar in the maize crop in vitro.

Dynamics of Herbicidal Potential: Effects of Two Bacterial Species and Five Aqueous Plant Extracts on Yield and Yield Components of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Surof (Echinochloa crus-galli L.)

This research aimed of investigate the effects of foliar applications using different levels of herbicidal potential from two bacterial species and five aqueous plant extracts on the yield and yield components of Oryza sativa L. and Echinochloa crus-galli L. The study followed a split factorial design based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three factors and three replications during the 2017-2018 crop year. The primary treatments consisted of aqueous extracts from Sorghum, Broccoli, Nettle, Eucalyptus and Elderberry, as well as Streptomyces sp-albos containing thaxtomin, Xanthomonas campestris, and control s (without aqueous plant extracts and surfactant). The secondary factor involved foliar application treatments with varying levels of concentration, including zero (control), 5, 10, and 15 per thousand extracts and the third experimental factor included Oryza sativa L. and Echinochloa crus-galli L. The findings revealed that as the extract concentration increased, plant height, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, biological yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll contents decreased. Conversely, grain starch content increased with higher extract concentrations, with the most pronounced effects observed at 15 per thousand extract concentration. It was also observed that the use of extracts led to reduced yield characteristics and components in both Oryza sativa L. and Echinochloa crus-galli L. Among the extracts, Elderberry extract exhibited the most significant negative impact. Comparatively, Oryza sativa L. demonstrated higher plant height, LAI, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, chlorophyll content, grain protein content, and grain starch content when compared to Echinochloa crus-galli L. The results suggested that various extracts, particularly Nettle, along with 15 per thousand concentrations of Elderberry and Nettle extracts, hold potential for controlling Echinochloa crus-galli L. during the germination stage under field conditions.

Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles and its efficiency in degradation of rifampicin antibiotic

In recent ages, green nanotechnology has gained attraction in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles due to their cost-effectiveness, simple preparation steps, and environmentally-friendly. In the present study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were prepared using Parthenium hysterophorus whole plant aqueous extract as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent. The CuO NPs were characterized via UV–Vis Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The UV–Vis spectra of CuO NPs showed a surface plasmonic resonance band to occur at 340 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites on the surface of CuO NPs, with a characteristic Cu–O stretching band being identified at 522 cm−1. Scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron micrographs showed that CuO NPs were nearly spherical, with an average particle of 59.99 nm obtained from the SEM micrograph. The monoclinic crystalline structure of CuO NPs was confirmed using XRD, and crystallite size calculated using the Scherrer-Debye equation was found to be 31.58 nm. DLS showed the presence of nanoparticle agglomeration, which revealed uniformity of the CuO NPs. Furthermore, the degradation ability of biosynthesized nanoparticles was investigated against rifampicin antibiotic. The results showed that the optimum degradation efficiency of rifampicin at 98.43% was obtained at 65℃ temperature, 50 mg dosage of CuO NPs, 10 mg/L concentration of rifampicin solution, and rifampicin solution at pH 2 in 8 min. From this study, it can be concluded that CuO NPs synthesized from Parthenium hysterophorus aqueous extract are promising in the remediation of environmental pollution from antibiotics. In this light, the study reports that Parthenium hysterophorus-mediated green synthesis of CuO NPs can effectively address environmental pollution in cost-effective, eco-friendly, and sustainable ways.

Biogenic synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles from Evolvulus alsinoides plant extract

The ecofriendly and cost effective biosynthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) make them excellent material for application in various fields. The current study investigate the phytogenic synthesis of ZnO NPs from the aqueous extract of Evolvulus alsinoides plant as a novel resource which shows reducing as well as stabilizing agents. The biogenic approach applied for green synthesis of ZnO NPs characterized by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) observing a peak at 264 nm. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The data obtained from SEM and TEM techniques showed spherical shaped nanoparticles and size range in 100 nm.Graphical abstract

Detection of botanical adulterants in saffron powder

Saffron is a unique spice obtained by drying stigmas of saffron flowers (Crocus sativus L.). Due to its high price, economically motivated adulteration occurs relatively often. The presented study aimed to develop an effective strategy for the detection of the following potential botanical adulterants used for a saffron substitution or dilution: safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), achiote (Bixa orellana L.), red pepper (Capsicum spp.), mountain arnica (Arnica montana L.), beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). A non-target screening strategy based on ultra-high performance reverse-phase liquid chromatography coupled to tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS) was employed for the analysis of an aqueous ethanol plant extract. By using multivariate statistical methods, principal components analysis (PCA), and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), for processing the generated “chemical fingerprints,” metabolites unique to the investigated plants could be identified. To enable routine saffron authenticity control by target screening, an internal spectral database was developed; currently, it involves 82 unique markers. In this way, the detection addition as low as 1% (w/w) of all analyzed botanical adulterants in admixture with saffron was possible. The developed method was used to control 7 saffron powder samples from the Czech market, and none of the monitored adulterants were confirmed.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Salvia nubicola Extract against Ralstonia solanacearum, the Causal Agent of Vascular Wilt of Tomato.

Ralstonia solanacearum is a phytopathogen causing bacterial wilt diseases of tomato and affecting its productivity, which leads to prominent economic losses annually. As an alternative to conventional pesticides, green synthesized nanoparticles are believed to possess strong antibacterial activities besides being cheap and ecofriendly. Here, we present the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Sn-AgNPs) from medicinally important aqueous plant extracts of Salvia nubicola. Characterization of biologically synthesized nanoparticles was performed through UV-vis spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. The antibacterial activity of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was tested against the phytopathogen R. solanacearum through in vitro experiments. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts revealed the presence of substantial amounts of flavonoids (57.08 mg GAE/g), phenolics (42.30 mg GAE/g), tannins, and terpenoids. The HPLC phenolic profile indicated the presence of 25 possible bioactive compounds. Results regarding green synthesized silver nanoparticles revealed the conformation of different functional groups through FTIR analysis, which could be responsible for the bioreduction and capping of Ag ions into silver NPs. TEM results revealed the spherical, crystalline shape of nanoparticles with the size in the range of 23-63 nm, which validates SEM results. Different concentrations of Sn-AgNPs (T1 (500 μg/mL) to T7 (78.1 μg/mL)) with a combination of plant extracts (PE-Sn-AgNPs) and plant extracts alone exhibited an efficient inhibition of R. solanacearum. These findings could be used as an effective alternative preparation against the bacterial wilt of tomato.