Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Callicarpa nudiflora Aqueous Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antioxidant and Immune Function, and Intestinal Health of Broilers

Effects of Dietary Callicarpa nudiflora Aqueous Extract Supplementation on Growth Performance, Growth Hormone, Antioxidant and Immune Function, and Intestinal Health of Broilers

Whey protein concentrate and skimmed milk powder as encapsulation agents for coffee silverskin extracts processed by spray drying.

We tested the hypothesis that milk proteins, through microencapsulation, guarantee protection against bioactive substances in coffee silverskin extracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out technological, nutritional and physicochemical characterisation of a coffee silverskin extract microencapsulated using instant skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate as wall materials. The aqueous extract of coffee silverskin was spray-dried using 10% (w/v) skim milk powder and whey protein concentrate. The samples were characterised by determining the water content, water activity, particle size distribution, colour analysis and total phenolic compound content as well as antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-radical 1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging methods, nitric oxide radical inhibition and morphological analysis. The product showed water activity within a range that ensured greater stability, and the reduced degradation of the dried coffee silverskin extract with whey protein concentrate resulted in better rehydration ability. The luminosity parameter was higher and the browning index was lower for the encapsulated samples than for the pure coffee silverskin extract. The phenolic compound content (29.23 ± 8.39 and 34.00 ± 8.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for the coffee silverskin extract using skimmed milk powder and whey protein concentrate, respectively) and the antioxidant activity of the new product confirmed its potential as a natural source of antioxidant phenolic compounds. We conclude that the dairy matrices associated with spray drying preserved the bioactive and antioxidant activities of coffee silverskin extracts.

Aqueous Extracts of Cannabis sativa: Cytotoxicity and Effects on Angiogenesis, Oxidative Stress and Nitric Oxide Production

AbstractCannabis sativa has been used in local medicine to manage cancer, ache, inflammation, diabetes, and other conditions. The aqueous extract of Cannabis sativa leaves collected from two geographical locations (South Africa, EC and Lesotho, LS) was assessed for their potential against angiogenesis, nitric oxide (NO) production, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. The EC extract showed better angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor suppression than the LS extract at 20 and 100 µg/mL. EC and LS displayed their highest NO inhibitory effects (91 and 76%) at the most negligible 1.6 µg/mL concentration. The glutathione and Catalase levels increased significantly in the MCF-7 cells following administration with EC and LS. In contrast, a decrease in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the cells' supernatant was found compared to the untreated cells. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis reveals the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinoilic acid (THCA), with EC and LS having a considerable number of similar peaks. The extracts were relatively non-cytotoxic within the concentration range evaluated (0.78125 -100–µg/mL), though selective effects on cell survival at some concentrations were observed. The study provides information to support the extensive folkloric use of the aqueous extract of C. sativa in cancer and other associated ailments, as well as diseases linked to oxidative stress. Studies on the aqueous extract using animal models or other relevant in vivo models are recommended.

Evaluation of the Protective and Healing Effects of Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss on a Modified Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Model in Rats

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon with no definitive cure, necessitates the exploration of innovative therapies. Herbal remedies combined with conventional drugs may offer complementary benefits, enhancing treatment outcomes. Objectives: This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss in a rat model of acetic acid-induced UC. Methods: Forty-eight adult female Wistar rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 8 per group) for each of two experiments. UC was induced by intracolonic administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid for 10 minutes. In the treatment groups, female rats received an oral gavage of 5%, 10%, and 40% aqueous plant extract, sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg), and distilled water for 6 days, starting 3 days after acetic acid administration. The protective groups received substances via oral gavage from 7 days before to 3 days after acetic acid administration. The extent of mucosal ulcers, hyperemia, inflammation, and mucosal bleeding was evaluated based on the Gerald Classification System Score (Macroscopic). Pathological assessment was conducted on prepared slides using the modified Wallace method (Microscopic). Changes in body and colon weight, along with food and water intake, were examined. Results: Significant changes in food intake were observed in both the extract and positive control treatment groups, exhibiting a notable difference compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05). Body weight changes experienced a significant increase in the positive control treatment group compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was evident between the extract and negative control treatment groups (P > 0.05). In terms of water and food intake, as well as weight changes, no significant differences were detected among the various protective groups (P > 0.05). Both microscopic and macroscopic examinations revealed a substantial enhancement in the colon of the extract and positive control treatment groups compared to the negative control group (P < 0.05), with no significant difference observed between the protective groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Heracleum lasiopetalum extract demonstrates a dose-dependent reduction in colon hyperemia, mucosal ulceration, inflammation, and fibrosis. This highlights its potential as a supplementary treatment option for UC, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

Weed dynamics, yield and economics of winter transplanted organic chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under nutrient and weed management

An experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 at Agricultural Research Station, Chhatabar, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha to study the effect of weed and nutrient management practices on weed dynamics, yield and economics of winter transplanted organic chia (Salvia hispanica L.). The experiment was conducted in split plot design having 6 weed and 5 nutrient management practices with three replications. Among 6 weed management practices, hoeing and weeding twice at 20 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT) recorded the minimum density and biomass of weeds with weed control efficiency of 85 and 79.4% at 40 DAT and harvest, respectively. Nerium leaf aqueous extract (NLAE) 5% + castor leaf aqueous extract (CLAE) 5% + manual weeding at 35 DAT proved equally effective in weed control. Hoeing and weeding twice with 9 t/ha FYM + green manuring + Jeevamrit gave the seed, oil and protein yield of 730, 204 and 145 kg/ha, as against 720, 205 and 136 kg/ha, respectively. Weed management by NLAE 5% + CLAE 5% + manual weeding integrated with 9 t/ha FYM + green manuring + Jeevamrit and both, being statistically at par, proved to be significantly superior to all other treatment combinations. These two treatment combinations recorded statistically similar net return and return per rupee investment, and proved significantly superior to all others.

Improvement of functional dyspepsia with Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall via regulating brain-gut peptide and gut microbiota structure.

The traditional Chinese herbal medicine Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall (S. salsa) with a digesting food effect was taken as the research object, and its chemical composition and action mechanism were explored. The chemical constituents of S. salsa were isolated and purified by column chromatography, and their structures were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance. The food accumulation model in mice was established, and the changes of the aqueous extract of S. salsa in gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion rate, colonic tissue lesions, serum brain-gut peptide hormone, colonic tissue protein expression, and gut microbiota structure were compared. Ten compounds were isolated from S. salsa named as naringenin (1), hesperetin (2), baicalein (3), luteolin (4), isorhamnetin (5), taxifolin (6), isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside (7), luteolin-3'-D-glucuronide (8), luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucuronide (9), and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide (10), respectively. The aqueous extract of S. salsa can improve the pathological changes of the mice colon and intestinal peristalsis by increasing the rate of gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion. By adjusting the levels of 5-HT, CCK, NT, SS, VIP, GT-17, CHE, MTL, and ghrelin, it can upregulate the levels of c-kit, SCF, and GHRL protein, and restore the imbalanced structure of gut microbiota, further achieve the purpose of treating the syndrome of indigestion. The effect is better with the increase of dose. S. salsa has a certain therapeutic effect on mice with the syndrome of indigestion. From the perspective of "brain-gut-gut microbiota", the mechanism of digestion and accumulation of S. salsa was discussed for the first time, which provided an experimental basis for further exploring the material basis of S. salsa.

Nanoarchitectonics of an acetogenin-enriched nanosystem mediated by an aqueous extract ofAnnona cherimolaMill with anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic activity against HepG2 cell line.

For the first time, this study shows the nanoarchitectonic process to obtain an acetogenin-enriched nanosystem (AuNPs-Ac) using an aqueous extract from Annona cherimola Mill (ACM) composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in an organic matrix that acts as stabilizing agent and presents anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxical effect against HepG2 cell line, promoting apoptosis. The synthesis of AuNPs-Ac was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, showing metallic gold as the only phase, and the scanning transmission microscope showed an organic cap covering the AuNPs-Ac. Fourier-transformed infrared suggests that the organic cap comprises a combination of different annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, and phenols by the presence of bands corresponding to aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography has demonstrated the presence of annonacin, a potent acetogenin, in the extract of ACM. An in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of ACM and the AuNPs-Ac was performed using the albumin denaturation method, showing a nonlinear response, which is better than sodium diclofenac salt in a wide range of concentrations that goes from 200 to 400 µg/mL with both samples. The viability assay was studied using trypan blue, treating IMR90 and HepG2 at different concentrations of AuNPs-Ac. The results defined a median lethal dose of 800 µg/mL against HepG2 through apoptosis according to the ratio of caspase-cleaved 9/alpha-tubulin evaluated. It was also demonstrated that the nanosystem presents a higher cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cell line than in IMR90, suggesting a targeted mechanism. In addition, the nanosystem performs better than using only the extract of ACM in the anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative test, attributed to their higher surface area.

Dereplication tools for Rhizophora mangle extracts from different mangrove areas and their potential against Staphylococcus aureus.

Rhizophora extracts have several potential biological activities, and their metabolites can be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Extracts of Rhizophora species obtained from mangroves have shown prospective activity against Staphylococcus aureus. This study aimed to investigate the chemical profile of Rhizophora mangle leaves from fringe, basin, and transition mangrove zones and their bactericidal/bacteriostatic potential against S. aureus. R. mangle leaves were collected monthly in 2018 from litterfall in three different zones of the mangrove of Guaratiba State Reserve: fringe, basin, and transition. Extracts were prepared from the material collected in October and December for LC-HRMS/MS analysis, and dereplication was performed using a molecular library search and the classical molecular networkingGNPS platform. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the aqueous extract of R. mangle against S. aureus were determined. No S. aureus growth was observed compared to the control for extracts collected from September to December. Different compounds were annotated in each region, yet a marked presence of phenolic compounds was noted, among them glycosylated flavonoid derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol. The results suggest bactericidal/bacteriostatic activity for extracts of R. mangle leaves collected in 2018 from three mangrove forest zones.

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.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using five varieties of Cordyline fruticosa sp. leaves and reviewing their antimicrobial, antioxidant and photocatalytic properties

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles using plants or microorganisms has gained attention in the recent past, mainly due to its eco-friendly nature and because they can be used in a vast variety of fields such as medicine, agriculture and textiles. The current study focuses on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using five varieties of Cordyline fruticosa (candy cane, waihee rainbow, exotica, pink cascade and pink diamond) leaves, and assessing their antioxidant, photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. SEM analysis of pink cascade-AgNPs shows they are spherical and in the range of 40-50nm. Band gap energy calculations reveal that synthesized AgNPs can act as semiconductors.  Total flavonoid content, total phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity were analyzed and the DPPH-free radical scavenging assay was performed. These showed that AgNPs had higher antioxidant activity compared to aqueous extracts. The antibacterial activity of AgNPs and aqueous extracts was assessed using cultures of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Extracts and AgNPs showed better bactericidal effect on S.aureus. Photocatalytic activity of synthesized AgNPs was assessed using malachite green as a model dye and significant degradation of the dye was observed when AgNPs were added together with catalyst NaBH4. According to the results obtained from this study, it can be seen that AgNPs synthesized using Cordyline fruticosa have potential in different aspects including treatment of free-radical mediated diseases, overcoming antibiotic resistance, treatment of bacterial diseases and overcoming environmental pollution.

Abstract PO1-08-09: Drynaria fortunie, a nutritional herb for prevention in triple negative breast cancer

Abstract Study Rationale: The triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks the expression of hormone and growth factor receptors and responds only to anthracycline/taxol-based conventional chemotherapy. Major therapeutic limitations include systemic toxicity and acquired resistance to chemo-therapeutics. Relatively non-toxic nutritional herbs from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may represent testable alternatives against TNBC. These herbs effectively target multiple signaling pathways (Yang et al: J. Ethno-pharmacology 264: 113249, 2021). Growth inhibitory efficacy of nutritional herbs in a cellular model for TNBC is associated with downregulation of RB, RAS, PI3K and AKT signaling pathways (Telang et al: Pharmaceuticals 14: 1318, 2021). Drynaria fortunie (DF) is a nutritional herb that is used in many TCM herbal formulations. The present study is designed to examine the effects of DF in a cellular model for TNBC and to identify mechanistic leads for its efficacy. Experimental Model, herbal extract and biomarkers: Estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line represented a cellular model for TNBC. Non-fractionated aqueous extract from the bark of DF represented the test agent. Cell cycle progression, RB signaling and caspase 3/7 activity represented quantitative end point biomarkers. Study Outcome: Treatment with DF at cytostatic concentrations induced S phase arrest and inhibited RB signaling via downregulated expression of cyclin E, CDK2, pRB and E2F1. DF treatment also induced caspase 3/7 activity, a marker for cellular apoptosis. Collectively, these data provide potential mechanistic leads for anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of DF in the present model. Conclusion: Present data validate a mechanism-driven experimental approach to prioritize efficacious nutritional herbs as testable alternatives for prevention/therapy of TNBC. Citation Format: Nitin TELANG, Hareesh Nair, George Wong. Drynaria fortunie, a nutritional herb for prevention in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO1-08-09.

Anticonvulsant effects of Paeonia daurica subsp. macrophylla root extracts in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure models in mice

IntroductionIn the present study, anticonvulsant effects of aqueous extract (AE), hydro-alcoholic crude extract (HE), and its fractions (F-CHCl3, F-EtOAc, F-MeOH) of Paeonia daurica subsp. macrophylla (P. daurica ssp. macrophylla) root examined by using a pentylenetetrazol-induced model (PTZ) on mice. MethodsHE and its fractions as well as AE, in concentrations of (100, 200 and 400mg/kg), valproate (Val) (100 and 200mg/kg), and saline (negative control) (10mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 30min before PTZ (80mg/kg, i.p.). The time taken before the onset of myoclonic convulsions (MC), MC duration, time taken before the onset of generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS), the duration of GTCS, and the percentage of GTCS and mortality protection recorded. The plant's anticonvulsant mechanisms were assessed using flumazenil (5mg/kg, i.p.) before AE (100, 200, and 400mg/kg, i.p.) injection. GraphPad Prism software was used to compare the differences between various treatment groups with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey–Krammer multiple comparison tests. ResultsAll the plant samples except F-EtOAc significantly delayed the onset and decreased the duration of PTZ-induced MCS and GTCS, and significantly reduced the GTCS and mortality rate. Pretreatment with flumazenil diminished the significant anticonvulsant effects of AE against PTZ-induced seizures. ConclusionsIt can report that extract of P. daurica ssp. macrophylla might be a helpful guide for future studies in the treatment of epilepsy.

Insights into the radioprotective efficacy of Pterocarpus santalinus L. aqueous extract

In the present study, we have attempted a comprehensive assessment of the possible radioprotective efficacy of Pterocarpus santalinus aqueous extract (PSAE). All the studied models were gamma-irradiated with prior treatment with PSAE. First, the content of total phenols (4.061 μg/mg gallic acid equivalents), flavonoids (6.616 μg/mg quercetin equivalents), and tannins (0.008 mg/L of PSAE) were determined spectrophotometrically. Second, UHPLC-HRMS analysis was performed to identify the possible radioprotectors. Of those, santalins A & B are known for their usage as natural color in foods and alcoholic beverages identified in PSAE. Treatment was well tolerated with no side effects from PSAE. Later, it was shown that radiation-induced lethality significantly amended in PSAE-treated spleen lymphocytes as evidenced by reduced elevated levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation, restored total thiols and GSH: GSSG, inhibited DNA DSBs and cell death. Furthermore, an immunomodulation study was carried out because radiation exposure induces an inflammatory response. Our study shows that PSAE suppressed concanavalin A-induced T-cell proliferation as evidenced by CFSE dye dilution and CD69 antibody staining methods. Taken together, the current study explored the protective efficacy of PSAE from gamma radiation-inflicted injuries and hence we recommend PSAE as a potent radioprotective formulation.

An evaluation of the pharmacological responses of metal nanoparticles derived from aqueous extract of Caralluma adscendens R. Brown var. Bicolor

Nanomaterials employed in nanomedicine have the potential to function as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools for individuals. Over the past few decades, significant efforts have been made to synthesize a range of metal nanoparticles through the utilization of different plant extracts. Caralluma adscendens R. Brown var. bicolor leaves (CABL) extract was employed in this study as a reducing/capping agent for the synthesis of gold/silver nanoparticles (CABL@AgNPs/CABL@AuNPs) and explore their pharmacological properties. The successful synthesis of CABL@AgNPs and CABL@AuNPs was confirmed through the observation of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at 439 and 522 nm using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer (UV–Vis). High resolution-transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques were employed to evaluate the shape, size, and chemical composition of the as-synthesized CABL@AgNPs and CABL@AuNPs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine the biomolecules responsible for the reduction of metal ions and the stability of metal nanoparticles generated using plant extract. An evaluation was performed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of the prepared aqueous CABL extract, CABL@AgNPs, and CABL@AuNPs through the implementation of the disc diffusion technique. The results demonstrated that CABL@AgNPs exhibited greater efficiency when compared to both CABL extract and CABL@AuNPs. The dose-dependent nature of antimicrobial activities was clearly demonstrated through the results of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory experiments. The wound healing activity of the prepared nanomaterials was evaluated using a variety of techniques, including MTT assay, fluorescence staining test, and in vitro scratch assay. The wound-healing capacity of prepared nanomaterials was evaluated using an in vitro scratch assay with Fibroblast L929 cells. The impact of nanoparticles at the IC50 concentration range was analysed through a fluorescence staining experiment and MTT assay to determine toxicity levels. The environmentally friendly approach of current study shown that both nanoparticles have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents for treating different illnesses.

Exploring Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Properties, and in Silico Study of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Pistacia lentiscus L. from the Eastern Region of Morocco

Exploring Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antibacterial Properties, and in Silico Study of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Pistacia lentiscus L. from the Eastern Region of Morocco

Characterization and quantification of intact glucosinolates in Catozza rapeseeds: A promising food matrix for nutraceuticals development as a source of hydrogen sulfide

Glucosinolates (GSLs), anionic sulfur-containing secondary metabolites of Brassicales order, have shown beneficial effects for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. This study has focused on HPLC-HESI-MS/MS analysis of intact GSLs in a poorly studied food matrix, Catozza rapeseeds (Brassica rapa L. var. rapa DC.), providing the first qualitative profile of this matrix by the identification of fifteen GSLs and the quantification of thenine most abundant compounds. After the evaluation of different powder granulometries, the best myrosinase inactivation treatment condition was achieved with a 30-minute heating treatment at 80 °C, resulting in the highest GSLs content. Two extraction methods were performed on the rapeseed meal to obtain hydroalcoholic Catozza rapeseed extracts (HCRE) and aqueous Catozza rapeseed extracts (ACRE) showing a concentration-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxing effect in mice aorta by releasing hydrogen sulfide (H2S). This study represents the starting point for further investigation of Catozza rapeseed use for GSLs-based formulations for nutraceuticals purpose.

Unveiling the potential toxicity and mutagenicity of traditional remedies used for gynaecological and obstetric ailments in Maputaland, South Africa

Medicinal plants play an important role in the primary healthcare of lay people around the world, including the rural community of Maputaland, South Africa. According to an ethnobotanical survey conducted in 2014, the lay people in northern Maputaland use plant species independently and in combination to treat gynaecology and obstetric ailments. These plant species were generally regarded as safe by the lay people except for one plant species, Trichilia dregeana Harv. & Sond. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of 16 plant combinations using the brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA) for toxicity and Ames test using S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains for mutagenicity. Toxicity studies on 33 medicinal plant species independently needed to be analysed first in order to make a comparison of combined with single use. The aqueous and organic (1:1 methanol-dichloromethane) extracts were prepared from 51 plant samples (including leaf samples collected as a substitution for the roots). There were three plant species (Acalypha villicaulis Horchst. Ex A.Rich. root, Grewia occidentalis L. root and Gymnosporia senegalensis Loes. leaves) indicated neither toxicity nor mutagenicity when tested at 1 and 5 mg/ml using the BSLA and Ames test, respectively. Hermannia boraginiflora Hook., Sapium integerrimum (Hochst. ex Krauss), Scadoxus puniceus (L.) Friis Nordal and Tabernaemontana elegans Stapf demonstrated toxicity even after dilution to the lowest concentration of 0.031 mg/ml. The three plant combinations which were found to be non-toxic in the BSLA (both aqueous and organic extracts) were Euphobia tirucalli L. (root) with Ozoroa engleri R.Fern & A.Fern. (bark), S. puniceus (bulb) and Senecio serratuloides DC. (whole plant); Bridelia cathartica G.Bertol. (root) with Opuntia stricta Haw. (stem) with Searsia nebulosa (Schoenland) Moffett (bark); and B. cathartica (root) with Erythrina humeana Spreng (root). In the Ames test, the plant samples which appeared to be non-mutagenic against both S. typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains were A. villicaulis root, Cyperus natalensis Hochst. ex Krauss root, Euclea natalensis A.DC. leaves, G. occidentalis root, Ochna natalitia Walp. leaves, S. integerrimum leaves and S. puniceus bulb. This study indicated that medicinal plant species (independently and in combination) may have toxic and/ or mutagenic effects, even without any obvious signs after consumption. More importantly, it was determined that toxicity can be reduced by carefully managing the dose.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Effects of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge Extract on Ameliorating Acute Myocardial Ischemia in Rats Induced by Isoproterenol

Salvia MiltiorrhizaBunge (SM) is a widespread herbal therapy for myocardial ischemia (MI). Nevertheless, the therapeutic signaling networks of SM extract on MI is yet unknown. Emerging evidences suggested that alterations in cardiac metabolite influences host metabolism and accelerates MI progression. Herein, we employed an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) rat model to confirm the pharmacological effects of SM extract (0.8, 0.9, 1.8 g/kg/day) via assessment of the histopathological alterations that occur within the heart tissue and associated cytokines; we also examined the underlying SM extract-mediated signaling networks using untargeted metabolomics. The results indicated that 25 compounds with a relative content higher than 1% in SM aqueous extract were identified using LC-MS/MS analysis, which included salvianolic acid B, lithospermic acid, salvianolic acid A, and caffeic acid as main components. An in vivo experiment showed that pretreatment with SM extract attenuated ISO-induced myocardial injury, shown as decreased myocardial ischemic size, transformed electrocardiographic, histopathological, and serum biochemical aberrations, reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibited oxidative stress (OS), and reversed the trepidations of the cardiac tissue metabolic profiles. Metabolomics analysis shows that the levels of 24 differential metabolites (DMs) approached the same value as controls after SM extract therapy, which were primarily involved in histidine; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate; glycerophospholipid; and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolisms through metabolic pathway analysis. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the levels of modulatory effects of SM extract on the inflammation and OS were related to alterations in endogenous metabolites. Overall, SM extract demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in an ISO-induced AMI rat model, alleviating myocardial injury, inflammation and oxidative stress, with metabolomics analysis indicating potential therapeutic pathways for myocardial ischemia.

Design of defective silver phosphate photocatalyst using Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract for enhanced photocatalytic activity

New properties of the Ag3PO4 material have been successfully designed through surface modification of the material using natural extracts of Nigella sativa seeds. This research aims to induce changes in the band gap, defects, and atomic composition on the surface of Ag3PO4 through the coprecipitation method with Nigella sativa seed aqueous extract (NSE). The mixture of phosphate ion solution and NSE was reacted drop by drop with silver ion solution followed by aging treatment. The synthetic products were characterized using XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR, DRS, PL, Raman, and XPS. Rhodamine B dye was used as a target pollutant for photocatalytic evaluation. The results showed that NSE significantly induced changes in the band gap energy, defects, and atomic composition in the Ag3PO4 surface. The photocatalytic rate of Ag3PO4 treated with NSE increased up to 11 times higher than that of samples without NSE. This extraordinary activity is mainly due to the presence of active hole species in the valence band.

Cryopreservation of bovine semen using extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum

BACKGROUND: Antioxidants minimise oxidative stress and enhance sperm quality in the process of cryopreservation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract as an additive during the post-dilution and post-thaw stages of Murrah buffalo semen cryopreservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The semen sample was diluted using Tris-Egg-Yolk-Citric-Acid-Fructose-Glycerol extender and subsequently divided into three groups: Group 1, TEYCAFG without any additives or controls (C); Group 2, TEYCAFG fortified with a 50 μg/mL aqueous extract of cinnamon (T1); and Group 3, TEYCAFG fortified with a 50 μg/mL ethanolic extract of cinnamon (T2). The evaluation included an assessment of progressive motility, live spermatozoa, sperm abnormalities, HOST, CMPT, and enzyme leakage (GOT and GPT) at both the post-dilution and post-thaw stages. RESULTS: The groups that received cinnamon supplementation demonstrated statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) in various parameters, including an increase in the progressive motility, live spermatozoa, and HOS-positive spermatozoa, as well as greater distance traveled by vanguard spermatozoa compared to the control group. Furthermore, the cinnamon-added groups exhibited a significant decrease (p<0.05) in the percentage of sperm abnormalities and lower enzyme leakage (GOT and GPT) in post-thawed semen. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extract of C. zeylanicum at a concentration of 50 μg/mL provides superior protection of sperm structures and functions as compared to both the ethanolic extract of C. zeylanicum at the same concentration and the control group.