Aqueous Plant Extracts Research Articles

Assessing the therapeutic potential and safety of traditional anti-obesity herbal blends in Palestine

The use of traditional herbal remedies has been a common practice for centuries across different cultures to treat various ailments. In Palestine, traditional herbal medicines are widely used, but their efficacy and safety have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the biological activity and toxicity of two traditional herbal blends often used to treat obesity in the West Bank region of Palestine. Two herbal blends with a total of eight plants were chosen based on their historic use and availability. The plant aqueous extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-fibrotic, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The results showed that these blends have potent antifibrotic, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. While their activities on α-amylase and lipase enzymes (main targets) showed moderate activities. Therefore, our results showed that Herbal Blend 2 was more potent than Herbal Blend 1 on all investigated targets. Herbal Blend 2 showed significant activities as an antioxidant, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities with IC50 values of 68.16 ± 2.45, 33.97 ± 1.14, and 52.53 ± 0.78 µg/mL against DPPH, LX-2, and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. While it is IC50 values on α-amylase and lipase enzymes were 243.73 ± 1.57 and 1358.39 ± 2.04 µg/mL, respectively. However, the use of anti-cancer plants can be challenging due to their cytotoxic effects on the body. We urge individuals to exercise caution when using natural remedies and to seek medical advice before incorporating them into their health regimens. This study provides valuable insight into the potential health benefits of traditional herbal remedies and emphasizes the importance of responsible usage.

Green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract of <i>Calotropis procera</i> and its antimicrobial activity on clinical bacteria isolates

The green synthesis of nanoparticles, utilizing aqueous plant extract as a capping and stabilizing agent, has attracted significant attention in various domains, particularly in pharmaceuticals and drug delivery. In this investigation, silver nitrate (AgNO3) salts were employed as precursors to fabricate silver nanoparticles using Calotropis procera (leaves/flower) extract, and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed three primary functional groups at peaks of 2851.4 cm-1, 1543.1 cm-1, and 1323.2 cm-1, responsible for capping and stabilizing the synthesized C.p-AgNPs. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the synthesized C.p-AgNPs exhibited spherical shapes with an average particle size ranging from 20 nm to 30 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis of the synthesized C.p-AgNPs indicated the presence of pure silver (Ag) at 54.32% in the region of 2.7 to 3.1 keV. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of C.p-AgNPs was examined, with the best inhibition observed at 0.5 mg/mL on Gram-negative bacteria S. aureus (12.0 mm) and Streptococcus spp (13.0 mm), and on Gram-positive bacteria E. coli (16.0 mm) and Salmonella spp (14.0 mm). The antimicrobial efficacy was dose-dependent, suggesting the potential for eradicating resistant human pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial potential of C.p-AgNPs could be enhanced by increasing their concentration, depending on the specific application. Based on the study's findings, C.p-AgNPs derived from Calotropis procera can be employed for various biomedical purposes, such as textile coating by incorporating C.p-AgNPs in fibers and food storage by nanocapsulation of food items to extend their shelf life.

Procedure Optimization for Green Synthesis of Magnetic‐Copper Nanoparticles by Aqueous Alcea Medicinal Plant Extract and Their Photocatalytic Properties

AbstractIn this research, the biosynthesis method was used for Fe3O4/CuO core‐shell nanocomposite using by aqueous Alcea medicinal plant extract, which aimed to synthesize antibacterial substances against common resistant bacteria. Antibacterial effects of various samples synthesized in different concentrations were evaluated against gram‐positive and negative bacteria in Mueller Hilton agar culture medium. The photocatalytic properties were carried out in a period of 140 minutes, and the maximum effect of the sample was 76 % in 100 minutes. FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRD tests confirmed the correct to design the experiment. synthesis of the nanocomposite with an average size of 38 nm and a surface charge of 23.1 mV. To obtain the best and most effective conditions for the synthesis of antibacterial nanoparticles, the CCD method was used. The main purpose of this research work is to use a medicinal plant as a reducer in the synthesis of metal composite nanoparticles, which plant itself has healing and antimicrobial properties in traditional medical science.

GC-MS and HPTLC bioautography-based phytochemical profiling and evaluation of biological activity Neptunia prostrata Linn whole plant and leaves

This work used experimental methods to evaluate the chemical composition of GC-MS, HPTLC-based bioautographaphy, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and protein denaturation properties of the Neptunia prostrata Linn (family: Mimosaceae) whole plant and leaves. Three methods, namely DPPH, metal chelating, and reducing power assays, were used to estimate the antioxidant effects. In addition, α-amylase, a carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzyme, was targeted to test the anti-diabetic activity. The protein denaturation assay was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant. GC-MS, an important analytical tool, was performed to identify bioactive compounds of medicinal plants used in pharmaceutical industries. Biochemical derivatization HPTLC-based bioautography with DPPH was executed to identify antioxidant agents from N. prostrata. The validated HPTLC method was used to quantify identified antioxidant agents. The stability of compounds, preparation of calibration curves, linearity, range, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, robustness, and accuracy are examined to develop a robust method. Higher total phenolic content (TPC) content was observed in N. prostrata hydroalcoholic extract of the whole plant (81.12 ± 4.19 mg GAE/g) and methanolic extract of leaves (105.16 ± 3.11 mg GAE/g). Methanolic extract of N. prostrata leaves showed significantly high antioxidant potential for all DPPH (IC50:28.05 ± 1.78 µg/mL), metal chelating (IC50:1598 ± 23.51 µg/mL), and reducing power assay compared to standard ascorbic acid (DPPH assay: IC50:24.14 ± 2.34 µg/mL and metal chelating: IC50:1301.16 ± 6.14 µg/mL). N. prostrata aqueous extract of the whole plant (IC50:179.47 ± 10.59 µg/mL) and leaves (IC50:130.86 ± 3.58 µg/mL) showed significantly high α-amylase inhibitory activity as compared to standard acarbose (IC50:148.62 ± 7.84 µg/mL). Methanolic extract of whole plants (IC50:131.46 ± 11.81 µg/mL) and chloroform extract of leaves (IC50:122.61 ± 8.19 µg/mL) exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity as compared to standard acetylsalicylic acid (IC50:117.77 ± 4.95 µg/mL). GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, where 2-cyclopenten-1-one, 2-hydroxy showed the most abundant bioactive compounds in the plant with 17.01%. HPTLC-bioautography identified three phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) and one flavonoid (naringenin), further quantified with the validated HPTLC method. These findings propose that N. prostrata has therapeutic potential for treating diseases related to oxidative damage, diabetes, and inflammation, which may be due to the presence of bioactive compounds.

The Enhanced Activity of a Plant Mixture from the Brazilian Caatinga Biome against Venereal Trichomonads Confirms the Traditional Use

Women living in the semi-arid region of Caatinga in the northeast of Brazil report the use of plant mixtures to treat diseases in the genitourinary tract. Plant extracts were obtained from barks to simulate traditional use. The anti-trichomonads activity as well as the cytotoxic effect of plant extracts were tested. Herein, we confirmed this traditional knowledge by testing plants aqueous extracts against Trichomonas vaginalis and Tritrichomonas foetus, the etiologic agents of human and bovine trichomoniasis. All plant extracts were active individually against at least one trichomonads species except for Prosopis juliflora and Amburana cearensis. Cedrela sp. was the most active against both trichomonads species. Finally, a mixture of plants used in traditional medicine was evaluated for activity. A mixture containing extracts of the plants Ximenia americana, Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Sideroxylon obtusifolium, and Amburana cearensis was active against the two trichomonads. This finding confirms the traditional practice by women living in the Caatinga region of using a mixture of plants during sitz baths to treat vaginal infections. Altogether, these results highlight the ethnopharmacological use of Cedrela sp. and of the plant mixture for the treatment of venereal diseases by Caatinga residents.

Insecticidal and antioxidant potential of volatile compounds and nanoparticles from Tulbaghia violacea Harv. inoculated with endophytic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana on the growth and ability of Tulbaghia violacea to synthesise nanoparticles and volatile compounds. Tulbaghia violacea was inoculated by drenching with different concentrations of B. bassiana conidial concentrations (0 mL−1, 1 × 106 mL−1, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 conidia mL−1) and the colonization of plant tissue in the different fungal treatments was evaluated. A UV–VIS spectrometer (SPECTROstar nano) was used to determine the presence of nanoparticles while volatile constituents in the plants were analysed with chromatography-mass spectrometry. Polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids and antioxidant contents were determined using referenced methods. At least 57 % of plants were successfully colonized at the highest concentration (1 × 108 conidia mL−1). The results showed that treating B. bassiana with T. violacea had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the growth parameters (height, number of leaves, aerial part fresh weight, aerial part dry weight, root fresh weight, and root dry weight) of T. violacea after four weeks post-treatment. The aqueous extracts of T. violacea from both control and B. bassiana-treated plants successfully synthesized gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts of plants and gold nanoparticles from both fungus and control treatments were equally toxic to mealybug and induced high mortality. The Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) results revealed that the number of compounds detected in plants subjected to the different concentrations of fungal inoculum and control did not vary significantly (P>0.05) in leaves and roots. The polyphenol contents in the leaves were not significantly different (P>0.05) among treatments. Similarly, the antioxidant activities were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by fungal treatment on both leaves and roots. However, T. violacea extracts reduced aqueous gold to gold nanoparticles in both control and fungus-treated plants.

Synthesis and Characterization of Parthenium hysterophorus-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles for Methylene Blue Dye Degradation

Herein, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Parthenium hysterophorus whole plant aqueous extract as reducing and capping agents. The synthesized ZnO NPs were characterized via UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). An intrinsic optical absorbance of ZnO NPs occurred at 337 nm in the UV-Vis spectrum. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of secondary metabolites responsible for reducing and stabilizing the nanoparticles. Furthermore, SEM and TEM images revealed that ZnO NPs were spherical with an average particle size of 38 nm. The XRD analysis revealed that ZnO NPs had a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with a crystallite size of 42.6 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles were investigated for degradation ability against methylene blue dye at varying conditions of ZnO NPs’ dosage, methylene blue concentrations, pH, temperature, and interaction time. Degradation efficiency of 55.69% was obtained at optimal conditions using 50 mg of ZnO NPs, 5 mg/L of MB dye concentration, and pH 12 and at 65°C within 32 minutes. Due to their novel green synthesis route, Parthenium hysterophorus-mediated ZnO NPs are promising candidates for removing persistent organic dyes from aquatic environments.

The effects of pre-sowing treatments with aqueous allelopathic plant extracts on the germination parameters of aged soybean seeds

The aim of the paper was to examine the allelopathic influence of aqueous extracts of herbs and medicinal plants on the quality parameters of aged soybean seeds. The research was carried out at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad on aged seeds of two soybean varieties, NS simba and NS viseris. The seeds were aged for 20 months. In order to determine the allelopathic effect, the seeds were primed in aqueous plant extracts: geranium (Geranium sinense), dill (Anethum graveolens), andy everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium), creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum), celery (Apium graveolens), oregano (Origanum vulgare), basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), sage (Salvia officinalis), and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). The results show that it is not possible to talk about the universal application of a particular aqueous extract, because the effect of the allochemicals was significantly influenced by the variety. In the variety NS viseris, all aqueous extracts except Melissa officinalis, significantly reduced GE, GP, and VI. The most negative effect was achieved with the use of Apium graveolens, Thymus serpyllum, and Ocimum basilicum. Apium graveolens and Thymus serpyllum also had the greatest impact on quality reduction in the NS simba variety. However, in the NS simba variety, a significant increase in seed quality was achieved in addition to the reduction. The use of the aqueous extract of Salvia officinalis increased GE and GP by 13.7%, and VI by 10.21%. A positive effect was achieved with the use of Melissa officinalis. All aqueous extracts had a significant effect on T50 in both varieties, even the aqueous extracts that had a negative effect on GE and GP.

Field efficacy of Gliding Arc Plasma Activated Water and natural products on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) late blight [Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary] severity

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the field efficacy of plasma-activated water (PAW) as a novel technology in agriculture together with vinegar, sodium bicarbonate, and plant aqueous extracts against tomato late blight in a complete randomised block design. Ten treatments were evaluated: Plasma activated water (PAW), a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and vinegar at different ratios (25/75, 50/50 and 75/25) and different mixtures of aqueous plant extracts made up of ten plants: Ageratum conyzoides, Eucalyptus saligna, Azadirachta indica, Panax quinquefolius, Callistemon viminalis, Euphorbia hirta, E. cordifolia Laggera pterodonta, Ocimum gratissimum and avocado pit powder. Plantizeb and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the growth variables between treatments at 10 weeks after transplanting (WAT). All the treatments reduced late blight severity compared to the negative control (100 %) at 10 WAT. Late blight severity on plants treated with Plantizeb, PAW, the mixture of bicarbonate and vinegar (B+V) at 50/50 (33.24 %) and the mixture of E. hirta + E. cordifolia extract (33.33 %) was the lowest and significantly comparable (p < 0.05) to Plantizeb (31.67 %). Tomato yield was 2.24 t/ha (negative control), 28.56 t/ha (Plantizeb), 27.23 t/ha (PAW), 30.32 t / ha (B+V at 50/50), and 27.69 t/ha (mixture of the aqueous extract of E. hirta + E. cordifolia). The PAW, the mixtures between B+V at 50/50, and the aqueous extract of E. hirta and E. cordifolia could be exploited for their bioactivity in late blight management in field conditions.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Plant Aqueous Extracts Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 Bacteria in Grenada, West Indies

Antimicrobial resistance has developed as a major health problem worldwide, endangering the efficacy of antibiotics and imposing a severe burden of resistant infections. The progressive increase in the prevalence of multiple resistant bacterial strains paves the way for the selection of natural plants with antibacterial properties as an alternative substitution for the treatment of bacterial infections. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the antibacterial efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica), moringa (Moringa oleifera), and curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) against Escherichia coli (E coli) O157:H7 isolated from a fecal sample of a goat from Grenada. This is the first medicinal plant-based research study in Grenada on this important zoonotic pathogen. Aqueous extracts of medicinal plants were evaluated for antibacterial efficacy in vitro, using the agar well diffusion method, and subsequently compared with the antibacterial drug gentamicin. The resulting data demonstrated that aqueous plant extracts of neem leaves, moringa leaves, and curry leaves exhibited in vitro antibacterial efficacy comparable to that of gentamicin against E coli O157:H7 goat isolate. Hence, these plants could be used as an effective substitute for antibacterial agents in prophylactic or therapeutic control of bacterial infections in Grenada.

Effect of Some Medicinal Plants Aqueous Extracts on Two Species of Two Plant Pathogenic Bacteria Pseudomonas savastanoi and Xanthomonas campestris

Mouhanna, A.M., M.A.R. Drakly, M.A. Abou Hasan and H.N.H. Al-Obaydi. 2024. Effect of Some Medicinal Plants Aqueous Extracts on Two Species of Two Plant Pathogenic Bacteria Pseudomonas savastanoi and Xanthomonas campestris. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 382-386. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001254 This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of some medicinal plants naturally present in Jableh region, Lattakia governorate on two plant pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas savastanoi and Xanthomonas campestris. The inhibitory effect of the bacteria was measured by the diameter length of the inhibition zone around the disc treated with the extract. The aqueous extracts of Ocimum canum, Salvia sclarea, Origamum tytthanthum and Thymus serpyllum showed a significantly higher inhibitory effect on P. savastanoi compared to their effect on X. campestris. Aqueous extracts of Coridothymus capitatus and Majorana syriaca showed similar inhibition effect on the two studied bacteria species. The highest inhibition rate was 99.975 and 99.997% for Coridothymus capitatus and Majorana syriaca extracts against X. campestris and P. savastanoi, respectively, whereas the lowest inhibition rate was for Thymus serpyllum extracts with 25.0 and 16.7% inhibition rate against P. savastanoi and X. campestris, respectively. Results indicate the importance of using these aqueous extracts in the control of bacterial plant diseases. However, such laboratory tests need to be confirmed by extended field trials. Keywords: Aqueous extracts, plant pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas savastanoi, Xanthomonas campestris, inhibitory effect.

Antibacterial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from plants and Fungi

The present study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNps) having antibacterial properties. Two fungal strains, viz Aspergillus niger and A. terreus were procured from NCIM, Pune. And were used to synthesize silver nanoparticles by reduction and precipitation of AgNO3 . The aqueous plant extract of Neem (Azadiracta indica) leaves was prepared for the synthesis of AgNps. All the AgNps derived from fungi and plant sources were evaluated for antibacterial properties against known laboratory pathogens. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and SEM. Silver nanoparticles were produced significantly from A. niger at 400nm and A. Terreus at 400 nm. The aqueous extract of the neem plant showed maximum absorption at 500 nm. Also, the extract nanoparticles showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas spp, Salmonella paratyphi-A and S. aureus.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Rubus fruticosus extract and their antibacterial efficacy against Erwinia caratovora and Ralstonia solanacearum phytopathogens.

In the current research, we produced green, cost-effective, eco-friendly silver nanoparticles using a single-step approach. Plants are considered highly desirable systems for nanoparticle synthesis because they possess a variety of secondary metabolites with significant reduction potential. In the current research, the dried leaf extract of Rubus fruticosus was utilized as a capping and reducing agent for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles, to prepare reliable biogenic silver nanoparticles and subsequently to investigate their potential against some common phytopathogens. The prepared silver nanoparticles were exploited to quantify the total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH-based antioxidant activity. Different concentrations of aqueous extracts of plant leaves and silver nitrate (AgNO3) were reacted, and the color change of the reactant mixture confirmed the formation of Rubus fruticosus leaf-mediated silver nanoparticles (RFL-AgNPs). A series of characterization techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and X-ray diffraction revealed the successful synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The surface plasmon resonance peak appeared at 449 nm. XRD analysis demonstrated the crystalline nature, EDX confirmed the purity, and TEM demonstrated that the nanoparticles are mostly spherical in form. Furthermore, the biosynthesized nanoparticles were screened for in vitro antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. The nanoparticles were used in different concentrations alone and in combination with plant extracts to inhibit Erwinia caratovora and Ralstonia solanacearum. In high-throughput assays used to inhibit these plant pathogens, the nanoparticles were highly toxic against bacterial pathogens. This study can be exploited for planta assays against phytopathogens utilizing the same formulations for nanoparticle synthesis and to develop potent antibacterial agents to combat plant diseases.

АНТИКОАГУЛЯЦИОННАЯ И АНТИАГРЕГАЦИОННАЯ АКТИВНОСТЬ ФИТОЭКСТРАКТОВ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННЫХ РАСТЕНИЙ: IN VITRO СКРИНИНГ-ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ

Objective: In vitro evaluate the antiaggregation and anticoagulation properties of aqueous plant extracts, including Viburnum opulus flowers and fruits, Urtica dioica leaves, Coffea arabica leaves, and shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) herb. Methods: In vitro assessment of anticoagulation activity was conducted by examining the impact on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen levels. Anti-aggregation activity was evaluated using the Born turbidimetric method. Results: The research found that the phytoextracts examined did not impact the concentration of fibrinogen and PT. However, they did slightly prolong the APTT, and this effect was statistically significant compared to the control. Coffea arabica leaves, and Viburnum opulus fruit extracts showed substantial anticoagulant activity (30% and 29% sodium heparin, respectively; p-value <0.05 for both). Extracts of Viburnum opulus fruits and Coffea arabica leaves significantly prolong the latent period before collagen-induced platelet aggregation by up to 116.7% and 118.8% of the intact platelet index, respectively. Every sample analyzed showed a significant decrease in the maximum platelet aggregation amplitude compared to the control. The most notable impact was with Urtica dioica and Coffea arabica leaf extracts, which reduced the percentage to 85.9% and 89.2% of the control, respectively. These extracts exhibited 77.6% and 59.7% of the effectiveness of acetylsalicylic acid, with Coffea arabica extract showing a significant difference (p<0.05) compared to the reference drug. All plant extracts, except Capsella bursa-pastoris extract, which reduced this indicator, significantly prolonged the time needed to reach maximum aggregation. Coffea arabica extract had the most significant impact, showing 223.8% of the efficacy of acetylsalicylic acid (p<0.05). The extracts (excluding Capsella bursa-pastoris) significantly decreased the platelet aggregation rate. The most notable impact was observed with extracts of Viburnum opulus flowers and Coffea arabica leaves, which yielded an inhibitory effect on the rate of aggregation of acetylsalicylic acid (-10%/min relative to intact platelets, p<0.05), reducing aggregation rate by -5.2% and -6%/min compared to control, respectively. Conclusion: The samples analyzed in our study show weak anticoagulation activity, with the most noticeable effects in extracts of coffee leaves and viburnum fruits. Additionally, we found that the antiaggregation activity of the extracts of coffee leaves, nettles, and viburnum fruits was much more substantial, comparable to or even surpassing the effect of acetylsalicylic acid in some cases. Keywords: Anticoagulation properties, antiaggregation activity, Viburnum opulus, Urtica dioica, Coffea arabica, Capsella bursa-pastoris.

Economic and Behavioral Benefits of Using Aqueous Plant-mixture Extracts in Broiler Production with High Stocking Density

The rising demand for white meat has led to an increased reliance on intensive farming systems involving high stocking density that can cause stress on birds, hinder their growth and behavior, and reduce profitability. This necessitates the use of antioxidant growth enhancers to mitigate the impact of stress. In response to this challenge, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of natural growth promoters compared to antibiotics in alleviating the negative impact of stocking density stress by conducting an experiment using 300 one-day-old Cobb 500 chicks over 35 days. After 7 days of acclimatization, the chicks were weighed, wing-tagged, and divided into five groups with 60 chicks each, divided into three replicates of 20 birds. The groups were categorized as follows: low stocking density (LSD) with 10 birds/m2, high stocking density (HSD) with 18 birds/m2, HSD+AGP feeding diet with 55 ppm/kg feed Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD-50; Zoetis Products, Chicago Heights, IL, USA) as antibiotic growth promoter, HSD+LPEM with a low concentration of aqueous plant extracts mixture (LPEM) (8 ml fennel + 8 ml fenugreek + 8 ml thyme/L of drinking water), and HSD+HPEM with a high concentration of aqueous plant extracts mixture (HPEM) (10 ml fennel + 10 ml fenugreek + 10 ml thyme/L of drinking water). The findings revealed that HSD led to a decline in productivity, behavior, and economic efficiency when compared to LSD. AGP improved these aspects but at a lower level than PEM. In conclusion, to ensure the production of antibiotic-free meat, decrease antibiotic resistance, and achieve better behavioral, productive, and economic outcomes, it is proposed to use a combination of fennel, fenugreek, and thyme aqueous extracts in PEM at a concentration of 8 or 10 mL/L in the drinking water. However, for an optimal cost-benefit ratio, it is recommended to utilize PEM at a concentration of 10 mL per liter of the bird's drinking water.

Effect of lyophilized plant aqueous extracts on pH, colour and myoglobin in rabbit meat during refrigerated and frozen storage

The effect of the treatment with lyophilized antioxidant extracts of wild basil (Clinopodium vulgare L.) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in rabbit meat on pH, colour and myoglobin changes during refrigerated and frozen storage was investigated. The experimental design included 3 groups of meat – one control and two treated with lyophilized plant extracts (in amount 1:100). The meat was derived from three carcass parts- loin, hind leg and fore leg The meat samples were stored at 4°C for 7 days, after that the storage proceeded for 90 days at -45°C. The study demonstrated different effect of the plant antioxidants on pH and colour, as well as the changes in the myoglobin and its redox forms that depended on the carcass part. The values of pH and decreased during frozen storage. The treatment with plant extracts and storage led to considerable discoloration of the meat from hind leg and fore leg, displayed by decrease of the redness, corresponding to lower percentage of OMb but higher of MetMb. The results suggest certain pro oxidative effect of the plant extracts in this study and require further research with different doses, storage times and temperatures in order to determine the optimal antioxidant application.

South African Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Human Bacterial Infections: An updated Review

Traditional medicine based on the use of medicinal plants plays an important role in the preservation of health and well-being of many people globally. Today herbal medicine application is progressively finding more significance especially with the acknowledgement of the challenges of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this review was to collect literature based on the traditional application of South African medicinal plant species used in South Africa to prevent and treat various pathogenic bacterial infections. The search was carried out using key electronic scientific databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SpringerLink, ProQuest, Science Direct, Elsevier, BioMed Central. Other sources of literature included scientific articles, book chapters, dissertations, theses and websites. It was found that Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequently investigated bacterial pathogens which have developed resistance to most of the available standard antibiotics. Organic and aqueous extracts of many South African plants including Acacia karroo, Psidium guajava, Punica granatum, Eucomis autumnalis, Vernonia amygdalina and Cyathula uncinulata have demonstrated potent antibacterial efficacy against the aforementioned pathogens. This review exemplifies that South African medicinal plants have the potential to be considered as new leads for the development of antibacterial agents against resistant pathogens.

Phytochemicals and Haematological Studies of Aqueous Crude Extract of Whole Plant of Euphorbia heterophylla Administered to Wistar Albino Rats

Changes in blood parameters are often triggered when toxic doses of plant extracts are administered to animals thereby calling for the haematological studies. Standard techniques were used for the phytochemical and haematological studies. Tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenols, reducing sugars and saponins were found in the aqueous crude extract obtained from Euphorbia heterophylla. Dosage increment of the aqueous extract from 10-600 mg/kgbw led to increments in all the haematological parameters (Total white blood cell, red blood cell, packed cell volume, red blood indices, platelets and differential white blood cell) checked in the blood of the experimental Wistar albino rat.The implication of this study is that the extractcan be used as therapeutic agents and the haematological parameters were dose-dependent.

Gum Arabic edible coating embedded aqueous plant extracts: Interactive effects of partaking components and its effectiveness on cold storage of fresh-cut capsicum

This study investigated the interactive effects of components in gum Arabic-based coating enriched with aqueous extracts of Syzygium aqueum, Diploglottis bracteata, and Tasmannia lanceolata on properties of edible coating/film. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the films based on their physical and permeability properties. It was shown that the concentration of the components significantly influenced these characteristics. The coating demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas viridiflava, a main cause of soft rot in vegetables, when using 5.00% S. aqueum, 5.00% D. bracteata, and 9.35% T. lanceolata with lower concentrations of gum Arabic and MCT oil. The optimized coating was applied to fresh-cut red capsicum, and its effects were evaluated. The coating effectively inhibited microbial growth, maintaining low bacterial load (ca. 3 log CFU. g−1) until day 10 of storage. Sensory evaluations also showed positive liking scores for appearance, aroma, and flavor, indicating that the coating enhanced the overall sensory experience of the capsicum. Despite these positive outcomes, challenges regarding moisture retention and firmness preservation during storage were identified. The coating did not adequately preserve these qualities, highlighting the need for further research to optimize the formulation for commercial applications. Nonetheless, incorporating plant extracts in the gum Arabic-based coating holds promise for extending the shelf life of fresh-cut capsicum while improving its sensory attributes.

Isolating and Identifying Some Types of Bacteria and Fungi from wheat grains and studying the effect of some types of antibiotics and the aqueous and alcoholic extract of the Alium sativum plant on them

The study included the effect of Alium sativum aqueous and alcoholic extracts on the growth of bacteria and fungi isolated from the study The following types of bacteria appeared:Pseudomouas aeruginosa ,Aeromonas salmonicida ,Escherichia coli Using the diffusion method The aqueous extract was shown to be somewhat higher than the alcoholic extract in inhibiting the above-mentioned bacteria, In the past three decades, disease-resistant fungi and bacteria have emerged it caused major health problems all over the world through the pharmaceutical industry produced quantities of antibiotics. Unfortunately, resistance to antibiotics is increasingly important. Find plants with antifungal and antibacterial activity it has gained increasing importance in recent years due to the development of resistance. On the other hand, it is known that free radicals play an essential role in many diseases. Biochemical damage caused by free radicals to cells and tissues. If the average inhibition diameters at a concentration of 100% for the aqueous extract were (20.16.18) mm, respectively While the rates of inhibition diameters for the alcoholic extract reached (17,14,16) mm, respectively. As for the fungi isolated from the study, they are: Aspergillus .niger ,Rhizopus stolonifer . : Aspergillus candidus .Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus flavus . Aspergillus ochraceus It was found that the aqueous and alcoholic extracts have an inhibitory effect on the growth of the isolated fungi when using the method of diffusion with the medium