Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Bioactivity and antibacterial effect of star anise biosynthesized silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

BackgroundSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are receiving a lot of attention as a prospective antibacterial agent for use in caries prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioactivity and antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Star Anise against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans).MethodsThe bioactive components of the Star Anise were assessed by employing the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. The antibacterial activities of Star Anise Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles against S.mutans bacteria were evaluated using Bauer and Kirby’s disc diffusion mechanism and the minimum inhibitory concentration.ResultsSilver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Star Anise revealed high antioxidant activity. AgNPs inhibited S. mutans with a 16 mm inhibition zone diameter and demonstrated an 80 µg/ml minimum inhibitory concentration.ConclusionsBiologically synthesized AgNPs made from aqueous extract of Star anise appear to be a potential and effective bactericidal agent against S.mutans that can be used to prevent dental caries.

Comparative study of Lepidium sativum orally administered seeds, hydrogel and atorvastatin on obesity of rats fed on a high fat diet

Background Obesity has become a prevalent issue worldwide, leading to various complications such as hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems. Statins, as FDA approved anti-hyperlipidemic drugs, still pose some concerns upon their administration. Recently, researchers have looked for natural products as an alternative to manage hyperlipidemia and obesity. Aim This work aimed to study the hypolipidemic effect of Lepidium sativum garden cress (GC) from different preparations; orally administered seeds, and hydrogel, in comparison to atorvastatin. Methods GC hydrogel was prepared from the GC aqueous extract and pharmaceutically evaluated for its pH, spreadability, seeds content, homogeneity, rheology, and in vitro release. The rat’s body weight, blood glucose levels, total lipid profile, and liver biomarkers were evaluated on obese rats for one month. In addition, the histopathology study was also performed. Results GC hydrogel had acceptable pharmaceutical properties and showed a sustained release performance over 24 h. Oral and topical GC significantly reduced the lipid profiles, blood sugar and ALT, AST levels more than the negative control group and comparable to atorvastatin. It was found that oral GC showed a significant effect on the percentage decrease in the rat’s body weight than the applied hydrogel. Histopathology study revealed a better outcome in the histological structure of pancreas and liver compared with rats feed on high fat diet post-treatment for one month. Conclusion GC orally administered, or topically applied hydrogel could be a promising, safe alternative formulation to atorvastatin in managing hyperlipidemia and normalizing body weight of obese rats.

Characterization of Fuel Pellets Made From Rice Husk, Sawdust and Corncob Bond with Cissus Populnea and Manihot Esculenta

There is growing interest in the production of biofuels from biomass wastes. The availability of biomass waste poses the need for technical assessment of pelletisation of biomass waste at industrial production level. The misuse of environmentally friendly and sustainable energy resources and lack of compressed biomass energy products that could enhance fuel quality needs to be addressed. This study intends to determine the energy output from tenary combination of the biomass fuel pellets consisting of rice husks, African birch sawdust, corncobs and their varying mixtures bond with aqueous extract of C. populnea (Cp) and M. esculenta (Me). The combustion characteristics of pellets produced from Rice Husk, African Birch Sawdust, Corncob and their blends (M, M1, M2, M3 and M4) were conducted by the development of an analytical protocol. Pellet admixtures were prepared at each binder ratio of 10% of bulk weight of RH, ABS, corncob and their various blends in the ratios 1:1:1 (M), 1:2:3 (M1), 2:1:3 (M2), 3:1:2 (M3) and 2:3:1 (M4), respectively. The Bulk Density (BD), Ash Contents (AC), Heat Release Rate (HRR) and Calorific Value (CV) of the pellets were measured using established procedures. The result revealed that combustion characteristics of fuel pellets made from Corncob and Blend ratio of 1:2:3 bound with Manihot esculenta gel were enhanced and the fuel pellets possessed sufficient calorific values suitable for energy applications. It was recommended that massive production of fuel pellets from biomass wastes for small and medium scale energy systems could give a positive development to agrarian and rural areas in Nigeria where there is a lot of these resources and lack of stable electrical supply.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Eupatorium odoratum Against Cell- Wall Anchored Proteins (CWAPs) of Streptococcus Mutans (Gram Positive Bacteria) Responsible for Dental Disorders in Humans

Aim: In the environmentally friendly manufacturing of silver nanoparticles, plant components like carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes, flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids are employed as reducing agents. We aimed to green synthesize the silver nanopartciles (AgNPs) and study their effect on the expressive patterns of the cell wall anchored proteins in S. mutans. Methods: Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles were done using Eupatorium odoratum leaf extract and were screened for antibacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans using UV-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier infrared spectroscopy. Further we studied the antibacterial activity of the AgNPs by well diffusion, MIC, Biofilm and gene expression studies. Results: Utilizing optical inspection, it was found the nanoparticle production was successful when the yellow fluid turned brown. When compared to zone of inhibition (30mm) for the positive control at 50µg/ml, the zone of inhibition of the synthesised AgNPs was almost significantly similar (26mm) (p<0.05). The size of the silver nanoparticles (SNPs) produced in the current work ranged between 30 and 70nm and were biosynthesized utilising an aqueous extract of E.odoratum which acted as reducing agent. Conclusion: The large-scale manufacture of NPs and the creation of biomedicines can be benefitted by this method of SNP synthesis that uses green chemistry. We conclude the potent antibacterial activity of the AgNPs synthesized at the molecular level.

Assessment of β-lactamase inhibition and antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia gabonensis using GC-MS method

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanol extracts from Irvingia gabonensis leaves, with a specific focus on their ability to inhibit β-lactamase enzyme activity. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were employed to comprehensively assess the characteristics of the leaf extracts. Irvingia gabonensis, known for its medicinal properties, has been of interest due to its reported pharmacological activities. In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, exploring natural sources for antimicrobial and antioxidant agents is crucial. This study builds upon existing knowledge by evaluating the phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was employed to identify the chemical components present in ethanolic leaf extracts. Antioxidant activities were assessed through various assays, including DPPH, FRAP, nitric oxide radical scavenging, and MDA scavenging assays. In vivo experiments involved the administration of different concentrations of leaf extracts to albino rats over a 28-day period. Blood samples collected were utilized for serum separation, enabling the analysis of antioxidant assays in vivo, including β-lactamase inhibition, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Results: The ethanolic extracts exhibited a significant 65.96% inhibition rate against β-lactamase enzyme activity. Additionally, there was an increase in the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as heightened catalase (CAT) activity. Simultaneously, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration indicated the extracts’ potential to mitigate lipid peroxidation. These results highlight the robust antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts. Conclusion: Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts demonstrate substantial potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, emphasizing their role in combating antimicrobial resistance. The significant inhibition of β-lactamase enzyme activity and the modulation of key antioxidant markers suggest the extracts’ therapeutic relevance. This study contributes to the understanding of Irvingia gabonensis phytochemical composition and supports its potential application as an antioxidant supplement and β-lactamase inhibitor.

Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles from Quercus Bark Extracts: Characterization and Functional Properties

Quercus species are utilized for their durable wood, providing sustenance for wildlife, conserving biodiversity, and contributing ecological, medicinal, and esthetic benefits to ecosystems and landscapes. In this study, we aimed to use the bark of three Quercus species (Q. dalechampi, Q. fraineto, and Q. petraea) for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs). The aqueous extracts from the bark of Quercus sp. acted both as reducing and stabilizing agent, facilitating the rapid synthesis of AuNPs (AuQD, AuQF, and AuQP) and AgNPs (AgQD, AgQF, and AgQP). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and FTIR. Characterizations revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited a variety of shapes, such as polygonal, triangular, and spherical forms, with sizes ranging between 14 and 24 nm for AuNPs and 45–70 nm for AgNPs. The total phenolic content was assessed through spectroscopic methods, while several individual phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-PDA. Furthermore, we assessed the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal capacities of AuNPs, AgNPs, and raw extracts. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for raw extracts, followed by AgNPs and AuNPs, while the most potent antibacterial and antifungal activity was observed in AgQP. Moreover, cytotoxicity was examined in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The results indicated no cytotoxic effects for AuNPs, while AgNPs and the raw extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects after 48 h of incubation. This research underscores the multifaceted utility of Quercus bark extracts in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their subsequent bioactivity assessment, suggesting promising perspectives for their application in various fields while urging cautious consideration of their cytotoxic implications.

Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles from Quercus Bark Extracts: Characterization and Functional Properties.

Quercus species are utilized for their durable wood, providing sustenance for wildlife, conserving biodiversity, and contributing ecological, medicinal, and esthetic benefits to ecosystems and landscapes. In this study, we aimed to use the bark of three Quercus species (Q. dalechampi, Q. fraineto, and Q. petraea) for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles (AgNPs and AuNPs). The aqueous extracts from the bark of Quercus sp. acted both as reducing and stabilizing agent, facilitating the rapid synthesis of AuNPs (AuQD, AuQF, and AuQP) and AgNPs (AgQD, AgQF, and AgQP). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, TEM, DLS, and FTIR. Characterizations revealed that the nanoparticles exhibited a variety of shapes, such as polygonal, triangular, and spherical forms, with sizes ranging between 14 and 24 nm for AuNPs and 45-70 nm for AgNPs. The total phenolic content was assessed through spectroscopic methods, while several individual phenolic compounds were identified and quantified using UPLC-PDA. Furthermore, we assessed the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal capacities of AuNPs, AgNPs, and raw extracts. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for raw extracts, followed by AgNPs and AuNPs, while the most potent antibacterial and antifungal activity was observed in AgQP. Moreover, cytotoxicity was examined in a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The results indicated no cytotoxic effects for AuNPs, while AgNPs and the raw extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects after 48 h of incubation. This research underscores the multifaceted utility of Quercus bark extracts in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles and their subsequent bioactivity assessment, suggesting promising perspectives for their application in various fields while urging cautious consideration of their cytotoxic implications.

Assessment of β-lactamase inhibition and antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia gabonensis using GC-MS method

Assessment of β-lactamase inhibition and antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia gabonensis using GC-MS method

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Acute Toxicity of Caco Seed (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) in Murine Models

Chysobalanus icaco L. (C. icaco) is a plant that is native to tropical America and Africa. It is also found in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is used as food and to treat certain diseases. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical analysis of an aqueous extract of C. icaco seed (AECS), including its total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannins (CT). It also aimed to examine the antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential of the AECS in vitro, as well as its toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect in mice. Antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential was examined by inhibiting DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The acute toxicity test involved a single administration of different doses of the AECS (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg body weight). Finally, a single administration at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the AECS was used in the carrageenan-induced model of subplantar acute edema. The results showed that the AECS contained 124.14 ± 0.32 mg GAE, 1.65 ± 0.02 mg EQ, and 0.910 ± 0.01 mg of catechin equivalents/g dried extract (mg EC/g de extract) for TPC, TFC and CT, respectively. In the antioxidant potential assays, the values of the median inhibition concentration (IC50) of the AECS were determined with DPPH (0.050 mg/mL), ABTS (0.074 mg/mL), and FRAP (0.49 mg/mL). Acute toxicity testing of the AECS revealed no lethality, with a median lethal dose (LD50) value of >2 g/kg by the intragastric route. Finally, for inhibition of acute edema, the AECS decreased inflammation by 55%, similar to indomethacin (59%, p > 0.05). These results demonstrated that C. icaco seed could be considered a source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes due to its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity derived from TPC, with no lethal effect from a single intragastric administration in mice.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Acute Toxicity of Caco Seed (Chrysobalanus icaco L.) in Murine Models.

Chysobalanus icaco L. (C. icaco) is a plant that is native to tropical America and Africa. It is also found in the southeast region of Mexico, where it is used as food and to treat certain diseases. This study aimed to carry out a phytochemical analysis of an aqueous extract of C. icaco seed (AECS), including its total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and condensed tannins (CT). It also aimed to examine the antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential of the AECS in vitro, as well as its toxicity and anti-inflammatory effect in mice. Antioxidant and metal-ion-reducing potential was examined by inhibiting DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. The acute toxicity test involved a single administration of different doses of the AECS (0.5, 1, and 2 g/kg body weight). Finally, a single administration at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg of the AECS was used in the carrageenan-induced model of subplantar acute edema. The results showed that the AECS contained 124.14 ± 0.32 mg GAE, 1.65 ± 0.02 mg EQ, and 0.910 ± 0.01 mg of catechin equivalents/g dried extract (mg EC/g de extract) for TPC, TFC and CT, respectively. In the antioxidant potential assays, the values of the median inhibition concentration (IC50) of the AECS were determined with DPPH (0.050 mg/mL), ABTS (0.074 mg/mL), and FRAP (0.49 mg/mL). Acute toxicity testing of the AECS revealed no lethality, with a median lethal dose (LD50) value of >2 g/kg by the intragastric route. Finally, for inhibition of acute edema, the AECS decreased inflammation by 55%, similar to indomethacin (59%, p > 0.05). These results demonstrated that C. icaco seed could be considered a source of bioactive molecules for therapeutic purposes due to its antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity derived from TPC, with no lethal effect from a single intragastric administration in mice.

Therapeutic Potential of Brassica oleracea and Raphanus sativus Aqueous Extracts on a Prediabetic Rat Model.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a serious health problem, and its prevalence is expected to increase worldwide in the years ahead. Cruciferous vegetables such as Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (green cabbage) and Raphanus sativus L. (radish) have therapeutic properties that can be used to support the treatment of T2D. This study evaluated the effect of B. oleracea (BAE) and R. sativus (RAE) aqueous extracts on zoometric parameters, glycemic profiles, and pancreas and liver in prediabetic rats induced by a high-sucrose diet (HSD). BAE and RAE were administered to male HSD-induced Wistar rats (n = 35) at 5 and 10 mg/kg doses for 5 weeks. Zoometric and biochemical changes were measured, and then the pancreas and liver histological preparations were analyzed to observe the protective effect. BAE decreased feed intake and weight gain. Both extracts decreased fasting glucose and insulin levels compared with control (not treated), although not significantly (P > .05). The extracts significantly (P < .05) reduced homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function, and glucose intolerance, similar to metformin control. In addition, minor damage occurred in the pancreas and liver. The results indicated that BAE and RAE decreased weight gain, improved glucose regulation, and protected the pancreas and liver in HSD rats. Therefore, they have multiple therapeutical properties and may be helpful in the prevention of T2D.

Ca-doped ZnO nanoparticles for MB dye degradation and adsorptive removal of tinidazole.

Industrial dye degradation involves several processes by which dyes are broken down, ideally into innocuous products. Methylene blue (MB) is one of the most commonly employed dyes in the textile industry and is released into water in routine industry processes. These discharges lead to creating a nocuous nature for humans and animals. Drugs are also discharged into water bodies from various pharmaceutical industries. In these two contexts, in the present work, the green synthesis of calcium-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ca-doped ZnO NPs) is achieved using the aqueous peel extract of Citrus limetta by the solution combustion technique. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the synthesized Ca-doped ZnO NPs are investigated using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The prepared NPs were subjected to photocatalytic degradation of MB dye under visible-light illumination, which shows ~ 95% dye degradation. The synthesized Ca-doped ZnO NPs were also employed to adsorb tinidazole (TDZ), a nitroimidazole antibiotic, from water samples. An excellent adsorptive capacity of the NPs was observed for selectively adsorbing the TDZ ~ 96.2%. The drug TDZ was found to have pseudo-second-order kinetics. The catalyst recycling proved its repeatability; removal of the dye reached up to 92% after three successive usages. Therefore, using waste Citrus limetta peel extract, the multifunctional Ca-doped ZnO NPs were synthesized, which maintained effective adsorption potential and photocatalytic abilities and could be used as an effective material for environmental remediation.

Effect of pH on the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Sorghum bicolor seed extract and their application in photocatalytic dye degradation

This work proposes the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using an aqueous extract of sorghum seed (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). The effect of synthesis pH on the structural, morphological, and surface properties of ZnO NPs is investigated. The results revealed that pH influences crystallinity, surface-adsorbed functional groups, agglomeration, and nanoparticle size. ZnO NPs synthesized at pH 11 exhibited the best properties for complete photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight in 40 min.

Is aqueous extract of soybeans neurotoxic? Preliminary evidence from histological evaluation of the cerebellum and cerebrum of Wistar rats.

Is aqueous extract of soybeans neurotoxic? Preliminary evidence from histological evaluation of the cerebellum and cerebrum of Wistar rats.

Exploring marine-based compounds as cross-linkers to improve the biocompatibility and sustainability of chitosan-based hydrogels

Chitosan is one of the most promising natural polymers, its fundamental scientific research is growing uninterruptedly and has been applied in a wide and varied range of domains, including biomedical and water treatment applications. Therefore, the search and implementation of non-synthetic and non-toxic cross-linkers for chitosan-based hydrogels is crucial for the development of more sustainable and biocompatible materials. Herein, an alternative approach has been developed to explore and exploit methanolic and aqueous extracts from five red seaweed species as covalent cross-linkers for chitosan-based hydrogels. The formation of a gel could be denoted for all extracts, whereas the protein-rich methanolic extractions afforded instantaneous gel-forming ability and greater stiffness and stability. The obtained hydrogels present large porous system with high degrees of swelling up to ca. 3000 %, and were successfully applied as dye adsorbent to remove industrial dye methyl orange withing a circular process with adsorption capacities of 728.46 ± 66.17 mg/g. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and cell-adhesion studies revealed the biocompatibility of the hydrogels and their potential applicability for tissue-engineering. This work demonstrated that methanolic and aqueous extracts from different red seaweed species could replace toxic cross-linkers. Furthermore, the unexpected ability of some extracts could pave the way for the development of new formulations for additive manufacturing, in particular for 3D printing approaches.

Evaluation of the antiglycative and antioxidant activities of matcha tea

Matcha tea is obtained from Camellia sinensis plants grown in the shade and is consumed as a whole powder of the leaves. Matcha is reported to have a high content of bioactive components, such as catechins and quercetin, which underlie some of its biological properties. The study consists of the evaluation of the antiglycative effects and antioxidant potential of extracts derived from Grade 1 and Grade 4 matcha tea supported by the phytochemical analysis of the contained relevant antioxidant compounds. The aqueous extracts from matcha powders were prepared in an ultrasonic bath at 60 and 80 °C. All the extracts showed a significant antiglycative activity. For all the extracts levels of antioxidant compounds as well as antioxidant potential were significantly high. Results obtained suggest the potential of matcha tea as an ingredient for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

The protective effects of aqueous extract of Schisandra sphenanthera against alcoholic liver disease partly through the PI3K-AKT-IKK signaling pathway

PurposeThis study aimed to investigated the key chemical components and the effect of the aqueous extract of Schisandra sphenanthera (SSAE) on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and the related molecular mechanism. MethodsThis study employed UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS to identify the chemical compositions in SSAE. ALD rat model was established through oral administration of white spirit. Transcriptome sequencing, weighted gene co-expression network construction analysis (WGCNA), and network pharmacology were used to predict key compositions and pathways targeted by SSAE for the treatment of ALD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), biochemical kits, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Western blotting (WB) analysis, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to validate the mechanism of action of SSAE in treating ALD. ResultsActive ingredients such as schisandrin A, schisandrol A, and schisandrol B were found to regulate the PI3K/AKT/IKK signaling pathway. Compared to the model group, the SSAE group demonstrated significant improvements in cellular solidification and tissue inflammation in the liver tissues of ALD model rats. Additionally, SSAE regulated the levels of a spartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH) in serum (P < 0.05); Western blotting and immunohistochemical analyses showed that the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, IKK, NFκB, and FOXO1 proteins were significantly reduced in liver tissues (P < 0.05), whereas the expression level of Bcl-2 proteins was significantly increased (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe active components of SSAE were schisandrin A, schisandrol A, and schisandrol B, which regulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, IKK, and NFκB and the expression of FOXO1 protein and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein in the liver tissues of ALD rats. These findings indicate that SSAE acts against ALD partly through the PI3K-AKT-IKK signaling pathway. This study provided a reference for future research and treatment of ALD and the development of novel natural hepatoprotective drugs.

Evaluation of destruction of bacterial membrane structure associated with anti-quorum sensing and ant-diabetic activity of Cyperus esculentus extract

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for medicinal plants to control diseases for good health and well-being, as primary health facilities are inadequate in certain populations to cure infections. Since synthetic medicines are toxic to humans and other animals, the present research is thus focused on using traditional medicine for treating various ailments as they are harmless. Based on the above facts, the current study was conducted to assay the antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-cholinesterase, anti-oxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-antibiotic resistance modifying effect of extracts of Cyperus esculentus. This study found 37 and 30 chemicals in butanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts using a gas chromatograph mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). Most active compounds identified were benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-, 1,2,3-benzenetriol, 3-bornanone, oxime and oleic acid by extracts of butanol whereas dichloromethane extracted three major active compounds (2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-, 4H-pyran-4-one 3-deoxy-d-mannoic lactone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural). Both dichloromethane and butanol extracts showed the highest antimicrobial activity. Compared to aqueous extracts, dichloromethane, and butanol showed excellent anti-diabetic anti-cholinesterase activities and inhibited virulence factors regulated by quorum sensing (QS). Anti-oxidants increased in solvent extracts (DCM and butanol) compared to aqueous extracts. Results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) indicated damage to the cell membrane of S. aureus by the formation of pits and breakage in functional groups exposed to the extracts of butanol and dichloromethane compared to aqueous extracts. The above results confirmed that C. esculentus can be an alternative medicine for treating diseases.

Synthesis of alga-coated copper oxide nanoparticles with potential applications in shrimp farming

Copper (Cu) is a crucial element that plays a vital role in facilitating proper biological activities in living organisms. In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were synthesized using a straightforward precipitation chemical method from a copper nitrate precursor at a temperature of 85 °C. Subsequently, these NPs were coated with the aqueous extract of Sargassum angustifolium algae. The size, morphology, and coating of the NPs were analyzed through various methods, revealing dimensions of approximately 50 nm, a multidimensional shaped structure, and successful algae coating. The antibacterial activity of both coated and uncoated CuO NPs against Vibrio harveyi, a significant pathogen in Litopenaeus vannamei, was investigated. Results indicated that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for uncoated CuO NPs was 1000 μg/mL, whereas for coated CuO NPs, it was 500 μg/mL. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the synthesized NPs was assessed. Interestingly, uncoated CuO NPs exhibited superior antioxidant activity (IC50 ≥ 16 μg/mL). The study also explored the cytotoxicity of different concentrations (10–100 μg/mL) of both coated and uncoated CuO NPs. Following 48 h of incubation, cell viability assays on shrimp hemocytes and human lymphocytes were conducted. The findings indicated that CuO NPs coated with alga extract at a concentration of 10 μg/mL increased shrimp hemocyte viability. In contrast, uncoated CuO NPs at a concentration of 25 μg/mL and higher, as well as CuO NPs at a concentration of 50 μg/mL and higher, led to a decrease in shrimp hemocyte survival. Notably, this study represents the first quantitative assessment of the toxicity of CuO NPs on shrimp cells, allowing for a comparative analysis with human cells.

Investigation of in vitro biological activity of young Hordeum vulgare leaf in correlation with its bioactive compounds.

Young shoots of cereals are widely regarded as superfoods with health benefits attributed to their potential antioxidant activity and antioxidant-related effects (e.g. anticancer). The current study aimed to examine the chemical characteristics of Hordeum vulgare methanolic and aqueous extracts and assess their antioxidant activity using the DDPH and ORAC. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of xanthine oxidase was screened. TLC bioautography was employed to determine the polarity of the compounds present in the extracts that exhibited the most potent free radical scavenging activity. Total flavonoid content of the methanolic and aqueous extracts was 0.14mgQE/g and 0.012mgQE/g, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract was found to be more potent, with a value of 0.97 ± 0.13mmolTE/g than the aqueous extract which had no activity. This study presents novel findings on the xanthine inhibitory activity of H. vulgare. The methanolic extract demonstrated moderate inhibition of xanthine oxidase with a value of 23.24%. The results of our study were compared with the phytochemical and pharmacological analysis of Triticum aestivum, and further comparison was made with the data reported in the literature. Inconsistencies were observed in the chemical and pharmacological properties of H. vulgare, which could be a result of using herbal material harvested in different vegetative phases and various methods used for extraction. The findings of our study indicate that the timing of the harvest and extraction method may play crucial role in attaining the optimal phytochemical composition of H. vulgare, hence enhancing its pharmacological activity.