Aqueous Fraction Research Articles

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Jasminum officinale L. f. var. grandiflorum (L.) Kob. Leaf Extracts

The investigation of phytochemicals and their effects on plants is currently receiving significant attention due to the well-known fact that plants contain secondary metabolites that have high levels of usefulness in various applications. These applications include food additives, biopesticides, and pharmaceuticals. In a recent study, we thoroughly examined the total phenolic content (TPC), and the antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Jasminum officinale L.f. var. grandiflorum (L.) Kob. (also known as Spanish jasmine) leaf extracts, providing valuable insights into its potential benefits. Our study performed a crude methanol (ME) extraction of Spanish jasmine leaves with acid-base solvent partitioning, resulting in an acidic fraction (AE), a neutral fraction (NE), and an aqueous fraction (AQ). The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine the TPC of the extracts. The AE fraction displayed the highest TPC (79.8±0.61 mgGAE/g dry weight), followed by the NE and AQ fractions. The extracts were further evaluated for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay. The AE fraction had the highest antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 4.6±0.40 µg/mL. The main active compound, oleuropein, was isolated and determined using spectral data. The isolated compound displayed excellent antioxidant activity with an EC50 value of 13.0±0.06 µg/mL. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the Spanish jasmine leaf extracts was calculated using the disc diffusion method based on the minimum inhibitory concentration. The AE fraction exhibited activity against the Gram-negative bacteria, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, with a MIC value of 0.78 µg/mL. The AE fraction also displayed the highest degree of activity against Staphylococcus strains, including drug-resistant

In Vitro α-Glucosidase, α-Amylase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities of Root Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Arbutus unedo L. (Ericaceae)

Roots of Arbutus unedo (Ericaceae) have been used traditionally to treat diabetes in some countries. Conducting more experiments is needed to support this plant's potential antidiabetic properties, though. Ethanolic extract yielded by cold maceration was subjected into fractionation to get hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous fractions. Total phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity have been estimated utilizing 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) assay models, respectively. Antidiabetic activity of A. unedo extracts were evaluated using in vitro α-glucosidase, α-amylase inhibition activity. The ethanol extract had the highest antioxidant activity among used extracts. While the results of both α-glucosidase, α-amylase enzyme inhibition activity was detected to be dose-dependent, the strongest inhibition activity for α-glucosidase and α-amylase was shown by ethanol extract (526.65 and 522.66 µg mL-1 respectively) compared to the standard acarbose. Results demonstrated the beneficial effects of A. unedo extracts by showing antioxidant and antidiabetic activities.

Phytochemical investigation, in-vitro antiplasmodial assessment and cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria (Benth)

Crotataria arenaria (Benth) is a native plant from Northern part of Nigeria which is employed as antimalarial herb in traditional medicine in the communities where it grows. The phytochemical composition, In-vitro antiplasmodial activity and in-vitro cytotoxic effect of the extract and fractions of the whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria were investigated. The mature and fresh whole plant of C. arenaria were collected, air dried and pulverized. The pulverized form of the plant were soaked in ethanol for two weeks and later decanted, filtered and concentrated using rotatory evaporator at 40oC and evaporated to dryness and labeled CRA-1. The dried ethanol solid extract (CRA-1) was patitioned/fractionated using water, chloroform, ethyl acetate, 18% aqueous methanol, n-hexane which afforded chloroform fraction (CRA-1-01), water fraction (CRA-1-02), ethyl acetate fraction (CRA-1-03) aqueous methanol fraction (CRA-1-04) and n-hexane (CRA - 1- 05) and they were dried and tested for their photochemicals and In-vitro antiplasmdial activity against Plasmodium falciparum strain (K1). The ethanol extract and its fractions were found to significantly inhibited/suppressed multi-drug resistant strain of P. falciparium (K1) in the range of 86.73% - 65.31% at varied concentrations of 5000 µg/ml, 2000 µg/ml, 1000 µg/ml and 500 µg/ml. The ethanol extract and its fractions showed the presence of tannins, saponins and alkaloids which could be responsible for the In-vitro antiplasmodial activity of the whole plant extract of C. arenaria and each of its fractions. Ethanol crude extracts of whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria and its fractions were investigated for cytotoxicity in Brine shrimp lethality Test (BSLT). Larvicidal activities were noticed with dosage concentration from 1000 µg/ml down to 10 µg/ml of the plant extract and all its fractions. The relative cytotoxic effects of extract and fractions obtained from whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria were found to be dose-dependent because higher dosage brought about an increase in mortality of Artemia salina Leach. Sea salty water of the crude ethanol extract and its fractions served as the negative control. The chloroform fraction was observed to be most cytotoxic killing 30% of brine shrimp larvae at lowest concentration of 10 µg/ml with average percentage lethality of 46.67%. Aqueous methanol and ethanol crude extract appears to show similar and closely related activities against brine shrimp larvae at highest concentration of 1000 µg/ml. The ethanol crude extract and aqueous methanol fractions are toxic at higher dosage as they were found to induce significant mortality effect (In-vitro) against Artemia salina Leach particularly at concentration of 1000 µg/ml and therefore not safe for oral consumption especially at higher uncontrolled doses but at relatively low/moderate doses. The findings in this present study demonstrated that the extract of C. arenaria (whole plant) and fractions have significant in vitro antiplasmodial activity and this has justified the traditional use of the whole plant extract of Crotaria arenaria in the folklore medicine to cure malaria related illness. The results obtained in this study may serve as key data for utilization of Crotalaria arenaria in the development of bioactive agents which could be used as antimalarial, anticancer, pesticidal, insecticidal and anti-proliferation agents. The study recommended in-vivo antiplasmodial assay of the extract of the whole plant of Crotalaria arenaria to further substantiate the findings of this present study.

B-HEMATIN INHIBITION ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL LEAF EXTRACT AND RESIDUAL AQUEOUS FRACTION OF FICUS ASPERIFOLIA

Chemotherapy is still regarded as the major intervention in fighting the malaria scourge despite the recent introduction of malaria vaccine. Screening of medicinal plants provides opportunities for the discovery of the potential drug molecules. Ficus asperifolia (Miq) family Moraceae has been traditionally employed in the treatment of many diseases including pain, fever and malaria. The aim of this study was to examine the anitmalarial activity of both the methanol leaf extract (MEFA) and residual aqueous fraction of Ficus asperifolia (RAF) through the determination of their heme polymerization inhibition ability. The powdered leaf was extracted using 70%

Anti-IL-17 bioactivity-guided fractionation of a pine bio-oil: Chemical characterization and impact on HaCaT human keratinocytes gene expression

Psoriasis is a dermatological inflammatory disease treated for centuries with pyrolytic pine bio-oils (pine tars), although their chemical composition and mechanism of action are poorly investigated. This study focuses on the fractionation of a standardized pine pyrolysis bio-oil, its chemical characterization (GC–MS, UV fluorescence, ESI-MS, and NMR), and the analysis of the anti-IL17 activity of fractions on HaCaT keratinocytes. Furthermore, the impact of the fraction showing the highest anti-IL-17 activity on keratinocyte gene expression was determined. Pine bio-oil comprises molecules derived from cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin thermochemical degradation reactions, such as hydroxyacetaldehyde, levoglucosan, acetic acid, and phenols. The aqueous fraction exhibited the most consistent anti-IL-17 activity. The functional analysis suggested that this fraction affected the expression of 29 genes associated with the negative regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, a pathway known for its crucial role in the inflammatory immune response.

Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Porous Nanocellulose/Polymer Composites: Influence of the Polymer Chemical Structure and Porosity.

The excellent emulsifying capacity of nanocellulose allows for the preparation of porous nanocellulose/polymer composites through the emulsion templating process. However, the effects of the polymer chemical structure and porosity on the material properties have not been extensively explored. Here, we discuss the effects of these two factors on the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. Two types of porous nanocellulose/polymer composites were fabricated with styrene-divinylbenzene (poly(St-co-DVB)) or styrene-poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (poly(St-co-EGDMA)) copolymers as the polymer phases. The porosity of the composite was changed up to ∼50% v/v by varying the aqueous phase volume fraction in the original nanocellulose-stabilized w/o emulsions. As the porosity increased, the thermal conductivity of the composite decreased. The mechanical properties were strongly influenced by the polymer type; the nanocellulose/poly(St-co-DVB) composite showed stiff but brittle behavior, whereas the nanocellulose/poly(St-co-EGDMA) composite showed higher strength and toughness. In both types of composites, the nanocelluloses served as reinforcing agents, contributing to the improvement of the mechanical properties.

Evaluation of the content of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins, the antioxidant capacity, and the antimicrobial activity of different organic and aqueous fractions of stems of Retama monosperma

Retama monosperma is an endemic plant of the Mediterranean region that has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments. It contains a variety of bioactive phytochemicals and exhibited several biological activities. This study aimed to assess the phytochemical screening, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total tannin compounds, as well as the antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. The phytochemical screening involved color reactions, characteristic reagents, and precipitation methods. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds were quantified using colorimetric methods across four fractions. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power, 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging, and phosphomolebdenum assay. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated through disc diffusion method and the microdilution assay. Qualitative phytochemical tests revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and sterols. Quantification of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin compounds confirmed the richness of polyphenolic compounds in all fractions. The antioxidant capacity measurements revealed that the ethanol fractions exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity in 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power assays, and phosphomolebdenum assay. Conversely, the aqueous fraction showed highest activity in the 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated superior efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. These findings suggest that R. monosperma could serve as a valuable source of antioxidant and anti-infective phytocompounds.

Synthesis of novel TiO2/CeFeO3 heterojunction using Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) leaves extracts with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation

TiO2 is a low-cost and biocompatible material with high oxidizing ability. However, their photocatalytic activity is limited to UV light irradiation. In this research, for the first time, a novel TiO2/CeFeO3 heterojunction was synthesized by the green synthesis method using an aqueous fraction of Artemisia vulgaris leaf extracts. TiO2/CeFeO3 shows enhanced photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation. The vibrational, structural, optical, and compositional properties of TiO2/CeFeO3 were characterized. The as-prepared TiO2/CeFeO3 has spherical-shaped particles and shows a significantly diminished bandgap energy (3.25 eV to 2.75 eV). The photocatalytic performance of TiO2/CeFeO3 was investigated to degrade malachite green (MG) with an efficiency of up to 93.53% under its optimum dose. TiO2/CeFeO3 shows stable photocatalytic performance until the fourth cycle. The kinetics of the photodegradation of MG followed the pseudo-first-order reaction with a rate constant (kapp) of 2.14×10−2 min−1. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of TiO2/CeFeO3 was attributable to the creation of heterojunction, which suppresses the recombination rate of photogenerated electron-hole validated by the photoluminescence analysis. This work presents an eco-friendly approach to synthesizing novel heterojunction material with enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation.

Metabolites from a co-culture of Trichoderma yunnanense and Paenibacillus peoriae improve resistance to corm rot disease in Crocus sativus

The stigmas of the medicinal plant Crocus sativus are utilized as an expensive traditional Chinese medicine to treat irregular menstruation, depression, postpartum thrombosis, and bruises. As one of the most severe diseases of C. sativus, corm rot has hindered development of the C. sativus industry. Synthetic microbial communities (SMCs) have shown significant promise for the control of plant diseases, but there are few reports on their use for control of C. sativus corm rot. In this study, we co-cultured pairs of C. sativus rhizosphere soil-isolated fungi and bacteria, performed compatibility experiments on them to obtain SMCs with good compatibility, and evaluated their ability to improve disease resistance against C. sativus corm rot induced by Fusarium oxysporum. The fermentation broth of the most effective SMC was partitioned into five fractions, and disease resistance activity assays were conducted to identify the fraction in which active metabolites were concentrated. Metabolomic analyses were carried out to analyze the chemical composition of this fraction and determine how it differed from that of single cultures. We constructed four SMCs and found that SMC03 (Trichoderma yunnanense SR38 + Paenibacillus peoriae SR235) showed the best disease resistance activity, which was significantly higher than that of SR38 or SR235 alone (P < 0.05). The active metabolites produced by SMC03 were mainly concentrated in the aqueous fraction, which contained abundant organic acids and their derivatives. Co-cultivation of SR38 and SR235 increased overall production of DL-3-phenyllactic acid, 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, and (2S)-2-isopropylmalate, and we speculate that these components can bind membrane receptors of plant cells, induce local resistance, and subsequently generate plant immune response, thereby enhancing C. sativus disease resistance. In summary, co-cultivation of a fungus and a bacterium from the C. sativus rhizosphere may enhance host resistance to corm rot by accelerating the synthesis of certain organic acids. This study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of developing SMCs for control of corm rot in C. sativus, which is of great significance in guiding the development of efficient biocontrol agents against C. sativus corm rot, thereby promoting sustainable cultivation of C. sativus. These findings also provide reference for the biocontrol of fungal diseases in other field cultivated medicinal plants.

Anti-proliferative Activity of Vitex negundo Leaf Extracts on PA1 Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.

In Ayurveda, Vitex negundo (VN) is used as a drug to manage pain, inflammation, and problems related to polycystic ovary disease and the menstrual cycle. The bioactive compounds isolated from this plant exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and microbicidal properties. The shrub VN is known for its role in the modulation of cellular events like apoptosis and cell cycle. There is still a scarcity of data in the literature on the cytotoxic activity of VN extracts on ovarian cancer. Therefore, in the present study, the phytochemical composition, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer activities of leaf extracts were evaluated. The chloroform and methanol fractions exhibited higher phenolic content (161.04 ± 0.02 mg/g GAE and 152.56 ± 0.05 mg/g GAE, respectively) than those of other fractions. The aqueous and petroleum ether fractions exhibited higher flavonoid content (215.27 ± 0.28 mg/g QE and 111.82 ± 0.05 mg/g QE, respectively). The acetone and methanol extracts showed significant anti-oxidant capacities. Both leaf extracts of VN inhibited PA1 cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner with IC50 values of 88.01 ± 3.14 and 112.30 ± 1.93 μg/ml, respectively, as compared to the standard drug Doxorubicin with IC50 value 2.91 μg/ml (P<0.05, One-way ANOVA). The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis allowed us to identify twenty-five bioactive compounds in acetone extract and twenty-two in methanol extract. Therefore, further studies should focus on the isolation of novel compounds that are more effective and less toxic, and that constitute interesting substitutes for the development of anti-cancer drugs.

A low-cost process for complete utilization of bauxite residue

Cost-effective treatment or even valorization of the bauxite residue (red mud) from the alumina industry is in demand to improve their environmental and economic liabilities. This study proposes a strategy that provides a near-complete conversion of bauxite residue to valuable products. The first step involves dilute acid leaching, which allowed the fractionation of raw residues into (1) an aqueous fraction rich in silica and aluminium and (2) a solid residue rich in iron, titanium and rare earth elements. For the proposed process, 91% of the original silicon, 67% of the aluminium, 78% of the scandium and 69% of the cerium were recovered. The initial cost evaluation suggested that this approach is profitable with a gross margin of 167 $US per tonne. This “Residue2Product” approach should be considered for large-scale practices as one of the most economical and sustainable solutions to this environmental and economic liability for the alumina industry.

Hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark protect against liver injury in Rat

Pericopsis laxiflora is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous, especially in the tropical and savannah regions. It can be used in the treatment of hemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, skin diseases, and jaundice. The present study investigated the protective effect of 50% hydroethanolic extract and fractions of Pericopsis laxiflora stem bark in lead-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The development of liver injury has become a global issue and their treatment and management mostly result in more economic problems, especially in the African population.The stem bark of P. laxiflora was processed and 50 % hydroethanolic extract (HSE) was prepared. HSE was subjected to sequential fractionation with organic solvents: chloroform (CFHSE), ethyl acetate (EFHSE), and methanol (MFHSE), to obtain respective fractions. The residue was designated as aqueous fraction (AFHSE). Hepatoprotective activities of HSE and fractions (at 250 mg/kg) and Silymarin were assessed using the lead (as lead acetate; 50 mg/kg, i.p.). Body and organ weight changes, biochemical, hematological profile, oxidative stress parameters, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) in liver homogenate were measured. A histopathological examination of the liver was performed. Treatment with HSE and fractions resulted in a significant increase in relative organ weights, GSH, CAT, SOD, and levels and a significant decrease in MDA and MPO levels against Pb, as well as the restoration of liver biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β, NF кβ, and COX-2) to near-normal levels. Biochemical data were corroborated by histological observations, with MFHSE recording the highest percentage of liver protection. The present investigation suggests that HSE possesses remarkable hepatoprotective properties and this can be attributed to the inhibitory effect on oxidative stress and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Rhizosphere actinobacteria isolated from Pometia pinnata and its antimicrobial activity

Abstract. Janatiningrum I, Zahra A, Fitriyanti, Anggia V. 2024. Rhizosphere actinobacteria isolated from Pometia pinnata and its antimicrobial activity. Biodiversitas 25: 1007-1014. Actinobacteria are currently the largest antibiotic-producing bacteria due to their extreme environments such as soil, roots and rhizosphere. The diversity of rhizosphere actinobacteria is affected by plant exudates. Pometia pinnata is a plant that has long been used for traditional medicine in Indonesia. This study was aimed at isolating and evaluating isolate and evaluate the actinobacteria rhizosphere of P. pinnata, to screen their antibacterial and antifungal properties. Isolation of actinobacteria was done by using serial dilution method and grown on media. About 34 actinobacteria were successfully isolated from the rhizosphere of P. pinnata and 50% of them showed index antimicrobial activity for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (0.52), Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 1705 (2.87), and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (1.28). Several microbial isolated microbes (20.8%) were found capable in inhibiting fungal growth. The highest antibacterial activity against all bacteria was shown by RM12 isolate. The aqueous fraction of RM12 isolate demonstrated a significant inhibitory activity against S. aureus ATCC 6538 and E. coli ATCC 25922 at concentrations of 250 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm. TLC bioautography showed that aqueous fraction RM 12 do not belong to the polyphenol or phenol compound group. The RM12 was characterized by using 16S ribosomal RNA sequence found to belong to actinobacteria genera to Streptomyces bungoensis.

Application of microemulsion in extract of the stalk of the Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Van Royen plant and evaluation of antioxidant activity

The aim of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the stem of the Manilkara zapota plant and its application in a microemulsion. To this end, the crude extract was obtained using the percolation method in 70% (v/v) ethanol and then, by means of liquid-liquid partitioning, three distinct fractions were obtained: dichloromethane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction and aqueous fraction, respectively. Their antioxidant activity was analyzed using the ABTS radical scavenging method and total phenolic compounds using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The microemulsions were obtained following the formulation described by MALAKAR (2011). The fraction with the most pronounced antioxidant activity and the highest concentration of total phenolics and the crude extract were used for application in microemulsions. The best results for antioxidant activity were 22.22±0.20 and 43.09±1.07 (103 μM Trolox/g) for the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction, respectively. The total phenolic content was 109.90±7.80 and 66.57±3.51 (mg EAG/g) for the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction, respectively. After application in microemulsion, better antioxidant activity were observed for the ethyl acetate fraction (176.88±3.74 x103 μM Trolox/g) and crude extract (112,40±2,27 x103 μM Trolox/g) and higher concentrations of total phenolics for the ethyl acetate fraction (184.55±9.74 mg EAG/g). In this way, it was possible to confirm the antioxidant activity of the stem of the Manilkara zapota plant, as well as to potentiate it through fractionation and application in a microemulsion system.

Extracts of Trichilia heudelotii (Meliaceae) Planch, a Nigerian Medicinal Plant have Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity

There is no overemphasizing the need for novel phytotherapeutic agents to combat the menace of drug resistance in microbial pathogens. Many plant species so far, have yielded some bioactive compounds with great promise for such drugs. Trichilia heudelotii (Meliaceae) is commonly used in traditional medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of many microbial infections ranging from gastrointestinal infections to gonorrhea. This study is thus designed to determine the phytochemicals present in T. heudeloti and evaluate the plant’s extracts' antimicrobial activity on some bacterial and fungal isolates.&#x0D; The phytochemical screening was done using standard procedures. Soxhlet extracts using n-hexane and methanol were drying in vacuo. The methanol extract was partitioned into petroleum ether, chloroform, and aqueous fractions. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the extracts determined using the agar-well diffusion method. The MICs were determined for the extracts using the agar dilution method.&#x0D; The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardenolides, and anthraquinones in the leaf, stem bark, and root bark of T. heudelotii. The extracts showed considerable activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms, and fungi with dermatophytes including Klebsiella spp, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium spp, Microsporium canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The mean diameter of zones of inhibition exhibited by the extracts ranged between 10mm+ 0.5 and 32+ 0.33mm. The methanol extracts compared favourably with the gentamycin (standard control). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged between 0.157mg/mL and 20mg/mL. The crude methanol extracts and methanol residue showed the highest activity of all the extracts while the hexane extract showed the lowest activity and the Petroleum ether fraction was inactive.&#x0D; These results showed the potential of T. heudelotii as a possible candidate for bioactive compounds for the discovery and development of new drugs for the treatment of diseases caused by test pathogens.

Energy and economic analysis of alternatives for the valorization of hydrogen rich stream produced in the aqueous phase reforming of pyrolysis bio-oil aqueous fraction

Aqueous phase reforming has been explored for renewable H2 production from waste biomass. Promising results have been reported for pyrolysis bio-oil aqueous fractions (AFB), but economical assessments are needed to determine process feasibility, which requires both energy consumption minimization and optimal H2 valorization. This work compares different alternatives using process simulation and economic evaluation computational tools. Experimental results and a specific thermodynamic model are used to set mass balances. An adequate heat integration allows to reduce the process energy demand, covering the 100 % of the reactor duty. Optimal H2 unit cost is achieved if part of the produced H2 is valorized for energy self-covering and the rest is commercialized. Renewable H2 net production of c.a. 3.3 kgH2/m3 of treated AFB at a preliminary 1–2 €/kg unit cost is estimated, which can be considered as competitive with green H2, even though a case of diluted AFB is considered.

Mammalian maltase-glucoamylase and sucrase-isomaltase inhibitory effects of Artocarpus heterophyllus: An in vitro and in silico approach

Alpha-glucosidase (maltase, sucrase, isomaltase and glucoamylase) activities which are involved in carbohydrate metabolism are present in human intestinal maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM) and sucrase-isomaltase (SI). Hence, these proteins are important targets to identify drugs against postprandial hyperglycemia thereby for diabetes. To find natural-based drugs against MGAM and SI, Artocarpus heterophyllus leaf was explored for MGAM and SI inhibition in in vitro and in silico. A. heterophyllus leaf aqueous active fraction (AHL-AAF) was prepared using Soxhlet extraction followed by silica column chromatography. The phytoconstituents of AHL-AAF were determined using LC-ESI-MS/MS. AHL-AAF showed dose-dependent and mixed inhibition against maltase (IC50 = 460 µg/ml; Ki = 300 µg/ml), glucoamylase (IC50 = 780 µg/ml; Ki = 480 µg/ml), sucrase (IC50 = 900 µg/ml, Ki = 504 µg/ml) and isomaltase (IC50 = 860 µg/ml, Ki = 400 µg/ml). AHL-AAF phytoconstituents interaction with N-terminal (Nt) and C-terminal (Ct) subunits of human MGAM and SI was analyzed using induced-fit docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and binding free energy calculation. In docking studies, rhamnosyl hexosyl methyl quercetin (RHMQ), P-coumaryl-O-16-hydroxy palmitic acid (PCHP), and spirostanol interacted with active site amino acids of human MGAM and SI. Among these RHMQ stably interacted with all the subunits (Nt-MGAM, Ct-MGAM, Nt-SI and Ct-SI) whereas PCHP with Ct-MGAM and Nt-SI during MD analysis. In molecular docking, the docking score of RHMQ with NtMGAM, CtMGAM, NtSI and CtSI was −8.48, −12.88, −11.98 and −11.37 kcal/mol. The docking score of PCHP for CtMGAM and NtSI was −8.59 and −8.4 kcal/mol, respectively. After MD simulation, the root mean square deviation (RMSD) and root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) values further confirmed the stable protein-ligand interaction. The RMSD value of all the complexes were around 2.5 Å and the corresponding RMSF values were also quite low. In MM/GBSA analysis, the involvement of Van der Waals and lipophilic energy in the protein/ligand interactions are understood. Further binding free energy for Nt-MGAM-PCHP, Nt-MGAM-RHMQ, Nt-SI-PCHP, Nt-SI-RHMQ, Ct-MGAM-PCHP, Ct-MGAM-RHMQ and Ct-SI-RHMQ complexes was found to be −24.94, −46.60, −46.56, −44.48, −40.3, −41.86 and −19.39 kcal/mol, respectively. Altogether, AHL-AAF showed inhibition of α-glucosidase activities of MGAM and SI. AHL-AAF could be further studied for its effect on diabetes in in vivo.

Emulsifying properties of β-glucan-rich extracts obtained from Pleurotus ostreatus whole mushroom and stipes

In this work, aqueous fractions were extracted from the whole Pleurotus ostreatus biomass (AF) and from a waste product (RAF) generated from it in the industry (stipes) with the aim of valorizing them as emulsifying ingredients. The composition of the aqueous extracts, before and after a purification step (p) carried out to enrich its content in β-glucans, was correlated with the physical stability, rheological properties and microstructure of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. Better emulsifying properties were obtained for AFp-based emulsions (being able to incorporate greater amounts of oil phase), than for emulsions formulated with non-purified fractions. These properties can be attributed to the relatively high protein content of AFp fractions (acting at the O/W interphase) and high viscosity of the continuous phase which slowed down the oil droplet movement. The lower emulsifying properties of β-glucan extracts obtained from the stipes was ascribed to the lower content of proteins, which were less accessible to act as surface-active compounds due to the greater glucan structural complexity with which they are interacting.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Root of Verbascum Sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice.

The roots of Verbascum sinaiticum have been used traditionally for the management of wound in different regions of Ethiopia. Despite the presence of several claims and in vitro studies regarding its role in wound healing, no scientific studies have been conducted so far. Therefore, this study aims to scientifically evaluate the wound healing activities of the crude extract and solvent fractions of the roots of Verbascum sinaiticum in Swiss albino mice. The dried root powder of Verbascum sinaiticum was extracted using 80% methanol by maceration technique. This was then fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. These extracts were formulated as ointment at 5% and 10% concentration by using simple base. Acute dermal toxicity was performed on mice. The wound healing potential was evaluated using excision, incision, and burn wound models. In excision wound, 10% and 5% of crude extract ointment provided a significant (P<0.001) percentage of contraction starting from day 4 and day 6 onwards respectively. Moreover, the rate of epithelialization was significantly (P<0.001) improved in 10% crude extract. In burn wound, 10% and 5% crude extract showed significant (P<0.001) wound contraction starting from day 4 and 8 onwards respectively. In both excision and burn wounds, a moderate concentration of fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition was observed on the 10% crude extract. The 5% and 10% aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions produced a significant (P<0.001) percentage of wound contraction and shortening of epithelialization at different time points compared to simple ointment. The results of this study demonstrated that the 80% methanolic crude extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of Verbascum sinaiticum root have wound healing potential which assimilates its traditional use.

Solanum aculeastrum Dunal berries: Phytochemical profiling and GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract and n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions

Background: Solanum aculeastrum is reportedly used in several diseases including gonorrhea, bronchitis, jigger infestations and wounds, and cancers. We conducted an exhaustive phytochemical and GC-MS profiling of its methanol extract and solvents’ fractions. Methods: About 4500g of dried berries of S. aculeastrum was extracted with methanol, part of which was partitioned into fractions of n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions. These fractional preparations were subjected to phytochemical and GC-MS profiling except aqueous fraction. Results: The percentage yield of 430.69g of methanol extract of berries of S.aculeastrum was 9.57%w/w, while the yields of dried 19.4g of n-hexane, 38.4g of DCM, 6.4g of ethyl acetate, 81.03g of n-butanol and 21.2g of the freeze-dried aqueous fractions were 7.08%w/w, 14.03 %w/w, 2.33%w/w, 29.60%w/w and 7.74%w/w respectively. The relative presence of glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, saponins were confirmed except quinones. GC-MS profiling of methanol extract identified 32 compounds including alkane, alcohol, carbohydrate, fatty acids, terpenoids, glycerides, vitamins and some unclassified compounds. 25 compounds including terpenoids, alkene, fatty acids, vitamin and unclassified compounds were identified in n-hexane fractions. The DCM fraction yielded 20 compounds including isoprenoid, terpenoids, amino acids, carboxylic acid and unclassified compounds. 22 compounds were identified in ethyl acetate fraction including phenol, fatty acids, alcohol, terpenoids, glycerolipid and unclassified compounds. The n-butanol fraction yielded 11 compounds including fluorinated aromatic substance, hormonal antineoplastic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Conclusion: This study has further elaborated on the bioactive compounds in berries of S. aculeastrum, to aid robust understanding of its pharmacologic activities.