Aqueous Fruit Extract Research Articles

Identification of Genetic and Chemical Factors Affecting Type III Secretion System Expression in Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae Biovar 3 Using a Luciferase Reporter Construct.

The type III secretion system (T3SS) is a key factor in the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3), the causal agent of a global kiwifruit bacterial canker pandemic. To monitor the T3SS expression levels in Psa3, we constructed a luciferase reporter plasmid-expressing HrpAPsa3-NLuc fusion protein. The expression of HrpA-NLuc was induced in hrp-inducing conditions whereas the level of luciferase activity correlated with the expression of hrp/hrc genes in Psa3 confirmed the reliability of the reporter construct. Based on the readout of the NLuc reporter construct, three small molecule compounds 4-methoxy-cinnamic acid, sulforaphane, and ferulic acid were determined as T3SS inhibitors in Psa3, whereas sodium acetate was determined to be a T3SS inducer. Moreover, the aqueous extract of fruit inhibited the accumulation of HrpA-NLuc in Psa3 in medium and in planta. Additionally, the T3SS inhibitors suppress Psa3 virulence, whereas the T3SS inducer promotes Psa3 virulence on kiwifruit. Thus, our findings may provide clues to why the fruit is not infected by Psa3, and the Psa3 T3SS inhibitors have potential as alternatives to current nonspecific antimicrobials for disease management.

Anti-obesity Effects of Some Plant Extracts in Rats Fed with High-Fat Diet

Background and Aim: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions around the world, resulting in severe health effects and financial costs, which have led to prompt actions and the advancement of phytochemistry technologies as new treatment techniques. This study aimed to assess and compare the anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of some common and safe doses of natural products like bitter orange, flax seeds, and ginger in adult male albino rats fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Fifty adult male albino rats were divided into five groups (n=10): a negative control group that received a balanced normal diet, a positive control group that received a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks, and other 3 groups were fed HFD for eight weeks receiving daily 20 mg/kg/day of bitter orange fruit aqueous extract (standardized at 10% p- synephrine) or 250 mg/kg/- day of flax seeds ethanol extract or 200 mg/kg/day of ginger rhizomes ethanol extract for the last 4 weeks. All rats were sacrificed at the end of the study to obtain blood, liver, and kidney samples for biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: The herbal extracts reduced body weight, lipid profile, inflammatory markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and C reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), and liver enzymes, all of which had been increased by the HFD. Furthermore, treatment with herbal extracts resulted in a significant reduction and improvement of the proliferated inflammatory infiltration, congested veins, and fatty vacuolated vesicles induced by HFD in liver and kidney tissues. Bitter orange exhibited the strongest anti-obesity effects, while flaxseed and ginger showed the strongest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in response to the HFD. Conclusion: In obese rats, the use of these herbal extracts displayed a variety of possible protective and therapeutic effects. As a result, they are recommended for obese people, and further research is needed to determine the effects of a combination of various biochemical components found in these plant extracts on obesity and related disorders.

Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Sapindus rarak DC fruit pericarp extract for rhodamine B photodegradation

Zinc oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were successfully synthesized via a green synthesis route by using Sapindus rarak DC fruit aqueous extract (SFE). In addition, a comparative evaluation of ZnO NPs synthesis was conducted using isolated saponins (SN) obtained from SFE. This was performed to observe the role of saponins in the synthesis of ZnO NPs as they could act as a capping agent as well as control the morphology and size of the particles. In this work, various concentrations of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) were used in the ZnO NPs synthesis with the presence of SN. This was conducted with the aim to understand the effects of hydroxide ions addition to the resulted products of the synthesis. The samples were characterized using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), UV–vis DRS (UV–vis Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy), and TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). The results show that the ZnO NPs with smaller and more faceted particles were obtained for those synthesized using SFE as compared with the ones synthesized using SN and with the addition of NH4OH. The ZnO NPs synthesized using SFE exhibited the best performance photocatalyst for the degradation of Rhodamine B up to 99.7% with 120 min of reaction time.

Phytochemical and pharmacological investigation of some medicinal plants for the treatment of hepatoprotective & antioxidant activity

The plant Luffa acutangula var. Amara is used by native practitioners. Presently, it is planned to make petroleum ether, alcohol, and aqueous extracts of this plant's fruits before undertaking blind screening trials to examine the antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and antibacterial effects of the fruits and validate native practitioners' claims. The powdered whole fruits were extracted with petroleum ether, alcohol and chloroform water. The LD50 values for all these extracts were found to be 70 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 15g/kg respectively. Alloxan-induced diabetes in 150-200g albino rats was tested for antidiabetic effects and compared to glibenclamide. Albino rats treated with CCl4, a liver toxicant, had increased SGOT, SGPT, SALP, direct and total bilirubin, serum cholesterol, and serum triglyceride levels. Compared to CCl4-treated group, findings were significant. In a CCl4 hepatotoxic model, alcoholic and aqueous extracts significantly decreased wet liver weight and volume, indicating hepatoprotective action. Histopathological abnormalities (fatty infiltration, necrosis, etc.) were normalised in aqueous and alcoholic extract groups.

Protective role of Balanities aegyptiaca fruit aqueous extract in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni

The target of this research was to investigate the effect of Balanities aegyptiaca fruit aqueous extract (200 mg/kg BW), alone or in combination with Praziquantel PZQ (300 mg/kg BW) on some biochemical, parasitological, liver histopathology and immunohistochemical parameters in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Results showed that treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with B. aegyptiaca alone or in combination with PZQ significantly reduced the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as compared to that of the S. mansoni-infected mice group. Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with B. aegyptiaca or PZQ and their combination led to a significant reduction in the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) as compared with the infected control group. While a significant elevation was observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) compared with the infected. Results revealed that the diameter and number of egg granuloma were significantly condensed after treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with B. aegyptiaca, PZQ or their combination in hepatic and intestinal tissue. The histopathological alterations observed in the liver of S. mansoni-infected mice were remarkably recovered after B. aegyptiaca treatments. The reduction in angiogenesis was mostly observed in the group receiving the combination of B. aegyptiaca and PZQ. The alterations in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were significantly less in the liver sinusoids. Overall, B. aegyptiaca significantly inhibited the liver and intestinal damage accompanied by schistosomiasis. It demonstrated potent antioxidant and immunoprotective activities. This study advises that B. aegyptiaca can be considered promising for the development of a complementary and/or alternative against schistosomiasis.

Proximate Composition, Phytochemicals Evaluation and Characterization of Aqueous Fruit Extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (Desert Date Palm)

Background and objectives: The plant kingdom has proven to be the most useful in the treatment of diseases and they provide an important source of all the world’s pharmaceuticals. Balanites aegyptiaca is an evergreen plant containing large varieties of chemical substances which possess important therapeutic properties and can be utilized as food supplement. The aim of the study was to carry out proximate, phytochemicals and identification of chemical compounds using aqueous fruit extract of Balanites aegyptiaca. Methods: The proximate and phytochemicals analysis were carried out by standard protocols of AOAC, While The phyto-constitutes of Balanites aegyptiaca aqueous fruit extract were determined by Gas Chromatography (Agilent 6890 series) coupled with HP-5MS column mass spectrometer. The helium was used as carrier gas at a flow of 1.0ml/min. The identification of the constituents of aqueous fruit extract was performed by matching their mass spectra and retention indices with those obtained from authentic samples and/or NSIT/Wiley spectra libraries, using different types of search (PBM/NIST/AMDIS) and available literature data. Results: The phytochemical analysis reveals that the aqueous fruit extract of Balanites aegyptiaca contained flavonoids (288.33+3.01 mg/100g), tannins (20.50+0.4mg/100g) saponin (320.90+10.28mg/100g), Glycoside (163.92+0.33), steroids (36.40+0.80mg/100g), alkaloids (78.67+1.03mg/100g) and phenols (227.43+1.01mg/100g) while Terpenoids and Anthraquinones, Anthocyanines were found to be absent. The proximate analysis of the fruits of Balanites aegyptiaca; revealed that the moisture content was 2.3±0.2%, crude protein 3.2±0.08%, crude fibre 16.4±0.5%, lipid content 3.1±0.7, carbohydrates 72.6±1.6% and ash content 2.4±0.2%. The GC-MS Analysis shows the presents of many important organic compounds in which three were reported to have biological activity this includes Benzene, [(methoxymethoxy)m ethyl]-, Undecanoic acid Hexadecanoic acid, ....

Genotoxicity Comparison between Morinda citrifolia Fruit and Seed Substances.

This study aimed to evaluate the genotoxic potential of the fruit and seed powder, fruit puree, and aqueous extracts of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae, noni). The genotoxic potential of the noni substances was evaluated using in vitro Ames, in vitro chromosomal aberration, and in vivo micronucleus tests. All test procedures were conducted per Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines, and good laboratory practice. None of the noni fruit test substances showed genotoxic signs up to 5000 and 2000 μg/plate in the Ames and micronucleus tests, respectively. In the chromosomal aberration test, neither the fruit puree nor aqueous extract showed structural and numerical aberrations up to 5000 and 4650 μg/mL, respectively, irrespective of metabolic activation, in both 6 h and 24 h treatment groups. The safe ranges of noni fruit and seed powders were up to 2500 and 2100 μg/mL, respectively, in the 6 h treatment group and up to 1600–4100 and 370–450 μg/mL, respectively, in both 6 h and 24 h treatment groups in the presence of metabolic activation. Noni fruit and seeds were safe in terms of genotoxicity under our experimental conditions. Our data are the first to provide valuable genotoxic information on Morinda citrifolia.

Acid Neutralizing Capacity and Immunomodulatory Activity of Citrullus Colocynths

The <em>Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schard</em> from Cucurbitaceae family having a properties of ancient remedies on many diseases. This research work has focused on the to detect the preliminary antacid test (PAT), acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) ,buffer capacity(BC) consisting of <em>Citrullus colocynthis </em>and compared with Gelusil tablet as a standard along with this determined the immunomodulation activity. The PAT of the ethyl acetate,aqueous and alcoholic extracts of fruit were found in range of pH 3.90 ± 0.07 to 6.36 ± 0.18 and ANC located in between 24.23 ± 00 to 27.86 ± 76 mEq/gm. Further the value at which the pH of an extracts changes over period founded in between 30 min to 45 min. The investigation of immunomodulation activity carried out by phagocytosis assay of <em>C. albican</em>. This research has reached to conclusion that is the ethanolic extract yielded a greater result of ANC and aqueous extract determined higher buffer capacity comparative with standard antacid (Gelusil). Moderate immune stimulation shown by the ethanolic extract with 5 and 10 mg/ml of concentration.

Photocatalytic degradation activity of goji berry extract synthesized silver-loaded mesoporous zinc oxide (Ag@ZnO) nanocomposites under simulated solar light irradiation

Different approaches have been developed for the synthesis of various nanostructured materials with unique morphologies. This study demonstrated the photocatalytic and antimicrobial abilities of silver-loaded zinc oxide nanocomposites (Ag@ZnO NCs). Initially, ZnO with a unique mesoporous ellipsoidal morphology in the size range of 0.59 ± 0.11 × 0.33 ± 0.09 µm (length × width) was synthesized using aqueous precipitation in a mild hydrothermal condition (80 °C) with the aqueous fruit extract of goji berry (GB) (as an additive) and calcined in air at 200 °C/2 h and 250 °C/3 h. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of a hexagonal phase of the wurtzite (WZ) structure. The average crystallite size of ZnO was 23.74 ± 4.9 nm as calculated using Debye–Scherrer’s equation. It also possesses higher thermal stability with the surface area, pore volume, and pore size of 11.77 m2/g, 0.027 cm3/g, and 9.52 nm, respectively. Furthermore, different mesoporous Ag@ZnO NCs loaded with face-centered cubic (fcc) silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the range of 90–160 nm were synthesized by GB extract as a reducing and capping agent on the surface of ZnO after calcination in air. The immobilization of Ag NPs was confirmed by XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), FE-transmission electron microscopy (FE-TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that Ag0.2@ZnO NC (0.2 wt% of Ag) showed excellent photocatalytic degradation of both methylene blue (MB) (cationic) and congo red (CR) (anionic) dyes under simulated solar irradiation. The photocatalytic degradation of 99.3 ± 0.35% MB and 98.5 ± 1.3% CR occurred in 90 and 55 min, respectively, at room temperature by Ag0.2@ZnO NC. Besides, these NCs also showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The mechanistic concept of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) by electron and hole charge (e‾/h+) carriers seems to be responsible for the photocatalytic degradation of commercial dyes and antibacterial activities by Ag@ZnO NCs. Thus, these silver-loaded mesoporous ellipsoidal ZnO NCs are promising candidates as photocatalysts for industrial/wastewater treatment as well as in antimicrobial therapeutics.

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry Identification of Bioactive Compounds in Methanol and Aqueous Seed Extracts of Azanza garckeana Fruits

Azanza garckeana is a tropical fruit plant found in Africa. Its edible fruit is used as food or herbal medicines, while the seeds are discarded. In an attempt to turn waste to wealth and obtain useful substances from it, this study was carried out to identify the bioactive compounds with nutritional and health-promoting benefits present in methanol and aqueous extracts of the seeds of this fruit. Freshly harvested few fruits of A. garckeana containing the seeds were obtained from Tula in Kaltungo LGA, Gombe State, Nigeria. They were identified and authenticated at the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Nigeria. The pulverized seeds were used to obtain methanol and aqueous extracts and subjected to GC-MS analysis. The results of the study revealed the presence of thirtyeight bioactive compounds which have been reported to have anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Among these compounds are the following with reported biological functions namely: Pentadecanoic acid, Octadecadienoic acid, Hexadecanoic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Heneicosane, 2-Methyltetracosane and Methyl stearate. There concentrations range from 0.33% for 9-Octadecenoic acid-methyl ester (Methyl oleate) to 24.3% for 9,12– octadecadienoic acid-(z-z) (Linoleic acid) in methanol extract. In the aqueous extract, the bioactive components measured 0.18% (lowest) for Dodecane, 2,6,11-trimethyl- and 2-Methyltetracosane (Isopentacosone) to 7.34% (highest) for 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)- (Oleic acid). Other compounds without known reported functions are 10,13-Octadecadienoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid 12-hydroxy-methyl ester [R-(Z)]- and 1,13-Tetradecadiene among others. The seeds of A. garckeana have useful constituents that can be exploited for health benefits.

Effect of aqueous extract of fig fruit (Ficus Carica) on wound healing in albino rabbits

Background and aims: Skin ulcers are caused by various reasons such as physical, chemical, and biological damages. Wound healing has long been considered one of the most important issues in surgery. Extensive research has been employed in this field and various chemical, herbal, homeopathic, and physical methods such as laser therapy have been used for treatment. Nowadays, wound healing is one of the most important aims of medical science. Furthermore, people prefer to use natural drugs because of fewer side effects. Therefore, the present study was designed considering these issues. Methods: For this study, 6 albino rabbits with an average weight of 3 kg were purchased. After preparing the rabbits, two pairs of full-thickness wounds were created in a completely round shape with a diameter of almost 6.30 mm on both sides of the spine in two anterior and posterior parts at a distance of 3 cm from the midline of the body. The animals were divided into 2 groups of 3 rabbits, including 1 experimental group and 1 control group. The wounds of the experimental group were treated with fig fruit extract while the wounds of the control group received no treatment. The wounds were macroscopically examined at 4, 7, 12, 16, and 20 days after surgery. Results: The results of t-test showed a significant difference (P<0.05) among the groups on all days. Meanwhile, the average wound area significantly decreased in the group which was treated with the extract of fig fruit. Conclusion: This study showed that fig fruit extract contains phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties which can accelerate the wound healing process.

Antihypertensive and Vasorelaxant Effects of Citrus aurantifolia Linn. Fruit: Proposed Mechanisms.

Background Citrus aurantifolia Linn. fruit, a natural dietary item, has long been used traditionally to treat hypertension in Pakistan. The current research work aims to explore the effect on blood pressure and its mechanisms. Methods The aqueous methanol extract of plant fruit was used to evaluate hypotensive/antihypertensive, vasorelaxation, and safety profiles. Moreover, the in vitro inhibitory effect of AMECA on phosphodiesterase was also evaluated. Results In hypotensive studies, extracts of Citrus aurantifolia fruit exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in SBP, DBP, MAP, and heart rate. A similar effect has been observed on anesthetized rats, but the effects exerted by the extract were not altered significantly in the presence of L-NAME, atropine, captopril, and propranolol. Moreover, in coronary arteries, the extract significantly potentiated relaxations induced by cGMP- and cAMP-dependent relaxing agonists. When exposed to PDEs, the extract concentration dependently subdued cGMP-hydrolyzing activity of different PDEs with IC50 values of 40–130 μg/mL. Conclusion It is conceivable that extracts obtained from Citrus aurantifolia fruit produced hypotensive and antihypertensive effects in rats. The extract elicited endothelium-independent vasorelaxation, possibly by acting directly on smooth muscles of the coronary artery and by increasing cGMP and cAMP via nonselective inhibition of vascular PDEs.

Rubus ellipticus Sm. Fruit Extract Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Green Approach for Dye Degradation and Biomedical Applications.

Rubus ellipticus fruits aqueous extract derived ZnO-nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a green synthesis method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs were investigated using XRD, FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometer, XPS, FESEM, and TEM. The Rietveld refinement confirmed the phase purity of ZnO-NPs with hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure and p-63-mc space group with an average crystallite size of 20 nm. XPS revealed the presence of an oxygen chemisorbed species on the surface of ZnO-NPs. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity due to the attachment of the hydroxyl group of the phenols on the surface of the nanoparticles. Among all microbial strains, nanoparticles’ maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity in terms of MIC was observed against Bacillus subtilis (31.2 µg/mL) and Rosellinia necatrix (15.62 µg/mL), respectively. The anticancer activity revealed 52.41% of A549 cells death (IC50: 158.1 ± 1.14 µg/mL) at 200 μg/mL concentration of nanoparticles, whereas photocatalytic activity showed about 17.5% degradation of the methylene blue within 60 min, with a final dye degradation efficiency of 72.7%. All these results suggest the medicinal potential of the synthesized ZnO-NPs and therefore can be recommended for use in wastewater treatment and medicinal purposes by pharmacological industries.

First Report of the Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Scabiosa atropurpurea subsp. maritima Fruit Extracts and Their Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Properties.

Candida and dermatophyte infections are difficult to treat due to increasing antifungal drugs resistance such as fluconazole, as well as the emergence of multi-resistance in clinical bacteria. Here, we first synthesized silver nanoparticles using aqueous fruit extracts from Scabiosa atropurpurea subsp. maritima (L.). The characterization of the AgNPs by means of UV, XRD, FTIR, and TEM showed that the AgNPs had a uniform spherical shape with average sizes of 40–50 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs showed high antioxidant activity when investigated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The AgNPs displayed strong antibacterial potential expressed by the maximum zone inhibition and the lowest MIC and MBC values. The AgNPs revealed a significant antifungal effect against the growth and biofilm of Candida species. In fact, the AgNPs were efficient against Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Microsporum canis. The antifungal mechanisms of action of the AgNPs seem to be due to the disruption of membrane integrity and a reduction in virulence factors (biofilm and hyphae formation and a reduction in germination). Finally, the silver nanoparticles also showed important cytotoxic activity against the human multiple myeloma U266 cell line and the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. Therefore, we describe new silver nanoparticles with promising biomedical application in the development of novel antimicrobial and anticancer agents.

Effects of different concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the quality of ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa during storage at 4°C.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are known for their antioxidant effects. In this study, ZnO-NPs were synthesized using aqueous extract of Maclura pomifera fruit; then, their effects on the quality of ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa were evaluated during storage at 4°C. ZnO-NPs formation was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE-SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity responses were investigated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). Cauda epididymal spermatozoa were obtained from testicles collected from abattoir(s). The sperm samples were pooled. The samples were diluted by extender and supplemented with different concentrations of ZnO-NPs (0, 1, 5 and 25µg/ml) and cooled to 4°C for 72hr. Total motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity, morphological abnormality, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of cooled diluted samples were evaluated. Addition of 1 μg/ml of ZnO-NPs increased sperm viability under normal conditions (p<.05). Extender supplementation with 1 μg/ml of ZnO-NPs improved sperm total motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity during storage periods (p<.05). Moreover, using 1 μg/ml of ZnO-NPs improved (p<.05) MDA, TAC and SOD activities after 72 hr compared to other treatments. In conclusion, there were some beneficial effects of ZnO-NPs supplementation in ram epididymal sperm extender during oxidative stress conditions and cooled storage.

Comparitive Invitro Antihelmintic Activity of Electeria cardamom and Amomum subulatum against Pheritima Posthuma

Elettaria cardamomum and Amomum subulatum fruits were easily available and commonly used in our day –to-day life. The present study aimed at the in-vitro comparative study of anthelmintic activity of aqueous extracts of fruits of Elettaria cardamomum, Amomum subulatum and mixed. The fruits were extracted separately with distilled water by maceration method .The various concentrations of the extract (50,100, 200mg/ml) respectively were screened for their anthelmintic activity using Pheritima posthuma. The activity was comparable with the standard drug albendazole. When the concentrations of the extract are increased, a gradual increase in anthelmintic activity is observed. The study involved the determination of time of paralysis (P) and time of death (D) of the worms. Aqueous extract of Elettaria cardamomum, Amomum subulatum and mixed showed anthelmintic activity but mixed extract was more efficient anthelmintic activity against Indian earthworms. The data were found statistically significant by using one way ANOVA (P&lt; 0.001). Further studies are suggested to isolate the active principles responsible for the activity.

Antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and toxic effects of the aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of Cucumis dipsaceus (Ehrenb. Ex Spach.)

Introduction: Cucumis dipsaceus is used to treat diarrhoea, microbial infections, among other diseases across the world; however, there is insufficient empirical data to validate its efficacy, toxicity, and safety. Accordingly, we investigated the antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and toxic effects of the aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus.Methods: Antidiarrheal activities of the aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus were investigated using the castor oil-induced diarrhoea technique in a Wistar rat model. The disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods were adopted to determine the antimicrobial activities of the studied plant extracts. The acute oral toxicity effects of the studied plant extracts were investigated in Wistar rats according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines.Results: The aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus significantly (P &lt; 0.05) inhibited diarrhoea in a dose-dependent manner in experimental rats. Besides, the studied extracts significantly (P &lt; 0.05) inhibited the growth of Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in varying degrees, as depicted by their growth inhibition zones (&gt;6.00 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs &lt;1000 μg/mL). Moreover, the studied extracts did not cause any observable acute oral toxicity effects in the experimental rats across the 14-day experimental period.Conclusion: The aqueous and methanolic leaf and fruit extracts of C. dipsaceus present a potential source of safe and efficacious lead compounds for developing antidiarrheal and antimicrobial therapies.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Potentials of Aqueous Extracts of Two Capsicum Fruits in the Management of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli

Common bacterial blight of cowpea is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) which can devastate both the seedlings and adult plants, thereby yield reduction. The experiment was carried out by evaluating the antibacterial potential of two aqueous pepper fruit extracts; Capsicum chinense cv. Bonnet and Capsicum annuum cv. Red bell. The extracts were prepared at 25, 50 and 75% w/v concentrations. Sterile distilled water (SDW) was used a negative control while streptomycin sulfate (0.2% w/v) served as positive control. Bactericidal evaluation of the extracts was carried out using agar well diffusion method, laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Pathogenicity, morphological and biochemical tests of the isolates confirmed the characteristics of the bacterium. The results revealed that the two extracts had inhibitory effects on the two isolates of the bacterium tested. At 75% concentration for both extracts and 72 hrs after incubation, Bonnet pepper extract recorded inhibition zones of 23.50 mm and 15.27 mm while Red bell pepper extract had 23.23 mm and 12.60 mm on Xap1 and Xap2 isolates, respectively. These values were significantly higher than inhibition zones (11.20 mm and 8.17 mm) recorded for Bonnet pepper extract and inhibition zones (11.20 mm and 9.53 mm) recorded for Red bell pepper extract at 50% concentration. It could be concluded that, the two Capsicum fruit extracts have promising potential in the management of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) at 75% concentration which could serve as alternative to synthetic chemicals for poor resource farmers.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Actinidia deliciosa against Streptozotocin-Induced Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammations in Rats.

The present research intended to assess the possible protective and hypoglycemic effect of Actinidia deliciosa fruit aqueous extract (ADAE) in diabetic rats. The scavenging antioxidant capabilities of ADAE were evaluated using GC-MS analysis. In addition, rats were divided into four groups: control, ADAE, streptozotocin-induced DM (STZ), and STZ-treated rats + ADAE in an in vivo investigation. GC-MS analysis of ADAE was shown to include major components with high total phenolic contents and high DPPH scavenging activity. In diabetic rats, significant elevation in blood glucose level, lipid peroxidation, bilirubin, and lactate dehydrogenase activity as well as a change in lipid profile was observed, while insulin, body and liver weights, enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants, liver function biomarkers, and protein content were significantly decreased. Furthermore, changes in the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ), apoptotic, and inflammation-related genes were found. In addition, histological differences in rat liver tissue architecture were discovered, corroborating the biochemical modifications. However, consuming ADAE alone reduced lipid peroxidation and improved antioxidant status. Furthermore, diabetic rats given ADAE showed significant reductions in oxidative stress indicators and biochemical parameters, as well as improved tissue structure, when compared to the diabetic rats' group. Also, ADAE supplementation protects diabetic rats' hepatic tissue by upregulating PPAR-γ and downregulating apoptotic and inflammatory-related gene expression. In conclusion, A. deliciosa has beneficial protective effects so, it might be used as a complementary therapy in diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Whole Fruit Extracts of Luffa Acutangula. Var. Amara and Rhizome Extracts of Rheum Emodi in CCl4 - Induced Chronic Hepatotoxicity

To investigate the hepatoprotective activity of whole fruit extracts of Luffa acutangula.var. amara and rhizome extracts of Rheum emodi in CCl4 treated rats. The dried powders of L. amara and R. emodi were extracted successively with petroleum ether, ethanol and distilled water. The hepatoprotective capacity of the extract of the whole fruits of L. amara and the rhizomes of R. emodi was analyzed in liver injured CCl4- treated male rats. The present study explored the possibilities of using low doses of both plant extracts (150mg/kg, and 300mg/kg bw, po route) to treat CCL4 intoxicated albino rats in both acute and chronic models of hepatic damage, evident by increased serum levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides, all being implicated in considerable hepatic damage.&#x0D; Histopathological examination in CCl4 treated rats revealed collapse of liver parenchyma with early fibrosis and chronic inflammatory cell infiltration in patchy areas around central vein (Pic.group-2) when compared to the control group. Histopathological and physical examinations also indicated their effectiveness with their dose tolerability and liver protection.&#x0D; Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the whole fruits of L. amara and rhizomes of R. emodi were indicative of more hepatoprotective properties when compared to the petroleum ether extracts of both plants against CCl4 induced liver damage as confirmed from hepatic serum marker enzyme activities and histopathological studies.