Aqueous Plant Extracts Research Articles

Evaluation of different plant aqueous extracts for effective management of Thielaviopsis paradoxa causal agent of the black scorch disease in date palm fronds in Morocco

Evaluation of different plant aqueous extracts for effective management of Thielaviopsis paradoxa causal agent of the black scorch disease in date palm fronds in Morocco

Evaluation of nematicidal potential of leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus for management of Meliodogyne incognita in Tomato

The resistance of nematode pests to synthetic nematicides and its attendant hazards both to the crops and the ecosystem have caused growing interest. This study is aimed at investigating the nematicidal potential of the leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus. Afrohybanthus enneaspermus is an evegreen shrub found in the tropical regions. The herbs have been used in ethonomedicine in the treatment of various ailments such as fever, diabetes, cough, skin infections and so on. According to standard methods in this study, in-vivo and In-vitro nematicidal screening of leaves extract was carried out against juvenile nematode pest (Meliodogyne incognita) while the pot experiment was carried out on tomato plants infected with root knot nematode. At the growth rate of the Tomato (Tropimech +), plant height was significantly lowered at 4 WAP (four weeks after planting) in tomato plants inoculated with 2,000 root-knot nematodes (RKN) applied with 20 g powered of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus compared with the rest of the treatments. With the application of 15% aqueous plant extracts and the inoculation of 2,000 RKN, plant height was significantly higher (32.8), followed by Plant alone and 20% aqueous plant extract. However, plant height was significantly lowered in plants applied with 20g powered of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus and nematode compared to the other treatments. At 6 weeks plant height is significantly higher in tomato plants inoculated with 5% aqueous plant extract with 2000RKN followed by others that are at the same range except 20g powered extract with 2000RKN that is significantly lowered . At 7 weeks plant height is significantly higher in tomato plants inoculated with 5% aqueous plant extract with 2000 RKN followed by others that are at the same range except 20g powdered extract with 2000 RKN that is significantly lowered. The research concluded that leaves extract of Afrohybanthus enneaspermus is effective in management of root Knot nematodes, however, in- vitro experiments, it is established that the powder form of the leave has higher effectiveness in management of nematode than its organic extract.

Effect of The Water Origin on The Biological Properties of Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) Aqueous Extracts

Plant extracts, due to the high content of various biologically active compounds, have found their wide application in the foods, pharmaceutical industries, and agricultures, for the production of valuable and useful bioproducts. The aqueous plant extracts are most often used. The effect of the water origin used in their preparation on the extract’s composition has not been studied enough, which limits their use. The study was aimed to compare the biological effect of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) extracts prepared using water of different origins (distilled, tap, spring, bottled). The preparation of aqueous extracts was carried out in two ways, differing in the extraction temperature. In the first method, boiling water was used to prepare the extract; in the second, cooled boiled water was used. The sage leaves mass for extract preparation was 1.65 and 3.30 g. The biological activity of the extracts was assessed by testing them for radish germination. It was shown the sage leaves extracts prepared using various waters origin can differ by one and half times in their allelopathic effect on radish seeds. It was proved the qualitative composition and mass of the substance extracted from the plant depend on the water origin used for extracts preparation. Thus, using the same amount of plant material to prepare extracts, you can increase their biological activity by fifty percent with the right choice of water.

Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Production by Procyanidins Present in Annona muricata and Uncaria tomentosa Aqueous Extracts

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), primarily produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, is the most dangerous mycotoxin for humans and contaminates a variety of crops. To limit fungal growth and aflatoxin production in food and feed, research has been increasingly focusing on alternatives to pesticides. Studies show that some aqueous plant extracts with strong antioxidant properties could significantly impact AFB1 production, representing an eco-friendly and sustainable method to protect crops. The present study demonstrates that aqueous extracts of Anonna muricata (AM) and Uncaria tomentosa (UT) inhibit AFB1 synthesis in a dose-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 0.25 and 0.28 mg dry matter per milliliter of culture medium, respectively. This effect correlates with the presence of polyphenols and, more precisely, with condensed tannins. It is also related to the subsequent antioxidant activity of both extracts. A bio-guided fractionation followed by high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of the active fractions identifies procyanidins and, more precisely, catechin (5.3% w/w for AM and 5.4% w/w for UT) and epicatechin (10.6% w/w for AM and 25.7% w/w for UT) as the major components in both extracts. The analysis of how pure standards of these molecules affect AFB1 production demonstrates that catechin plays an essential role in the inhibition observed for both plant extracts, since the pure standard inhibits 45% of AFB1 synthesis at a concentration close to that of the extracts.

Effect of Bio-Herbicide Application on Durum Wheat Quality: From Grain to Bread Passing through Wholemeal Flour

Using plant extracts to replace traditional chemical herbicides plays an essential role in sustainable agriculture. The present work evaluated the quality of durum wheat cv Valbelice in two years (2014 and 2016) using plant aqueous extracts of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) and mugwort (Artemisia arborescens L.) as bio-herbicides on the main quality characteristics of durum wheat. The untreated, water-treated, and chemically treated durum wheat products were also analyzed as controls. Following the official methodologies, grain commercial analyses and defects of the kernels were determined. The main chemical and technological features were determined on the wholemeal flour: proteins, dry matter, dry gluten, gluten index, colorimetric parameters, mixograph, falling number, and sedimentation test in SDS. An experimental bread-making test was performed, and the main parameters were detected on the breads: bread volume, weight, moisture, porosity, hardness, and colorimetric parameters on crumb and crust. Within the two years, grain commercial analyses of the total five treatments showed no statistically significant differences concerning test weight (range 75.47–84.33 kg/hL) and thousand kernel weight (range 26.58–35.36 kg/hL). Differently, significant differences were observed in terms of kernel defects, particularly starchy kernels, black pointed kernels, and shrunken kernels, mainly due to the year factor. Analyses on the whole-grain flours showed significant differences. This affected dry gluten content (7.35% to 16.40%) and gluten quality (gluten index from 6.44 to 45.81). Mixograph results for mixing time ranged from 1.90 min to 3.15 min, whilst a peak dough ranged from 6.83 mm to 9.85 mm, showing, in both cases, statistically significant differences between treatments. The falling number showed lower values during the first year (on average 305 s) and then increased in the second year (on average 407 s). The sedimentation test showed no statistically significant differences, ranging from 27.75 mm to 34.00 mm. Regarding the bread produced, statistically significant year-related differences were observed for the parameters loaf volume during the first year (on average 298.75 cm3) and then increased in the second year (on average 417.33 cm3). Weight range 136.85 g to 145.18 g and moisture range 32.50 g/100 g to 39.51 g/100 g. Hardness range 8.65 N to 12.75 N and porosity (range 5.00 to 8.00) were closely related to the type of treatment. Finally, the color of flour and bread appeared to be not statistically significantly affected by treatment type. From a perspective of environmental and economic sustainability, the use of plant extracts with a bio-herbicidal function could replace traditional chemical herbicides.

Study of some active substances and biological activity of extracts of henna leaves collected from Umm al-Qandil area -Libya (Lawsonia inermis)

The study aims to detect the active ingredients in the plant and to know their biological effectiveness against bacteria. The pH and humidity of the plant were measured. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were prepared to obtain the crude extract in order to estimate its effectiveness against bacteria. The study showed the effectiveness of henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis) and their inhibition of the growth of some types of tested bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Strep Pyogenes, Escherichia Coli, salmonella, and Shigella. The inhibition results of the extracts varied and depended on the extraction method, temperature, and solvent used. The results of the initial chemical examination also showed that these extracts contained some important active ingredients such as (tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, resins, alkaloids), which made this plant used as a treatment for infections. The pH was estimated, and thus the importance of this plant increases as it can be used as a natural antibiotic. Therefore, we recommend studying the quantity and quality of the active compounds and knowing their molecular structure with the aim of developing natural extracts and dispensing with manufactured compounds due to the harm they cause to the living organism. Keywords: henna plant, qualitative findings, aqueous and alcoholic plant extracts, some types of pathogenic bacteria

Effect of Beta Vulgaris Extract on the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and Rat Embryo Fibroblast (REF)

The study aimed to study the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris on the breast carcinoma cell MCF-7 and the normal cell REF. Six diluted concentrations of the aqueous extract of the plant roots including (7.8, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500) µg/ml, with three exposure periods of 24, 48, and 72 hrs. The quantitative estimation of the active compounds of the aqueous extract was calculated. It was found that the aqueous extract of plant contains many active compounds such as (tannins, phenols, flavonoids and glycosides). The effect of the extract on normal REF cells after an exposure period of 72 hrs, which is represented by the concentration that causes inhibition of the proliferation of normal REF cells by 50%, is (IC50) with the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris was (6.35) mg/ml. The aqueous extract of plant was tested to detect the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract and all concentrations used on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell. The results showed that increase in the percentage rate of inhibition of cancer cell growth was observed during the three exposure periods of 24, 48, and 72 hrs. There is significant differences at (p≤0.05) and compared with the control. The rate of inhibition ranges at the lowest concentration 500 µg/ml were (92.204±1.455) (93.616 ±1.376) and (95.325±1.407) respectively.

Studying the effects of algae, fungi, and plant aqueous extracts against Tribolium castaneum

The impact of the compounds extracted using the aqueous extract approach from Terfezia arenaria, Chara vulgaris and Capsicum annuum was investigated in relation to the larval stage of the economically significant insect Tripolium castneum. The cumulative and non-cumulative killing percentages for these extracts were established in the present investigation. The findings demonstrated the superior performance of the compound derived from the fungus Terfezia arenaria with a mortality rate of 36% at a concentration of 4000 ppm over other extracts whether the effect is cumulative or non-cumulative. Both of the tested extracts from the Chara vulgaris and Capsicum annuum plants had mortality levels of 28% and 25% respectively at a concentration of 4000 ppm. The results of this study also revealed phenotypic deformities in the larval stage of these insects, with the first larval stage of all treatments being the most affected and the fourth larval stage of Tripolium castneum being the least affected.

The Antimicrobial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on some Fungi isolated from Otitis Media

This study involved the inhibitory effect of silver nanoparticles with plant extracts against the fungi isolates from otitis media evaluated. A total of 216 samples were collected from individuals suffering from otitis media with age ranging from 1-70 years, who visited the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Department at Al-Hawija General Hospital between September 2022 and March 2023.The results of culture on Sabouraud dextrose agar media showed microbial infection in otitis media in 114 samples, accounting for 52.77% of the cases. Regarding fungi, Candida spp. was the predominant species, found in 81 samples, representing 37.5%. Plant extracts demonstrated high efficiency in inhibiting fungi. The alcoholic extract of the Callistemon viminalis plant exhibited the highest inhibitory effectiveness with an average inhibition zone diameter of 16.19mm followed by the aqueous extract of the Callistemon viminalis plant with an average inhibition zone diameter of 15.44 mm. Silver nanoparticles showed inhibitory effects on the studied fungal isolates. The silver nanoparticles manufactured from the Callistemon viminalis plant exhibited the highest inhibitory effect with an average inhibition zone diameter of 17.52mm against Candida parapsilosis yeast.

Green synthesized AgNPs of the Anchusa arvensis aqueous extract resulting in impressive protein kinase, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities.

This study focused on analyzing the pharmacological activities of AgNPs synthesized from an aqueous plant extract of Anchusa arvensis. The effectiveness of AgNPs was evaluated for protein kinase inhibition, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. The AgNPs and plant were used to regulate the protein kinase activity using the liquid TSB and ISP4 medium protein kinase inhibition study demonstrated that nanoparticles exhibited a larger zone of inhibition (9.1 ± 0.8) compared to the plant extract (8.1 ± 0.6). The antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH reagent, and the results indicated that AgNPs displayed potent free radical scavenging properties. In terms of antibacterial activity, AgNPs showed higher efficacy against Enterobacter aerogens (20.1 ± 0.9), Bordetella bronchiseptaca (19.1 ± 0.9), and Salmonella typhimurium (17.2 ± 0.8) at 4 mg/mL. The antifungal activity of AgNPs was prominent against Aspergillus fumagatus (14.1 ± 0.9), Mucor species (19.2 ± 0.8), and Fusarium solani (11.2 ± 0.8) at 20 mg/mL. These findings suggest that AgNPs possess multiple beneficial properties, including bactericidal/fungicidal effects, protein kinase inhibition, and potential free radical scavenging abilities. Therefore, AgNPs have potential applications in various fields, such as biomedicine and industry, due to their ability to counteract the harmful effects of free radicals.

Effects of Salvia officinalis on Production Characteristics of Laying Hens

Due to the extreme importance of the poultry industry in securing animal proteins for humans, it is necessary to expand the research related to increasing egg production without resorting to antibiotics, which pose significant drawbacks. This study explored the impact of sage plant extracts, known for their bioactive compounds, on the production indicators of laying hens. Thirty chickens were randomly assigned to three groups, including a control group and two experimental groups (T1 and T2) receiving sage plant aqueous extract at 0.1% and 0.2% in their diets, respectively. The egg production percentage, egg weight percentage, percentage of daily feed consumption, feed conversion coefficient, and blood calcium concentrations were measured. The results indicated that supplementation of sage extract in the diet of the laying hens under study increased daily egg production percentage and daily egg yield significantly in group T2 (87.63%, 59.7 eggs/day) and improved average egg weight (68.23 grams) in group T1. Moreover, there was no significant difference in daily feed consumption among the tested hens. A notable reduction was also observed in the feed conversion ratio to 2.09 in group T2. Keywords: Feed additive, Laying hen, Plant extract, Productivity, Sage

Phytosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using Cynodon dactylon leaf extract and their antibacterial activity

Due to use of nanoparticles, nanotechnology has become an important area of research penetrating in all the fields of science and technology including medicinal chemistry. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) play an important role in biotechnology and nanomedicine because of their antimicrobial effect against many pathogens such as bacteria, fungus, viruses and yeast. In this article, we propose an eco-friendly phytosynthesis method of TiO2 NPs using aqueous leaf extract of Cynodon dactylon herbal plant as a reducing agent. The formation of TiO2 NPs by plant bio-molecules involved in the reduction of metal ions to nanoparticles is demonstrated. The synthesized TiO2 NPs are analyzed using X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity of the TiO2 NPs against gram-positive bacterial pathogens like Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus as well as gram-negative bacterial pathogen like Escherchia coli is tested. The obtained results demonstrate potent bactericidal activity of the TiO2 NPs.

Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles from Dysoxylum binectariferum Fruit Extract and Assessment of Antimicrobial Potential

AbstractThe current investigation focuses on producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing a quick, economical, and environmentally friendly approach employing aqueous fruit extracts of Dysoxylum binectariferum plant. The ZnO NPs were thoroughly characterized using P‐XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles’ anti‐bacterial properties were evaluated against Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. pyogenes). The findings indicated that the synthesized material exhibited greater efficacy against Gram‐negative bacterial infections, especially E. coli. Furthermore, the anti‐fungal activity was examined using the C. albicans strain, demonstrating that the synthesized ZnO NPs were twice as effective against C. albicans compared to the conventional medication Griseofulvin. In contrast, Griseofulvin, with a 500 μM MIC against the C. albicans pathogenic fungal strain, did not display the same level of efficacy.

Green Silver Nanoparticles and Their Activity as Antifungal Agents Against Penicillium digitatum Causing Green Mould of Citrus

AbstractThe green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using aqueous extracts of five plants viz., Ocimum americanum, Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Eucalyptus hybrida, Zingiber officinale were evaluated for their antifungal property against Penicillium digitatum, a green mould pathogen of citrus fruits. The five plant species were selected from a screening of aqueous extracts from 16 plant species. The efficacy of aqueous extracts, at 50 % concentration, ranged from 14.44–68.52 % inhibition in mycelia growth of P. digitatum. Among SNPs, O. americanum was found most efficacious, at 1000 ppm concentration, with 80.7 % mycelial inhibition followed by A. indica with 77.4 % mycelial growth inhibition of fungal pathogen. Further, physical and structural characterization of SNPs of O. americanum and A. indica was carried out. The characterization analysis executed via transmission and scanning electron microscope revealed size distribution and nanoparticles were spherical to irregularly shaped ranging from 22.8–250 nm in O. americanum and 26.5–500 nm in A. indica. In UV‐visible spectrophotometer, the absolute absorption peak was recorded at 448 nm and 442 nm for O. americanum and A. indica, respectively. FTIR analysis of SNPs of A. indica and O. americanum confirmed the presence of carboxyl, amide group and secondary amines which were the main constituent of proteins. The novelty of the present study is in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles with potential in the management of postharvest pathogens of fruit crops. The synthesis of SNPs used in this study is simple, environmentally benign and cost‐effective using aqueous extract of native plants.

The effect of silver nanoparticles prepared from the aqueous extract of the fenugreek plant on some of the hormones associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in female laboratory rats

Background: This study dealt with an assessment of the effect of the nanoparticles of the fenugreek plant and the metformin of 50 mg/kg on female laboratory rats infected with the updated ovarian cyst syndrome using the letrazole with a concentration of 1 mg/kg of body weight (except for the healthy group), as ovarian affiliation is a common endocrine disorder that affects 3-13% of women at the age of pregnancy and childbearing. Objective: to assess the effectiveness of medicinal plants represented by the Fenugreek extract with nanoparticles and its ability to treat female rats infected with ovarian cyst syndrome. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four animals of white laboratory rats were tested, and the groups were randomly divided into the following ways: 1- The control group. 2- A group of animals infected with ovaries. 3- A group of animals with cysts, was given orally the nano-fenugreek extract 2 mg/ kg. 4- A group of animals infected with cysts and treated by adding metformin 50 mg/ kg of body weight. After the end of the experiment period (30 days), the blood was withdrawn using a dispensed infection with cardiovis to conduct laboratory tests for hormones that are affected by the new disease, such as Lutein hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, Prolactin, Progesterone, and Estrogen. Results showed the following: 1- The injection of litrazole 1 mg/ kg led to an ovarian cyst and negative effects on the animal represented in a moral increase in levels, of lutein hormone and prolactin, while the injury led to a moral decrease in the hormone concentration that stimulates follicles, progesterone, and estrogen. 2- The treatment of an oral dosage of 2 mg/ kg of body weight with the nanoparticle fenugreek extract led to positive effects in the body's hormones represented in a moral increase in FSH, progesterone, estrogen while the same treatment led to a moral decrease in the lutein hormone and prolactin in the body at a level (P> 0.05). For follicles and decrease in prolactin and lutein hormone in the body at the probability level (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The current study has found that the Nano - extract fenugreek can be prepared with the Green synthesis by the use of Nanoscopic silver particles, which is an effective treatment to reduce the strikes in the hormones of the body with ovarian stinging syndrome, as a result of the small surface area to the size of the nanoparticles, so the absorption of cells has more efficient and faster than The normal size of the plant.

Exploring the Potential of the Mixture of Alginate and Aqueous Plant Extracts as Functional Drinks for Diabetics

Diabetes, which affects millions of people every year, has led to a functional food development for diabetics. This study aimed to explore the potential of functional drinks made of a mixture of alginate and aqueous plant extracts to treat diabetics. Samples studied, were 1% alginate solution (alginate drink), aqueous plant extracts, and functional drinks consisting of a mixture of alginate-plant extracts. Those functional drinks were made from okra aqueous extract, moringa leaf aqueous extract, bay leaf aqueous extract, and guava leaf aqueous extract, each of which was mixed with alginate. The samples were analyzed for qualitative phytochemical content, dietary fiber content, total phenolic content, alpha-glucosidase inhibition, and antioxidant capability. The phytochemical content of functional drinks showed differences in color intensity and types of phytochemicals. Saponins were identified in all the drinks. The high phenolic and dietary fiber content was shown by a drink of alginate - moringa leaf extract mixture. High alpha glucoside inhibitors and antioxidant activity were shown by drinks prepared from a mixture of alginate-bay leaf extract and a mixture of alginate-guava leaf extract. Overall, drinks from a mixture of alginate-bay leaf extract and a mixture of alginate-guava leaf extract had the potential to be used to treat diabetes.

Role of Anonychium africanum (Plantae, Fabaceae) in Metal Oxido-Inflammatory Response: Protection Evidence in Gonad of Male Albino Rat.

Male fertility is strongly affected by the overexpression of free radicals induced by heavy metals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gonado-protective effects of natural compounds. Biochemical and morphological assays were performed on male albino rats divided into five groups: a control group (water only), a group orally exposed to a metal mixture of Pb-Cd-Hg-As alone and three groups co-administered the metal mixture and an aqueous extract of the Nigerian medicinal plant, Anonychium africanum (Prosopis africana, PA), at three different concentrations (500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg) for 60 days. The metal mixture induced a significant rise in testicular weight, metal bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, while the semen analysis indicated a lower viability and a decrease in normal sperm count, and plasma reproductive hormones showed a significant variation. Parallel phytochemical investigations showed that PA has bioactive compounds like phlobatannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, steroids, and alkaloids, which are protective against oxidative injury in neural tissues. Indeed, the presence of PA co-administered with the metal mixture mitigated the toxic metals' impact, which was determined by observing the oxido-inflammatory response via nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, thus boosting male reproductive health.

Phytochemical fabrication of ZnO nanoparticles and their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity

The synthesis of metal nanoparticles through bio-reduction is environmentally benign and devoid of impurities, which is very important for biological applications. This method aims to improve ZnO nanoparticle's antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity while reducing the amount of hazardous chemicals used in nanoparticle production. The assembly of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is presented via bio-reduction of an aqueous zinc nitrate solution using Echinochloacolona (E. colona) plant aqueous leaf extract comprising various phytochemical components such as phenols, flavonoids, proteins, and sugars. The synthesized nano ZnO NPs are characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (X-RD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and elemental composition by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The formation of biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by the absorbance at 360–370 nm in the UV–vis spectrum. The average crystal size of the particles was found to be 15.8 nm, as calculated from XRD. SEM and TEM analysis of prepared ZnO NPs confirmed the spherical and hexagonal shaped nanoparticles. ZnO NPs showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae with the largest zone of inhibition (ZOI) of 17 and 18 mm, respectively, from the disc diffusion method. Furthermore, ZnO NPs exhibited significant anti-biofilm activity in a dose-dependent manner against selected bacterial strains, thus suggesting that ZnO NPs can be deployed in the prevention of infectious diseases and also used in food preservation.

Evaluating larvicidal, ovicidal and growth inhibiting activity of five medicinal plant extracts on Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), the West Nile virus vector

Mosquitoes, one of the deadliest animals on the planet, cause millions of fatalities each year by transmitting several human illnesses. Synthetic pesticides were previously used to prevent the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, which was effective in protecting humans but caused serious human health problems, environmental damage, and developed mosquito pesticide resistance. This research focuses on exploring new, more effective, safer, and environmentally friendly compounds to improve mosquito vector management. Phytochemicals are possible biological agents for controlling pests and many are target-specific, rapidly biodegradable, and eco-friendly. The potential of extracts of Lantana camara, Melia azedarach, Nerium oleander, Ricinus communis, and Withania somnifera against 3rd instar Culex pipiens (Common house mosquito) larvae was evaluated. Methanol extracts had more toxic effects against Cx. pipiens larvae (95–100%, 24 h post-treatment) than aqueous extracts (63–91%, 24 h post-treatment). The methanol extracts of Nerium oleander (LC50 = 158.92 ppm) and Ricinus communis (LC50 = 175.04 ppm) were very effective at killing mosquito larvae, 24 h after treatment. N. oleander (LC50 = 373.29 ppm) showed high efficacy in aqueous plant extracts. Among the different extracts of the five plants screened, the methanol extract of R. communis recorded the highest ovicidal activity of 5% at 800 ppm concentration. Total developmental duration and growth index were highly affected by R. communis and M. azedarach methanol extracts. In field tests it was clear that plant extracts decreased mosquito larval density, especially when mixed with mosquito Bti briquette, with stability up to seven days for N. oleander. GC–MS results showed that the methanol extract had a higher number of chemical compounds, particularly with more terpene compounds. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique was used to detect the existence of non-volatile polyphenols and flavonoids. All five methanol extracts showed high concentrations of active ingredients such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid (more than 100 μg/ml) and the rosmarinic acid was also found in all the five extracts in addition to 17 active polyphenols and flavonoids presented at moderate to low concentrations. Molecular modeling of 18 active ingredients detected by the HPLC were performed to the vicinity of one of the fatty acid binding proteins of lm-FABP (PDB code: 2FLJ). Rutin, Caffeic acid, coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid which presented densely in R. communis and N. oleander showed multiple and stable intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The inhibition ability of the fatty acid binding protein, FABP4, was evaluated with remarkable receptor inhibition evident, especially with R. communis and N. oleander having inhibitory concentrations of IC50 = 0.425 and 0.599 µg/mL, respectively. The active phytochemical compounds in the plants suggest promising larvicidal and ovicidal activity, and have potential as a safe and effective alternative to synthetic insecticides.

Aqueous extracts from Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax show cytotoxic and radiosensitizing potential in 3D growing HPV-negative and HPV-positive human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models

Numerous natural substances have anti-cancer properties. Especially indigenous people use aqueous plant extracts for tea or ointments including Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax to treat various diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing potential of aqueous extracts from Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax collected from Kenya in a panel of HPV-negative and -positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells grown in three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix (3D lrECM). The results show cytotoxicity, radiosensitization and increased levels of residual double strand breaks (DBS) by Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax extracts in HPV-negative and -positive HNSCC models in a concentration- and cell model-dependent manner. Application of ROS scavengers indicated an association between ROS-induced DSB and radiosensitization through Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax pretreatment. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) based characterization of Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax identified the main components of the extract including camptothecin. Overall, Dioscorea sansibarensis Pax aqueous extracts alone and in combination with X-ray irradiation showed effective anticancer properties, which are worthy of further mechanistic investigation.