Aqueous Plant Extracts Research Articles

AMELIORATION DE LA PRODUCTION DU MAIS (ZEA MAYS L.) EN COTE DIVOIRE PAR LUTILISATION DEXTRAITS DE PLANTES CONTRE LES CHAMPIGNONS PATHOGENES EN MILIEU NATUREL

Corn is the second largest food crop in Cote dIvoire by tonnage after rice with an annual production of around 600,000 tonnes (FAO, 2014). This commodity is widely cultivated for its starchy grains. It is also used as a fodder plant in certain localities. However, its cultivated plant is faced with the problem of fungal diseases observed in recent years in the large growing areas of the country. This study was carried out to identify pathogenic fungal genera of corn leaves and control these fungi with aqueous extracts of plant leaves. Thus, corn leaves in culture were inoculated with sporal concentrations of Curvularia sp., Fusarium sp., and Helmintosporium sp. The pathogenicity test showed that the fungus Helmintosporium sp was the most pathogenic followed by the genus Curvularium. This study also showed that plant extracts inhibit the development of the three fungal genera studied and improve plant growth and corn production in the field. Azadirachta indica and Ricinus communis extracts significantly reduced foliar symptoms and increased corn production. As for the Nicotiana Tabacum reduced the symptoms but did not promote a significant increase in corn production.

Acaricidal Efficacy of Thirty-Five Egyptian Plants Against the Camel Tick, Hyalomma Dromedarii.

Alternative and affordable tick control strategies are crucial to control and prevent tick bites and tick-borne diseases. In this study, we evaluated the acaricidal efficacy of 35 aqueous plant extracts (17%) against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii. The phytochemical profile indicated the presence of various secondary substances. Plants were classified into three groups according to their mortality percentage 15days post-treatment with 17%. This highly effective group (91%-95%) comprised Ocimum basilicum, Mespilus germanica, and Viola alpine followed by Carum carvi, Cucurbita pepo (peel), and Peganum harmala. A moderately effective group (80%-90%) included Acacia nilotica, Apium graveolens, Capsicum annuum, Ceratonia siliqua, Cucurbita pepo (seeds), Equisetum arvense, Eruca sativa, Ginkgobiloba, Plantagopsyllium, Phyllanthusemblica, Punica granatum, and Ziziphus spinachristi. The 20 remaining plants were assigned to the less effective group (< 80%). Viscum album (58.3%), which was the least effectivereference plant. The high potency of six plant extracts as acaricides may be attributed to the high content of active principles, e.g., phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. All of these highly effective plants are recommended for use as an acaricide, in case offacing acaricidal resistance or limited options for tick control.

Synthesis and Analysis of Euphorbia cognata Boiss-Assisted Organic-Inorganic Complex: Photosynthesis and Stabilization of CoO Nanoparticles.

Synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials using phytochemicals has now been regarded as mutually exclusive to chemical synthesis techniques. Here, we have extracted, isolated, and characterized the phytochemicals of Euphorbia cognata Boiss leaf hydro-organic extract and utilized them as biofuel in the preparation of metal oxide nanoparticles (CoO NPs). To evaluate the chemical composition of bio templates, chromatographic techniques like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) were being utilized. The reducing properties of the organic fuel were investigated by efficiently synthesizing CoO NPs by treating aqueous plant extract with an aqueous complex of Co(NO3)·6H2O. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was utilized for identification of newly prepared NPs, and composition of elements was inveterate via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The spherical-shaped morphology was noticed via field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and the biocomponents of synthesized metal oxide were identified by GC-MS which has confirmed the active presence of monopolized octodrine, decanoic acid, cathinone, and acetic acid in the synthesized metal oxides NPs. Overall, the present study has demonstrated well the significant potential of E. cognata phytocompounds as fuel in the synthesis of nanomaterial.

Antimicrobial activity of Southern African medicinal plants on Helicobacter pylori and Lactobacillus species

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNumerous medicinal plants have been used traditionally in South Africa for gastric ulcer treatment. Helicobacter pylori is known for causing inflammation and the onset of gastric ulcers. While several studies explored medicinal plants against H. pylori, investigation of medicinal plants used for gastric ulcers has been neglected, as well as the effects these plants would have on bacteria occurring naturally in the gut microbiome. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate Southern African medicinal plants used traditionally for treating gastric ulcers against H. pylori , as well as the effects that these plants have when combined with Lactobacillus species and tested against H. pylori. MethodologyBased on evidence from the ethnobotanical literature, 21 plants were collected. Their antimicrobial activity was assessed against five clinical H. pylori strains, and in combination with each of three Lactobacillus species, using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) broth microdilution assays. Toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. ResultsNoteworthy activity was observed against at least one H. pylori strain for 12 plant species. The lowest mean MICs were from organic extracts of Carissa edulis Vahl (0.18 mg/mL) and Chironia baccifera L. (0.20 mg/mL), and aqueous extracts of Sansevieria hyacinthoides (L.) Druce (0.26 mg/mL) and Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. (0.30 mg/mL). Aqueous extracts of the investigated plants were combined with Lactobacillus species, and the majority of combinations showed increased antimicrobial activity compared with the extracts alone. Combinations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus with 18 of the 21 aqueous plant extracts showed at least a two-fold decrease in the mean MBC against all H. pylori strains tested. Lactobacillus acidophilus combined with either Protea repens L., Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L. Bolus or Warburgia salutaris (Bertol.f.) Chiov. aqueous extracts had the best anti-H. pylori activity (mean MBCs of 0.10 mg/mL for each combination). Only four organic and one aqueous extract(s) were considered toxic. ConclusionThese results highlight the potential of medicinal plants to inhibit H. pylori growth and their role in traditional treatments for the management of ulcers. The results also indicate that aqueous extracts of these plants do not hinder the growth of bacteria that occur naturally in the gut microbiome and play a role in maintaining gut health, as well as show the potential benefit of including Lactobacillus species as potentiators of H. pylori activity.

Toxicity study and ameliorative effects of the aqueous leaf extract of Lecanoidiscus cupanioides Planch (ex. Benth) on the stress-induced ulcer

Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch (ex. Benth) is effective in treating burns, fevers, and inflammatory conditions. This study investigates the toxicity effects of the aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of L. cupanioides and its effect on stress-induced ulcers in animal models. The plant was collected and a 1:30 (g/ml) plant powder/solvent ratio was extracted using an ultrasonic bath at 50 °C for 45 min. Up-and-down procedure was used for acute toxicity. During subacute toxicity testing, a total of 20 mice were divided into four groups of five animals each. While group 1 served as control, groups 2, 3, and 4 received 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of the extract daily for 21 days. On day 22nd, animals were sacrificed and samples were collected for hematology, biochemical, and histological analyses. In the stress-induced ulcer activity, male albino mice were randomly separated into 5 groups of 5 animals, treated with the test drug, and then dissected after being stressed using the water immersion model. LD50 was &gt; 5000 mg/kg, and in biochemical examination, there was a significant decrease in the ALP level at medium and high doses (p value &lt; 0.05) and non-significant alterations in the values of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), body weight and hematology parameters (p &gt; 0.05). The histology results showed no evidence of liver and kidney toxicity. In conclusion, aqueous leaf extract of L. cupanioides was safe following a single dose (at 5000 mg/kg) and following repeated doses for 21 days (at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg). This study demonstrated that the extract had a significant effect on stress-induced ulcers at various dose levels when compared to the control (native, negative control, and omeprazole). The animals treated with 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the extract showed a significant increase in ulcer score, ulcer index, ulcer severity, and total acidity (p &lt; 0.05). The ulcer protection ability of the aqueous plant extract was dose-dependent.

Sunlight and microwave catalyzed comparative biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using in-vitro and in-vivo biomass of Fagonia schweinfurthii Hadidi, its antibacterial activity and phytotoxicity

In the present study, we explore the potential of Fagonia schweinfurthii Hadidi (FS) in-vivo plant material and in-vitro-grown callus as a bio-template for AgNPs synthesis, highlighting its eco-friendly and bio-inspired sustainable approach. The comparative efficacy of natural plant material and its callus culture was assessed for AgNP synthesis by employing both sunlight and microwave irradiation as separate synthesis methods. This yielded four distinct types of AgNPs denoted as CS-AgNPs, PS-AgNPs, CM-AgNPs, and PM-AgNPs. Sunlight-irradiated AgNP synthesis optimized at near to neutral pH (6.6), whereas microwave-assisted synthesis needed a basic pH for synthesis. Optimization of these AgNPs involved varying concentrations of AgNO3, plant aqueous extract (PAE), and callus aqueous extract (CAE) of FS, exposure time to sunlight and microwave radiation, as well as pH adjustments. The particle size of these AgNPs ranged from 5 to 30 nm, having a crystalline nature with a similar fringe width of 0.22 nm, as observed from HR-TEM analysis. These AgNPs showed significant antibacterial properties against the clinical isolates with λmax 420 nm. Importantly, CAE outperformed PAE for the biosynthesis of AgNPs, mainly in the presence of sunlight-producing CS-AgNPs. These CS-AgNPs are rapidly synthesized, well dispersed and stable, showing significant antibacterial activity, and the least environmental phytotoxicity. It promoted the number of secondary roots, seedling DW, and TWC with 100% seed germination. This highlights their sustainable features for exploring industrial eco-friendly nonmanufacturing of AgNPs using callus culture and sunlight irradiation.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the protective effects of Aerva Lanata Linn.on airways remodeling in experimental model of bronchial asthma in rats

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease characterized by bronchoconstriction and hyperresponsiveness of the bronchial airways. The treatment for bronchial asthma is mainly aimed at relieving symptoms by bronchodilators and controlling asthmatic attacks with anti-inflammatory agents. These therapeutic strategies are associated with several adverse drug effects and high cost that may negatively affect the compliance to therapy. Chronic asthma also results in structural remodeling of the airways which enhances the incidence of refractory asthma and increases morbidity/mortality. It is therefore important to explore adjuncts from alternative forms of therapy to compliment/supplement the conventional treatment. The study assessed the effects of Aerva Lanata Linn., a medicinal plant used in the traditional systems of medicine, on airway remodeling in an experimental model of asthma in rats. Wistar rats were immunized on day 0 with ovalbumin and Al(OH)3 and challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin from day 15 to 22. The rats were treated orally with various doses of standardized aqueous extract of whole plant of Aerva Lanata Linn. or prednisolone (10 mg/kg) for 22 days. After 24 hrs of last challenge, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung tissue were collected and assayed for markers of structural remodeling viz, (a) cytokine levels (TGF-β and IL-13); (b) hydroxyproline content, and (c) histopathology. The results showed that Aerva Lanata Linn. markedly reduced the levels of TGF-β, IL-13 in both blood and BAL fluid and hydroxyproline content in lung homogenates. Histopathological examination of lung tissue confirmed the modulatory effects of Aerva Lanata Linn. on airway remodeling as evidenced by reductions in goblet cell hyperplasia, inflammatory cells infiltration and sub epithelial fibrosis, as compared to that in the experimental (disease control) group. The results showed that Aerva Lanata Linn. Attenuated the histopathological changes and biochemical markers of airway remodeling by altering the levels of IL-13 and TGFβ, and the study suggested that it could be beneficial in cases of chronic bronchial asthma.

Potential molluscicidal activity of the aqueous extracts of some plants and their powders against terrestrial snail Monacha obstructa (L. Pfeiffer, 1842) under laboratory and field conditions

As it is known that the excessive use of pesticides causes many environmental problems, the effects of four aqueous plant extracts and their powders [Solanum nigrum L., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Salix mucronata Thunb. and Lawsonia inermis L.] were evaluated as natural molluscicides on the land snail Monacha obstructa (Family: Hygromiidae) under laboratory conditions. Three different bioassay methods were used: contact, leaf-dipping and bait techniques. The results indicated that, using all methods, S. Nigrum extract was the most toxic extract for the terrestrial snail M. obstructa. The contact technique of the tested plant extracts was the most effective method of application compared to other methods. Moreover, using plant extracts was better than using powders of these plants for controlling the terrestrial snail M. obstructa. In addition, the results indicated that the aqueous extract of S. nigrum gave the highest percentage of reduction in the snail population when assessed under field conditions. The obtained data showed that plant extracts were significantly effective against the terrestrial snail and could be used as alternatives to pesticides in integrated pest management.

Review on novel approaches for controlling aflatoxin B1: Harnessing nature's defenses against food toxins

Aflatoxin B1 is the most harmful food toxin for humans and animals. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, it is ranked as one of the most carcinogenic substances in the world, directly connected to hepatocarcinoma in both humans and animals. Aflatoxin B1 is also involved in the occurrence of pathologies, and aflatoxicoses. Aflatoxin B1 can be produced by fungi from the genus Aspergillus section Flavi in a variety of foods during storage. Once aflatoxins are present, food processing cannot eradicate them. The damage and lack of complete elimination of aflatoxins from foodstuffs make them the most monitored and controlled substances in the world. Given the high-risk of Aflatoxin B1 on both animal and human health, it is important to study their worldwide distribution and existing control methods through a systematic review. Articles published from 1945 to 2022 found on several databases as Scopus, PubMed, Dimensions, Google Scholar and an extraction sieve was used to select the relevant articles. Of the two hundred and twenty-eight (228) French and English scientific articles on aflatoxins identified, forty of the most relevant original articles were selected for inclusion in this review following a rigorous selection process. Several genes are involved in the synthesis of aflatoxin B1. Moreover, certain environmental conditions, in particular oxidative stress are propitious for fungus by over-expressing aflatoxins. However, the fungi defences can be controlled by several methods. Articles showed efficiency of various of them. Good cultural practices and awareness raising are part of the preventive control. Synthetic chemicals such as insecticides and fungicides are chronically used in chemical control of fungal growth and prevent aflatoxins from being produced. Biological control is based on allelic recombination between toxic and atoxic strains. The use of microbial competition is focused on the natural predators of aflatoxic molds, most often lactic acid bacteria, and the natural control relies on the use of natural plant substances. Natural substances like aqueous or organic plant extracts that contain proteins, polyphenols, tannins, antioxidants, flavonoids, terpenes, and chelating ion as well as caffeic acid, gallic acid and ascorbic acid can be used to control fungal contamination currently. These molecules interfere with free radicals to slow down or even inhibit the production of reactive oxygen species significantly reducing the production of aflatoxins making them inactive. Implementation of the means of controlling fungal growth and producing aflatoxins will help make agriculture globally competitive and ensure food security. Key words: Natural substances, Aflatoxin B1, food poisoning, alternative control, biocontrol

A Comparative Study between the Effect of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Cloves on Inhibiting the Growth of Some Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

The clove plant has an influence on utmost microorganisms, that include bacteria whether positive or negative for the Gram stain, as cloves are considered an antibacterial. On this basis, water and alcohol at a concentration of 96% were used as solvents to obtain the aqueous and alcoholic extract at a concentration of 5% and 10%, respectively. In the recent study, 80 samples of Gram-positive and negative bacteria were taken, and 20 samples were used as control. 20 samples of gram-positive bacteria were treated with aqueous extract of the clove plant at a concentration of 5% and 10%. Samples of the same type of bacteria were treated with alcoholic extract at a concentration of 5% and 10%, and 40 samples of negative bacteria were treated with gram stain with aqueous extract of cloves at a concentration of 5% and 10%. Samples of the same type bacteria and treated with alcoholic clove extract at concentrations of 5% and 10%. The study showed the ability of the aqueous extract of cloves at a concentration of 5% and 10% to inhibit the growth of gram positive bacteria, as well as the ability of the alcoholic extract to inhibit the growth of the aforementioned bacteria. The results were consistent with the ability of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts at a concentration of 5% and 10% to inhibit the growth of Gram-negative bacteria. The ability to inactivate the aqueous and alcoholic extract was observed at a concentration of 10% more than 5% for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The present study reflected the clove plant to have an actual influence against microbes, also with supplementary laboratory studies of the clove plant, it may be one of the antibiotics that will be used in the future to extravagance microbial infections.

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Some Plants against Xanthomonas

AbstractXanthomonas species, including active axonopodis pv. malvacearum (X.a.m.), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Taum (X.a.p.), and Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (X. c. v.), are used to make various products and fractions of seven medicinal plants, including Aristolochi thyme and Aristolochia methanol extracts shown substantial antibacterial activity against all harmful microorganisms when tested on seven different plants. The solvent extracts' antibacterial qualities are more prominent when compared to the entire plant's aqueous extract, suggesting that the antibacterial activity's active components are more soluble in organic solvents. Further testing of the methanolic extract of thyme and aristolochia is shown by comparing the inhibitory activity of the extracts with bacteriomycin 2000 and streptomycin. According to a phytochemical investigation of the plant's leaves, phenolic chemicals are what give the plant its antibacterial qualities. According to the findings, thyme and aristolochia are plants that can manage Xanthomonas.

Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Inhibitory Activity of Aloe vera plant Extract (Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria) Against the Pathogenic Bacteria Isolated from Diarrhea Infections

The current study aimed to isolate bacterial species from people suffering from diarrhea, diagnose them, and prepare the aqueous extract of Aloe vera plant, and ferment it by the locally-isolated Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria, and determining the presence of phenolic compounds before and after fermentation.The antioxidant activity was estimated using the FRAP method and the inhibitory activity against bacterial isolates causing diarrhea was also determined. The results showed that the pathogenic bacterial species causing diarrhea were Salmonella, E. coli. Shigella and Proteus.The lactobacillus bacteria isolated and diagnosed from local dairy samples was Lactobacillus plantarum that was used to ferment Aloe vera plant extract. The types of phenolic compounds identified and estimated in Aloe Vera extract were Chlorogenic acid, Caffiec acid, Cinnamic acid, Gallic acid, Coumaric acid, Vitexin and Syringic acid.The highest antioxidant activity was (48), which was found to be after fermentation, compared to its value before fermentation, which was (39). It was also shown that the highest inhibitory activity efficiency of the fermented Aloe vera extract was against pathogenic isolates from Non-fermented extrac

Two new iridoid glycosides from the whole plant of Rehmania piasezkii

Two new iridoid glycosides, piasezkiiosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from aqueous extract of the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii. Their structures were established from the spectroscopic data, chemical transformation, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 exhibited weak hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage.

Plant aqueous extracts to Control Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Infestation during Rice and Wheat storage

Plant aqueous extracts to Control Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Infestation during Rice and Wheat storage

Antimicrobial Activity of Green Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles (CuNPs) Using Aqueous Extract of &lt;i&gt;Psidium guajava&lt;/i&gt; on Clinical Bacteria Isolates

The eco-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles using an aqueous plant extract as a capping and stabilizing agent has garnered substantial attention, particularly in pharmaceuticals and drug delivery applications. This study focused on utilizing copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) as a precursor to synthesize copper nanoparticles at both pH 4-5 and pH 8, with Psidium guajava (leaves and fruits) extract playing a crucial role. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified four major functional groups at distinct peaks, confirming their responsibility for capping and stabilizing the synthesized P.g-CuNPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed spherical shapes with an average particle size range of 20-30 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis confirmed the presence of pure copper (Cu) at 54.15%. The antimicrobial study demonstrated that P.g-CuNPs synthesized at pH 4-5 exhibited complete growth inhibition of all tested bacterial strains at varying concentrations. Furthermore, serially diluted P.g-CuNPs (pH 5) inhibited Salmonella spp, E. coli, and Streptococcus spp at 100 μg/mL, while P.g-CuNPs (pH 8) only inhibited E. coli at the same concentration. Notably, acid-based synthesized P.g-CuNPs exhibited higher efficacy in the antimicrobial study compared to their alkaline-based counterparts. This study suggests the potential biomedical applications of P.g-CuNPs, including therapeutic drugs for microbial infectious diseases, integration into textile coatings, and nanocapsulation for food storage to extend shelf life.

A Comparative Study of The Effects of Sumac Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts on Candida Albicans in Laboratory Conditions

Background and purpose: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic fungus that is considered a member of the human intestinal flora that can survive outside the human body. This fungus is usually a harmless organism, but it can become pathogenic in immunocompromised people under various conditions. For oral infections, treatment with topical clotrimazole or nystatin is usually effective. In case of failure, oral or intravenous fluconazole, itraconazole or amphotericin B may be used. Several topical antifungal medications may be used for vaginal infections, including clotrimazole. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of sumac aqueous and ethanol extracts on Candida albicans. Methods: In this experimental study, aqueous and alcoholic sumac extracts were prepared and different concentrations were prepared to investigate their effect on Candida albicans. The negative control included the culture medium without mushrooms and the positive control included mushrooms without extract. Candida albicans fungus was cultured after 24, 48 and 72 hours, and control drug concentrations for fluconazole were 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 on Candida albicans. The effect was given. Methods: In this experimental study, aqueous and alcoholic sumac extracts were prepared and different concentrations were prepared to investigate their effect on Candida albicans. The negative control included the culture medium without mushrooms and the positive control included mushrooms without extract. Candida albicans fungus was cultured after 24, 48 and 72 hours, and control drug concentrations for fluconazole were 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125 millilitres per milligram on Candida albicans. The effect was given. Results: After the cultivation of Candida albicans mushroom and examination, it was found that this mushroom can grow in all concentrations of aqueous extract of the sumac plant and none of the tested concentrations can prevent its growth, and the alcoholic extract at a concentration of 60 mg/ml can inhibit growth. MIC) of Candida albicans fungus, but the fungus was able to grow in other concentrations. The concentration of 0.5 mg/ml of the commercial antibiotic fluconazole could inhibit the growth (MIC) of this fungus. Conclusion: While different concentrations of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the sumac plant were investigated and it was found that aqueous extract has no effect and alcoholic extract is effective in the same concentration, more and more comprehensive studies are suggested in laboratory scale and living organisms.

Potential Antidiabetic Properties of Syzygium Cumini (L.) Skeels Leaf Extract-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

This study explores the use of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels plant aqueous leaf extract as a reducing agent, which enables the green synthesis and comprehensive characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The results indicated that the synthesized AgNPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 27.5 nm and a silver content of approximately 43.18%. The AgNPs exhibited promising antidiabetic and wound-healing properties. The antidiabetic activity, measured through glucose uptake and α-amylase inhibition assays, showed values of 80.08% and 83.91%, respectively. Additionally, the cytotoxicity assessment revealed that the AgNPs exhibited good biocompatibility even at higher doses, indicating their lower toxicity profile. Furthermore, the AgNPs demonstrated wound-closure percentages of 27.59% and 92.48% at 12 h and 24 h respectively, post-treatment, indicating that they were as effective as that of the standard ascorbic acid. These findings suggest that Syzygium cumini-mediated AgNPs have significant potential for applications in antidiabetic and wound-healing treatments.

Application of Plant Aqueous Extracts on Yield and Quality Parameters of Soybean Seeds (Glycine max L.)

Background: In order to reduce the use of synthetic and chemical agents in agriculture, more and more research is turning to ecological, more environmentally friendly methods. Plant aqueous extracts are products that can be a significant source of various elements, depending on the type and quality of soil on which the plant species from which the solution is prepared is grown. Methods: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of aqueous extracts of different plant species on the yield and quality parameters of soybean seeds (Glycine max L.). Aqueous extracts of: nettle, nettle+comfrey, banana, banana peel, onion, willow and soybeans were used foliarly. The 1st foliar treatment plants was done when first flowers opened and the 2nd treatment was done when first pod reached final length. Result: The effect of aqueous extracts depends on the agroecological conditions and the analyzed traits. In 2020 the greatest effect was achieved on the free proline, SOD, Px and CAT. In 2021 the application of certain aqueous extracts had a significant effect on the yield, gerimination energy, germination percentage and vigour seed.

Natural- and in vitro-grown Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim: evaluation of pharmaceutical potential (antibacterial, antioxidant and toxicity) and phenolic profiles

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim) is Rosaceae family perennial herb. Traditional uses of F. ulmaria include inflammatory problems like rheumatism, arthrosis, and arthritis), gastrointestinal disorders, liver malfunction, and gout. The pharmaceutical industry has been very interested in this plant because of its health benefits. The presence of phenolic secondary metabolites is thought to be the primary cause of meadowsweet's biological activity and therapeutic efficacy. This study was intended to compare and evaluate the biological activities (antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and toxicity) and phenolic profiles (total phenol-flavonoid content and individual phenolic constituents) of F. ulmaria aerial parts obtained from two different sources (naturally- and in vitro-grown). Antibacterial activity was evaluated using 17 different bacteria (10 human and 7 fish pathogens) with disc diffusion method. Methanolic extracts of in vitro-grown parts showed higher antibacterial effect than naturally-grown parts with all tested bacterial pathogens (human and fish). On the other hand, other extracts (aqueous, ethanol, hexane, and ethyl acetate) demonstrated higher antibacterial potential with field-grown parts. The highest sensitivity was observed with Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and Enterobacter cloacae to aqueous extract of field-grown plants. The potent antibacterial activity of F. ulmaria extracts rendered the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-induced potato disc tumor assay inapplicable. Toxicity assay (brine shrimp) showed that aqueous extract of both sources had the lowest toxicity. Methanolic extract of both parts had a strong antioxidant potential (DPPH radical scavenging activty) having IC50 values as 205.65 µg/mL and 206.74 µg/mL, respectively, and similar level of overall total phenol-flavonoid contents. Individual phenolic analysis with HPLC-DAD showed that the most prevalent phenol was rutin in both sources. While the quantities of chlorogenic acid in both aerial parts were similar, the parts that were grown naturally had higher levels of salicylic acid and rutin. These findings demonstrated the effective antibacterial and antioxidant properties, high phenolic content, and low toxicity of both F. ulmaria sources, indicating that they can be utilized in nutraceutical industry due to their high health promoting potential.

Development of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers incorporated with aqueous plant extracts by solution blow spinning and their application as strawberry coatings

Development of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers incorporated with aqueous plant extracts by solution blow spinning and their application as strawberry coatings