Bark Powder Research Articles

Influence of Prosopis juliflora bark powder/fillers on the mechanical, thermal and damping properties of jute fabric hybrid composites

In recent years, the natural fiber (NF) reinforced composites have become popular as substitute material for conventional metals and alloys in a range of structural applications. The aim of this experiment is to utilize the waste of both Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) bark and Jute fabric in valuable applications for the first time. The influence of fabric stacking patterns on the mechanical characteristics (ductile, flexural, hardness and impact) and thermal stability of fabric Jute/PJ bark powder reinforced hybrid composites in the epoxy matrix is investigated in this task. The compression moulding method is used to create composite laminates of same widths that are layered in various combinations of 5%, 10% and 15% weight of PJ bark powder. The prepared reinforced test samples characteristics of tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness characteristics are experimentally investigated. The outcomes revealed an inclusion of 15 wt% of PJ bark powder reveals positive effect on tensile, flexural, impact, hardness and thermal characteristics. These composites have a diverse range of applications, including industries, automobile and civil applications.

Characterization of anti bacterial biocomposite films based on poly lactic acid and prosopis juliflora bark powder.

Biocomposites can be a solution for environmental pollution and sustainability by acting as an alternative to petroleum-based products used in the field of packaging and biomedical applications. Herein, an attempt to valorize the potential of Prosopis juliflora plant to fabricate Polylactic acid (PLA) based biocomposites. The biocomposites comprised of Prosopis juliflora bark powder (PJBP) and PLA were fabricated by solution casting method with various weight percentages (Wt%) of PJBP. PJBP/PLA films show uniform functional group interactions through FTIR analysis. The 25 % PJBP/ PLA biocomposite shows the highest crystalline size of 8.9 nm. The 25 wt% included PJBP increases the thermal stability by 6.9 %, surface roughness by 212 %, and tensile strength by 45.5 % compared to PLA film. The 25 % PJBP film shows increment in the water absorption and water vapor permeability test. In addition, the antibacterial behavior of 25 % PJBP bio composite shows higher inhibition zones against the gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Biocomposite films with PJBP content show 40 % degradation in soil for degradation analysis. This PLA/25 % PJBP biodegradable film can be used as an alternative for petroleum-based products in the field of packaging as well as the biomedical field.

Antitrypanosomal activities of ethanol extract of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. ex Poir against Trypanosoma brucei brucei - An in vivo model

African trypanosomiasis constitutes public health and veterinary challenges in sub-Saharan Africa. Development of vaccine for its prevention is beset with challenges. Hence, trypanosomiasis control is premised on vector control and treatment of identified cases. Effect of oral administration of ethanol extract of stem bark of H. madagascariensis on Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe strain) was investigated in experimentally-infected rat model. Harungana madagascariensis stem bark powder (300 g) was macerated in 1.5 l of 100 % n-hexane for 48 hours. The residue was dried and re-macerated in 1.5 l of 70 % ethanol for 48 hours. The filtrate was dried by evaporation on water bath at 60oC. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, saponins, phenols and tannins. Acute toxicity test revealed oral LD50 > 5000 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of the extract did not exert curative effect. Parasitaemia persisted in the extract treated rats (Group A-1250 mg/kg and Group B-2500 mg/kg body weight) till death. Rats administered 1250 mg/kg body weight outlived all inoculated rats by 2 days despite the significant (P < 0.05) rise in parasitaemia. Anaemia was ameliorated in rats taking 1250 mg/kg body weight compared to groups B, C and D that were severely anaemic. Emaciation was ameliorated in both extract-treated groups A and B compared to groups C and D. Harunga madagascariensis demonstrated promising prospects as potential source of therapeutic agent for ameliorating the severity of anaemia and African trypanosomiasis.

Aktivitas Antirayap Kulit Batang dan Akar Tumbuhan Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) Terhadap Rayap Tanah (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren)

Kokosan (Lansium domesticum cv Kokossan) is one of the Meliaceae family plants known to produce various compounds with various activities. The Meliaceae family is known to have fruit seeds with a bitter taste that can be utilized as an antifeedant in insects. However, research on the bioactivity and content of secondary metabolites in the roots and bark of kokosan as termiticides against subterranean termites has never been reported. This study aims to determine the content of secondary metabolite compounds and test the anti-termite activity of extracts and fractions of kokosan root and stem bark against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren termites. Root and stem bark powder were macerated separately using methanol solvent and then fractionated to obtain n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol fractions (residue). Each extract and fraction was fed to termites through cellulose paper at a concentration of 5% for 3 days. Based on the results of phytochemical tests on extracts and fractions from the roots and bark of kokosan, it is known to contain alkaloid, flavonoid, terpenoid, and phenolic compound groups. The results of the anti-termite activity test are based on the percentage mortality value obtained by the methanol extract of the most active root with a value of 97.2% and paper weight loss of only 6.92%. In the ethyl acetate fraction of the roots, mortality was 84.4% and paper weight loss was 2.38%, and the n-hexane fraction of the stem bark showed mortality of 87.6% and paper weight loss of 2.20%. The kokosan root obtained has the most active activity against Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren.

Exploring strategies for valorizing wood processing waste: advancing sustainable, fully lignocellulosic biocomposites

This study presents the design and synthesis of bio-composites exhibiting high properties, wherein both the matrix and filler originate from wood biomass. Notably, no additional hardener compounds or treatments/modifications of the lignocellulosic filler were employed. Thermosetting materials were developed by homopolymerizing a bio-based aromatic epoxy monomer, the resorcinol diglycidyl ether (RDGE), with different percentages, from 1 wt% to 30 wt% of natural wood processing side-product, such as spruce bark powder (SB), which was used as such without additional treatments and modifications. The DSC analyses revealed enhanced reactivities with the bio-filler content, resulting in a reduced reaction temperature range and maximum reaction temperature. These findings provide evidence of the chemical interaction between the functional groups from spruce bark and the epoxides groups. The obtained fully based lignocellulosic materials show high E' values from 2.4 GPa to 2.5–3.5 GPa (glassy state) and from 64 MPa to 99–156 MPa in the rubbery region. The damping factor of the bio-composites with 1–10 wt% SB have shown an increase of the α transition temperature from 92 °C to 94–97 °C. The excellent filler/matrix interface and optimal adhesion between them were confirmed by SEM analysis.

Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder Supplementation on Isoprenaline-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Heart of Long Evans Rats, Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of This Old Medicinal Plant

Article Evaluation of Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder Supplementation on Isoprenaline-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Heart of Long Evans Rats, Understanding the Molecular Mechanism of This Old Medicinal Plant Mirza Alimullah 1, Nafiur Rahman 1, Puspa Sornaker 1, Kazi Akramuddaula 2, Sumaia Sarif 1, Shahnaz Siddiqua 3, Kaniz Fatima Mitu 1, Ishrat Jahan 1, Ferdous Khan 1, Nusrat Subhan 1 and Md. Ashraful Alam 1,* 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh 2 Pharmacy Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh 3 Department of Pharmacy, East West University, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh * Correspondence: ashraful.alam@northsouth.edu or sonaliagun@yahoo.com Received: 27 July 2024; Revised: 28 August 2024; Accepted: 28 August 2024; Published: 5 September 2024 Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Terminalia arjuna bark powder supplementation on the oxidative stress of the cardiovascular system. Isoprenaline (ISO) was administered to the rats to develop the cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial infarction (MI). Terminalia arjuna bark powder was mixed with the food powder and provided for two weeks. At the end of the experiment, all rats were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected. ISO administration in rats increased the oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), advanced oxidation protein product (APOP), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in plasma and heart. Terminalia arjuna bark powder lowered the MDA, NO, and AOPP concentration level in ISO administered rats. Additionally, Terminalia arjuna restored the antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD) activities. Gene expression of antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory markers in the heart were studied. Terminalia arjuna restored Nrf-2, HO-1, HO-2, catalase, SOD, and GPx gene expression in the heart of ISO administered rats. ISO induced increased transcription levels of inflammatory genes such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, iNOS, and NF-κB, which were decreased by Terminalia arjuna bark powder. Histopathology was checked and hematoxylin and eosin and Sirius red staining were performed on heart sections. ISO administration resulted in mononuclear cells infiltration and collagen deposition in the heart which were lowered by Terminalia arjuna bark powder. In conclusion, this study suggests that the Terminalia arjuna bark powder alleviated the oxidative stress by restoring the antioxidant genes and prevented the increase in inflammatory markers in the heart of ISO administered rats.

Biological activities of Stryphnodendron adstringens bark decoction

Stryphnodendron adstringens, called ‘barbatimão’, is used in Brazilian folk medicine given its healing, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, data on its safe use remain inconclusive due to controversy about the risk posed by its ethnopharmacological intake to human health. Thus, the present study aims to quantify the main classes of compounds found in S. adstringens bark powder and investigate the biological activity of ‘barbatimão’ bark decoction against pathogenic bacterial strains. We also investigated its toxic activity using the Artemia salina test and its cytogenotoxicity using the Allium cepa test. Phenols (24.5 ± 1.5 mg mL-1), tannins (15.08 ± 0.02 mg mL-1), and flavonoids (1.33 ± 0.02 mg mL-1) were quantified in the S. adstringens decoction. This decoction exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive strains and toxicity against A. salina. It was not possible to observe the S. adstringens bark decoction genotoxicity in the A. cepa roots because the cell cycle stopped at the prophase, indicating the decoction’s anti-proliferation effect. S. adstringens is a plant with great herbal potential; therefore, other study models must be used to investigate its potential antibacterial and anti-proliferation applications

Towards sustainable and recyclable plastic materials: Vanilin-based epoxy bio-composites with spruce bark powder and hydrochar, pioneering green chemistry solutions for shape memory applications

The negative impacts of fossil-based plastic production and its excessive usage are significant and multifaceted, affecting both the planet and humanity in various ways. In this study, a novel approach to developing sustainable and recyclable materials sourced from lignocellulosic biomass is introduced. This methodology involves formulating an epoxy-based resin using diglycidyl ether of vanillin (DGEVA) for curing with dodecenylsuccinic anhydride (DDSA), in presence of significant proportions (5–20 wt%) of either spruce bark (SB) powder or its hydrochar (HTC). Through thermomechanical analyses conducted via Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), it was ascertained that while the inclusion of SB has minimal impact on material performance, the incorporation of HTC leads to significant improvements. Specifically, a substantial enhancement in storage modulus is observed, increasing from 1.5 GPa to 3.1 GPa, and a rise in the damping factor from 56°C to 61°C. These findings are further corroborated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, which demonstrates excellent compatibility between the bioresin matrix and the biofillers. Moreover, this investigation underscores the remarkable mechanical and chemical recycling capabilities of the systems, which are notably improved by the presence of spruce bark or HTC particles, in addition to their inherent shape-memory properties. This approach not only showcases the feasibility of sustainable material development but also highlights the potential for an effective waste utilization in enhancing material properties and reducing the environmental impact.

Effective removal of chromium by adsorption using Delonix regia bark derived activated carbon from aqueous solution: a sustainable approach.

This study introduces a new biosorbent derived from Delonix regia bark-activated carbon to efficiently remove Chromium Cr(VI) metal ions from aqueous systems. The biosorbent was synthesized from the bark powder of the plant species and chemically activated with phosphoric acid. The biosorbent was characterized using FTIR, SEM, and BET to determine its functional properties and structural morphology. The batch adsorption experiments examined the optimal conditions for Cr(VI) metal ion adsorption, identifying that the highest removal efficiency occurred at pH levels of 2. The ideal adsorbent dosage was determined to be 2.5g/L, with equilibrium achieved at a contact time of 60min at the optimal temperature of about 303K for a Cr(VI) metal ion concentration of 20mg/L. Various isotherm models were applied to the adsorption equilibrium values, revealing that the adsorbent had a maximum removal capacity of approximately 224.8mg/g for Cr(VI) metal ions. The adsorption process of Cr(VI) on the DAC biosorbent was best described by the Freundlich isotherm, indicating multilayer adsorption. The kinetic data fit well with the pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters suggested that the adsorption process was spontaneous, exothermic, and feasible across different temperatures. Furthermore, the desorption studies showed that the DAC biosorbent can easily be rejuvenated and utilized several cycles with high adsorption capacity. These findings indicate that the developed adsorbent is environmentally friendly and effective for removing Cr(VI) from water systems.

Alternative Health Care among Type 2 Diabetes in ASEAN Countries: A Scoping Review

Introduction: The prevalent rate of diabetes is increasing among the world and ASEAN countries itself. The treatment using alternative health care (AHC) is one of exist medication among diabetes patients. In addition, the evidence on the management of diabetes through the use of traditional medicine has not been addressed before. Objective: The purpose of this scoping review was to review and summarize the AHC therapies in literature that are the most well-known and successful for glycemic control complication and the burden among diabetes patients in ASEAN countries. Methods: To access all studies and articles related to the scoping review’s aim, seven databases were searched. The seven data based included PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL unlimited until August 12, 2023. The search method used keywords “diabetes”, “alternative health care”, “ASEAN” and “Indonesia”, modifying the search statements of these phrases so that they were compatible with the various databases. Results: The result of study after critical appraisal using JBI critical appraisal checklist for RCT were found three kinds of alternative health care for diabetes patients, first herbs or traditional medication which are herbal extract of cinnamon bark powder 3%, pandan leaf 6%, and bay leaf 9% and herbs extract of breadfruit life, second community care, there is CIIC (Community Integrated Intermediary Care), and third, mind and body therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure and message. Conclusion: The utilization of AHC (Alternative Health Care) has demonstrated its efficacy in the management of diabetes, leading to enhanced clinical outcomes and a decrease in both blood glucose levels and associated burdens. Despite the scarcity of empirical data, it is widely acknowledged that the recommended therapeutic interventions yield advantages in inducing relaxation, which subsequently contributes to the alleviation of stress.

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Novel Targets of Morus alba L. against High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in C57/6J Mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder that has limited approaches to treat effectively. Morus alba L., also known as mulberry, is a well-known medicinal plant, and its branch bark has shown hypoglycemic activity. It is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. In this study, we used metabolomics combined with network pharmacology to investigate the molecular mechanism and potential key targets of mulberry branch bark powder (MBBP) for treating DM. Serum metabolomics was performed to analyze the differences in metabolites and enrich metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology, based on systems biology tools, was applied to generate the pathway-target-compound network. Integrated analyses were then used to screen for key targets. To verify the obtained key targets, we used a molecular docking method and experimental validation. Our findings revealed that thirty-five endogenous metabolites contributed to the therapeutic impact of MBBP against DM. The analysis of 10 hub genes in the compound-target network partially supported the enrichment of metabolic pathways. Further analysis focused on two compounds (eugenol and mulberrofuran A) and three key targets (NOS2, MAOA, and CYP1A1). This study explores the active compounds of MBBP against DM and provides a novel perspective for improving DM treatment based on key targets.

Influence of seasonality and habitat on chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial properties of the Libidibia ferrea

Libidibia ferrea Mart, belonging to the Fabacee family, is a medicinal plant known for its biological properties and production of phenolic compounds. Previous studies reveal the biological activity of its phenolic constituents, making it very promising for the development of new medicines. Seasonality and geographic distribution of species can modify the production of secondary metabolites in Fabaceae species in terms of the preferentially activated metabolic pathways and, consequently, interfere with the medicinal properties of these species. Studying the influence of seasonality on the production of phenolic constituents is essential to establish conditions for “cultivation,” species collection, standardization, production, and safety in traditional medicine. This unprecedented study proposed to evaluate the influence of seasonal variations and habitat on the production of phenolic compounds and biological properties of the ethanolic extracts of the stem bark from L. ferrea, whose specimens were collected from the Caatinga and the Atlantic Forest, biomes of Brazil. Antimicrobial activity was determined by broth microdilution. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through a colorimetric assay using MTT. ABTS and DPPH radical reduction methods estimated antioxidant capacities. Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 spectrophotometric methods quantified total phenolics and flavonoids, respectively. In turn, radial diffusion quantified tannin content. PCA score plot and HCA dendogram were obtained by multivariate analysis of 1H NMR data. The cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells was observed only for Atlantic Forest extracts (EC50 = 0.13–0.5 mg mL−1). These extracts also showed selectivity against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) [MICs 500–2000 μg mL−1], B. cereus CCT 0096) [MIC = 250 μg mL−1], Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) [MICs = 250–500 μg mL−1], S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) [62.5–1000 μg mL−1], mainly to Staphylococcus sp. Caatinga extracts showed higher production of flavonoids and antioxidants in the summer [7.36 ± 0.19 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 4.86 ± 0.05 μg mL−1], spring [5.96 ± 0.10 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 5.96 ± 0.08 μg mL−1 ], winter [4.89 ± 0.25 μg QE mg−1 extract; IC50ABTS = 6.72 ± 0.08 μg mL−1 ]. Regarding habitat, two discriminating compound patterns in the studied biomes were revealed by NMR. The results indicated that the Caatinga biome offers better conditions for activating the production of phenolics [336.34 ± 18.1 μgGAE mg−1 extract], tannins [328.38 ± 30.19 μgTAE mg−1 extract] in the summer and flavonoids in winter, spring, and summer. The extracts that showed the best antioxidant activities were also those from the Caatinga. In turn, extracts from the Atlantic Forest are more promising for discovering antibacterial compounds against Staphylococcus sp and cytotoxic for C6 glioma cells. These findings corroborated the traditional use of L. ferrea bark powder for treating skin wounds and suggest the cytotoxic potential of these extracts for glioblastoma cell lines.

Utilization of Acacia auriculiformis tannins as a biomordant material for fabrics in the natural dyeing process using the ecoprint technique

The ecoprint coloring techniques has the disadvantage that they fade easily. so a mordant is needed which functions as a color binder between the media and natural dyes so that they do not fade easily. Research was conducted to analyze the effect of acacia tannin compounds on color fastness. Tracing the chemical content in acacia bark powder was carried out by phytochemical screening methods. The stages of making ecoprint include mordanting. pattern and color printing and fixation. The results of phytochemical screening showed that acacia bark powder contains flavonoids. tannins. alkaloids. glycosides and triterpenoids. The yield of acacia tannins obtained from the extraction results was 22.47% with a tannin content of 19.61%. The ΔE value obtained in the color fading test against fabric washing produces a small (ΔE = 1-3). medium (ΔE = 3-6) and large (ΔE > 6) effects. Color coloring tests on fabric ironing produced little effect (ΔE=1-3). Based on the tests carried out. acacia tannins can be used as mordant materials.

Neem biomass derived carbon quantum dots synthesized via one step ultrasonification method for ecofriendly methylene blue dye removal

This article presents a one-step ultrasonication technique for generating biomass carbon dots (BCDs) from neem bark (Azadirachta indica) powder. The BCDs were characterized using modern techniques such as UV–Vis, FTIR, Raman, XRD, HRTEM, FESEM, EDAX, and Zeta potential analyses. Unlike traditional nanocomposite bed systems, this study utilized BCDs as a liquid-phase adsorbent for the regenerative adsorption of the environmentally harmful dye, methylene blue (MB), through an in-situ precipitation reaction. This involved the formation of BCDs-MB adduct via an electrostatic mechanism. The adsorption capacity and percentage of removal were remarkable at 605 mg g–1 and 64.7% respectively, exceeding various solid-based adsorption methods in the literature. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics model provided an excellent fit for this system. The calculated thermodynamic parameter, Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) was negative, indicating a spontaneous, exothermic, and physisorption-based mechanism. The regenerative capacity of our system was further demonstrated by successfully extracting and recovering the MB dye (64%) using ethyl alcohol as the solvent. This method provides an efficient means of recovering valuable cationic organic dye compounds from contaminated environments.

Design and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carrier of Bergenin isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla for anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages

Herein, we report the properties of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) prepared with a gradient concentration of Bergenin (BGN) isolated from Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark powder. A gradient concentration of BGN (BGN 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg) was prepared in a 5 % lipid matrix consisting of Transcutol HP (75 %), Phospholipon 90H (15 %), and Gelucire 43/01 (10 %) to which a surfactant aqueous phase consisting of Tween 80, sorbitol, and sorbic acid was dissolved. The NLCs were evaluated by size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release. The result shows polydispersed nanoparticles with high drug encapsulation (94.26–99.50 %). The nanoparticles were mostly spherical, but those from the 50 mg BGN batch were more cuboidal than spherical. The drug release was highest from the latter to the tune of 40 % compared to the pure BGN solution, which released about 15 % BGN. The anti-inflammatory activity of the BGN-NLC and total plant extract was studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inflamed macrophages. The cell study showed that BGN and plant extract had low cytotoxicity on macrophages and exhibited a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect on the LPS-induced inflammatory process in macrophages.

Terminalia arjuna Bark Powder as a Potential Immunomodulator in Labeo rohita: Enhanced Hematological, Adaptive, and Humoral Responses against Bacterial Pathogens and Concordant Liver Histomorphology.

This study investigated the dietary immunomodulatory effects of Terminalia arjuna bark powder (TABP) in Labeo rohita, a freshwater fish model. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets containing graded levels of TABP (0, 1, 10, and 15 g/kg were fed to fish for 90 days, followed by a 10 day challenge with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach assessed the impact of TABP on hematological, adaptive, and humoral immune parameters, along with liver histomorphology. Dietary TABP at 10 g/kg significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) hematological indices (hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit), specific immune parameters (lysosomal enzyme activity, phagocytosis, respiratory burst), and non-specific immune parameters (serum lysozyme, alternative complement activity), and exhibited improvements in liver architecture consistent with the enhanced immune response. Broken line regression analysis showed 11.5 g/kg to be an optimum dose. However, at 15 g/kg, a compromised trend was observed in some parameters. These findings suggest an optimal dosage range for TABP's immunomodulatory effects. The study highlights the potential of TABP as a natural immunomodulator in fish aquaculture. The improved immune response and concomitant liver health observed in Labeo rohita opens avenues for further research on TABP's applicability in animal health, using fish as a model organism. Additionally, the IBR approach proved effective in evaluating TABP's immunomodulatory properties, paving the way for similar studies on other natural products in aquaculture.

Glycerol Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Thanaka (Hesperethusa crenulata) Bark through LCMS Profiling and Their Antioxidant Properties.

Organic solvents are hazardous to human and environmental health. The emergence of interest in finding greener solvents to replace organic solvents has sparked a series of studies in the use of glycerol for extracting bioactive compounds from natural products. In this study, we will first identify the bioactive compounds of glycerol- and nonglycerol-based Thanaka (Hesperethusa crenulata) bark extracts using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry profiles; then, we will determine their antioxidant capacity, free radical scavenging activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Thanaka bark powder was extracted using solvents, namely, ethanol (TKE), water (TKW), glycerol (TKG), glycerol/water (1:1, v/v) (TKGW), and glycerol/ethanol (1:1, v/v) (TKGE). Among the five extracts, the extract of TKG has the highest number of bioactive compounds, as well as the highest total flavonoid content. TKGE possessed the highest total phenolic content and highest antioxidant activity shown in azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays among the five extracts. Overall, glycerol has better efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds from Thanaka bark as compared to ethanol and water. Hence, from the phytochemical content and antioxidant properties of Thanaka extracts, we conclude that glycerol is a good green solvent alternative to replace organic solvents.

Psoariasis Vrs Alstonia Scholaris: Computational Validation as Functional Food

Introduction : Psoriasis is a skin disease. It is rare &amp; is expanding worldwide. In this investigation the ion channel protein TRPV3 (Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily III ) has been targeted vis-à-vis psoriasis, which is a important factor.&#x0D; Objective : To find out Alstonia scholaris’s phyto compounds efficacy against psoriasis and use as functional food.&#x0D; Material and Methods : (i) The sun dried powder of the whole bark of medicinal plant Alstonia scholaris in capsule form @450mg/cap as ‘Functional Food’ in Fixed dose (ii) Two phytocompounds (Alstolenine and (-) Scholarine) were taken from the mature tree’s bark for In Silico investigation.&#x0D; Results : (i) Functional Food use as was administered and results recorded indicate near clear results with no toxicity. In-Silico molecular docking indicates Alstolenine as the champion with a binding affinity of -7.25 kcal/mol against the TRPV3 ion channel. It is also non-toxic. Synergistic with conventional therapeutics : vis-à-vis psoriasis.&#x0D; Conclusion : Alstonia scholaris bark as whole supports use as ‘Functional Food’. Alstolenine posits as a good candidate for further ‘Drug Discovery’ related studies : vis-à-vis psoriasis.

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English

Effectiveness of cork and pine bark powders as biosorbents for potentially toxic elements present in aqueous solution

Cork oak and pine bark, two of the most prolific byproducts of the European forestry sector, were assessed as biosorbents for eliminating potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from water-based solutions. Our research suggests that bioadsorption stands out as a viable and environmental eco-friendly technology, presenting a sustainable method for the extraction of PTEs from polluted water sources. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficiency of cork powder and pine bark powder as biosorbents. Specifically, the adsorption of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Sn at equilibrium were studied through batch experiments by varying PTEs concentrations, pH, and ionic strength. Results from adsorption-desorption experiments demonstrate the remarkable capacity of both materials to retain the studied PTE. Cork powder and pine bark powder exhibited the maximum retention capacity for Fe and Cd, while they performed poorly for Pb and Sn, respectively. Nevertheless, pine bark showed a slightly lower retention capacity than cork. Increasing the pH resulted in cork showing the highest adsorption for Zn and the lowest for Sn, while for pine bark, Cd was the most adsorbed, and Sn was the least adsorbed, respectively. The highest adsorption of both materials occurred at pH 3.5–5, depending on the PTE tested. The ionic strength also influenced the adsorption of the various PTEs for both materials, with decreased adsorption as ionic strength increased. The findings suggest that both materials could be effective for capturing and eliminating the examined PTEs, albeit with different efficiencies. Remarkably, pine bark demonstrated superior adsorption capabilities, which were observed to vary based on the specific element and the experimental conditions. These findings contribute to elucidating the bio-adsorption potential of these natural materials, specifically their suitability in mitigating PTEs pollution, and favoring the recycling and revalorization of byproducts that might otherwise be considered residue.