Black Seeds Research Articles

Antibacterial and Alteration of Drug Resistance Activities of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella Sativa) Extracts against Urinary Pathogens

Antibacterial and Alteration of Drug Resistance Activities of Black Cumin Seed (Nigella Sativa) Extracts against Urinary Pathogens

Variability of Fatty Acid Composition and Lignan Content in Sesame Germplasm, and Effect of Roasting.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds are highly valued for their culinary applications and for producing a premium-quality oil. This study investigated the polyphenol content and fatty acid composition of a set of sesame accessions and examined their association with seed colors. Among the different colors, black-seeded accessions exhibited the highest total lignan content, while white-seeded accessions had average lower levels. Brown-seeded accessions showed relatively lower concentrations of sesamol and intermediate levels of sesamolin and sesamin than other colors. The oil derived from these seeds contained unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs), nutritionally crucial for human consumption. Brown varieties exhibited higher concentrations of these fatty acids. Roasting black and white sesame seeds at increasing temperatures (180 and 250 °C) significantly affected lignan and UFAs concentrations. Higher temperatures resulted in elevated levels of detrimental t-oleic and t-linoleic acids. Furthermore, sesamolin content notably decreased at 180 °C and became undetectable at 250 °C. The temperature also caused a marked increase in sesamol, regardless of seed color. PCA analysis highlighted clusters between white and black varieties according to roasting temperature, displaying the potential application of chemometrics to assess processing effects and ensure sesame quality and safety. This research provides valuable insights for exploiting sesame within agrosystems in Mediterranean climates.

Harvest Time Residues of Imidacloprid and Thiamethoxam in Black Gram

Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam insecticides have been important tools for controlling pests in black gram. The use of these pesticides on various crops has increased rapidly resulting the produce containing toxic residues from the application of these insecticides and in some cases the concentrations are above maximum residue limit. The prudent usage of synthetic insecticides resulted in secondary pest-outbreaks, resistance development, food, and ecosystem adulteration and so on which pose serious threat to human beings. However, food safety issues related to pesticide residues are important to consider with a food crop such as black gram which causes no harm to consumers and are permissible in domestic and international trade. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse harvest time residues of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in black gram. The study was conducted during the summer season 2021 at Research Farm, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (Muzaffarpur)–Bihar. The crop (cultivar SML 613) was sown on February, 27, 2021. Insecticides were applied at 30 days after sowing which was followed by two successive sprays at 15 days intervals following the recommended dose of 25 g a.i. ha-1 for both the insecticides. Sample aliquots were analysed using HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) equipped with Photo Diode–Array Detector (PDA). The sample taken at harvest with a pre–harvest interval (PHI) of 28 days did not reveal the residues of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in black gram seeds at Limit of Quantification (LOQ) of 0.05 mg kg-1.

Biochemical composition of whole seed, decorticated seed and seed coat in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) of different seed coat colours

Biochemical analysis of whole seed, decorticated seed and seed coat of different coloured varieties of sesame were studied. Maximum oil content in whole and decorticated seed was recorded in white seeds (47.5 and 51%, respectively). Light brown seed coat showed maximum oil content (15.0%). Minimum free fatty acid (FFA) content in whole seed was recorded in white seeds (0.62%) and maximum in dark brown seeds (1.71%). The decorticated black seed contained minimum FFA content (2.13%), white seed coat the lowest (0.85%). Highest FFA content in the seed coat was exhibited by light brown seeds (1.96%). Minimum oxalic acid in whole seeds was in white (0.82%). The white and dark brown decorticated seeds contained minimum oxalic acid (0.88%). Seed coat of all the varieties viz., black (2.65%), light brown (2.15%), dark brown (2.10%) and white (1.84%) exhibited the higheroxalic acid than whole and decorticated seed. The highest protein was found in whole and decorticated seed of white (18.35 and 16.45%, respectively), whereas seed coat of all the varieties contained one-fourth protein content of the whole and decorticated seeds. White (5.60 mg/kg) and black (5.65 mg/kg) seeds were found almost at par for desirable sesamol, an antioxidant, in whole seed. The decorticated seed of black (6.35 mg/kg) and white (6.15 mg/kg) seeds of sesame exhibited the highest sesamol, whereas the maximum of 6.95 mg/kg in white seeds.

Enhancing Zn and Fe Content in Blackgram Seeds by Adapting Drip Fertigation for Nutritional Security

Aims: To study the influence of Zn and Fe content in black gram seeds by adapting drip fertigation.
 Study Design: Randomized Block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Research block, Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai; March – May 2023.
 Methodology: A Field experiment was conducted with black gram var.VBN 8 under drip irrigation on sandy clay textured soil. The treatments comprised of control measures, seed treatment, soil application, foliar spraying of Zn and Fe, a combination of seed and foliar spraying, and fertigation with ZnSO4 and FeSO4. Fertigation with the 100 per cent recommended dose of NPK was given as water-soluble fertilizer for all treatments. A field-based study was executed to explore the impact of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate on the growth, yield, and grain quality of micronutrient uptake was recorded. The economics and Water Use Efficiency of different treatments were also calculated.
 Results: Among the different treatments, the application of ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1and FeSO4 @ 10 kg ha-1 through drip fertigation at 15, 30 & 45 DAS recorded the highest plant growth and yield of black gram and it also enhanced the zinc content 17.72 per cent and iron content 23.82 per cent in black gram seeds compared to the control seeds.
 Conclusion: Drip fertigation of zinc sulphate and ferrous sulphate improved grain quality, and it was also used to alleviate malnutrition in humans.

Pengaruh Habatussauda Terhadap Produksi Asi Pada Ibu Post Partum Di UPT Puskesmas Buay Pemaca Tahun 2023

Background: Black cumin as one of the spices containing lactagogum. This spice in the form of black seeds has been known thousands of years ago and is widely used by the people of India, Pakistan and the Middle East to treat various kinds of diseases. to determine the effect of Habatussauda on milk production in postpartum mothers at the UPT Buay Pemaca Health Center in 2023. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design using the Pretest Posttest two Group Design research design for all postpartum mothers at the UPT Buay Pamaca Health Center who were born in June 2023 as many as 42 people were selected as samples with consecutive sampling technique which determined a sample of 30 people. The statistical test used was Mann Whitney. Results: All milk production before and after the intervention was given at a volume of <50 ml in 15 people (100%). In the intervention group for milk production with a volume of 50-89.9 ml, there were 11 people (73.3%) and 2 people (13.3%) in the control group. Meanwhile, in the production of breast milk with a volume of <50 ml, there were 4 people (26.7%) in the intervention group and 13 people (86.7%) in the control group. Conclusion: There is an effect of Black Seed extract on postpartum mother's milk production.

Pemberian Habbatussauda’ Untuk Melancarkan Produksi Asi Pada Ibu Menyusui

Background: The birthing process can affect breast milk production because it tends to cause lactogenesis to be slower. This is one of the factors why breast milk is not smooth at the beginning of the birth period. One treatment that can be done to facilitate breast milk production is by consuming Black Seed. Because black seed contains lagtogonum which functions to facilitate breast milk production. Objective: To determine the effect of giving black seed on the smooth production of breast milk in breastfeeding mothers at PMB Bidan Ning, Tawangmangu District. This research method uses a quasi-experimental method with a post test control group design. The research sample used accidental sampling, totaling 30 breastfeeding mothers on days 3-14 after giving birth who were divided into 2 groups, namely 15 control groups and 15 experimental groups. Results: The results of bivariate analysis using the Mann-Whitney test showed that the results for the black seed experimental group and the control group were p=0.000. Conclusion: There is a significant difference in the smoothness of breast milk between those given black seed and those not given black seed in PMB Bidan Ning, Tawangmangu District.

Product Traceability and Supply Chain Sustainability of Black Soybeans as Raw Materials for Soy Sauce in Maintaining Quality and Safety

Black soybeans are a necessary raw material for the soy sauce industry in Indonesia, with the reason being that they are preferred because they have a natural black color and a delicious and savory taste. As a source of raw material for soy sauce, the industry ensures that the black soybean supply chain is sustainable and can meet production requirements in quality and quantity. This research aims to trace the product and supply chain of sustainable black soybeans as raw materials for soy sauce. The selection of data sources or informants in this study in Indonesia comprised 122 farmer groups that assisted or collaborated with cooperatives that sent black soybeans to be used as raw materials for making soy sauce; 1 field assistant; and 4 cooperatives that collaborated with the industry. The data collection techniques used in this study were observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The types of documentation were research notes based on interview guides, research photos, and official institutional documents. The data analysis method used in this study was a qualitative approach with the help of QSR NVivo version 12 Plus software. The results of this study show that traceability in production is necessary to maintain safety, quality, and sustainability. Product traceability requires a monitoring system and regulations established by the industry that all stakeholders must follow, starting with farmer groups and cooperatives that supply raw materials to the industry. A good monitoring system places employees from the industry as agricultural assistants. As such, it will also determine the sustainability of the economic, social, environmental, technological, institutional, and infrastructural dimensions. Traceability in the production of black soybeans used as raw materials for making soy sauce, namely those of the Mallika variety that are round/whole and unbroken, will be accepted by the industry. The process carried out by farmer groups from planting to harvesting black soybeans is controlled by agricultural assistants and follows regulations set by the industry. The cooperative lends black soybean seeds to grade-A-seed-quality farmer groups. The farmer group repays the loan at harvest time and returns it to the cooperative in cash sums of 10,000 IDR/kg.

Synthesis, Characterization of Pendimethalin Encapsulated PVA Nanofiber and Its Impact on Blackgram

Nanotechnology operates at the nanoscale, offering precise manipulation and enhancing materials, applications, and performance across various domains. It holds promise in addressing weed-related losses, with nanofibers emerging as a noteworthy option among diverse nano-formulations. The research conducted at Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, Coimbatore focuses on crafting pendimethalin-loaded PVA nanofibers. The nanofiber structure and successful pendimethalin integration were examined using SEM and FTIR analyses. Coating black gram seeds with pendimethalin-infused PVA nanofibers were assessed for their impact on growth and germination. SEM data indicated a rise in fibre diameter post-loading in PVA nanofiber-coated seeds (from 118.3 nm to 332.9 nm) and in pendimethalin-loaded PVA nanofiber coated seeds (from 339.8 nm to 664.5 nm). FTIR results validated pendimethalin presence within PVA nanofibers. Germination test demonstrated that herbicide-loaded nanofiber coatings didn't hinder germination or growth. In summary, synthesizing herbicide-loaded nanofibers and their seed coating presents a pioneering concept, warranting further exploration for its potential in weed seed germination and control.

The effects of superheated steam roasting on proximate analysis, antioxidant activity, and oil quality of black seed (Nigella sativa).

Nigella sativa, commonly known as the black seed, is a culinary spice therapeutic against many ailments. Common preparation practice of roasting or heating the seeds often deteriorates bioactive compounds, which can be remedied with superheated steam (SHS). With roasting temperatures of 150, 200, and 250°C and roasting times of 10, 15, and 20 min, convection and SHS roasting media were tested, and their effects on proximate analysis, antioxidant assays, and oil quality were evaluated. For proximate content, moisture significantly decreased from 9.08% in unroasted seeds to 4.18%-1.04% in roasted seeds, while fat increased to as high as 44.76% from 32.87% in unroasted seeds. Roasting only slightly increased ash content and had no significant impact on protein and carbohydrate content. SHS roasted black seeds had better DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging capacity (RSC) than convection roasted seeds. DPPH RSC decreased with elevated roasting time and temperature, conversely related to total phenolic content, which increased with increased roasting time and temperature. Oil of roasted seeds developed an increasingly intense brown color from an initial light, yellow, unroasted oil with better extraction efficiency in SHS roasting. For oil quality analysis, free fatty acid values were significantly lower in both roasted samples. Peroxide value was initially recorded at 84 in convection and 48 (meq O2/kg of oil) in SHS roasted samples. In contrast, p-anisidine values were initially recorded at 28.36 in convection roasted samples compared to 23.73 in SHS roasted samples. Based on all quality analyses, SHS showed better potential in black seed quality preservation.

Analisa In Silico Senyawa Biji Lada Hitam (Piper nigrum L.) Terhadap Aktivitas Antioksidan

Degenerative disease is a health condition of an organ or related tissue whose condition can deteriorate over time due to changes in body cells that affect organ function as a whole. The factor is due to unhealthy life changes such as lack of activity and frequent exposure to harmful substances into the body. Degenerative diseases include hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, cancer, and death. Harmful substances or free radicals can be inhibited by antioxidants. One drug that has antioxidant activity is ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) which functions as an immune booster and is used by the public because it is effective as an antioxidant and health therapy but there are side effects in the form of gastrointestinal. The research aimed to find candidate drug ingredients from compounds contained in black pepper seeds (Piper nigrum L.) as in silico antioxidants. The methods used are molecular docking and molecular dynamics. The results showed BLH19 had better toxicity than the comparator drug and had hydrogen interactions that could be stabilized by the amino acid Gln139. The results of molecular dynamic calculations for BLH19 have an RMSD value of 1.5 Å with a ΔGTotal of -33.50 Kcal/mol. While the comparator drug has an RMSD value of 1.6 Å with ΔGTotal -3.39 Kcal/mol. The results showed that the affinity level of ascorbic acid compared to BLH19 for the 4RP9 receptor was predicted to be a candidate for a new antioxidant drug.

KRAS Mutation Reduces Thymoquinone Anticancer Effects on Viability of Cells and Apoptosis.

Cancer is a life-threatening condition with an economic burden on societies. Phytotherapy is rapidly taking place in cancer research to increase the success of treatment and quality of life. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active phenolic compound obtained from the essential oil of the Nigella sativa (black cumin) plant seed. For a long time, black cumin has been used traditionally for the remedy of different diseases because of its various biological effects. It has been shown that most of these effects of black cumin seeds are due to TQ. TQ became a popular research topic for phytotherapy studies for its potential therapeutic applications, and more research is going on to fully understand its mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in humans. KRAS is a gene that regulates cell division and growth. Monoallelic variants in KRAS result in uncontrollable cell division, leading to cancer development. Studies have shown that cancer cells with KRAS mutations are often resistant to certain types of chemotherapy and targeted therapies. This study aimed to compare the effect of TQ on cancer cells with and without KRAS mutation to better understand the reason why TQ may have different anticancer effects in the different types of cancer cells. TQ was investigated for its cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in laryngeal cancer cells (HEp-2) without KRAS mutation and compared to mutant KRAS-transfected larynx cancer cells and KRAS mutation-carrying lung cancer cells (A549). We showed that TQ has more cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on laryngeal cancer cells without KRAS mutation than in cells with mutation. KRAS mutations decrease the effect of TQ on cell viability and apoptosis, and further studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between KRAS mutations and thymoquinone effectiveness in cancer treatment.

Malting-A method for modifying volatile composition of black, brown and green lentil seeds.

Technique of malting legume seeds is not currently widespread among scientists as well as industrial maltsters. However, this method of seed modification is successfully used by humankind for millennia to improve technological parameters, as well as change taste and aroma of various food products. Three lentil cultivars (black, brown and green) were malted (steeped, germinated for three various time periods and then kilned) to produce nine lentil malts. Malting had significant influence on the volatile composition of lentil seeds. Total concentration of volatiles in the green lentils increased and decreased in the case of black and brown lentils after malting procedure. However, most importantly, in every lentil cultivar the contribution of various groups of compounds (such as aldehydes, alcohols, terpenes or ketones) to the overall volatilome was changed due to the malting procedure.

A Method for the Isolation of Thymoquinone from Black Caraway Seed Oil (<i>Nigella sativa</i> L.)

Introduction. Thymoquinone (2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) is an organic compound of plant origin, which is formed as a result of the oxidation of thymohydroquinone. Thymoquinone is a component of the essential oil of black caraway seeds (Nigella sativa L.) and is known to possess a significant spectrum of pharmacological activity. Due to the lipophilicity of thymoquinone and its ability to accumulate in oils, we proposed a method to isolate thymoquinone from the fatty oil of caraway seeds in order to assess its selective accumulation and the possibility of using the oil as a source for the compounds production.Aim. Method development for the isolation of thymoquinone as an individual compounds from black caraway (Nigella sativa L.) seed oil, to confirm its structure and determine the degree of purity of the obtained substance.Materials and methods. To confirm the authenticity of the raw materials, analysis of key morphological and anatomical diagnostic features was performed. Quantitative assessment of thymoquinone content in black caraway seeds and control of the isolation process were performed though HPLC analysis. Sample preparation was carried out with methanol by: 1) triple extraction on a boiling water bath; 2) sonification; 3) maceration. The structure of the isolated compound was confirmed through the analysis spectral characteristics using IR spectroscopy by comparing the obtained IR spectrum with the data from the NIST database and one-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.Results and discussion. As a result of the morphological and anatomical analysis, the authenticity of N. sativa seeds was confirmed. Extracts from black caraway seeds obtained by various sample preparation methods were analyzed with HPLC. As a result, it was noted that the method of obtaining the extract does not significantly affect the yield of thymoquinone, the content of which in black caraway seeds is 0.25 ± 0.02 %, which is sufficient for isolation purposes. Through the evaluation of various isolation methods for thymoquinone from black caraway seeds – maceration with alcohol and n-hexane from crushed seeds, liquid-liquid extraction from fatty oil, steam distillation of oil – showed that the best way to obtain thymoquinone is through the distillation of black caraway seed oil with water steam [oil : water ratio (1 : 1)] in a sand bath for 3 hours. The yield of thymoquinone from N. sativa oil is 398 mg from 150 ml of oil (0.26 %). The structure of thymoquinone was confirmed by spectral characteristics in comparison with the NIST database and literature data.Conclusion. The possibility of isolating thymoquinone from Nigella sativa L. seed fatty oil with a chromatographic purity (HPLC) of more than 97 % along with the comparison of the isolated compounds spectral characteristics with literature data, which confirm the identity of the obtained compound, was shown. The proposed express and efficient method for the isolation of thymoquinone through steam distillation provides a yield of the target component of 0.26 %. This method can be applied at roduction sites that harvestand process of black caraway seeds to obtain natural thymoquinone.

Seed quality improvement applications in black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa L.)

The black cumin plant, which forms the research material, is a plant cultivated in many countries for various purposes. By eliminating the difficulties in seed germination, efficiency can be increased. Applications to improve seed quality include improving harvesting, drying and storage technologies, pre-sowing applications, seed processing and coating technologies. Among these applications, priming applications and seed coating methods occupy an important place. In previous studies on plants from the Ranunculaceae family, various pathogens of plant viruses have been identified. One of the viruses transmitted by seeds of the Ranunculaceae family is Cucumber mosaic virüs (CMV). The aim was to increase germination rates and to achieve early and uniform emergence of black cumin, which has a small seed size and whose embryos also show irregular germination. For this purpose, priming, chemical application and film coating and their combinations were used to determine and recommend the best method. In addition to these studies, black cumin seeds infected with CMV were determined by serological and molecular analysis methods and a series of applications were carried out to eliminate this viral factor from the seeds. As a result of the evaluations, the seeds showed the highest germination rate (91% and 93%, respectively) when priming+polymer+KNO3 and priming+polymer+GA3 were applied. It was found that both polymer application and priming application increased GA3 efficiency. Priming+polymer+GA3 application statistically allowed the seeds to reach the mean germination time (5.87 days) in the shortest time. In contrast, the application of the polymer alone and the applications in combination with the polymer caused the seeds to reach the mean germination time longer than the control. The chemical substances and applications that successfully eliminated the cmv factor in black cumin seeds were determined. It was found that the most successful applications were hot water and ozone applications.

Black Seed (<i>Nigella sativa</i>) oil restores smoke or nicotine-induced vascular impairment via improvement in endothelium-dependent relaxation: role of nitric oxide synthase and voltage-sensitive potassium channels

Background: Despite the overwhelming evidence linking smoking and nicotine intake with vascular function impairments, the mechanisms involved and the possible ameliorative effect of black seed (Nigella sativa (NS)) oil administration are not clearly understood. This study sought to determine the involvement of nitric oxide synthase and voltage-sensitive potassium channels in the modulation of vascular reactivity in cigarette or nicotine-exposed rats treated with NS oil.
 Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups comprising vehicle control (Control), NS oil only (NS), Smoke only (SMK), Smoke + NS oil (SMKNS), Nicotine only (NCT) and Nicotine + NS oil (NCTNS). Animals were either passively exposed to cigarette smoke or nicotine vapour for 12 weeks, however, NS oil treatment commenced from 9th-12th week orally. At the end of the 12-week experimental period, vascular reactivity to norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were assessed with or without the presence of L-nitro-arginine (LNA) or 4-Amino-pyridine (4AP).
 Results: Percent contractile response to NE was higher (p < 0.01) while relaxation response to ACh was lower in the SMK and NCT (p < 0.05) groups. LNA-induced inhibition to ACh was significantly reduced in both SMK and NCT groups. 4AP-induced inhibition to ACh was significantly increased only in the NCT group. 4AP-induced inhibition to SNP was increased in SMK group. NS oil reduced only contractile response to NE in NCT group. It also significantly improved relaxation response to ACh as well as restored LNA-induced inhibition to ACh in the SMK and NCT groups. Interestingly, while NS oil reduced 4AP-induced inhibition in the NCT group, it reduced 4AP-induced inhibition to SNP in the SMK group.
 Conclusion: NS oil ameliorates vascular dysfunction by reducing contractile response in rats exposed to nicotine vapour while increasing endothelium-dependent relaxation as well as restoring differentially both LNA- and 4AP-induced inhibition in rats exposed to cigarette smoke and nicotine vapour.

Effect of different processing practices on physicochemical parameters, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant properties of chia seed oils

AbstractAlpha‐linolenic acid and antioxidant substances (such as tocopherols and polyphenols) are abundant in chia seed oil, which may prevent certain chronic diseases. This study compared the physicochemical parameters, chemical composition and antioxidant properties of black and white chia seed oil extracted by solvent extraction, pressing and supercritical CO2 extraction. Chia seed oil contained higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (18.68%–20.15%) and α‐linolenic acid (60.47%–63.68%). Black and white chia seeds and processing methods had significant effects on minor components (tocopherols, total phenols, phytosterols and squalene), oxidative stability and free radical scavenging ability. Compared with other methods, the contents of tocopherols (512.72–603.04 mg/kg), total phenols (35.21–57.75 mgGAE/kg) and phytosterols (5536.69–5956.65 mg/kg) were higher in the pressing method. In addition, 17 individual polyphenols were identified and quantified, among which genistein and gallic acid had higher contents, which were significantly affected by varieties and processing methods. In general, the pressing process may be the best processing method to improve minor components and antioxidant capacity. This study can provide a valuable reference for producing functional foods supplemented with α‐linolenic acid.

The black cumin seeds oil with Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract preparation increases IFN-γ expression

Introduction: According to empirical evidence, Curcuma xanthorrhiza (CX) and black cumin (BC) have been utilized extensively in Indonesia. The primary components of Curcuma xanthorrhiza and black cumin (CXBC) formulations are BC oil and CX extract. This study aimed to assess the influence of CXBC active compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, and thymoquinone) on IFN-g expression in HTB-183 cells. This study aimed to determine the levels of vitamins and minerals in CXBC preparation and the potential for immunomodulatory activities. Methods: We engaged in experimental laboratory research. Observing the expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was used to evaluate the immunomodulatory activities of the HTB-183 human large lung cancer cell line. Results: The results demonstrated that the CXBC supplement included vitamins (A, C, and E) and minerals (potassium, calcium). CXBC preparations boosted HTB-183 cell IFN-γ expression. Conclusion: The study's findings indicate that the CXBC formulation contains a high concentration of vitamins and minerals. CXBC formulations augment IFN-γ expression.

Response of organic black gram to botanical seed pelleting and row spacing

The field trial was carried in Zaid season of 2021 at SHUATS Model of Organic Farm (SMOF), Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.). The objective was to study the growth and yield of Black gram as influenced by crop geometry and seed pelleting with botanicals under certified organic production system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design to study the effect of seed pelleting with leaf powders of three botanicals, viz., Pongamia pinnata, Prosopis juliflora, and Albizia lebbeck, and sown in three different row spacings of 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm, on the growth and yield of black gram. The results revealed that black gram seeds pelleted with Albizia leaf powder and sown at row spacing of 30 cm reported maximum plant height (43 cm), dry weight (12.49 g/plant), number nodules per plant (27.50), seeds per pod (7.07), test weight (42.19 g), grain yield (872.96 kg/ha), and haulm yield (2511.11 kg/ha) which was significantly superior to other treatments.

Insecticidal activities of volatile oils of lime fruit peels and African black pepper seeds on adult kola weevil and their chemical compositions

Balanogastris kolae reduces the quality of stored kolanuts; yet, plants with insecticidal properties could be used to manage this insect pest. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of plant oils against B. kolae, a storage pest of kolanuts. The Citrus aurantifolia fruit peel and Piper guineense seed volatile oils obtained via hydro-distillation of the dried, pulverised samples were tested. Their chemical composition was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Adult mortality was generally low (0.0%) across treatments and exposure times, though not significant (P > 0.05) in the fumigant tests The highest mortality (47.5%) was recorded at 24 hours in 1.0% P. guineense, while the mortality was 13.1% occurred at 12 hours in the 15.0% C. aurantifolia concentration. In contact toxicity tests, none of the weevils treated with 10.0% C. aurantifolia survived after 24 hours of exposure. The highest mortality (85.0%) was obtained from the 10.0 and 15.0% P. guineense volatile oil after 96 hours. Citrus aurantifolia elicited contact toxicity against the weevil more than P. guineense across all concentrations. The GC-MS analysis gave 33 compounds in C. aurantifolia and 43 in P. guineense volatile oil samples. The prominent compounds were limonene (3.222%), linalyl isobutyrate (2.484%), gamma-caryophyllene (1.197%) and Patchoulene (6.529%). Therefore, C. aurantifolia fruit peel and P. guineense seed volatile oils are efficacios in controlling Balanogastris kolae insect pest infestation on kolanuts, though C. aurantifolia fruit peel oil is the best as it compares closely with the synthetic pesticide (2,2-dimethyl dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP)).