Cassia Occidentalis Research Articles

Ethnobotanical and ethnoveterinary survey in Paraguay: Medicinal plants used for deworming

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infections, commonly called ―worms‖, affect both humans and animals. In veterinary medicine, the search for alternatives to control GIN is now considered a priority because of increasing resistances to commercial anthelmintics. The use of bioactive plants and related secondary metabolites is one of these alternatives. This study aimed to collect data on the use of medicinal plants (MPs) for humans and veterinary practices and at listing plant species with potential anthelmintic properties to select some plant species for further studies following three criteria (availability, originality and popularity). A cross sectional survey was conducted with a total of 384 participants, using semi-structured face-to-face interviews and a free list. To evaluate quantitative data of MPs, two ethnobotanical indices were calculated, the Salience index (SI) and the Use Value (UV). The importance and use of MPs in the population of study was high, 98% (372/383) of participants reported use MPs and 86% (321/384) mentioned knowledge of MPs used against GIN. The transmission of knowledge is not limited to the family environment. Sixteen plant species were listed belonging to 10 botanical families. The Asteraceae was the most popular botanical family. Six plants species were indicated for veterinary use. The four MPs selected for furthers studies were, namely: Kyllinga odorata Valh. (Cyperaceae), Cassia occidentalis L. (Fabaceae), Artemisia absinthium L. (Asteraceae), Verbena litoralis Kunth. (Verbenaceae). Evaluation of those MPs based on in vitro and in vivo assays are planned to validate the traditional local knowledge of these 4 plants.

Exploration of hepatoprotective and antidiabetic potential of Senna occidentalis L. and isolation of a bioactive compound by column chromatography

The therapeutic effects of a variety of herbal medicines are currently receiving a lot of attention. Senna occidentalis L. is an important herb that tribal people been using in the treatment of a wide range of hepatic problems. The objective of the present investigation was to scientifically validate the traditional claim of Senna occidentalis L. roots, with special reference to hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activity. The roots of authenticated herbs were subjected to extraction by the Soxhlet method. The roots of Senna occidentalis L. were successively extracted with different solvents. Presence of phytochemicals in extracts were recorded after screening. Acute toxicity study was performed as per OECD guidelines 420. After the in-vivo antidiabetic activity (Streptozocin induced model) and hepatoprotective activity (CCl4 induced model), the findings were recorded. The Ethanolic Extract (EE) was subjected to column chromatography, which was subjected to structural elucidation. Senna occidentalis L. roots EE exhibited the presence of glycosides, phenols, tannins and flavonoids. The hepatoprotective activity of both the extracts, EE and Ethyl Acetate Extract (EAE) (using Carbon tetrachloride as a hepatotoxicity inducing agent) and hypoglycemic activity (using Streptozocin as a diabetes-inducing agent) in laboratory animals was performed. The findings of hepatoprotective activity exhibited that a maximum reduction in serum ALT level was recorded by EE extracts at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Observations in histopathological examinations revealed that the EE of Senna occidentalis L. is potent enough to protect against cellular damage at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The EE (400 mg/kg) reduced the blood glucose level significantly. Senna occidentalis L. has shown to have hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activity in animal models. When the responses of the two extracts were compared, the EE (400 mg/kg) was found to be more significant in terms of hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic activity. The chromatography of EE was done by column chromatography. Crystals of the isolated compound were isolated, and it was identified as quercetin using Infrared Spectroscopy, 1H NMR Spectroscopy, 13C NMR Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectroscopy. The proposed secondary metabolites accountable for hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activity were flavonoids, which have resulted in positive outcomes.

Investigating the phytotoxic potential of Verbesina encelioides: effect on growth and performance of co-occurring weed species.

Allelopathy has been proposed as an efficient mechanism of invasion by plant species via growth inhibition and suppression of the resident plant community. Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex A. Gray (golden crownbeard; Asteraceae), a native of south-western USA and Mexican Plateau, is an emerging troublesome invasive weed species of north-western states of India. We investigated the allelopathic potential of the aqueous extracts prepared from the fresh foliage and leaf litter of V. encelioides on its co-occurring species, Amaranthus viridis and Senna occidentalis. Phytotoxicity bioassay showed concentration-dependent (control < 0.5% < 1% < 2% < 4% extract) inhibition of growth and photosynthetic parameters in the test plants. Both the extracts induced ~ 50% inhibition of germination compared to control at 4% concentration. The maximum synthesis effect (collective effect on seedling length and dry weight) was observed to be - 0.69 and - 0.62 in A. viridis and - 0.68 and - 0.57 in S. occidentalis for the fresh leaf and leaf litter extracts, respectively, at 4% concentration. Also, an antagonistic concentration-dependent impact was observed on the photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a content) and photosynthetic efficiency. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay of leaf extracts revealed the presence of 15 allelochemicals including phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols, phytophenols, dicarboxylic acid, guanidine, and triterpenes. Of these, 14 compounds were present in both fresh and leaf litter materials. However, a guanidine derivative, galegine, was only found in the fresh leaf material of the plant. The findings support the novel weapon hypothesis and suggest that V. encelioides competitively excludes its neighboring plants by virtue of allelopathic interference.

Nesidiocoris tenuis in Burkina Faso: Distribution, predatory capacity and insecticide sensibility

AbstractTuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a worldwide invasive insect species, considered a major pest of tomato. It has recently established in Burkina Faso, where chemical control remains the only affordable option to limit damages. Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae) is commercialized as a biological agent to control this pest in other parts of the world. But very limited information exists on this predator in Burkina Faso. In this study, we first performed an insect survey in all agricultural regions areas of the country, and we found N. tenuis to be widely observed in all of them. Then, we performed two laboratory bioassays and demonstrated that all instars preyed on T. absoluta eggs, whether they were fed ad libitum or they had to actively forage for their prey. Because insecticide tolerant populations of T. absoluta were recently identified, we finally aimed at identifying agrochemicals that do not harm N. tenuis. We evaluated the toxicity of two synthetic insecticides, three bio‐bacterial insecticides and eight plant extracts, all being active ingredients available on the local market. Most of them (i.e., abamectin, emamectin benzoate, spinosad, spinetoram) were highly toxic for both T. absoluta and N. tenuis. In contrast, Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki, neem oil, Cleome viscosa (Asian spiderflower), Ocimum basilicum (Basil) and Cassia occidentalis (Coffee senna) were compatible with N. tenuis while still controlling T. absoluta. Based on our results, we recommend the application of Bacillus thuringiensis to both control T. absoluta and which does not compromise the maintenance of N. tenuis populations.

Studies on weed species, effect of cultural and chemical weed control methods on the growth performances of Allium cepa

Allium cepa (Onions) is one of the major vegetables that is consumed all over the world after tomatoes due to is active compounds but weeds infestation during growth phase are the major challenge faced by the farmers which result in a very poor growth and yield of this spice. In this study, the conventional hand weeding practices were compared with weedicide pendimethalin to control different weeds and the morphological characters such as; number, size, height, neck area and fresh weight of the onions bulbs planted at Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Botanical Garden, KSUSTA. Twelve (12) weeds of different family were found and identified from the experimental field namely; Urena lobata, Eragrostis tremula, Amaranthus viridis, Senna occidentalis, Cenchruse chintus, Mitracarpus scaber, Commelina lanata, Zornia latifolia, Cassia tora, Sida cordifolia, Cleome viscosa and Euphorbia thyamifolia. In all, the treatments used cultural, chemical and integrated methods had shown a positive significant effect on weed control and yield of onion. This study revealed that cultural control (hand weeding) is the best method of weed, control as it provides maximum weed control in the tested vegetable as well as higher yield

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF Senna occidentalis ROOT EXTRACT AGAINST Macrophomina phaseolina AND ITS GC-MS ANALYSIS

Hundreds of plant species, including many economically important crop plants, are attacked by a highly destructive soil-borne fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. In the present study, methanolic root extract of septicweed [Senna occidentalis (L.) Link] was evaluated against M. phaseolina. Different concentrations of the extract (0.5 to 3.0%) considerably decreased fungal biomass by 33–43%. Nine compounds were recognized when the extract was analyzed by GC-MS. The major compound was 11-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (26.49%) followed by (5β)pregnane-3,20β-diol, 14α d-mannose (13.85%);, 18α-[4-methyl-3-oxo-(1-oxa-4-azabutane-1,4-diyl)]-, diacetate (13.61%); ethyl iso-allocholate (11.37%); pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester (11.01%); and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E,E)- (9.76%), which might be the cause of antifungal activity.

Alterations in phytotoxicity and allelochemistry in response to intraspecific variation in Parthenium hysterophorus

Allelopathy plays a crucial role in providing competitive advantage to several alien invasive species, and assists in their establishment beyond native boundaries. Role of allelopathy in the invasion success of the alien weed, Parthenium hysterophorus is well established; however, the ecological and evolutionary factors that could affect its allelopathic interactions are relatively unexplored. In our earlier findings, we suggested the presence of two morphotypes (PA and PB) in the population of P. hysterophorus, with variable morphology, physiology, and level of ecological impacts. Here, we hypothesize that phenotypically distinct morphotypes of P. hysterophorus may vary in their phytotoxicity and allelochemistry, thereby producing differential ecological impact. To test this hypothesis, effects of rhizospheric soil (RS) and plant amended soils (PAS) of the two morphotypes of P. hysterophorus (PA and PB) were studied on selected dicot (Bidens pilosa and Senna occidentalis) and monocot species (Phalaris minor and Avena fatua). Also, the composition of allelochemicals in PA and PB was assessed using Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). The study revealed that the phytotoxic effect of PB was greater than PA in all the parameters measured for dicot species and in most of the parameters studied in monocot species. A generalized dose-dependent response was observed in the test species (PAS0 < PAS10 < PAS20 < PAS40) and the effect of RS was comparable to PAS20 and PAS40. A greater number of allelochemicals were reported from PB, which is in accordance with the growth studies. The study concludes that intraspecific variations account for differential phytotoxicity and allelochemistry in P. hysterophorus.

Identification and Characterization of Cassava Mosaic Begomoviruses in Non-crop Plants from Unguja and Pemba Islands

Cassava mosaic disease caused by cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) remains one of the major constraints to cassava production since it causes yield losses up to 100%. Researches showed that some of CMBs infecting cassava plants may be coming from non-crop plants. This study intended to identify and characterize CMBs isolated from non-crop plant species in Unguja and Pemba Islands. A total of 108 viral symptomatic and asymptomatic non-crop leaf samples were collected using stratified sampling. DNA was extracted by using CTAB protocol followed by polymerase chain reaction using universal and specific primers for cassava mosaic begomoviruses identification. Results showed that, among eleven samples that were amplified, four were African cassava mosaic viruses (ACMV) and seven were East African cassava mosaic viruses (EACMV). DNA sequencing by Sanger method showed 97–99% similarities with isolates of ACMV and EACMV reported elsewhere in Africa. Using RbcL and MatK plant barcode genes, Datura stramonium, Solanum melongena and Solanum incanum were found associated with ACMV, while Senna occidentalis, Sida acuta and Ricinus communis harboured EACMV. These findings are a key in understanding the epidemiology of cassava mosaic disease and are potential in the development of sustainable management strategies for this disease.&#x0D; Keywords: Begomoviruses, Cassava mosaic disease, East African cassava mosaic virus, Non crop plants.

De novo Transcriptome Assembly of Senna occidentalis Sheds Light on the Anthraquinone Biosynthesis Pathway.

Senna occidentalis is an annual leguminous herb that is rich in anthraquinones, which have various pharmacological activities. However, little is known about the genetics of S. occidentalis, particularly its anthraquinone biosynthesis pathway. To broaden our understanding of the key genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in the anthraquinone biosynthesis pathway, we used short RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and long-read isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) to perform a spatial and temporal transcriptomic analysis of S. occidentalis. This generated 121,592 RNA-Seq unigenes and 38,440 Iso-Seq unigenes. Comprehensive functional annotation and classification of these datasets using public databases identified unigene sequences related to major secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways and critical transcription factor families (bHLH, WRKY, MYB, and bZIP). A tissue-specific differential expression analysis of S. occidentalis and measurement of the amount of anthraquinones revealed that anthraquinone accumulation was related to the gene expression levels in the different tissues. In addition, the amounts and types of anthraquinones produced differ between S. occidentalis and S. tora. In conclusion, these results provide a broader understanding of the anthraquinone metabolic pathway in S. occidentalis.

Development and validation of analytical method by spectrophotometry UV-Vis for quantification of flavonoids in leaves of Senna occidentalis Link

Senna occidentalis Link (Fabaceae), known as “fedegoso”, is used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, muscle relaxant and inhibiting lipid peroxidation imputed to flavonoids contained in its composition. The species is also a constituent of processed products are commercialized in various parts of the world including Brazil, although there are few reports in the literature about the development of an analytical method for quantification of flavonoids in it. The main purpose of this research was the evaluation of an analytical methodology to determinate the content of total flavonoids in leaves of S. occidentalis, for quality control. The parameters evaluated were: drug: solvent ratio, concentration of aluminum chloride and reaction time. The quantification of total flavonoids was obtained after reaction with aluminum chloride by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The results revealed a maximum absorption peak (λ = 392 nm) was the amount of 0.5 g of a plant raw in 100 mL of solvent and there were no significant influences between the concentrations of aluminum chloride or hydroalcoholic solutions analyzed. The evaluation of reaction time allowed to characterize the kinetics as slow, stabilizing from 60 min, choosing this as reading time. The method was specific, linear, precise, accurate and robust, according to the specifications set in RDC n. 166/2017. Finally, the results of the study showed that the measured methodology is simple and accurate and can be applied for quality assessment of the species S. occidentalis.

Biocatalytic and Biological Activities of Cassia Occidentalis Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using the leaf extracts from Cassia occidentalis. The reactions were marked by a distinct colour change and the formation of AgNPs was monitored by measuring the UV-Vis spectra. The morphology and crystalline phase of the metal nanoparticles were determined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Fourier-Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The biocatalytic activity of the AgNPs against nitrifying compounds was determined using 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroalanine. The biological screening involved analyzing the AgNPs effectiveness against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and Enterococcus faecalis). The AgNPs displayed minimal inhibition at low concentrations ranging from 25 to 50 μg/mL. The toxicity of the AgNPs was tested using the brine shrimp assay and was observed as non-toxic with a nearly zero mortality rate. The AgNPs exhibited an antioxidant potential of 70.90 % inhibition at 1000 µg/mL. C. occidentalis is noted as a potential bioresource for synthesizing AgNPs with applications as antibacterial, antioxidant and biocatalytic agents.&#x0D; HIGHLIGHTS&#x0D; &#x0D; The addition of Ag nanoparticles to C. occidentalis plant extracts resulted in the formation of AgNPs-C. occidentalis complexes&#x0D; The AgNPs-C. occidentalis complexes were characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDX, UV-Vis spectrophotometry and IR spectroscopy&#x0D; These AgNPs-C. occidentalis complexes were very stable and showed antibacterial activity against a range of tested gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria at low doses, thus proving to be good antimicrobial agents&#x0D; The AgNPs-C. occidentalis complexes showed higher scavenging activity than leaf extracts of C. occidentalis. The AgNPs have increased catalytic ability for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitroalanine after a 30 min time interval&#x0D; &#x0D; GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Status of Invasive Alien Plant Species in Urban Forest of Hetauda, Nepal

This paper explores the status of Invasive Alien Plant Species in an urban forest of Hetauda, Nepal. The study is based on a quadrate survey (130 quadrants) within the transect line at an interval of 30 m within different six habitat types. This study identified a total of 22 invasive alien plant species representing 20 genera and 12 families out of recorded 26 species representing 24 genera and 15 families in the country. This study identified four species namely Chromolaena odorata, Eichhornia crassipes, Lantana camara and Mikania micrantha in the study area that were listed as the world’s 100 worst invasive species. The invasion was found to be negatively correlated with canopy cover. The higher the canopy cover; the lower the abundance of invasive alien species. Regarding the habitat type, settlement area had the highest number of invasive species followed by forest and roadside. Mikania micrantha, Lantana camara, Ageratum houstonianum and Chromolaena odorata were mostly abundant in forest whereas Eichhornia crassipes was highly abundant in wetlands. Mikania micrantha was mostly abundant in settlement area and Senna tora was confined to open land. The relative abundance of Ageratum conyzoides, Senna occidentalis, Ageratum adenophora, Leersia hexandra, Mimosa pudica, Bidens pilosa, Oxalis latifolia, Ipomoea carnea, Amaranthus spinosus, Argemone mexicana, Esosphaerum suaveolens were lower.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF SENNA OCCIDENTALIS (L.) LEAVES

Senna occidentalis (L.) is a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae and is also known as the coffee plant. It is used in various skin diseases, wounds, sores, and bone fractures as traditional medicine. Antioxidant, antimalarial, hepatoprotective, and antimalarial activities are recorded in this plant. The preliminary phytochemical screening in methanol, acetone, hexane and chloroform extracts of leaves records the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, diterpenes, triterpenes, phytosterols, saponins, lactones, tannins, proteins and steroids in the present study. TLC in different solvent systems proves the ethyl acetate: hexane (2:8) as the best solvent system for the separation of phytoconstituents in methanolic extract of leaves. This study also examines the quantity of protein, total sugars, reducing sugars, phenols, and starch in fresh leaves by using biochemical assays. TFC and TPC were performed in methanol, acetone, and chloroform extracts, which proves that acetone extraction is the best choice for the TFC (452.15 ± 1.38 mg QE/g) and TPC (938.79 ± 10.98 mg GAE/g) content. Antioxidant assays such as DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, PMA, H2O2, and ABTS are also examined in methanolic and acetone extracts of leaves. This study can be useful for pharmaceutical industries for further analysis for drug preparations as leaves possess very good antioxidant activities and various bioactive compounds.

Green synthesis of hybrid silver nano structures using Cassia occidentalis plant leaf broth and their characterization

Green synthesis of hybrid silver nano structures using Cassia occidentalis plant leaf broth and their characterization

SOWING DEPTH AND SOIL TEXTURE IN SEEDLING EMERGENCE OF Senna occidentalis

Senna occidentalis, popularly known as ‘fedegoso’ in Brazil and South American regions, is a very problematic weed species in pasture areas as well as in annual and perennial crops. Management strategies of this species range from the use of crates to the practice of cultural management with straw and the use of herbicides. Knowledge of the ability of this species to emerge from great depths is important for the adoption of preventive management strategies. The research aimed to verify how deep this species emerges in Amazonian soil. It was found that even at 10.0 cm depth the seedlings could emerge and form with the same height as those kept near the soil surface. For the species, the best depths were between 2.0 and 6.0 cm, indicating that these conditions favor its development.

Membrane Stabilization and Inhibition of Protein Denaturation as Mechanisms of the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of some Plant Species

Several reports have shown the potential of medicinal plants as vital sources of anti-inflammatory agents and this study is aimed at investigating the anti-inflammatory potential of selected medicinal plants used for the treatment of inflammation in folk medicine. The methanol and acetone extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides, Talinum fruticosum, Ocimum gratissimum, Senna occidentalis, Senna alata were subjected to anti-inflammatory assays using membrane stability and inhibition of albumin denaturation methods and absorbance measured at 560 and 660 nm respectively. The mean IC50 and SEM values were determined using normalized response variable through non-linear regression XY analysis on prism graphpad® (7.0). In the membrane stability experiment, the extracts tested showed varying levels of erythrocyte lysis inhibition within the range of (IC50: 89.08 ± 6.339 µg/mL≤IC50≤278.3 ± 5.678 µg/mL) while the standard drug (ibuprofen) has an IC50: 61.93 ± 8.359 µg/mL, Lecaniodiscus cupanioides acetone (IC50 of 89.08 ± 6.339 µg/mL) extract showed to be most active when compared to other extracts. In the inhibition of albumin denaturation experiment, the tested extracts showed different level of activity within the range of (IC50:22.89±5.52 µg/mL≤IC50≤210.6±6.71 µg/mL). The acetone extracts of senna occidentalis (22.89 ± 5.52 µg/mL) and Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (80.9 ± 9.11 µg/mL) showed significant activity with the lowest IC50 compared to other extracts while the standard drug (aspirin) had an IC50 of (4.055±2.72 µg/mL). The findings of this study shows that Lecaniodiscus cupanioides acetone extract has the most significant anti-inflammatory properties, therefore justifying it's traditional use in the treatment of inflammatory injury and tissue damage.

ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF LEAF AND ROOT SESAME ON SICKLEPOD AND BRACHIARIA SEEDS

Sicklepod is an important weed in Brazil pastures, but control measures are not yet effective. Thus, allelopathy can be an alternative, due to its ecological importance and for being able to provide new structures sources for agrochemicals production. This research aimed to verify the allelopathic potential of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) on germination and seedling development of sicklepod (Senna occidentalis L.) and brachiaria (Brachiaria brizantha). The treatments were root and leaf extract of sesame, and control (distilled water). Germination percentage, speed of germination, hypocotyl and radicle length were evaluated. Speed of germination, germination percentage and radicle length had no interference from the aqueous extracts. However, in brachiaria these traits had lower values than sicklepod. Hypocotyl length was not influenced by the extracts, however, the leaf extract showed lower growth of this feature. Allelopathy did not affect germination and speed of germination in both species, but interfered in brachiaria development.

Structural analysis of extrafloral nectaries of Senna occidentalis L.: insights on diversity and evolution.

The extrafloral nectaries of S. occidentalis were studied structurally and anatomically (at secretory and post-secretory developmental stages). Role of extrafloral nectaries as a common plant-adoptive characteristic in context to diversity and phylogenetic pattern was also speculated while exploring other collaborative evolutionary implications of this plant. Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are widespread and evolutionarily labile traits that have repeatedly and remarkably evolved in vascular plants. Morphological descriptions of the EFNs of certain plant species are common in the literature, but they rarely relate morphology with histology, gland distribution and secretory characteristics. Studies relating EFNs features, i.e., morphology and distribution with their differential visitation by insects, viz. ants and the cost of maintenance to the plants are important to understand the evolution of these glands. Therefore, in this study a morphological, anatomical (structure and ultrastructure) and secretory characterization of EFNs occurring on Senna occidentalis L. is made with the implications of gland attributes discussed from a functional perspective. S. occidentalis L. (Caesalpiniaceae) is an economically important species from industrial, medicinal and agricultural perspective. Observations from the result showed that shape of the EFNs (size 1-2mm) ranged to globular, ovoid-conical, dome-shaped, fusiform or cylindrical with conical tip. The EFNs were sessile, positioned interpetiolar or seated at the base of petiole. Light and transmission electron microscopic studies showed the specific internal structures of the extrafloral nectary. Two developmental stages of the EFNs (secretory and post-secretory) were recognized. Our current understanding of the phylogenetic patterns of EFNs makes them powerful candidates for future work exploring the drivers of their evolutionary origins, shifts, and losses.

Mineral and Protein Screening of Some Wild Legumes of Dilling area (South Kordofan State, Sudan)

Mineral screening was carried out on leaves of seven wild leguminous plants namely: Tamarindus indica, Albizzia amara, Acacia laeta, Senna obtusifolia, Senna occidentalis, Phaseolus adenanthus and Crotalaria saltiana. The leaves have high protein content which ranges between 21.6% for Phaseolus adenanthus and 17.3% for Senna occidentalis. Mineral elements detected in appreciable quantities were Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sulfur and Iron. Manganese contents were very low and they range between 0.01% for Senna occidentalis and 0.03%for Tamarindus indica, Acacia laeta and Crotalaria saltiana. Analysis showed that these species had different levels of mineral and crude protein.

In-vitro Testing of Antioxidant, Anti-Parasite Activities, Cytotoxicity, and Chemical Evaluation of Abutilon Pannosum and Cassia Occidentalis Ethanolic Extracts

Aims: The aim of this study to detect Anti-giardia, antioxidant activities, cytotoxicity and evaluated the chemical constituent of ethanolic extracts of Abutilon pannosum and Cassia occidentalis. &#x0D; Study Design: Various standard methods were used to detect of bioactivity for ethanolic extracts of plants used in this study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the laboratories of microbiology and parasitology and chemistry, the International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan, during May 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: The ethanolic extract of Abutilon pannosum and Cassia occidentalis was used as an anti-giardia and anti-oxidant in-vitro, and toxicity tests were performed using brine shrimp and MTT assay. Also, the compounds of the plants used were detected by the GCMS apparatus.&#x0D; Results: The ethanolic extracts of Abutilon pannosum showed high Anti-giardia activity (79%) in concentration (500 ppm) after 72 hours, whereas the activity of Cassia occidentalis extract showed (61%). The highest antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of Cassia occidentalis was (68.7%), while it was weak in Abutilon pannosum ethanolic extract (45%) by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The results of cytotoxicity revealed that the ethanolic extracts are highly toxic to brine shrimp, but are not toxic to normal cell line (MTT). Chromatographic analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCMS) showed good separation of compounds. GCMS detected 22 and14 important compounds in Abutilon pannosum and Cassia occidentalis extracts respectively. The common compound in both plant extracts is n-Hexadecanoic acid. This acid was reported as an antioxidant.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study revealed that the biological activities of Abutilon pannosum extracts showed high activities of Anti-giardia and antioxidants. Non-cytotoxic in the normal cell line was shown. Cassia occidentalis showed high activity of Anti-giardia and weak activity antioxidant.