Cold Extraction Research Articles

Antioxidant Potential Evaluation at Various Stages of Black Cumin Oil Production

Nigella sativa L. seeds and their industrial process products, oils, cake, and meal, are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. In this work, the effect of technological processes on the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolic content (TPC) in the black cumin oils obtained by cold pressing and solvent extraction, as well as the by-products, were evaluated. The AC values of black cumin seeds (BCS), cold-pressed black cumin oil (BCCPO), black cumin oil extracted from seeds (BCEO-S), black cumin oil extracted from cake (BCEO-C), black cumin cake (BCC), and black cumin meal (BCM) were determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays, whereas TPC in these samples was analyzed by the Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) method. Two applied conventional oil extraction methods, screw pressing and solvent extraction, significantly affected the AC and TPC in the obtained black cumin oils and by-products. The solvent-extracted black cumin oils revealed higher antioxidant properties (DPPH = 4041–16,500 μmol TE/100 g, CUPRAC = 1275–4827 μmol TE/100 g) than the cold-pressed black cumin oil (DPPH = 3451 μmol TE/100 g and CUPRAC = 3475 μmol TE/100 g). In addition, the oil yield (20.92–48.86%) and antioxidant properties of BCCPO (DPPH = 2933–5894 μmol TE/100 g and TPC = 135–199 mg GAE/100 g) and BCC (DPPH = 1890–2265 μmol TE/100 g and TPC = 284–341 mg GAE/100 g) closely depended on the nozzle diameters (5, 8, and 10 mm) mounted in a screw press. Although both by-products were a rich source of antioxidants, BCM had significantly lower CUPRAC (1514 μmol TE/100 g) and TPC (92 mg GAE/100 g) values than BCC (CUPRAC = 3397 μmol TE/100 g and TPC = 426 mg GAE/100 g). Nevertheless, acid hydrolysis and alkaline hydrolysis of BCM extracts significantly increased their antioxidant potential. However, the DPPH (35,629 μmol TE/100 g), CUPRAC (12,601 μmol TE/100 g), and TPC (691 mg GAE/100 g) results were higher for the BCM extract after acid hydrolysis than those for alkaline hydrolysate (DPPH = 2539 μmol TE/100 g, CUPRAC = 5959 μmol TE/100 g, and TPC = 613 mg GAE/100 g). Finally, the generated AGREEprep metrics highlighted the sustainability and the greenness of the cold pressing of oil from BCS.

Development of cold plasma pretreatment ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhancing phenolic acids extractability from Salvia sclarea

Development of cold plasma pretreatment ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhancing phenolic acids extractability from Salvia sclarea

Optimization of the Cold Water Extraction Method for High-Value Bioactive Compounds from Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Flower Heads Through Chemometrics.

This study focused on optimizing a cold water extraction method to obtain bioactive compounds from chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.), addressing increasing consumer demand for natural products and nutraceuticals. A full-factorial design was employed to evaluate the effects of temperature, time, and chamomile amount on the polyphenolic profile of extracts. The samples were characterized by HPLC-DAD and UV-Vis coupled with chemometrics; the analysis showed that extraction time negatively affected extract quality, as did the interaction between time and temperature. In addition, a significant positive quadratic effect for temperature and a positive coefficient for chamomile amount was found. ASCA was used to assess the UV-Vis profile, offering an alternative untargeted method for understanding the variable effects. The optimal extraction conditions (25 °C, 32 min, and 2.5 g of chamomile) produced samples high in hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanol derivatives. Using A face-centered design, this study also monitored antioxidant activity via a DPPH scavenging assay, confirming that the optimal conditions yielded samples within the range of maximum antioxidant activity in the studied experimental domain.

Physicochemical Properties of Oil Derived from Cucumeropsis mannii (Egusi) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds

In this work, physicochemical characteristics of the oils extracted from Cucumeropsis manni (Egusi) and Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) seeds were determined, and the output for both vegetable oils was compared. Unshelled seeds of both C. mannii and C. lanatus were purchased from modern market, in Lafia local government area of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Following dehulling, oil was extracted from both seed samples using the cold extraction technique. The physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity, iodine value (IV), acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and saponification value (SV) of the seed oil samples were then examined. The result revealed that the density for both C. mannii and C. lanatus seed oil were 0.98 ± 0.16 and 0.98 ± 0.16 g/ml, and their viscosity are 72.5 ± 0.03 and 57.5 ± 0.11 Cp respectively. Both C. mannii and C. lanatus seed oil IV was 84.92 ± 0.24 and 80.91 ± 0.12 g/I2/100 g, AV was 2.92 ± 0.26 and 2.44 ± 0.04 mgKOH/g, and PV was 3.77 ± 0.01 and 4.28 ± 0.05 meq peroxide/g respectively. The SV for C. mannii is 243.85 ± 0.31 is higher than that of C. lanatus which is 187.12 ± 0.19 mgKOH/g. In conclusion, the iodine, acid, and peroxide values for both samples show that they are safe to consume. The C. mannii SV demonstrates that it is superior for soap manufacturing. Finally, the PV demonstrates that both samples are suitable for biodiesel production, which can help reduce the impact of climate change on our society as a whole.

Ethiopian coffee (Coffea arabica) improves glucose uptake and modulates metabolic enzyme activities linked to hyperglycemia-induced infertility in isolated rats’ testes

The present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of Ethiopian coffee (Coffea arabica) on carbohydrate digestive enzymes and its protective effect against glucose-induced testicular dysfunction using in vitro and in silico study models. Testicular oxidative stress was initiated by co-incubating testocular tissue collected from male Sprague-Dawley rats in glucose solution with different concentrations of Ethiopian coffee aqueous extracts (hot and cold) for 2 h at 37ºC. Glucose-mediated oxidative stress significantly (p < 0.05) depleted reduced glutathione and total glycogen levels while it lowered catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the testicular tissue. Concomitantly, this led to elevated malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels while it also increased glycogen phosphorylase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, ATPase, and acetylcholinesterase activities. Treatment with different concentrations of coffee aqueous extracts restored the enzymes’ and markers’ levels and activities. Although both the cold and hot coffee extracts strongly inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes, the former showed better activities. The subjection of the coffee extracts to LC-MS analysis indicated the presence of several compounds, including chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, cafestol, kahweol, caffeine, quinic acid, ferulic acid, and catechol which were further docked with the carbohydrate digestive enzymes. The in silico results displayed that among the various metabolites, chlorogenic acid strongly interacted and had the best binding affinity with α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Our findings implied that Ethiopian coffee may have a preventive effect against glucose-induced testicular damage. These are evidenced by the capacity of the plant product to decrease oxidative stress and protect against testicular dysfunction.Graphical

Differential Biochemical Content and Free Radical Scavenging Potency of Three Solvent Extracts of Porodaedalea pini

Porodaedalea pini, a non-edible mushroom, is a notable source of bioactive compounds with traditional medicinal uses. Solvent selection is crucial in research and development of natural products. This study examined how solvent polarity affects the biochemical composition and antioxidant properties of P. pini. Crude extracts were prepared from whole mushrooms using chloroform, methanol, and ethyl acetate through cold extraction. Total carbohydrate, flavonoid, and phenolic contents were measured, and free-radical scavenging activities against DPPH and superoxide anion were assessed by employing standard protocols. Methanolic extracts yielded significantly more than ethyl acetate (p&lt;0.05) and chloroform (p&lt;0.001) extracts, showing higher levels of carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids, and phenolics (p&lt;0.001). All extracts displayed notable free-radical scavenging activity, with methanol being the most potent, followed by ethyl acetate and chloroform. Thus, solvent polarity greatly affects the biochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of P. pini extracts, highlighting the importance of solvent choice in optimising their bioactive potential.

The preservative effect of the black rice's cold, hot and ultrasonic ethanol extracts on the storage quality of beef patties

SummaryThis work aimed to determine the total anthocyanin and phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity of extracts of the black rice's cold, hot and ultrasonic‐assisted extracts and their preservative effect on the storage quality of beef patties. The three extracts exhibited high anthocyanin, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, and they were used in beef patties at five treatments (negative control without extract, positive control with 0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), 7.5% cold extract, 7.5% hot extract and 7.5% ultrasound‐assisted extract). Raw and cooked beef patties were tested at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days of cold storage in aerobically packaged polyethylene containers regarding pH, oxidative stability, antioxidant capacity and microbial quality. While adding black rice extracts did not influence the proximate composition of raw samples (P &gt; 0.05), it slowed down the pH and lipid oxidation during storage and provided pH and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) stability in all final products. The BHT and treatments with extract indicated a higher 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) value than the negative control. Also, the incorporation of black rice extracts slightly retarded bacterial growth. These results suggest that the black rice extracts at 7.5% can be used effectively to protect beef patties from microbial spoilage and oxidation during cold storage for 12 days.

Antiparasitary potential of Sarcomphalus joazeiro (Mart.) Hauenschild (Rhamnaceae)

Leishmaniasis and American trypanosomiasis are part of a set of diseases characterized by the World Health Organization as neglected diseases caused by infectious and parasitic agents in populations in situations of poverty and poor sanitation. Pharmaceutical industries neglect such diseases, which have limited treatments, mainly due to few drug options and significant toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to search for new substances that have the potential to replace these medications. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves and bark of Sarcomphalus joazeiro (Mart.) Hauenschild. These extracts were prepared by maceration with cold extraction. When carrying out the susceptibility tests, the extracts were tested in four different concentrations against the epimastigote forms of the CL-B5 parasite strains of Trypanosoma cruzi and promastigote forms of Leishmania braziliensis and Leishmania infantum, both tests were carried out "in vitro" in plates 96-well microdilution system, with nifurtimox and metronidazole as reference medicine. The cytotoxicity assay was performed with mammalian fibroblast lines from the NCTC 929 clone. The results indicate that the ethanolic extract of the bark of the stem of S. joazeiro (EBSJ) presented a more significant antiparasitic effect when compared to the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Sarcomphalus joazeiro (ELSJ) particularly against L. braziliensis and L. infantum. Regarding cytotoxicity, EBSJ and ELSJ presented moderate and low degrees, respectively. Based on the data obtained, further investigations into the properties of the bark extract are necessary, mainly due to its leishmanicidal potential.

Obscure properties of a traditional herb Pittosporum neelgherrense used to treat snakebite envenoming against Daboia russelli venoms

In tropical nations, snakebite envenomation is a significant public health issue with negative human and social effects. This is due to three factors: 1) more species of the most hazardous snakes are present; 2) emergency medical assistance is not readily available; and 3) inadequate health care. The problems caused by snakebite envenomation have been partially resolved by immunotherapy. An extensive collection of medicinal herbs is recognized to have antivenomous properties in traditional medicine. However, very few species have undergone scientific investigation, and even fewer have had their active components separated and structurally and functionally defined. In this work, the anti-venom potential of hot and cold aqueous extracts from Pittosporum neelgherrense is evaluated using an in-vitro model. The experimental results showed that 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-(11.20), 1-Undecanol (16.38), Lauryl acetate (18.25), and Cyclotridecane (19.14) were phytochemical substances whose chemical structures were recognized by GCMS. The Direct and Indirect hemorrhagic activity was found to be completely neutralized by P. neelgherrense extract (44.61% hot plant extract & 55.38% cold plant extract) and the zone (2.4 mm), respectively. The neutralization of venoms was indicated by the zone (0.5–0.9 cm) of hydrolysis production of proteolytic activity. Additionally, the results of the gelatine liquefaction study demonstrated that clot formation was not triggered by venom at low concentrations (50:50) but was instead brought on by higher concentrations. The present study suggested that the neutralization of venom by hot water extracts of P. neelgherrense is a potentially therapeutic application.

Embelin Novel Drug Molecule: A Review

Embelia ribes Burm family (Myrsinaceae), an important traditional medicinal plant of India. Embelia ribes have been proven to have great pharmacological potential with great utility and usage as traditional medicine. The root, berries, and leaves of Embelia ribes are used in herbal formulations. E. ribes fruits contain a quinone derivative (2, 5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-1, 4-benzoquinone), Embelin which is the major bioactive constituent. It has a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anthelmintic, antifertility, antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal in abdominal disorders, lung diseases, constipation, indigestion, fungal infections, mouth ulcer, sore throat, pneumonia, heart disease, and obesity. Embelin was isolated by cold and hot extraction with polar and nonpolar solvents. The concentrated and dried extracts were washed with petroleum ether to get crystalline embelin. Isolated embelin was characterized by melting point, TLC, partition coefficient, solubility, HPLC, HPTLC, FT-IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy.

Migration of chloropropanols 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP from paper straws into food simulants in comparison with cold water extraction

Migration of chloropropanols 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP from paper straws into food simulants in comparison with cold water extraction

Investigation of Anti-Diabetic Properties of Ceylon Cinnamon Bark Extracts by In-Vitro α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibition, Molecular Modeling, and Postprandial Blood Glucose Regulation for Potential Nutraceuticals

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can appear due to the absence of insulin (DM1- type 1) or poor response of cells to insulin (DM2-type 2). Even though DM1 cannot be controlled using general treatments, DM2 can be easily controlled or prevented using pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary practices. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is one such natural remedy that has been consumed against elevated blood glucose levels in the past. Cinnamon and different types of cinnamon extracts have been scientifically tested for their activities on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes that are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and are effective in blood glucose regulation. However, the combined effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of cinnamon bark on blood glucose regulation is still lacking. In this study, Water Extract of Cinnamon (CWE), Ethanol Extracts of Cinnamon (hot ethanol extract of cinnamon-CHEE, cold ethanol extract of cinnamon-CEE, and 50% ethanol extract of cinnamon- CEE-50) were studied for their sugar-controlling properties. Objectives: This study was performed to identify the efficacy of different cinnamon extracts on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, followed by animal studies to confirm the use of the extracts in nutraceutical formulations. Methods: Water and ethanol-based extraction method was used to prepare cinnamon extracts. These extracts have been scientifically tested for their activities on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Molecular docking studies were used to identify the binding of the active molecules to the substrate binding sites of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In-vivo time dependence postprandial blood glucose regulation studies have been performed with healthy Wistar male rats. Results: Yields of the CHEE, CEE, and CWE were 14±2%, 12±2%, and 8±1% respectively. According to the LCMS data, the major component in the CEE was cinnamaldehyde. Both CWE and CEE were subjected to the Total Polyphenol assay (TPC) and Total Flavonoids (TFC) assays. The TPC of CWE and CEE were 117±1 mg (Gal)/g and 170±10 mg (Gal)/g, while the TFC of CWE and CEE were 359±1 mg (Qc)/g and 254±4 mg (Qc)/g, respectively. In the α-amylase inhibition assay, Acarbose; a known α-amylase inhibitor, and CEE showed IC50 values of 65.4 ppm and 2.6 ppm, while CWE failed to show inhibition against α-amylase. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, Acarbose; a known α-amylase inhibitor, CEE, and CWE showed IC50 values of 312 ppm, 4.5 ppm, and 1.3 ppm, respectively. In-vivo time dependence postprandial blood glucose regulation studies that have been performed with healthy Wistar male rats showed a lowering of blood glucose concentrations by 22%, 11%, and 10% of glucose at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min compared to the control group. Conclusion: The CEE contains polyphenols and flavonoids and is effective in inhibiting both α- amylase and α-glucosidase. The CWE also contains polyphenols and a comparatively higher level of flavonoids and is effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase while not affecting α-amylase inhibition. Overall, the IC50 data, TPC data, and TFC data proposed that the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes by polyphenols may depend on the polarity of particular polyphenols. Based on the rat trials, it can be concluded that the 1:1 combination of CWE and CEE may be useful in formulating postprandial blood glucose level-regulating nutraceuticals.

Araucaria angustifolia and Picrasma crenata extracts as potential agents for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of agricultural interest

To expand knowledge about native species in southern Brazil, different types of extracts from the thin vinaceous bark of A. angustifolia and fragments of branches of P. crenata were evaluated. These were crushed and kept for fifteen days in contact with hydroalcoholic solutions at 70 % v/v and ethanolic (96 % v/v), seven days in the cold aqueous extract, and through the decoction process for 10 min. Afterward, they were evaluated at concentrations of 1.0 %, 2.5 %, 5.0 %, 10.0 %, and 20.0 % v/v on the mycelial development of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Botrytis cinerea, and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. The levels of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids were evaluated, and the alcoholic extracts of A. angustifolia had the highest total phenolic content. The main phenolic compounds identified in the P. crenata extract were resveratrol, followed by herperidin, rutin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol, and the main chemical compounds identified in the extracts of A. angustifolia were quercetin, rutin, ferulic acid, kaempferol, and gallic acid. A. angustifolia extracts and P. crenata, during the decoction, were more effective in controlling the phytopathogens C. gloeosporioides and B. cinerea from a concentration of 5 % v/v. The fungus S. sclerotiorum was moderately inhibited in hydroalcoholic extracts at 70 % v/v of P. crenata and A. angustifolia at 1.0 % and 2.5 % v/v concentrations. Effectively controlling these phytopathogenic fungi of agricultural importance confers importance on the conservation of these native species of socio-biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil.

Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Activities of Gentiana ornata from Lauribinayak, Rasuwa, Nepal

Gentiana ornata (Wall. ex G. Don) Griseb, also called decorated gentian or showy gentian, has been used as a decoction plant in temperate regions of Nepal. This work aims to evaluate the phytochemical properties, antioxidant values, and pharmacological properties of this plant collected from Lauribinayak, Gosainkunda Rural Municipality, Rasuwa, Nepal. The extract of whole plant was prepared by cold extraction process at 100% ethanol. Then, the qualitative preliminary phytochemical test of plant extract was performed to know its chemical constituents. The total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu method, total flavonoid content using aluminium chloride colorimetric assay and antioxidant potential of the plant extract were also determined by using diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) reagent. The pharmacological activities like oral acute toxicity test, antidiarrheal test and anti-ulcer test were also carried out in laboratory animals. The qualitative phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, anthocyanin, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic constituents. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and antioxidant assay value of this plant extract were 242.64±0.280 mg GAE/g, 39.23±0.005 mg QE/g and 42±0.072 µg/mL respectively. The extract showed no morbidity, mortality, toxicity signs, or symptoms in the oral acute toxicity test. Though it could not show considerable antidiarrheal effect by reducing gastrointestinal motility when compared to the standard drug, loperamide, it showed significant anti-ulcer effects by reducing gastric lesions when compared to the standard drug, sucralfate, which may be due to its mucosal protecting nature. Therefore, isolation and purification of phytochemicals responsible for the pharmacological activity of this plant have been recommended.

A Comparative Analysis of Cold Brew Coffee Aroma Using the Gas Chromatography-Olfactometry-Mass Spectrometry Technique: Headspace-Solid-Phase Extraction and Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Methods for the Extraction of Sensory-Active Compounds.

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed commodities globally, embodies a sensory experience deeply rooted in social, cultural, and hedonic contexts. The cold brew (CB) method, characterized by cold extraction, is a refreshing and unique alternative to traditional coffee. Despite its growing popularity, CB lacks defined preparation parameters and comprehensive analysis of its aromatic composition. In this study, we aimed to obtain a representative extract of the volatile matrix of CB and characterize the aroma of sensory-active compounds using advanced techniques such as headspace-solid-phase Microextraction (HS-SPME) and headspace-solid-phase extraction (HS-SPE) for volatile compound extraction, followed by gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass Spectrometry (GC-O-MS) for compound identification. Optimization of the HS-SPME parameters resulted in the identification of 36 compounds, whereas HS-SPE identified 28 compounds, which included both complementary and similar compounds. In HS-SPME, 15 compounds exhibited sensory activity with descriptors such as floral, caramel, sweet, and almond, whereas seven exhibited sensory activity with descriptors such as chocolate, floral, coffee, and caramel. This comprehensive approach to HS-SPME and HS-SPE aroma extraction with GC-O-MS offers an efficient methodology for characterizing the aroma profile of CB, paving the way for future research and quality standards for this innovative coffee beverage.

Multifactor-coupled study on freeze-thaw forces of rocks in cold regions

This study delves into the mechanical properties of steep and rocky slopes subjected to long-term freeze-thaw actions. Considering the unique climatic conditions in cold regions, especially the significant impact of seasonal and diurnal temperature variations on slope excavation, the research focuses on a high-cold region iron ore mine. Four types of rocks commonly found in the mining area are thoroughly examined, taking into account the hydrogeological conditions of the mining area. The study systematically analyzes the mechanisms of various factors such as weathering, freeze-thaw cycles, and ice-water phase changes on the stability of cold region fractured rock masses. The research reveals that under prolonged freeze-thaw actions, crack water within the rock continuously undergoes ice-water phase changes, generating substantial freeze expansion forces that result in structural damage to the rock mass. This damage is evident not only in the development of existing microcracks but also leads to the generation of new fractures, ultimately causing deterioration in the rock mass structure. The study of the evolution patterns of freeze-thaw forces contributes to a better understanding of slope stability issues in cold region mineral resource extraction, offering crucial insights for the design, construction, and operation of related engineering projects.

Evaluation of Haemostatic Potential and HPTLC Fingerprinting of Annona squamosa Linn. Bark Extract

Objectives: The present work focuses on exploring and evaluating the hemostatic property of Annona squamosa Linn. bark. Being a renewable resource, it has the potential to contribute to the hemostatic agent. Hemostatic efficacy of the cold and hot bark extract at different concentrations of 10, 50, 100 &amp; 250 mg/ml of saline were evaluated using whole blood clotting, platelet aggregation test, prothrombin time CAMAG HPTLC system. The hemostatic efficacy. At 250 mg/ml saline, both the extracts showed excellent hemostatic efficacy by clotting blood in 1.2 s and 3 s, respectively. The prothrombin time of cold and hot were 5 s and 5.1 s which were less than that of Liquiplastin partial prothrombin time which was Liquicelin E (13.85 s). Annona squamosa Linn. to be used as a topical hemostatic agent. Saponins, which are known to be antihemorrhagic, were detected by HPTLC. hemostatic efficacy of Annona squamosa Linn. bark was evaluated, which can contribute to the development of a fast-acting, cost-effective, easy-to-use, and sustainable topical hemostat. Keywords: Annona squamosa Linn, Hemostatic activity, Prothrombin time, Activated partial thromboplastin time, HPTLC fingerprint

Evaluation of the Combination Effects of Extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata on Clinical Fungal Isolates

Introduction: The proliferation of fake drugs and the multiple resistance seen in conventional fungicidal drugs has led to the use of medicinal plants to treat fungal infections. There are claims that Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata have fungicidal potentials, hence this study. Aim: To evaluate the combination effects of the extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata on clinical fungal isolates. Study Design: Randomized sampling of the plants was done by harvesting the plants from different farm in Nsukka Enugu State. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Enugu State, South East of Nigeria, from November 2023 to March 2024. Methodology: Phytochemical screening was done on the two plants. The methanolic and aqueous (cold and hot) extracts of these plants bark and stem were assessed for their antifungal activities against six fungal isolates using agar diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were done according to standard methods. Results: The plants contain alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycoside and phenol. The hot water extracts of J. tanjorensis stem gave higher zones of inhibition diameter (IZD) than the methanolic extracts and the methanolic extracts of A. digitata bark gave higher IZD than the aqueous extracts. The combination of these two potent extracts showed greatest inhibition on Aspergillus niger, Candida albican and then least inhibition on Trichophyton shoenleinii, this was found to be statistically significant at (P&lt;.05), the P value was (P=0.001). The lowest (MIC) and (MFC) were recorded in A. niger and Candida albican at (1.5625mg/ml) while the highest (MIC) and (MFC) were recorded in T. shoenleinii, at (25mg/ml). Conclusion: This study revealed that the combined plant extracts were more effective against opportunistic fungi than the dermatophytes.

The potential of cashew nut shell waste in charcoal briquettes after producing cashew nut shell liquid through cold extraction

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), extracted without chemicals or high temperatures, primarily contains phenolic compounds and is used in pharmaceuticals and special polymers. This study assesses a cold extraction process for CNSL at press forces of 200, 250, and 275 kg/cm2 and holding times of 1, 2, and 5 min, achieving a maximum yield of 35.98 %, with holding time having minimal impact. The waste from cashew nut shells was carbonized to produce briquettes, enhancing their heating value. Briquettes were made from carbonized cashew nut shells and rice husks in various proportions, using cassava flour as a binder. Analysis of the briquettes' properties showed that the CNS amount significantly influenced calorific value and thermal efficiency, with rice husk charcoal mixtures improving stability and compressive strength. The recommended charcoal briquette from CNS, rice husk and cassava flour which is the ratio 7:3:1 by weight (recipe E), providing high compressive strength and calorific value similar to briquettes made solely from cashew nut shells (recipe A). This research supports converting CNS waste into industrial products and renewable energy.

Influence of the Boiling Water Extraction Technique on the Chemical, Physical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of the Midrib of Cavendish Variety Banana Plant Leaves from Cameroon

Our study described in this paper sought to show that the fibers of the midrib of the leaves of cavendish variety banana plants from Cameroon can be extracted by boiling water and to compare their properties (chemical, physical, thermal, and mechanical) with those obtained by cold water extraction. The standard tests for the various characterizations were respected. This study showed that the fibers extracted with boiling water contained 64.3% cellulose, 18.1% hemicellulose, 4.5% lignin, and 12.9% pectin, while the fibers extracted by the cold water technique contained 65% cellulose, 19% hemicellulose, 5% lignin, and 11% pectin. The extraction of fibers by the boiling water technique gave a 9.35% extraction yield, 0.94 g.cm−3 density, 15.23 tex linear mass, 11.10% water content, 169.78% water absorption degree, and 36.02% humidity at a relative humidity of 75%, while the fibers extracted by the cold water technique had a 12.35% extraction yield, 0.91 g.cm−3 density, 14.23 tex linear mass, 10.73% water content, 102.4% water absorption degree, and 34.45% humidity at a relative humidity of 75%. The boiling water extracted fibers had a thermal stability temperature of 268.5 °C. The student’s t-test showed that the fibers obtained by the boiling water extraction technique and the cold water extraction technique had identical mechanical properties. Thus, we suggest that the fibers of the midrib of the leaves of banana plants can be extracted with boiling water and used in textiles and composite materials.