Combination Of Plant Extracts Research Articles

Non-hormonal options for the relief of menopausal disorders

Woman’s nature is unique. Taking into account some historical milestones, it can be noted that the role of women in society has undergone large-scale changes. The woman took a confident position in society. Its main function remains unchanged and it consists in procreation and procreation. A woman’s activity is consistent with the work of her reproductive system (RS). The gradual decrease, and then the cessation of the work of the ovaries, contributes to the life order and health of the fair sex. Menopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, which corresponds to the peak of social self-realization. However, in some cases, hormonal changes characteristic of this period can serve as a favorable background for the formation of a number of pathological changes. The growing estrogen deficiency is becoming a pathogenetic impetus for the development of a wide range of climacteric disorders. Vasomotor symptoms and hyperhidrosis are the most frequent companions of women during the perimenopausal transition and early postmenopause. Maintaining optimal activity and the full quality of life of patients should be the goal of correcting the negative manifestations of estrogen deficiency and the complications associated with it. Compensating for estrogen deficiency with menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) is the benchmark for menopausal problems. However, there are a number of patients who have contraindications to prescribing HRT or who refuse to receive it for some reason. For this category of patients, alternative methods of diet correction. Combinations of plant extracts with vitamins and minerals have been successfully used in clinical practice for a long time. The article will provide information on the most studied phytoestrogens contained in soy.

A Study of the Antimalarial Activity of Combined Plant Extracts Traditionally Used in Kenya

Introduction: Due to resistance and cost of current antimalarial drugs in use, there is need to continue searching for effective and affordable treatment for this disease. Traditional medicinal plants have been focused on as source of such drugs.
 Methodology: For this study, combined crude extracts from six plants used in Kenya were tested in vitro against chloroquine resistant Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain using the [3H] hypoxanthine uptake assay and in vivo using Plasmodium berghei on mice. Cytotoxicity tests were done using the MTT based colorimetric assay on Vero 199 and selectivity index used to assess safety of the extracts with the best activity.
 Results: In vitro results with combinations involving Zanthoxylum chalybeum with four of the extracts indicated activity below IC50 10µg/ml. A combination of S. pinnata and Toddalia asiatica extracts exhibited the best activity in vivo having a parasite growth suppression of 81.3% at a dose of 500mg/kg. S. pinnata and T.asiatica combination had CC50 values of 102.93±5.96µg/ml and >1000µg/ml with selectivity indices of 9.52 and 15.24 respectively, indicating good therapeutic potential due to their safety margins.
 Conclusion: The results obtained from both in vitro and in vivo tests support the use of the plants selected in traditional treatment of malaria. A combination of methanol fruit extract of T. asiatica and methanol whole plant extract of S. pinnata showed promising parasite growth suppression against P. berghei that was comparable with Artemether and was synergistic on in vitro testing against chloroquine- resistant W2 strain of P. falciparum.

Phenolic-Rich Plant Extracts With Antimicrobial Activity: An Alternative to Food Preservatives and Biocides?

In recent years, the search for natural plant-based antimicrobial compounds as alternatives to some synthetic food preservatives or biocides has been stimulated by sanitary, environmental, regulatory, and marketing concerns. In this context, besides their established antioxidant activity, the antimicrobial activity of many plant phenolics deserved increased attention. Indeed, industries processing agricultural plants generate considerable quantities of phenolic-rich products and by-products, which could be valuable natural sources of natural antimicrobial molecules. Plant extracts containing volatile (e.g., essential oils) and non-volatile antimicrobial molecules can be distinguished. Plant essential oils are outside the scope of this review. This review will thus provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the promises and the limits of phenolic-rich plant extracts for food preservation and biofilm control on food-contacting surfaces. After a presentation of the major groups of antimicrobial plant phenolics, of their antimicrobial activity spectrum, and of the diversity of their mechanisms of action, their most promising sources will be reviewed. Since antimicrobial activity reduction often observed when comparing in vitro and in situ activities of plant phenolics has often been reported as a limit for their application, the effects of the composition and the microstructure of the matrices in which unwanted microorganisms are present (e.g., food and/or microbial biofilms) on their activity will be discussed. Then, the different strategies of delivery of antimicrobial phenolics to promote their activity in such matrices, such as their encapsulation or their association with edible coatings or food packaging materials are presented. The possibilities offered by encapsulation or association with polymers of packaging materials or coatings to increase the stability and ease of use of plant phenolics before their application, as well as to get systems for their controlled release are presented and discussed. Finally, the necessity to consider phenolic-rich antimicrobial plant extracts in combination with other factors consistently with hurdle technology principles will be discussed. For instance, several authors recently suggested that natural phenolic-rich extracts could not only extend the shelf-life of foods by controlling bacterial contamination, but could also coexist with probiotic lactic acid bacteria in food systems to provide enhanced health benefits to human.

The inhibitory action of plant extracts on the mycelial growth of Ascosphaera apis, the causative agent of chalkbrood disease in Honey bee

Ascosphaera apis is a fungal pathogen, which causes chalkbrood disease in bees and is threatening beekeeping worldwide. The demand for organic honey for export has lately heightened hence the biological control is the option. This study aimed at the in vitro evaluation of the potency of plant extracts against chalkbrood disease for the possibility of being employed as a biological control strategy. The results showed that the combination of plant extracts from cinnamon with spearmint, cinnamon with lemongrass, cinnamon with geranium, and cinnamon with palmarosa at a concentration of 25% and 12.5% inhibited mycelial growth of A. apis by 100%. This demonstrated the potentiality of combining different plant extracts in controlling this disease. In addition, oregano caused inhibition of up to 100% singly. Conclusively, cinnamon in combination with several extracts has a great potential in curbing this disease while oregano offers an amazing remedy and hence the best formulations should be generated for the beekeeper to utilize.

Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles using combinations of plant extracts and their antibacterial activity

Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health problem, and the use of nanotechnology to control bacterial growth has increased, including multidrug-resistant ones. In this context, nanoparticles of different elements, mainly metals, such as silver, gold, and iron, have been extensively researched due to their efficient antimicrobial activity. Another element that stands out is selenium, which nanoparticles have high bioactivity and antibacterial action, although few studies report its use as a metallic nanoparticle. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) from extracts of three plants: Allium cepa (onion), Malpighia emarginata (acerola), and Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (boldo). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (DRX). Antibacterial activity was evaluated by microdilution in broth, followed by the time-kill curve analysis. The bacterial strains tested were Streptococcus agalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Hemolytic activity was also determined. The synthesized SeNPs had a size between 245 and 321 ​nm and mostly spherical morphology. Antimicrobial activity against all Gram-positive bacteria tested was observed, with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 6.125 to 98 ​μg/ml, but without action in the tested Gram-negative bacteria. Low hemolytic capacity was observed, with CC50 ranging from 0.82 to 2.1 ​mg/ml. The antimicrobial activity and low hemolytic concentration indicate the possibility of use against Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant ones, opening a wide variety of options for their applications.

Evaluation of the influence of chemical and physical factors on mixtures of fungal and plant lipases

Lipases are biocatalysts that may have distinct biochemical characteristics depending on the source. The combination of lipases from different sources with complementary characteristics is a viable strategy for increasing the enzymatic activity. In this study, fungal (Aspergillus niger 01 - CBMAI 2084) and plant (orange frit – orange peel fragment) lipases were analyzed separately and together in different concentrations. In addition, we evaluated the influence of organic solvents and ultrasonic effect on lipase activity, as well as substrate specificity [p-nitrophenyl butyrate (pNPB), p-nitrophenyl-laurate (pNPL) and p-nitrophenyl-palmitate (p-NPP)] and enzymatic immobilization in different supports (celite, silica, aluminum oxide, Lewatti, calcium alginate and gelatin). Increased enzyme activity was observed in formulations with higher concentration of fungal extract. The combination of 50% fungal extract and 25% plant extract increased about 55% lipase activity, showed the highest absolute lipase activity among all combinations and was selected for the following study. Plant extract showed the highest lipase activity in the hydrolysis of p-NPB and p-NPL, however, fungal extract showed the highest hydrolytic activity on p-NPP. When applied to synthetic substrates, the combination of plant and fungal extracts showed less stability and activity in synthetic substrates than isolated extracts, however lipase activity increased after 20s on ultrasound bath. Regarding to immobilization techniques, the adsorption on silica was the most efficient for all lipase extracts.

Antibacterial activity of jackfruit leaves extracts and the interference on antimicrobial susceptibility of enteropathogen

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Artocarpus heterophyllus dry leaves extracts on S. enterica and E. coli and their interaction with conventional antimicrobials. Dried powdered leaves were used to produce hexane (Hex), methanolic (MeOH) and ethanolic residue (EtOHr) extracts. The antimicrobial test was performed against Escherichia coli, ATCC 25922, E. coli EPEC, CDC 086H35, and Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis phagotype 4 (SE PT4) through minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). The agar diffusion technique, well and disc-variants were used to measure the antimicrobial effect of the plant extract combination with antimicrobial of clinical usage. We highlight the bactericidal effect of jackfruit tree leaves on E. coli and S. enterica SE PT4 at 7.2 mg/mL and the effect of the extracts on antimicrobial activity. The interaction between chloramphenicol and dry leaves extracts was characterized by both synergism and antagonism depending on extract type and bacteria used. The interaction between antimicrobial of clinical usage and jackfruit tree leaves extracts demonstrated changes in susceptibility profile of antimicrobials tending to an antagonist effect. As the jackfruit tree leaves may interfere on antimicrobials action, special attention should be given to its usage as traditional medicine in the treatment of food borne diseases.

Allelopathic Allelopathic impact of sorghum on weed management, yield and quality of maize under different seed rates

A field study was carried out to estimate the allelopathic potential of sorghum immature and mature plant extracts under various seed rates on weeds density and yield of maize cultivar Dadu Maize-I. The experiment contained of different weed control practices i.e., control (No weeding), various levels of sorghum immature and mature plant extracts, herbicides and hand weeding under various seed rates (20, 25, 30 & 35 kg per ha). The analysis of variance showed that various weed control practices demonstrated substantial decrease in weeds and caused increase in kernel yield over control. The application of sorghum immature extract @ 15 L per ha in combination with herbicide (Mesotrione Atrazine) @ 1.0 L per ha decreased effectively weed density (m-2) and dry biomass (g m-2) and resultantly produced superior growth and yield traits particularly kernel yield (t per ha) of maize. Sorghum mature plant extract @ 15 L per ha in integration with herbicide (Mesotrione Atrazine) @ 1.0 L per ha ranked 2nd in effectiveness of controlling weeds as well as increasing maize kernel yield (t per ha). As much as effect of seed rates is concerned, the least weed density (m-2) and greatest kernel yield (t per ha) were noticed in seed rate 35 kg per ha but optimal kernel yield (t per ha) was record in seed rate 30 kg per ha. Hence, the results suggested that combination of plant extracts and herbicide at reduced doses controlled weeds efficiently and optimum enhancement in kernel yield of maize was noticed at seed rate 30 kg per ha.

Evaluation and optimization of nanosuspensions of Chrysanthemum coronarium and Azadirachta indica using Response Surface Methodology for pest management

The rapidly emerging field of nanotechnology is considered an important achievement in the agriculture sector to increase the pest mortality rate and improve the crop production. The present study evaluates the novel pesticidal and anti-microbial activities of Chrysanthemum coronarium and Azadirachta indica in the nano-suspensions form. The anti-solvent precipitation method was used to formulate nano-suspensions proposed by Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Physicochemical nature of plant extracts and nano-suspensions was characterized through analysis of Zeta-sizer, FT-IR, and HPLC. Characterization results revealed a minimum particle size of 121.1 and 170.1 nm for Chrysanthemum coronarium and Azadirachta indica, respectively. The pesticidal activity of nano-suspension was performed against red flour beetle (RFB) and lesser grain borer (LGB) pests, which showed the maximum mortality rate of 100% with 100% concentration of plant extracts and nano-suspensions of Chrysanthemum coronarium and Azadirachta indica against both insects. In comparison, the combination of these both plant extracts revealed the maximum 100% mortality with a 50% concentration of nano-suspensions (mixing ratio 1:1) after 72 h. The antibacterial activity showed the maximum zone inhibition of 9.96 ± 0.17 and 14.17 ± 0.50 mm against S.aureus and E. coli with nano-suspension of Chrysanthemum coronarium, and 12.09 ± 0.11 and 14.10 ± 0.49 mm with nano-suspension of Azadirachta indica, respectively. It is concluded that individual nano-suspensions showed better pesticidal as well as antimicrobial activities than combinations. However, the constructed nanosuspension can be applied to control the plant pests and diseases simultaneously.

Structural elucidation, mechanism of action, antibacterial proficiency and synergistic forte of purified Euphorbia hirta whole plant extract against multi-drug resistant otitis media infection

This study investigated the antibacterial potential of Euphorbia hirta whole plant extracts, honey and conventional antibiotics and their synergistic effects against selected multidrug resistant and typed bacterial strains associated with otitis media. E. hirta whole plant extract was purified using column chromatography technique. The antibacterial assays of extracts were done using standard microbiological procedures. Protein, sodium and potassium ion leakage of the synergistic mixtures was determined using flame-photometry. At 100 mg/ml, acetone extracts presented highest inhibition against S. aureus (NCTC 6571) with 32 ± 0.83 mm zone of inhibition. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices displayed higher synergism in combination of plant extract, honey and ciprofloxacin against P. mirabilis at 0.02 compared to drug combination synergy standard (≤ 0.5). This work revealed augmentation of ciprofloxacin potency when combined with purified E. hirta acetone extract and honey and implies their high potential in the treatment of multidrug resistant infection of otitis media.

Antibacterial Activity of Combination of Ethanol Extract of Pepermine Leaves (Mentha piperita L.) and Amikacin Against Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli

Peppermint leaves have been known to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. Amikacin is a semisynthetic derivative of kanamycin which is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative enteric bacteria. The combination of plant extracts with antibiotics is one way or alternative to overcome bacterial resistance to antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of the ethanolic extract of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and amikacin against Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli as well as the compounds contained in the ethanolic extract of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) leaves. Antibacterial activity was tested using the disk diffusion method (Kirby Bauer) and the phytochemical screening test using the tube test method. The concentration of peppermint leaf ethanol extract for the combination test was 200 mg/mL and 400 mg/mL, for the concentration of amikacin used was 5 mg/mL with three comparisons made, namely 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25. The results showed a synergistic effect with the largest inhibition zone diameter at a ratio of 25:75 at a concentration of 200 mg/mL, which was 36.25±2.5 mm on Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria. While at a concentration of 400 mg/mL the diameter of the largest inhibition zone was 40±1.63 mm in Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria with a ratio of 75:25. The results of statistical tests using the t-test showed a significance value of 0.000 0.05 so that there was a significant difference in the administration of each concentration to the resulting inhibition zone. The results of the phytochemical screening test contained alkaloids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins.

SYNERGISTIC IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS ROOT EXTRACT OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS WILLD AND ETHANOL WHOLE PLANT EXTRACT OF BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA LINN

Objective: On the basis of traditional use and Ethno pharmacological evidences Boerhavia diffusa whole plant and root part of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) both are widely used to enhance the immunity. But in combination there is no scientific evidence so current study was designed. Methods: Laboratory based study, namely, carbon clearance, cyclophosphamide induced immune suppression and neutrophil adhesion was designed using mice as an experimental animals in different combination of aqueous whole plant extract of B. diffusa and methanol extract of root part of A. racemosus were used as a test drug in the ratio 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 (100 mg/kg) against the established standard drug Ashwagandha. Results: The results revealed that animals treated with combined extract (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) at a dose of 100 mg/kg increase rate of carbon clearance from blood, there is significance alternation in blood parameter in cyclophosphamide group and also improve the Neutrophil adhesion when treated with different combination of polyherbal formulation treated groups. Conclusion: The polyherbal formulation in different ratio showing good significant immunomodulatory activity as compare to standard.

Acaricidal activity of Shirazian thyme and rosemary methanolic extracts in combination with spirodiclofen and propargite on Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch is one of the polyphagous pests that attack a wide range of crops. In recent decades, excessive application of synthetic acaricides has led to its resistance to pesticides and environmental pollution. However, considering the importance of the role of pesticides in controlling plant pests, it is impossible to cease using these compounds. In recent decades, new methods such as the use of plant extracts have been proposed that not only control pests but also have no residues and harmful environmental effects. Also, the use of plant extracts in combination with synthetic pesticides while controlling the pest, reduces the amount of pesticide usage. In this study, the efficacy of methanolic extracts of Zataria multiflora and Rosmarinus officinalis was investigated individually and in combination with spirodiclofen and propargite to control two-spotted spider mites. Bioassay tests were performed using the leaf dipping method. Each treatment was performed in three independent biological replications and the mortality was recorded 24 h after exposure. The 50% lethal dose (LC50) of spirodiclofen and propargite as well as methanolic extracts of Z. multiflora and R. officinalis were estimated to 1.89, 12.76, 1934.13, and 4382.07 mg/l, respectively. In addition, results of experiments related to mixing plant extracts with acaricides showed that the combination of Z. multiflora extract with spirodiclofen and propargite caused a synergistic effect with a co-toxicity coefficient of 66.66 and 55.55, respectively. However, the combination of R. officinalis extract with spirodiclofen and propargite caused an antagonistic response with −77.78 and −80.56, respectively.

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose-Satureja hortensis L. ethanol extract mixtures as antimicrobial coating for sutures, identification of phenolic acids by using LC-MS-MS and TLC techniques

In this study, phenolic acid content of Satureja hortensis L. ethanol extract was investigated using TLC and LC-MS-MS methods and thymol, vanillic acid and caffeic acid were identified. Antimicrobial activity of prepared Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-plant ethanol extract mixture was screened against E. coli (ATCC 25922), S. aureus (ATCC 25923) and B. cereus (ATCC 14579) species by using TLC-bioautography, disk and well diffusion methods. Both plant extract and the extract-biopolymer mixture showed inhibition activity on Gram-positive species according to TLC-bioautography results. Considering the disk diffusion test results, it was found that the inhibition activity increased with biopolymer plant extract mixtures for Gram-positive bacteria. Finally, the combination of plant extract with HPMC was used as coating for surgical sutures and antimicrobial activities were performed by using agar diffusion method. All coated sutures showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. Absorbable coated suture also exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus.

Treatment of Girolando cattle dermatophilosis using a combination of different plant extracts in the municipality of Abomey-Calavi, Republic of Benin.

Background and Aim:Dermatophilosis is a bacterial infection of the skin of animals. It is prevalent worldwide and is caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. The study aimed to assess the therapeutic efficacy of different mixtures prepared with indigenous phytogenetic extracts from Benin in the management and treatment of Girolando cattle that showed high sensitivity to the disease compared to any other known cattle breed in Benin.Materials and Methods:Consequently, two types of extact mixtures (extract mixture 1=Elaeis guineensis kernel oil + essential oil of Ocimum gratissimum + sap of Jatropha multifidi; extract mixture 2= O. gratissimum + sap extract of J. multifida) of 20% concentration were prepared and tested on eight Girolando cattle. Two different parts of the affected skin with acute lesions of dermatophilosis were debrided, and 0.5 mL of each of the extract mixture was applied per square centimeter of a single zone of the affected skin.Results:Both extracts mixtures were found to possess significant wound healing properties compared to the control (procaine G penicillin). However, the extract mixture 1, which was made up of Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, essential oil of O. gratissimum and sap of J. multifida (Linn), showed a better result. This was evident by increase in the rate of wound contraction and healing without recurrence 2 weeks after the end of the experiment and the subsequent immediate manifestation of hair or hair growth at the affected area.Conclusion:The preliminary findings of this study are very promising. Extract mixture 1 could serve as an alternative in the treatment or management of bovine dermatophilosis in Benin and other dermatophilosis endemic areas of the world. However, in vitro testing and sensitivity against isolated D. congolensis organism using extract mixture 1 as well as cost implications should be studied.

Simultaneous Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity by a Specific Combination of Plant-derived Compounds

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains a challenge to human health and economy worldwide. Previously we have shown that a combination of active plant-derived compounds and plant extracts can dose-dependently inhibit binding of RBD-spike protein SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptor and its expression on human alveolar epithelial cells. Here we use eGFP-luciferase-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein pseudo-virions and SARS-CoV-2-RdRp, to show if the antiviral effectiveness of this combination of plant-derived compounds and plant extracts expands to other important key mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Or results revealed that this combination of five plant-derived compounds inhibited the attachment of the SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-typed particles with lung hACE2/A549 cells. In addition, it down-regulated the activity of key enzymes known to be crucial for the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, such as TMPRSS2, furin and cathepsin L, but not their expression at protein level. This combination did not affect ACE2 binding to and ACE2 enzymatic activity, but modestly decrease cellular expression of neuropilin-1 molecule and significantly inhibited activity of viral RdRp. This study demonstrates inhibitory effects of this combination on key cellular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The findings further support the use of plant-derived compounds as effective health measures against SARS-CoV-2-caused infection.

Effect of co-administration of metformin and extracts of Costus pictus D.Don leaves on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats

Background and aimThe present study evaluates the antidiabetic effects of aqueous (CPAQ) and methanolic (CPME) extract of Costus pictus D. Don singly and/or in combination with metformin in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Experimental procedureCPAQ and CPME (400 mg/kg dose), metformin (120 mg/kg) and two different combinations of plant extracts and metformin (200 + 60 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg + 60 mg/kg) were orally given to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. At 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, body weight and blood glucose levels were measured. Results and conclusionAfter 21 days of treatment, biochemical profiling and histopathology analysis were carried out. CPAQ and CPME, when administrated separately, could decrease blood glucose levels (P ≤ 0.05). CPME showed more promising results (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the diabetic control group. Extracts co-administrated with metformin showed dose-dependent significant recovery of hypoglycemic activity of metformin. Fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, protein, and lipid profile of the treatment group were compared to the diabetic and normal control groups. Animal groups co-administered with CPME and metformin showed more significant effects on the recovery of tissue damages. The synergistic effect of plant extracts with metformin has positive effects on all the parameters and enhanced the efficiency and reduction of blood glucose levels.

Synergistic effect of Alocasia longiloba fruit’s extract with ampicilin and tetracycline against bacteria

The inappropriate usage of antibiotic is one of the factors of the emergence of the antibiotic resistance bacteria that limit the effectiveness of the current antibiotic and lead to the treatment failure. The combination of plant extract with antibiotic approach may lead to the new ways in the treatment of the infectious diseases and this combination may reduce of bacterial resistance toward antibiotics. The objective of this study was to determine the synergistic effect of Alocasia longiloba fruit extract with Ampicillin and Tetracycline against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The synergistic effect of A. longiloba fruit extract and antibiotics was determined by using agar well diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) Resazurin 96-well micro-dilution methods. The results of this study showed the increasing in the inhibition zone when the plant extract was combined with Ampicillin against E. coli. The value of MIC only showed by Ampicillin on E. coli which was 12.5 μg/ml, and the combination of plant extract and Ampicillin (2000 + 12.5 μg/ml). These results indicated that the fruit extract of A. longiloba showed low antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus and this plant extract may show the inhibition if the concentration is increase and test against the different microorganisms.

Nanoparticles prepared from pterostilbene reduce blood glucose and improve diabetes complications

BackgroundDiabetes complications are the leading cause of mortality in diabetic patients. The common complications are decline in antioxidant capacity and the onset of micro-inflammation syndrome. At present, glucose-responsive nanoparticles are widely used, as they can release insulin-loaded ultrafine particles intelligently and effectively reduce blood sugar. However, the toxicology of this method has not been fully elucidated. The plant extracts of pterostilbene (PTE) have a wide range of biological applications, such as antioxidation and inflammatory response improvement. Therefore, we have proposed new ideas for the cross application of plant extracts and biomaterials, especially as part of a hypoglycaemic nano-drug delivery system.ResultsBased on the PTE, we successfully synthesised poly(3-acrylamidophenyl boric acid-b-pterostilbene) (p[AAPBA-b-PTE]) nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were round in shape and ranged between 150 and 250 nm in size. The NPs possessed good pH and glucose sensitivity. The entrapment efficiency (EE) of insulin-loaded NPs was approximately 56%, and the drug loading (LC) capacity was approximately 13%. The highest release of insulin was 70%, and the highest release of PTE was 85%. Meanwhile, the insulin could undergo self-regulation according to changes in the glucose concentration, thus achieving an effective, sustained release. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the NPs were safe and nontoxic. Under normal physiological conditions, NPs were completely degraded within 40 days. Fourteen days after mice were injected with p(AAPBA-b-PTE) NPs, there were no obvious abnormalities in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, or kidney. Moreover, NPs effectively reduced blood glucose, improved antioxidant capacity and reversed micro-inflammation in mice.Conclusionsp(AAPBA-b-PTE) NPs were successfully prepared using PTE as raw material and effectively reduced blood glucose, improved antioxidant capacity and reduced the inflammatory response. This novel preparation can enable new combinations of plant extracts and biomaterials to adiministered through NPs or other dosage forms in order to regulate and treat diseases.Graphic abstract

Antibacterial potential of Malaysian ethnomedicinal plants against methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of 61 plant extracts from 49 Malaysian ethnomedicinal plants and to investigate the interaction of the active plant extracts in combination with synthetic antibiotics against the MSSA and MRSA strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the plant extracts were determined using a microdilution method against MSSA and MRSA strains. The interaction between active plant extracts and the antibiotics was assessed using the checkerboard method. The total fractional inhibitory concentration (∑FIC) indices from the combination were calculated to determine the nature of the interaction. Out of the 61 plant extracts tested against the MSSA strain, 7 plant extracts (~ 11%) showed MIC values of less than 200 μg/mL, 17 extracts (~ 28%) showed MIC between 200 and 800 µg/mL and seed extracts of Areca catechu showed MBC values of 400 μg/mL. The seed extract of A. catechu showed MIC and MBC of 400 μg/mL against the MRSA strains while leaf extract of Cocos nucifera showed MIC of 400 μg/mL against MRSA NCTC 12493. When the active plant extracts (MIC ≤ 200 µg/mL for MSSA, and ≤ 400 µg/mL for MRSA) were tested in combination with vancomycin and ciprofloxacin, they showed no interaction against both MSSA and MRSA with ∑FIC between 1.06 and 2.03. These findings provide a preliminary overview of the anti-MSSA and anti-MRSA properties of Malaysian ethnobotanical plants to combat Staphylococcal infections. Further research is needed to establish an antibacterial profile of the tested plant extracts.