Extraction Of Compounds Research Articles

Ethanolic extract of Parkia speciosa pods exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide-induced murine macrophages by inhibiting the p38 MAPK pathway

BackgroundParkia speciosa (PS) is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine and traditional medicine to treat diabetes, hypertension, dermatitis, and kidney diseases. PS has emerged as a subject of interest because of its potential antioxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. However, despite its historically long and wide usage, a comprehensive investigation of these properties in PS pods (PSp) have not been conducted. Aims of this studyThis study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds in the ethanolic extract of PSp collected from Southern Thailand and assess whether PSp exhibit antioxidant properties and mitigate inflammation in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 model. Materials and methodsThe ethanolic extract of PSp was comprehensively analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its phytochemical constituents. To assess the antioxidant activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS) assays were performed, and cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. The effect of PSp on reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNS and ROS) was determined using a nitric oxide (NO) assay, and its effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quatitvative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Morphological changes following treatment were observed using a microscope. Western blot analysis was performed to quantify MAPK pathway expression. ResultsPSp contain polyphenols, phytosterols, triterpenes, oxaloacetic acid, and unsaturated fatty acids. PSp demonstrated high antioxidant potential in scavenging free radicals and exhibited no cytotoxic effects on macrophages. Moreover, PSp effectively reduced NO release and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL1-β, TNF-α, and IL-6. PSp treatment induced notable morphological changes in macrophages, characterized by an increase in cell size and the presence of intracellular vacuoles. In addition, Western blot analysis showed the selective suppressive effect of PSp on the p38-MAPK pathway. ConclusionPSp possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.

Phytochemical profiling and anticancer potential of Cymbopogon citratus extract

Objective: To evaluate the anticancer potential of Cymbopogon citratus extract. Methods: GC-MS analysis was used to identify phytocomponents in the methanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus. A fractionation method was employed to isolate and assess the bioactivity of different fractions and their cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines HCT116, LoVo, Caco-2, and HT-29 were investigated. A dual staining method with acridine orange and ethidium bromide was used to assess the effect of the extract on cell apoptosis. Additionally, the expression levels of Bax and TP53 were quantified using realtime PCR in Caco-2 cells treated with the ethyl acetate fraction of Cymbopogon citratus extract. A protein array was employed to profile key pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, molecular docking studies were conducted to investigate the interactions between key compounds of Cymbopogon citratus extract and specific apoptosis-related protein domains (PDB IDs: 7wql and 4bkx). Results: A significant growth inhibition was observed in Caco-2 cells treated with Cymbopogon citratus extract. Among the seven fractions of the plant extract, the ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells with an IC50 value of (6.16 ± 0.01) μg/mL. The immunofluorescence assay showed that the ethyl acetate fraction could induce apoptosis of Caco-2 cells. Moreover, the fraction upregulated the gene expressions of Bax and TP53 in a dose-dependent manner. The docking analysis demonstrated the interaction of five compounds isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction with key proteins in Caco-2 cells, indicating their anticancer properties. Conclusions: Cymbopogon citratus extract shows anticancer activity against Caco-2 cells by inducing apoptosis. It may be a promising candidate for the treatment of colon cancer, which needs further investigation.

High-Speed Countercurrent Chromatography Isolation of Active Components from Evodia Rutaecarpa and Affinity Ultrafiltration Screening for Their Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Activity.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Evodia rutaecarpa were screened, prepared, and evaluated. To screen the lipophilic alkaloid active constituents in E. rutaecarpa, we improved and optimized an ultrafiltration system. Three acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, dehydroevodiamine, evodiamine, and rutecarpine, were screened. Addressing the limitations of the traditional response surface methodology (RSM) for multiobjective screening, we integrated RSM with the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III to achieve the optimal extraction of these active ingredients. High-speed countercurrent chromatography was used to isolate the active components using a two-phase solvent system: n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3.0:2.5:3.5:2.0, v/v/v/v) and ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3.0:1.0:4.0, v/v/v). The nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy confirmed the structures of the compounds, and molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed the inhibitory effects of the chemical components on AChE, which were consistent with the findings of the ultrafiltration experiments. We also confirmed the neuroprotective properties of these compounds against glutamate-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Overall, we achieved the systematic optimization of multitarget compound extraction and lipophilic alkaloid ultrafiltration screening, as well as preparation and activity validation, laying the groundwork for the development of AChE inhibitors from lipophilic alkaloids.

Nanoparticles based on whey and soy proteins enhance the antioxidant activity of phenolic compound extract from Cantaloupe melon pulp flour (Cucumis melo L.)

The phenolic compounds (PC) present in the pulp flour of Cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.) were encapsulated in whey protein isolate (EPWI), whey protein concentrate (EPWC), and soy protein isolate (EPSP) by nanoprecipitation to evaluate the effect on the antioxidant potential in vitro. The crude extract was evaluated for the content and profile of PC, presenting 750 ± 60.73 mg EAG/100 g and ten different types with emphasis on procyanidin B1 (213.9 ± 33.23 mg/kg) and fumaric acid (181.6 ± 30.55 mg/kg). The characterization indicated the incorporation efficiency of PC in the range of 74.10 ± 0.28–90.60 ± 6.52 %, formation of spherical particles with smooth surfaces, average diameters between 74.90 ± 10.78–96.57 ± 10.17 nm, amorphous structure, and chemical interactions between the materials, justifying the potentiation of the antioxidant activity of the crude extract by up to six times (p < 0.05). Therefore, nanoencapsulation using protein materials and the nanoprecipitation technique is a promising strategy to promote the encapsulation of PC from Cantaloupe melon.

Optimization of Bioactive Compounds Extraction from Platanus Orientalis Leaves using Microwave-Assisted Technique

Optimization of Bioactive Compounds Extraction from Platanus Orientalis Leaves using Microwave-Assisted Technique

A Sustainable Approach to the Comprehensive Analysis of the Nutrient Content and Phytochemical Profile of Industrial Food Waste

This research paper offers a comprehensive analysis of the nutrient content and phytochemical profile of industrial food waste, focusing on key elements including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbon, and hydrogen, as well as bioactive compounds. The study involves the characterization of various types of food waste streams to elucidate their nutritional composition and bioactive compound content. Analytical techniques such as NPK analysis, carbon and hydrogen analysis, and phytochemical qualitative analysis are employed to quantify and identify the presence of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds in the waste excrement materials. Additionally, present paper explores the potential value-added opportunities through product development using extracted bioactive compounds. Perspectives from recent research that advance knowledge of industrial food waste as a valuable resource for nutrient recovery and bioactive compound extraction, thereby fostering sustainable food waste management practices and promoting the development of value-added products for various industries.

Phytochemical Screening, Nutritional Properties and Biological Activities of Sweet and Conventional Potato Planted in Morocco

This study aimed at studying phytochemical composition, nutritional properties and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory) of two potato varieties (sweet potato (SP): Ipomoea batatas L. and conventional potato (CP): Solanum tuberosum L.) planted and consumed in Morocco. For this, potato samples (SP and CP) were firstly subjected to phytochemical and nutritional analysis, including water content, total and reducing sugars, proteins, lipids, vitamin C, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Secondly, phenolic compounds extracts were subjected to biological activities namely antioxidant and invitro anti-inflammatory. Potato extracts antioxidant activity was tested by DPPH and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) methods. Proteins and lipids contents were found much higher in SP (5.21 ± 0.26 and 0.29 ± 0.02 g/100g DW) respectively than in CP (2.93 ± 0.15 and 0.11 ± 0.01 g/100g DW) respectively. Besides, total and reducing sugars contents were 16.65 and 2.53 g/100g DW in the CP, and 12.47 and 2.13 g/100g DW in the SP, respectively. The antioxidant activity of different SP extracts was found to be higher than those of CP, by using DPPH and TAC methods. These findings could be explained by SP richness in carotenoids (212 ± 10.60 mg/100g DW), phenolic compounds (130.11 ± 6.51 mg GAE/100g DW), flavonoids (85.03 ± 4.2 5mg QE/100g DW) and vitamin C (471.33 ± 23.57 mg/100g DW). Exclusion chromatography done by Sephadex G50 showed that polymeric phenolic compounds in SP were more abundant when compared to monomeric ones. This difference was consistent with the anti-inflammatory activity assessed in vitro.

Research on the Effects of the Juncus Inflexus Subsp. Inflexus Extract on Low Dose Thioacetamide‐Induced Liver Damage: A Novel Antioxidant

AbstractIn this study was investigated the effects of extract of the Juncus inflexus subsp. inflexus (JI) plant on thioacetimide (TAA)‐induced liver damage. Six experimental groups were formed using 42 8–12‐weeks old Sprague dawley male rats, with seven experimental animals per group. Liver tissue sections were examined by staining with hematoxylin eosin (H‐E), periodic acid schiff (PAS) and caspase‐3. On the other hand, the tissue homogenates were analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). Compared to other groups, it was observed that the MDA rose significantly in the TAA group and that the GSH fell and that the expression of the caspase‐3 was significantly increased. On the other hand, it was found that lipid peroxidation decreased significantly in the TAA + JI group when compared to JI + TAA group. Also, to see the antioxidant properties of the plant in detail, molecular dynamic simulations were done. The antioxidant property of 59.16% in extract compounds of JI was theoretically demonstrated. The antioxidant activity of the 10‐methoxy‐nb‐alpha‐methylcorynantheol molecule, which is found at the highest rate in the relevant plant, has been theoretically revealed for the first time. In conclusion, this study has revealed that the extraction obtained from the Juncus inflexus plant has protective and therapeutic properties for the liver.

Phytochemical Study and Clinical Evaluation of Herbal Formula as Obesity Management

Objective: Obesity is a significant global public health issue, affecting 39% of overweight and 13% of obese adults, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The objective of this study was included preliminary screening of main active compounds with clinical evaluation of herbal formula used in traditional medicine for obesity management. Methods. The methods for this study were included investigation of main active compounds in extracts of line seeds (Linum usitatissimum L.), Celery seeds (Apium graveoleus L.) Husk seeds (Plantago ovata L.) and marshmallow flower (Althea officinalis L.) Also this study contained the clinical evaluation of effects of herbal formula for obesity. The study involved two groups of participants who were given a herbal formula capsule for a duration of 8 weeks. The dosage consisted of one capsule (500mg) taken three times a day after meals. The second group was simultaneously treated with metformin, with a dosage of one tablet (500mg) provided twice daily after meals. Results: The results were referred to flavonoids glycosides which presented in all plants extracts, while other active compounds distributed differently among plants. The results of clinical study were referred to significant reduction in weight, BMI, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL – C and VLDL with significant increasing of HDL. Conclusion: The herbal mixture may exert beneficial effects on both body mass index and serum lipids profile in humans, which can be linked to its flavonoids and antioxidant components.

The Effect of Alkaloid and Phenolic Extracts of Some Plants on the Biological of the Periplaneta Americana

The study was conducted to determine the extent of the effect of some plant extracts on the death of some of the biological stages of the Periplaneta americana, it tested two types of terpenoids extracts and the alkaloid extract of Xanthium strumarium and Achillea L. the extract of terpenoids and alkaloid compounds of the Achillea L in killing eggs, and it was also noted that the extract of terpenoids in both the X.strumarium and Achillea L was superior to the rest of the extracts of the same two plants. The two extract recorded an effect on the adults of the P.americana, as it was noted that the terpenoids and alkaloids of the extract were clearly superior to the X.strumarium, it was also noted that the superiority of the alkaloid extract in the X.Strumarium. We also note that there is a direct relationship between the concentrations of the extract and the percentage of death. The extracts work to kill insect eggs in several ways that have a physiological effect, including that they contain a percentage of oils that cover the surface of the eggs with a thin layer that prevents the exchange of gases between the egg embryo and its external environment, it hardens, thus preventing the egg shell from hatching, or the penetration of the extract into the egg, which affects the protoplasm, leading to the killing of embryos, or the inhibitory effect of the terpenoids compounds present in the extract of the two plants, which affects the growth of the embryos of these eggs.

Phytochemical Analysis and Assessment of Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Activity of Alchemilla pseudocartalinica Juz.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory activity of extracts, sub-extracts, and fractions prepared from the aerial parts and roots of A. pseudocartalinica. The phytochemical content of the active extracts was also analyzed. According to the results, ellagic acid (38.42 mg/g) was the major compound in the aerial part methanol extract and catechin (185.30 mg/g) in the root methanol extract. The DPPH inhibition activity of all fractions was monitored, with the most active one (Fr B) reaching an IC50 value of (4.92 ± 0.59 µg/mL). All the fractions prepared from the aerial parts' water sub-extract showed higher a-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the positive control acarbose. In the tyrosinase assay, Fr B (58.81 ± 7.50 µg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibitory actions among all fractions. The structure of the major substances of the most active fraction were elucidated as quercetin 7-O-β-glucopyranosyl-3-O-β-glucuronopyranoside- (1), and α-[(2-formyl-5-hydroxymethyl)pyrrol-1-yl]aspartic acid (2).

Aktivitas antelmintik ekstrak herba meniran (Phyllanthus niruri) terhadap Paramphistomum spp.

Phyllanthus niruri is traditionally used to treat intestinal worms. The content of flavonoids in Phyllanthus niruri has the potential as an anthelmintic. The aims of study are to identify flavonoid compounds of the ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri and determine the anthelmintic activity against Paramphistomum spp. Paramphistomum spp. grouped into positive control (Albendazole 10% w/v), negative control (CMC-Na 0.5% w/v), ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% w/v. For 5 hours, the time and quantity of dead worms were counted every 15 minutes. The average time of death and percentage of worm mortality were then calculate. Differences in average time of death were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney. The results of the test tube and TLC showed the content of flavonoid compounds. Percentage of mortality of Paramphistomum spp. obtained by 100%. Average death time of Paramphistomum spp. at 50, 275, 155, 140, and 115 minutes respectively. Ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus niruri contained flavonoid compounds and has anthelmintic activity with an optimum concentration of 5% w/v although lower than Albendazole 10% w/v (p&lt;0.05).

Chemical profiling, bioactive compounds, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of Indonesian propolis extract produced by Tetragonulalaeviceps

Propolis produced by stingless bees contains various chemical compounds that contribute to its bioactivity. The availability of certain plants at the growth site and the propolis's geographic origin have a significant impact on its chemical composition. The objective of this study was to examine the chemical profile, yield, total flavonoid and phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of propolis extract from 10 distinct locations in Indonesia. The yield of propolis extract investigated in this study lies in the range of 26.25 ± 1.76 to 43.25 ± 3.60 %. The total phenolic content of the propolis extract varies from 50.03 ± 3.40–98.03 ± 13.94 mg GAE/g whereas the total flavonoid content of the propolis extract varies from and 0.70 ± 0.08–57.76 ± 0.67 mg QE/g. The antioxidant activity of the propolis extract in terms of IC50 values lies in the range of 332.07 ± 6.12 to 831.48 ± 29.48 ppm whereas the anti-inflammatory activity of the propolis extract in terms of IC50 values lies in the range of 28.69 ± 4.95 to 44.12 ± 19.22 ppm. Both the total flavonoid and phenolic content of the propolis extract from various locations were correlated with the antioxidant activities and anti-inflammatory activities. The results indicate that there was a significant negative correlation between the total flavonoid and phenolic content of the propolis extract with the antioxidant activity. However, the anti-inflammatory activity was not strongly correlated with the total flavonoid and phenolic content of the propolis extract. There were 36 volatile compounds in the propolis extract as identified by the Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry with triterpenoid as the major substances (28.66–44.86 %). The presence of anti-inflammatory compounds particularly α, β-Amyrin (2.2–6.52 %) and lupeol (2–4.72 %) in the propolis extract highlights the potential of propolis in health and medicine application.

Effect of Beta Vulgaris Extract on the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and Rat Embryo Fibroblast (REF)

The study aimed to study the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris on the breast carcinoma cell MCF-7 and the normal cell REF. Six diluted concentrations of the aqueous extract of the plant roots including (7.8, 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, 500) µg/ml, with three exposure periods of 24, 48, and 72 hrs. The quantitative estimation of the active compounds of the aqueous extract was calculated. It was found that the aqueous extract of plant contains many active compounds such as (tannins, phenols, flavonoids and glycosides). The effect of the extract on normal REF cells after an exposure period of 72 hrs, which is represented by the concentration that causes inhibition of the proliferation of normal REF cells by 50%, is (IC50) with the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris was (6.35) mg/ml. The aqueous extract of plant was tested to detect the cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract and all concentrations used on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell. The results showed that increase in the percentage rate of inhibition of cancer cell growth was observed during the three exposure periods of 24, 48, and 72 hrs. There is significant differences at (p≤0.05) and compared with the control. The rate of inhibition ranges at the lowest concentration 500 µg/ml were (92.204±1.455) (93.616 ±1.376) and (95.325±1.407) respectively.

Comparison of the content of active compounds in cell suspensions and aqueous extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis L. with those in the Endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata

The current study was carried out to detect the active compounds in both the aqueous extract of a Rosmarinus officinalis L. plant and the extract of cell suspensions and compare with the extract of the endophytic fungus Alternaria alternata isolated from the leaves of a R. officinalis plant. Callus was induced from the leaves of rosemary plants, and the highest induction of callus formed reached 100% when treated with a concentration of 1-Naphthaleneacetic Acid (NAA)2.0 mg. L-1, compared to the control treatment, which had an induction rate of 0%. the highest fresh weight of callus was 1.628 gm in the presence of NAA. The callus induced in the presence of NAA was charactrized by its fragile texture. cell suspensions were also obtained from it. fungus extract was superior in its content of active compounds to the aqueous extract and cell suspension cultures at 21 days. The total alkaloid content which were 6.65%, phenolic content were 117.25 mg.gm, flavonoid content were 104.35 mg.gm, total terpenoid content was 6.65%, total steroid content was 6.05% and the concentration of rosmaric acid was 154.7%. The results of the current study confirm the single receptor of endophytic fungi isolated from medicinal plants as one of the important sources of effective compounds.

ANALISIS KADAR ALKALOID DAN FLAVONOID SEDUHAN RAMBUT JAGUNG (Zea mays L. ) DENGAN METODE SPEKTROFOTOMETRI UV-VIS

Corn silk is generally a waste of sweet corn plants after being harvested and is rarely used, however, on the other hand, corn silk is also used by the community as herbal medicine and is believed to reduce the risk of hypertension and other types of chronic diseases such as kidney infections. Corn silk is thought to contain metabolite compounds such as flavonoids, essential oils, steroids, and alkaloids. Alkaloid compounds can function as drugs and strong activators for immune cells that can destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, and cancer cells. Flavonoid compounds are compounds that have various bioactive effects such as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cardioprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and antioxidants. it is necessary to measure the levels of alkaloids and flavonoids from corn silk infusion to determine the levels of alkaloid and flavonoid compounds in corn silk infusion. The method used in this study is the Uv-Vis spectrophotometry method. The alkaloid content was calculated using the regression formula y = 0.0895x - 0.3046, the results obtained in the corn hair infusion extract were 46.36 mg / g extract, and the flavonoid content was calculated using the regression formula y = 0.0144 x - 0.025 and the results obtained in the corn hair infusion extract were 85.42 mg / g extract. So it can be concluded that corn hair infusion contains more flavonoid compounds, namely with alkaloid compound levels of 46.36 mg / g extract and flavonoid compounds of 85.42 mg / g extract.

Thermosensitive Hydrogel Containing Chinese Herbal Compound Extract and Hyaluronic Acid-Chitosan Quaternary Ammonium Salt Microspheres for Topical Application: Preparation and Characterization

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a highly prevalent allergic inflammatory dermatosis with persistent severe pruritus. Zhi-Yang-Fang (ZYF), a topical Chinese herbal compound used in clinical practice for treating ACD, has certain drawbacks such as inconvenience in use and its impact on aesthetics. This research aimed to overcome these shortcomings by developing an F127/F68-based thermosensitive hydrogel containing ZYF aqueous extract and hyaluronic acid-chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HA-HTCC) microspheres. The 19 major components of ZYF aqueous extract were preliminarily identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Quadrupole-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS) analysis. HA-HTCC microspheres and HA-HTCC microspheres containing ZYF aqueous extract were prepared using the physical cross-linking method, and the success of the preparation was confirmed through a series of characterisations. The concentration of F127 and F68 was screened. The proportions of each substance in the final hydrogel formulation were determined, prepared using the cold method, and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and a rotational rheometer. These technologies verified the successful preparation, temperature sensitivity, and stability of the hydrogel. The hydrogel developed may be considered a promising approach for the management of ACD.

Large scale screening and quantification of micropollutants in fish from the coastal waters of Cochin, India: Analytical method development and health risk assessment

Urban estuarine and coastal water receive several micropollutants through industrial and agricultural influxes. The bioaccumulation of these micropollutants in fish and their entry into the coastal population's food chain raises significant food safety concerns. Hence, a comprehensive analytical method was developed for ultra-trace level quantification of 345 micropollutants in fish. The optimized sample preparation method could extract compounds suitable for both GC–MS/MS and LC-MS/MS analysis simultaneously. The target list of contaminants included 278 agricultural pesticides and also 102 endocrine disruptors covering polyaromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorines, and endocrine-disrupting pesticides. The GC–MS/MS with large volume injection (LVI) technique, and LC-MS/MS operating in MRM mode, achieved an LOQ of <2.00 ng/g for most of the analytes. The extraction strategy involved tri-phase partitioning between water, acidified acetonitrile, and hexane, followed by salting out. Dispersive solid phase cleanup (dSPE) with C18, Z-Sep+, CaCl2, and MgSO4 was able to reduce the matrix influence, and the method achieved satisfactory recovery in the range of 70.0–120.0 % for all the target analytes. The repeatability and reproducibility relative standard deviation values of the measured analytes were <20.0 %, and the Horwitz ratio values were well below 2. The method was used to accurately measure the target micropollutants in fish from the Cochin estuary, the highly urbanized portion of the Vembanad Lake, and an important Ramsar site. At least one or more of the 41 different micropollutants were identified and quantified in about 90.7 % of the 108 samples analyzed. The importance of large-scale screening and trace-level quantification methods in environmental monitoring and risk assessment is underscored by the results. The risk assessment showed a moderate risk of exposure to the nearby coastal population through the food chain.

Valorization of Vaccinium corymbosum waste from the extraction of bioactive compounds: Nanoparticles synthesis and applications

This study presents the biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), and iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) using V. corymbosum extracts as a reducing agent, varying the ultrasound extraction times (t1 = 20 min, t2 = 15 min, t3 = 10 min). Ag NPs exhibited an antimicrobial efficiency of 98.2 %, being most effective with t2 due to their smaller size. ZnO NPs demonstrated the best thermal stability with t1, and FeO NPs showed optimal magnetic properties with t3. The reduction of methylene blue by ZnO and FeO NPs was significant, with ZnO-t1 and FeO-t3 standing out. The nanoparticles exhibited distinctive optical characteristics and adequate morphology, depending on the extraction time. This work highlights the feasibility of using natural extracts to synthesize nanoparticles, promoting sustainable methods in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Future research should focus on the functionalization of NPs to expand their applications.

Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polyphenolics from Schrebera swietenioides Roxb.: An optimization using response surface methodology

Schrebera swietenioides Roxb is an important medicinal plant used for the treatment of various diseases by the indigenous communities. However, this plant is still underexplored in the modern scientific era. Specifically, the leaves of the plant are reported to contain various medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity. Herewith, the present work demonstrates and optimizes the extraction process usingan ultrasonic system and comopared the results with conventional extraction methods. Optimization was performed by combining first and second-order polynomial designs at different levels using Plackett-Burman and Central-Composite designs. A total of 31 experiments were conducted at different levels, including ultrasonic power (10–40 %), solvent-to-sample ratio (20–50 mL/g), solvent concentration (50–80 %), and HCl normality (0.2–1 N). The findings of the study suggest a significant (p<0.05) influence of extraction parameters on the extraction yield of the response variables, including total phenol (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), total tannin (TTC), and the antioxidants activity. Further, the predicted values demonstrated good agreement with the experimental values, exhibiting a high (R2>95%) coefficient of determination and a non-significant lack of fit. At the optimized condition, the experimental values of TPC, TFC, TTC and antioxidants (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) activity were found near the model predicted values. The HPLC-PDA analysis identified ten polyphenolic compounds, among which rutin hydrate (12.991±0.003 mg/g DW), followed by phloridzin (6.660±0.001 mg/g DW), and chlorogenic acid (3.380±0.008 mg/g DW) were the most prominent compounds. Furthermore, the optimized extract showed effective antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtillis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus species. In conclusion, the obtained results indicate that the proposed optimization strategy can be utilized to enhance the yield of polyphenolics from the target species with possibility of its application in therapeutics values.