Murraya Koenigii Research Articles

The Determination of Ascorbic in Ethanol Extract of Young and Old Kari Leaf (Murraya koenigii L. Spreng) by Spectrophotometry UV

Kari (Murraya koenigii L. Spreng) merupakan flora dari famili Rutaceae. Kari merupakan tumbuhan khas Srilangka, India, dan beberapa wilayah Asia Tenggara, termasuk Nusantara, Provinsi Aceh kaya akan tanaman Kari yang dikenal dengan daun Temurui. Nusantara merupakan daerah dengan beragam kekayaan alam, misalnya flora berkhasiat obat. Nusantara memiliki 30.000 jenis flora dari 40.000 jenis flora di dunia dengan 940 jenis flora berkhasiat obat. Kari merupakan salah satu flora berkhasiat obat.Daun Kari dimanfaatkan masyarakat di Nusantara sebagai rempah-rempah dan penyedap makanan, penyembuh sakit perut, pemerah kepala, obat luka, influenza, reumatik, diare, maupun diabetes, penyembuhan wasir, penurun demam dan radang serta gatal-gatal, bahkan untuk parfum maupun sabun karena beraroma khas dengan kehadiran senyawa atsirinya. Daun Kari kaya akan senyawa berkhasiat obat, diantaranya askorbat. Askorbat mudah larut dalam air namun mudah rusak, teroksidasi karena panas, atau tidak stabil oleh panas. Penentuan kandungan askorbat pada daun telah dilakukan oleh peneliti terdahulu. Kandungan askorbat dapat dilakukan secara volumetris atau dengan instrumen.Penelitian bertujuan untuk menganalisis kadungan askorbat pada ekstrak daun Kari tua dan muda dengan spektrofotometri UV. Penentuan kandungan askorbat dengan metode ini relatif murah dan baik. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda dan tua masing-masing sebesar 69,97 dan 45,58 mg/g. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda lebih besar dibandingkan yang tua. Penentuan kandungan askorbat pada daun telah dilakukan oleh peneliti terdahulu. Kandungan askorbat dapat dilakukan secara volumetris atau dengan instrumen. Penelitian bertujuan untuk menganalisis kadungan askorbat pada ekstrak daun Kari tua dan muda dengan spektrofotometri UV. Penentuan kandungan askorbat dengan metode ini relatif murah dan baik.Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda dan tua masing-masing sebesar 69,97 dan 45,58 mg/g. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda lebih besar dibandingkan yang tua. Penentuan kandungan askorbat pada daun telah dilakukan oleh peneliti terdahulu. Kandungan askorbat dapat dilakukan secara volumetris atau dengan instrumen. Penelitian bertujuan untuk menganalisis kadungan askorbat pada ekstrak daun Kari tua dan muda dengan spektrofotometri UV. Penentuan kandungan askorbat dengan metode ini relatif murah dan baik. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda dan tua masing-masing sebesar 69,97 dan 45,58 mg/g. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda lebih besar dibandingkan yang tua. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda dan tua masing-masing sebesar 69,97 dan 45,58 mg/g. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda lebih besar dibandingkan yang tua. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda dan tua masing-masing sebesar 69,97 dan 45,58 mg/g. Kandungan askorbat ekstrak daun Kari muda lebih besar dibandingkan yang tua.

Development and estimation of herbal hair conditioner by Annona squamosa

Hair conditioner is one of the cosmetics which is widely used in daily life. Hair is an imperative part of the human body which protects scalp. Hair conditioner is hair care product, which is applied to the hair and hair tips after shampoo in order to condition the hair and then it is rinsed out. Hair conditioner is wed improve the manageability and to enhance lustrous look of hair. Its main purpose is to reduce friction between the hair strands to allow easier brushing and combing. The main objective is to develop the most effective hair care product to meet people's compliance. The plants product used in herbal hair conditioner like Custard Apple, egg white, Aloe Vera, Hibiscus Flower, Lemon, Curry Leaves, rose oil having various properties like Stimulate hair growth, prevents breakage, prevent dandruff, reduces hair fall, improve manageability, helps in smoothing. Herbal hair conditioner was evaluated by different parameters like pH, dirt dispersion test, cleansing, and stability, moisturizing time determination, and viscosity, physical appearance (color, odor, and texture).

Effect of plant extracts on the reduction of acrylamide and hydroxymethylfurfural formation in French fries

Acrylamide (AA) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are by-products of the Maillard reaction that occur during the frying process. These substances are toxic and pose a potential health risk because they are consumed in high amounts in Western diets. We investigate using plant extracts, including cinnamon, clove, curry leaf, mint, and turmeric, to reduce these harmful compounds while preparing French fries. Our results demonstrate the significant potential of curry leaf and mint leaf extracts, which have not been previously explored in this context, in effectively inhibiting AA and HMF formation. We observe that eugenol and cinnamic acid in cinnamon and clove extracts suppress HMF and AA formation, although to a lesser extent than other extracts. Notably, we establish an inverse relationship between the reducing properties of the extracts and the formation of toxicants. Furthermore, our research emphasize the crucial role of blanching, which, when combined with soaking, proves more effective in reducing AA and HMF content than soaking alone. Overall, this research highlights the promising application of natural plant extracts and the significance of blanching in enhancing food safety and quality while preparing fried potatoes.

Iodine Fortification Study of Some Common Nigerian Vegetables Using Copper Complex

Iodine deficiency (ID) is the result of insufficient dietary iodine intake in humans, the deficiency not only leads to goiter formation but also to severe retardation of growth, development and maturation of nearly all the tissues of the body, especially those that are fast developing. The aim of this research is to evaluate levels of iodine intake by ten Nigerian vegetables using copper complex. Dry alkaline ash method was used in the determination. The results obtained showed that all the ten vegetables used absorbed high concentrations of iodine when inoculated with 0.09 M and 0.14 M [Cu(I)4]2- . Iodine phytotoxicity was observed in all the plants when inoculated with 0.2-0.8 M of the copper complex as all the plants died. Increase in the concentration of copper complex from 0.09-0.14 M increased the absorption of iodine by Amaranthus hybridus, Corchorous olitoruis, Gongronema lotifolium and Solanum melongena. The reverse was observed with Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Talinium triangulare, Abelmoschus esculentus, Cucurbita pepo and Telfairia occidentalis. Ocimum gratissimum absorbed the iodine at 0.09M with value of 164.79 mg/kg, the vegetable also absorbed least at 0.14 M with a dose of 61.80 mg/kg. The intake of the iodine by the plants showed that the method can be used in the fortifying these Nigerian vegetables with iodine, thereby reducing the incidence of Iodine deficiency disorder in humans.

Green synthesized Cu-doped CeO2 nanoparticles for Congo red dye adsorption and antibacterial action

The removal of pollutants from water bodies is crucial for the well-being of humanity and is a topic of global research. Researchers have turned their attention to green synthesized nanoparticles for wastewater treatment due to their eco-friendly nature, biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. This work demonstrates the efficient removal of organic dye and both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria from water bodies using copper-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized with Murraya Koenigii extract. Characterized via various methods, the 15% copper doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (Cu 15% NPs) exhibited maximum Congo red dye adsorption (98% degradation in 35 min). Kinetic analysis favoured a pseudo-second-order model, indicating the chemical nature of adsorption. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms aligned with the Langmuir model, indicating homogenous monolayer dye adsorption on the doped adsorbent. The maximum uptake of adsorbate, Q m obtained from Langmuir model for Cu 15% NPs was 193 mg g−1. The study also showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for Cu-doped ceria, attributed to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by the redox cycling between Ce3+ and Ce4+. This substantiated that the green synthesized copper doped cerium oxide nanoparticles are potential candidates for adsorptive removal of Congo red dye and as antibacterial agents.

Glycemic homeostasis of ultrasound-assisted Murraya koenigii (Linn.) Spreng. bark extract in streptozocin-induced diabetes in rats

AbstractNumerous diseases have been linked to oxidative stress, emphasizing its role in pathogenicity. This study employed an ultrasound-assisted extraction process to obtain extracts from the bark of Murraya koenigii (L) Spreng. A thorough analysis was conducted on these dry extracts to determine their total phenolic and flavonoid content across four solvent fractions: n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous. Among the solvent fractions, ethyl acetate and n-butanol showed higher levels of total flavonoid content (TFC) and total phenolic content (TPC) compared to the others. The ethyl acetate fraction displayed the highest TPC (58.27 ± 4.20 mg GAE/g) and TFC (878.67 ± 40.38 mg QE/g) at 250 µg/mL concentration. Furthermore, the in-vitro antioxidant capacity of the ethyl acetate fraction was assessed for its ability to scavenge DPPH and hydrogen peroxide, revealing a concentration-dependent effect with IC50 values of 154.6 ± 6.2 and 55.12 ± 4.28 μg/mL, respectively. In a controlled experiment using streptozocin-induced diabetic rats, administering UMBE-EA at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg notably improved blood glucose levels and body weight. Furthermore, several biochemical indicators, such as total protein levels, serum insulin, and the activities of enzymes like SGOT, SGPT, and ALP, as well as liver glycogen, showed significant enhancements. The antioxidant enzyme activities, including SOD, CAT, and GSH, returned to more favorable levels, and TABAR levels were normalized. In conclusion, the findings from this study strongly suggest that UMBE-EA possesses substantial anti-diabetic efficacy in Wistar rats, primarily attributed to its remarkable antioxidant properties and capacity to scavenge free radicals. These results provide valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of UMBE-EA in diabetes management.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm effect of cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing bovine mastitis.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to human, animal, and plant health on a global scale. Search and elimination techniques should be used to effectively counter the spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. With only a few novel drugs in clinical development, the quest for plant-based alternatives to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria has accelerated. Treatment of MRSA infections is challenging owing to rapidly emerging resistance mechanisms coupled with their protective biofilms. In the present research, we examined the antibacterial properties of ten plant-derived ethanolic leaf extracts. The most effective ethanolic leaf extract against MRSA in decreasing order of zone of inhibition, Cannabis sativa L. > Syzygium cumini > Murraya koenigii > Eucalyptus sp. > while Aloe barbadensis, Azadirachta indica, had very little impact. Mangifera indica, Curcuma longa, Tinospora cordifolia, and Carica papaya did not exhibit inhibitory effects against MRSA; hence, Cannabis was selected for further experimental study. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Cannabis sativa L. extract was 0.25mgml-1 with 86% mortality. At a sub-MIC dosage of 0.125mgml-1, the biofilm formation was reduced by 71%. The two major cannabinoids detected were cannabidiol and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), which were majorly attributed to substantial inhibitory action against MRSA. The time-kill kinetics demonstrated a bactericidal action at 4 MIC over an 8-20-h time window with a 90% reduction in growth rate. The results from SEM, and light microscopy Giemsa staining revealed a reduction in cells in the treated group with increased AKP activity, indicating bacterial cell membrane breakdown. These findings suggested cannabinoids may be a promising alternative to antibiotic therapy for bovine biofilm-associated MRSA.

Evaluation of Hypotensive and Vasodilatory Effects of Murraya koenigii Leaves Extract in L-NAME Induced Hypertensive Rats in Relation with Muscarinic Receptors

Evaluation of Hypotensive and Vasodilatory Effects of Murraya koenigii Leaves Extract in L-NAME Induced Hypertensive Rats in Relation with Muscarinic Receptors

Pharmacological Effect of In Vitro Antioxidant Property and Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Utilizing Murraya koenigii Antibacterial Application

ABSTRACT Background: Nonessential heavy metals pose a significant threat to human health due to their toxicity. Mercury, in particular, is identified as a hazardous metal. The study aims to detect mercury using colorimetric analysis with Murraya koenigii, emphasizing the eco-friendliness of the method. Aims and Objectives: The primary objective is to detect mercury using a colorimetric analysis method employing Murraya koenigii. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the eco-friendliness of this detection method. Materials and Methods: Colorimetric analysis was conducted using Murraya koenigii to detect mercury. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy was employed to detect the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), with a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band observed. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data analysis was performed to determine the crystalline nature and size of AgNPs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to visualize the morphology of AgNPs. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify functional groups involved in reducing silver ions. Antibacterial properties of synthesized AgNPs were tested against various microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis. Results: Mercury was successfully detected using colorimetric analysis with Murraya koenigii. Formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, with a characteristic SPR band at 418 nm. AgNPs were found to be crystalline with an average size of 5.20 nm, as determined by XRD analysis. SEM images revealed spherical and polycrystalline AgNPs. FTIR spectra indicated the involvement of the -OH group of compounds in the extract in reducing silver ions. Synthesized AgNPs exhibited antibacterial properties against various microorganisms. Conclusion: A sustainable and eco-friendly method for synthesizing AgNPs using Murraya koenigii extract was successfully developed. This method not only detected mercury but also demonstrated antibacterial properties against various microorganisms. The study underscores the health implications of nonessential heavy metals, emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly detection and mitigation methods.

Phytochemical Analysis of Silver Nanoparticles of Psidium guajava Leaf Extract and Evaluation for Its Antibacterial Property.

Nonessential heavy metals are toxic to human health. In this study, mercury, a hazardous metal, was detected by colorimetric analysis using Murraya koenigii. The eco-friendliness of this method was also emphasized. UV spectrum is a broad peak observed at 200-250 nm in P. guajava leaf extracts. The UV spectrum of green synthesized P. guajava exhibited an absorption band of 418 nm, which confirms the nanoparticle synthesis. FTIR analysis of the vibrational peak around 3307 cm-1 is assigned to ν(O-H) stretching that could possibly emanate from carbohydrates or phenolics. The peaks found around 2917 and 2849 cm-1 are ascribed to the -C-H stretch of the alkyl group, and the peak around 1625 cm-1 is due to the enolic β-diketones or -C = O stretch of carboxylic acids, while the corresponding -C-O stretch is observed around 1375 and 1029 cm-1. The assignment of peaks is similar. It is clear from the SEM image that the constituent parts were non-uniform sphere-shaped, agglomerated, and of an average size of 30.9 nm. XRD analysis was utilized to determine the structural characteristics and crystalline nature of P. guajava. The observed intensity peaks at 32.35°, 36.69°, 39.24°, 44.76°, 59.42°, and 67.35° represent the 2θ values for P. guajava in the diffraction pattern, aligning with the values in the standard database. The synthesized AgNPs tested antibacterial properties against various strains of microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, 25 μg/mL 6.02 ± 0.17 and 100 μg/mL 7.3 ± 0.05, Staphylococcus aureus, 25 μg/mL 05.02 ± 0.07 and 100 μg/mL 11.3 ± 1.12, Streptococcus mutans, 25 μg/mL 04.02 ± 0.19 and 100 μg/mL 11.1 ± 0.11, Enterococcus faecalis, 25 µg/mL 0.8.05 ± 0.11 and 100 µg/mL 11.7 ± 0.02. The short novelty of Psidium guajava (guava) lies in its potential relevance to human health, as it has been found to possess bioactive compounds with various medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a promising natural resource for therapeutic applications.

Removal of Metal Ions from Wastewater Using Co‐integrated Superparamagnetic Nanoparticles

AbstractThe column performance of silica‐coated, amino‐functionalized, superparamagnetic nanoparticles co‐integrated with Cynodon dactylon and Murraya koenigii plant extracts for the removal of CuII ions was evaluated. The co‐integrated nanoparticles were used as sorbent materials in fixed‐bed column studies, and the effects of inlet concentration, adsorbent bed depth, and flow rate were analyzed. Breakthrough time was calculated for various CuII inlet concentrations, depths of the adsorbent bed, and volumetric flow rates. Models such as Thomas, Yoon‐Nelson, and the bed depth model were evaluated to determine the experimental fit. The maximum breakthrough time for CuII ions of 1200 min was attained for a CuII inlet concentration of 100 mg L–1, sorbent bed depth of 3 cm, and volumetric flow rate of 1 mL min–1.

Extraction, Estimation and Utilization of Curry Leaf (Murraya koenigii) Stalks as a Potential Source of Antioxidants

Background: Processing wastes that are generated at industrial and house hold level are a huge concern. Utilization of these by-products and their bioactive compounds is a blooming industry at present. This study has been designed to unleash the potential of such by-product (stalks) and their possible application. Methods: In order to use plant by-products as a potential source of antioxidants, the methanolic, aqueous methanolic and aqueous extracts of the curry leaf stalks were studied. The nutrient, anti-nutrient, phytochemical content and in-vitro antioxidant activities were assessed for the stalks. The plant extracts were then incorporated in sunflower oil and tested for stability of oil upon repetitive deep frying. Result: Total phenolic content and flavonoids followed the order of aqueous methanolic greater than aqueous greater than methanolic extracts. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts for total flavanols followed the order aqueous greater than aqueous methanolic greater than methanolic. In vitro antioxidant activities of the extracts in DPPH, FRAP, reducing power and CUPRAC assays followed the order aqueous methanolic greater than methanolic greater than aqueous extracts. Therefore, aqueous methanol is a suitable solvent among the three solvents for extracting most active components with higher antioxidant activity from the stalks. Findings from the present study infer that Curry leaf stalks can be a potential source of natural antioxidants and can be used in foods and pharmacological formulas.

Biology and morphometry of curry leaf tortoise beetle, Silana farinosa (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae)- an emerging pest in Kerala

Silana farinosa (Boheman), commonly known as curry leaf tortoise beetle, is a coleopteran pest of curry leaves and some other plants belonging to the Rutaceae family. It is an emerging major pest of curry leaves in India that can cause severe defoliation to the crop. A female lays an average of 5.00 + 0.52 ootheca in her lifetime with a mean of 14.00 + 0.33 eggs in it. The average duration of the egg stage was 5.30 + 0.15 days, the grub stage was 16.80 + 0.29 days, the pupal stage was 5.00 + 0.21 and the adult stage was 81.10 + 0.80 days. Key words: Curry leaf, Silana farinosa, Kerala

Phytochemical characterisation of leaves and stems of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack and their antibacterial activity against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacterial infection

SummaryAntibiotic resistance is now deemed a worldwide problem that puts public health at risk. The potential of Murraya (Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. and Murraya paniculata (L.) Jacq.) leaves and stems as antibacterial agents against multidrug‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) was assessed in our study. First, screening was performed by disc diffusion assay, and minimum inhibitory concentration values were then determined as compared to tigecycline. A. baumnii mouse model of infection was established to substantiate the antibacterial activity of Murraya species. Results revealed high antimicrobial activity for stem of both plants where leaves showed moderate to weak activity. Phytochemical characterisation revealed the identification of 129 metabolites belonging to different classes of compounds viz. coumarins, carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and miscellaneous. In vivo data from the animal model supported the high efficiency of M. paniculata stems as promising extract for lead candidates against MDRAB pulmonary infections. Inhibition of its essential MurF (UDP‐N‐acetylmuramoyl‐tripeptide‐D‐alanyl‐d‐alanine ligase) protein has been reported as a potential target for broad‐spectrum drugs. In silico results after molecular docking to MurF from Acinetobacter baumannii (PDB ID: 4QF5) showed competitive binding mode to ATP ligand at the active site predicting antibacterial activity of the tested compounds. Furthermore, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic acid, feruloyl agmatine, and mahanimbidine were detected as the key discriminatory metabolites correlated with antibacterial activity. To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo anti‐MDRAB study for the investigated plant. Murraya plants have enormous possibility for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds which could combat against resistant microorganisms.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method Development and Validation for Estimation of Mahanimbine in Curry Leaves

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method Development and Validation for Estimation of Mahanimbine in Curry Leaves

Screening of Antimicrobial Activity of Murraya koenigii Leaf Extracts Against Pathogenic Bacterial Strains Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Isolated from Contaminated Water

Aim: Murraya koenigii is a widely used plant both as a potential medicinal agent and also for common cooking purposes. Aim of this present study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of Murraya koenigii leaf extracts on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. 
 Study Design: Screening and isolation of pathogenic bacterial strains from contaminated water. Preparation of Murraya koenigii leaf extracts using petroleum ether, acetone and ethyl acetate by using serial extraction method with Soxhlet apparatus.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of microbiology, Agro biotec research centre Ltd, Poovanthuruthu, Kottayam, Kerala, India, between 2014 January to 2014 May.
 Methodology: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were the bacterial strains used in this study. Morphological and biochemical analysis of microorganisms were conducted to identify the strains. Leaf extracts (petroleum ether, acetone and ethyl acetate) of Murraya koenigii were screened using MHA disc diffusion methods.
 Results: Various concentration of plant extracts were used to check its activity against isolated pathogens. Acetone extract of curry leaves exhibit maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and petroleum ether extracts shown maximum inhibition against Escherichia coli.

Control of a Semi-closed Plant Factory with Artificial Lighting-based on Two Different LED with NB-IoT

Plant factory artificial light (PFAL) is an effective technique for producing large amounts of crops per area and high-quality plant growth. This work aims to construct a semi-closed PFAL growth system based on NB-IoT using two types of LED arrays: phosphor-converted LED (pc-LED) and RB-LED. Next, while examining the features of the artificial light spectrum, compare the Curry leaf kale and Chinese kale in seedlings under various LED light sources. An NB-IoT module with the MAGELLAN platform monitored and controlled the temperature, humidity, and illumination of the semi-closed PFAL growing system. The results indicate that cos lettuce cultivated with PCLEDs is likely more photosynthesis-capable than cos lettuce grown with RBLEDs. Compared to RB-LED, the average fresh weight of the cos lettuce from PC-LED was significantly higher. The data gathered from the cloud system under the MAGELLAN platform during the 7-day trial, the control of lighting and watering in the semi-closed PFAL system, and the measurement results of environmental factors were all accurately completed. Organic veggies could be grown in a home or school using the semi-PFAL growing technique.

Combination of LC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking in Investigating the Phytochemicals in Murraya koenigii

Combination of LC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking in Investigating the Phytochemicals in Murraya koenigii

Biogenic synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of cerium nanoparticles for treatment of dyes contaminated water

In this study, Murraya Koenigii leaf extract mediated cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ce-NPs) were synthesized using an eco-friendly approach. The surface morphology, elemental composition, surface functional groups, crystal structure and thermal stability of the synthesized Ce-NPs were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The synthesized Ce-NPs were evaluated for their photocatalytic activity with respect to degradation of methylene blue dye (MBD) and acid orange-7 dye (AO7D) aqueous solution in the presence of sunlight. The dye degradation activity of the developed Ce-NPs was analyzed by the analysis of absorbance in treated and untreated aqueous dyes solution using UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The result of the study inferred that Ce-NPs have promising photocatalytic degradation ability (>98 %) for both AO7D and MBD (concentration = 10 mg L−1 of each dye) within 100 min exposure to sunlight.

Four powdered plants for prevention of Aeromonas hydrophila disease in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

As alternatives to antibiotics and growth promoters, herbs and medicinal plants can contribute to new strategies for aquatic health management, and have great potential for more sustainable aquaculture. Four plants, Pelargonium roseum, Schinus terenbinthifolius, Murraya koenigii and Aphloia theiformis, widely distributed in tropical countries were studied to assess their efficacy in the prevention and reduction of mortality caused by experimental infection with Aeromonas hydrophila on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Powdered plants were incorporated into fish feed, and fish were fed with an enriched diet for 40 days before a challenge with the pathogen. No negative impact on the condition factor, weight gain or specific growth rate was observed in fish fed with the plant supplements, and the best growth was observed in fish fed with P. roseum. Mortality was significantly reduced in fish treated with A. theiformis compared to other fish from plant species and control, with a relative survival rate (RPS) of up to 30%.