Dichloromethane Research Articles

One-pot sequential synthesis of unsymmetrical diarylmethanes using methylene chloride as a C1-synthon.

Bisindolylmethane (BIM) and its derivatives are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry due to their significant biological activities. However, most reported synthetic methods are focused on the synthesis of symmetric BIMs, while the synthesis of unsymmetrical BIMs remains a challenge. Herein, an unprecedented two-step one-pot method to afford unsymmetrically substituted 3,3'-BIM frameworks, using methylene chloride (DCM) as the C1-synthon is reported. In this protocol, the formation of two C-C bonds can be achieved via a one-pot reaction. The utility of commercially available phenols and anilines was also demonstrated in the construction of unsymmetrical diarylmethanes. This protocol provides a straightforward approach to access diverse unsymmetrical diarylmethane derivatives under simple and mild conditions. The broad substrate compatibility and good functional group tolerance of the protocol support its practical application potential.

Interplay between anion-receptor and anion-solvent interactions in halide receptor complexes characterized with ultrafast infrared spectroscopies.

The competition between host-guest binding and solvent interactions is a crucial factor in determining the binding affinities and selectivity of molecular receptor species. The interplay between these competing interactions, however, have been difficult to disentangle. In particular, the development of molecular-level descriptions of solute-solvent interactions remains a grand experimental challenge. Herein, we investigate the prototypical halide receptor meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (OMCP) complexed with either chloride or bromide anions in both dichloromethane (DCM) and chloroform (trichloromethane, TCM) solvent using ultrafast infrared transient absorption and 2D IR spectroscopies. OMCP·Br- complexes in both solvents display slower vibrational relaxation dynamics of the OMCP pyrrole NH stretches, consistent with weaker H-bonding interactions with OMCP compared to chloride and less efficient intermolecular relaxation to the solvent. Further, OMCP·Br- complexes show nearly static spectral diffusion dynamics compared to OMCP·Cl-, indicating larger structural fluctuations occur within chloride complexes. Importantly, distinct differences in the vibrational spectra and dynamics are observed between DCM and TCM solutions. The data are consistent with stronger and more perturbative solvent effects in TCM compared to DCM, despite DCM's larger dielectric constant and smaller reported OMCP·X- binding affinities. These differences are attributed to the presence of weak H-bond interactions between halides and TCM, in addition to competing interactions from the bulky tetrabutylammonium countercation. The data provide important experimental benchmarks for quantifying the role of solvent and countercation interactions in anion host-guest complexes.

Chemical Analysis of SU-Eohyeol Pharmacopuncture and Its In Vitro Biological Activities.

Introduction: Pharmacopuncture (PA) is widely used in traditional Korean medicine to treat various diseases, including abdominal obesity, nervous system diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders. In the present study, we attempted to identify the chemical components of SU-Eohyeol PA (SUEHP), comprising extracts of eight medicinal herbs and Cervi Parvum Cornu, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of SUEHP. Methods: Volatile components of SUEHP were identified by GC-MS analysis of the n-hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and distilled water-acetonitrile (DW-CAN) solvent fractions. LC-MS was performed to identify small metabolites of SUEHP using a water-methanol solvent fraction. In vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of SUEHP was evaluated using cell-free biochemical assays and a BV2 microglial cell culture system. Results: GC-MS of SUEHP using the n-hexane, DCM, and DW-ACN solvent fractions detected 32 components. The major components (>3%) were 9-octadecenamide (25.9%) and eicosane (5.4%) in n-hexane fraction, 9-octadecenamide (29.1%) and cis-11-octadecenoic acid (3.1%) in DCM fraction, and 9-octadecenamide (31.1%) and 9-octadecenoic acid (17.9%) in DW-CAN fraction. LC-MS of SUEHP using a water-methanol solvent fraction detected 36 primary metabolites, including (a)symmetric dimethylarginine, L-pyroglutamic acid, n,n-dimethylglycine, n-acetyl-L-aspartic acid, and amino acids. Enrichment analysis and subsequent network analysis of the primary metabolites suggested their association with neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. Cell-free biochemical assays and molecular signaling studies of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 murine microglial cells demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of SUEHP. Conclusion: The present study identified the biochemically active components of SUEHP and suggested their therapeutic potential against diseases related to inflammatory and oxidative stress.

Investigation of phytochemical composition and bioactivity evaluation of extracts from Myrsine umbellata Mart.

The objective of the study was to carry out phytochemical prospection through colorimetric tests to determine the groups of secondary metabolites and also to determine the total content of phenolic compounds (TPC) present in plant extracts methanol (ME), ethyl acetate (EAE), hexane (HE) and dichloromethane (DE) from the leaves of Myrsine umbellata, as well as to investigate the antimicrobial activity against twelve standard ATCC strains by the broth microdilution technique; the antioxidant potential by the DPPH method and the ABTS method and the antibiofilm potential on the biofilm biomass of standard bacteria by the crystal violet technique and tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) assay. Phytochemical prospection detected the presence of saponins, steroids, alkaloids, anthocyanins, anthocyanidins, flavonoids, and tannins. The results of the quantitative phytochemical estimation revealed a higher content of total phenolics in DE (280.24 ± 0.037 µM GAE g ext. -1) followed by ME (159.01 ± 0.031 µM GAE g ext. -1). The ME showed the best biological activities when compared to the other extracts tested. We observed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis strain (MIC 3.12 and MBC 6.25), antioxidant percentage of 92.58% against the DPPH radical and 420.31 µM Trolox g ext. -1 against the ABTS radical, finally showed antibiofilm action against Gram-positive strain Staphylococcus aureus, with eradication of the biomass in 92.58%. The results suggest that EM from M. umbellata represents an alternative source of plant bioactives for the development of natura products.

Dinuclear enantiopure Ln3+ complexes with (S-) and (R-) 2-phenylbutyrate ligands. Luminescence, CPL and magnetic properties.

The reaction of Ln(NO3)2·6H2O (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Tm and Yb) with the respective enantiopure (R)-(-)-2-phenylbutyric or (S)-(+)-2-phenylbutyric acid (R/S-2-HPhBut) and 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline (Bphen) allows the isolation of chiral dinuclear compounds of the formula [Ln2(μ-R/S-2-PhBut)4(R/S-2PhBut)2(Bphen)2] where Ln = Nd3+ (R/S-Nd-a), Sm3+ (R/S-Sm-a), Eu3+ (R/S-Eu-a), Tb3+ (R/S-Tb-a and R/S-Tb-b), Dy3+ (R/S-Dy-a and R/S-Dy-b), Tm3+ (R/S-Tm-b) and Yb3+ (R/S-Yb-b). Single crystal X-ray diffraction was performed for compounds S-Eu-a and S-Tm-b. Powder crystal X-ray diffraction was performed for all complexes. From the crystallographic data two different structural motifs were found which are referred to as structure type a and structure type b. In structure type a, the Ln3+ atoms are bridged through four R or S-2-PhBut ligands with two different kinds of coordination modes whereas in structure type b the two Ln3+ atoms are bridged through four R or S-2-PhBut ligands showing only one kind of coordination mode. For those lanthanide ions exhibiting both structure types, Tb3+ and Dy3+, a difference in the luminescence and magnetism behavior is observed. All compounds (except R/S-Tm-b) exhibit sensitized luminescence, notably the Eu3+ and Tb3+ analogues. Circular Dichroism (CD) and Circular Polarized Luminescence (CPL) in the solid state and in 1 mM dichloromethane (DCM) solutions are reported, leading to improved chiroptical properties for the DCM solutions. The asymmetry factor (glum) in 1 mM DCM is ±0.02 (+ for R-Eu-a) for the magnetically allowed transition 5D0 → 7F1 and ±0.03 (+ for R-Tb-a and R-Tb-b) for the 5D4 → 7F5 transition. Magnetic properties of all compounds were studied and the Dy3+ compound with the structural motif b (R-Dy-b) shows Single Molecular Magnet (SMM) behavior under a 0 T magnetic field. However, R-Dy-a is a field-induced SMM.

Mobile genetic elements associated with utilization of dichloromethane and methanol as energy sources in Cupriavidus metallidurans.

Cupriavidus metallidurans strain PD11 isolated from laboratory waste drainage can use C1 compounds, such as dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol, as a sole carbon and energy source. However, strain CH34 (a type-strain) cannot grow in the medium supplemented with DCM. In the present study, we aimed to unravel the genetic elements underlying the utilization of C1 compounds by strain PD11. The genome subtraction approach indicated that only strain PD11 had several genes highly homologous to those of Herminiimonas arsenicoxydans strain ULPAs1. Moreover, a series of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the orthologs of H. arsenicoxydans genes and the comparative study of the genomes of three strains revealed that the 87.9 kb DNA fragment corresponding to HEAR1959 to HEAR2054 might be horizontally transferred to strain PD11. The 87.9 kb DNA fragment identified was found to contain three genes whose products were putatively involved in the metabolism of formaldehyde, a common intermediate of DCM and methanol. In addition, reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that all three genes were significantly expressed when strain PD11 was cultivated in the presence of DCM or methanol. These findings suggest that strain PD11 can effectively utilize the C1 compounds because of transfer of the mobile genetic elements from other bacterial species, for instance, from H. arsenicoxydans.

Can humans smell tastants?

Although studies have shown that olfaction may contribute to the perception of tastant, literature is scarce or circumstantial, especially in humans. This study aims to (i) explore whether humans can perceive solutions of basic prototypical tastants through orthonasal and retronasal olfaction and (ii) to examine what volatile odor compounds (VOCs) underlie this ability. Solutions of 5 basic tastants (sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, monosodium glutamate [MSG], quinine) dissolved in water, and 2 fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acid) dissolved in mineral oil were prepared. Triangle discrimination tests were performed (n = 41 in duplicate) to assess whether the tastant solutions can be distinguished from blanks (solvents) through ortho- and retronasal olfaction. Participants were able to distinguish all tastant solutions from blank through orthonasal olfaction. Only sucrose, sodium chloride, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were distinguished from blank by retronasal olfaction. Ethyl dichloroacetate, methylene chloride, and/or acetone were identified in the headspace of sucrose, MSG, and quinine solutions but not in the headspace of water, sodium chloride, and citric acid solutions. Fat oxidation compounds such as alcohols and aldehydes were detected in the headspace of the oleic and linoleic acid solutions but not the mineral oil. We conclude that prototypical tastant solutions can be discriminated from water and fatty acid solutions from mineral oil through orthonasal olfaction. Differences in the volatile headspace composition between blanks and tastant solutions may have facilitated the olfactory discrimination. These findings can have methodological implications for future studies assessing gustatory perception using these prototypical taste compounds.

Effects of the extraction of fatty acids and thermal/rheological properties of Mexican red pitaya oil

<abstract> <p>We evaluated the effects of solvents with different polarities—methylene chloride (MC), methanol (MT), and hexane (HE) on the extraction of compounds from Mexican red pitaya seed oil. The fatty acid composition and the structural, rheological, and thermal properties of the different extracts were characterized. The results indicated that the highest yield of extraction was generated for MC (26.96%), as well as the greatest amount of Mono and Polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the lowest yield was for MT (16.86%). The antioxidant activity was greater in the MT treatment due to extractable compounds from high polarity. The generated extracts contained unsaturated fatty acids, mostly oleic and linoleic acids, and saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid. The lowest solidification temperature was −6.35 ℃ for MC due to its fatty acid composition, and the degradation temperature was around 240 ℃. The viscosity is a quality parameter; the highest level was generated for the MC treatment, which was significantly different from HE and MT. The composition of the extracts was analyzed using the FT-IR spectroscopy and showed the typical characteristic of absorption bands for triglycerides with high frequency in bands 2852 cm<sup>−1</sup> and 2924 cm<sup>−1</sup>, which indicated that the samples were rich in unsaturated and polyunsaturated acids. These results suggested that pitaya seed oil is an excellent alternative source of essential fatty acids with potential physiological benefits.</p> </abstract>

Isolation, identification and α-glucosidase inhibition evaluation of a phenolic compound from Elaeocarpus mastersii King leaves

Elaeocarpus mastersii King is an Indonesian folk medicine with high phenolic content. In this study, the E. mastersii King leaves were extracted using methanol solvent through maceration. The methanol extract was continuously fractionated by the liquid-liquid extraction using hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate solvents, respectively. The DCM fraction was purified by column chromatography using Silica gel 60 and Sephadex LH-20 as the stationary phase and monitored by thin-layer chromatography. This isolation process led to obtaining a pure compound with the appearance of white crystalline powder and a melting point of 198-199℃. This compound absorbed the UV light at the wavelength of 229 and 274 nm, as well as produced the bathochromic shift by the addition of NaOH reagent indicating the aromatic compound with the hydroxyl (OH) substituent. The IR spectrum confirmed the presence of aromatic and OH groups along with other functional groups, such as carbonyl (vmax 1693 cm-1) and alkane (C-H, vmax 2953 cm-1). The NMR data suggested the isolated compound as methyl gallate. Furthermore, the m/z value of the isolated compound was 185.04416 Da [M+H]+. It confirmed the monoisotopic mass of the methyl gallate (184.0362 Da). However, biological evaluation as an α-glucosidase inhibitor showed no positive activity.

Investigation into the impact of CeO2 morphology regulation on the oxidation process of dichloromethane.

Four distinct CeO2 catalysts featuring varied morphologies (nanorods, nanocubes, nanoparticles, and nano spindle-shaped) were synthesized through a hydrothermal process and subsequently employed in the oxidation of dichloromethane (DCM). The findings revealed that the nano spindle-shaped CeO2 exhibited exposure of crystal faces (111), demonstrating superior catalytic oxidation performance for DCM with a T90 of 337 °C and notably excellent low-temperature catalytic activity (T50 = 192 °C). The primary reaction products were identified as HCl and CO2. Through obvious characterizations, it showed that the excellent catalytic activity presented by CeO2-s catalyst might be related to the higher oxygen vacancy concentration, surface active oxygen content, and superior redox performance caused by specific exposed crystal planes. Meanwhile, CeO2-s catalyst owned outstanding stability, reusability, and water inactivation regeneration, which had tremendous potential in practical treatment.

Synthesis of diarylsulphide/diarylselenide embedded pyrazole-fused isocoumarins and isatin/ninhydrin hydrazones via acid catalyzed solvent and temperature controlled reactions

Room temperature stirring a mixture of chalcogenated arylhydrazones and ninhydrin in dichloromethane (DCM) in presence of acid leads to the formation of pyrazole-fused isocoumarins, substituted with diarylsulphide/diarylselenide moiety. On the...

The combination of fraction A3 of Cyrtostachys renda Blume with doxorubicin improved cytotoxicity against T47D cell line through cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction

Currently, natural products of herb medicinal plants are widely reported as a supplement to cancer chemotherapy. The cytotoxic effect of a dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Cyrtostachys renda root and its flow cytometric profile against a human breast cancer cell line (T47D) were investigated in this study. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromid assay was used to assess the combined cytotoxic effects of fraction A3 C. renda root and doxorubicin. The combination index (CI) criteria was used to analyze the synergistic effect of fraction A3 and doxorubicin. The cell cycle and apoptosis profiles were completed using flow cytometric labeling with propidium iodide/RNase and Annexin V. Cell morphological changes were observed using an inverted microscope. Single cytotoxicity fraction A3 of DCM extract was effective against T47D cells with an IC50 value of 43.03 μg/ml. Fraction A3 and doxorubicin at half of IC50 combined had a strong synergistic effect on T47D cells with a CI of 0.2. The cell cycle analysis results showed that this combination caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 and S phases. This observation is consistent with the results of single fraction A3 and doxorubicin treatments, which resulted in cell cycle arrests in the G1 and S phases, respectively. The result of single fraction A3 treatment, combined with doxorubicin for 24 hours, can also induce apoptosis against T47D cells. When the control and treatment groups were compared, the test cell shape altered.

Chromatographical fingerprint analysis, in silico investigation, and identification of hepatoprotective active compounds from Capparis decidua Edgwe (Forssk.)

Liver disorders are globally distributed with a high burden of disease costs. The methanolic extract of Capparis decidua stem part and its dichloromethane (DCM) and ethylacetate fractions showed significant hepatoprotective activity, so this study aimed to develop gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprint profile and in silico docking of identified compounds from both fractions responsible for hepatoprotective activity. Hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, and dihydrolinalool are known hepatoprotective and antioxidant agents that were identified from both fractions by GC/MS, they have various degrees of hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties, this is the first time to identify hexadecanoic acid in C. decidua stem. Both fractions were chromatogramed with known hepatoprotective standard compounds, they were rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, ferulic acid, oleanolic acid, and β-sitosterol; β-sitosterol and oleanolic were isolated and identified in the DCM fraction by HPTLC, but nothing of these standard compounds were identified in the ethylacetate fraction. According to International Council for Harmonization guidelines, the HPTLC fingerprint profile method was validated to confirm our isolation and identification process of β-sitosterol and oleanolic acid in the DCM fraction, also their contents were quantified and they were 9.21 and 7.73 μg/mg, respectively, in the total dry fraction weight, this was the first time to isolate and identify oleanolic acid from C. decidua stem part. In silico docking was carried and was found that hexadecanoic acid showed significant predicted binding properties on Nrf2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and IL-1 receptor proteins. 9-octadecenoic acid (elaidic acid) showed significant predicted interactions with IL-1 receptor, Nrf2, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) proteins. Oleanolic acid showed significant predicted bindings with p65, JNK, and NF-kb. β-sitosterol showed significant predicted interaction with IL-6α protein, while 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid revealed significant binding with PPAR-α protein. Therefore, we recommend considering our active compounds in the field of drug development (structure-activity relationship) and the possibility of the presence of synergism if they are combined and administered together. Moreover, we recommend liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance on both fractions to search for the possibility of the presence of other hepatoprotective compounds.

A Pralidoxime Nanocomplex Formulation Targeting Transferrin Receptors for Reactivation of Brain Acetylcholinesterase After Exposure of Mice to an Anticholinesterase Organophosphate.

Organophosphates are among the deadliest of known chemicals based on their ability to inactivate acetylcholinesterase in neuromuscular junctions and synapses of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The consequent accumulation of acetylcholine can produce severe acute toxicities and death. Oxime antidotes act by reactivating acetylcholinesterase with the only such reactivator approved for use in the United States being 2-pyridine aldoxime methyl chloride (a.k.a., pralidoxime or 2-PAM). However, this compound does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily and so is limited in its ability to reactivate acetylcholinesterase in the brain. We have developed a novel formulation of 2-PAM by encapsulating it within a nanocomplex designed to cross the blood-brain barrier via transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis. This nanocomplex (termed scL-2PAM) has been subjected to head-to-head comparisons with unencapsulated 2-PAM in mice exposed to paraoxon, an organophosphate with anticholinesterase activity. In mice exposed to a sublethal dose of paraoxon, scL-2PAM reduced the extent and duration of cholinergic symptoms more effectively than did unencapsulated 2-PAM. The scL-2PAM formulation was also more effective than unencapsulated 2-PAM in rescuing mice from death after exposure to otherwise-lethal levels of paraoxon. Improved survival rates in paraoxon-exposed mice were accompanied by a higher degree of reactivation of brain acetylcholinesterase. Our data indicate that scL-2PAM is superior to the currently used form of 2-PAM in terms of both mitigating paraoxon toxicity in mice and reactivating acetylcholinesterase in their brains.

Study of Some Kinetic Laws of Methyl Monochloride Pyrolysis Reaction

Purpose of work-is to study some kinetic laws of the heating decomposition reaction of monochloromethane in an airless environment at a slightly higher temperature. The growing demand for unsaturated ethylene series hydrocarbons in recent years shows how important the work in this field is. Pyrolysis of methyl chloride was carried out in a special flow and differential reactor. YuKS-20/30, YuKS-20, YuKS-30 and silicoaluminummagnesium phosphates: YuKS-30 Si , YuKS-30 Fe , YuKS-30, and YuKS- 30 modified with Mg were used as catalysts. The selectivity and acidic properties of modified YuKS-30, YuKS-20/YukS-30, YuKS-20 catalysts were studied using the thermoprogrammed desorption method of ammonia. Changes in CH3Cl conversion dynamics were observed at different temperatures and catalysts. From the obtained results, the selectivity for propylene in YuKS-20/YukS-30 and YuKS-20 samples was 32mol% and 35mol%, and in YuKS-30 it was 44mol%. In YuKS-20 and YuKS-20/YukS- 30 samples, the total selectivity of C 2 -C 3 formation at 500 min is 61 mol%, and in YuKS-30 it is equal to 71 mol%. Monochloromethane conversion was 80.5%. In the temperature range of 400-500℃, the activity of silicoaluminummagnesium phosphate was 77-84%, the active period of the catalyst increased at the volume rate of monochloromethane of 1000 h-1 . Ethylene extraction selectivity increases from 26 mol% to 41 mol% after 500 min at a volume rate of 1000-1500 h-1, and propylene selectivity increases to 45-47 mol%.

Isolation and Structural Elucidation of Antimicrobial Molecules from Crinum ornatum (Aiton) Rhizome of Dutsin-Ma

Crinum ornatum is a well-known traditional herb used used traditionally to treat various diseases including wounds, sores, vomiting, ear-aches, urinary tract infection, coughs and cold, renal and hepatic conditions, sexually transmitted diseases and backaches. The rhizomes of C. ornatum were collected, identified, air-dried and pulverized and subjected to cold extraction using hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and methanol (MeOH) respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts was determined using standard antimicrobial tests with Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Baccilus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as test microorganisms. The most active extract was thereafter subjected to Gas chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis, the Structural elucidation of the isolated molecule was performed using advanced spectroscopic techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Results of the antimicrobial activity test of the extracts showed appreciable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi (with MIC value ranging from 200 mg/ml to 25 mg/ml). The results demonstrated significant inhibitory effects, highlighting the potential of the compound as an antimicrobial agent. GCMS analysis identified 45 compounds in the most active (DCM) extract. Out of these, eight (8) compounds were most abundant (revealed >5% peak areas on GC chromatogram). These are: n-hexanedecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z),oleic acid, linoleic acid ethyl ester, ethyl oleate, squalene and tetrapentacontane. Antibacterial activity exhibited by the plant could be ascribed to the presence of the major phytocompounds in the plant and this provides scientific proof of some of ethnomedicinal uses of Crinum ornatum rhizome.

Assessment of Antifungal Potential of Selected Plants Extracts on Human Dermatophytes

Introduction: Treatment of fungal infections have become increasingly challenging recently, as there are limiting treatment options due to emerging resistant pathogenic fungi. This has also led to increase in the search for alternatives. Botanical preparations have been in use for ages for treatment of some infectious diseases; while many have proven efficacious, the potentials of others are yet to be elucidated. Aim: This study was aimed at determining the antifungal potential of some selected plant extracts on human dermatophytes. Methodology: Previously identified and fully characterized isolates of Microsporium spp. Trichophyton spp., and Epidermophyton spp., were obtained from the Medical Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Freshly harvested leaves of Jastropha curcas, Erigeron sumtrensis, Tridax procumbens and Emilia sonchifolia, were used for the preparation of crude extract. These plants were selected based on the traditional claim of their efficacy against dermatophytes. Extraction of their leaves were done using ethanol, methanol, n-hexane and dichloromethane (DCM). The discs were prepared with crude extracts obtained from the four plants in concentrations of 400mg, 200mg, 100mg and 50m, using 1.0 ml of dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) for each. These were tested for antifungal activities against the test dermatophytes using standard procedures. Fluconazole (200mg) was used as control. Phytochemical analyses were also performed on extracts that showed inhibitory activity against the dermatophytes. Results: Among the plants, only Erigeron sumatrensis showed zones of inhibition with mean standard deviation of 8.44±6.43, 7.78±5.93 and 7.00±5.34 in (mm) against Microsporium spp., Trichophyton spp. and Epidermophyton spp. respectively (p<0.05). Extracts from Jastropha curcas, Tridax procumbens and Emilia sonchofolia did not show any inhibition against the dermatophytes. The phytochemicals from Erigeron sumatrensis were alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, tannin and steroids. Conclusion: The plant, Erigeron sumatrensis showed promising antifungal potential against dermatophytes and therefore needs further elucidation as a source for antifungal agent.

Investigation of Metabolites Isolated from Sphingomonas Egypticus DM, A Rhizosphere of Datura Metel

Using naturally occurring bioactive compounds has been crucial in progressing contemporary medical practices. The rhizosphere, which refers to the narrow region of soil surrounding plant roots, serves as a highly dynamic environment for soil bacteria owing to the substantial quantity of organic compounds released into the soil by plant roots. This paper outlines the fermentation and subsequent processing of rhizosphere Sphingomonas egypticus DM. The culture media of Sphingomonas was cultivated and subsequently subjected to propagation. The ethyl acetate extract was then obtained and subjected to fractionation and purification utilizing various chromatographic techniques. This process led to the isolation of a compound under investigation that exhibited a distinct spot on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates, with a calculated retention factor (Rf = 0.56) using a mobile phase composed of methylene chloride and methanol (9:1). Upon spraying with anisaldehyde/sulphuric reagent and subsequent heating for a brief period, the compound displayed a violet colour. This compound was investigated in vitro to assess its antimicrobial and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) capabilities. The results demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect against phytopathogenic fungi, specifically Rhizoctonia solani (21.3 mm) and Alternaria alternate (18.3 mm). Additionally, a moderate inhibitory effect was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.7 mm), whereas a somewhat less inhibitory effect was shown against Streptococcus mutans (9.3 mm). The study also demonstrated that (MIC) against Fusarium oxysporum was seen at a concentration of 125 µg/mL compared to various conventional antibiotics. Finally, the strain underwent PCR screening to detect PKS and lipopeptide 4'-phosphopantetheinyl transferase sfp genes. The PCR amplification assay demonstrated the presence of genes encoding the KS domain and Surfactin. Furthermore, the sequences of Sphingomonas egypticus DM have been officially recorded in the NCBI GenBank database and can be accessed using the accession codes OR469907 and OR499756.

Thermochemistry of alkalization and etherification of cellulose

In this research, the process of alkalization of cotton cellulose with solutions of sodium hydroxide of different concentrations has been studied. It was found that the enthalpy of cellulose alkalization is exothermic. Moreover, the exothermic enthalpy value of cellulose alkalization with 30-40% NaOH solutions is higher than with 16-20% alkalis. Thus, the cellulose treatment with 30-40% alkalis provides the formation of more reactive alkali cellulose. In addition, the determination of the formation enthalpy of alkali celluloses showed that this thermochemical characteristic is also exothermic, and therefore, the process of cellulose alkalization is energetically favorable. It is most likely that cellulose alkalization is a physicochemical process of forming a molecular adduct of hydrated hydroxide ions with cellulose. A study of the methylation reaction of alkali cellulose with methyl chloride to a degree of substitution of 1.3-1.8 showed that the enthalpy of this reaction is quite exothermic. This means that methylation reaction is energetically advantageous, and obtaining methylcellulose with a higher degree of substitution is preferable.

In Vitro Hypoglycemic and Antioxidant Activities of Dichloromethane Extract of Xerophyta spekei.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which has greatly led to an increase in morbidity and mortality globally. Although Xerophyta spekei is widely used for the management of diabetes among the Embu and Mbeere communities in Kenya, it has never been empirically evaluated for its hypoglycemic activity. This study was carried out to verify the hypoglycemic activity of dichloromethane (DCM) extract of Xerophyta spekei as well as its antioxidant activity using various in vitro techniques. Phytochemicals associated with its antioxidant activity were identified through GC-MS. Data were subjected to descriptive statistics and expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (X̄ ± SEM). Comparison between various variables was performed by using unpaired Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The confidence interval was set at 95%. The obtained results were presented in tables and graphs. Results showed that there was no difference in α-amylase inhibition activity between the plant extract and the standard (IC50 525.9 ± 12.34 and 475.1 ± 9.115, respectively; p > 0.05). Besides, the glucose adsorption activity of the extract increased with an increase in glucose concentration (from 5.89 to 32.64 mg/dl at 5 mmol and 30 mmol of glucose, respectively; p < 0.05). The extract also limited the diffusion of glucose more than the negative control (7.49 and 17.63 mg/dl, respectively; p < 0.05). It also enhanced glucose uptake by yeast cells. In addition, the studied plant extract showed notable antioxidant activities. The therapeutic effects exhibited by this plant in managing diabetes mellitus and other ailments could be due to its antioxidant as well as its hypoglycemic activity. The study recommends the evaluation of X. spekei for in vivo hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Besides, the isolation of bioactive phytochemicals from the plant may lead to the development of new hypoglycaemic agents.