Different Concentrations Of Aqueous Extracts Research Articles

Algicidal Activity of Cyperus rotundus Aqueous Extracts Reflected by Photosynthetic Efficiency and Cell Integrity of Harmful Algae Phaeocystis globosa

Phaeocystis globosa is regarded as a notoriously harmful algal bloom species. Suppressing harmful algae using algicidal substances extracted from plants is considered an effective method. The physiological and biochemical processes of P. globosa were explored by exposure to different concentrations of aqueous extracts of Cyperus rotundus. All treatments indicated various inhibitory effects on the algal growth compared to the control samples without adding extracts. At 48 h, the 4, 8, and 16 mg/mL treatment groups showed a significant inhibitory effect, consistent with a decrease in the chlorophyll-a content and photosynthetic efficiency. The images of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) further confirmed that a subset of the cells in the treatment groups exhibited morphological anomalies. The algicidal active substances were mainly identified as phenolic acids containing maximal content of quinic acid in aqueous extracts according to the results of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-HRMS). The 50% anti-algal effect concentration of quinic acid was 22 mg/L at 96 h (EC50–96h). Thus, the phenolic acids might be considered as major inhibitors of the growth of P. globosa. These results demonstrated that the aqueous extracts of C. rotundus could potentially control the growth of P. globosa.

Influência alelopática do extrato aquoso de folíolos frescos de Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. sobre a germinação de Bidens pilosa L.

Bidens pilosa L. é uma espécie invasora que possui um elevado grau de agressividade em meio as plantas cultivadas, sendo hospedeira de pragas e doenças. A indústria de cosmético a emprega para estimular a renovação celular e o clareamento de manchas por possuir ação anti envelhecimento e pró-colágeno. A jurema preta, espécie presente na Caatinga, é bastante utilizada por seus efeitos terapêuticos, porém é capaz de causar alelopatia em outras espécies. O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito alelopático de diferentes concentrações de extrato aquoso de folíolos frescos de jurema preta sobre o desempenho germinativo de sementes de picão preto. Foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos – concentrações do extrato aquoso (testemunha – água destilada; 25; 50; 75; e 100%) e quatro repetições de 25 sementes. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros de germinação: porcentagem; tempo médio; índice e coeficiente de velocidade. Constatou-se a influência positiva das diferentes concentrações, principalmente a de 75%, do extrato aquoso dos folíolos de jurema preta sobre as sementes de picão preto, sendo que estas germinaram mais rápido e em maior porcentagem em relação ao uso exclusivo de água destilada. Para o uso alternativo de herbicidas no controle de B. pilosa L. o extrato de M. tenuiflora não é indicado, mas visando atender as indústrias farmacêutica e cosmecêutica por plantas de B. pilosa L., o extrato pode ser utilizado por favorecer a germinação e consequentemente a formação de mudas.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Mimosa Pudica - Aegle Marmelos formulation on Diabetes Mellitus

In the present study, the antidiabetic formulation was evaluated for the invitro antidiabetic, antioxidant and a pilot invivo study was conducted with a mixture of herbal powders, i.e. Mimosa pudica L and Aegle marmelos (L) Corr. The formulation was screened for its antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical assay and inhibitory effect against the α- glucosidase and lipase compared with the standard. Assays were carried out at the concentration varying from 50 – 500 µg/ml (antioxidant activity) and 20 – 100 µg/ml (antidiabetic). Results of the present study have clearly indicated that the formulation possesses significant α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition property ranges from 41.4% - 12.42% in the different concentration of aqueous extract and similarly pancreatic lipase inhibition potential at 50% with value of 100µg /ml revealed the significant activity. Moreover, the formulation administered in the diabetic patient reduces the glucose level of fasting and postprandial level, notably; thus, it indicates that it is a promising drug candidate that proves antidiabetic activity.

In-depth hepatoprotective mechanistic study of Phyllanthus niruri: In vitro and in vivo studies and its chemical characterization.

Phyllanthus niruri L. is a widespread tropical plant which is used in Ayurvedic system for liver and kidney ailments. The present study aims at specifying the most active hepatoprotective extract of P. niruri and applying a bio-guided protocol to identify the active compounds responsible for this effect. P. niruri aerial parts were extracted separately with water, 50%, 70% and 80% ethanol. The cytoprotective activity of the extracts was evaluated against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in clone-9 and Hepg2 cells. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the aqueous extract (AE) was accomplished for the isolation of the active compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The in vivo hepatoprotective activity of AE was evaluated in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats at different doses after determination of its LD50. Pretreatment of clone-9 and Hepg2 with different concentrations of AE (1, 0.1, 0.01 mg/ml) had significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) against CCl4 injures, and restored the activity of the natural antioxidants; glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) towards normalization. Fractionation of AE gave four fractions (I-IV). Fractions I, II, and IV showed a significant in vitro hepatoprotective activity. Purification of I, II and IV yielded seven compounds; corilagin C1, isocorilagin C2, brevifolin C3, quercetin C4, kaempferol rhamnoside C5, gallic acid C6, and brevifolin carboxylic acid C7. Compounds C1, C2, C5, and C7 showed the highest (p< 0.001) hepatoprotective potency, while C3, C4, and C6 exhibited a moderate (p< 0.001) activity. The AE exhibited strong antioxidant DPPH (IC50 11.6 ± 2 μg/ml) and FRAP (79.352 ± 2.88 mM Ferrous equivalents) activity. In vivo administration of AE in rats (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) caused normalization of AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglycyrides (TG), total bilirubin (TB), glucose, total proteins (TP), urea and creatinine levels which were elevated by CCl4. AE also decreased TNF-α, NF-KB, IL-6, IL-8, IL10 and COX-2 expression, and significantly antagonizes the effect of CCl4 on the antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSP). The histopathological study also supported the hepatoprotective effect of AE. P. niruri isolates exhibited a potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in clone-9 and Hepg2 cell lines through reduction of lipid peroxidation and maintaining glutathione in its reduced form. This is attributable to their phenolic nature and hence antioxidative potential.

Hepatoprotective activity of Ficus semicordata Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. leaves aqueous extract on D-galactosamine induced toxicity in HepG2 cell line

The leaves of Ficus semicordata Buch-Ham.ex Sm., locally in North India is referred to as Bhumi udumbara have been reported for their traditional use to cure jaundice and various liver ailments. Despite its extensive usage in northeastern states of India, there is a lack of scientific substantiation on the safety and pharmacotherapeutic efficacy. The present study was carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of F. semicordata (FS) leaves aqueous extract on HepG2 cell line to validate its ethnic claim in the management of liver disorders. D-galactosamine induced HepG2 cell toxicity model was used to evaluate its hepatoprotective activity. The cells were treated with different concentrations of aqueous extracts and dexamethasone as a standard. MTT assay was performed to determine the % inhibition of hepatotoxicity. The result indicates that the toxicity induced by D-galactosamine is reduced by FS aqueous extract group which is better when compared with the standard drug. This study revealed the hepatoprotective potential of F. semicordata on HepG2 cell line.

Development of Silver Nanoparticles Using Moringa Oliefera Fruit Extract

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was accomplished by using 2mM silver nitrate and Moringa oleifera fruit extract by varying the different concentration of aqueous extract. The aqueous extract of moringa oleifera fruit was containing carbohydrates proteins saponins tannins steroids flavonoids amp phenolic phytochemicals. Silver nanoparticles formation with phytochemiclas was confirmed by UV-Vis spectra by observing peak absorption at 409 nm 422 nm amp 426.5 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the capping of silver which was due to polyphenols by observing the peak 1236.42cm-1 as this peak was completely missing in the formulated nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering of the prepared formulations revealed all the formulations were in nano range Atomic force microscope showed nanoparticles were having smooth surface in the range from 53nm to 70 nm for F4 formulation. X-ray diffraction of the formulation showed the structural information of silver nanoparticle which were face centric cubic FCC in shape. MTT assay of optimized formulation F4 compared with pure aqueous extract showed anticancer activity against A549 cancer cell line with IC50 for aqueous extract was 132.04 mugml were as for synthesized AgNps the IC50 was 110.18 mugml.

Preservative Effect of Algae Extracts on Lipid Composition and Rancidity Development in Brine‐Canned Atlantic Chub Mackerel (Scomber colias)

This research focuses on the lipid fraction and the rancidity stability of commercial canned Atlantic Chub mackerel (Scomber colias). For it, two different concentrations of aqueous extracts of two abundant algae (Fucus spiralis and Ulva lactuca) are included in the brine‐packing (aq. 2% NaCl) medium during mackerel canning. Quality analyses are carried out after a 3‐month canned storage (20 °C). Phospholipids, sterols, and α‐tocopherol contents show a marked loss as a result of canning, this loss being mostly inhibited when considering the canned fish packed in the presence of the most concentrated algae extracts. Breakdown of free fatty acids and peroxides produced during the thermal treatment is inhibited by the presence of the algae extracts, a higher retention of such molecules being observed by increasing the algae extract concentration. Analysis of fluorescent compounds formation (tertiary lipid oxidation) shows a marked increase after canning, this increase being partly inhibited by the presence of antioxidant compounds present in the algae extracts; interestingly, oxidation inhibition is found more important in canned fish corresponding to F. spiralis batches than U. lactuca. A preservative effect on lipid constituents and rancidity development is concluded by the presence of algae extracts in the packing medium.Practical Applications: The extensive heat treatment involved during fish canning has been reported to produce breakdown of constituents, lipid damage (oxidation and hydrolysis) development showing a marked effect on nutritional and sensory properties; furthermore, this effect has shown to be greater when a brine medium is applied as packing system. Marine algae have been described as being a relevant source of chemical constituents including an antioxidant and antibacterial behavior. In the current work, employment of a commercial brine‐packing including aqueous algae extracts shows a preservative effect on the lipid fraction (composition and rancidity stability) during the canning process of Atlantic Chub mackerel. The proposed strategy may open the way to the development of a natural biopreservation for commercial canned fish due to the simple methodology employed and the abundancy of the two algae chosen for the study. Further research should envisage optimization of the preservative compounds extraction by advanced technologies.Aqueous extracts of algae Fucus spiralis and Ulva lactuca are included in the packing medium during Atlantic Chub mackerel (Scomber colias) canning. As a result, an inhibitory effect on lipid composition changes and rancidity development is obtained. Better results are observed by employing alga F. spiralis.

Effect of roselle extracts on the selected quality characteristics of ice cream

ABSTRACTIn this study, different concentrations of aqueous extracts (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% w/v) from roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyces were incorporated in formulations of soft-serve ice cream as functional additives. The roselle-flavored ice cream was evaluated for physico-chemical properties (color, viscosity, pH, total solids, total titratable acidity, meltdown rate, overrun) and descriptive sensory properties. High concentration of roselle extracts had an effect on the colour of ice cream as shown by an increase (0–1.50) in redness (+a*-values) whilst the lightness (L*-values) of the ice cream decreased (80.30–64.20). As the concentration of roselle extracts increased in the formulation, the meltdown rate of the ice cream also increased from 0.74 to 2.33 g/min whilst a gradual decrease in viscosity (238.3 to 242.3 cP) was observed compared to the control (246 cP). The overrun progressively increased (14.01–33.49%) as the concentration of roselle extracts increased. The pH and total soluble solids significantly decreased (6.8–6.3 and 35.5–25.6°Brix, respectively) at higher concentrations of roselle extracts whilst total titratable acidity increased (0.16–1.5 g of malic acid per 100 g). The results of this study suggest that the ice cream sample with 5% roselle extract has a potential as a functional ice cream since it exhibited high overrun, low meltdown, desirable viscosity, high total solids and light color intensity. This ice cream was described by sensory panel as cream white, sweet and milky with vanilla flavor. The ice cream could be acceptable as consumers are familiar with its descriptive sensory properties.

Efficacy of Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma longa) and Moringa Leaf (Moringa oleifera) Extract in Treatment against Fungi Associated with Maize Seeds

This research was focused on the use of different concentration of aqueous extract of Moringa leaf and Turmeric rhizome as seed treatment agents against fungi associated with maize seeds. The study was designed using 2 x 3 factorial in completely randomised design. This research was carried out in Biology Laboratory of Federal College of Forestry, Jos from April to June 2018. Untreated maize seeds were collected from farmers in three different areas of Mazah village in Jos North LG. Maize seeds were tested for the presence of fungi by culturing on Petri dish having moist filter paper. Aqueous extract of Turmeric rhizome and Moringa leaf at 25, 50, and 75 ml concentration were used as seed treatment agent against fungi. The seeds were soaked in prepared extracts for 1 hour and then cultured on petri dish having moist filter paper, control samples were soaked in sterile water. Infested seeds were counted manually after twenty days. Results were analysed using one-way analysis of variance at 95% confidence level. Penicillium sp, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were isolated from the untreated maize seed. Fusariumsolani gave the highest percentage occurrence of 35.48. 50 ml concentration of Turmeric rhizome has an antifungal mean value of 3.67 after 20days. The control (untreated) showed the antifungal mean value of 6.67 after 20 days. The results obtained revealed significance between the treatment and the control. The results indicate Turmeric rhizome and Moringa leaf extracts could be used in seed dressing against maize infection caused by fungi.

Effects of aqueous extracts from the rhizome of Pontederia cordata on the growth and interspecific competition of two algal species

Single and co-culture systems of Microcystis aeruginosa and Scenedesmus obliquus were prepared with different initial algal densities and treated with different concentrations of aqueous extracts from the rhizome of Pontederia cordata to study its inhibitory effect on algal growth and the competitive relationship between these two algal species. The results showed that aqueous extracts could inhibit the growth of M. aeruginosa and S. obliquus, and the inhibition rate of aqueous extracts on the growth of M. aeruginosa was always higher than that of S. obliquus. A Lotka–Volterra competition model revealed that these two algal species can co-exist without the addition of aqueous extracts, and S. obliquus exhibited a stronger ability to compete than that of M. aeruginosa. Meanwhile, the dominant algal species changed with the addition of aqueous extracts regardless of the initial ratios of the two algae. The species ratio of mixed cultures had a strong effect on the interspecific interaction between the two algae. The higher proportion of S. obliquus in the initial proportion of two algae, the stronger competitive ability of S. obliquus when compared with that of M. aeruginosa.

The Immunoregulatory Effects of Four Allium Species on Macrophages and Lymphocytes Viability

Background: Immune cells perform unique functions against infections and imbalances in immunity associated with various diseases. Applying natural products may control immune responses. Among herbals, much attention has been paid to the immunoregulatory functions of Allium sativum. However, the effects of other Allium species on the immune system have remained undiscovered. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of A. sativum, A. Iranicum, A. elburzense, and A. asarense bulb extracts on macrophage and lymphocyte viability.Materials and Methods: The different concentrations of aqueous extracts of the aged bulb samples were prepared and used for the incubation of examined immune cells. Macrophages and lymphocytes were isolated and cultured in the presence of different concentrations of bulb extracts of Allium species. Macrophages and lymphocytes viability was followed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.Results: The applied Allium species had stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the examined immune cells at different concentrations. Allium sativum demonstrated the highest effects on macrophage viability indices at 1 mg/mL. The similar effects were found for A. Iranicum extract on macrophage viability indices at 0.01 mg/mL. The bulb extract of A. sativum at the most used concentrations stimulated lymphocyte viability indices. The bulb extracts of all 4 Allium species inhibited viability indices of lymphocytes at 1 mg/mL. The bulb extracts of A. elburzense, at all of the applied concentrations, slightly affected viability indices of the macrophage and lymphocyte.Conclusion: Besides A. sativum, wild growing Allium species could be introduced to study their immunomodulatory effects on various diseases.

Exploring the Herbicidal and Hormetic Potential of Allelopathic Crops Against Fenoxaprop-Resistant Phalaris minor

ABSTRACT: Recent increases in the development of herbicide resistance in Phalaris minor worldwide demand alternative non-chemical strategies to control this weed. A series of experiments were conducted under laboratory and greenhouse conditions to explore the herbicidal potential of four allelopathic crops, including maize, rice, sorghum and sunflower, at different concentrations of aqueous extracts (2.5% and 5%), residues (1%, 2% and 4%) and mulches (4, 8, and 12 ton ha-1) against fenoxaprop-resistant P. minor. Aqueous extracts, residues and mulches provided 86-100%, 73-100% and 16-40% control of this resistant weed biotype, respectively. The dry biomass reduction due to aqueous extracts, residues and mulches was 48-100%, 48-100% and 20-54%, respectively. Mulches also caused 17-41% reduction in the seed production potential of P. minor. Lower concentrations of allelochemicals showed hormesis (positive effect) against some emergence and growth traits of P. minor. The phytotoxic chemicals of these four crops have a strong herbicidal potential against herbicide-resistant P. minor, and can be used as an organic alternative to control herbicide resistant P. minor, thus ensuring a sustainable wheat production.

Avaliação do efeito antimicrobiano, hipotensivo e diurético de extratos de Eugenia uniflora

The genus Eugenia sp. (Myrtaceae) comprises plants with reported antioxidant and antidiarrheal capability among other therapeutic potentials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of essential oil; diuretic and hypotensive activities of aqueous extracts from leaves of Eugenia uniflora. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated . The diuretic and hypotensive activities were evaluated in normotensive Wistar rats by measuring blood pressure and urine flow after received four different concentrations of aqueous extracts (10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). Essential oil inhibited the growth of Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans with MIC values lower than 14.41 mg/mL, equal to 57.75 mg/mL for Candida krusei. Among antibacterial effect, essential oil inhibited growth with a MIC equals to 153.93 mg/mL for all strains tested, except for Escherichia coli (MIC equals to 307.96 mg/mL. Aqueous extracts showed powerful reductions of the arterial pressure (34% and 31% lower than the control), after administration of 10% and 25% of aqueous extract, respectively. However, the animals that received the aqueous extract at the 15% and 20% concentrations presented a discrete hypotensive effect (20% and 21% lower than control group, respectively) concomitantly to powerful diuretic effect (280% and 91% higher than control group, respectively). These data confirmed the potential biological effect of this species, and represents an important step toward a depth study on the therapeutic properties of this species.

Allelopathic effect of aqueous extracts of three weed species on the growth and leaf chlorophyll content of bread wheat

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of weeds (Avena fatua, Melilotus officinalis and Polypogon hissaricus) on germination, growth, dry biomass and chlorophyll concentration of three cultivars of wheat (Ata Habib, Pirsabaq and Serin). In germination test, different concentrations of aqueous extracts (5, 10 and 15 g/l) of the three weeds significantly reduced percent germination; however, 15 g/l extract of M. officinalis resulted in complete failure of germination of cultivar Pirsabaq. In pot culture, root and shoot length, chlorophyll concentration and seedling dry biomass of the three wheat varieties showed differential responses to different weeds. Aqueous extract at 15 g/l of A. fatua increased root and shoot length and dry biomass of cultivar Pirsabaq; however, these parameters were significantly retarded in other two wheat cultivars by extract of weeds. Moisture content of the cultivars did not show any response to allelopathic stress of the weeds. In contrast, chlorophyll concentration in Pirsabaq and Serin was significantly increased by aqueous extract of all the weeds but reduced it in cultivar Ata Habib by 50%. In general, Ata Habib was found to be the most sensitive cultivar to the imposed allelopathic stress. The phytotoxic potential of three weeds was found in the order of A. fatua > M. officinalis > P. hissaricus.

Antimicrobic activity concept of water extract of plants Galega orientalis (Lam.)

It was first conducted testing on antimicrobial activity of Galega orientalis (La) on the growth pure cultural of bacteria gram positive (Micrococcus luteus), gram negative (Escherichia coli XL1, DH5) and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303). The material for the study was dried vegetative mass Galega orientalis (Lam) in the phase of budding and early flowering. In experiment used medium «Endo» for gram negative, medium LB for gram positive and gram negative, and suslo agar for yeasts. As a result of the experiment was revealed that 20% concentration of aqueous extract of this plant had inhibitory effects on the growth of pure cultures of bacteria and yeast. Antimicrobial effect of this drug on the growth of gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli XL1, DH5) were within 20.0–30.0% (P &lt; 0.001), gram-positive bacteria (M. Luteus) – 12.0% (P &lt; 0.05) and yeast (S. cerevisiae W303) – 30.5% (P &lt; 0.01) compared with control. It should be noted that in all cases the addition of the drug Galega orientalis (La) did not alter the morphology of colonies (colony size) test strains. The questions of search the new antimicrobial agents, include natural origin, is very actual during last years. Increasing microbiological pure of eating products, feed grinders, veterinarian preparations are one of the urgent task of Scientifics and industrials. It has proved the influence of different concentrations of aqueous extract of this culture on the growth of pure cultures of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and yeast. Install antimicrobial influence 20–30% concentrations of preparation on the bacteries growth (Escherichia coli XL1, DH5). Bacterial action of preparation on the bacteries (Micrococcus luteus) and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303) were lower. It was described the prospects for further investigation of this problem. It has proved possible relationship between the antimicrobial activity of the extract of this plant and bloating of the rumen in ruminants.

Inhibition of Yiqi Jiedu formula on proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

To study the effect of aqueous extracts of Yiqi Jiedu formula (YQ) on the proliferation of CNE2 cells in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and investigate its mechanism to provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical application of YQ. CNE2 cells were treated with different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 0.25 g·L⁻¹) of YQ, positive control medicine (cisplatin 4.0 mg·L⁻¹), inhibitor PD98059 (50 μmol·L⁻¹), activator isoproterenol hydrochloride (20 μmol·L⁻¹), activator isoproterenol hydrochloride (ISO)+YQ 0.5 g·L⁻¹. Then cell labeling by using real-time analyzer (RTCA) and CCK 8 method were used to detect cell proliferation activity, and the half inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was calculated. The cell cycle distribution was detected by fluorescence double dye flow cytometry PI staining, and Western blot method was used to detect the expression levels of related protein and MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. The results of RTCA and CCK-8 test showed that as compared with the control group, YQ group could effectively inhibit the proliferation of CNE2 cells (P<0.01), with a dose and time dependence, and 48 h IC₅₀ value was 0.5 g·L⁻¹. The results of cell cycle showed that after 48 h of water extract treatment, the cell cycle was significantly changed, the proportion of G₀/G₁ was reduced, the ratio of G₂/M increased, and the cell cycle was in G₂/M period (P<0.01). Western blot results showed that after 48 h treatment with different concentrations of aqueous extract, cell cycle-related proteins cyclinD1, cyclinD3 and CDK2 expression levels were down-regulated; MAPK/ERK signaling pathway related protein p-c-Raf, p-MEK, p-ERK1/2 expression level significantly lower as compared with the control group (P<0.05). After adding activator and inhibitor in MAPK/ERK signaling pathway on this basis, the results showed that after adding activator ISO, cell proliferation was significantly higher than that in the Control group; the cycle related proteins cyclinD1, cyclinD3, and CDK2 expression levels were increased; at the same time, key protein p-c-Raf, p-MEK, p-ERK1/2 expression levels in the signal pathways were relatively increased. While after the addition of inhibitor PD98059, the cell proliferation was significantly lower than that in the Control group, and the expression level of corresponding protein was decreased, which was significantly different from the Control group (P<0.05). So YQ could block cell cycle and inhibit the proliferation of CNE2 cells mainly by reducing the expression of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway key protein p-c-Raf, p-MEK and p-ERK1/2.

Quality characteristics of stored tomato fruit treated with two formulations of African black pepper

Tomato Solanum lycopersicum L. (Solanales: Solanaceae) is highly perishable and requires postharvest treatment to extend its shelf life. Use of synthetic chemicals to control post-harvest loss in tomato has adverse effect on health and there is need to explore natural alternatives to chemical. Two formulations of African black pepper Piper guineense Schumach. (Piperales: Piperaceae), aqueous extract and essential oil, were evaluated as preservatives for Roma type tomato fruit. Tomato fruits were treated with different concentrations of aqueous extracts and undiluted essential oil and stored under refrigeration condition. Samples were taken at 5-days interval and analyzed for weight loss, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid. Total Viable Count (TVC) and total mould count (TMC) were determined. Chemical composition of essential oil was identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Percent weight loss (PWL) in aqueous extract-treated tomato (0.0%-0.68%) was lower than the control (0.3%-19.97%). The total soluble solid (brix) of samples in untreated fruit was lower than fruit treated with higher of P. guineense. Ascorbic acid contents were higher in aqueous extract-treated samples than the control. Essential oil-treated fruit had lower physiological weight loss TVC and TMC than the control. Twelve compounds were identified in P. guineense essential oil, the most of which were b-sesquiphellandrene (23.7%). The P. guineense aqueous extract or essential oil is recommended as a bio-rational preservative for postharvest storage of tomato.

Elimination of Indian Citrus Ringspot Virus in Kinnow by Using Phytoproteins with Shoot‐tip Grafting

The combined beneficial effect of shoot‐tip grafting with phytotherapy of different phytoproteins obtained from roots of Boerhaavia diffusa and leaves of Clerodendrum aculeatum to eliminate Indian citrus ringspot virus (ICRSV) from Kinnow is reported. The study also reports the effect of these phytoproteins on the growth and proliferation of Kinnow explants when nodal segments from infected mother plants (confirmed by RT‐PCR) cultured in MS containing different concentrations of aqueous extracts of these individual phytoproteins. Shoot‐tips from these nodal sprouts were grafted on Citrus jambhiri under in vitro condition. Phytoproteins from C. aculeatum were found utmost effective in respect of elimination of 50% virus followed by B. diffusa (40%). In respect of promotion of growth and proliferation of nodal explants, B. diffusa was found most effective followed by C. aculeatum. The plants were considered virus‐free when they showed absence of ICRSV in both DAC‐ELISA and RT‐PCR tests.Plant Tissue Cult. &amp; Biotech. 27(1): 1-11, 2017 (June)

Phytotoxic Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Different Plant Parts of Milkweed on Weeds and Growth and Yield of Wheat

ABSTRACT: The present research work was undertaken to find out the phytotoxic effects of different concentrations of aqueous extracts of leaves, stems and root of milkweed (Calotropis procera) in the Agronomic Research Area of Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan during 2013-14 and 2014-15. The treatments consisted of different concentrations of aqueous leaf, stem and root extracts (10, 20, 30 and 40%) of milkweed, which were compared with tap water (control). The results showed that the reduction of all studied parameters, including weeds, growth and yield of wheat was proportional to the concentration of aqueous extracts of milkweed in use. The level of inhibition was concentration-dependent as inhibition increased with an increase in the concentration of aqueous extracts of all three plant parts of milkweed. Therefore, application of maximum concentration (40%) of aqueous leaf, stem and root extracts correspondingly reduced all the studied parameters. On the basis of the findings, it is concluded that the Calotropis procera should be removed near the cultivating wheat fields because it contains some phytotoxic substances, which may be leached out by the roots and cause serious losses to the growers and crop species.

English

Kefir is a microbial complex capable of producing biofilms. This study aims to obtain biofilms associated with hydroethanolic extract of Euterpe oleracea Mart. (BEHEEo) as fixing method of recovery anthocyanins in kefir biofilm. Thus, BEHEEo formation kinetics was made at different concentrations of aqueous extract of E. oleracea, of kefir grains (KG) and of brown sugar (BS). Thereafter, macro and microelements of BEHEEo were determined; the rheological and structural characteristics were analyzed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and anthocyanins dosage in BEHEEo was obtained. The best concentration of BS to form BEHEEo was 40 g/l with 100 ml of EHEEo (12.62&plusmn;0.16 g), as well as a release of the BEHEEo anthocyanins occurring after 5 min (4.3&plusmn;0.6 mg/100 g) with maximum peak at 60 min (20.8&plusmn;0.3). The concentration of calcium iron and magnesium was 0.089, 0.1740 and 0.1808 mg/kg, respectively, indicating the concentration of Zn2+ which was 0.533 mg/kg. The AFM analysis revealed differences in the peaks of roughness depending on the concentration of kefir grains, with presence of Lactobacillus and yeast. The concentration of anthocyanins in BEHEEo two years after the incorporation was 26 mg/100 g. Therefore, it is suggested that the BEHEEo incorporating EHEEo anthocyanins has potential for therapeutic applications in several pathologies necessary for antioxidative processes. Key words: Biofilms, kefir, a&ccedil;a&iacute;, Euterpe oleracea Mart., anthocyanins, atomic force microscopy (AFM).