Different Concentrations Of Leaf Extract Research Articles

Assessment of β-lactamase inhibition and antioxidant potential of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Irvingia gabonensis using GC-MS method

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic and antioxidant potential of aqueous and ethanol extracts from Irvingia gabonensis leaves, with a specific focus on their ability to inhibit β-lactamase enzyme activity. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were employed to comprehensively assess the characteristics of the leaf extracts. Irvingia gabonensis, known for its medicinal properties, has been of interest due to its reported pharmacological activities. In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, exploring natural sources for antimicrobial and antioxidant agents is crucial. This study builds upon existing knowledge by evaluating the phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts. Materials and Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was employed to identify the chemical components present in ethanolic leaf extracts. Antioxidant activities were assessed through various assays, including DPPH, FRAP, nitric oxide radical scavenging, and MDA scavenging assays. In vivo experiments involved the administration of different concentrations of leaf extracts to albino rats over a 28-day period. Blood samples collected were utilized for serum separation, enabling the analysis of antioxidant assays in vivo, including β-lactamase inhibition, lipid peroxidation (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Results: The ethanolic extracts exhibited a significant 65.96% inhibition rate against β-lactamase enzyme activity. Additionally, there was an increase in the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as heightened catalase (CAT) activity. Simultaneously, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration indicated the extracts’ potential to mitigate lipid peroxidation. These results highlight the robust antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts. Conclusion: Irvingia gabonensis leaf extracts demonstrate substantial potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents, emphasizing their role in combating antimicrobial resistance. The significant inhibition of β-lactamase enzyme activity and the modulation of key antioxidant markers suggest the extracts’ therapeutic relevance. This study contributes to the understanding of Irvingia gabonensis phytochemical composition and supports its potential application as an antioxidant supplement and β-lactamase inhibitor.

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIHELMINTIC STUDIES OF THE LEAVES EXTRACT OF SIDA ACUTA BURM. F AGAINST TAENIA saginata

Sida acuta is considered as an agricultural weed, but it is a valuable plant in the traditional medicines of Asia and Nigeria. In the traditional medicine of India and Nigeria, the leaves and roots are used as a remedy for bacterial, fungal, intestinal helminth infections, dandruff, rheumatism, liver problems, kidney stones, nervous disorders, testicular swelling and elephantitis. The study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical and antihelmintic studies of the leaves extract of sida acuta burm. f against taenia saginata. The methanol, acetyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were subjected to preliminary Phytochemical screening for the identification of different Phytoconstituents and was found to have alkaloids, steriods, flavonoids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins and anthraquinones. The different concentrations of methanolic, acetyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were subjected to anthelminthic study and the results were compared with that of standard drug Albendazole. Different concentrations of leaf extracts were tested to evaluate Anthelmintic activity using Sida acuta. Both the extracts were found to possess vermicidal activity with the methanolic extract showing higher efficacy compared to ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts and the results were compared with standard drug Albendazole.

DEGRADATION OF DYES USING BIOLOGICALLY SYNTHESIZED IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES BY MANILKARA ZAPOTA LEAVES EXTRACT

In this work, we obtained iron nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of the leaves of M. zapota and protected the environment by decreasing toxic chemicals and eliminating biological risks in biomedical applications. Different concentrations of leaf extract(0.25 g/mL, 0.125 g/mL, 0.0625 g/mL, and 0.0312 g/mL)were used and synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles. The results revealed a dependence on the particle size of Fe2O3 NP and synthesis conditions. The Fe2O3 NP samples UV–visible absorption spectra show surface plasmon (SPR) bands around 355 nm, 344 nm, 346 nm, and 344 nm at different extract concentrations. Different structural, elemental, and optical properties were analyzed by various techniques such as XRD, SEM-EDX, and FTIR. The photocatalytic activity of the produced iron nanoparticles was evaluated for the degradation of Methylene blue dye under solar irradiation. At 8 hours of exposure, green-produced iron nanoparticles efficiently destroyed the dye by almost 53.57 percent.

Development and butyrylcholinesterase/monoamine oxidase inhibition potential of PVA-Moringa oleifera developed nanofibers

The objective of the current research was to study the effects of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun nanofibers loaded with different concentrations of leaf extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) on butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) and monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) enzymes. The MO-loaded PVA nanofibers were investigated for their inhibitory effect on BuChE and MAO A & B enzymes. The characterization of the fabricated nanofibers was performed by using SEM, FTIR and XRD. The results showed that increasing the concentration of MO, the enzyme inhibition capability of electrospun nanofibers was greatly (p < 0.05) influenced. This study involved the fabrication of electrospun nanofibers of PVA containing four different concentrations of MO (0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.4%). The SEM micrographs revealed that all the nanofibers were porous, beadless and smooth. At a high concentration of M. oleifera, uniform fibers were obtained. The FTIR results of the fabricated nanofibers revealed that chemical interaction did not take place between M. oleifera and polyvinyl alcohol. The results reveal that with an increase in the concentration of M. oleifera (MO), the enzymes inhibition capability of electrospun nanofibers is greatly influenced. Different concentrations of MO extract were successfully loaded to the MMT-reinforced, glutaraldehyde-cross-linked nanofibers.

Anti-microbial Properties of Selected Plant Leaf Extracts Against Aspergillus niger (van Tieghem), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schroeter) and Staphylococcus aureus (Rosenbach)

With growing reports of multidrug-resistant pathogens causing untreatable human infections, the need for new antimicrobial therapies is becoming increasingly important. This study was conducted to investigate the antimicrobial properties of the leaf extracts of Premna odorata Blanco, Petersianthus quadrialatus Merr., Shorea astylosa Foxw., and Tridax procumbens Linn. The medicinal importance of these plants remains understudied despite their abundant distribution and endemism in the Philippines. A disk diffusion assay was utilized to test the antimicrobial properties of T. procumbens leaf extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. On the one hand, the fungal colony and spore germination assay was used to test P. odorata, P. quadrialatus, and S. astylosa leaf extracts against Aspergillus niger. Different concentrations of leaf extracts were prepared and compared with positive and negative controls. T. procumbens minimally inhibits the growth of P. aeruginosa (10 mm) and S. aureus (10 mm), while S. astylosa leaf extracts revealed the most significant inhibition on colony growth (5.38 mm) and spore germination (15). P. odorata and P. quadrialatus showed the least (28.35 mm; 82.17) and moderate (10.97 mm; 49.5) inhibitory potentials, respectively. The discovery of new antimicrobial compounds from these plant extracts is seen as a potential resolve to the pressing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

Comparative Study of Averrhoa Bilimbi, Ricinus Communis and Saraca Asoca Leaf Extracts on Dandruff Causing Fungus and Bacterial Strains

Dandruff is a major condition faced by most of the individuals which is characterised by the itchy scalp with white flakes. It is believed that this happens due to many environmental effects. The main organism involved in the cause of dandruff is a fungal species called Malassezia. In this study the phytochemical, antifungal and antibacterial activity of different leaf extracts were analysed. The efficacy of the leaf extracts from Averrhoa Bilimbi, Ricinus Communis and Saraca Asoca were tested on dandruff causing fungus and bacterial strain of E. coli and Bacillus for the study. This comparative study was mainly aimed at using the leaf extracts to check if they could inhibit the growth of fungus and bacterial strains. The antifungal and antibacterial activity wereactivities were carried out using the zone of inhibition method with different concentrations of leaf extracts.

In Vitro and In Silico Screening and Characterization of Antimicrobial Napin Bioactive Protein in Brassica juncea and Moringa oleifera.

The study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of Mustard (Brassica juncea) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extracts and coagulant protein for their potential application in water treatment. Bacterial cell aggregation and growth kinetics studies were employed for thirteen bacterial strains with different concentrations of leaf extracts and coagulant protein. Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOS) and coagulant protein showed cell aggregation against ten bacterial strains, whereas leaf extract alone showed growth inhibition of five bacterial strains for up to 6 h and five bacterial strains for up to 3 h. Brassica juncea leaf extract (BJS) showed growth inhibition for up to 6 h, and three bacterial strains showed inhibition for up to 3 h. The highest inhibition concentration with 2.5 mg/mL was 19 mm, and furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (0.5 mg/mL) and MBC (1.5 mg/mL) were determined to have a higher antibacterial effect for <3 KDa peptides. Based on LCMS analysis, napin was identified in both MOS and BJS; furthermore, the mode of action of napin peptide was determined on lipoprotein X complex (LpxC) and four-chained structured binding protein of bacterial type II topoisomerase (4PLB). The docking analysis has exhibited moderate to potent inhibition with a range of dock score −912.9 Kcal/mol. Thus, it possesses antibacterial-coagulant potential bioactive peptides present in the Moringa oleifera purified protein (MOP) and Brassica juncea purified protein (BJP) that could act as an effective antimicrobial agent to replace currently available antibiotics. The result implies that MOP and Brassica juncea purified coagulant (BJP) proteins may perform a wide degree of antibacterial functions against different pathogens.

In vitro anthelminthic activity of fringed spiderflower (Cleome rutidosperma) ethanolic leaf extract against Fasciola spp.

Fasciolosis is considered as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among ruminants in the Philippines. Though anthelmintic drugs are widely used to treat and control the condition, it is still worthwhile to search for alternative treatments especially when resistance to commonly used anthelmintic drugs has been reported. In this study, the ethanolic leaf extract of fringed spiderflower (Cleome rutidosperma) was evaluated for its in vitro anthelmintic activity against Fasciola spp. Specifically, the study compared the different concentrations of ethanolic leaf extract and the commonly used anthelmintic drug (albendazole) on the gross motility and histology of Fasciola spp. The study consisted of five treatments: treatment 1, 2, and 3 which contain 10%, 20%, and 40% leaf extract, respectively, treatment 4 with 10% albendazole as the positive control, and treatment 5 with nutrient broth as the negative control. The motility of the Fasciola spp in all treatments was visually analyzed based on the established criteria. In addition Fasciola spp. in different treatments were subjected to tissue processing and histological examination. Results showed that increasing concentrations of leaf extract resulted in a decreasing time for Fasciola spp. to have a motility score of zero. Specifically, 10%, 20%, and 40% leaf extract resulted in a cumulative time period of 55.00 ± 5.00 min, 26.67 ± 2.89 min, and 15.00 ± 0.00 min, respectively, for the Fasciola spp. to have a motility score of zero. On the other hand, albendazole resulted in a 240.00 min cumulative time before it can cause a motility score of zero. Histologic examination showed that the different concentrations of leaf extract affected the tegument and parenchyma of the Fasciola spp.

In vitro efficacy of some plant aqueous extracts against two species of Lasiodiplodia associated to mango decline in Burkina Faso

Mango decline is a serious disease in production areas in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to contribute to the management of the disease through the use of plant aqueous extracts. Antifungal activities of Azadirachta indica, Calotropis procera, Gmelina arborea, Jatropha curcas, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and the synthetic fungicide (Mancozeb) were tested against Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae associated to mango decline in Burkina Faso. Three different concentrations of leaf extracts which 25%, 50%, 75% and 500 ppm of Mancozeb were tested for their antifungal activity in vitro. The results showed that leaf extracts have an inhibitor effect on the growth of the two Lasiodiplodia species. The aqueous extract of G. arborea was the most effective with average inhibition rates of L. theobromae of 42.62%, 73.84% and 74.23% respectively with the concentrations of 25 g/l, 50 g/l and 75 g/l. The aqueous extract of A. indica against L. pseudotheobromae showed maximum percentage inhibition with 50 g/l of 63.10% and with 75 g/l of 72.02%. Mancozeb completely inhibits the mycelial growth of both species of fungi. Ours findings showed that aqueous extracts from plants could be tried for the eco-friendly management of mango decline pathogens.Keywords: Antifungal, plants extract, Lasiodiplodia spp., mango decline, Burkina Faso.

Evaluation of In-vitro Antibacterial and Anthelmintic Activities of Sauropus androgynus (Phyllanthaceae) Plant Extracts

The present study was carried out to evaluate the qualitative analysis of various phytochemicals and in-vitro evaluation of antibacterial and anthelmintic activities of Ethanolic leaf extracts of Sauropus androgynus (Phyllanthaceae). The extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for the identification of different phytoconstituents, the leaves indicated the presence of proteins, resins, steroids, tannins, glycosides, reducing sugar, carbohydrates, saponins, sterols, terpenoids, acidic compounds, cardiac glycosides, catechol, phenols, alkaloids, flavanoids. The different concentrations of Ethanolic extracts were subjected to antibacterial screening against various Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and the results were compared with that of standard drug Gentamycin. Different concentrations of leaf extracts were tested to evaluate Anthelmintic activity using Sauropus androgynus (Indian earthworm). The extracts was found to possess vermifuge and vermicidal activity and the results were compared with standard drug Albendazole.

Antioxidant capacity, insecticidal ability and heat-oxidation stability of Tagetes lemmonii leaf extract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of process factors such as ethanol concentration, extraction time and temperature on the extraction yield and the bioactive contents of Tagetes lemmonii leaf extracts using response surface methodology (RSM). ANOVA results showed that the response variables were affected by the ethanol concentration to a very significant degree and by extraction temperature to a lesser degree. GC/MS characterization showed that the extract is rich in bioactive compounds and those present exhibited important biological activities such as antioxidant, insect repellence and insecticidal activities. The results from the toxicity assay demonstrate that the extract obtained from the leaves of Tagetes lemmonii was an effective insect toxin against Tribolium castaneum. The radical scavenging activity and p-anisidine test results of olive oil spiked with different concentrations of leaf extract showed that the phenolic compounds can retard lipid oxidation.

Allelopathi Effect of the Leaf Extracts of Zizyphus spina-christi (Sedr), Salix fragilis L. and Ricinus communis L. on Seed Germination Percentage of Triticumae stivum L. in Iraq

This study investigated the effect of the aqueous leaf extracts of Zizyphuss pina-christi (Sedr.), Salixfragilis L., and Ricinus communis L. on seed germination percentage of (wheat) Triticumae stivum L. Boiled water and alcohol were used to prepare different concentrations of leaf extracts (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) and control. Results showed that the effects of alcoholic leaf extracts of Zizyphuss pina-chris L, Salix fragilis L and Ricinus communis L on seed germination percentage were superior over those of the control (distilled water). Moreover, the alcoholic leaf extract of Zizyphus exerted the highest impact on seed germination percentage. Increased concentration of all leaf extracts inhibited seed germination, except under 20% alcoholic leaf extract of Zizyphus, which showed the opposite effect, which in turn reflected the increase in other growth parameters.

Green synthesis of silver nano particles from Atalantia monophylla (L) Correa leaf extract, their antimicrobial activity and sensing capability of H2O2

In the present study deals with the green synthesis of silver nano particles from methanolic leaf extracts of Atalantia monophylla. The synthesized nano-particles are characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, PL, FTIR, XRD, SEM with EDAX and TEM. The nano-particles are indicated in absorption peak at 404 nm in the absorption spectrum. Further micro graphical analysis confirmed the average size was estimated about 35 nm and SEAD pattern authorized well crystalline materials. The FTIR studies help to confirm the functional group of synthesized silver nano particles. The XRD data shown the crystalline nature of nano particles and EDAX measurement indicates the purity of silver metal. The antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles was tested on pathogenic organisms using agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC) were also investigated in different concentrations of leaf extract. The results indicated that synthesized silver nano particle of A. monophylla leaf extract has the potential of antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganism. In addition, this is the first report on leaf synthesized silver nano particles of A. monophylla. The antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms and the ability to detect hydrogen peroxide using the silver nanoparticles were confirmed which would find applications in the development of new antimicrobial drugs and new biosensors to detect the presence of hydrogen peroxide in various samples respectively.

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Using Vitex negundo (Karu Nochchi) Leaf Extract and its Antibacterial Activity

The present paper focuses on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using with different leaf extract concentrations of Vitex negundo. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence and zeta potential techniques. The formation of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance absorption peak at 423 nm in UV-vis absorption spectra of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates flavonoids as a potential reduced agents. Field emission scanning electron microscopy shows the synthesized silver nanoparticles are in spherical shape. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy shows the strong peak belongs to silver, and it confirms the formation of Ag NPs. X-ray diffraction spectra of synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit they are in face centered cubic crystalline structure. The photoluminescence spectra of synthesized silver nanoparticles show their emission peak at 489-481 nm and the emission intensity is proportional to the different concentrations of leaf extract. The spherical shaped silver nanoparticles are observed by atomic force microscopy technique. The zeta potential value is observed at -13.5 mV, which shows the synthesized silver nanoparticles are incipient instability. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles is studied using the disc diffusion method, which indicates that both Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms have been affected by the silver nanoparticles. The observed antibacterial activity could be find important applications in medicine, biology and industry.

IN VITRO HAEMOSTATIC ACTIVITY OF RHODOMYRTUS TOMENTOSA (AITON) HASSK. AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT

Potential of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa as a native anticoagulant been tested by evaluating the possible haemostatic effect of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa aqueous leaf extract in vitro. In vitro coagulation assays such as Thrombin time (TT), Prothrombin time (PT) and Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) tests were performed on normal coagulation control plasma spiked with different concentrations of the leaf extract (10 – 100%). Total tannin and flavonoid for all different concentrations of leaf extract was measured using spectrophotometer. The results were analyzed using one way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Dunnet’s and Pearson’s correlation. The results showed that TT, PT and APTT of normal coagulation control plasma spiked with extract were markedly prolonged. A significant anticoagulant (p &lt; 0.05) showed by PT was at lowest concentration (10%), TT was at concentration 50 – 100% and APTT was at concentration 80% - 100%. The clotting times for TT, PT and APTT were significantly correlated (p &lt; 0.05) with total tannin and flavonoid. In summary, a potent anticoagulant effect of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa significantly higher in extrinsic pathway (PT) and the bioactive compound of tannin and flavonoid attributes to the anticoagulant activity of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa.

Allelopathic effects of Mikania cordata on forest and agricultural crops in Bangladesh

Mikania cordata, an invasive weed is becoming a problem in the secondary degraded forests and plantations of Bangladesh, not only competing with but also releasing allelochemicals to cultivated crops. Allelopathic effects of the leaves of M. cordata were investigated through an experiment in the green house of the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Five economically important agricultural crops (Oryza sativa L., Triticum aestivum L., Vigna sinensis L., Abelmoschus esculentus L. and Amaranthus tricolor L.) and three forest crops (Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth. & Hook, Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., and Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielson) were used as bioassay species. Experiments were conducted on trays at an average room temperature 27 °C. The effects of different concentrations of leaf extracts were compared to controls. Water soluble allelochemicals of M. c ordata inhibited the germination and initial growth of the tested agricultural and forest crops. Germination percent of forest crops declined with increasing concentration of extracts. The inhibitory effect on root elongation of forest crops was pronounced, whereas a stimulatory effect was found on P. falcataria up to a concentration of 25 %. Abelmoschus esculentus showed poor germination (%) and low shoot development (0.5 cm) and no development of taproot or lateral roots at treatment of 100 % concentration. The inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentrations of the extracts with higher concentrations producing stronger inhibitory effects. Lower concentrations showed some stimulatory effect. The inhibitory effect was pronounced in root and lateral root development rather than germination or shoot development of the crops. Mikania cordata should be eradicated for healthy growth and development of the forest and adjacent agricultural crops.

Enzymatic and biochemical changes in common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) fingerlings exposed to crude leaf extract of Cannabis sativa (L.)

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different concentrations of leaf extract of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) on the biochemical changes and level of alterations in the enzymatic activities in serum, liver and gill of common carp, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings. MethodsThe fish specimens were exposed to sublethal concentrations (1.88, 3.75, 7.50, 15.00 and 30.00 mg/L) of crude leaf extract of C. sativa over a period of 56 d in a static renewable bioassay. The biomarkers studied were alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and total protein in the gill, liver and serum while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase bilirubin, total bilirubin, albumin, urea acid and cholesterol were determined in the serum only. ResultsStatistical significant differences (P<0.05) were found in all the biochemical parameters of the gills, liver and serum in all the experimental fish exposed to C. sativa compared with the controls. Phytochemical analysis of the leaves of C. sativa revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, resins, terpins and steroids. ConclusionsThe investigation revealed that prolonged exposure of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings to crude leaf extract of C. sativa cumulated to stressful conditions in the fish. Further investigation should be conducted on the molecular mechanisms of these parameters on the biochemical and enzymatic activities as their mode operations are not well studied in fish.

Mosquitocidal efficacy of medicinal plant, Nerium oleander (Apocynaceae), leaf and flower extracts against malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae

ObjectiveTo assess the larvicidal efficacy of five different extracts of Nerium oleander L. (N. oleander) against malaria mosquitoes, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi), to combat disease. MethodsThe acetone, benzene, petroleum ether, chloroform, and aqueous extracts from leaves and flowers of N. oleander were subjected to distillation process in a Clevenger type glass apparatus model soxhlet. Larvicidal bioassays were performed to determine their LC50 and LC90 values, regression equation, and 95% confidence with lower and upper limits were calculated using probit analysis. Mortality effect was recorded after 24 h. ResultsThe data indicated that there were significant differences in the lethality (LC50, LC90) values of An. stephensi mosquito larvae among most of the various extracts with their controls. The order of potency with five different concentrations of flower extracts was benzene>chloroform> acetone>petroleum>water. The order of potency with similarly five different concentrations of leaf extracts was chloroform>petroleum>benzene>water>acetone. ConclusionsIt was concluded that there was an overall lethal effect of N. oleander extracts against mosquito, An. stephensi larvae which could be manipulated to develop a safe and effective larvicide.

Free radical scavenging activity of leaves of Cucumis sativus

Cucumis sativus commonly called as Cucumber is commonly used plant throughout the world. The plant is attributed to various uses in Ayurveda. The methanolic extract of leaves of Cucumis sativus was screened for free radical scavenging activity properties using gallic acid as standard antioxidant. Free radical scavenging activity was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. Different concentrations of leaf extract ranging from 100- 1000g/ml were subjected to DPPH assay. Leaf extract showed a maximum DPPH scavenging activity of 86.17% at 1000g/ml, whereas for Gallic acid it was found to be 98.03%. The study reveals that antioxidant activity of plant would exert beneficial effects if consumed.

Vinca rosea leaf extract supplementation leads to developmental delay and several phenotypic anomalies in Drosophila melanogaster

Vinca rosea is a plant renowned for its medicinal value, belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Traditionally, the leaf juice of V. rosea is used for treatment of various diseases. In the present study, the effect of V. rosea leaf extract on the development of Drosophila melanogaster has been investigated. Different concentrations of leaf extract (1%–12%) have been used, and feeding the flies with food mixed with the leaf extract resulted in a significant developmental delay, several phenotypic anomalies such as larval/pupal lethality, eye defects, wing defects, and reduction in body size. Further, immunochemical staining for the ecdysone receptor (EcR staining) of salivary glands of larvae showed a significant reduction in EcR expression, suggesting that developmental delay was associated with reduced expression of the receptor protein. Thus, the present study suggests an insecticidal activity associated with V. rosea.