Ethanol Extract Research Articles

Ethyl Oleate, Hexadecenoic Acid, Phytol Profiling of Onosma bracteatum: Antibacterial, Anticancer and Molecular Docking Studies

Research studies on phytochemicals and antibiotics utilizing extracts from medicinal plants have proliferated in the past few years. The phytochemicals profiling, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial properties, antiproliferative potential and molecular docking studies of ethanolic extract of Onosma bracteatum was examined in this study. The extract prepared into ethanol (80%) and identify the presence of phytochemical compounds using GC-MS profiling. The antibacterial potential was investigated in relation to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Further to evaluate the anticancer potential of ethanolic extract of O. bracteatum, the antiproliferative assay (MTT cytotoxicity assay) was performed against Ln-18 (human malignant glioma cell line) and A-549 (Human lung cancer cell line) cells. Ethyl oleate, hexadecenoic acid and phytol were highest in GC-MS and docked against DNA gyrase B (E. coli), β-lactamase (S. aureus) and BCL-2 (apoptosis inhibitor). In antioxidant assay, 78% maximum inhibition of free radical scavenging activity was observed. The zone of inhibition was in the ranges from 9 mm (E. coli) to 20 mm (S. aureus). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract of O. bracteatum demonstrated antiproliferative activity against the cancer cell lines LN-18 and A-549 with growth inhibitions of 84% and 81%. The ethyl oleate was found to be best compound with -8.4 (kcal/mol) binding score in the molecular docking studies. The results showed that O. bracteatum is a good source of phytochemicals and antibacterial compounds with promising anticancerous potential.

The Effect of Keluwih (Artocarpus camansi) Leaves Extract On Pro-Inflammatory Expression, Growth Factors and Bodies in Zebrafish Larvae (Danio rerio) Stunting Model

Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that occurs during the first 1000 days of life which is considered a golden window of opportunity. Indonesia has the highest prevalence compared to other middle-income countries. Keluwih (Artocarpus camansi) is known to have various compounds that are beneficial for the body such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This study was conducted to determine the potential of the ethanol extract of Keluwih leaves (Artocarpus camansi) zebrafish stunting model against inflammatory markers, growth factors and body size. Artocarpus camansi leaves were extracted using the maceration method for 3x24 hours with 96% ethanol solvent. Zebrafish larvae were obtained from male and female broodstock (2:1), then induced using rotenone and ethanol extract of Artocarpus camansi leaves, then immunohistochemical staining was performed using growh factor (VEGF and TGF-β), inflammation (IL-6 and TNF-α) and body length measurements on day 9 dpf. The results showed that rotenone can provide a picture of stunting in zebrafish larvae from observations of growth factors, inflammation and body length, by administering ethanol extract of Artocarpus camansi leaves this can improve stunting conditions due to administration of rotenone, the concentration of ethanol extract of Artocarpus camansi leaves 2.5 ppm is the optimal concentration in improve stunting conditions. The ethanol extract of Artocarpus camansi leaves can improve stunting conditions by increasing the expression of growth factors, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving body length in zebrafish larvae.

Biological activity of Laurus nobilis L. Leaf and Fruit Extract

The leaves and fruits of Laurus nobilis L. are used in pharmaceutical applications with their various activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. In current study, it was aimed to investigate antimicrobial, antiquorum sensing, cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of Laurus nobilis L. leaf and fruit extract prepared by %70 ethanol. This study was carried out in the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, with Laurel leaves and fruits collected from Trabozon province in the Black Sea region. Antimicrobial activity was investigated by the agar well method. Gram negative, Gram positive bacteria and 2 fungi were used. Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strains were used for antiquorum sensing, antibiofilm and anti swarming activities. The cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract prepared from the leaf and fruit of Laurus nobilis L. plant on Vero, A549 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines was investigated by MTT method. The antiviral effect of the extracts on HSV-1 was investigated by MTT method. Antimicrobial and quorum sensing activity was determined to be moderate. It was understood that the leaf and fruit extracts of Laurus nobilis L. used in the study showed antiproliferative and antiviral effects in a dose-dependent manner. Laurel plant needs to be investigated in more detail using different solvents.

Evaluation of the effect of ethanol extract of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds on haematological parameters of alloxan-induced Wistar diabetic rats

Evaluation of the effect of ethanol extract of Phaseolus vulgaris seeds on haematological parameters of alloxan-induced Wistar diabetic rats

Antioxidant and antiamylase activities of leaf and root extracts of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam is a plant species widely used in Mali for its medical virtues to treat various diseases including Diabetes. The present study aims to examine the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of leaf and root extracts of Z. mauritiana Lam collected in Bamako. Phytochemical screening and assay were carried out using conventional methods. The DPPH test was used to evaluate the anti-radical activity, and the antidiabetic potential of the extracts was estimated via the α-amylase inhibition test. Characterization tests revealed the presence of free tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, triterpenes, alkaloids, saponins and anthraquinones in all our extracts. The root extracts revealed higher contents of polyphenols (561.40±22.4 to 218.00±30.2 mg EAG/g) and flavonoids (54.26±4.9 to 132.56±6, 82 mg EQ/g) whatever the solvent, with the exception of Ethyl Acetate. Ethanol extracts showed the best anti-radical potentiel. The IC50was 58.13±1.85 µg/mL for roots and 85.19±0.415 µg/mL for leaves. The results provide a better understanding of the medicinal properties of Z. mauritiana Lam and pave the way for management strategies for diabetes and diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of mobe leaves/eeml (artocarpus lacucha buch-ham.) against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats

This study evaluates the protective effects of ethanol extract of mobe leaves (Artocarpus lacucha Buch-Ham.) on ALT, AST, and bilirubin levels in rats induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) on Liver. The ethanol extract was prepared by maceration using 96% ethanol. Results showed that administering 400 mg/kg BW of the extract significantly reduced total bilirubin, ALT, and AST levels in CCl4-induced rats. Phytochemical screening revealed bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and glycosides, which are potential antioxidants and hepatoprotective agents. The study concludes that mobe leaf extract has potential as a therapeutic agent to protect the liver from toxic damage. The significant contribution of this research is providing a scientific basis for using mobe leaf extract as a natural hepatoprotective agent, highlighting its potential for safe and effective herbal medicine. Further research and clinical trials are recommended.

Nitrite scavenging activities and reducing power capacities of ethanolic extracts of some fruits and vegetables

The use of fruits and vegetables for therapeutic purposes has been continuing for centuries. Now-a-days, fruits and vegetables are increasingly used as alternative medicines. The antioxidant activities of some fruits and vegetables used in the present study were determined by nitrite scavenging and reduction power experiments. Antioxidant capacity increased with increasing concentration. The highest nitrite scavenging activity and inhibitory power were observed in garlic extract. The least nitrite scavenging activity and reducing power were found in white grape and kiwi extracts. It was concluded that garlic extract which had the highest nitrite scavenging capacity and reducing power may be an appropriate additive in drugs and other pharmaceuticals intended for medical purposes. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 619-625, 2024 (September)

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Red Spinach Leaves (Amaranthus tricolor L.) Extracted Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes

Background: Humans are among the most susceptible living beings to bacterial infections. Infectious wounds on the skin surface are easily colonized by various kinds of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) contains flavonoids with antimicrobial properties. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of red spinach leaves (Amaranthus tricolor L.) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Methods: This research includes the preparation, characterization, phytochemical screening of dried powder and extract. Extraction was performed by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method using 70% and 96% ethanol variations and then antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of red spinach leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria was carried out by paper disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer test) to obtain the diameter of inhibition. Results: The 70% ethanol extract of red spinach leaves has the lowest concentrations of 0.78 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria with diameters of 7.23 mm, and 7.90 mm respectively. While the 96% ethanol extract of red spinach leaves has the lowest concentration of 0.78 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria with a same diameter of 7.43 mm. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of red spinach leaves has antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes.

The principal component analysis of antioxidant activities of Songgak, a traditional herbal drink in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Songgak is a traditional herbal tea of the Sasak Tribe in Lombok Island, Indonesia, formulated to strengthen people's stamina. Songgak is composed of seven kinds of roasted spices: Piper nigrum L., Coriandrum sativum L., Piper retrofractum Vahl, Myristica fragrans Houtt, Syzygium aromaticum, Elaeocarpus grandiflorus, and Helicteres isora. This study aimed to assess the benefits of Songgak and its constituent spices by evaluating their antioxidant activities, total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TPC). Antioxidant activity tests were performed on the water extract of Songgak, ethanolic extract of Songgak, and ethanolic extract of seven spices of Songgak including 2,2′- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The antioxidant activity using DPPH method showed that the water extract of Songgak has a strong categorisation of antioxidant activity with DPPH IC50 value of 63.78±4.29 µg/mL. The constituent species of Songgak with the strongest antioxidant activity was S. aromaticum. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of Songgak tea were 26.85±4.29 mg GAE/g and 6.99±0.29 mg RE/gram, respectively. The correlation between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities was determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The loading plot showed that TPC and TFC were strongly correlated with the antioxidant activity (FRAP method) of Songgak tea and its constituent spices. These results revealed that the presence of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in the seven herbal medicinal plants were responsible for the antioxidant properties of Songgak as a healthy herbal drink. Therefore, consuming Songgak every day can be beneficial for preventing various diseases involving free radicals.

Antioxidative and Apoptotic Activities of Vernonia amygdalina Ethanolic Extract in the AOM/DSS Mice Model of Colon Cancer

This study examined the efficacy and safety of Vernonia amygdalina ethanol extract (VAEE) therapy in treating azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium (AOM/DSS)-induced colon cancer in mice, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms. A colon cancer mice model was used to evaluate the effects of VAEE on antioxidant enzyme levels and apoptosis. VAEE treatment increased SOD and caspase-3 levels while reducing MDA and Bcl-2 levels. These results indicate the potential of VAEE as an anticancer agent, with several doses showing significant increases in SOD and caspase-3 levels while significantly reducing MDA and Bcl-2 levels compared to the negative control (p<0.05). A dose of 500 mg/kg BW appears to be a potential candidate anticancer agent. Further studies on the molecular mechanisms and long-term effects are needed to support clinical applications. Keywords: Antioxidants, AOM/DSS, Apoptosis, VAEE, Colon Cancer

Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Extracts Alleviate Atherosclerosis and Modulate Gut Microbiota in Male Hypercholesterolemic Hamsters

Background and Aims: Hypercholesterolemia leads to cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Previous studies have highlighted the crucial role of gut microbiota in alleviating atherosclerosis progression and reducing plasma cholesterol. However, the protective effects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (HCT), a well-known fishy Chinese herb, against hypercholesterolemia and vasculopathy remain largely unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of HCT extracts on vascular health and gut microbiota in golden Syrian hamsters with hypercholesterolemia. Methods: The hypercholesterolemia hamster model was established by feeding with a high-cholesterol diet. Aqueous or ethanolic HCT extracts were mixed with diet and concurrently given to hamsters for Six weeks. Plasma lipid profiles were evaluated. Aortas were collected to detect fatty streak areas. Feces were collected to analyze the abundance of microorganisms in the gut microbiota. Results: HCT ethanolic extract treatment remarkedly decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Notably, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of HCT reduced atherosclerotic plaques in hamsters fed with a high-cholesterol diet. Strikingly, the effects of HCT ethanolic extract in reducing atherosclerotic plaques are greater than aqueous extract. Furthermore, at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was decreased in hamsters treated with aqueous and ethanolic extracts of HCT. By contrast, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased by HCT treatment. At the family level, HCT extract favourably modulated the relative abundance of Porphyromonadaceae and Bacteroidales_S24-7_group. These findings indicate that HCT extracts may facilitate the growth of short-chain fatty acids-producing bacteria to alter gut microbiota composition, contributing to the reduction of plasma lipid levels. Conclusions: This study offers evidence demonstrating the effects of HCT extracts on alleviating atherosclerosis and lowering plasma cholesterol levels in the male hypercholesterolemic hamster model, offering novel insights into the pharmacological effects and promoting the application of HCT. This study highlights the potential of HCT as a dietary supplement to alleviate atherosclerosis, lower plasma cholesterol, and modulate the abundance of microorganisms in gut microbiota.

The Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Effects of Equisetum arvense Extracts

Equisetum arvense L, also known as horsetail, is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine. Especially, it is used in the treatment of bleeding, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, urethritis, jaundice and hepatitis. In the study, the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts obtained from different solvents of E. arvense were investigated. Antimicrobial activity of E. arvense extracts was determined using the disc diffusion method. The antimicrobial activity was determined utilizing the pathogenic microorganisms Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. In the results obtained, it was determined that the ethanol extract of E. arvense at 500 µg concentration showed antimicrobial activity at different rates (14.3-28.0). Ethanol extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity against Candida glabrata (28.0 mm) at the same concentration. It was detected that the chloroform extract showed antimicrobial activity (7.3-10.6 mm) against the microorganisms used. The antioxidant activity of the aerial parts of E. arvense at different concentrations of methanol extract was determined according to the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil radical scavenging capacity method. The highest radical scavenging capacity of the methanol extract was observed at a concentration of 10mg/mL (91.5%). The IC50 value of the methanol extract of E. arvense was calculated as 3.13 mg/mL.

Enhancing antioxidant yield from carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.): evaluating the efficacy of maceration and ultrasound-assisted methods

ABSTRACT Our study aimed to optimize carob antioxidant extraction for use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Maceration investigated ethanol concentration, extraction temperature, and time, while ultrasound-assisted extraction examined ethanol concentration, ultrasound power, and time. A central composite design with 19 experimental points assessed the influence of variables on total yield, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The results were analyzed to optimize the extraction parameters and enhance the antioxidant extraction from carob. The results of the study show that the best maceration condition for extracting antioxidants from the plant material was found to have a time of 24.38 minutes, an ethanol content of 59.02%, and a temperature of 54.52°C. Similarly, the optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction were found to be 51.49 minutes, 79.78% sonication power, and 76.12% alcohol. The optimal conditions identified can be used as a starting point for further optimization and scaling up of the extraction process.

Antioxidative, anti-androgenic, and inhibitory activities of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaf on sex hormones-induced benign prostate hyperplasia through in vivo and in silico studies.

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) remains one of the major age-related urological problems in the world. Annona muricata (soursop) leaf has been reported to exhibit antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, among others, in the literature. Here, we aimed to unravel the antioxidative, antiandrogenic, and inhibitory activities of the ethanol extract of Annona muricata leaf (EEAML) on sex hormones-induced benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) through in vivo and in silico studies. Thirty-six male rats were segmented into six groups of six animals each, the control group received water, and the BPH group and the remaining four groups were parentally infused with testosterone (T) and oestradiol (E2) (0.08 and 0.04 mg/Kgbwt) once daily for 28 days to induce BPH. After that, the control and BPH groups received water and normal saline, while the remaining four groups received finasteride (FIN) (0.1 mg/kgbwt) and EEAML (200, 400, and 800 mg/kgbwt) for another 28 days before sacrifice, and serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Additionally, the active ingredients of EEAML were identified using a Gas Chromatography Flame Ionisation Detector (GC-FID) followed by molecular docking (MD) against the human androgen receptor (hAR) target, and ADMET analysis of selected EEAML compounds was carried out. EEAML (200, 400, and 800 mg/kgbwt) restored the T and E2-induced depletion of reduced glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, and elevation of malondialdehyde, prostate-specific antigen, testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone levels in the serum of BPH rats. GC-FID analysis of EEAML showed the presence of 21 compounds from which 15 compounds were subjected to MD revealing that flavone, followed by ribalinidine, flavonone, anthocyanin, and naringenin displayed desirable binding affinities against the hAR target. ADMET analysis of these top-five EEAML compounds revealed that they were excellent oral bioavailable drug candidates with predicted minimal toxicities. In conclusion, EEAML exhibited antioxidative, antiandrogenic, and inhibitory activities owing to its phytoconstituents, which in turn could serve as drug templates for much better efficacy.

Styphnolobium japonicum Fruit and Germinated Soybean Embryo Complex Extract for Postmenopausal-Symptom Relief.

Hormonal alterations during menopause result in substantial physiological changes. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is widely used as a treatment strategy for these changes, its use remains controversial due to its associated risks. Plant isoflavones are phytoestrogens that are considered a potential alternative therapy for postmenopausal syndrome. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum fruit (SJF) and germinated soybean embryo (GSE) in alleviating prominent menopausal symptoms. A cell model (MCF7 human breast cancer cells) was used to investigate estrogen-like activity. A rat ovariectomy model was used to simulate estrogen depletion after menopause and to evaluate the efficacy of the SJF-GSE complex extract at ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. Treatment with the SJF-GSE extract elicited estrogen-like effects, raising pS2 and estrogen receptor α expression in MCF7 cells. The extract was found to contain 48-72 mg/g sophoricoside and 8-12 mg/g soyasaponin 1, identified as active compounds. In ovariectomized rats, the extract effectively reduced body weight and fat content, alleviated vasomotor symptoms, improved vaginal mucosal health, and exerted osteoprotective effects by enhancing bone density and structure, reducing bone-resorption markers and positively altering estradiol levels and lipid profiles. The SJF-GSE extract, working synergistically, provides a safe and effective alternative to HRT for managing postmenopausal symptoms and enhancing bone health, without adverse effects. These findings support the inclusion of SJF and GSE in health-functional foods and underscore the importance of further research into plant-based therapies for menopause.

Aktivitas Antioksidan Ekstrak Etanol 50% dan 70% Daun Kenikir (Cosmos Caudatus Kunth) Dengan Metode DPPH (2,2 Diphenyl-1 Picrylhydrazyl)

Antioxidants are molecules that work by warding off free radicals thereby reducing the damaging effects of free radicals. Coronary heart disease is a disease caused by free radicals. Kenikir leaves contain quite high flavonoid metabolite compounds, namely 12.197 mg QE/g. Flavonoids are among the largest natural phenolic compounds in plants that have bioactivity as medicines. The benefits of flavonoids are as anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant. The aim of this research was to determine the antioxidant activity of 50% and 70% ethanol extract of kenikir leaves (Cosmos caudatus Kunth.) using the DPPH method. This type of research is analytic cross sectional. The results of this study indicate that there is antioxidant activity of 50% and 70% ethanol extract of kenikir leaves (Cosmos caudatus Kunth.) using the DPPH method. The lowest IC50 value was 70% ethanol extract of kenikir leaves, namely 45.573 ± 0.241 ppm. The highest potential antioxidant activity is 70% ethanol extract of kenikir leaves with an IC50 value of 45.573 ± 0.241 ppm. The highest total flavonoid content was 70% ethanol extract of kenikir leaves, namely 17.209 ± 0.297%. The conclusion of this research is that 70% ethanol extract of kenikir leaves (Cosmos caudatus Kunth.) has the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 45.573 ± 0.241 ppm.

Isoflavone-rich extracts from okara using supercritical fluid extraction: Kinetic modeling and characterization

The lipid fraction and bioactive compounds from okara, a by-product of soybean processing, have been extracted by supercritical fluid extraction. The effect of operating parameters, pressure (20–40 MPa), temperature (40–80 ºC), and cosolvent usage (0–10 %wt. ethanol), on the extraction kinetics has been investigated, satisfactorily correlating the experimental data to the Sovová’s model. Extraction yield by SFE ranged from 0.1014 g extract/g insoluble solid (IS) at 20 MPa and 80 ºC to 0.1081 g extract/g IS at 30 MPa and 60 ºC (from 9.2 to 9.8 g extract/100 g okara, respectively), similar to Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane (9.2 ± 0.2 g extract/100 g). Pressure positively affected the initial extraction rate, which also increased with temperature except for the lowest pressure of 20 MPa, exhibiting a typical cross-over behavior. The use of ethanol as cosolvent promoted the extraction of phenolic compounds and isoflavones, and was less important in the extraction of tocopherols. Extraction yield using ethanol increased up to 0.1100 g extract/g IS at 40 MPa and 40 ºC. As expected, the higher content of bioactive compounds in the sc-CO2 + ethanol extracts positively affected the antioxidant capacity, with the maximum found at 20 MPa, 40 ºC and 10 %wt. ethanol.

Assessment of Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) leaves toxicity on the adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

BackgroundNumerous insect pests attack stored grains causing both qualitative and quantitative losses. The most damaging pest that infests dry stored produce is the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a secondary pest of stored goods. This pest, especially in its adult stage, exhibits resistance to chemical insecticides, thereby rendering the traditional pesticides ineffective in controlling it. Phyto-derivatives, which are strong insecticides and also ecologically benign, have gained interest as non-chemical solutions for controlling this pest. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Piper longum leaf extract insecticidal action as an environmentally benign insecticide for the first time against the adults of T. castaneum. In this study, P. longum leaf ethanol extract was tested against the adults of T. castaneum by petri dish bioassay method. Ad hoc studies to verify significant mortality for the initial confirmation of adulticidal activity were conducted for 24 h at different dosages of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L of P. longum leaf ethanol extract. Thereafter, dosages set at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L for the fractions of P. longum leaf ethanol extract were conducted. Prior to this, the leaf extract of this plant was subjected to column chromatography for fractionation. The fractions tested for adulticidal activity were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy.ResultsSignificant adulticidal action with 100% adult mortality was observed in ethanol extract of P. longum leaves. Among the fourteen fractions (F0–F13) obtained tested, only fractions, F5, F10 and F13, demonstrated adulticidal activity, and the remaining fractions displayed poor activity. One hundred per cent morality was noted in T. castaneum adults after 96 h at 40 mg/L in F5 and F10, and in F13 at 20 mg/L, and their respective LD50 values were 17.6, 26.6 and 10.0 mg/L. The fractions F5, F10 and F13 contained fatty acids, viz., hexadecanoic acid, dotriacontane and heptacosane in F5; tetradecanoic acid and nonadecanoic acid in F10; and octadecanoic acid, aspartame and tridecanoic acid in F13, revealed through gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy.ConclusionsThe results of the study showed that P. longum ethanol leaf extract revealed significant adulticidal activity and is a promising toxic agent to the adults of T. castaneum. The fatty acids in the ethanolic leaf extract fractions of P. longum could have caused toxicity to the adults of T. castaneum. According to the current literature survey, this is the first research report on the adulticidal activity of P. longum leaf extracts against the adults of T. castaneum.

Toxicity of botanical insecticides on the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula

This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of botanical insecticides on the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae: Meliponini). Bioassays evaluated the effects of essential oils (EO) of Allium sativum (Amaryllidaceae), Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae), and commercial oil (CO) of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), in addition to ethanolic extracts (EE) of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae), and Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae). It was also assessed the effect of Surfactant addition to essential oils. The probit analysis was used to determine LC50 and LC90. Results showed essential oil of E. citriodora at 1% v/v was toxic to T. angustula, with mean mortalities of 42.00 and 46.00% at 96 hours and survival times of 107.52 and 105.60 hours for contact and ingestion, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum and E. caryophyllata caused 100% mortality within 24 hours through ingestion but were less toxic through contact. Surfactants increased mortality caused by the essential oil of E. citriodora from 47.67 to 93.33% and the commercial oil of A. indica from 38.00 to 100%. Essential oil of E. citriodora had the lowest LC50 and LC90 (0.075 and 1.45% v/v), indicating high toxicity to T. angustula. Ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum and E. caryophyllata had higher LC50 and LC90 values, showing lower toxicity. In conclusion, the oils of A. indica and E. citriodora and ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum and E. caryophyllata are toxic to stingless bee T. angustula.

Toxicity of botanical insecticides on different species of lace bugs

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils (EO) from Allium sativum (Amaryllidaceae) and Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae), commercial oil (CO) from Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), and ethanolic extracts (EE) of Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae) and Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) on lace bugs (Hemiptera: Tingidae). The study also investigated the effects of exposure method, surfactant addition, and lace bug species on insecticide toxicity. The results indicated that assessing lace bug toxicity via contact with contaminated filter paper is a more effective method. Adding 5% detergent to E. citriodora EO 1% increased the mean mortality rates of the lace bug Gargaphia lunulata and Corythaica passiflorae from 34.11% to 94.00%. A. sativum EO 10%, E. citriodora EO 1%, and A. indica CO 1%, when combined with 5% detergent, caused high mortality rates in G. lunulata (76.00%, 77.67%, and 80.73%, respectively). However, these insecticides without detergent caused lower mortality in C. passiflorae (15.44%, 20.09%, and 11.15%, respectively), highlighting the significant impact of surfactant addition on the toxicity of essential and commercial oils. Piper nigrum EE 10% was toxic to all lace bug species. Conversely, the toxicity of Eugenia caryophyllata EE 10% varied among species, with mortality rates of 40% in G. lunulata, an average of 76.00% in Ulotingis sp. and Vartiga illudens, and 95.48% in C. passiflorae. In conclusion, despite variations in toxicity due to exposure method, surfactant addition, and lace bug species in laboratory bioassays, the botanical insecticides studied show promise for lace bug control.