Ether Extract Research Articles

Evaluation of phytochemical, trace metals content, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of Bonnaya Ruellioides (Colsm.) Spreng: An ethnomedicinal plant of North Eastern India

Bonnaya ruellioides (Colsm.) Spreng is an ethnomedicinal plant widely found in Manipur, a northeastern state of India and it belongs to the Linderniaceae family. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical content, trace metals, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of this ethnomedicinal plant in various extracts including chloroform, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard protocols, trace metals content by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), antioxidant by DPPH, Reducing Power and ABTS assay. Antimicrobial activity of the plant was also determined by Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) assay. Phytochemicals such as phenol, saponin, flavonoid, alkaloid, and terpenoid were detected in the water extract, whereas tannin, glycoside, flavonoid, steroid, alkaloid, and terpenoid were found in the plant extracts of petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. Trace elements detection using AAS revealed the presence of Fe (0.298 ± 0.011 mg/g), Zn (0.083 ± 0.003 mg/g), Cu (0.024 ± 0.002 mg/g) and Mn (0.014 ± 0.002 mg/g) in the plant. Further, evaluation of antioxidant activity using DPPH scavenging assay in chloroform and methanol extracts recorded 411.59 ±2.62 IC50 (μg/mL ± SD) and 80.96 ± 0.68 IC50 (μg/mL ± SD) respectively. Reducing power activity of the chloroform and methanol extracts showed 249.27 ± 1.48 μM FeSO4/mg sample and 44.55 ± 0.47 μM FeSO4/mg sample, respectively, and for ABTS assay, 281.82 ± 2.19 TEAC/g dw and 168.65 ± 2.06 TEAC/g dw are recorded respectively. The antimicrobial study of the chloroform and petroleum ether extracts showed negative results for all the selected pathogens of bacterial and fungal strains. At the same time, the methanol extract showed positive for bacterial strains including Micrococcus luteus (17.50 ±0.54) mm and Escherichia coli (15.0 ± 2.0) mm, while negative for all the fungal strains. The results of the study demonstrated for the first time that B. ruellioides plant has notable phytochemical, essential trace metals, promising antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. Thus, the findings of our study will contribute a scientific insight into the therapeutic applications of this ethnomedicinal plant in folklore medicines and enable the prediction of further applications in drug development.

Phytochemical screening, molecular docking, antifertility investigations, and ADME potential of various extracts of Pandanus odoratissimus leaves.

The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular docking characteristics and antifertility impacts of petroleum ether extract (PEEPO) and chloroform (CHEPO) derived from Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) leaves. TriposSybyl-X 2.1 for molecular docking and Swiss ADME for ADME predictions were used. Antifertility activity was determined by using two invivo animal models, with a focus on estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity and anti-implantation effects. The findings showed that at different doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg), PEEPO had more anti-implantation effect than CHEPO. After taking either extract orally for up to 4,000 mg/kg, no acute toxicity was found. Furthermore, both extracts substantially raised blood oestrogen levels while lowering serum cholesterol and LDL levels, improving their antiimplantation and estrogenic activities, whether given alone or in combination with ethinyl estradiol. Molecular docking scores suggested strong interactions between phytochemicals in the extracts and estrogen receptors. ADME studies highlighted four phytochemicals present in PO leaves, showing high gastrointestinal absorption, blood-brain barrier permeability, and negative Log Kp values, indicating their potential as antifertility agents. The phytochemicals in both PEEPO and CHEPO demonstrated promising antifertility potential and interactions with estrogen receptors. Isolation of these phytochemicals could lead to the development of effective herbal antifertility formulations.

Mixed cropping of Medicago ruthenica-Bromus inermis exhibits higher yield and quality advantages in the Longxi loess plateau region of Northwest China

Medicago ruthenica is a promising leguminous forage crop due to its lack of saponins, which prevents bloat in livestock from excessive consumption. Legume/grass mixed cropping is an effective forage planting method widely used in agricultural and pastoral regions. However, there is a lack of research on using legume-grass mixed cropping to establish perennial, high-yield, and high-quality cultivated grasslands in the Longxi Loess Plateau. This study conducted a legume/grass intercropping experiment in the Longxi Loess Plateau region of northwestern China, using Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis. Experimental plots were established in 2021, with field sampling and laboratory analysis starting in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The research aimed to investigate the effects of intercropping Medicago ruthenica with Bromus inermis on forage yield and quality, and to determine the optimal intercropping ratios. The experiment tested various intercropping ratios of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis in the fall (2:8, 3:7, 4:6, 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2), with sole crops of each species serving as controls. Results showed that, in the second and third years of mixed cropping, the forage yield under mixed cropping treatments was significantly higher than that of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis monoculture, with increases of 40.89–70.88% and 13.97–38.22% in the second year, and 131.91–199.13% and 44.06–85.82% in the third year. When the legume proportion in the mixed cropping system was around 30%, competition between the two forages reached equilibrium, demonstrating the benefits of mixed cropping. The crude protein and ether extract content of mixed forage were significantly higher than those of monoculture, while the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber contents were significantly lower, indicating a higher feeding value for the mixed forage. The legume proportion was a key factor influencing the yield of mixed forage. In conclusion, a mixed planting ratio of Medicago ruthenica and Bromus inermis at 3:7 resulted in higher yield and nutritional quality, making it an optimal ratio for establishing cultivated forage fields in the Longxi Loess Plateau.

Assessment of the Nutrient Value and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Garlic Peel, Sweet Potato Vine, and Cotton Straw

This experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient composition of three agricultural by-products, namely garlic peel, sweet potato vine, and cotton straw, calculate their relative feeding value, effective energy value, and other indexes, and comprehensively evaluate their nutrient value by combining with rumen in vitro fermentation technology, with the aim of providing data references for the development and utilization of non-conventional feed resources for ruminants. The results showed that: 1) the dry matter (DM), ash, ether extract (EE), and crude protein (CP) contents of cotton straw were significantly higher than the other two feeds (p < 0.05), while the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of garlic peel were highly significantly higher than the others (p < 0.05); 2) the relative feed value (DMI, DDM, TDN, RFV, and RFQ) and effective energy value (GE, DE, ME, NEm, NEg, and NEL) indexes of cotton straw were significantly higher than garlic peel and sweet potato vine (p < 0.01); 3) after 48 h of in vitro fermentation, the dry matter degradation rate (IVDMD) of sweet potato vine was significantly higher than the other two feeds (p < 0.01), and the cumulative gas productions (mL) and estimated gas parameters (a, b, a + b, and c) of sweet potato vine were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those of garlic peel and cotton straw; 4) the sweet potato vine had lower pH but higher NH3-N compared to garlic peel and cotton straw (p < 0.05). The sweet potato vine had higher propionate, iso-butyrate, butyrate, iso-valerate, and total VFA than the other two roughages, which also had the lowest acetate-to-propionate ratio. Garlic peel produced the lowest acetate, while it produced the highest valerate (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that all three by-products have high potential as livestock feed based on their nutritive value parameters. Comparatively, sweet potato vines exhibit higher feeding value due to their relatively moderate NDF content and superior rumen fermentation performance.

Evaluation of fibrous feed ingredients alternatives to oat hulls as a source of feed structure in broiler diets

This study aimed to evaluate several fibrous feed ingredients as potential substitutes for oat hulls (OH), assessing their efficacy in providing structural integrity to broiler feeds. A total of 4,160 day-old male Ross-308 broilers were allocated to eight dietary treatments, including a control group (CON) without additional fiber supplementation and 7 diets where 3% of the wheat content was replaced by either OH, soy hulls (SH), beet pulp (BP), carob bean (CB), wheat straw (WS), rice hulls (RH), or wheat bran (WB). The experimental design followed a complete randomized block design with 10 pens per treatment and 52 birds each. Growth performance and gut development indices were monitored, and the coefficients of total tract apparent retention (CTTAR) of nutrients were measured at 28 d. The OH improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the entire growth period (1-36 d) compared to the CON, SH, CB, WS, RH, and WB (P < 0.05). Conversely, BP diets reduced the final BW and ADFI compared to OH (P < 0.05) but were not different from the CON (P > 0.05). However, the FCR in birds fed with BP was similar to OH but lower than the CON group. In addition, BP-fed birds had higher CTTAR of ether extract and non-starch polysaccharides and relative weight of empty proventriculus and gizzard to BW at 14 and 28 d compared to CON. The WS, RH, and WB yielded similar final BW to OH and CON but higher FCR (P < 0.05). The CB, on the other hand, resulted in the highest FCR when contrasted with the other substitutes and CON (P < 0.05). Finding an alternative to OH with comparable benefits remains a challenge, with WS, RH, and WB showing similar final BW but inferior FCR to OH, and BP showing similar FCR but lower BW and ADFI.

Insecticidal and Anti-Feedant Activity of Clerodendrum Extracts on Growth and Development of Castor Spiny Caterpillar, Ariadne merione

The castor spiny caterpillar Ariadne merione (F.) is a major lepidopteran pest affecting castor (Ricinus communis) crops mainly by causing defoliation which in turn reduces the photosynthesis and yield. The conventional pest control methods have been based on chemical control which although has been effective, has its drawbacks of being hazardous to the environment and human health besides leading to resistance by the pests. The present work aims at investigating the possibility of using Clerodendrum inerme, a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, as an eco-friendly solution for pest management. Insecticidal and anti-feedant efficacy of C. inerme leaf extracts, which were prepared using solvents hexane, acetone, and petroleum ether, was tested against A. merione larvae using leaf dip bioassay under no-choice situation. The findings showed that the hexane extract had the highest insecticidal (73%) and anti-feedent (97%) action. The petroleum ether extract also showed moderate insecticidal (50%) and anti-feedant activity (48%) but not as potent as the acetone extract having insecticidal and anti-feedant action of 60 and 74 per cent respectively. The results imply that C. inerme extracts, especially the hexane extract, could be used as botanical insecticides in IPM programs as a natural replacement for chemical insecticides.

Chemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Various Parts of Securidaca longipedunculata From South Africa

Objective The objective of our study was to investigate the chemical composition and the biological activities of different parts of Securidaca longipedunculata from South Africa. Methodologies The chemical analysis methods, including chromatography and spectroscopy, were employed to identify the diverse array of compounds present in the roots, leaves, and stems of S longipedunculata. Results The proximate analysis revealed that the leaf extracts had higher ( P &lt; .05) crude protein, gross energy, and ether extract contents when compared to the stem bark and the root bark. A similar trend was observed with the mineral analysis where copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc were in abundance in the leaves. Concurrently, bioassays reveal significant biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with these plant parts. The extracts demonstrated high lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity at the concentration of 250 μg/mL, with the highest percentage inhibition of 94% recorded in the dark leaf extract, followed by 92% and 73% at the concentrations of 125 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial analysis revealed that the root bark extract was active against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis with the average minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.67 mg/mL (dark type) and 0.63 mg/mL (light type). Conclusion Our findings emphasize the medicinal potential of S longipedunculata and underscore the importance of understanding its chemical makeup in explaining its therapeutic effects. This research provides valuable insights into the pharmacological properties of S longipedunculata, offering a foundation for further exploration in drug development and natural product discovery.

Effects of Feeding Prosopis Juliflora Pods on Growth Performance, Nutrient Intake, Digestibility, and Carcass Characteristics of Black Goat Kids Fed Finishing Diets

Prosopis juliflora pods (PJP) are a source of raw energy and are a suitable meal for ruminants. The objective of this study is to assess the growth performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and carcass characteristics of Black goat kids fed finishing diets replacing barley grains with PJP. For an 80-day feeding period, thirty-two weaned male kids (body weight = 16.8±0.91 kg; age = 110±3 days) were randomized to receive one of the four treatment diets. Experimental diets were 0 (CON), 10 (PJP10), 15 (PJP15), and 20 (PJP20), with all diets being similar in terms of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP). Intake values were similar except for ether extract which was higher (P&lt;0.05) for the PJP20 group and acid detergent fiber which was higher (P&lt;0.05) for the PJP15 kids. Intakes of CP, organic matter (OM), dry matter (DM), and neutral detergent fiber were unaffected. The feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and final live weight of the treatment groups were similar. With the ADF that was not different, results of digestibility were better (P&lt;0.05) for the PJP20 group but mostly not different from the control group. Regarding meat dressing-out % and carcass cuts and linear dimensions, hot and cold carcass weight, and fasting live weight, no variations were found across the treatment diets. The total lean % in racks was greater (P&lt;0.05) in the CON and PJP15 groups. The meat-to-bone ratio in racks and shoulders was the lowest (P&lt;0.05) in the PJP20 group compared to the other groups. This study highlighted the impacts of PJP on the growth of Black goat kids without having adverse effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, or meat quality.

Assessing the Antibacterial Effectiveness against MDR Strains and the Antioxidant Characteristics of Ficus auriculata

For millennia, people have successfully treated a wide range of illnesses, including bacterial infections, with different plant parts or extracts. “MDR strain” typically refers to a “multi-drug resistant strain” of a bacteria. In the context of infectious diseases, a multi-drug resistant strain refers to a strain of the pathogen that has acquired resistance to multiple drugs that are commonly used to treat infections caused by that specific pathogen. MDR strains can present significant challenges in healthcare settings as they limit the effectiveness of standard treatments and may require more aggressive or specialized approaches to manage the infection. The discdiffusion method was used in this investigation to test the antimicrobial properties of Petroleum ether, acetone, ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Ficus auriculata leaves against four bacterial strains namely Salmonella enteric serovar typhi, Salmonella enteric ser Paratyphi (MDR strain) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The findings showed that all of the investigated organisms (zone of inhibition of 0.5 ± 0.15 &amp; 18 ± 1.7 mm) were significantly inhibited by the petroleum ether, ethanol, and methanol extracts, with the exception of Salmonella typhi (an 18 mm inhibitory zone). The restricted area (≤5) indicated moderate activity in the aqueous extracts. It’s crucial to remember that antimicrobial activity analysis of plant extracts is just one step in the process of identifying potential natural antimicrobial agents. Further studies, including the identification and isolation of specific bioactive compounds, toxicology assessments, and clinical trials, are required before any plant extract can be considered for use as a drug development.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils and various extracts of endemic Onosma malatyana (Boraginaceae) from Anatolia

ABSTRACT The chemical contents of the endemic Onosma malatyana roots collected from Malatya/Türkiye were determined using the hydrodistillation and the soxhlet methods and antimicrobial activity analysis of the extracts was also performed. The hydrodistillation method applied to the roots of O.malatyana resulted in identifying 31 compounds according to their retention times in GC-MS analysis. Additionally, crude ethyl acetate and crude oil etheric extracts of O.malatyana roots contained 14 compounds each. This research identified that the main component of the essential oil obtained by the hydrodistillation method was palmitic acid comprising 56.48% of the total composition. Additionally, in the crude petroleum etheric extract, oleic acid methyl ester (31.22%); and palmitic acid (24.69%) were identified as the main components in the crude ethyl acetate extract. The results of the antimicrobial activities indicated that O.malatyana root extracts were particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, specifically S. aureus and B. subtilis.

The Effect of Adhatoda Vasica as A Herbal Supplement on The Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Profile of Weaned Pigs

A 60-day trial was carried out to determine the impact of Adhatoda vasica as an herbal supplement on the performance, nutrient digestibility and blood profile of weaned pigs. 40 crossbred male pigs (Yorkshire × Landrace) with initial body weight of 10.21 ± 0.03 kg was distributed into 4 treatment consisting of 10 pigs each. On arrival, animals were quarantined for two weeks and fed basal diet which is adequate in all nutrients according to NRC (2012). Pigs in treatment 1 was fed basal diet without Adhatoda vasica leaf powder while those in treatment 2, 3 and 4 were fed same diet supplemented with Adhatoda vasica leaf powder at 200 g, 400 g and 600 g/kg respectively. A completely randomized design technique was adopted and the animals had unrestricted access to clean fresh water and feed. Quantification of phyto-constituents in Adhatoda vasica leaf powder showed that it contained higher concentration of flavonoids (102.1 mg/g) while steroids had the lowest concentration of 30.41 mg/g. Average daily weight gain was higher among pigs fed treatment 3 and 4, intermediate in treatment 2 and lowest in treatment 1. Average daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by the treatment. Dry matter, ether extract, crude protein and crude fibre digestibility were influenced (P&lt;0.05) by the treatment. Red blood cell, pack cell volume, mean platelet volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, white blood cell, total protein was significantly (P&lt;0.05) different among the treatment except for aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and alkaline phosphatase (P&gt;0.05). However, all values were within the established range for healthy pigs. In conclusion, Adhatoda vasica leaf powder can be supplemented in the diet of pigs without compromising their growth and health status.

Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica) Attenuates Chemically Induced Lung Carcinomas in Rats through Suppression of Proliferation and Angiogenesis.

In 2022, 2.5 million cases of lung cancer were diagnosed, resulting in 1.8 million deaths. These statistics have motivated us to introduce a new natural product which is feasible in lung cancer therapies. This comprehensive study was performed to study the effects of chia seed extracts (70% ethanol and petroleum ether) on lung cancer in vitro and in vivo models. The invitro cytotoxicity activity of the chia extracts was studied in lung cancer cell lines (A549 cells). After 48 h, chia alcohol and ether extracts showed more inhibitory influence (IC50, 16.08, and 14.8 µg/mL, respectively) on A549 cells compared to Dox (IC50, 13.6 µg/mL). In vivo, administration of chia alcohol and ether extracts (500 mg/kg/day, orally for 20 weeks) recovered 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)-induced lung cancer, as a significant reduction in the lung cancer biomarkers, including the relative weight of the lung (20.0 and 13.33%), ICAM(31.73 and 15.66%), and c-MYC (80 and 96%) and MMP9(60 and 69%) expression genes, and improvement in these changes were observed by histopathological examinations of the lung tissues compared to the lung control. Chia seeds fought lung cancer via suppression of proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and activation apoptosis. These activities may be attributed to the chemical composition of chia, which is identified by LC-Mass, such as caffeic acid, vanillic acid, kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, and taxifolin. Finally, we can conclude that chia seeds have an anti-lung cancer effect with a good safety margin.

Novel equations for estimating gross energy in feed ingredients for non-ruminants.

The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of previous equations for estimating gross energy (GE) in feed ingredients and to develop the novel equations. A total of 2,279 ingredient samples consisted of barley (n = 58), corn (n = 319), corn distillers dried grains with solubles (n = 13), corn gluten feed (n = 583), copra expellers (n = 156), copra meal (n = 234), cottonseed meal (n = 12), palm kernel expellers (n = 504), rapeseed meal (n = 114), soybean meal (n = 138), wheat (n = 70), and wheat bran (n = 78) were analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber, ash, and GE. The 2,279 ingredient samples were used for evaluating the previous equations and developing novel equations. Using data from 62 ingredients in the swine NRC (2012), the old equations and the novel equations were evaluated. Based on the evaluation using 2,279 samples, the equation developed by Ewan (1989) underestimates GE by 218 kcal/kg DM (standard error = 4 and p<0.001) on average and underestimates more for low-GE ingredients (linear bias = -0.121; standard error = 0.025 and p<0.001). The equation reported by Sauvant et al. (2004) also underestimates GE by 135 kcal/kg DM (standard error = 4 and p<0.001) on average. Novel equations for estimating GE concentration (kcal/kg DM) in feeds were developed: GE = 4,299+7×CP+53×EE, with R2 = 0.342 and p<0.001; GE = 4,341+11×CP+54×EE-24×ash, with R2 = 0.372 and p<0.001, where all independent variables are in % DM. In the validation using 62 feed ingredients in the NRC publication, the equations developed in the present study were accurate whereas the previous equations were not. The novel equations developed in the present study fairly accurately estimate gross energy concentrations in concentrate feeds.

Physico-chemical changes in developed probiotic chicken meat spread fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus and malted millet flour

This study was envisaged to develop a probiotic chicken meat spread fermented with Lactobacillus acidophilus (Lactic acid bacteria-LAB) and malted sorghum flour as a substrate and evaluation of its quality. Chicken meat spread was prepared by incorporating malted sorghum flour at 0, 2, 4 and 6 % (w/w) levels as a substrate in the product's formulation, along with Lactobacillus acidophilus at a concentration of 1 million cfu/g of the product. The product prepared with different formulations i.e. C (meat spread only), C1 (meat spread with 0 % malted sorghum flour + LAB), T1 (meat spread with 2 % malted sorghum flour + LAB), T2 (meat spread with 4 % malted sorghum flour + LAB) and T3 (meat spread with 6 % malted sorghum flour + LAB) were assessed for fresh product study and the storage stability at refrigeration temperature for 16 days when the physico-chemical parameters were analyzed. The fresh product study revealed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher moisture content in the T3 group. However, lower protein, ether extract, and ash content in T2 and T3 samples compared with the control, whereas a higher emulsion stability and cooking yield in the T2 group were observed when compared with the control. Free fatty acid, thiobarbituric acid, and titratable acidity values significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased for the fermented samples in comparison to the control, and the same trend continued during the entire storage period. This study showcases the potential of using malted sorghum flour and Lactobacillus acidophilus to enhance the functional properties of chicken meat spreads, making them more nutritious and appealing to health-conscious consumers. Future research should focus on optimizing ingredient proportions and exploring alternative substrates to further improve these functional meat products.

Study of antibacterial properties of extracts of the herb Speranskia tuberculata (Bunge) Baill

The article deals with the problem of developing antibacterial drugs of plant origin, focusing on the properties of the herb Speranskia Tuberculata (Bunge) Baill, which is still understudied. The aim was to determine the antibacterial activity of preparations of the herb Speranskia Tuberculata (Bunge) Baill, extracted with different solvents. Materials and methodology. Crude extracts were obtained using four solvents: petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and aqueous solutions. Subsequently, the dried extracts were weighed and dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide to prepare working solutions with 10 to 500 µg/mL concentrations. Colonies of three types of bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Propionibacterium Acnes, were used as the object of the study. The degree of antibacterial activity was determined by measuring the antibacterial zone formed after treating bacteria with different concentrations of extracts compared to the control group (treatment with distilled water). In addition, the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids was determined by chemical methods. Antioxidant activity, volume of the dry residue of crude extracts, and content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds were compared with the results of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry on the presence of antibacterial substances in the extracts known from the literature. It was shown that the ethyl acetate extract among the 4 studied extracts had a clearly expressed antibacterial effect. The calculated value of IC50 for this extract varied between 112‒135 μg/mL for different bacteria. Other solvents did not show a pronounced antibacterial effect. The weakest effect was associated with petroleum ether extracts. At the same time, the mass of the dry residue, when extracted with petroleum ether, was the maximum among all solvents; on the contrary, with ethyl acetate, it was the minimum. Regarding the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, the results of the studies were opposite; namely, the maximum concentrations were characteristic of the ethyl acetate extract, and the minimum concentrations were characteristic of the petroleum ether extract. According to the literature, twelve compounds found in the extracts have pronounced antibacterial activity. Suppose the presence of an aromatic ring and a carbon-linked hydroxyl group OH- is taken as the main sign of belonging to phenolic compounds. In that case, 8 of 12 invented antibacterial compounds belong to phenols and flavonoids. Experimentally proven high antibacterial activity of preparations of the herb Speranskia Tuberculata (Bunge) Baill based on ethyl acetate extracts. This property is related to the extract's high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids.

Profiling of phytochemical constituents of terminalia chebula fruit extract by different solvent effects and synchronized analysis of FTIR and GCMS

BackgroundDetecting the Teminalia chebula best extract-enriching bioactive compounds using four different solvents; Ethanol, water, chloroform and petroleum ether for medicinal applications. MethodsQualitative analysis of phytochemicals of T. chebula (such as Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids); Quantitative Determinations (Condensed tannins; total flavonoids, and phenolics), also, determination of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. GC–MS and FT-IR analysis of ethanolic extract were investigated. ResultsThe assays for phenolics, tannins and total flavonoids indicated an extensive difference in the total phenolic content ranging from 26 to 104, 13 to106 and 106 µg/g of extract. It was found that, the highest phenolics, tannins and total flavonoids content were found in the ethanolic extract and the lowest by petroleum ether extract. In examining the amount of total protein content also, high amount of total proteins observed in the ethanolic extract as 67 µg/g whereas, in contrast, the high amount of total carbohydrates observed in the aqueous extract with 103 µg/g. Further, the level of the different enzymatic antioxidant markers (SOD, Catalase and Gpx) and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers (vitamin C and vitamin E) produced by the ethanolic T. chebula fruit extract were 0.46 µg, 97 µg and 127 µg and 39.08 µg and18 mg/liter. The DPPH and reducing power assay radical scavenging activities of different solvent extracts of T. Chebula exhibited free radical scavenging properties up to 96 % of inhibition. The functional groups of the components were separated based on its peaks through FTIR analysis showed the existence of alcohol, alkanes, carboxylic acid, alkenes, alkanes, ethers, halogen respectively. The active compounds identified based on GCMS analysis showed the presence of furaldehyde, 2,5-furandicarboxaldehyde Dodecanoic acid, ethylester n-pentadecanol, 1,2,3-Benzenetriol pyrogallol, 3,4,5trihydroxy benzoic acid, Octadecanoicacid,ethyl ester and Hentriacontane. ConclusionAmong four solvent screened, the ethanol extract of T. chebula revealed variety of bioactive phytochemicals. In addition to higher antioxidant activities and highest level of radical scavenging activity. Accordingly, it can be inferred that T. chebula may serve as an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic agent in addition to being a plant-based antioxidant.

Potency of cassava leaf as protein source for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Cassava (Manihot esculenta, Crantz) leaves are cheap and readily available resource that can be used as a feed ingredient for Nile tilapia although they have different constituents that affect their nutritional values. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of processing methods on nutrient content of cassava leaves, digestibility, and growth performance of Nile tilapia. Eight processing methods, namely air-drying, soaking and boiling, baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), rumen-fluid, molasses, yeast-rumen-fluid, yeast-molasses and molasses-rumen-fluid fermentations, were applied. One control and eight processed cassava leaf-based diets were made. The cassava leaf protein replaced 30% of crude protein (CP) from soybean cake in the control diet. The results showed that CP content in dry matter (DM) varied from 21.7 ± 0.25% (Molasses fermentation) to 30.3 ± 0.25% (Yeast-rumen-fluid fermentation). Rumen-fluid fermentation showed higher (p < 0.05) level of gross energy (21.9 ± 0.02 MJ/kg, DM) and ether extract (12.0 ± 0.21%) compared with other treatments. The apparent digestibility coefficient of CP was generally higher in the control diet (89.9 ± 0.61% in the hindgut), followed by rumen-fluid fermented diet (87.2 ± 0.61%), rumen-fluid-molasses fermented diet (86.1 ± 0.61%) and yeast-molasses fermented diet (85.3 ± 0.61%). Besides the control diet, the latter three diets also revealed the best growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and production profitability. In conclusion, rumen-fluid, yeast-molasses, and rumen-fluid-molasses fermentation methods improved the nutritional value of cassava leaves. Diets with 30% protein from soybean cake replaced by rumen-fluid, rumen-fluid-molasses and yeast-molasses fermented cassava leaves had overall acceptable growth performance with better production outcomes for Nile tilapia farming.

Effect of the Association of Levels of Potassium and Nitrogen from Coated Urea on the Forage Potential of Cactus Pear in Brazilian Savannah Soil

ABSTRACT The development of methods that aim to increase the water use efficiency in agricultural systems should be part of the objectives of research, and the cultivation of plants of lower water requirements, such as cactus pear, can be a good option. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the association of potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) levels from coated urea, in two harvest years, on the agronomic characteristics and nutritive value of Nopalea cochenillifera cv Doce. A randomized block design in a 2 × 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted. The factors corresponded to two levels of K (40 kg and 60 kg ha−1 year−1), four levels of N (0, 60, 120, and 240 kg ha−1 year−1) and two harvest years (Years I and II). The plants were evaluated for growth, yield, chemical, and mineral composition, and nutritive value. The levels of K affected only plant height and K content in the plant. The agronomic variables and contents of ether extract and crude protein (CP) linearly increased along with the levels of N from the coated urea. There was a significant effect of interaction between N levels and harvest year on the contents of NDF, NDFap, NFC, fraction A+B1, Ca, and Mg. The level of 40 kg K ha−1 year−1 associated with 240 kg N ha−1 year−1 from coated urea provided the best results for the characteristics of growth, yield, and nutritive value of the cactus pear.

Spatial heterogeneity in the properties of hydroponic wheat fodder and its sustainability

This study was conducted to determine the heterogeneity of the quantitative and qualitative properties of fodder growth in cultivated hydroponic wheat fodder (HWF) in the growth tray area and to evaluate the impact on the environment. HWF was grown using nutrient film technique. Yield productivity (YP) of HWF in the growth tray area was divided into four characteristic zones (A, B, C, and D). The most fertile zone A accounted for only 22.3 ± 4.2% of the entire growth tray area, while zone B accounted for 44.7 ± 4.0%. Zones C and D, which accounted for 28.0 ± 1.3% and 5.0 ± 0.3% area, respectively, pose various problems for forage production, i.e., they negatively impact the quantity and quality of HWF, as well as the environment. If all areas in the growth tray support the highest fodder YP (zones A and B), then one kg of dry wheat grains will yield about 6–7 kg of HWF (consisting of 10.7–12.4% dry matter, 17.3–17.5% crude protein, 1.8–2.3% starch, 13.1–14.4% crude fiber, and 4.5–4.6% ether extract). Results of life cycle assessment show that HWF with YPs of 3–5 kg from one kg of dry grains (zones C and D) has the most adverse impact on the environment (150 and 220 kg CO2eq t−1). Under optimum conditions (zone A), CO2eq varied from 94 to 115 kg CO2eq t−1 of feed. Environmentally, HWF production had the most impact on marine aquatic ecotoxicity, abiotic depletion, global warming potential, and freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity.

Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso) By-Product on Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Growing Rabbits.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding dried bergamot pulp to rabbits on animal performance and meat quality. Thirty rabbits were assigned to two groups (balanced for body weight, 804.4 ± 2.35 g) and fed individually for 60 days a basal diet (control) or the basal diet in which part of the cereals was replaced with 10% of dried bergamot pulp (DBP). There were no effects of DBP on growth performance, carcass yield, or the crude protein and ether extract composition of meat. The concentrations of α-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3) increased in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (p < 0.01 and p = 0.021, respectively) after integrating dried bergamot pulp into the diet, leading to higher levels of total of ω-3 fatty acids (p < 0.01) compared to the control treatment. The inclusion of dried bergamot pulp improved the oxidative stability in meat (p < 0.001), where TBARS values were lower after 4 and 7 days of refrigerated storage (p < 0.001) in the DBP group than in the control group. Finally, feeding dried bergamot pulp to rabbits improves meat quality without negatively influencing growth performance.