Concentration Of Extract Research Articles

Neuroprotective Effect of Fructus Ligustri Lucidi in Spinal Cord Neuron Injury during H2O2-Mediated Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage is a significant factor contributing to spinal cord injury. Although previous research has shown that Fructus Ligustri Lucidi (FLL) has neuroprotective benefits in SH-SY5Y, BV2, and PC12 cells, its impact on primary spinal cord neurons, which more accurately reflect the characteristics of central nervous system neurons, remains unexplored. This research investigated how FLL can protect rat primary spinal cord neurons from injury triggered by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated oxidative stress. Cell viability, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), upregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway, and mitochondrial superoxide were assessed. Rat primary spinal cord neurons were not adversely affected by concentrations of FLL extract up to 100 μg/mL. Furthermore, FLL extract showed a significant protective effect against H2O2-induced neuronal toxicity at 10–100 μg/mL. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis revealed that FLL extract inhibited H2O2-induced ROS generation in a dose-dependent manner. Immunocytochemistry and gene expression analysis confirmed that FLL extract reduced the overexpression of iNOS induced by H2O2 and enhanced the stimulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, crucial for antioxidant responses. In conclusion, FLL extract demonstrated neuroprotective effects on rat primary spinal cord neurons against the oxidative stress induced by H2O2. FLL extract effectively preserved cell viability, reduced ROS generation, suppressed iNOS overexpression, and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway. These results highlight the capacity of FLL extract as a neuroprotective agent against oxidative stress-related spinal neuron damage.

Evidence of Allelopathy among Selected Moss Species with Lettuce and Radish

There is limited evidence on bryophyte-tracheophyte allelopathic interactions. Even less is known about such relationships among commercially important plants and mosses. With the aim of screening such interactions, various extract concentrations of nine different mosses were tested on the seed germination and seedlings, i.e., hypocotyl elongation and total chlorophyll content of lettuce and radish. The allelopathic effects are documented to be pairwise (moss-vegetable) and species-specific. Based on the results, the extracts of Leucodon sciuroides and Dicranum polysetum are not harmful to lettuce and radish. Lower extract concentrations of Leucodon sciuroides and Ctenidium molluscum have a positive effect on lettuce development, while those of Thuidium delicatulum, Ctenidium molluscum, and Dicranum polysetum showed to be effective on radish. Further, negative effects were noticed when applying higher extract concentration of Abietinella abietina, Isothecium alopecuroides, Dicranum polysetum, and Racomitrium elongatum to lettuce and Isothecium alopecuroides to radish. The dataset presented in this study offers numerous possibilities for further target pest/vegetable type applications since some of the moss extracts are shown to be positive, negative, or indifferent to the tested features in lettuce and radish.

Effects of purple cabbage anthocyanin extract on the gluten characteristics and the gluten network evolution of high-gluten dough.

Anthocyanins are polyphenolic pigments that have hypoglycemic, antioxidation, anti-aging, and other effects. Research has shown that polyphenols can optimize the processing of dough and improve the texture and nutritional characteristics of dough products. The formation of gluten networks is decisive for the quality of flour products. The effects of purple cabbage anthocyanin (PCA) extract on the structure, microscopic morphology, and network formation of gluten protein were studied, and the types of cross-linking between PCA and gluten protein are discussed. The results show that PCA extract increased the free sulfhydryl (SH) group content and the free amino group of gluten proteins, stimulated an increase in the β-sheet ratio and the decrease of α-helix ratio, and increased the gluten index significantly (P < 0.05). The PCA extract also induced gluten protein aggregation, increased the height of protein molecular chains, and stimulated the formation of gluten networks. When PCA extract concentrations were 4 g kg-1 and 8 g kg-1, the gluten network was more homogeneous, continuous, and dense. Appropriate anthocyanins have a positive effect on the properties of gluten and promote the formation of gluten networks. Excessive anthocyanins destroy gluten protein interaction and harm gluten cross-linking. This study may provide a useful source of data for the production of functional flour products rich in anthocyanins. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Formulating edible films with red pitahaya extract and probiotic

Preventing food spoilage and prolonging its shelf life are of great importance to meet the increasing food demand. Dietary fibers in red pitahaya are known to help maintain food freshness. Lactic acid bacteria have probiotic properties and can be a good alternative to additives in food production. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential use of gum-based edible films containing red pitahaya extract and probiotic as a coating material in the food industry. Firstly, we determined the antimicrobial activity of red pitahaya peel and flesh extracts against pathogenic microorganisms and probiotic strains. Then, we employed the well diffusion method to determine the antimicrobial activity of the edible films containing red pitahaya extracts and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 used as a probiotic strain. The largest inhibition zone diameters of peel and flesh extracts were 12.97 and 13.32 mm, respectively, against Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The inhibition of the growth of lactic acid bacteria was lower as the extract concentration decreased. The gum-based films with flesh extract and probiotic had the largest inhibition zone diameters of 21.63 and 21.52 mm, respectively, against Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC19570 and C. albicans ATCC 10231. The edible films containing red pitahaya extract and L. fermentum MA-7 may have the potential to prevent spoilage caused by microorganisms in the food industry and to extend the shelf life of foods.

In Vitro Screening of Ecotoxic and Cytotoxic Activities of Ailanthus altissima Leaf Extract against Target and Non-Target Plant and Animal Cells.

Ailanthus altissima, an invasive plant species, exhibits pharmacological properties, but also some allergic effects on humans. This study aimed to evaluate the potential toxicity of A. altissima leaves, using a complex approach towards different organisms. The ecotoxic impact of a crude extract was investigated on seeds germination and brine shrimp lethality. Cytotoxicity was studied in vitro using non-target (haemolysis, liposomal model, fibroblast), and target (cancer cells) assays. Leaf extract at 1000 µg/mL significantly inhibited wheat and tomato germination, while no significant effects were found on parsley germination. A slight stimulatory effect on wheat and tomato germination was found at 125 µg/mL. In a brine shrimp-test, the extract showed a low toxicity at 24 h post-exposure (LC50 = 951.04 ± 28.26 μg/mL), the toxic effects increasing with the exposure time and extract concentration. Leaf extract caused low hematotoxicity. The extract was biocompatible with human gingival fibroblasts. No anti-proliferative effect was found within the concentration range of 10-500 µg/mL on malignant melanoma (MeWo) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). In a liposomal model-test, the extract proved to possess low capability to alter the eukaryotic cell-mimicking membranes within the tested concentration range. Given the low to moderate toxicity on tested organisms/cells, the A. altissima autumn leaves may find useful applications.

Loss of Volatile Metabolites during Concentration of Metabolomic Extracts

Loss of Volatile Metabolites during Concentration of Metabolomic Extracts

Efficacy of Crude Extract from Streptomyces cellulosae Against Biofilm-Related Genes of Candida albicans

Background: Candida albicans (C. albicans) is notably pathogenic due to its ability to form biofilms that are resistant to conventional antifungal treatments. Objectives: This study aims to explore the effectiveness of Streptomyces cellulosae (S. cellulosae) extract in disrupting biofilm formation by targeting specific genes within C. albicans. Methods: The study began by isolating S. cellulosae from soil and C. albicans from clinical specimens. S. cellulosae was then cultured and fermented to produce bioactive compounds. The ability of these extracts to inhibit C. albicans biofilm formation was tested using a crystal violet assay. Additionally, the effects of the S. cellulosae extracts on the expression of biofilm-related genes in C. albicans were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The growth rates of C. albicans were also measured to determine the impact of the extracts. Results: The crude extract of S. cellulosae significantly (P &lt; 0.05) inhibited the formation of C. albicans biofilms at concentrations exceeding 0.5 µg/mL, with the inhibition becoming more pronounced at concentrations above 2.0 µg/mL. The qRT-PCR results showed significant changes in the expression of biofilm-related genes ALS1, ALS3, and EFG1 at different extract concentrations (P &lt; 0.05). The extract also significantly affected the expression of the HWPa and BRG1 genes. Conclusions: The crude extract of Streptomyces cellulosae shows potential as a novel antibiofilm agent against C. albicans. This finding opens new avenues for research and potential therapeutic applications in combating biofilm-associated infections.

Screening Antibacterial Photodynamic Effect of Monascus Red Yeast Rice (Hong-Qu) and Mycelium Extracts.

The fungus Monascus is a well-known source of secondary metabolites with interesting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In particular, Monascus pigments possess awide range of biological activities (e.g. antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antitumoral). To broaden the scope of their possible application, this study focused on testing Monascus pigment extracts as potential photosensitizing agents efficient in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against bacteria. For this purpose, eight different extracts of secondary metabolites from the liquid- and solid-state fermentation of Monascus purpureus DBM 4360 and Monascus sp. DBM 4361 were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative model bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and further screened for ESKAPE pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To the bacterial culture, increasing concentration of extracts was added and it was found that all extracts showed varying antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria in dark, which was further increased after irradiation. Gram-negative bacteria were tolerant to the extracts' exposure in the dark but sensitivity to almost all extracts that occurred after irradiation. The Monascus sp. DBM 4361 extracts seemed to be the best potential candidate for aPDT against Gram-positive bacteria, being efficient at low doses, i.e. the lowest total concentration of Monascus pigments exhibiting aPDT effect was 3.92 ± 1.36 mg/L for E.coli. Our results indicate that Monascus spp., forming monascuspiloin as the major yellow pigment and not-forming mycotoxin citrinin, is apromising source of antimicrobials and photoantimicrobials.

Evaluation of Himalayan nettle (Urtica ardens) extract meal in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) feed: Impact on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity

This research aims to evaluate the impact of an extract derived from the leaves of Himalayan nettle (Urtica ardens) leaf extract on common carp, Cyprinus carpio, growth, digestive enzymes, fish body carcass composition, antioxidant system, and water quality parameters. For a duration of 90 days, experimental diets containing nettle extract were given to 150 fish (12.38 ± 0.53 g) in 15 tanks (10 fish per tank). The five groups in triplicate were: control or T0 (untreated), T1 (fed 0.3% extract), T2 (0.6% extract), T3 (0.9% extract), and T4 (1.2% extract). Results revealed that nettle extract in the diet increases common carp growth up to 0.9% concentration of extract. Its feed conversion ratio decreases, while weight gain and specific growth rate rise significantly compared to the control diet. No mortality was observed during the 90-day experiment. Dietary nettle extract did not affect whole-body fibre and crude ash percentages (p > 0.05). Nettle-fed and control groups showed significant differences in crude protein, body fat, and total body moisture (p < 0.05). After a 90-day feeding trial, 0.9% nettle extract-fed fish had higher protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase levels than the control group (p < 0.05). When nettle content reached 1.2%, enzyme activity decreased. Orthophosphate production peaked at 4 and 8 hours after feeding, while ammonia excretion peaked at 2 and 6 hours. The control group excreted the most ammonia and orthophosphate, while the 0.9% group excreted the least. Liver and kidney SOD levels were higher in common carp fed a 0.6% nettle extract diet. Feeding with a 0.9% nettle extract diet improved hepatic lipid peroxidation, gut and liver glutathione. Gut and kidney SOD, catalase, LPO, and GSH increased dramatically on the 1.2% diet. Statistically, the 0.9% nettle extract (T3) group showed the overall best results compared to the control diet. These findings demonstrate the potential of nettle extract as a dietary supplement in aquaculture.

Chemical Composition and Mosquitocidal activity of the methanolic leaf extracts from Ziziphus mauritiana L. against Aedes aegypti L. and Culex quinquefasciatus Say.

Mosquito vectors are a significant cause of pathogen transmission to both animals and humans. Mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting various diseases, including chikungunya, filariasis, West Nile fever, dengue, malaria, and Zika fever, placing approximately 80% of the world's population at risk of infection at any given time. Controlling mosquitoes has become a multifaceted challenge, influenced by diverse environmental factors such as deforestation, urbanization, and climate change on a global scale. For centuries, medicinal plants have been utilized as bioinsecticides to control insect pests. Ziziphus mauritiana, also known as Chinese apple or Indian jujube is a deciduous thorny tree or shrub. Different parts of the Z. mauritiana plant have been traditionally used to treat various common diseases, a practice still prevalent in India and China. In the current investigation, the chemical properties of the Z. mauritiana leaf extract were examined through UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and GC-MS Analysis. Second and fourth instar larvae, as well as pupae, of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus were subjected to different concentrations of the methanolic extract of Z. mauritiana for 24 h and 48 h to assess larvicidal and pupicidal activity. The FT-IR spectrum analysis revealed the presence of various functional groups in the chemical compounds extracted from Z. mauritiana, including amines, aromatics, alkanes, alkyls, carbonyls, and carboxylic acids. Additionally, GC-MS analysis identified Isoborneol (25.37%), 4-Acetylbutyric Acid (26.82%), and 2-Vinyl-9-[Beta-D-Ribofuranosyl] Hypoxanthine (24.24%) as the three major phytoconstitutents in the methanol extracts of Z. mauritiana. Regarding the larvicidal activity, the methanolic extract of Z. mauritiana exhibited LC50 values of 155.67 mg/L and 208.57 mg/L for second instar larvae, and 177.68 mg/L and 252.13 mg/L for fourth instar larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively, after 24 h of exposure. For pupicidal activity, the LC50 values were 502.02 mg/L and 514.99 mg/L on pupae of Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti, respectively, within 24 h. Overall, the GC-MS analysis provides valuable insights into the chemical composition of the Z. mauritiana extract, highlighting its potential as a natural and eco-friendly alternative for combating insect vectors and contributing to integrated mosquito management programs.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Potential of Ethanolic Extracts of Duguetia vallicola (Annonaceae) against in-Hospital Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is especially dominant in people with cystic fibrosis; the drug resistance expressed by this pathogen and its capacity for adaptation poses a significant challenge to its treatment and control, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates globally. In this sense, the search for new treatment alternatives is imminent today, with products of plant origin being an excellent alternative for use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antibacterial and antibiofilm potential and to explore the possible effect of ethanolic extracts from the wood and bark of Duguetia vallicola on the cell membrane. Microdilution assays showed the inhibition of bacterial growth by more than 50%, with the lowest concentration (62.5 μg/mL) of both extracts evaluated. Furthermore, we report the ability of both extracts to inhibit mature biofilms, with inhibition percentages between 48.4% and 93.7%. Intracellular material leakage experiments (260/280 nm), extracellular pH measurements, and fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EB) showed cell membrane damage. This indicates that the antibacterial action of ethanolic extracts of D. vallicola is associated with damage to the integrity of the cell membrane and consequent death of these pathogens. These results serve as a reference for future studies in establishing the mechanisms of action of these extracts.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of the hydrophyte Persicaria senegalensis: Preparation and antioxidant activity

For the first time, methanolic leaf extract of the hydrophyte Persicaria senegalensis L. was evaluated for its ability to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesis. The effect of stirring time and plant extract concentrations was studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used for characterization of AgNPs. XRD confirmed the AgNPs formation with crystallite size in the range 23–71 nm. The crystallite size increased with increasing both stirring time and plant extract concentration. Antioxidants, including secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and phenols are substances that inhibit oxidative damage to the cell organisms by scavenging the free radicals and thus reducing the hazard of diseases. The scavenging and antioxidant activities of the plant leaf extract and AgNPs were evaluated and exhibited potent antioxidant activity. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of plant leaf extract and AgNPs was 52.41 and 10.13 µg AA equivalent/mg DW, respectively. Total phenolics (TPs) and total flavonoids (TFs), revealed high contents equal to 154.83 µg gallic acid equivalent and 100.05 µg quercetin equivalent/mg DW plant extract, respectively.

Obtaining Bixin- and Tocotrienol-Rich Extracts from Peruvian Annatto Seeds Using Supercritical CO2 Extraction: Experimental and Economic Evaluation.

Currently, Bixa orellana L. extracts are used as a color source in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because they are important as a potential source of antioxidant activity. The extraction is carried out by conventional methods, using alkaline solutions or organic solvents. These extraction methods do not take advantage of the lipid fraction of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds, and the process is not friendly to the environment. In this work, the objective was to obtain an extract rich in nutraceuticals (bixin and tocols) of high antioxidant power from Peruvian annatto seeds as a potential source for a functional food or additive in the industry using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Experiments related to extraction yield, bixin, tocotrienols, tocopherols, and antioxidant activity were carried out. The SFE was performed at 40 °C, 50 °C, and 60 °C, and 100, 150, and 250 bar with 0.256 kg/h carbon dioxide as the supercritical solvent (solvent-to-feed ratio of 10.2). Supercritical extraction at 60 °C and 250 bar presented the best results in terms of global extraction yield of 1.40 ± 0.01 g/100 g d.b., extract concentration of 0.564 ± 0.005 g bixin/g extract, 307.8 mg α-tocotrienol/g extract, 39.2 mg β-tocotrienol/g extract, 2 mg γ-tocopherol/g extract, and IC50 of 989.96 μg extract/mL. Economical evaluation showed that 60 °C, 250 bar, and 45 min presented the lowest cost of manufacturing (2 × 2000 L, COM of USD 212.39/kg extract). This extract is a potential source for functional food production.

Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

To investigate the effect of horsetail extract containing high silicon on morphological traits, growth, content, and compositions of essential oil of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) an experiment turned into carried out in the shape of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar treatment of horsetail extract with zero, 0.5, 1, and 2% concentrations was applied on 6–8 leaf plants. The assessed traits include plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of sub-branches, leaf area index, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total anthocyanin, the content of total phenol and total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, essential oil content, and compounds were measured. The findings demonstrated that the increase of silicon-containing horsetail extract enhanced the improved increase in growth and phytochemical trait values. The use of horsetail extract in the 2% treatment increased plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the number of sub-branches, leaf area index, fresh weight, and dry weight of the plant by 49.79, 45.61, 91.09, 99.78, 52.78 and 109.25%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest content of total phenol (2.12 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (1.73 mg RE/g DW), total anthocyanin (0.83 mg C3G/g DW), and antioxidant activity (184.3 µg/ml) was observed in the 2% extract treatment. The content of essential oil increased with increasing the concentration of horsetail extract, so the highest amount of essential oil was obtained at the concentration of 2%, which increased by 134.78% compared to the control. By using GC–MS, the essential oil was analyzed. The main components of the essential oil include methyl eugenol (12.93–25.93%), eugenol (17.63–27.51%), 1,8-cineole (15.63–20.84%), linalool (8.31–19.63%) and (Z)-caryophyllene (6.02–14.93%). Increasing the concentration of horsetail extract increased the compounds of eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in essential oil compared to the control, but decreased the compounds of methyl eugenol and (Z)-caryophyllene. Foliar spraying of horsetail extract, which contains high amounts of silicon, as a stimulant and biological fertilizer, can be a beneficial ingredient in increasing the yield and production of medicinal plants, especially in organic essential oil production.

Antimicrobial Effect of Rosella Flower Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Against Multispecies Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

Periodontal disease has a high prevalence in the world and Indonesia. There are 2 types of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, which can be caused by pathogenic bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Minimizing periodontal disease can be done by brushing, flossing, scaling, and using mouthwash that contains antibacterial. Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is an herbal plant that contains antibacterial properties, so it can be used as an additional therapy to minimize periodontal disease. The research was conducted in the MiCore laboratory FKG Usakti with the method in this study using an in vitro laboratory experiment using a biofilm assay test with a concentration of 1 g/mL, 0.50 g/mL, 0.25 g/mL, 0.125 g/mL, 0.0625 g/mL, 0.0312 g/mL, 0.015 g/mL. The extract was distributed into well plates, stained with crystal violet, incubated for 1 hour, 6 hours, and 24 hours, and then counted using a microplate reader. The results showed that extract concentrations starting from 0.015 g/mL at an incubation period of 1 hour, concentrations starting from 0.125 g/mL at an incubation period of 6 hours, and concentrations starting from 0.0625 g/mL at an incubation period of 24 hours were proven to inhibit bacterial growth and proved to be more effective than 0.2% chlorhexidine with significantly different results (p0.05). It can be concluded that Rosella extract can inhibit the growth of multispecies bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Chemical and sensory properties evaluations in sea salt fortified with Moringa oleifera leaf extract

As a natural ingredient containing many nutrients and beneficial to human health, Moringa oleifera leaf extract can be used as a food-fortification ingredient. Fortifying daily seasonings such as salt with M. oleifera leaf extract can help to fulfill human daily nutrition requirements and deliver health benefits. This research aimed to study the influence of fortifying sea salt with M. oleifera leaf extract on the product's chemical characteristics and sensory properties. M. oleifera leaf extract was added into fine salt with different concentrations of 20% and 40% (w/v) and heated at 55℃ for 10 mins. The chemical properties were analysed to evaluate the nutritional properties of the product, for instance, β-carotene, vitamin C, moisture and NaCl content. Subsequently, sensory properties are presented to assess product preference from panellists. The result showed that the β-carotene and vitamin C in 20% and 40% treatments were 12.641 to 27.922 μg/ kg and 5.06 to 7.392 mg/kg, respectively. The moisture content in control, 20%, and 40% treatments were all below 5%. NaCl content, as the major compound in the product, was affected by adding M. oleifera leaf extract into the product. Applying 40% M. oleifera leaf extract to the salt significantly decreased the NaCl content of the product compared with 20% treatment and control. All sensory properties attributes have decreased as an increase of M. oleifera leaf extract concentration. Compared with the 40% treatment, the 20% treatment showed a higher value of sensory properties. A preference for salt fortification was also shown at the 20% treatment in the neutral midpoint. Thus, an additional 20% of M. oleifera leaf extract provided higher nutritional content than the control and was more acceptable to consumers than the 40% treatment.

In vitro assessing of Cucumis pubescens Willd. fruit extract for phytochemical, antibacterial, antioxidants and toxicity assays

The Cucumis pubescens Willd. belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. This is found in its natural habitat as a wild plant. Its fruit extract contains a significant number of phytochemicals, contributing to its antioxidant properties. This fruit is edible and used in various traditional medicines for treating diverse ailments. This study focuses on the phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activity against selected microbes, antioxidant potential, and toxicity to zebrafish embryos, all of which are responsible for imparting the medicinal values of C. pubescens fruit. The ethanolic extract of C. pubescens fruit contains various phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, sugar, tannins, terpenoids, coumarins, proteins, and amino acids. The total phenolic content was found to be 27.745 ± 0.4765 GAE a/g extract, the total flavonoids were found to be 36.205 ± 0.3854 TAE b/g extract, and total tannins were found to be 31.478 ± 0.2478 RE c/g extract. The antibacterial activity showed an increase in zone of inhibition on increasing the concentration of fruit extract, with ampicillin serving as positive control. The antioxidant assays such as DPPH, reducing power assay, percentage of molybdenum assay, H2O2 scavenging assay, and nitric oxide assay were performed using 25,50,75,100, and 125 μg/mL concentrations of the fruit extract. The results revealed that increasing the concentration of the fruit extract and increased the antioxidant activity up to 95 % at higher concentrations. The mortality rate of zebrafish embryo confirmed the nontoxic nature of C. pubescens fruit extract at different concentrations, observed at 24,48,72, and 98 h. This work highlights the presence of phytochemicals in C. pubescens ethanolic fruit extract, which are responsible for its greater antibacterial and antioxidant activities, and exhibits its nontoxicity on the zebrafish embryo model.

Efficacy of herbal extracts in the management of cactus pest, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a drought-resistant plant and the source of food and income for many farmers during the rainy season, and the only option to feed livestock during the dry seasons, especially in the southern part of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The region is currently suffering from a damaging parasitoid of cactus called Dactylopius opuntiae- ficus biotype. An experimental study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 to investigate the efficacy of herbal extracts against cochineal insects. The experiment was conducted on the insecticidal property of methanol extracts of Solanum linnaenum, Euphorbia tirucalli, Nerium oleander, Tephrosia vogelii, Calpurnia aurea, Argemone Mexicana, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis. Herbs were extracted, and their efficacy and LC50 were determined. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites was performed. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean mortality of insects across the levels of the herbs (F (8, 71) = 57.812, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.867) and the experimental extract concentrations (F (1, 71) = 4198.3, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.983). The individual extracts of S. linnaenum and N. oleander caused average mortality rates of 99.3% and 97.4%, respectively, at 5% extract concentration. Tannins and saponins were the major metabolites found in the extracts. The present study demonstrated the promising insecticidal efficacy of herbal extracts against the damaging cacti pest D. opuntia-ficus biotype, providing insights into sustainable pest control strategies for protecting vital cactus resources in the Tigray region.

Streptomyces isolate SOM013, a potential agent against microbial resistance and gastric ulcers

The menace of microbial resistance and re-emerging disease is still a problem for healthcare givers globally, and the need for newer sources of potent antibiotics has become paramount. This study investigated the antimicrobial and antiulcer activities of Streptomyces isolate SOM013. Streptomyces isolates were cultivated and purified following standard microbiological protocols. Secondary metabolites were recovered and characterized from Streptomyces isolate SOM013 via broth fermentation and extraction. Varying concentrations (0.5 mg/mL, 0.025 mg/mL and 0.0125 mg/mL) of the SOM013 extract were used for antimicrobial screening against resistant bacteria and medically important fungi (methicillin-resistant Escherichia coli, Oxacillin resistant Helicobacter pylori, Shigella spp, extended broad-spectrum resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp, Campylobacter spp, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus flavus). The antiulcer activity of the SOM013 was also examined in a methanol-induced gastric ulcer animal model. A total of 23 Streptomyces spp were recovered from the study. Methanolic extract of the SOM013 isolates was more potent across the clinical test microorganisms compared to water extract. The antimicrobial activity was dose dependent, with methanolic extract at 0.05 g/mL displaying the highest zone of inhibition (18.8 ± 0.3 mm) when tested against extended broad-spectrum resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, the extract's ulcer index and protection efficacy were significant as the concentration increased (P < 0.01). SOM013 isolate has a moderate antimicrobial and high antiulcer activity worthy of pharmacological exploration.

Phenol content, potential antioxidant and anti-urolithic effects of fruit and leaf extracts from Algerian Capparis spinosa L.

Background: Ethnobotanical studies have historically documented the traditional medicinal use of Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) in treating kidney stones and other chronic renal ailments. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and potential inhibitory effects of Capparis spinosa L. fruit and leaf extracts on calcium oxalate nucleation and aggregation. Material and Methods: Plant material was collected from the Tessala Mountains in Algeria. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Cioclateu method, while in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay. In vitro anti-urolithic testing involved the use of turbidimetry in kinetic experiments to evaluate calcium oxalate nucleation and aggregation. Results: The IC50 values for antioxidant activity against DPPH were 8.67 mg/mL for fruit extracts and 0.57 mg/mL for leaf extracts. Furthermore, the investigated extracts exhibited a concentration-dependent inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal nucleation and aggregation. At the highest concentrations of leaf and fruit extracts, the corresponding inhibition rates were 74.47% and 66.06% for the nucleation test and 67.75% and 54.19% for the aggregation assay, respectively. Conclusions: These findings substantiate the traditional usage of Capparis spinosa L. in managing urinary lithiasis, suggesting its potential application as either a preventive measure or a therapeutic intervention for urinary stone formation. Keywords: Antioxidant, Calcium oxalate, Capparis spinosa L., Urolithiasis, Polyphenols.