Flower Extract Research Articles

GC-MS analysis and antifungal potential of flower extract of Acacia nilotica subsp. Indica against Macrophomina phaseolina

Macrophomina phaseolina is a wide host ranged soil-borne fungal plant pathogen. It infects more than 500 host plant species belonging to 100 families. Many important oil-seed and leguminous crops are known to be attacked by this devastating plant pathogen. In the present study, antifungal potential of flowers of a leguminous tree Acacia nilotica subsp. indica, was assessed against this pathogen through bioassays guided fractionation. Initially, methanolic extracts of 1 %–5 % of leaf, flower, root-bark and stem-bark of the plant species under consideration were evaluated for their antifungal potential against the target pathogen. Among these, the best antifungal activity was shown by flower extract. The reduction in growth of the test fungal strain was 27–49 %, 4–40 % and 2–27 % due to flower, root-bark and leaf extracts, respectivey, over control. Flower extract was partitioned using n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol as the solvents. Bioassays guided study of these fractions of methanolic extract of flower revealed that high antifungal potential was shown by n-hexane and chloroform fractions against M. phaseolina causing 26–53 % and 28–50 % decline in fungal biomass, respectively, as compared to that of control. GC-MS analysis of chloroform fraction revealed the presence of 27 compounds in this fraction. Among these cyclopentanol,-1-methyl (10.93 %) was the predominant compound followed by methyl, 4,4-dimethyl butanoate (7.04 %), 1-pentanol (6.80 %), 2-propanol, 1-cyclopropyl (6.11 %), 1H,imidazole-4-5-dihydro-2-methyl (5.93 %), trichloroethane (5.91 %), carbonic acid-ethyl hexyl ester (4.59 %), 1,4-butandiol,2,3-bis(methylene)- (4.54 %) and [S]-3,4-dimethyl pentanol (4.48 %).

Gompherna globosa flower extract-driven ZnO nanoparticles for enhanced antimicrobial and photocatalytic properties

The aqueous extract of Gomphrena globosa flowers was utilized for the first time as an effective capping and reducing agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were examined using x-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and UV–vis spectroscopy. XRD revealed the single-phase wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles with a P63mc space group with an average size of 23 nm. The band gap of synthesized ZnO nanoparticles was determined as 3.16 eV from UV–vis spectroscopy. The rod-shaped structure of the synthesized ZnO NPs was revealed by SEM. The presence of the elements Zn & O was confirmed by EDAX. TEM and SAED confirmed that the average particle size was 26 nm and that the material was polycrystalline. The bio-inspired ZnO NPs achieved outstanding degradation activity of 95.4% against Malachite Green dye after 20 min of UV illumination. The antibacterial properties of the green synthesized nanoparticles were assessed in relation to gram-positive (Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp.,) and gram-negative (E. coli, Klebsiella sp.) bacteria. ZnO nanoparticles possess strong antifungal property against a pathogenic fungus Aspergillus niger. This study shows that green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles derived from Gomphrena globosa flower extract are recommended for use in anti-microbial and photocatalytic applications.

Effect of Camellia flava (Pitard) Sealy flower extract on the degeneration of Islets of Langerhans and insulin resistance in alloxan-induced hyperglycemia model on Swiss albino mice

Diabetes has always been a matter of concern to health experts as well as the community due to the increasing number of patients with diabetes and the severe consequences it may cause. Many attempts have been made to discover new treatment options for diabetes, and herbal medicines are currently considered to have great potential. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Camellia flava flower extract on the degeneration of the islets of Langerhans and insulin resistance in an alloxan-induced hyperglycemia model in Swiss albino mice. Hyperglycemic conditions were induced by alloxan (55 mg/kg, i.v.). The animals were then treated with glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and flower extract at doses of 1.09 and 2.19 g/kg, p.o. The results showed that the blood glucose, AUC, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR levels of two groups of mice receiving flower extract were considerably lower than those of the hyperglycemic untreated group (p < 0.05). The body weights of these two groups were also lower than the untreated group on the last day of the experiment, though the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). However, this was not observed when assessing insulin levels as well as relative organ weights. In biochemical tests, creatinine and AST and ALT concentrations were evaluated. There was no significant variation in creatinine and AST concentrations between the five experimental groups, whereas mice treated with glibenclamide and flower extract at both doses showed a remarkable decline in ALT concentration (p < 0.05). The hepatic histomicrographs were consistent with ALT results, while the H&E staining of kidneys showed no difference between groups. Histomicrographs of the pancreas revealed that the treatment groups using glibenclamide and flower extract had larger islets of Langerhans than those of the alloxan-treated group. Based on these results, this study demonstrated that Camellia flava flower extract exerted several beneficial effects, including blood sugar level reduction, weight loss promotion, and organ protection, hence making it a new potential herbal medication for the management of diabetes.

An Overview of the Use of Natural Indicators in Acid-Base Titrations

While titrimetric and gravimetric analysis were the most concerning analytical techniques, they are now the most commonly used techniques for identifying chemicals. The endpoint in the titrimetric analysis method is identified by colour changes from one medium to another caused by the addition of chemicals referred to as indicators. There are a lot of synthetic indicators on the market these days, which are expensive and pollute the environment. Human toxicity is produced by a number of synthetic markers. As demonstrated by their use in acid-base titrimetric analysis, floral extracts have a very promising analytical potential. Seven plant extracts were found to function well in strong acid-strong base titrations: violet cabbage, beetroot, red hibiscus flower (shoe flower), turmeric powder, red rose flower, henna leaves, and pink Mirabilis Jalapa flower (4 o'clock flower). For the violet cabbage, there was a noticeable and distinct colour shift from pale pink to violet; for the beetroot, it was dark brown to red; and for the red hibiscus flower extract, it was pale yellow to pink.

Application and Evaluation of the Antifungal Activities of Glandular Trichome Secretions from Air/Sun-Cured Tobacco Germplasms against Botrytis cinerea.

The secretions of the glandular trichomes of tobacco leaves and flowers contain abundant secondary metabolites of different compounds, such as cebradanes, labdanes, and saccharide esters. These secondary metabolites have shown interesting biological properties, such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antioxidant activity. In this study, 81 air/sun-cured tobacco germplasms were used as experimental materials. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the glandular secretion components were conducted using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The ethanol extracts of glandular trichomes from tobacco leaves and flowers were evaluated for antifungal activity against the fungus Botrytis cinerea using the mycelial growth rate method. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (OPLS) analysis was then performed to determine the relationship between the trichome secretion components and their anti-fungal activity. The results showed significant differences among the antifungal activities of the tested ethanol extracts of tobacco glandular trichomes. The inhibition rates of the upper leaves and flower extracts against B. cinerea were significantly higher than those of the middle and lower leaves, and 59 germplasms (73.75% of the tested resources) showed antifungal rates higher than 50%, with four germplasms achieving a 95% antifungal rate at the same fresh weight concentration (10 mg/mL). The OPLS analysis revealed that the antifungal activity was primarily associated with alpha-cembratriene-diol (α-CBT-diol (Peak7)) and beta-cembratriene-diol (β-CBT-diol (Peak8)), followed by sucrose esters III (SE(III)) and cembratriene-diol oxide. These findings help identify excellent tobacco germplasms for the development and utilization of botanical pesticides against fungi and provide a theoretical reference for the multipurpose utilization of tobacco germplasms.

Biopesticide effect on crops for the bioactive components extracted from Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula

Botanicals from Marigold, Chrysanthemum, Basil, Rosemary and other medicinal plants have been analysed as potential replacements of chemical pesticides as they are effective and non-hazardous to the environment. The bioactive components thiophene is present in large amount in Tagetes sp. which have a wide range of biocidal properties. In this study the crude extracts of different parts of Tagetes erecta and Tagetes patula were obtained by Soxhlet extraction method. The leaf extracts were subjected to GC–MS to identify their components and to confirm the presence of thiophenes. Two major disastrous crop pests namely, Spodoptera litura and Corcyra cephalonica belongs to Order Lepidoptera, Family Noctuidae and Pyralidae were used for the experimental study. The effect of bioactive extract was tested by direct and indirect methods for their larvicidal effect. The S. litura larvae was allowed to feed on castor leaves coated with spraying different concentrations of methanolic sample extracts as indirect method. In the direct spraying method, the S. litura and C. cephalonica larvae were sprayed with low and high concentrations of crude sample extracts of both T. patula and T. erecta. Significant decrease in larval activity and survival rate within 24 h to 48 h were recorded for both the methods. The trials were performed using variousvolumes from 10 to 1000 µl to check larvicidal activity. The roots and stem extracts of T. erecta for 25 µl kill 100% larvae within 24 h whereas 50 µl of T. patula flowers, roots and stem extract effectively kill only 50% of the larvae in 48 h. A mini nursery evaluation were conducted by direct spraying method on larvae growing on jowar saplings, which displayed 100% mortality of larvae within 24 h for 25 µl of T. erecta leaf and flower extracts and T. patula flower extract. From these trials, it can be inferred that the extracts of T. patula and T. erecta provided effective outcomes as larvicides of S. litura and C. cephalonica.

Formulation and Evaluation of Toothpaste Combining Clove Flower Extract (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and Chamomile Flower Essential Oil (Matricaria chamomilla)

Introduction: Herbal remedies like clove and chamomile have been traditionally used for their potential oral health benefits. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a toothpaste combining clove flower extract (Syzygium aromaticum L.) and chamomile flower essential oil (Matricaria chamomilla) for its efficacy in promoting oral hygiene. Methods: Clove flower extract was obtained through ethanol extraction, while chamomile essential oil was procured commercially. Various toothpaste formulations (F1-F3) were prepared with varying concentrations of the herbal extracts, alongside a control formulation (F0) without the extracts. The formulations underwent comprehensive evaluation, including organoleptic assessment, pH determination, homogeneity testing, and foam height analysis. Additionally, antimicrobial activity against common oral pathogens (Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus) was assessed using the agar well diffusion method. Results: All formulations (F0-F3) exhibited acceptable organoleptic properties, pH levels within the safe range for oral use, and homogeneity. However, foam height varied among formulations, with F1-F3 showing lower foam compared to the control (F0). Notably, F2 and F3 demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both S. mutans and S. aureus, suggesting their potential in combating oral pathogens. Conclusion: The combination of clove flower extract and chamomile essential oil in toothpaste formulations holds promise for enhancing oral hygiene due to their antimicrobial properties. Further research is warranted to optimize foam height and explore the long-term clinical effects of this herbal toothpaste.

COMPARATIVE ANTI-TRICHOMONAS VAGINALIS ACTIVITY EVALUATION OF SAMBUCUS NIGRA L. FLOWERS AND FRUITS EXTRACTS

Background: Sambucus nigra or also known as Black elderberry or European elderberry is been used for the teatment and prevention of various diseases. The plant posseses health beneficial effects such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcerogenic, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antiviral and antiinflammatory. However, there is limited report on the antitrichomoniasis activity of S. nigra. Objectives: The study aimed to comparatively analyze the in vitro trichomonicidal effects of various extracts prepared from both fruits and flowers of S. nigra. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and minimum parasiticide (MPC) values of the extracts against metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis 50143 strain were determined by the liquid microdilution method using 96-well microplates. Results: After 48 hrs incubation with parasites, the highest activities were observed for 70% hydroethanolic extract, chloroform extract and methanol extract of fruits with IC50 values of 513, 531 and 566 µg/ml, respectively. Fruit extracts exhibited higher activity than flower extracts, and no activity was observed in methanol extract of flowers. Conclusion: This study is the first comparative analysis of the anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of elderberry extracts. This study will serve as a reference source in isolating the components of elderberry fruits with antiparasitic activity. Peer Review History: Received 23 March 2024; Revised 6 May 2024; Accepted 27Metronidazole June; Available online 15 July 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Amany Mohamed Alboghdadly, Ibn Sina National College for Medical Studies in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amanyalboghdadly@gmail.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. Sangeetha Arullappan, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, sangeetha@utar.edu.my Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com

Unraveling the Bioactive Potential of Camellia japonica Edible Flowers: Profiling Antioxidant Substances and In Vitro Bioactivity Assessment.

In recent years, the search for novel natural-based ingredients by food and related industries has sparked extensive research aimed at discovering new sources of functional molecules. Camellia japonica, traditionally known as an ornamental plant, has gained attention due to its diverse array of bioactive compounds with potential industrial applications. Although C. japonica flowers are edible, their phytochemical profile has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, a phenolic profile screening through an HPLC-ESI-QQQ-MS/MS approach was applied to C. japonica flower extracts, revealing a total of 36 compounds, including anthocyanins, curcuminoids, dihydrochalcones, dihydroflavonols, flavonols, flavones, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, isoflavonoids, stilbenes, and tyrosols. Following extract profiling, their bioactivity was assessed by means of in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and neuroprotective activities. The results showed a multifaceted high correlation of phenolic compounds with all the tested bioactivities according to Pearson's correlation analysis, unraveling the potential of C. japonica flowers as promising sources of nutraceuticals. Overall, these findings provide insight into the valorization of C. japonica flowers from different unexplored cultivars thus diversifying their industrial outcome.

Evaluation of antioxidant and intelligent films for pork packaging and spoilage monitoring based on maize starch, carrageenan gum, and Rosa chinensis flower extracts

Evaluation of antioxidant and intelligent films for pork packaging and spoilage monitoring based on maize starch, carrageenan gum, and Rosa chinensis flower extracts

Two spurge species, Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg and Euphorbia officinarum subsp. echinus (Hook.f. & Coss.) Vindt inhibit colon cancer

BackgroundColon cancer, a prominent contributor to global cancer-related deaths, prompts the need for innovative treatment strategies. Euphorbia resinifera O. Berg (E. resinifera) and Euphorbia officinarum subsp. echinus Hook. f. & Coss Vindt (E. echinus) and their bee-derived products have been integral to traditional Moroccan medicine due to their potential health benefits. These plants have historical use in addressing various health issues, including cancer. However, their effects against colon cancer remain unclear, and the specific mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer effects lack comprehensive investigation.MethodsThe study aimed to assess the potential anti-cancer effects of Euphorbia extract on colon cancer cell lines (DLD-1) through various techniques. The apoptosis, migration, and proliferation of DLD-1 cells were measured in DLD-1 cells. In addition, we conducted High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis to identify the profile of phenolic compounds present in the studied extracts.ResultsThe extracts demonstrated inhibition of colon cancer cell migration. E. resinifera flower and E. echinus stem extracts show significant anti-migratory effects. Regarding anti-proliferative activity, E. resinifera flower extract hindered proliferation, whereas E. echinus flower extract exhibited dose-dependent inhibition. Apoptosis assays revealed E. resinifera flower extract inducing early-stage apoptosis and E. echinus flower extract promoting late-stage apoptosis. While apoptotic protein expression indicated, E. resinifera stem and propolis extracts had minimal impact on apoptosis.ConclusionThe findings provide evidence supporting the beneficial effects of E resinifera and E. echinus extracts on colon cancer and exerting anti-cancer properties.

Tagetes erecta L.: A traditional medicine effective in inflammatory process treatment

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTagetes erecta L. (Asteraceae), popularly known as Aztec Marigold, is used in folk medicine to treat several ailments including inflammatory processes. Despite its historical use, the specific mechanisms through which it may modulate inflammation, particularly its effects on neutrophils and macrophages activation, have not yet been completely investigated. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from T. erecta flowers, focusing on its role in the regulation of neutrophil and macrophage functions. Material and methodsThe production of TNF, IL-6, CXCL-1, IL-1β, IL-10 (ELISA) and NO (Griess reaction), adhesion molecule expression (CD62L, CD49d and CD18, flow cytometry), and chemotaxis were analyzed in vitro using oyster glycogen-recruited peritoneal neutrophils or macrophages (RAW 264.7) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with the extract (1, 10 or 100 μg/mL). The resolution of inflammation was accessed by efferocytosis assay. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced inflammation in the subcutaneous tissue of male Swiss mice orally treated with the T. erecta extract (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg). The leukocyte influx (optical microscopy), secretion of chemical mediators (TNF, IL-6 and IL-1β, ELISA) and protein exudation (Bradford reaction) were quantified in the inflamed exudate. ResultsIn vitro studies demonstrated that the extract inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis and reduced the production and/or release of cytokines (TNF, IL-1β, CXCL1, and IL-6) as well as nitric oxide (NO) by neutrophils and macrophages when stimulated with LPS. Neutrophils treated with LPS and incubated with the extract showed an increase in CD62L expression, which leads to the impairment of neutrophil adhesion. The extract also enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages, which was accompanied by increased IL-10 secretion and decreased TNF levels. In vivo studies yielded similar results, showing reduction in neutrophil migration, protein exudation, and cytokine release (TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β). ConclusionsTogether, the data herein obtained shows that T. erecta flower extract has anti-inflammatory effects by regulating inflammatory mediators, limiting neutrophil migration, and promoting efferocytosis. The in vivo results suggest that an herbal medicine made with T. erecta could represent an interesting pharmacological tool for the treatment of acute inflammatory condition.

Adsorption and desorption process for high recovery and purification of anthocyanins from (Clitoria ternatea L) using macroporous resins

The intense coloration of the petals of the butterfly bean flowers (Clitoria Ternatea L.) is attributed to high content of anthocyanins, which are considered as an antioxidant phytochemicals that have many health benefits. In this context, it is so important to implement a new method for the separation and purification of phenolic compounds. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the adsorption and desorption behavior of anthocyanins extracted from the petals of the butterfly bean flowers, using six different macroporous adsorption resins (XAD 2, XAD 4, XAD 7HP, DAX 8. XAD 1180 N and XAD 16), and to identify the best type of resin for anthocyains recovery from butterfly bean flowers extract. The XAD7HP and DAX8 resins showed high adsorption capacity, (248.55 ± 8.8 mg/g) and (228.84 ± 16.9 mg/g) at pH 5, and the highest recovery values for anthocyanins; (75.66 ± 1.1%) and (52.64 ± 1.2%), respectively. The Langmuir model described better the adsorption isotherm process on DAX 8, in turn, the experimental data of equilibrium were better fitted by Freundlich model for isotherm adsorption of anthocyanin on XAD7HP resin. The pseudo-second order model was the best to fit the experimental data of the adsorption kinetics at the different temperatures used. Both resins XAD 7HP and DAX 8 presented high recovery of anthocyanin, comparing with conventional extracted methods the purified anthocyanin using XAD 7HP and DAX 8 can be used as biological compounds with more purity for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Study of Two Synthesized Methods of Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis Using Fresh Flowers Extracts of <i>Clitoria ternatea</i>

In this research, the syntheses of AuNPs using the flowers extract of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) were studied by two synthesized methods including 1) heating 2) microwave assisted extraction. C. ternatea extract (CT extract) was prepared using the microwave assisted extraction. The best condition for syntheses of AuNPs using CT extract were performed using microwave assisted extraction (1,000 watt for 3 min). The morphology of the synthesized AuNPs from microwave assisted extraction was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), respectively. The TEM image of synthesized AuNPs also showed that most nanoparticles were in a spherical shape and XRD pattern presented an intense peak at 2θ = 38.44°, 44.41°, 65.03° and 77.58°, respectively which correspond to face centered cubic structure with (111), (200), (220) and (311) plane.

Mitochondria mediated inhibitory effect of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (L.) flower extract against breast adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma: An in vitro and in vivo study

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe flowers of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (L.) heals mouth ulcers. Its tinctures promote gastric secretions, and improve lung expectoration when taken orally. It has traditionally been used to treats scabies and other skin problems. The leaves of NAT(L.) plant are used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat sciatica, chronic fever, rheumatism, internal worm infections, and as a laxative, diaphoretic, and diuretic. The bark used in treatment of snakebite and bronchitis. In addition to traditional uses, pharmacologically this plant has potent antimalarial, antiarthritic, anticancer and antidiabetic activity. However, the mechanistic antiproliferative potentials of NAT(L.) flower as anticancer therapeutics has not yet been explored. Aim of the studyThe current study is based on a broad range of scientific literature that highlights the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of NAT (L.). Present investigation was carried out to determine the therapeutic efficacy of NAT (L.) against breast adenocarcinoma cells and T-cell lymphoma. Materials and methodsThe ethyl-acetate extract of NAT(L.) was tested against breast cancer cells to assess the anticancer potential. To evaluate apoptosis, intracellular ROS levels and mitochondrial dynamics, fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were employed. Additionally, cell cycle analysis and western blotting were also performed. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor efficacy of flower extracts was investigated in T-cell lymphoma-bearing BALB/c mice model. ResultsOur present study revealed that NAT (L.) exert anticancer activity against breast cancer cells effectively at IC50 320 μg/ml while having less impact on normal cells with IC50 more than 480 μg/ml. Fluorescence imaging showed that NAT (L.) treatment elicits a concentration-dependent rise in the occurrence of apoptotic cell deaths with altered mitochondrial dynamics and was subsequently confirmed by flow cytometry. Further, flow cytometric analysis delineates ethyl acetate flower extract exposure promotes arrest of cells in S phase of the cell cycle. The differential expression of apoptotic proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved PARP-1, cleaved caspase 3, Cytochrome-c, p53 and VEGF A were influenced by NAT (L.) treatment. The in vivo antitumor activity study delineates that NAT(L.) therapy significantly increased the life span of T-cell lymphoma bearing mice while reducing tumor load and belly size growth pattern without causing significant other distinct side effects as evident by histopathological studies. ConclusionOur current findings unveil that NAT(L.) ethyl acetate flower extract potentially induces mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, promote cell cycle arrest, reduces tumor load of mice, enhances survivability and could be a promising agent against the triple negative breast cancer and lymphoma.

Antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory potential in flowers and seeds of Ochna integerrima (Lour.) Merr

This study explored, for the first time, the antioxidant (total antioxidant content, reducing power, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, hydroxyl radical scavenging, ferrous ion-chelating assays), anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory properties, and hepatoprotective effect in HepG2 cell lines of Ochna integerrima (Loureiro) Merrill flowers and seeds. All extracts except n-hexane exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with high levels of tannin and proanthocyanidins. Luteolin (1), 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylkaempferol7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (2), 6-γ,γ-dimethylallylquercetin7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (3), and 6-γ,γ-dimethylallyldihydrokaempferol 7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (4) were isolated using semi-preparative HPLC. Compounds 1–3 demonstrated good anti-tyrosinase activity. The most active hepatoprotective extracts were found to be aqueous extracts. The flower extracts exhibited greater anti-inflammatory properties by the decrease of NO in RAW 264.7 cells and bovine serum albumin protein. Among them, the n-hexane and EtOAc extracts from flowers displayed promising anti-inflammatory activity. This was predicted by in silico analysis of 1–4. In summary, O. integerrima appears to be a promising natural source for antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-inflammatory applications.

The effect of ethanol extracts of loulu flower on LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Mongolian medicine, Loulu flower (LLF), the dried inflorescence of Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC. from the Compositae family, has been used to clear heat and relieve toxicity for millennia, particularly in the treatment of pneumonia. Aim of this studyTo reveal the effects of LLF on mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated acute lung injury (ALI) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methodsALI was established in BALB/c mice via nasal drops administration of LPS (5 mg/kg). The mice were then orally administrated with various doses of LLF extracts and the positive drug dexamethasone (DEX, 5 mg/kg), once daily for seven consecutive days. Last day, after being stimulated with LPS for 6h, the mice were closed dislocation of cervical vertebra, the serum, bronchus alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were put into the EP tube and stored at −80 °C for further analysis. The changes of histopathology were tested by hematoxylin and eosin stain (H&E), the levels of, IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α and IL-4 in BALF and serum were measured by ELISA. The pathways related to the treatment of ALI were predicted by network pharmacology. The expression levels of TLR4/NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathway-associated proteins, COX-2 and ERK were tested by western blotting. The levels of P65 and NLRP3 in lung tissues were determined by immunofluorescence analysis. ResultsLLF total extract and the extract parts could alleviate the inflammatory cell infiltration, thicken the alveolar walls in lung tissues, reduce the levels of IL-18, IL-1β in BALF, the TNF-α in both BALF and serum, meantime enhance the level of IL-4 in BALF and serum in mice with LPS-induced ALI. Our network pharmacology and comprehensive gene ontology analyses revealed the active constituents of LLF and the pathways, including TLR4/NF-κB, NLRP3 and MAPK signaling pathways, which play significant roles in ALI. Furthermore, both the total extract and its extraction portions suppressed the expressions of proteins related with the COX-2, p-ERK and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway (TLR4, p-IκB, p-p65), as well as the NLRP3 signaling pathway (NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, caspase-1, IL-1β). ConclusionLLF could improve the pathological changes and reducing inflammatory reactions in mice induced by LPS. The mechanism may be related to the modulation of the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathways.

Exploring copper corrosion inhibition in value added neem biodiesel: Evaluation by traditional and machine learning approaches

Neem seed biodiesel is an eco-friendly fuel, however, to minimize its corrosion on copper metal used in engine parts, ethyl acetate extract of Syzygium aromaticum flowers was tested as an inhibitor. Copper corrosion evaluation in biodiesel revealed an inhibition efficiency of 97.96 %. Corrosion at the operating temperature of diesel engine was predicted by machine learning - quadratic regression. Thermodynamics and spectral evaluations bring to light the adsorption of inhibitors on the metal surface for inhibiting the corrosion of copper metal immersed in biodiesel. Surface morphological studies revealed the protective nature of the copper metal corrosion. Quadratic Surface Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm classified the corrosion classes as low, medium, and high with an overall accuracy value of 94.6 %. The percentage of non-corroded area of copper metal specimen in biodiesel medium with the said inhibitor as estimated with quadratic SVM is 97.193 %. The research findings suggest that the ethyl acetate extract of S. aromaticum flowers has the potential to perform as an effective corrosion inhibitor for copper in biodiesel medium and revealed the potential of quadratic SVM machine learning algorithm in corrosion estimation and classification.

A new active packaging system based on chickpea-based edible coatings added with microcapsules of Cosmos sulphureus Cav. flower extract.

The Cosmos sulphureus Cav. plant is studied for its high polyphenolic content with antioxidant properties. Its flowers, rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, hold promise as antioxidants in food preservation. The inclusion of these compounds in chickpea-based coatings with a previously studied preservative effect would be an excellent option as a food preservation method and microencapsulation addresses challenges like dispersion and degradation of polyphenols in the coating. The objective of this research was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of Cosmos sulphureus leaves, seed, and flower extracts and explore the protective effects of chickpea-based coatings containing microcapsules of flower polyphenolic extract on the chemical quality of stored roasted sunflower seeds during storage. The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited the highest antiradical activity, followed by the aqueous flower extract. After a storage period of 15 days, at 40 °C, the chickpea-based coatings effectively delayed lipid oxidation in the roasted sunflowers seeds, and the inclusion of polyphenolic microcapsules with 0.01% extract (SMC 0.01%) in the coating significantly improved the protective effect. By day 15 of storage, SMC 0.01% showed comparable peroxide value, conjugated dienes, and linoleic acid content to samples containing the synthetic antioxidant BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Samples that only contained chickpea-based coating and coating with polyphenolic microcapsules with 0.005% extract exhibited significantly greater reduction in fatty acid content compared to the 0.01% SMC treatment. The chickpea-based coating with polyphenolic microcapsules demonstrated antioxidant activity akin to synthetic BHT, offering a promising biopackaging solution for lipid-rich foods like roasted sunflower seeds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticle from flower extract of Dillenia indica and its efficacy as antibacterial and antioxidant

Dillenia indica is a medicinal tree of the Dilleniaceae and its flower extract was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticle (AgNPs). The optimal conditions for AgNPs synthesis were as such: 2 mM AgNO3, pH 4.5 and 48-h reaction time. The characteristic band of AgNPs was observed at the wavelength of 435 nm by UV–visible spectroscopic study. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis depicted the involvement of several functional groups of plant extracts in the synthesis of AgNPs. Nanoparticles were mostly spherical shaped and uniformly distributed, when observation was made by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) showed absorption peak approximately at 3 keV thus confirmed the presence of silver metal in AgNP. X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns showed the crystalline nature of the AgNPs. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis exhibited average size of the nanoparticles as 50.17 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.298. The zeta potential of nanoparticles was observed as −24.9 mV. To assess antibacterial activity, both AgNPs alone or its combination with the antibiotic were tried against six pathogenic bacteria. The combination of AgNPs with antibiotic was maximum effective against Shigella boydii (16.07 ± 0.35) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.03 ± 0.20). AgNPs alone showed maximum inhibition for both Gram-positive bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (19.97 ± 0.20 mm) and Enterococcus faecium (19.80 ± 0.15 mm). Maximum inhibition of Enterobactor cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed by antibiotic taken alone. Evaluation through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and DNA nicking assays demonstrated the antioxidant capabilities of the nanoparticles.