Grass Extract Research Articles

Metabolite profile analysis of methanol extract of belulang grass (Eleusine indica (L.) GAERTN) leaves by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) method

Leaf of belulang grass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn) is one of the wild plants that is used as herbal medicine by the community because of its many health benefits for the treatment of certain diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. A materil is said to have potential as a medicine because the composition of the chemical compounds contained in a plant is not always the same and requires further testing. Differences in chemical compound content can be influenced by environmental factors and plant metabolism. The aim of this research is to analyze the metabolite profile and abundance of metabolite compounds using the GC-MS instrument analysis approach. Sampling was conducted in Sidomulyo Village, Air Kumbang District, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. Samples of belulang grass leaves obtained were dried, pulverized, and extracted with methanol solvent. The methanol extract was analyzed using GC-MS. The results showed that the highest 20 compound peaks were obtained based on the relative area percent of the 69 compounds obtained with an abundance of compounds amounting to 80.86%. At the highest peak, the compounds n-hexadecanoic acid, I-(+)-ascorbic acid 2, 6- dihexadecanoate, and pentadecanoic acid were found with a percent area of 31.25%.

Modulating effects of fodder grasses extracts on antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm production in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains

Extracts of certain fodder grasses may be viewed as powerful agents against infections induced by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. Here we demonstrated ability of Galega orientalis and Rhaponticum carthamoides extracts, alone or in combination with antibiotics, to inhibit growth, viability and biofilm formation in avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains with different sensitivity to antibiotics and non-pathogenic laboratory strain E. coli BW25113 as well as its mutant derivatives. Modulation of motility and production of extracellular structures in the presence of the extracts correlated with their anti-biofilm effects. Interestingly, an increase in antibacterial action of kanamycin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin, and cefotaxime on both biofilms and planktonic cultures of the studied strains was observed in the presence of the extracts, including antibiotic resistant APEC strain #45. The extracts alone showed weak prooxidant activity which could contribute to modification of redox-sensitive sites of various regulatory circuits, resulting to synergetic effects in combination with antibiotics.

Marine-derived magnetic nanocatalyst in sustainable ultrasound-assisted synthesis of 2,3-diphenyl-2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-One derivatives

This research presents a sustainable approach to fabricate iron oxide nanoparticles by employing phytochemicals derived from marine grass extract as both reducing and stabilizing agents. Formation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) initially confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) showing absorption peak at 370 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques unveiled magnetic iron oxide NPs with a rod shape, an average size of 21 nm, and an inverse spinel crystal structure. The participation of organic compounds in the production and stabilization of MNPs was evidenced through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) demonstrated the magnetic properties of iron oxide NPs showing a saturation magnetization value of 21.46 emu/g. The catalytic efficiency of these marine-assisted MNPs was evaluated in a one-pot three-component reaction involving isatoic anhydride, aromatic aldehydes, and amines under ultrasonic conditions. Under optimal conditions, a low dose of 1.5 mg of biobased magnetite nanoparticles yielded dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-One products with up to 95 % efficiency in a brief duration of 15 min at an ultrasonic power intensity of 130 W. Different directing groups were investigated, and control experiments were carried out to enhance the understanding of the reaction mechanism. The obtained results highlight the synergistic effect of marine grass-mediated magnetic nanocatalysts combined with ultrasonic-assisted synthesis in developing sustainable green methodologies in organic synthesis.

Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles from aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

Objective: To synthesise and characterise Pennisetum purpureum zinc oxide nanoparticles from aqueous extracts of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Methodology: Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesised with aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and zinc acetate dihydrate. It was characterized by using various dispersion methods such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the morphology, crystallographic structure, chemical composition, physical properties and crystalline size of the nanoparticles. Results: The results showed that Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized using various dispersion methods. UV–Vis spectra showed typical absorption peaks around 370nm (Pennisetum purpureum). FTIR revealed the presence of biomolecules and functional groups (C-O, O-H, CH, C≡C, C=C, N-O) that performs various functions like stabilizers, capping and coating agents in nanoparticle synthesis. XRD revealed the crystallographic structure, chemical composition, physical properties and crystalline size of the nanoparticles. The average crystalline size of zinc oxide nanoparticles was calculated using Debye–Scherer equation and the average size was 23.37nm. Conclusion: In this study, simple and green method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and characterization using various dispersion methods was described. The formation of zinc oxide nanoparticle was confirmed by UV-Visible spectroscopy. The FTIR spectrum showed that the phytochemicals found in the plant extract was incorporated into the zinc oxide nanoparticle as capping and stabilizing agents. XRD results revealed the average size of 23.37nm (Pennisetum purpureum ZnO) and Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the morphology to be spherical.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticle for catalytic applications and priming study by seed germination

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been successfully synthesized using leaf extract of Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Mint (Mentha Piperita), Tulsi (Ocimum Tenuiflorum), Bermuda grass (Cynodon Dactylon) and silver salt. As plant extracts produce best capping material for the stabilization of nanoparticles. AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy in range of 200–800 nm and transmission electron microscopy TEM, XRD and FTIR. The nanoparticles synthesized were mainly in sizes between 25 and 100 nm. They appeared to be spherical, nanotriangles and irregular in shape. Catalytic application was observed for all the aqueous solution of leaves, quantity taken was 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, 4 ml and 5 ml. Furthermore, prepared Ag nanoparticles are also used for seed germination.

Study of phenolic compounds of umbellate wintergreen herb and their influence on biochemical indicators of blood and urine in the rat model of chronic kidney disease

Diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract are a common problem in people of all ages. Kidneys filter blood, removing water-soluble waste from the body, maintain water-salt balance, stabilize blood pressure and PH level. Intoxication, hypothermia, injuries and other causes lead to problems with the kidneys - inflammatory disease, urolithiasis, etc. Therefore, the development of effective herbal remedies that affect the etiopathogenic factors of diseases is urgent. The aim. Study of the profile of phenolic compounds of umbellate wintergreen, study of antioxidant and nephroprotective properties of umbellate wintergreen extract on the model of chromate-induced renal failure (chronic kidney disease) in rats. Materials and methods. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a Waters e2695 Alliance HPLC system in combination with a 2998 PDA detector (Waters, Milford, MA, USA). Study of in vitro antioxidant activity by HPLC method for 50 % extract of umbellate wintergreen herb. A Waters 2695 chromatograph (Waters, USA) equipped with a Waters 996 diode-matrix detector was used. To determine the nephroprotective effect, 60 outbred sexually mature rats (males), divided into six groups, were studied. Based on the results of biochemical studies, creatinine clearance and urea clearance were calculated in experimental animals. Results. 8 phenolic compounds - apigenin, hyperoside, quercitrin, rutin, quercetin, gallic acid, guaiaverine and isoquercetin - were identified and quantified in umbellate wintergreen by HPLC. Based on the results of a preliminary assessment of the antioxidant contribution of individual phenolic compounds to the overall effectiveness of the umbellate wintergreen grass extract, a significant effect of caffeic acid derivatives and quercetin was determined. The use of Chimaphila umbellata extract in experimental animals was marked by the normalization of diuresis, a decrease in the total protein content of urine by 1.8 times. The effect of the use of umbellate wintergreen extract was expected to be dose dependent. Conclusions. The profile of umbellate wintergreen phenolic compounds was investigated by HPLC, and their antioxidant effect was determined. In the conditions of the development of renal failure in rats, the studied extract of Chimaphila umbellata improved the physical condition of the animals, reduced their mortality, improved the excretory function of the kidneys, normalized nitrogen and protein metabolism, contributed to the protection of the structure of the kidney tissue, and therefore had a positive effect on the course of nephropathy

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity assessment of Aloe vera gel and extracts of turmeric, oregano, and lemon grass in broilers

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity assessment of Aloe vera gel and extracts of turmeric, oregano, and lemon grass in broilers

Retrospective, Real Life Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of a Depigmented-Polymerized Subcutaneous Vaccine Containing a Mixture of Grasses and Olea europaea

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy is the only modifying treatment of the natural course of respiratory allergic diseases; however, the lack of evidence leads to little inconclusive results. Real life studies are on the rise and are becoming a valuable tool to confirm and complement findings from clinical trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a depigmented-polymerized undiluted subcutaneous extract of grass and olive pollen, under routine clinical practice conditions. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, longitudinal, single-center study on the use of a 2-pollen (grass mix and Olea europaea) undiluted subcutaneous extract over at least 3 consecutive years. Data were collected from 76 patients (n = 44 female; median age: 12.5 years old) diagnosed with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with/without allergic asthma due to sensitization to both grasses and O. europaea. Primary and secondary effectiveness endpoints were symptom severity, concomitant medication, and immunological profile before and after completing the immunotherapy. A 2-year follow-up of patients’ symptoms and medication history after completing the subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) was performed. Results: There was a significant improvement of symptoms and medication consumption after 3 years of SCIT treatment, and a significant decrease in specific IgE levels for grasses and O. europaea was observed after finishing the treatment. Conclusion: Three years treatment of allergic patients using an undiluted mixture of two allergen extracts was shown to be safe and effective for rhinitis and asthma, with efficacy maintained for at least 2 years after finishing SCIT. These results reinforce the importance of real life clinical data in addition to those from clinical trials, helping to individualize allergic treatments.

Green and chemical synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles: Evaluation of their anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cell line – An in vitro and in silico approach

Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized through both chemical and green approaches using wheat grass (WG) extract. Characterization techniques included Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. CS-ZnO NPs and WG-ZnO NPs exhibited characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks at 360 nm and 320 nm, respectively, with low polydispersity index (PDI) values indicating uniform nanoparticle dispersion. FTIR analysis revealed distinct functional groups on the ZnO NPs’ surface for stabilization. XPS confirmed atomic composition and oxidation state, while XRD confirmed their hexagonal wurtzite structure. SEM images revealed rod-shaped structures, supported by EDX analysis confirming ZnO NP formation through elemental content. The synthesized ZnO NPs demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells, causing changes in nuclear morphology, increased reactive oxygen species levels, and membrane damage. Wound healing assay highlighted their potential in inhibiting cancer metastasis. Molecular docking between WG compounds and breast cancer targets revealed that the enhanced efficacy of green-synthesized ZnO NPs could be attributed to covalent linkage of active molecules of WG onto the nanoparticle surface. Overall, ZnO NPs synthesized using the green method outperformed their chemically synthesized counterparts.

Pharmacological correction of immunological disorders in perimenopausal women with recurrent epithelial cervical dysplasia associated with human papillomavirus infection

Despite the successes achieved in implementing screening programs and treating diseases caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the frequency of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) of moderate and high grades associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) remains between 9% to 21%. Vaginal dysbiosis and the development of immunodeficient states due to persistent HR-HPV infection require effective immunomodulatory and antiviral therapy before cervical surgery in perimenopausal women with recurrent CIN II.The objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy by determining the state of vaginal biocenosis, immunological status and papillomavirus load of the cervical mucosa before surgical treatment in perimenopausal women with recurrent CIN II.Materials and methods. A prospective study was conducted on 98 women aged 40 to 55 years old, including 60 patients with morphologically verified recurrent CIN II associated with high-risk HPV, forming the main group. The control group comprised 38 women with negative HPV test results and without significant gynecological or somatic pathology. In the main group, a complex consisting of a blend of plant extracts of sod pike grass (Deschampsia caespitosa), ground cinquefoil grass (Calamagrostis epigeios), and echinacea purpurea grass (Echinaceae purpureae) was administered orally.Vaginal microbiota was assessed using Hey-Іson criteria, and immunological status was examined in patients using solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to determine IgG, IgM, IgA antibodies in serum and cervical mucus, levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interferons alpha (IFN-α), gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Additionally, the DNA of high-risk HPV in cervical mucosa was quantitatively assessed using real-time PCR. The investigations were conducted before and after the applied therapy.Results. The investigation of vaginal content revealed the presence of bacterial vaginosis in 65.0% of patients in the main group, the frequency of which decreased by 2 times after treatment, with the number of women with an intermediate type of vaginal content increasing by 2.8 times (51.7%) and those with normal microbiota increasing by 2.5 times. Disruptions in cellular and humoral immunity systems were identified. After treatment, there was an increase in viral load in the significant «threshold» category (3–5 lg) by 1.25 times and in the «above threshold for progression» category (>5 lg) by 2.3 times, reflecting natural HPV clearance. No direct correlation was found between viral load activity and the degree of CIN or positive morphological changes regarding regression of cervical intraepithelial lesions.Conclusions. The use of a complex containing a blend of plant extracts of sod pike grass (Deschampsia caespitosa), ground cinquefoil grass (Calamagrostis epigeios), and echinacea purpurea grass (Echinacea purpureae) improves the state of vaginal biocenosis, indicators of cellular and humoral immunity, and promotes HPV elimination, it has adequate safety and tolerability, which determines the feasibility of its use in the complex treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia at the preparatory stage before surgery and in the postoperative period to prevent complications and relapses.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Plant Components in Complex Therapy for Acute Female Cystitis

It is well known that phytotherapy as a method of treatment and prevention of diseases with the use of medicinal plants and their extracts has a positive effect not only on the organ, but also on the whole body as a whole. The objective: to analyze the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of a combined herbal remedy, which includes such active ingredients as castor oil (Castor oil), α-pinene, peppermint oil (Mentha piperita oil), extract of common nettle grass (Leonuri cardiacae), juniper berry oil (Juniperus oil), Ammi dental extract (Ammi visnaga), chamomile flower extract (Matricaria chamomilla), in young women with acute cystitis (AC). Materials and methods. 50 outpatient women with AC aged 18 to 35 years (average age – 25.9±6.1 years) took part in the study. The diagnosis was established on the basis of complaints, the results of the acute cystitis symptom score (ACSS), anamnesis data, physical examination and was confirmed by laboratory tests, clinical and biochemical blood tests were performed, and indicators of immune status were determined. The patients were divided into two groups of 25 people each. The groups were comparable in terms of age, severity of clinical symptoms, and laboratory parameters. Patients of the control group received a standard course of antibacterial therapy for 7 days. Women in the main group additionally took the combined herbal preparation at a dose of 1 capsule twice a day for 30 days and then for another 60 days at a dose of 1 capsule once a day. Follow-up visits were in 7 days after the first and 1 and 3 months after the start of therapy. During the study, the dynamics of complaints, the results of the ACSS questionnaire and laboratory analyzes of urine and blood were evaluated, and indicators of immune status and parameters of the oxidative stress-antioxidant status system were determined. Results. After a course of etiotropic treatment it was determined that the average duration of AC symptoms in patients of the control group was 1.67 times longer than in women of the main group (p<0.05). After a month of using the combined herbal preparation, stabilization of the antioxidant protection system was observed, namely: indicators of oxidative stress in the main group were significantly more positive than in the control group (p<0.01); indicators of the antioxidant system reached the norm and had significant differences compared to the control group (p<0.05). In the main group, an increase in the functional reserve of phagocytic cells was observed, a pronounced increase in the number of cells capable of phagocytosis was determined, and the absorptive activity of neutrophils was also significantly greater than in the control group (p<0.05). During the 3-month prophylactic course of treatment with the herbal preparation, the absence of recurrent disease was found in 96% of patients in the main group, in contrast to women in the control group, where the absence of reinfection was determined in only 72% of patients (p<0.05). Conclusions. The use of a combined herbal preparation in a dose of 1 capsule 2 times a day in addition to the standard therapy of acute cystitis (AC) in women reliably shortens the duration of clinical symptoms and promotes faster clinical and laboratory recovery. After 30 days of use there is a normalization of indicators of oxidative stress, antioxidant protection and phagocytic activity of neutrophils. Complex therapy of AC with the inclusion of herbal medicine for 3 months is associated with significantly fewer cases of reinfection of the urinary tract compared to treatment without herbal therapy.

Optimizing bioherbicide application timing and plant spacing to manage weed growth in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation

Weed management is crucial for successful rice cultivation. Bioherbicides derived from cogon grass extract offer a promising solution for weed control. Additionally, optimizing plant spacing has been recognized as an effective method to suppress weed growth. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of cogon grass extract application timing and plant spacing on weed growth in rice cultivation. The study was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study was 3 × 2 factorial and arranged in a randomized completely block design (RCBD). The first factor was the bioherbicide application timing: control (no application), three days before planting, and at the time of planting. The second factor was plant spacing: 15 × 15 and 25 × 25 cm. In total, there were six treatment combinations and three replications (replications as blocks). The research results indicated the application timing of bioherbicide did not significant effect on the growth of weed and rice, as well as the grain dry weight. Fimbristylis miliacea was obtained as the dominant weed species. Bioherbicide application at the time of planting could alter the composition of weed species compared to the control in plant spacing of 15 × 15 cm. Furthermore, the plant spacing of 25 × 25 cm resulted in higher grain and weed dry weight (19.40 g/clump and 45.00 g/0.25 m2) compared to 15 × 15 cm (12.92 g/clump and 23.04 g/0.25 m2). On the contrary, the grain dry weight per hectare was higher in 15 × 15 cm (5.74 t/ha) than in 25 × 25 cm (3.10 t/ha). The research findings indicate that closer plant spacing can suppress weed growth and increase the grain dry weight per hectare compared to wider plant spacing. We recommend that the use of cogon grass extract dosage needs to be increased above 50 L/ha.

Effect of soaking time of cocoa fruit peel and addition of citronella grass extract (Cymbopogon nardus) on quality characteristics of infused water from indonesian local resources for increasing body immune to face bad environment

Infused water is a form of modern processed food that is widely consumed by the public. Infused water drinks can be made from a variety of food ingredients. This infused water drink is made from cocoa pod skin and added citronella juice. This research was conducted to investigate the impact of soaking duration of cocoa fruit peel and the concentration of lemongrass extract on the characteristics of cocoa fruit peel infused water. This study used a factorial Completely Randomized Design method with two factors, namely the soaking time of cocoa fruit peel (P): (2 hours; 4 hours; 6 hours) and the concentration of citronella grass extract (S): (5%; 10%, 15%). Infused water drinks were then analyzed for color index (°Hue), pH, vitamin C levels, and antioxidant activity. The final result was that P3S3 treatment = 6 hours of soaking cocoa pod skin : 15% citronella grass extract was the best treatment of infused water.

Biosynthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using <i>Pennisetum Purpureum</i> and Application in Removal of Cadmium Contaminant from Water

This study evaluated an innovative approach to synthesize magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) through a green synthesis method using Pennisetum purpureum extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesis of MgO NPs is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles with unique properties. Debye-Scherrer equation is used for the determination of particle size, which was found to be 15.7nm. The potential application of MgO NPs in the removal of cadmium (Cd) contaminant from water sources was investigated through batch adsorption experiments. Cadmium pollution poses a severe threat to ecosystems and human health due to its toxic nature and persistence in the environment. MgO NPs, with their high surface area and reactivity, efficiently adsorbed and immobilize cadmium ions from water. Adsorption isotherm models indicated that Langmuir isotherm is the best model to describe the adsorption of Cd2+ on magnesium oxide nanoparticles prepared by elephant grass extracts. It was found that a removal of greater percent of Cd2+ could be accomplished through adsorption with 0.05g of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, an initial concentration of metal at 5ppm pH of 10 and at contact time of 65minutes.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles reinforced gelatin/starch bio‐nanocomposite film for UV‐ray protection and antimicrobial resistance

AbstractThe research aimed to prepare eco‐friendly bio‐nanocomposite films utilizing gelatin/starch (GS), nano‐ZnO, and Darbha grass extract via the solution casting method. Then, it was examined the mechanical and physical properties of different durations of sunlight exposure on the prepared films. The results indicated that up to 12 h of sunlight exposure led to increased film thickness, mechanical strength, and apparent density. Tensile strength increased from 4.8 to 34.8 MPa, and the average crystalline size of the nanoparticles was found to be 54.35 nm using scanning electron microscope. Compared with GS films, these bio‐nanocomposite films exhibited lower moisture content, oil permeability, and enhanced water barrier properties. Moreover, they displayed significant UV absorption and profound antimicrobial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative food borne pathogenic bacteria. The nano‐ZnO/Darbha grass extract‐based bio‐nanocomposite films exhibited showed improved characteristics and could be applied in the field of food packaging application.

Trypanosocidal activity of methanolic extract of lemon grass (<i>Cymbopogon citratus</i>)

This study determined the in vitro trypanocidal activity of lemon grass(Cymbopogon citratus) methanolic extract against Trypanosoma brucei brucei and its bio infectivity in an in vivo study using male albino rat as the experimental animal. Five treatment levels were applied (0.002mg/ml, 0.02mg/ml, 0.2mg/ml, 2.0mg/ml and 0.0mg/ml). Trypanosome was inactive at all treatment levels of lemongrass. PCV was statistically the same at all exposure times whereas the control mice had significantly lower PCV than all treated mice apart from the control, all other treatments gave similar PCV results, but the highest grand mean value (51.87%) was obtained at 0.02mg/ml while week 4 recorded the highest value (51.53%). All treatment levels had equal effects on the mice’s rectal temperature, but exposure time had significant effects on the temperature parameter where the grand mean temperature readings significantly varied from 35.55oC in week 2 to 37.47oC in week 5. The weight of mice varied significantly with both treatment (F=16.01, p<0.05) and time (F=5.10, p<0.05) factors. The highest mean weight recorded was 38.37±2.46g at 2.0mg/ml treatment in week 5 thus, the weight of mice increased as lemon grass treatment concentration and exposure time increased. Treatment concentrations significantly affected mice PCV and weight where the control level had the lowest values for these physical parameters. Also, exposure time significantly affected both the temperature and weight of mice. A general fluctuation but decline in feed intake was observed in mice at different treatment levels of methanolic extracts of lemon grass from weeks 1-7. A strong positive significant correlation exists between PCV and feed intake (r= -0.930, p<0.05) as well as between rectal temperature and weight of mice (r= -0.948, p<0.05). PCV and weight had a strong positive correlation though insignificant (r= 0.728, p>0.05). Therefore, lemon grass extract showed trypanocidal efficacy in the control of trypanosomiasis in Africa.

Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of lemon grass leaves extracts enriched soy yoghurt from soybeans (Glycine max) milk

AbstractThere are challenges in the utilization of soybean‐based foods due to undesirable associated flavors. This study aimed to prepare soybean based yoghurt with different amounts of lemon grass extract in the ratios of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 µL/L of soy yoghurt as shown by Figure 1. The Table 1 and 2 summarized results of different treatments of Soybeans based yoghurt analyzed for protein by Kjedhal method, fats by Soxhlet method, total ash by muffle furnace method. Soluble crude fiber was determined by dry oven method, pH, titratable acidity, syneresis and viscosity, by AOAC method, total phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric method. Sensory analysis was done by effective tests with 10 panelists using five hedonic scale tools. From the study, the results indicate that moisture content range from (89.3 to 89.6%); protein content (5.5−6.8%); fat (2.7−3.6%); total ash (0.43−0.53%); crude fiber (0.06−0.33%) and carbohydrate (0.59−0.93%). The level of pH range from 4.30 to 5.59; viscosity (2.85−3.17 pa.s); titratable acidity, (0.01−0.07 g\L) and synersis (6.44−7.56) and total phenolic compound (8.59−18.40 mg/g). Most of the parameters did not show any significant variations while the pH and total phenolic compounds varied significantly between the treatments. In addition, Figure 2 detailed sensory evaluation results of treatments and that the treatment with highest level of lemon grass extract was the most liked. In conclusion, incorporation of lemon grass extract can help improved the level of phenolic compounds and sensory properties of yoghurt.

Effects of Dietary Tuber Ethanolic Extract of Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) on Growth, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) is a weed that grows in all tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world, including areas where it grows on saline soil. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of C. rotundus tuber extract in the diet on the growth performance and disease resistance of Nile tilapia. Various components of phytochemical importance of nut grass, including sugars/carbohydrates, terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were found in C. rotundus. Tilapia (n = 25 fish/group in triplicate) were fed with different levels of nut grass extract including 0 (control; T1), 0.4 (T2), 0.8 (T3), and 1.6 (T4) g/kg for 60 days in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. After the feeding trial, the highest weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) were observed in the T4 group, but it was not significantly different from T3 (Nile tilapia fed with a 0.8 g/kg) (p > 0.05). The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the T3 group. Moreover, the fillet, crud lipid content, and blood chemical profiles (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in fish fed with 1.6 g/kg were highest when compared in all groups. In addition, the T3 group presented with the immune response parameter found in red blood cells (RBC), lysozyme activity, and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase activity (SOD)) being higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The highest survival (93.33%) was observed in fish fed with 0.8 g/kg (T3) after a 14 day challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae. Thus, it was concluded that nut grass extract at 0.8 g/kg can be used to improve the growth performance and the tendency for resistance to S. agalactiae in Nile tilapia.

Utilizing Cymbopogon Proximus Grass Extract for Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanorod Needles in Dye Degradation Studies.

This study successfully synthesized zinc oxide nanorod needles (ZnO-NRNs) using an environmentally friendly method employing Cymbopogon Proximus extract. The resulting ZnO-NRNs exhibited exceptional physicochemical and structural properties, confirmed through various characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The analysis revealed a hexagonal wurtzite structure with high crystallinity, a 3.6 eV band gap, and a notably blue-shifted absorption band. ZnO-NRNs showed impressive photocatalytic activity, degrading Rhodamine B dye by 97% under UV and visible sunlight, highlighting their photostability and reusability. This green synthesis process offers cost effectiveness and environmental sustainability for practical applications.

Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus on Some Biological Aspects of the Fig Moth, Ephestia cautella

Kamil, S.H. 2024. Effects of Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts of Lemongrass, Cymbopogon citratus on Some Biological Aspects of the Fig Moth, Ephestia cautella. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 377-381. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001245 This study evaluated the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lemongrass on the third instar larvae of the date moth Ephestia cautella Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The results obtained showed that there were toxic effects of aqueous extract, which produced the highest mortality rate of 43.35% at 5% concentration72 hours after treatment, whereas the lowest mortality rate of 17% was obtained at 0.5% concentration, 72 hours after treatment. The LC50 was 0.082%. The results indicated that the highest repellency rate of the aqueous extract was 71.33%, two hours after treatment, at 5% concentration, with significant decrease in repellency rate, 4 and 6 hours after treatment. The results also showed that the ethanolic extract gave higher mortality rate of 96.68% at the 5% concentration, and the lowest mortality rate of 43.33% at 0.05% concentration, 72 hours after treatment, with a LC50 of 0.008%. The repellency rates were highest (94.55%) at 5% concentration, 2 hours after exposure. In conclusion, aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lemon grass had good toxic and repellent effects that make them potential candidates for insect control of stored dates, as they are safe, eco-friendly and economically inexpensive products compared to chemical pesticides. Keywords: Plant extract, Lemongrass, control, Ephestia cautella.