Pulp Extract Research Articles

Phytochemical Screening, Chromatographic Profiling and Anxiolytic Effect of Raphia australis Ethanol Extract in Adult Male Mice

Aim: This study seeks to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of the ethanol extract of the pulp of Raphia australis when tested in adult male mice, and to identify some of the anxiolytic secondary metabolites present in the plant’s pulp extract. Methodology: Phytochemical screening was carried out to determine the various classes of secondary metabolites present in the ethanol extract of R. australis. Both column chromatography and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) were utilized to identify the bioactive compounds present in the ethanol extract of the pulp of Raphia australis. The extract was further subjected to Novelty Induced behaviour and anxiolytic tests using 4 groups of mice for each experiment comprising 5 mice in each group (n=5). Group one was administered normal saline (0.09% w/v NaCl. p.o) while 2 and 3 were administered 500 mgKg-1 and 1000 mgKg-1 (p.o) of ethanol extract of Raphia australis respectively. Group four was administered 2 mgKg-1, (p.o.) of diazepam (control). Results: The phytochemical screening result was positive for all the classes of secondary metabolites tested for. The LC-MS results revealed the presence of proanthocyanidin (m/z 577.1354), catechin (m/z 289.0704), epicatechin (m/z 289.0700), protocatechuic acid (m/z 153.0200), umbelliferon (m/z 353.0868) and quinic acid (m/z 191.0571). When mice were injected with Raphia australis extract at the doses of 500 mg Kg-1 and 1000 mgKg-1, statistically significant results were obtained for grooming (p>0.01), head dipping (p>0.01) and anxiolytic (p>0.05) tests. Conclusion: Raphia australis contains bioactive compounds which could be utilized for relief of stress and anxiety.

THE EFFICACY OF THE AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ADANSONIA DIGITATA AGAINST PLASMODIUM BERGHEI INFECTION IN MICE

The prevalence of malaria remains a significant threat in Sub-Saharan Africa. The occurrence of drug-resistant strains of Plasmodium in Nigeria underscores the urgent need for novel antimalarial medications. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of Adansonia digitata fruit pod extract against Plasmodium berghei infection in mice; determining the oral median lethal dose (LD50) and identifying phytochemical components using Lorke's and Evan's methodologies. The extract was assessed for its antiplasmodial activities against P. berghei-berghei in two murine malaria replicas using both suppressive and curative assays. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA. The LD50 of the extract through oral administration exceeded 5000 mg/kg. The extract contains alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and anthraquinones. The aqueous fruit pulp extract of A. digitata, when administered at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg of doses, exhibited a dose-dependent suppression of parasitemia by 25.70%, 42.57%, and 49.39% respectively compared to the control group, parasitaemia clearance rates was 31.76%, 43.34%, and 56.65% respectively. The parasitaemia clearance with a dosage of 1000 mg/kg was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05).The reference drug (Chloroquine) administering a dosage of 5 mg/kg yielded a significant result (p < 0.05) parasitaemia clearance of 74.76%. Analysis of the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) levels revealed that those treated with the aqueous fruit pulp extracts of A. digitata at doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg maintained normal PCV values throughout suppressive and curative experiments. However, the PCV in the control groups was markedly diminished (p < 0.05) after both trials.

Pummelo fruit extract (Citrus maxima) reduces oxidative damage in peripheral blood of obese patients.

To verify the level of oxidation of biomolecules in the peripheral blood of obese patients before and after incubation with the pummelo pulp extract at 25mg/mL. This investigation included 241 individuals, distributed across the following groups: control (n=69; 30 men and 39 women); pre-obesity (n=78; 29 men and 49 women); level I obesity (n=62; 20 men and 42 women); and level II or III obesity (n=32; 11 men and 21 women). TBARS and MN levels were significantly altered by incubation with pummelo extract in both genders and in all the groups according to their obesity level. Another alteration in the antioxidant profile of the samples was a significant increase in vitamin C levels observed after incubation with pummelo extract in all experimental groups. The aqueous extract of pummelo pulp showed in vitro biological activity against the oxidation of biomolecules, suggesting that its bioactive compounds may bring health benefits of obese patients.

Combined influence of vanadium doping and rGO composite partnering on the photocatalytic ability of TiO2

Nowadays, the presence of noxious organic azo dye molecules in the industrial effluents is a pervasive and significant global concern as it severely affects both human and ecological well-being. In this context, vanadium-doped titanium oxide/reduced graphene oxide (TiO2:V)/rGO nanocomposite was prepared using a soft-chemical method using Cassia fistula fruit pulp extract via green synthesis and its photocatalytic dye degradation ability was investigated against a cationic (Rhodamine-B (Rh-B)) and an anionic (Eosin Yellow (EY)) dye. The nanocomposite exhibits superior dye degrading efficiency of 95% and 97% for Rh-B and EY, respectively compared to TiO2, TiO2:V, and rGO. The structural, morphological and surface elemental composition results confirm the formation of the nanocomposite. This nanocomposite TiO2:V/rGO can be used as a heterojunction photocatalyst for cost-effective dye waste removal and commercial dye detoxification processes.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Opuntia Extracts on a Model of Diet-Induced Steatosis.

Oxidative stress and inflammation are widely recognised as factors that can initiate and facilitate the development of MAFLD. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of low and high doses of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii peel extract (L-OD and H-OD, respectively) and Opuntia ficus-indica var. colorada pulp extract (L-OFI and H-OFI, respectively), which are rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, on oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in rat livers with diet-induced steatosis. Steatotic diet led to increased final body and liver weight, serum transaminases, hepatic TG content, oxidative status and cell death. H-OFI treatment decreased serum AST levels, while L-OFI reduced hepatic TG accumulation. Oxidative stress was partially prevented with H-OD and H-OFI supplementation, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were especially improved with H-OFI treatment. Moreover, H-OFI appears to prevent DNA damage markers. Finally, H-OD and L-OFI supplementation down-regulated the apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, both H-OD and H-OFI supplementation were effective in regulating the progression to metabolic steatohepatitis, triggering different mechanisms of action.

Physio-chemical analysis and antioxidative response of Ag NPs synthesized by sufaid chonsa mango pulp extracts of different ripening stages

In this study, sufaid chonsa mango pulp aqueous extracts from different ripening stages (RS I-V) was utilized to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). The Ag NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy dispersice X-ray analysis (EDX). Additionally, antioxidative potential and phenolic and flavonoid-like properties of synthesized Ag NPs were also accessed. UV-vis spectrophotometer analysis showed peaks in around 400 nm. XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the green-synthesized Ag NPs, with sizes ranging from 2.11 to 11.72 nm. FTIR verified the attachment of functional groups from the mango pulp extract to the Ag NPs. SEM analyses revealed that the morphology of the Ag NPs was primarily spherical that were agglomerated. The total antioxidant capacity, measured by the DPPH assay, showed 51% radical scavenging activity for RSIII extract synthesized NPs. The highest total antioxidant capacity was observed to be 80.22 and 79.14 µg AAE/mg NPs by RSI and RSIV synthesized NPs, respectively, while the maximum total reduction potential was 28.67 µg AAE/mg for Ag NPs synthesized by RSII extract. Ag NPs derived from RSIV exhibited phenolic-like property of 70.84 µg GAE/mg, while those derived from RSII had a maximum flavonoid-like property of 35.37 µg QE/mg. This study demonstrates that mango pulp at different ripening stages produces Ag NPs with distinct characteristics, making them suitable for various environmental and biomedical applications.

Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction using response surface methodology and HPLC-DAD phenolic compounds quantification from Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp cultivated in Tunisia

The present study aimed to optimize the microwave-assisted extraction process for both the peel and pulp of Hylocereus undatus (white dragon fruit) cultivated in Tunisia, using response surface methodology. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) antioxidant activities were optimized. A central composite design (CCD) was applied, considering three key variables: extraction time, extraction temperature, and liquid-to-solid ratio. The optimized extraction parameters for Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp were determined respectively (9.57 min, 42.20 °C and 27.79 mL/g) and (10.08 min, 40.84 °C and 31.52 mL/g). The main phenolic compounds identified in Hylocereus undatus peel and pulp extracts using HPLC-DAD were chlorogenic and caffeic acids and rutin, quercetin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside as flavonoids. Therefore, this research has revealed the potential of a sustainable and eco-friendly process hold promise a directional option and encouraging a circular economy approach for industrial production of antioxidant-rich Hylocereus undatus extracts.

Effects of fermentations using Aspergillus spp. towards extraction yield and bioactivity of coffee pulp extract

Effects of fermentations using Aspergillus spp. towards extraction yield and bioactivity of coffee pulp extract

Investigating the Routes to Produce Cellulose Fibers from Agro-Waste: An Upcycling Process

The agriculture and agri-food sectors produce substantial amounts of plant-based waste. This waste presents an identifiable research opportunity to develop methods for effectively eliminating and managing it in order to promote zero-waste and circular economies. Plant-based waste and by-products are acknowledged as valuable sources of bioactive compounds, including cellulose fibers. Direct application of these fibers in non-food sectors such as textiles can reduce the environmental impact of secondary raw materials. This review aims to provide an overview of novel concepts and modern technologies for efficiently utilizing plant-based waste and by-products from the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors to extract fibers for a variety of final applications, including the fashion industry. Two major routes are identified to produce cellulose fibers: the extraction and purification of natural cellulose fibers and the extraction and purification of cellulose pulp that is further processed into manmade cellulosic fibers. Scalability of experimental results at the laboratory or pilot level is a major barrier, so it is critical to develop closed-loop processes, apply standardization protocols, and conduct life cycle assessments and techno-economic analyses to facilitate large-scale implementation.

Biochemical Screening, In-vitro and In-silico Characterization of Citrullus colocynthis Fruit Extracts: A Combined Experimental and Computation Study.

Several medicinal plants are identified as therapeutic agents for the world's most deadly disease cancer. A member of the "Cucurbitaceae" family of medicinal plants, Citrullus colocynthis (C. colocynthis) has various pharmacological actions. In the present study we have focused on the phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial, anticancer and in silico investigation of fruit extracts of C. colocynthis. The chloroform, pure ethanolic and aq. ethanolic extracts of C. colocynthis whole fruit, peel and pulp separately have been investigated. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, phenols, saponins and glycosides in various parts of the fruit. Some compounds have been identified using GC-MS analysis by comparing with NIST library data. The antimicrobial activity of all extracts was checked by agar well diffusion method against five different bacterial strains such as A. baumannii, K. pneumonia, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) ranged between 11 mm to 27 mm against different strains. The polar solvent extracts (ethanolic and aq. ethanolic extract) of peel showed good sensitivity against all bacterial strains as compared to non-polar solvent (chloroform extract), which showed activity only against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cytotoxic activity of C. colocynthis all extracts against human brain cancer cell lines (U-87) was assessed using MTT assay. The % cell viability of ethanolic (ET-PL), and aq. ethanolic extract of whole fruit and pulp showed promising results. The cancerous cell line U-87 seems to be more sensitive towards polar solvents (ethanolic and aq. ethanolic) pulp extracts than peel. Further, based on invitro results, compounds identified in ET-PP were screened for their potential as antibacterial and anticancer agents through molecular docking and MMGBSA studies. These studies strongly supported the in-vitro study results and identified new drug candidates.

Bacterial cellulose production through the valorization of waste apple pulp and stale bread

AbstractIn this work, stale bread and waste apple pulp were used as feedstocks for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC). A glucose-rich solution was prepared from stale bread by dilute acid hydrolysis, while an extract comprising fructose and glucose was obtained from the waste apple pulp, which was used for cultivating Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM 2004, either as sole feedstocks or supplemented with Hestrin-Schramm medium. Supplementation significantly improved BC production: 3.38 ± 0.09 g/L for waste apple pulp extract and 2.07 ± 0.22 g/L for stale bread hydrolysate. There was no significant impact on BC chemical structure or fiber diameter, but the biopolymer produced from waste apple pulp extract had slightly higher crystallinity (CI = 59–69%) and lower thermal degradation temperature (Tdeg = 341–350 ℃) than that of the stale bread hydrolysate (CI = 55%; Tdeg = 316–320 ℃). Moreover, supplementation of the waste apple pulp extract led to the preparation of thicker membranes, with higher Young’s modulus, tension, and deformation at break but lower water uptake capacity and lower permeability to O2 and CO2. These results show that waste apple pulp and stale bread are suitable feedstocks for BC production and the cultivation conditions can be adjusted for tailoring the biopolymer’s mechanical and barrier properties to suit different applications.

Evaluation and prediction of synergistic antioxidant effects of green walnut hulls, potato peel, and date pulp extracts on the stability of sunflower oil by deep neural networks

Evaluation and prediction of synergistic antioxidant effects of green walnut hulls, potato peel, and date pulp extracts on the stability of sunflower oil by deep neural networks

Protective Effects of Annona Atemoya Extracts on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Renal Function in Cadmium-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats.

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal from agricultural activities, and its exposure can lead to impaired renal function by increasing reactive oxygen species. The atemoya fruit is known for its high phenolic and antioxidant compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of atemoya extracts on renal function, oxidative stress parameters, and inflammatory biomarkers in a cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity model. Three aqueous extracts were prepared from different parts of the atemoya fruit: seeds, peel, and pulp. Twenty-five male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, seed, peel, and pulp extracts at 2 g/kg for 25 days. All treatment groups administered intraperitoneal injections of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) (2 mg/kg) to induce renal damage. The cadmium-treated groups showed decreased creatinine clearance, SOD, CAT, and GPx activities (p < 0.05) and increased serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The treatment with seed, peel, and pulp extracts increased creatinine clearance (p < 0.05), increased SOD, CAT, and GPx activities (p < 0.05), and reduced serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 compared to the Cd group (p < 0.05). This study supports the use of atemoya as a promising candidate for mitigating nephrotoxicity and highlights the importance of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in renal health.

Phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitor potential for both skin and physical health: test of extract, skin content and content of Garcinia Cowa fruit

Skin aging leads to reduced structural integrity and reduced skin function. Medicinal plant extracts that have antioxidant properties and are able to inhibit tyrosinase have become a trend in various uses for anti-aging. One of the commonly used plants in traditional medicine that grows in many Asian countries is garcinia cowa. Currently, no one has studied the fruit from two different aspects, namely for the skin and to help in physical improvement. The purpose of this study is to test the phenolic content, antioxidants, and tyrosinase inhibition activity of the extract from the skin and pulp of garcinia cowa as well as its effectiveness on the physical ability and function of the skin. The stages carried out start from the collection of garcina cowa fruits, the determination of total phenolic levels, the determination of antioxidant activity, and the determination of tyrosinase inhibition activity. The total phenolic content was determined by the folin-ciocalteu method. The phenolic content of garcinia cowa fruit peel extract is 17.789 mg of gallic acid equivalent extract (GAE)/g, while the meat extract is 12.078 mg GAE/g extract. Furthermore, the flesh of garcinia cowa showed weak antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 490.2 μg/mL, but the fruit peel extract showed moderate antioxidant activity at 243.3 μg/mL. The skin of garcinia cowa fruit shows tyrosinase inhibition activity in vitro, which is more significant than the pulp. Garcinia cowa peel and pulp extracts both contain phenolic compounds and show the antioxidant activity, but it was found that the fruit peel extract has a higher content. This means that with its antioxidant content, it can ward off free radicals, prevent cell damage, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The combination of phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and tyrosinase inhibitor potential provides significant benefits for skin health and overall physical health.

Pilot-scale protein extraction of green seaweed (Ulva spp.) whole biomass and pulp – Investigating biochemical composition and protein digestibility in a rat trial

Ulva, a green seaweed, is gaining interest for food applications due to its high content of protein and well-balanced amino acid composition. However, protein extraction is necessary to reduce the ash content and increase the protein digestibility. In this study, pilot scale protein extraction from Ulva was obtained by a mechanical fractionation, creating a pulp and a juice. A second extraction of protein from the pulp was obtain after a pH shift to 8.5 and the proteins from the two juices were acid precipitated with and without a clearing step (decanting of the resulting juice). Extraction of protein from the whole biomass resulted in a higher content of crude protein (CP) (31.8–37.6 %), essential amino acids (EAA) (42.4 %), and nitrogen digestibility (59.5–63.3 %) than from the pulp (26.1–29.5 % CP of DM, 40.1–40.3 % EAA, 47.4±3.6 % nitrogen digestibility). Including the clearing step increased the protein content but not the nitrogen digestibility (59.5±4.8 % with clearing vs 63.3±3.4 % without). None of the extractions induced cross-linked AA of concern. However, elements were concentrated, where concentrations of arsenic might limit the utilization in food. These results indicate that upscaling of the protein extraction from Ulva is promising, but further improvement regarding toxic elements and protein digestibility is necessary.

Influence of Harvesting Stage on Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activity of Immature Ceratonia siliqua L. Pulp from Béni Mellal-Khénifra Region, Morocco: In Silico, In Vitro, and In Vivo Approaches.

Ceratonia siliqua L. is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional Moroccan medicine to treat many diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of the stages of the immature phase of carob pulp (M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5) on phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antidiabetic activity of Ceratonia siliqua L. The identification of the phenolic profile by HPLC-UV/MS-MS and the study of the antidiabetic effect by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies were carried out for extracts with high contents of phenolic compounds from immature wild carob pulp from the communes of Timoulit (TM), Bin Elouidane (AW), and Ouaouizerth (TG) in the province of Azilal in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region. The results revealed a gradual increase in total sugar content over the pulp's ripening period, reaching a value of 2134 ± 56.23 mg GE/100 g fresh weight (FW) for TG. The three locations showed peak values for total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannin (TCT) at the M2 stage. AW had the highest concentrations of TPC (3819 ± 226.4 mg GAE/100 g FM), TFC (1034 ± 57.08 mg QE/100 g FM), and TCT (1472 ± 28.46 mg CE/100 g FM). The DPPH assay (7892 ± 296.1 mg TE/100 g FM) and the FRAP assay (278.2 ± 7.85 mg TE/100 g FM) both demonstrated that the TG zone is a highly potent antioxidant zone. In contrast, the AW site exhibited a markedly elevated value of 725.4 ± 103.6 mg TE/100 g FM in the ABTS assay. HPLC-UV-MS/MS analysis showed that the methanolic extracts of immature carob pulp (MEICP) from the three areas contained several different chemical compounds. The most prevalent were 3-O-p-coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-methyl ether, gallic acid, and galloylquinic acid. Immature carob pulp extract (ICPE) from AW showed the strongest in vitro inhibition of pancreatic α-amylase (IC50 = 0.405 µg/mL) and TG extracts were most potent against intestinal α-glucosidase (IC50 = 0.063 µg/mL). In vivo, AW, TG, and TM extracts significantly reduced postprandial glycemia in rats, with AW having the greatest effect. These results highlight the antidiabetic potential of ICPE. The 3-O-p-Coumaroyl-5-O-caffeoylquinic acid showed better affinity for α-amylase compared to acarbose and interacted significantly with several amino acid residues of the enzyme. Similarly, this molecule and 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid demonstrated a strong affinity for α-glucosidase, suggesting their potential as natural inhibitors of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Most of the compounds are not substrates of P-glycoprotein and exhibited high intestinal absorption. Furthermore, the majority of these compounds did not act as inhibitors or substrates of CYP450 enzymes, reinforcing their suitability for development as oral medications. These results underscore the potential of immature carob pulp as a promising antidiabetic agent.

Microbial catabolism of coffee pulp (poly)phenols during in vitro colonic fermentation

Coffee pulp is a by-product characterized by its richness in phenolic compounds. This study examined the catabolism of (poly)phenols in digested coffee pulp flour (CPF) and extract (CPE) during in vitro colonic fermentation. After a simulated gastrointestinal digestion, samples were fermented using human microbiota and (poly)phenol transformations were analyzed by UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Digested CPF and CPE contained high amounts of phenolic acids, notably 3′,4′-dihydroxycinnamic (99.7–240.1 μmol 100 g−1) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (174.1–491.4 μmol 100 g−1). During the in vitro fecal fermentation, phenylpropanoic acids (1.5- to 2.6-fold), phenyl-γ-valerolactones (1.3- to 23-fold), phenylvaleric acids (1.1- to 2-fold) and benzene derivatives (1.5-fold) increased; while benzoic and cinnamic acids, cinnamoylquinic derivatives, flavonols, benzaldehydes and diphenylpropan-2-ols decreased. The (poly)phenols in CPF were catabolized more slowly than in CPE, suggesting protection of the fibrous matrix against phenolic degradation. Coffee pulp may be a promising food ingredient rich in (poly)phenols contributing to the prevention of intestinal diseases.

Recommended procedures for managing carious lesions in primary teeth with pulp involvement—a scoping review

BackgroundManaging dental caries in primary teeth with pulp involvement is a significant challenge. Clinical guidelines offer recommendations for effective management.AimTo identify and analyze policies, guidelines, and recommendations for treating primary teeth with pulp-involved carious lesions, highlighting existing research gaps and setting the foundation for future research.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, GIN, and LILACS) and grey literature sources (Trip and ProQuest) to identify guidelines, consensus, policy, and position statements on primary teeth pulp therapy and extraction thresholds. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts and titles, followed by full-text screening.ResultsAfter removing duplication, of the 1098 records, 14 were selected for analysis. This review examined various treatments for deep caries lesions in primary teeth, including indirect/direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy, lesion sterilization/tissue restoration, and extraction. Time search was restricted to documents published from 30th January 2008 to 30th January 2024, offering insights into evolving clinical practices.ConclusionTreatment for carious lesions in primary teeth involving the pulp depends on clinical indications and may involve minimally invasive techniques. Recommended options are indirect pulp capping, pulpotomy, and pulpectomy, while direct capping and tooth removal are discouraged. Further research is needed to address gaps, improve guideline development, and enhance consistency of recommendations.

Can silver diamine fluoride reduce invasive treatments with general anesthesia?

This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the differences in dental treatments rendered in general anesthesia (GA) for patients who did or did not receive application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) prior to GA. 1559 patients (≤6 years) who completed treatment with GA for caries at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. At baseline patients' electronic health record was reviewed to collect planned treatment, complete dental treatment and demographics. Patients were identified as SDF group (N = 335, 21.49%) or comparison (N = 1224, 78.51%). Dental treatments rendered were compared between the SDF and comparison group with multi-variable regression, including variables for demographics and clinical findings at baseline. The initial analysis identified variations in gender, age, dental pain, pulp involvement, and initial treatment plans between the SDF and comparison groups at baseline. In an unadjusted analysis, the SDF group displayed a statistically significant increase in the number of crown procedures but a notable decrease in the number of pulp therapy and extraction treatments completed (p < 0.05). An adjusted multivariable model affirmed the inverse relationship between SDF application and completion of pulp therapy and extractions at the time of GA (p < 0.05). No significant association was identified with the total number of crowns needed and SDF. The model further indicated a positive correlation between the total count of pulp therapy and extractions completed with patient age and the wait-time for GA. In conclusion, pre-GA application of SDF to carious primary teeth is negatively correlated with completed pulp therapy and extraction. SDF application prior to dental treatment with GA may be a valuable tool to reduce invasive dental procedures in GA.

Curbing Key Digestive Enzymes by Three Plant Extracts for Sustainable Management of Postprandial Hyperglycemia

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition marked by persistently elevated blood sugar levels. Key digestive enzymes viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase, hydrolyze consumed carbohydrates into glucose which raises the postprandial blood glucose level in a diabetic patient. So, the development of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors procured from medicinal plants to retard starch digestion is an alternative approach for controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory potentials of the key digestive enzymes viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase by the extracts of three medicinal plants; red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) pulp and peel, bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoot, turnip (Brassica rapa L.) shoot and leaf by performing α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays in vitro. Methods: Inhibition of α-amylase activity was conducted using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid method, and 4- Nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside was used as a substrate to perform α-glucosidase inhibition assay in vitro. Results: Among all the selected sample extracts, red dragon fruit pulp expressed the highest percentage of α-amylase inhibition (59.73 ± 4.33%) at the concentration of 1000 μg/mL which is comparable to standard antidiabetic drug Acarbose (70.59 ± 2.64%), whereas the lowest inhibition was observed in turnip shoot extract (42.48 ± 2.10%) at the same concentration. In terms of α-glucosidase inhibition activity, again, red dragon fruit pulp extract demonstrated the maximum inhibition rate (56.42 ± 2.38%) at 1000 μg/mL concentration. This is respectable in comparison to the reference Acarbose (66.45 ± 1.78%). In contrast, turnip shoot extracts displayed the lowest α-glucosidase inhibition activity (38.27 ± 2.21%) at the same concentration. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that the red dragon fruit pulp extract possesses substantial antihyperglycemic activity (α-amylase inhibition: 59.73 ± 4.33%, α-glucosidase inhibition: 56.42 ± 2.38%) in vitro, which could be a putative nutraceutical to manage postprandial hyperglycemia.