Extractive Content Research Articles

Characterization of Indonesian Sugar Palm Bunch (Arenga longipes Mogea) Properties for Various Utilization Purposes

Sugar palm bunch/SPB (Arenga longipes Mogea) waste is a lignocellulosic material derived from the harvest of sugar palm fruit (kolang-kaling). Therefore, this study aims to examine the anatomical, physical, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of SPB. The anatomical characterization results showed that SPB had two forms of fibrovascular bundles (FVBs), namely large and small. Based on morphology, SPB fibers had a length, diameter, average lumen diameter, and cell wall thickness of approximately 1346.42 ± 415.71 μm, 20.05 ± 3.81 μm, 11.82 ± 2.95 μm, and 4.12 ± 1.08 μm, respectively. FVB tissue of the sample had a fairly high density of 4–6 FVB per 4 mm2 with a non-vascular area/total area ratio of 57.25%. The results showed that the sample contained 45.31 ± 3.20% cellulose, 23.21 ± 3.73% hemicellulose, 27.23 ± 4.23% lignin, and 1.39 ± 0.32% ash content. In addition, the extractive content that dissolved in hot water, cold water, ethanol-benzene, and 1% NaOH was 4.79 ± 0.84%, 7.12 ± 0.68%, 7.27 ± 2.38%, and 29.81 ± 3.78%, respectively. The GC–MS analysis results showed that A. longipes bunch contained several compounds, including carboxylic acid (tetradecanoic, octadecanoic), methoxy group (3-hydoxyphthalide), and palmitic acid. Meanwhile, the FTIR analysis showed the presence of OH groups with high intensity, which were identified as aromatic groups, as well as phenol groups recognized as lignin. Based on these results, characteristics of SPB were more suitable as raw materials for biomass energy, absorbent activated carbon, composite board, and surfactant.

The physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of black cherry tree wood (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and its susceptibility to fungal decomposition in areas where it is secondary and invasive: a case study in the Kampinos National Park (Poland)

The properties of black cherry mature wood (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and its susceptibility to fungal decay were studied in the invaded range of the species on six trees aged between 39 and 47 years old growing in poor, acidic soils with varying levels of moisture and organic carbon and nitrogen content. Wood from trees that grew in wetter and richer soil had better physical properties. Of the 95 parameters analyzed, 80 showed significant differences in favor of this wood. These differences included wider rings that averaged 3.25 mm, a higher density of 662.71 kg/m3 at 12% humidity, and 1.5 times higher content of extractives. Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 44 extractives. Out of these, six had antifungal properties and were found in the wood of trees grown in richer soil, corresponding to 62.93% of the peaks area of all identified substances. Only three were found in trees grown in poorer soil, corresponding to 8.68% of the peaks area respectively. The wood of trees grown in more fertile soil was also less prone to fungal decay, which was generally low. Only Trametes versicolor caused a mass loss of more than 10% of the wood in both sites out of the four basidiomycete species tested. The results indicate that even slight variations in soil fertility and moisture can benefit black cherry, leading to differences in wood features and properties in its exotic range.

Physicochemical characterization of briquette fuel produced from cocoa pod husk case of Cameroon

This paper aims to prepare and evaluate the physicochemical and energetic properties of briquette fuel made from cocoa pod husk. For briquette preparation, cocoa pod husk was dried, carbonised, crushed, mixed using binder, compacted, and finally the briquettes obtained were dried. The briquettes produced were characterised by proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis using the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) standards. The results from the proximal analysis obtained (10.5%), (6.5%), (34.7%), and (58.8%), respectively, for moisture content, ash content, volatile matter, and fixed carbon, are satisfactory values. The results from the ultimate analysis found are 53.2%, 5.2%, and 34.4%, respectively, for carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen content, while H/C and O/C gave 1.17 and 0.48, respectively. The Higher Heating Value (17.941 MJ/kg) proved high thermal stability, with the highest mass loss of 32.50% at 361°C due to the high extractive content and the aromatic structure of the polymer. The presence of C-O, CC, CHx, and OH groups was noticed, while the fuel value index (FVI) and impact resistance index (IRI) showed 1104% and 125%, respectively. These results indicated that the abundance of these residues in landfills could serve as an alternative fuel energy source with environmental friendly features and contribute to the economic growth of the country.

Effects of physicochemical characteristics on natural durability of eucalypts woods to wood-decaying fungi

This study aimed to relate the biological resistance of seven eucalypt woods to wood-decaying fungi with physicochemical characteristics of wood. Two 12-year-old trees per species were randomly sampled, removing disks at 0 (base), diameter to breast height - DBH, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the commercial height to determine the wood specific gravity. One basal log of 2.20 m of each wooden species was obtained for chemical analysis and biological tests with brown and white rot fungi (Gleophyllum trabeum, Rhodonia placenta, and Trametes versicolor). For these tests, wood samples were taken in two positions in the radial direction of the trunk in the pith-bark direction (median heartwood and transition region; containing heartwood and sapwood), and the relation between wood natural resistance and physicochemical characteristics was established. Wood specific gravity ranged of 0.51 g cm−3 to 0.73 g cm−3, total lignin of 27.34–32.18%, and holocellulose of 53.39–66.18, not being influenced by pith-bark direction. The extractive and ash contents were affected by the pith-bark direction, in which, in general, the transition region exhibited the highest values contents. The extractive showed a negative relation (−0.67) regarding the loss of mass caused by the fungus Rhodonia placenta. For the holocellulose content, it showed positive relations (0.61; 0.54) to the degradation by Rhodonia placenta and Gleophyllum trabeum, respectively. Independently of the analyzed wood and tested fungus, the median heartwood region was more resistant to wood decay fungi than the transition region.

Wood resistance of Magonia pubescens (Sapindaceae), Dalbergia nigra, and Machaerium amplum (Fabaceae) to Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae).

Termites of the genus Nasutitermes sp. (Blattodea: Termitidae), which feed on cellulose, may cause wood to become brittle and fragile. This study aimed to evaluate the natural resistance of three native wood species: Magonia pubescens (Sapindaceae), Dalbergia nigra and Machaerium amplum (Fabaceae) to attack by Nasutitermes sp. termites and to investigate the relationship between resistance, extractive content, and oven-dry density. Samples of each wood species were subjected to a forced feeding process with Nasutitermes sp. termites for 30 days. Following the exposure, the oven-dry density, extractive content, percentage of wood loss, and termite mortality were determined for each sample. Dalbergia nigra exhibited resistance to termite attack and had the highest extractive content at 13.14%. Conversely, M. amplum had the highest wood loss at 5.37% and the lowest extractive content at 1.94%. Both species showed a negative correlation between wood loss and extractive content, but no correlation with wood density. Magonia pubescens had the highest density at 0.90 g/cm3. Macherium amplum and M. pubescens caused 100% termite mortality, while D. nigra caused 40% mortality.

Wood fibre alkalization effect on the thermal stability of meranti wood flour: a modification of the conventional method

Alkalization of plant or wood fibre (WF) is the most widely used method of chemical modification to improve reinforcement in thermoplastic composites. This process involves the complete or partial removal of extractives and or modification of lignocellulosic material. While research has shown that removal of the less thermally stable extractives results in an improvement in fibre thermal stability, in the current work it has been shown through single-factor analyses, Fourier transform infrared microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyses and wide angle X-ray diffraction that meranti WF thermal stability is largely influenced by the holistic changes in the WF structure, which itself is affected by alkalization factors. After implementing stepwise regression on a central composite design, no empirical model could be established to explain or predict thermal stability due to interaction of treatment factors. As a result, single-factor analyses of temperature, time and alkali concentration were conducted. Single-factor analyses showed that different combinations of time, temperature and alkali concentration through a central composite design result in WF with different thermal stabilities, lignocellulosic content, crystallinities, crystallite sizes, extractives content and morphology. Alkali-treated meranti WF showed lower thermal stability compared to the untreated WF. Mild treatment conditions (e.g. 50 °C/30 min/5%) were seen to result in the most thermally stable WF. Increasing temperature, treatment duration and alkali concentration increased thermal stabilities except at harsh conditions (e.g. 50 °C/90 min/15%). A combination of high alkali concentration and long treatment times showed a combined detrimental effect on WF thermal stability. Changes in the lignocellulosic structure, crystallinity, crystallite sizes and surface features explain the observed changes in thermal stabilities.

Colorimetria e propriedades químicas da madeira de Parkia pendula e Simarouba amara modificada termicamente

ABSTRACT The thermal modification of wood is a process that alters its chemical composition, aiming to improve technological properties such as dimensional stability, reduction of equilibrium moisture content, homogeneity, or color. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the colorimetry and chemical properties of the wood of Parkia pendula (angelim-saia) and Simarouba amara (marupá) that was thermally modified by different methods. Three treatments were evaluated: T1 (pre-treatment in an oven for one hour at 120 °C and treatment in an oven at 180 °C for three hours); T2 (pre-treatment in an autoclave at 125 °C for three hours under 1.2 kgf cm-2 and treatment in an oven at 180 °C for three hours); and T3 (without pre-treatment, with sample treatment in vegetable oil). The thermally modified wood was evaluated in relation to untreated wood for structural chemical composition (extractives, lignin, holocellulose and ash content), colorimetric parameters defined through the CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l´Eclairage) system and total color variation. We detected a significant increase in extractives content and a decrease in holocellulose and lignin content in T3 for both species, which can be explained by the impregnation of oil in the wood samples. The thermal modification caused the surface darkening of the wood of both species, which was more pronounced in P. pendula. Despite the colorimetric change, there was no chemical damage to the wood.

Neural network analysis of the productivity of biogas plants for small agricultural enterprises

The article is devoted to the problem of assessing the productivity of biogas plants. The aim of the work is to build intelligent tools for evaluating the performance of biogas plants by determining the output of biogas depending on the properties of raw materials based on the fuzzy inference method according to the Sugeno algorithm. First of all, the output of biogas is influenced by the chemical composition of the raw materials used. The chemical composition indicators were obtained by the authors in the framework of experimental studies. To carry out the analysis, a knowledge base was built on the following parameters: humidity, crude ash content, crude fat content, crude protein content, crude fiber content, nitrogen-free extractive substances content. The fuzzification of its vertices in the section of 2- and 3-term sets has been carried out. Membership functions of fuzzy sets for each parameter are constructed. The fuzzification of the root is defined in 5 categories. A system of rules was compiled based on experimental data, and the biogas yield was calculated depending on the initial parameters. The results obtained can be used in the organization of biogas plants.

A Comprehensive Chemical Characterization of Leaves of Five Potential Medicinal Plants in Paschim Medinipur District, W. B., India

The physico-chemical and spectroscopic characterization of five selected medicinal plants viz., Acalypha indica, Senna tora, Euphorbia hirta, Physalis angulata and Ziziphus mauritina are the essence and has been carried out to assess bioactive potential and to establish traditional belief in the light of scientific interpretation. Fresh leaves were collected from Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, India, dried and powdered for Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and compositional analysis, FTIR and GCMS. The study revealed that the highest concentration of Volatile matter (75.452%), Bulk density (0.256 %), Swelling index (1.456 %), Cellulose content (61.727 %), Hemicellulose content (4.372 %) and Tannins (0.635 g/ 100g) was observed to occur in Acalypha indica leaf than other experimental plants. In Physalis angulata the percentage composition of fixed carbon (15.251%) and extractive content (1.974 %) was higher than others. Ash content (12.327 %), hemicellulose content (4.372 %), and lignin content (5.531 %) were observed to be higher in the Senna tora leaf than others. Total carbohydrate concentrations (9.619 gm/100 gm) and nitrogen content (2.050 %) were observed to be higher in Euphorbia hirta than others. Total protein (2.321 gm/100 gm), total fat (0.655 gm/100 gm), oxygen content (34.222 %) and Higher heat value (HHV) (16.546 %) were higher in Ziziphus mauritina than others. The existence of functional groups and the relevance of the presence of a specific bioactive component were determined using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) of the leaves of five plant samples. According to GCMS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy), five different medicinal plants contain significant bioactive chemicals. By using GC-MS analysis, a total of 10 bioactive compounds (Acalypha indica, Senna tora) and 8 bioactive compounds (Ziziphus mauritina, Euphorbia hirta, Physalis Angulata) were found in the peaks of methanolic extracts of five potential medicinal plants. The bioactive compounds like Cyclotrisiloxane, Hexamethyl-, Dodecane, 1-Fluoro-, Myo-Inositol, 4-C-Methyl obtained from Acalypha indica leaf extract, Palmitic Acid, Phthalic Acid, Cyclopentadecanol obtained from Senna tora leaf extract and 4-Tert-Octylphenol, TMS Derivative obtained from Euphorbia hirta leaf extract has no records of individual bioactivity as per Dr. Duke’s ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical database and are considered as novel bioactive compounds. Isolation of these compounds and successive bioactivity studies should be the thrust area for future researchers. Also, the current study confirms that specific plant leaves are a great source of important phytochemicals and can be used to make herbal formulations, practical medications, and complementary medicines.

Survey on the natural resistance to decay of five hundred tropical wood species

The natural durability of wood species against rot has again become a matter of interest for the uses of wood as a natural material, while the use of synthetic fungicides is being debated. In the mid-20th century, many experimental studies were performed in Europe and North America, using different standardised protocols. More than five hundred tropical wood species were tested in France between 1955 and 1990, with a total of 9,842 wood samples tested. It would seem useful to allow free access to all the data from these tests in the interests of a more comprehensive study of the natural durability of large wood panels. The great majority (68%) of all these tests used two slightly different protocols with only a change in woodblock test dimensions. Roughly half of the species were tested under one of the two protocols, and the other half under the second. In addition, certain species were tested with both protocols. The dimensions of the test blocks, the fungal strain used, and the wood type (sapwood or heartwood) all give significantly different results, but the mean mass loss due to the 4 main fungal strains is a good predictor of the wood resistance to rot. Overall, mass loss for sapwood with each protocol is 45% higher than for heartwood of the same species. There is a significant positive correlation between the rot resistance of the sapwood and the heartwood, but the decrease in heartwood compared to sapwood is greater in durable wood species than in non-durable ones. Heartwood rot resistance was observed to be highly variable between trees of the same species, except in those classified as “very durable” and “non-durable”. This opens up possibilities for a classification of natural rot resistance for numerous useful types of timber that are often regarded as only moderately resistant because they include a small proportion of species with poor resistance. Each protocol group included over one hundred species for which density and chemical composition data were available. Density, lignin content, and extractive content have a similar and very significant influence on the rot resistance of the wood (R² around 0.25).

Comparative Research Regarding the Hydrophilic Extractives Content in Turkey Oak and Sessile Oak Wood and Their Related Staining Susceptibility by Reaction with Iron

The paper presents the experimental results concerning the amount of extractable substances and the color changes determined by the reaction of the tannins contained in wood with iron. Tests were performed comparatively with sapwood and heartwood samples of two Quercus species, namely Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.). The findings show that Turkey oak sapwood has an unexpectedly high amount of extractable substances, higher than the heartwood of the same species. This result was obtained with three extraction methods (cold water, hot water, and NaOH 1% solution). The FTIR investigation of the extracts impregnated on quantitative filter paper seems to confirm these results. Visual assessment and color measurements after applying FeCl3 highlight that both oak species are prone to staining in contact with iron due to their tannin content. The values of the total color difference between the state and after the reaction with FeCl3, lower fer for Turkey oak compared to sessile oak, correlate with a lower extractive content of this wood species.

Characterization of Microbial Decay and Microbial Communities in Waterlogged Archaeological Wood Excavated from the Wetland

Anatomical and chemical changes due to microbial decay and microbial communities in three waterlogged archaeological woods, namely Dongnim 1, Dongnim 2, and Dongnim 3, excavated from the wetland of the Dongnim-dong archaeological site in Gwangju, were investigated. Dongnim 1−3 exhibited a maximum moisture content approximately 6 to 8 times higher than that of undecayed recent wood, and there was no correlation with the burial period. Chemical analysis revealed an increase in ash and hot water extractive content in Dongnim 1−3 compared to undecayed recent wood, while the solvent extractive content tended to decrease. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in holocellulose content with a relative increase in lignin concentration in Dongnim 1−3. Microscopic observations showed erosion bacteria decay and soft rot decay in Dongnim 1−3. The microbial community analysis of Dongnim 2 and 3 revealed the dominance of Ascomycota (98% to 99%) in the fungal community and Proteobacteria (34% to 55%) as the predominant bacterial phylum. Nonetheless, significant differences in microbial community structure and diversity were observed between Dongnim 2 and Dongnim 3.

Revolutionizing wood permeability via microwave-initiated persulfate activation

Poor penetration of modifying reagents in wood due to the influence of extractives and pits in the wood. In this paper, microwave-activated sodium persulfate (MW-PS) solutions were used to remove extractives from fir heartwood and to disrupt pit membranes to improve the permeability of the liquid in wood. The large amount of energy generated by microwave irradiation decomposed S2O82- into SO4·-, while some of the resulting SO4·- combined with H2O to form·OH. The permeability of the liquid in the wood cells and cell wall interstices was increased by oxidative decomposition of the wood extractives by free radicals. The moisture in the wood absorbs the large amount of energy released by the microwaves, vaporizes and expands, destroying the pit membrane and creating new liquid channels. Microwave-activated persulfate-treated fir heartwood not only had a significantly lower extractive content (47.45%), but also an increased average pore size (91.84%). The most important thing is that the penetration of liquid into the fir heartwood was significantly increased (63.45%).

A Pharmaceutical Standardization of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia)

Guduchi, scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia, is a prominent herb in Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems. Its rich history of use for centuries, is owing to its composite therapeutic properties. This botanical has gained increasing attention in modern medicine due to its potential as an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and adaptogenic agent. This abstract focuses on the standardization of Guduchi to ensure consistent quality and potency in herbal formulations. Standardization involves the quantification of key bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids, glycosides and polysaccharides, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. For the identification, purity and strength these must be fulfilled - analytical parameters like foreign matter, total ash value, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive and moisture content in fresh drug. Overall, no adverse reactions or toxicity of Guduchi have been obtained. The present study was focused on analytical studies which was carried out separately on the basis of classically illustrated organoleptic tests, modern physio-chemical parameters like loss on drying at 110°C, ash value, acid insoluble ash, alcohol soluble extract, pH (10% aqueous solution), water soluble extractive in different parameters and microscopic study of Guduchi powder. Hence the present work may be used for the quality assessment and standardization of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).

Chemical Composition and Color of Short-Rotation Teak Wood Thermally Modified in Closed and Open Systems

Although the effect of thermal modification (TM) on teak wood color is well documented, few studies have been carried out on closed-system processes, and it remains unclear what the effect is of different processes on the same material. This work aimed to verify the effect of closed- and open-system processes of TM on the color of short-rotation teak wood. Thermally modified wood (TMW) was evaluated in a closed system at 160 °C (CS160) and in an open system at 185 °C and 210 °C (OS185 and OS210). We measured the moisture content (initial and final) of the wood and the corrected mass loss (CML). The chemical analyses encompassed the contents of alpha-cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives (total, in acetone and dichloromethane). Wood color was measured before and after TM according to the CIEL*a*b* color space. It was possible to achieve the same color using different processes of thermal modification (CS160 and OS210). TM reduced wood lightness (L*), red–green chromaticity coordinate (a*), and yellow–blue chromaticity coordinate (b*). L* and a* had the biggest and smallest variations, respectively. TMW color was significantly changed, even at the mildest condition tested (OS185, 0.33% CML).

Assessment of Hydrothermal Treatment Effects on Coir Fibers for Incorporation into Polyurethane Matrix Biocomposites Derived from Castor Oil.

The incorporation of natural lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcements in polymer composites has witnessed significant growth due to their biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and mechanical properties. This study aims to evaluate castor-oil-based polyurethane (COPU), incorporating different contents of coconut coir fibers, 5, 10, and 15 wt%. The investigation includes analysis of the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of these composites. Additionally, this study evaluates the influence of hydrothermal treatment on the fibers, conducted at 120 °C and 98 kPa for 30 min, on the biocomposites' properties. Both coir fibers (CFs) and hydrothermal-treated coir fibers (HTCFs) were subjected to comprehensive characterization, including lignocellulosic composition analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biocomposites were subjected to water absorption analysis, bending tests, XRD, SEM, FTIR, and TGA. The results indicate that the 30 min hydrothermal treatment reduces the extractive content, enhancing the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the matrix, as evidenced by SEM. Notably, the composite containing 5 wt% CF exhibits a reduced water absorption, approaching the level observed in pure COPU. The inclusion of 15 wt% HTCF results in a remarkable improvement in the composite's flexural strength (100%), elastic modulus (98%), and toughness (280%) compared to neat COPU. TGA highlights that incorporating CFs into the COPU matrix enhances the material's thermal stability, allowing it to withstand temperatures of up to 500 °C. These findings underscore the potential of CFs as a ductile, lightweight, and cost-effective reinforcement in COPU matrix biocomposites, particularly for engineering applications.

THE EFFECT OF AXIAL AND RADIAL DIRECTIONS ON THE EXTRACTIVE CONTENT OF LONTAR (BORASSUS FLABBELLIFER) STEM FROM WONRELI VILLAGE

Community interest in timber forest products is still high, but log production is decreasing. This can be circumvented by using non-timber forest products, but it is necessary to test the extractive content first so that the utilization is maximized. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the axial and radial directions on the extractive content of lontar (Borassus flabbellifer) stem. Extractive content testing was preceded by making particles from lontar stems. Then the lontar stem particles were dried and powdered with a size of 40 mesh and retained at 60 mesh. The content of cold water-soluble extractives was analyzed using the TAPPI T 207 om-88 standard, the hot water-soluble extractives content using the TAPPI T 264 om-88 standard and the ethanol-benzene soluble extractives content using TAPPI T 257 cm-85. The results showed that the levels of cold-water soluble extractives ranged from 1.426 - 8.159%, hot water-soluble extractives 1.854 - 10.07% and ethanol-benzene soluble extractives 1.97% - 10.11%. The correlation between hot water-soluble extractives and cold-water soluble extractives is 0.8390 and 0.6325 for ethanol-benzene soluble extractives, while the correlation between cold water-soluble extractives and ethanol-benzene soluble extractives is 0.2954

Antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic and thrombolytic activities of flowers of Mirabilis jalapa L: Possible role of phenolics and flavonoids

Mirabilis jalapa L. belongs to Nyctaginaceae family is an ornamental plant and domestically known as Sandhamaloti in Bangladesh. In this report we evaluated phenol and flavonoid content of cold methanol extractives of flower of M. jalapa and their role in antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic and thrombolytic potentials. This study utilized HPLC to identify qualitative phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Gallic acid and Kaempferol were employed as standards for phenolic and flavonoid identification, respectively. Consequently, evaluating the overall phenolic and flavonoid content in the plant extract was considered a logical step. Flower of M. jalapa is an abundant source of phenols and flavonoids. The antioxidant activities in the phosphomolybdenum assay are differed in distinct extractives and have been found as 334.78 ± 0.62, 142.53 ± 0.51, 398.04 ± 0.81, 470.29 ± 0.55 and 480.90 ± 0.59 mg of ascorbic acid equivalent per gm of crude methanol extract (MSF), petroleum ether fraction (PSF), carbon tetrachloride fraction (CTF), chloroform fraction (CSF) and ethyl acetate fraction (ESF), respectively. The IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging have been evaluated to be 13.70 ± 0.32, 49.05 ± 0.47, 6.76 ± 0.22, 9.30 ± 0.41 and 6.94 ± 0.31 μg/mL for MSF, PSF, CTF, CSF and ESF, respectively. The cytotoxicity was evaluated against brine shrimp lethality bioassay and LC50 values of MSF, PSF, CTF, CSF and ESF have been found 11.83 ± 0.32, 35.50 ± 0.54, 5.00 ± 0.18, 11.30 ± 0.30 and 4.61 ± 0.15 μg/mL, respectively in comparison to a standard vincristine sulphate 2.50 ± 0.11 μg/mL. Plant polyphenols and flavonoids having antioxidant properties exhibit potential antibacterial activity and our results revealed that the entire tested fractions of vegetation of M. jalapa exhibit potential antibacterial activity. On this observation, the thrombolytic activity, is the first strive in M. jalapa to investigate for more modern thrombolytic and its ethyl acetate fraction was shown to substantial (53.81 ± 0.52%) thrombolysis property. A high correlation was observed between antioxidant, cytotoxicity, thrombolytic and antibacterial activity with polyphenol and flavonoid contents (r2 = 0.903 to 0.996, p < 0.05). These data suggest the role of polyphenols and flavonoids in the bioactivities. Further study of this plant may lead to isolation of bioactive polyphenols and flavonoids which will be effective in the management of many chronic diseases.

How does ultrasound contribute to the migration of extractives inside Ailanthus altissima wood?

Extractives have an impact on the processing and commercial value of wood. Ultrasound is an environmentally friendly technology commonly employed to reduce the extractive content and thus enhance the permeability of wood. This study aimed to understand the migration mechanism of extractives inside wood during ultrasonic treatment, which may help to obtain the desired wood properties. The extractive distribution of Ailanthus altissima was observed by using stereo microscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, the extractive content was determined, and the relationship between the concentration of water-soluble extractives and absorbance was measured using a UV/Vis spectrophotometer, and the migration model of extractives was studied using layered extraction by innovatively combining the weight and the absorbance methods. The results revealed that the extractives were predominantly distributed in the vessels and diminished after ultrasonic treatment. The extractive content gradually decreased over time (0 ∼ 5 h), with a rapid decline observed within the first 2 h. The concentration of the water-soluble extractives exhibited a proportional relationship with the absorbance. Through the comparison of the layered-extractive concentration, accumulating evidence suggested that the migration of the extractives was a dynamic process, which included the extractives migrating towards easy-extracted area, moving along the direction of ultrasound propagation inside the wood, and leaching out of wood during ultrasonic treatment.

Physicochemical Property Determination of Antidiarrheal Remedy of Ya-Gae-Bid-Na-Ron

Objective: This study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties of Ya-Gae-Bid-Na-Ron (YGBNR); according to the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP) guidelines.Material and Methods: Kratom, ginger, Java long pepper, and chilli were collected from different sources, authenticated, and prepared for crude drugs. From this, twelve YGNBR recipes were formulated, and the physicochemical properties of the raw materials and recipes were determined. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints were investigated, and the microbial limits and heavy metal contamination were determined.Results: YGBNR was prepared by mixing dry powders of kratom: ginger: Java long pepper; chilli in the ratio of 72:5:13:10. The phytochemical properties; including loss on drying, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ethanol (80% v/v)-soluble extractive, water-soluble extractive, volatile oil, and mitragynine content were: 7.68±0.04%w/w, 5.72±0.06%w/w, 0.26±0.02%w/w, 28.99±0.17%w/w, 21.98±0.21%w/w, 0.40±0.00%v/w, and 0.58±0.28 %w/w, respectively. The microbial limits and heavy metal contaminations were under the THP requirements. Conclusion: The physicochemical properties of YGNBR, an antidiarrheal recipe, was determined according to THP. The specification is essential information for the establishment for the herbal monograph of YGBNR.