Grass Extract Research Articles

Allelopathic effect of annoni grass extracts on Vachellia caven (Molina) Seigler & Ebinger germination and initial development

Allelopathic effect of annoni grass extracts on Vachellia caven (Molina) Seigler & Ebinger germination and initial development

PENGEMBANGAN SEDIAAN TABLET ESTROGENIK DARI EKSTRAK RUMPUT KEBAR (Biophytum petersianum) MENGGUNAKAN VARIASI KONSENTRASI PENGIKAT PVP K-30

Kebar grass (Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch) contains steroid, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. The use of Kebar grass extract can increase the development of follicles because it contains saponins which are the basic ingredients for the synthesis of steroid hormones and can improve the performance of reproductive system. This study aims to determine the quality the tablets made from Kebar grass extract with varying concentrations of PVP K-30 binder. Tablets were made in 3 formulas with varying concentrations of PVP K-30 as a binder, namely 2% (F1), 3% (F2), and 4% (F3). Methods of making tablets by wet granulation. Tablet quality testing includes organoleptic, weight uniformity, thickness, diameter, hardness, friability, and disintegration time. The flavonoid quercetin was used as a marker for tablet analysis. The results showed that the tablets were round in shape, white-gray in color, had a slightly bitter taste and had a characteristic aromatic odor. The average value of tablet weight uniformity is 290.06 – 306.45 mg (KV <5%), tablet diameter is 0.91 -0.92 cm, thickness is 0.41 – 0.48 cm, hardness is 4.06 – 7.95 kp, friability 0.17 – 0.21% and tablet disintegration time < 15 minutes. The results of the statistical analysis showed that the differences in the concentration of PVP K-30 did not affect the hardness and friability of the tablets (p> 0.05). The level of the flavonoid quercetin in the tablet is 0.17 – 0.21%. The conclusion that Kebar grass extract tablets can be made using PVP K-30 at a concentration of 2-4% as a binder and the quality of the tablets is not significantly different.

Two-spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae Control on Okra by Portulaca oleracea Extract and Cyperus rotundus Oil

The study determined the effect of alcoholic extract of common purslane, Portulaca oleracea, Java grass, and Cyperus rotundus oil in controlling the two-spotted spider mite on okra plants. The results of laboratory experiments showed the efficiency of purslane alcoholic extract was highly toxic to adult mites, but its effect was limited on eggs. In contrast, Cyperus oil was highly effective against mite eggs and adults. Cyperus oil gave the highest mortality of 86.94%, with significant differences from the purslane extract, where 68.61% mortality was observed and differed significantly from the control treatment. An increase in mortality increased with concentration, and the highest mortality of 95.83% was achieved at 5%, compared to the mortality of 59.58% at 1% treatment. The ovicidal activity was significant after the C. rotundus oil treatment compared to the purslane extract application. Cyperus oil reduced egg hatching by 42.50%. However, purslane extract did not affect the hatching significantly (91.70% hatching) and was not significantly different from the control. In general, the hatching rate decreased with increasing concentration of Cyperus oil and was only 40% at the 5% treatment compared to 60 and 96.70% at 1% treatment and controls, respectively.. KEYWORDS :Biological control, Cyperus rotundus, Insecticidal, Ovicidal, Portulaca oleracea, Tetranychus urticae

Production of L-lysine by Corynebacterium glutamicum using aqueous leaf extracts of tropical grasses as substrate

L-Lysine is a highly valuable amino acid widely used in various industries, particularly in food and animal feed. Extensive research has been conducted to enhance its production, and this study aimed to evaluate the capability of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 for producing L-lysine from aqueous leaf extracts of tropical grasses. The submerged fermentation technique was employed for this purpose, 10 g sample used; 2 mL culture inoculated 100 mL flask with 20 mL broth. Incubated 96 h at 30 °C, 160 rpm for growth and lysine production. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in L-lysine concentration were observed in the fermented aqueous leaf extracts of various tropical grasses when inoculated with C. glutamicum, compared to the non-inoculated samples. Among the different grasses tested, the fresh aqueous leaf extract of Indian almond demonstrated the highest L-lysine concentration (2.4 ± 0.05 mg/g). Furthermore, both fresh and dried aqueous leaf extracts exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in soluble protein concentration when subjected to fermentation. Notably, the fermented extracts of tropical grasses inoculated with C. glutamicum displayed an overall increase in the content of total phenolics and flavonoids, indicating a potential enhancement of their bioactive compounds. Additionally, the activities of amylase and protease enzymes substantially rose in the fermented extracts. This study highlights a promising biotechnological approach for the production of L-lysine using aqueous leaf extracts of tropical grasses, offering potential benefits for health-related and industrial applications.

A method for obtaining aqueous and dry ethanol extracts of grass (a mixture of flowers with leaves) and a stalk of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) with inhibitory activity on the replication of the SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus in vitro

Aim. In vitro evaluation of the inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts and dry ethanol extracts of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) on the replication of SARS-CoV-2 according to three experimental schemes – direct inactivation (neutralisation) of the virus as well as "prevention" and "treatment" of cells.Materials and Methods. The laboratory strain SARS-CoV-2/human/RUS/Nsk-FRCFTM-1/2020 was passed on Vero cell culture. Water extracts and dry ethanol extracts of parts of H. perforatum L. collected during the flowering period in the Novosibirsk region were prepared. Dry extracts were dissolved in DMSO. Comparison samples are dry ethanol extracts of chaga, cloves and black tea.Results. It is shown that the aqueous extract of grass (a mixture of flowers with leaves) of H. perforatum L. with direct inactivation of the virus it is active in dilution of 1/4096. For the dry ethanol extract of the herb H. perforatum L., 50 % effective concentrations (EC50) were found equal to 2.44±0.87; 8.79±1.91 and 14.65±1.91 μg/ml respectively with direct inactivation as well as according to the "preventive" scheme and with the "treatment" of cells. Taking into account cytotoxicity, as well as in comparison with control samples, the values of selective indices (SI50) of the studied herbal preparations during direct inactivation were higher than with other experimental schemes and were distributed as follows (in descending order): 204.92; 153.68; 115.27; 32.01 and 21.33 for dry ethanol extracts of black tea from India, cloves, herbs, a mixture of flowers with leaves, of H. perforatum, chaga and the stems of H. perforatum respectively. The HPLC method has shown that the ethanol extract of the herb H. perforatum L. contains a greater amount of flavonoids than the extract of stems. Nevertheless, antiviral activity was also detected for the extract of stems of this plant with EC50 equal to 14.65±1.91; 78.13±20.05 and 117.19±15.31 μg/ml (according to three experimental schemes), respectively.Conclusion. For the preparation of antiviral drugs the whole plant of H. perforatum L., including stems, can be used as raw materials.

The Effect in Vivo and in Silico Citronella Grass Extract (Cymbopogon nardus L.) on the Plasma ACE Inhibitory activity and Antihypertensive effect

The mechanism of hypertension is through the formation of angiotensin I into angiotensin II by Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme (ACE) which causes constriction of blood vessels resulting in narrowing of blood vessels. A number of extracts and compounds derived from plants have been proven in vitro as ACE inhibitors including flavonoids. This compound produces the ability to reduce oxidative stress, inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, promote vascular endothelial relaxation, and regulate cell signaling and gene expression by lowering Heat Shock Protein 70(HSP 70). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the optimal dose of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Citronella grass extract in its activity as a hypertension reducer and the effectiveness of the compound for inhibiting HSP-70 as an antihypertensive. The study employed bioinformatics modeling in its effectiveness in inhibiting HSP-70 in silica and in vitro using Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Citronella grass extract with various doses of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg BW in BALB/C mice. Na-CMC was used as a positive control and lead acetate was used as a negative control. Modeling with in silico method was used to observe the inhibition of compounds from Citronella grass stems against heat shock protein 70(HSP-70). The in vitro method with the maceration method was used in its extraction. The HPLC method was used for testing ACE inhibitors. The results of this study were treated with Na-CMC suspension (66.3±1.2%), acetic acid (65.7±0.7%), a dose of 25mg/kg BW (80.9±1.3%), a dose of 50 mg/kg BW was 88.2±1.7 and a dose of 100mg/kg BW (93.9±2.5%). In conclusion, HSP-70 can be used as an indicator of in silico inhibition of hypertension and is effective in reducing hypertension in vitro.

Effect of kebar grass extract ( Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch) on histopathological changes in liver of mice offspring from the parent exposed to carbofuran during lactation period

This study aims to determine the potential of Kebar grass extract in reducing the impact of liver damage in mice offspring ( Mus musculus) from parent exposed to carbofuran during lactation period. 42 lactation mice ( Mus musculus) used in the study were divided into seven groups, each group consisting of six mice. Carbofuran, Kebar grass extract, and vitamin C are administered orally on days 1 to 14 after birth. This group consisted of K (aquadest), P1 (carbofuran 1/4 LD50 0.0125 mg/day), P2 (carbofuran 1/8 LD50 0.00625 mg/day), P3 (Kebar grass extract 3.375 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/4 LD50), P4 (Kebar grass extract 3.375 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/8 LD50), P5 (vitamin C 5 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/4 LD50), and P6 (vitamin C 5 mg (0.2 ml) + carbofuran 1/8 LD50). On the 15th day after birth, mice were sacrified and their liver taken for microscopic examination with hematoxilin and eosin staining. The scoring data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. The result showed significant different (p⟨0.05) among the treatment groups. Mean of P4 in degeration is (1.13), necrosis (1.13) and inflamation (0.73), while the mean of P6 in degeneration is (2.20), necrosis (2.73) and inflamation (1.93). The conclusion of this research is giving Kebar grass extract is more effective in reducing degeneration, necrosis and inflammatory cell's infiltration than vitamin C in in mice offspring ( Mus musculus) from parent exposed to carbofuran during lactation period.

Novel biogenic preparation of gold nanoparticles decorated on sepiolite clay and evaluation of anti-cancer effect on gastric cancer cell and electrochemical sensing of nitrite

An environmentally friendly strategy was used in this study to synthesize gold nanoparticles decorated on sepiolite clay (GNPs-SC) using Heracleum persicum grass extract. The physicochemical characters of the prepared composite were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A GNPs-SC modified carbon pate electrode (CPE) was used to study the electrochemical oxidation of nitrite. The proposed nitrite sensor exhibits excellent performance, including a broad linear range (1.0–150 μM), a low limit of detection (0.4 μM), and acceptable reproducibility (RSD = 2.6%). As well, the prepared GNPs-SC was tested for its effectiveness against human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) cell line. The MTT assay protocol revealed that the bio-synthesized product displayed significant cytotoxic activity against gastric cancer in human subjects. The findings of this study indicate that GNPs-SC, synthesized using environmentally friendly protocol, exhibit great potential for use in electrochemical sensing and treatment of human cancer.

The potential effect of green synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures using Cyperus Rotundus grass extracts on the genes associated with obesity in the 3T3-L1 cell line

The potential effect of green synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures using Cyperus Rotundus grass extracts on the genes associated with obesity in the 3T3-L1 cell line

Efficacy os Some Plant Extracts against Termites Under Controlled Conditions

Termites, particularly Odontotermes spp., are a severe pests of several crops in India. The usage of environmental friendly chemicals for termite management has been on the rise worldwide. This study examined the effects of various fresh and fermented plant extracts, viz. sweet neem (leaf), marigold (flower), tulsi (leaf), common lantana (leaf), neem (leaf), congress grass (leaf), and jatropha (seeds) at four distinct concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 17.5% w/v) on worker caste of Odontotermes sp. After 48 hr of exposure, the fresh extracts (5%) of neem and congress grass resulted in the highest mortality (93.30% and 90%, respectively), while the fermented extracts (5%) of neem and tulsi achieved 100% death at 12 hr only. They were at par with the standard check (imidacloprid 17.8 SL). Thus, neem, tulsi, and congress grass based extracts could be incorporated as effective botanicals into an integrated termite management program.

Ectoparasitic Effects of Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Shampoo Against Mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) of Native Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)

This study was conducted to produce an herbal shampoo using the extracts of citronella grass, lemongrass, and mixed of both grasses. It was conducted to find out which among the produced herbal shampoos was the effective against red mites of native chicken and their time observed to kill mites. In addition, it was conducted to determine the cost analysis of using the different grasses as a shampoo. Sixty laying native chickens naturally infested with mites were used in the study the chickens were grouped randomly and distributed to five (5) treatments. Herbal shampoos were prepared before bathing the native chickens; the bathing process was begun and lasted for four (4) weeks with seven (7) days interval. Over all the positive control or the commercial shampoo Wash Out Intense® was the most effective among all other treatments with 92.83% efficacy. The notable efficacy of the commercial shampoo was followed by the herbal shampoo produced which was the citronella shampoo then the lemonella shampoo followed by lemongrass shampoo, with 76.14%, 71.14%, and 68.80% efficacy respectively. The treatment that shows the lowest observed time to kill mites was the positive control (Wash Out Intense®) which consist the effective components to kill mites, it was then followed by T3 the citronella shampoo, T5 the lemonella shampoo and lasty T4 the lemongrass shampoo. Lastly the cost analysis of making shampoo using citronella, lemongrass and mixed of both grasses’ extracts revealed that were less economical than the commercial shampoo available.

A Pilot Study to Identify Grass Species That Mediate Pollen Allergy in Thailand

Introduction: Some grass species that are either common or widely spread in Thailand have not been used for pollen allergy diagnosis. In order to improve diagnostic accuracy, the aim of this pilot study was to identify the grass species responsible for pollen allergy in Thailand. Methods: The skin sensitization of pollen extracts from six different grass species, including rice (Oryza sativa), corn (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), para grass (Urochloa mutica), ruzi grass (Urochloa eminii), and green panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus), was evaluated by skin prick test (SPT). Serum’s IgE specific to each pollen extract was analyzed by Western blot (WB). The ImmunoCAPTM test for Johnson grass was also evaluated. Results: Of the thirty-six volunteers who participated in this study, eighteen tested positive for at least one of the diagnostic tests, namely SPT, WB analysis, or ImmunoCAPTM. Notably, skin reactivity to para grass, corn, sorghum, and rice was more commonly observed compared to ruzi grass and green panic grass. However, in the WB analysis, individuals with pollen-specific IgE were more frequently detected in sorghum, green panic grass, corn, rice, and ruzi grass than para grass. Conclusion: In this pilot investigation, our findings indicate that the pollen extracts of rice, corn, sorghum, and para grass are associated with pollen allergy in Thailand. These results contribute to the current knowledge on the identification of grass species that are associated with pollen allergy in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Bioprospeksi Ekstrak Etanol Batang Serai Dapur Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. sebagai Antibakteri Staphylococcus aureus ATCC : 25923

Bioprospection of medicinal plants does not only require empirical information, but also requires scientific evidence information. One of the potential medicinal plants that require scientific evidence regarding the ability of antibacterial activity is lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of lemongrass in inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The design of this study was an experiment using ethanol extract samples of lemon grass stems and bacteria S. aureus ATCC : 25923. The research procedures included: determination, preparation, extraction, evaporation, and phytochemical screening of lemon grass stem powder taken from the Pasir Angin area, Bogor, West Java. Treatments in this study included: ethanol extract of lemon grass stems with concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 30µg chloramphenicol as positive control, and sterile distilled water as a negative control. All treatments were given 30µL on MHA media containing S. aureus culture. Data analysis in this study was carried out with a quantitative descriptive test. The results showed that the yield percentage of the viscous extract was 18.59% with positive phytochemical screening for alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The antibacterial test results of the ethanol extract of lemon grass stem 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% against S. aureus were able to produce inhibition zone diameters of 1 mm, 1.25 mm, 2 mm, and 2.41 mm, and 3 mm with sensitivity response category resistant. The conclusion in this study was that the administration of ethanol extract of lemon grass stems with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% was not effective in inhibiting the growth of S. aureus so that the lemon grass stems were taken from the Pasir Angin area, Bogor, West Java not recommended as a candidate raw material for pharmaceutical formulations.

Growth and body morphometric parameters of broiler chickens orally administered varying levels of lemongrass extract, at finisher phase

The study was conducted to evaluate the growth and body morphometric parameters of broiler chickens orally administered varying levels of lemongrass extract at finisher phase. A total of 150 ROS 308 day old broiler chicks were allotted into five (5) treatments containing ten (10) chicks with three replications in a completely randomized design. The diets consist of; T1 control (not administered antibiotic or lemongrass extract), T2 (administered 0.2 mls of antibiotic), T3 (administered 0.2 mls of lemongrass extract), T4 (administered 0.4 mls of lemongrass extract) and T5 (administered 0.6 mls of lemongrass extract). Data were collected on growth performance and morphometric parameters. The collected data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the differences among mean were separated using Duncan Multiple range. The results showed that broiler chickens administered varying level of lemongrass extract had no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the growth parameters. The average body weight of broiler birds in T3 was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher as compared to those in T1, T2, T4 and T5. The birds administered varying level of lemon grass extract (T3, T4, T5) recorded higher weight gain and feed intake than T1 (control group) and T2 (0.2mls antibiotic), and were not significantly affected (P&gt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher (p&lt;0.0.5) in T5 (2.82) as compared to T1 (2.81), T2 (2.49), T3 (2.77) and T4 (2.73). Also, for the morphometric parameters, there were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in average initial body width, final body girth, final shank length and shank length gain compared to other parameters which were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) affected. It can be concluded that the use of lemongrass extract improved the growth performance as well as better performance of the morphometric parameters, and can therefore be included at the levels 0.6 mls and 0.2 mls without adverse effect.

تأثير التوزيع الحقلي للكتان ومستخلص السفرندا ومبيد Quizalofop-p-Tefuryl في الادغال المرافقة له وبعض مؤشرات النمو

A field experiment was carried out during the winter season for the year 2021-2022 at the Agricultural Research Station A of the Field Crops Department - College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences- University of Baghdad/ Al-Jadriya. To determine which of the plant densities has the most influence on the weeds associated with the flax crop (Syrian local variety). And to determine the best effect of the Johnson grass (sorghum halepance L.) weed extract, whether alone or in combination with the used Quizalofop- p- Tefuryl herbicide, and to use it in integratTed weed control programs to reduce dependence on herbicides in weed control, Reduce environmental pollution by these herbicides, According to the design of the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). In the order of split plot and with three replications, Such as the first factor, the distance between the row (20, 25, and 30) cm that represents the main plots. Then, the second factor is Control treatments which represent the subplots, (weed free (T1), application Quizalofop-p-Tefuryl at a rate of 2 mL commercial substance (T2), Recommended application rate, Johnson grass extract (stem and leaves) at a rate of 18 L (T3), half the amount of herbicide + half the amount of extract (T4), weedy (T5)). The results showed the following: The distance of 20 cm achieved the lowest dry weight of the weed and the highest average inhibition of 134.57 g/m2 and 49.91%, respectively. While the distance of 30 cm achieved the highest plant height of 78.63 cm, the highest number of main branches in the plant amounted to 5.162 branch/ plant. The highest weight Dry flax plants amounted to 355.21 g/m2. Moreover, the highest percentage of oil was 38.524%. The treatment (T2) achieved the lowest dry weight of the weed and the highest percentage of inhibition amounting to 138.87 g/m2 and 49.91%, respectively. The highest plant height reached 76.92 cm, the highest number of main branches in the plant amounted to 5.158 branch/ plant, and the highest dry weight of flax plants reached 5.158 branch/ plant. 398.61 g/m2 and the highest percentage of oil was 37.35%. The effect of the interaction between the two study factors was significant in most of the traits under study. As the distance of 20 cm with the T2 treatment achieved the lowest dry weight of the weed amounted to 124.53 g/m2 and the highest inhibition rate of 52.35%. While the interaction between the distance of 30 cm and T2 achieved the highest plant height of 80.04 cm, the highest average number of main branches reached 5.833 branch/ plant, and the highest dry weight of flax plants reached 398.61 g/m2 and achieved the highest percentage of oil amounted to 39.847%.

Uterine Performance of Rats Exposed to Cigarette Post-Therapy Ethanol Extract of Kebar Grass (Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch)

This study aims to determine the effect of giving ethanol extract of kebar grass (Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch) on the uterine performance of Rattus norvegicus rats exposed to cigarette smoke. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD). The results obtained were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) then continued with Duncan's test at a significant level of α = 0.05 using SAS software. The sample consisted of 12 rats, which were divided into 4 groups. The rat group (+), 0.067, 0.0135, decreased uterine function by exposure to 10 cigarettes/head/day for 28 days. Mice (-) were the negative control group, namely rats that were not exposed to cigarette smoke and ethanol extract of coriander grass. Mice (+) are the positive control group, namely rats exposed to cigarette smoke 10 cigarettes/head/day for 28 days. Groups 0.067 and 0.135 were exposed to cigarette smoke 10 cigarettes/head/day for 28 days and then given 0.067 mg of coriander grass ethanol extract for the 0.067 group and a dose of 0.135 mg for the rat group 0.135. The results showed that there was an effect of increasing the performance of the rat uterus after administration of ethanol extract of coriander grass. It can be concluded that administration of the ethanol extract of the grass Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch kebar can increase uterine weight and uterine length of rats, with a good dose of 0.135 mg.

Penentuan Kadar Flavonoid Daun Rumput Knop (Hyptis capitata Jacq.) Menggunakan Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Knop grass (Hyptis capitata Jacq.) is a weed used as a tradisional medicine, especially for the leaves. Flavonoids are one of the secondary metabolites contained in the Knop Grass (Hyptis capitata Jacq.) leaves, wich function as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-diabetic. The amount of extracted flavonoids is optimized by choosing the right extraction method, as it will determine the amount of substance that can be attracted and obtain a high content of active substansces. This research aimed to compare the flavonoid levels in the methanol extract of Knop Grass (Hyptis capitata Jacq.) leaves in two different maceration methods: multilevel maceration and total maceration. Multilevel maceration employed n-hekxane, ethyl acetat and methanol solvents, while total maceration employed methanol solvent. In the meantime, the qualitative analysis in this reaserch used the color reagent test method, whereas the thin layer chromatography used the eluent, namely n-hexane : ethyl acetate with a ratio (7:3). In addition, the quantitative analysis used the UV-Vis spectrophotometry method at a maximum wavelength of 435 nm with standard quercetin as a comparison. The result signified that the average flavonoid level in the methanol extract of Knop Grass (Hyptis capitata Jacq.) leaves using the multilevel maceration method was 2,9750%. The total maceration method was 4,8822%. Furthermore, the total maceration method donated the highest concentration obtained from the methanol extract of Knop Grass (Hyptis capitata Jacq.) leaves.

Green synthesis of ZnO-Ag nanocomposite using Stenotaphrum secundatum grass extract: Antibacterial activity and anticancer effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL 27 cells

Green synthesis of ZnO-Ag nanocomposite using Stenotaphrum secundatum grass extract: Antibacterial activity and anticancer effect in oral squamous cell carcinoma CAL 27 cells

Factors predicting the outcome of allergen-specific nasal provocation test in children with grass pollen allergic rhinitis.

Nasal provocation testing (NPT) is a reference methodology to identify the culprit allergen in patients with allergic rhinitis. Selecting the right allergen for NPT is particularly difficult in poly-sensitized patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Predictors of NPT outcomes may facilitate the proper use of this test or even substitute it. To identify predictors of grass pollen NPT outcome from an array of clinical data, e-diary outcomes, and allergy test results in poly-sensitized pediatric patients with SAR. Poly-sensitized, SAR patients with grass pollen allergy, participating in the @IT.2020 pilot project in Rome and Pordenone (Italy), participated in a baseline (T0) visit with questionnaires, skin prick testing (SPT), and blood sampling to measure total (ImmunoCAP, TFS, Sweden) and specific IgE antibodies to grass pollen extracts and their major allergenic molecules (ESEP, Euroimmun Labordiagnostika, Germany). During the pollen season, patients filled the AllergyMonitor® e-diary app measuring their symptoms, medication intake, and allergy-related well-being via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). After the pollen season (T1), patients answered clinical questionnaires and underwent a nasal provocation test (NPT) with grass pollen extract. We recruited 72 patients (age 14.3 ± 2.8 years, 46 males) sensitized to grass and/or other pollens, including olive (63; 87.5%) and pellitory (49; 68.1%). Patients positive to grass pollen NPT (61; 84.7%), compared to the negative ones, had worse VAS values in the e-diary, larger SPT wheal reactions, and higher IgE levels, as well as specific activity to timothy and Bermuda grass extracts, rPhl p 5 and nCyn d 1. A positive NPT to grass pollen was predicted by an index combining the specific activity of IgE towards Phl p 5 and Cyn d 1 (AUC: 0.82; p < 0.01; best cut-off ≥7.25%, sensitivity 70.5%, specificity: 90.9%). VAS results also predicted NPT positivity, although with less precision (AUC: 0.77, p < 0.01; best cut-off ≥7, sensitivity: 60.7%, specificity: 81.8%). An index combining the specific activity of IgE to rPhl p 5 and nCyn d 1 predicted with moderate sensitivity and high specificity the outcome of a grass pollen NPT in complex, poly-sensitized pediatric patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Further studies are needed to improve the index sensitivity and to assess its usefulness for NPT allergen selection or as an alternative to this demanding test procedure.

Peroxidases from grass clippings for the removal of phenolic compounds from wastewater

Green waste, especially of municipal origin, is currently used as a material only to a limited extent. However, the large material flows could also be used in a more economical way if they were integrated into biorefinery concepts. Besides the production of basic and fine chemicals, green waste could also be used as source of industrial relevant enzymes. Here, the purification and characterization of peroxidases from common lawn grass species Lolium perenne and Festuca arundinacea are reported. The purified peroxidase fractions as well as crude extracts were investigated for the removal of common wastewater pollutants such as phenol, m-cresol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol by oxidative polymerization. The grass-derived peroxidases showed the highest affinity towards 2,4-dichlorophenol, followed by m-cresol and phenol. A crude extract of real lawn grass was able to remove over 95 % of 0.5 mM 2,4-dichlorophenol within 20 min.