Plant Extracts Research Articles

Characterization, Antibacterial and Antioxidant of Phytosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Aloe Fleurentinorum Leaves Extract

The environmentally friendly methods for synthesizing metal oxide nanoparticles effectively save time, money, and effort. These methods involve the phytosynthesis process, which depends on plant extracts. To produce zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO − NPs), we used at this work an extract of Aloe Fleurentinorum Leaves (AFL) as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent. As well as the effect of altering some parameters on the synthesis of ZnO − NPs, such as the Temperature (T), the potential of hydrogen (pH), and the volume ratio (V/V), was studied using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), crystallite size, and microstrain was determined, and the average crystallite size was between 16.50, and 25.99 nm. Also, ZnO − NPs were characterized optically by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and got 3.13 eV band gap energy. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy was used for characterization. The antibacterial activities of ZnO − NPs were investigated against four bacterial species, and the results exhibit a noticeable effect, especially against gram-positive species, with inhibition zones ranging from 17 to 20 mm for the different concentrations. Also, the DPPH free radical method was used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles at various concentrations, which showed a moderate scavenging efficiency of 52.74% at 800 µg/mL.

Identification of new phylogenetic lineage of Lasiodiplodia causing leaf spot and tip necrosis causing agent on Aloe vera in Sri Lanka and screening eco-friendly control measures

Aloe vera, a member of the Asphodelaceae family, is renowned globally for its medicinal properties and widespread applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. In Sri Lanka, both cultivated and wild A. vera are susceptible to leaf spot and tip necrosis. The present aims to identify the causative agent of this disease and screen the effectiveness of various natural substances in disease control. Disease incidence was assessed in both cultivated fields and wild habitats, and the results showed a higher percentage in the wild. Isolates obtained from symptomatic leaves were identified as members of Lasiodiplodia based on morphological studies. The phylogenetic analysis, which combined sequences from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region and a segment of the calmodulin (cmdA) gene, suggested that the isolates might represent a new lineage within the genus Lasiodiplodia. These isolates appeared to share a common ancestor with Lasiodiplodia hormozganensis. Koch's postulates validated the pathogenicity of the isolates. Natural substances, namely marine algal extracts, plant extract and cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of bacteria, were tested against the isolates. CFSs of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium showed significantly higher inhibition on conidial germination compared to the tested commercial fungicide. Further, CFS of P. fluorescens revealed the notable effectiveness on the development of leaf spot and tip necrosis on the leaf compared to the tested fungicide. These findings underscore the potential of P. fluorescens CFS in managing A. vera diseases caused by the isolates of Lasiodiplodia in Sri Lanka.

Rapid determination of phenolic composition in chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids are the main responsible of the antioxidant activity of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.). Traditional methods for the analysis of the phenolic content in vegetables often suffer from limitations such as being expensive, time-consuming, and complex. In this study, we propose, for the first time, the use of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the rapid determination of the main components of the polyphenolic fraction in chamomile. Results demonstrate that SERS can serve as an alternative or complementary technique to main analytical strategies for qualitative and quantitative determination of polyphenol compounds in plant extracts. The method can be proposed for quasi real-time analysis of herbal teas and infusions, facilitating rapid screening of their main antioxidant components.

Protective Effects of Spermacoce hispida Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Study on Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress

Background: Nephrotoxicity is a common and severe side effect of cisplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent. The mechanism of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, leading to renal damage. There is growing interest in exploring natural products with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as potential protective agents against drug-induced nephrotoxicity.Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Spermacoce hispida against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in an in vivo rat model. Methods: S. hispida was collected, and plant extracts were prepared using different solvents. The prepared extracts underwent phytochemical screening. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats through a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin at a dose of 5 mg/kg. S. hispida extracts at a dose of 100 mg/kg were administered to assess their protective activity. Key parameters measured included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, oxidative stress markers, proinflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and histological alterations in kidney tissue.Results: Cisplatin treatment resulted in increased levels of BUN, serum creatinine, and proinflammatory cytokines in rats, indicating nephrotoxicity. However, treatment with S. hispida extracts for 14 days significantly decreased these elevated levels. Additionally, S. hispida treatment reduced oxidative stress and NO production in cisplatin-treated rats. Histological examination revealed that cisplatin induced structural damage in kidney tissues, which was normalized by S. hispida treatment. Conclusion: The study concludes that Spermacoce hispida exhibits nephroprotective activity, likely by inhibiting oxidative stress and NO production, thereby mitigating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Enhanced removal of antibiotic-resistant genes by sodium persulfate catalyzed by nanoscale zero-valent iron modified by Ginkgo biloba L. leaf

ABSTRACT In this study, nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) modified by Ginkgo biloba L. leaf (G-nZVI), as an effective catalyst, exhibited excellent activation of sodium persulfate (PS), which could achieve higher removal efficiency of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in the Fen River than PS + nZVI system. This study utilizes forestry waste to address the limitations of using Fe2+/nZVI as an activator for the removal of ARGs. This approach adheres to the principle of employing waste to treat waste. The technology converts G. biloba L. leaf into plant extracts that are rich in a variety of bioactive components, rather than purifying natural biomolecules, which decreases operational complexity. In addition, the G-nZVI + PS system demonstrates superior removal performance to single components in the system. Consequently, the mechanism underlying the G-nZVI + PS treatment is attributed to peroxidation induced by radicals. In this context, the results of ARG removal by G-nZVI + PS with different G. biloba L. leaf /FeSO4·7H2O volume ratios indicated that the G. biloba L. leaf enhanced the conversion of Fe3+ to Fe2+, thereby generating more radicals through electron transfer between the biomass and G-nZVI. This research underscores the advantages of modifying G. biloba L. leaf for improved catalytic efficiency and the role of the components within the system.

Toxicity and Synergistic Effect of Native Plants Extracts against the Cowpea Weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus Fab.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

Callosobruchus maculatus causes loss of cowpea seeds and its weight after six months of unprotected storage. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and synergistic effects of plant extracts on the biological parameters of C. maculatus from Bobo Dioulasso in order to reduce its damage on cowpea stocks in Bobo Dioulasso city. Seven treatments including an untreated control and doses of three powdery extracts of Cassia nigricans, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Hyptis suaveolens, and their combinations were compared in a Fischer block with four completely randomized repetitions. One hundred healthy cowpea seeds were mixed with doses of each extract in Petri dishes then submitted as food substrates to ten pairs of C. maculatus for 15 days. The synergistic effect was evaluated following the formula of Chou and Talalay. Extracts of C. nigricans, Z. zanthoxyloides and H. suaveolens was toxic against the weevil. The extract of Z. zanthoxyloides was more toxic to adults (21.16 mg/g) followed by H. suaveolens (51.84 mg/g) and C. nigricans (52.09 mg/g). The infestation rates of batches treated with C. nigricans and Z. zanthoxyloides extracts did not exceed 1.00% compared to 2.00% for H. suaveolens at 20 mg/g. All combinations were synergistic and resulted in 100% mortality and less than 14.98 eggs/female in H. suaveolens coupled with C. nigricans. The application of Z. zanthoxyloides extract alone or the combination of H. suaveolens and C. nigricans extracts would be an alternative for the sustainable management of C. maculatus in cowpea stocks.

Andrographis echioides mediated synthesis of ZnONPs: A mechanistic insight into their antibacterial and anticancer efficacy

Finding alternatives to traditional antibiotics has become crucial due to the emerging antibiotic resistance shown by various microorganisms. Metal nanoparticles are arising as one such alternative. This paper presents an efficient and environmentally benign approach for preparing ZnO nanoparticles via greener approaches using Andrographis echioides (L.) Nees leaf extract and unravel the possible applications and mechanisms behind their toxicity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The characterization studies show a peak at 362 nm (λmax) in the UV–Vis spectroscopic measurement with a bandgap energy of 3.10 eV. Hexagonal wurtzite structure is revealed in the XRD investigation of Ae-ZnONPs with a crystallite size of ≈14 nm. Ae-ZnONPs’ spherical structure andtheir meansize ranging between 15 and 35 nm, areconfirmed by SEM and TEM assessment respectively. The FTIR analysis revealed various functional groups and molecular interactions of plant extract and Ae-ZnONPs. Investigation into the antibacterial mechanism of action of Ae-ZnONPs revealed that these nanoparticles exhibit bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through the means of generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing elevated lipid peroxidation and breakage of the membrane, and subsequent events culminating in cell death. These nanoparticles showed distinct antioxidant properties by scavenging DPPH, SOD, ABTS, and FRAP free radicals. Ae-ZnONPs were biocompatible with human RBC indicating their biosafe nature. Cytotoxicity evaluation of Ae-ZnONPs alone revealed concentration-dependent toxicity towards HeLa cells while remaining non-toxic to normal cells at the maximal concentration (100 μg/mL), showcasing anticancer potential which was further elucidated via ROS, live/dead cell imaging, and apoptotic study. Molecular alterations in HeLa cells were investigated through RT-PCR that showed upregulation of apoptotic and downregulation of antiapoptotic genes. The comprehensive findings suggest that Ae-ZnONPs can be employed as alternatives to antibiotics which also exhibit potential as anticancer agents, laying the foundation for future extensive research in this domain.

Incorporation of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracts of NADES into chitosan/soybean isolate protein films: Impact on sweet cherry storage quality

This study developed a biodegradable food film, incorporating bioactive components of Polygonatum cyrtonema extracted using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) into a matrix of chitosan and soy protein isolate. The films containing varying concentrations (0 %–5 %) of P. cyrtonema extract (PCE) were characterized. The addition of PCE improved the mechanical (+25.9 MPa for tensile strength), optical (+11.29 mm−1 for opacity), and thermal stability (−14.39 % for weight loss) of the films. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates increased by approximately 1.1 times and 0.5 times, respectively, and malondialdehyde formation reduced by 8 %. The films also effectively inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli. The films showed complete biodegradability after 7 days. Using the NADES-PCE coated film reduced the weight loss of sweet cherries by 41.04 % while significantly decreasing the loss of hardness, total phenols, vitamin C, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, thereby considerably extending the storage life of the sweet cherries. Overall, this study developed a new environmentally friendly packaging material and improved the functionality of the packaging film by leveraging natural plant extracts, demonstrating tremendous potential in the field of food preservation and packaging.

Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Five Species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) Collected from Southeast of Iran, Kerman

Background: The antimicrobial properties of certain plants against five microorganisms have been investigated and compared. Objectives: In this research, we collected, dried, and identified five perennial (chamaephyte) species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) from a mountainous region (Takht-e-Sartashtak) with an average elevation of 3600 meters in southeastern Iran. The species include Astragalus cemerinus, Astragalus dactylocarpus, Astragalus glaucacanthus, Astragalus rhodosemius, and Astragalus siliquosus. Methods: The methanolic extracts of these plant species were tested to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against five pathogenic microorganisms, including one fungus (Candida albicans), two gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), and two gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). The tests were conducted using Mueller Hinton Agar culture media and the agar-well diffusion method. Results: The antimicrobial activity of these five species was compared. It was found that the plant species displayed different antimicrobial activities. Astragalus glaucacanthus was active against four of the five microorganisms and was the only plant active against Escherichia coli. Astragalus siliquosus showed no activity against any of the microorganisms. Conclusions: Most of the antimicrobial activity was observed with Astragalus rhodosemius against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the plant extracts were almost similar.

Kongensin A targeting PI3K attenuates inflammation-induced osteoarthritis by modulating macrophage polarization and alleviating inflammatory signaling

The inflammatory microenvironment, polarization of macrophages towards the M1 phenotype, and consequent matrix degradation and senescence of chondrocytes are primary contributors to the degeneration of knee joint cartilage, further exacerbating the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Kongensin A (KA) is a recently identified natural plant extract exhibiting anti-necrotic apoptosis and anti-inflammatory properties, but the potential efficacy in alleviating OA remains uncertain. The current research lucubrated the effect of KA on the inflammatory microenvironment and macrophage polarization, as well as its regulatory function in extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism and chondrocyte senescence. Our findings demonstrated that KA can suppress inflammatory signaling, maintain homeostasis between ECM anabolism and catabolism, and suppress chondrocytes senescence. Further investigation elucidated that the mechanism involves the suppression of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis in chondrocytes under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, KA impeded M1 polarization of macrophages via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis. Subsequently, we treated chondrocytes with macrophages-derived conditioned medium (CM) and revealed that KA can promote ECM anabolism and alleviate chondrocytes senescence by reprogramming macrophage polarization. Consistent with in vitro experiments, in vivo administration of KA demonstrated alleviated cartilage degeneration and delayed progression of OA. Collectively, through obstructing the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB axis, KA can reprogram macrophage polarization, promote matrix metabolism equilibrium, and alleviate chondrocytes senescence, thereby attenuating the pathology of OA. In conclusion, KA may emerge as a promising therapy for OA.

Biosintesis Nanopartikel ZnO dengan Ekstrak Temu Kunci (Boesenbergia rotunda) Dibantu Gelombang Mikro, Serta Pengujian Aktivitasnya Terhadap Bakteri

Numerous ZnO nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using diverse plant extracts, yet research utilizing B. rotunda extract as a capping agent with microwave assistance has been lacking. Hence, this study aimed to employ microwave-assisted B. rotunda extract to produce ZnO nanoparticles and test their antibacterial activity. By utilizing 10 mL of 1% (m/v) B. rotunda extract at pH 12.5 and calcinating for 3.8 hours at 200°C, coupled with 20 minutes of microwave treatment, ZnO nanoparticles averaging 78.78 nm in diameter were synthesized. Particle size was determined using the ImageJ software to analyze TEM images. UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy indicated a peak wavelength at 360 nm, while FTIR analysis identified compounds from B. rotunda extract crucial in nanoparticle formation. Antibacterial testing revealed the nanoparticles' ability to create an inhibition zone against E. coli growth.

Natural Synthesis, Characterisation, and Photocatalytic Performance of Nanoparticles made of Manganese Dioxide using Manganese Acetate Tetrahydrate as Precursor

Abstract: This study describes a straightforward, effective, and environmentally benign method for producing manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) using Nyctanthes arbor-tristis leaf extract. It was discovered by Fourier-transform infrared spectra that the plant extract contributed to the creation of MnO2 NPs. The band gap of the synthesised MnO2 NPs was identified as the source of the absorption peaks observed in the UV–visible absorption spectra at 412 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to identify the crystal phase of the MnO2 NPs and validate the development of crystalline MnO2 NPs. According to the X-ray diffraction pattern, MnO2 NPs have crystalline nature. Furthermore, the synthesised MnO2 NPs' was revealed by field emission scanning electron microscopy investigation with EDS which gives Information about Compositional elements. MnO2 NPs have the ability to degrade MB dyes in the UV-Visible light spectrum by photocatalysis. Using Methylene Blue as an organic pollutant, the photocatalytic activities for the dye degradation of MnO2 NPs were assessed

The Influence of Cichorium Endivia and Urtica Dioica Extracts Against H2O2-Induced Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells

Aim: In neurodegenerative diseases, increased production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) causes oxidative stress in neurons, and when the damage is severe, it is irreversible and apoptosis is induced. In recent years, phytochemicals that exhibit neuroprotective and antioxidant properties to protect neurons from oxidative stress have gained importance. Therefore, herbal extracts with high antioxidant capacity and anti-apoptotic properties may provide a protective strategy against H2O2-induction. This study aims to examine the influence of Cichorium endivia liquid extract (CEE) and Urtica dioica liquid extract (UDE) against H2O2-induction on SH-SY5Y cells in vitro. Method: For this purpose, cells were treated with the extracts and then exposed to H2O2. The neuroprotective effect and cell viability of these extracts were evaluated by XTT method. Antioxidant activity was determined by the CUPRAC method. Finally, the apoptotic cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined with DAPI and DCFH-DA, respectively. Results: The results obtained showed that CEE and UDE have an influence on neuroprotection, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant effects by reducing H2O2-induced toxicity, apoptotic cell death, and ROS levels. Conclusion: H2O2 causes neurotoxicity in neurons through oxidative damage. To prevent this, traditional plant extracts with high antioxidant activity can provide a neuroprotective strategy. As a consequence, it was shown in an in vitro model that these herbal extracts could be a neuroprotective effect.

Fortification of Dairy Products using Plant-derived Bioactive Compounds

Dairy products are rich sources of essential vitamins, minerals, and various bioactive components crucial for biochemical and physiological well-being. Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in dairy products fortified with antioxidants and plant extracts. This increased interest stems from the vital role dairy plays in human nutrition and the demand for “natural preservatives”. One particularly promising approach involves enhancing dairy products with plant-derived antioxidants. Antioxidants are critical in neutralizing and scavenging free radicals, constantly produced within the body. Free radicals can damage vital molecules and contribute to the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer. This damage is often associated with oxidative stress, a condition where the body's natural antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed by free radical production. This review examines the growing trend of fortifying dairy products (milk, ice cream, cheese, and yogurt) with natural ingredients to enhance their nutritional value and functionality. The review focuses on using plant extracts, herbs, spices, and other natural sources, exploring their fortification potential without compromising organoleptic properties. Finally, the review focuses on the potential benefits of incorporating plant-derived bioactive compounds to fortify the antioxidant capacity of milk and dairy products.

Quantitative Phytochemical Investigation, Antibacterial Potency, and Drug-ability Assessment of Three Indian Medicinal Plants Leaf Extracts Using Bioinformatics Tools

Natural regimens have long-held ethnomedicinal values, serving as primary sources for mainstream medicine. Therefore, scientists are paying more attention to studying the biological activity of existing plant species in organized ways to select potent bioactive metabolites to use for specific therapeutic purposes. This study used the same approach to find potent antibacterial phytoconstituents in three well-known Indian medicinal plants: Psidium guajava L., Syzygium cumini L. and Punica granatum L. In the earlier study, methanolic leaf extracts of the above plant extracts were more effective than n-hexane extracts against biofilm and drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Accordingly, we selected methanolic crude extracts for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify the phytoconstituents presented. In addition, we added a few reported candidates from the above plant extracts for molecular docking studies against four bacterial targets. For molecular docking studies, we retrieved all phytoconstituents or ligands from the PubChem database and bacterial target proteins from the protein data bank using PyRx 0.8-AutoDock 4.2 software. Furthermore, we used various bioinformatics and chemoinformatics tools to examine the investigated phytoconstituents physicochemical properties, toxicity, and drug-ability profiles. Out of the 30 GC-MS report-derived candidates from three plants, P5 from P. guajava, P18 from S. cumini, and P21 from P. granatum had the potent binding ability with bacterial targets. In the same way, out of the 30 reported candidates, P39, P43, and P56 from three plants, along with amikacin, showed strong binding against the same bacterial target. Both sets of candidates showed favorable physicochemical and toxicity profiles; however, all GC-MS-derived and few reported candidates exhibited negative drug-likeness. The study reveals that these crude extracts have antibacterial properties because they contain both GC-MS and existing phytoconstituents. The study starts with a crude extraction and then uses bioinformatics to choose two possible antibacterial candidates, ursolic acid and punicacortein A. This platform could be useful for finding an antibacterial agent that works specifically on a specific target. To sum up, the study encourages the isolation of more bioactive candidates from different Indian medicinal plants and uses bioinformatics tools to speed up the selection of strong leads that can speed up the process of making antibacterial drugs within limited resources.

Assessment and comparison of phytochemical constituents and biological activities of endemic Odonterrhena floribunda (Brassicaceae) from Türkiye

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the different parts of the endemic Odontarrhena floribunda. The antioxidant activities of O. floribunda were determined with 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the copper-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays. The strongest antioxidant activity was recorded in methanolic root extract (IC50:1.68±0.25 μg/mL) for DPPH and ethanolic root (λ450:0.68±0.20) extract for CUPRAC. Antibacterial activities of the extracts were displayed by the Resazurin Microplate Method (REMA). All plant extracts analyzed demonstrated stronger effects on Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 02026) than those of the standard compound. The in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory of the plant extract were assessed using the Iodine method. Except for the methanol leaf extract, all other extracts showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (0.88–2.13 mmolTE/g). These results show that this endemic O. floribunda is a potential natural antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibitor source.

Investigating the Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oil Constituents and Their Mode of Action.

Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts, rich in beneficial chemical compounds, have diverse applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and agriculture. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of nine essential oil constituents (EOCs) against Escherichia coli, focusing on the effects of treatment pH and biosynthetic requirements. The impact of EOCs on bacterial inactivation in E. coli strains was examined using both nonselective and selective culture media. Computer-assisted drug design (CADD) methods were employed to identify critical binding sites and predict the main binding modes of ligands to proteins. The EOCs, including citral, α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol, and linalool, demonstrated significant bacterial inactivation, particularly under acidic conditions. This study revealed that EOCs have an effect on the presence of sublethal damage to both the cytoplasmic membrane and the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. Adding penicillin G to the repair medium prevents the recovery of sublethal injuries in E. coli treated with α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol, linalool, and citral, indicating that peptidoglycan synthesis is essential for recovering from these injuries. However, penicillin G did not hinder the recovery process of most sublethally injured cells treated with the other assessed EOCs. Molecular docking studies revealed the favorable binding interactions of α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol, linalool, and citral with the β-lactamase enzyme Toho-1, indicating their potential as effective antibacterial agents. The findings suggest that EOCs could serve as viable alternatives to synthetic preservatives, offering new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Biological Activities and Importance of the Medicinal Plant, Commiphora gileadensis Collected from Makka Region, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to discover safe antibacterial and antibiofilm agents from natural sources to control resistant bacteria. Methods: C. gileadensis leaves and stems were collected, identified, and extracted using different organic solvents, methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hot water. The tested bacteria were multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Crystal violet method was used to detect biofilm formation while the phenol-sulphonic acid method to measure exopolysaccharide contents, which are an effective factor in biofilm formation. Results: No significant differences were noted in the biological activities between leave and stem. Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts showed lower activities. Still, hot water extract showed the weakest activities.There is a synergistic effect between the Commiphora extract and some antibiotics, especially Amoxicillin, Polymixin B, and Tetracycline. The highest inhibition of biofilm was recorded against K. pneumonia which had the highest EPS content (0.29 ±0.04 μg/mg of cells), decreased after treatment with plant extract by 39%. Cytotoxicity studies using Artimia salina as a test organism were conducted for the methanolic extracts, which showed antitumor activity against two cell lines, MCF-7 (breast cancer) and HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma). Commiphora extract showed antioxidant activity using two different protocols. Conclusion, the methanolic extract of Commiphora singly or in combination with antibiotics inhibit many pathogenic bacteria that form biofilm and recorded antitumor and antioxidant activities.

Phytochemical constituents, extraction and pharmacological activity of vitex agnus-Castus nanoparticle

As a participant of the Verbenaceae family, Vitex agnus-castus comprises a wide range of chemical machineries, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, iridoid glycosides, and essential oils. Because of its hormonal effects, it is primarily used to treat PMS, menstrual disorders, and menopausal difficulties. Green synthesis, which services plant extracts convert into metal ions into nanoparticles, its process used to make Vitex negundo nanoparticles, also denoted as nano formulations or nanoscale versions of Vitex negundo extract. This process comprises heating or ultrasonicating the plant extract after it has been jointing with a solution containing metal ions, such as silver, gold, copper oxide, or zinc oxide. This allows the phytochemicals in the extract to reduce metal ions into nanoparticles. The green synthesis experiments are both environmentally kind and sustainable. Vitex linn leaf extract is the starting point for silver and gold nanoparticles, which has some indication in pharmacological properties because of their nanoscale features, which gives antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory property, antitumor, and wound-healing abilities.

Bio-fabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Brassica juncea (L.) Czern extract: Biological activity and DNA binding capability

Recent years have seen a great deal of interest in the exceptional biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammation, antidiabetic and anticancer activity of various biosynthesized Metal Oxide nanoparticles. Among these metal oxide nanoparticle ZnO NPs is gaining its important in various biological applications is increasingly gain prominence. Thus, the green production of ZnO NPs using plant extract has been demonstrated as a one step, environmentally friendly and cost-effective process. This paper describes the utilization of an aqueous extract of Brassica juncea (L.) Czern seed as a reducing agent in the creation of ZnO NPs from Zinc Sulfate using a green synthesis approach. UV–visible spectroscopic peak at around 363 nm verifies the production of ZnO NPs. FE-SEM was confirmed the spherical forms of produced ZnO NPs. The average particle size of produced ZnO NPs was found to be 13.35 nm from TEM analysis. On screening the ZnO NPs for antioxidant activity it showed scavenging activity with 62.40 %, with IC50 value of 68.30 µg/mL through DPPH assay. The antidiabetic activity was found to be 72 %, with IC50 value of 71.76 μg/mL, using alpha amylase assay. In anti-inflammatory activity, the activity was recorded as 68.50 % and IC50 value as 64.67 µg/mL, using BSA denaturation assay. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited anticancer activity against the MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. The determined IC50 value of produced ZnO NPs for these two cell lines was found to be 43.83 µg/mL and 41.48 µg/mL respectively. Additionally, a hyperchromic shift in the absorbance was noted when CT-DNA interacted with biosynthesized ZnO NPs. These findings confirm that the ZnO NPs synthesized from Brassica juncea (L.) Czern seed exhibit significant biological properties namely antioxidant, antidiabetic and cytotoxic activity. Among all these activities, the biosynthesized ZnO NPs showed excellent cytotoxic activity with the IC50 values, thus proving its effectiveness.