Fraction F1 Research Articles

Bioactive compounds against Moniliophthora roreri (Cif & Par) identified in locally produced liquid amendments (Biols)

The use of liquid organic amendments (biols) is a common practice for farmers due to the multiple benefits in the management and production of their crops, including the control of pests and diseases. The present study analyzes the chemical composition of the pure compound C1 and fractions F2 and F3 of local biols produced in two provinces of Ecuador and their antifungal activity against Moniliophthora roreri (Cif & Par). This work incorporates the use of Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and in vitro inhibition assays for sample analysis. C1 was identified as Mannitol. The percentage of inhibition against M. roreri in F2 and F3 was 44.37% and 8.34%, respectively; and, for C1, 28.63%. The values of the median lethal dose (LD50) obtained corroborate that the F2 fraction was the one with the highest controlling activity against the pathogen. The 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid diisooctyl ester compound was the main compound in F2 (30.88%) and the Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, methyl ester in F3. Finally, all compounds obtained from the biol fractions were identified and it was determined that the fermentative process was suitable for producing bioactive compounds of interest to inhibit the growth of Moniliophthora roreri.

Cytotoxicity and Identification of Antibacterial Compounds from Baillonella toxisperma Bark Using a LC-MS/MS and Molecular Networking Approach

Baillonella toxisperma is a medicinal plant used in northern Gabon to treat microbial diseases. It is a plant well-known by local populations, but very few studies have focused on the molecules responsible for the antibacterial activities of B. toxisperma. This study proposes a dereplication strategy based on molecular networking generated from HPLC-ESI-Q/TOF data, allowing investigation of the molecules responsible for the antibacterial activity of B. toxisperma. From this strategy, eighteen compounds were putatively identified. All of these compounds belonged mainly to five families of natural compounds, including phenylpropanolamines, stilbenes, flavonoids, lignans and phenolic glycosides. The chemical study carried out from the bark of B. toxisperma allowed us to identify, for the first time, compounds such as resveratrol and derivatives, epicatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate. In addition, antibacterial activity (diffusion method and microdilution) and cytotoxicity (Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8 Assay)) in vitro were evaluated. The crude ethanolic extract, as well as the fractions of B. toxisperma, showed significant antibacterial activity. However, the ethanolic fractions F2 and F4 presented high antibacterial activity compared to the crude extract. Cytotoxicity studies on colon-cancer cells (Caco-2) and human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) showed moderate cytotoxicity in both cell types. This study clearly shows the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of the bark of B. toxisperma and provides information on the phytochemical composition and bioactive compounds of the plant.

Does biochar in combination with compost effectively promote phytostabilization of heavy metals in soil under different temperature regimes?

The article presents the effect of a combined amendment, i.e., biochar+compost (BC), on the process of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn immobilization in soil cultivated with L. perenne under freezing and thawing conditions (FTC). In particular, the speciation analysis of the examined elements in phytostabilized soils based on their response using the sequential extraction, and the variability of the soil microbiome using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were systematically assessed. Metal stability in soils was evaluated by the reduced distribution index (Ir). Plants were grown in pots for 52 days under greenhouse conditions. After termination, phytostabilization was continued in a temperature chamber for 64 days to provide FTC. As a result, it was noted that biomass yield of L. perenne was promoted by BC (39 % higher than in the control pots) and reduced by FTC (45 % lower than in the BC-enriched soil not exposed to FTC). An efficacious level of phytostabilization, i.e., higher content of heavy metals in plant roots, was found in the BC-enriched soil, regardless of the changes in soil temperature conditions. BC improved soil pH before applying FTC more than after applying FTC. BC had the greatest impact on increasing Cu stability by redistributing it from the F1 and F2 fractions to the F3 and F4 fractions. For most metals, phytostabilization under FTC resulted in an increase in the proportion of the F1 fraction and a decrease in its stability. Only for Pb and Zn, FTC had greater impact on their stability than BC addition. In all soil samples, the core genera with about 2–3 % abundances were Sphingomonas sp. and Mycobacterium sp. FTC favored the growth of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria in soil. Microbial taxa that coped well with FTC but only in the absence of BC were Rhodococcus, Alkanindiges sp., Flavobacterium sp., Williamsia sp. Thermomonas sp.

Toxicity, Antibacterial, and Phytochemical Analyses of Antrocaryon klaineanum Pierre Extracts.

Medicinal plants are traditionally used in Gabon to treat several types of illnesses. The study's purpose was to determine the toxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects of Antrocaryon klaineanum Pierre extracts and to characterize their phytochemical compounds. Toxicity was evaluated on frog tadpoles (Phrynobatrachus africanus Hallowell). The microorganism susceptibility test was performed by the diffusion method, while minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were evaluated using the microdilution technique. Anti-inflammatory activity was tested through protein denaturation and membrane stabilization methods. Chromatography and molecular network techniques were used to characterize chemical compounds. The lethality test showed that the lethal concentration (LC50) increased from 110.03 ± 1.25 to 15.86 ± 2.21 μg/mL after 24 and 96 hours of exposure. In tadpoles exposed to 7.81 μg/mL extract, the first mortalities (12.5%) were observed on the fifth day of exposure. A relative decrease in mature erythrocytes exposed to plant extracts was observed. The antibacterial activity shows that the Ak F2, Ak F3, and Ak F4 fractions (from the water-ethanol crude extract) gave the greatest antibacterial activities compared to the other extracts. The water, water-acetone, and water-ethanol extracts showed good inhibition of denaturation. The haemolysis test shows that the extracts exhibited good anti-inflammatory activities. Phytochemical characterisation revealed four major compounds, including monogallate epicatechin and hydroxy-ergostadian. The molecular network revealed five main clusters. Our study shows that A. klaineanum Pierre could be a promising natural product for the isolation of molecules with potential biological activities.

Empirical and Mechanistic Modeling of Release Kinetics of Heavy Metals and Their Chemical Distribution in the Rhizosphere and Non-rhizosphere Soils Under Vegetable Cultivation.

Biochemical processes in the rhizosphere affect the availability and distribution of heavy metals (HMs) in various forms. Rhizosphere soil (RS) and non-rhizosphere soil (NRS) samples were collected from 10 fields under tarragon(Artemisia dracunculus L.) cultivation to investigate the release kinetics and distribution of HMs including cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in five fractions. The cumulative amounts of Cu and Fe released after 88h were in the following ranges, respectively: 1.31-2.76 and 3.24-6.35mgkg-1 in RS and 1.41-2.72 and 3.15-5.27mgkg-1 in NRS. The parabolic diffusion and pseudo-second-order equations provided the best fit to the release kinetics data of Cu and Fe, respectively. The cation exchange model (CEM) based on Gaines-Thomas selectivity coefficients implemented in the PHREEQC program could well simulate the release of Cu and Fe suggesting that cation exchange was the dominant mechanism in the release of Fe and Cu from soils by 0.01 MCaCl2. Cadmium was predominantly found in fraction F2, while other HMs were mainly present in fraction F5. According to the risk assessment code, there was a very high risk for Cd, a medium risk for Co and Cu, a very low risk for Fe, and a low risk for Zn. Correlation analysis showed that soil physicochemical properties were effective in the distribution and transformation of HMs. Significant positive correlations between five fractions indicated that different forms of HMs can potentially transform into each other.

Identification and structure-activity modeling of ACE inhibitory peptides demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects: Extracted from Antheraea assama and Philosomia ricnii pupae

Traditionally edible silkworm pupae abundantly available in North eastern region of India have a notable protein content and comprises vast scope of bioactive peptides with unrevealed possibilities. Therefore, in this study, peptides derived from Muga and Eri pupae with highest potential to inhibit ACE (Angiotensin converting enzyme) and scavenge free radicals have been characterized, followed by understanding molecular interaction mechanism behind inhibition action and anti-inflammatory potential in endothelial model. This study was proposed to generate most potent purified chromatography fractions comprising ACE-inhibitory peptides, identified to contain total 105 peptides in fraction F4 and 53 peptides in fraction F6, majorly acquired from haemolymph protein in pupae. 96 peptides with length 5–12 amino acids were selected and exposed to peptide-ACE interaction by molecular docking and simulation. Among top 15 peptides, LTSDRDFYVSK, VIELPYGVENR and IYVSDQY acted as effective competitive ACE inhibitor, peptide QTLVPFMK indicated its non-competitive inhibition. Fraction F4 and F6 remarkably alleviated COX-2, iNOS expression along with NO release, IL-6 (interleukin-6), IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta) and TNF-α (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha) generation. Additionally, peptide fractions showed significant potential to curb elevated free radical concentration and induced endogenous antioxidant enzymes expression. This conveyed that Muga and Eri pupae protein derived peptide fractions certainly carried an effective role in modulating the cross talk between ACE activity and inflammation mechanisms, supporting their therapeutic potency.

Anti-Metalloproteases: Production and Characterization of Polyclonal IgG Anti-F2 Fraction Antibodies Purified from the Venom of the Snake Bitis arietans

Bitis arietans is a medically important snake found in Sub-Saharan Africa. The envenomation is characterized by local and systemic effects, and the lack of antivenoms aggravates the treatment. This study aimed to identify venom toxins and develop antitoxins. The F2 fraction obtained from Bitis arietans venom (BaV) demonstrated the presence of several proteins in its composition, including metalloproteases. Titration assays carried out together with the immunization of mice demonstrated the development of anti-F2 fraction antibodies by the animals. The determination of the affinity of antibodies against different Bitis venoms was evaluated, revealing that only BaV had peptides recognized by anti-F2 fraction antibodies. In vivo analyses demonstrated the hemorrhagic capacity of the venom and the effectiveness of the antibodies in inhibiting up to 80% of the hemorrhage and 0% of the lethality caused by BaV. Together, the data indicate: (1) the prevalence of proteins that influence hemostasis and envenomation; (2) the effectiveness of antibodies in inhibiting specific activities of BaV; and (3) isolation and characterization of toxins can become crucial steps in the development of new alternative treatments. Thus, the results obtained help in understanding the envenoming mechanism and may be useful for the study of new complementary therapies.

Changes in Speciation and Bioavailability of Trace Elements in Sewage Sludge after the Ozonation Process

This work aimed to detect changes in trace element chemical speciation in sewage sludge (SS) after the ozonation process. The modified Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure was performed to determine the chemical speciation of trace elements in SS after the ozonation process. To assess potential soil contamination with trace elements from sewage sludge after the ozonation process, the risk assessment code (RAC) coefficient was used. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) values were also calculated to characterize the efficiency of trace element accumulation in the studied plant species from soil fertilized with sludges after the ozonation process. Generally, the mean concentration of total trace elements in the SS after the ozonation process was higher, but the differences were statistically significant only in the case of Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. The dominant fraction of Fe, Cr, Pb, and Cd was the residual fraction F4, while the extractable/exchangeable fraction F1 was present in the smallest amount. Therefore, in the case of Mn, Zn, and Ni, the ozonation process had a significant impact on the increase in the content of these elements in the F1 fraction. The application of the SS stabilized by ozonation process for maize and wheat fertilization did not significantly affect the bioaccumulation of most of the analyzed metals in aboveground biomass. Higher values of BAF coefficients after the application of ozonated SS were found only in the case of Cu and Ni. In turn, the determined TF coefficients were lower than 1 in most cases. The obtained results showed that the slight change in the concentration of Zn, Mn, and Ni in fraction F1 causes a specific risk of their mobility in the soil environment. It should be noted that due to the variable composition of sewage sludge, an analysis of the content of individual trace elements in chemical fractions should be carried out to assess its actual impact on the environment. This can help to indicate further actions that should be undertaken to limit their negative impact on the environment.

Isolation and Characterization of Protease Inhibitors with Antimicrobial Activity from Sirisa (Albizia lebbeck) Seed Protein Extract

The present study aimed to identify protease inhibitors (PIs) with antimicrobial activity from sirisa (Albizia lebbeck) seed protein extracts that may be a natural alternative to overcome multi-drug resistance, toxicity, and side effects of existing antimicrobial drugs. The crude PIs were extracted from seeds of A. lebbeck in 1% PVP and further partially purified by ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4 fractionation. The total protein content was found to be high in 0-30 % (NH4)2SO4 saturated protein fraction F1 (7.3 ± 0.17 mg/ml). Reasonably high PI activity towards trypsin was observed in 60–90 % (NH4)2SO4 saturated fraction F3 assessed by the agar well diffusion method and in vitro solution assay. Electrophoretic profiling of proteins from the F3 fraction showed nine bands on the gel with differential mobility. The presence of a zone of inhibition (ZOI) for different concentrations of F3- 60–90 % (NH4)2SO4 saturated PIs on agar plate demonstrated antimicrobial activity against E.coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa with MIC values of 100 ± 5 µg/ml, 100 ± 4 µg/ml, and 90 ± 3 µg/ml respectively. Our results indicate that PIs from seeds of sirisa display potent antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms and could be investigated further in the future use in designing or formulating natural antimicrobial drugs to treat microbial infection-related diseases.

Fraction distribution of cadmium in surface sediment collected from bivalve species harvesting areas in Binh Thuan province (Tuy Phong, Phan Thiet, Lagi)

This paper aims to provide information about the fractions of cadmium (Cd) and its distribution in surface sediment collected from bivalves harvesting areas in Binh Thuan province (Tuy Phong, Phan Thiet, Lagi). For this purpose, the sediment samples were collected monthly along with these areas in 2015–2016. To analyze the fractions of Cd, a five-step Tessier (1979) sequential extraction process was used, including Fraction 1 (Exchangeable), Fraction 2 (Bound to carbonate), Fraction 3 (Bound to iron-manganese oxide), Fraction 4 (Bound to organic compounds), and Fraction 5 (Residual). The research showed that Cd concentrations contributed mainly to a strong association residual fraction (Fraction 5). However, the percentage of Cd in total Fraction 1 and Fraction 2 (high mobility and bioavailability fractions) in all areas was also relatively high. In the Tuy Phong and Lagi harvesting areas, the sediment distribution follows the trend of F5 > F2 > F3 > F4 > F1, while the trend present in sediment in the Phan Thiet harvesting area follows F2 > F5 > F3 > F1 > F4. The Fractions F1, F4, and F5 indicated a weak positive correlation with the total concentration of Cd, while F3 and F2 indicated medium and strong correlations, respectively. According to the Risk Assessment Code (RAC), the results reveal that Cd poses a high environmental risk in this area.

Isolation of antifungal bioactive compounds from an ethanolic extract of beluntas leaves (Pluchea indica) against Microsporum canis

Background: Fungus prevalence in Indonesia is still relatively high. This happens because Indonesia has high temperatures and humidity. Beluntas (Pluchea indica) is a shrub native to Indonesia and widely distributed in most parts of the country. Pluchea indica is usually used by the community as a medicine for skin diseases. The bioactive content of P. indica leaves has potential as an antifungal agent. One of the fungi that is pathogenic to humans is Microsporum canis. Method: N-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol served as the solvents for the graded maceration method of extraction over two 24-hour periods. Furthermore, using Vacuum Liquid Chromatography (VLC) and characterization with UV-Vis and FT-IR. Antifungal activity was performed by disc diffusion method. Results: Pluchea indica leaves have antifungal activity in the ethanol extract of 20.08 mm (very strong), the F5 fraction of 22.24 mm (very strong), and the F5 isolate of 6.3 mm (weak) at a concentration of 4%. Based on the UV-Vis and FT-IR data, the isolate had a wavelength of 267 nm with a functional group of -OH, C=C aromatic, C-H, and C-O. Conclusion: Isolate from the ethanol extract of Pluchea indica leaves has potential as an antifungal originating from the flavonoid group. Keywords: Pluchea indica, antifungal, Microsporum canis, isolation compound

Matéria orgânica do solo em agregados biogênicos, intermediários e fisiogênicos sob manejo agroecológico

ABSTRACT Agroecological management can favor the improvement of soil attributes, especially soil organic matter (SOM) and soil aggregation. The objective of the study was to quantify the carbon contents of the humic and oxidizable fractions of SOM of aggregates from different origins from agroecological management systems. Five experimental areas located in the Integrated Agroecological Production System were evaluated: AFS – Agroforestry System; C-SUN – Coffee in full sun; C-SHA – Shaded coffee; AL-FLE – Cultivation in alleys of Flemingia macrophylla with green beans; and NT – No-tillage. The aggregates were separated, identified, and classified as to their origin or formation pathways into biogenic, intermediate, and physicogenic. The carbon contents of the humic fractions fulvic acid (C-FAF), humic acid (C-HAF) and humin (C-HUMF); and oxidizable fractions (F1 and F2, labile; and F3 and F4, recalcitrant) of SOM were determined. The greatest variations in the carbon values of the humic fractions were observed in the aggregates of the AFS, C-SUN and C-SHA systems. In relation to C-HUMF, the highest contents of this fraction were quantified in the biogenic and intermediate aggregates of the C-SUN, C-SHA and AL-FLE systems. The carbon contents of the oxidizable fractions of SOM showed variability between the management systems, mainly for the F1, F2 and F3 fractions in the aggregates under C-SUN and C-SHA. The C-SUN system showed a higher proportion of more humified and recalcitrant fractions of SOM when compared to the C-SHA system. The management practices maids in the agroecological systems of C-SHA, C-SUN and AFS promoted improvements in soil quality.

Novel Antioxidant Peptides Identified from Arthrospira platensis Hydrolysates Prepared by a Marine Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. JS4-1 Extracellular Protease

Crude enzymes produced by a marine bacterium Pseudoalteromonas sp. JS4-1 were used to hydrolyze phycobiliprotein. Enzymatic productions showed good performance on DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities (45.14 ± 0.43% and 65.11 ± 2.64%, respectively), especially small peptides with MWCO <3 kDa. Small peptides were fractioned to four fractions using size-exclusion chromatography and the second fraction (F2) had the highest activity in hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (62.61 ± 5.80%). The fraction F1 and F2 both exhibited good antioxidant activities in oxidative stress models in HUVECs and HaCaT cells. Among them, F2 could upregulate the activities of SOD and GSH-Px and reduce the lipid peroxidation degree to scavenge the ROS to protect Caenorhabditis elegans under adversity. Then, 25 peptides total were identified from F2 by LC-MS/MS, and the peptide with the new sequence of INSSDVQGKY as the most significant component was synthetized and the ORAC assay and cellular ROS scavenging assay both illustrated its excellent antioxidant property.

Evaluation of Anti-Oxinflammatory and ACE-Inhibitory Properties of Protein Hydrolysates Obtained from Edible Non-Mulberry Silkworm Pupae (Antheraea assama and Philosomia ricinii).

Food-derived bioactive peptides (BAPs) obtained from edible insect-protein hold multiple activities promising the potential to target complex pathological mechanisms responsible for chronic health conditions such as hypertension development. In this study, enzymatic protein hydrolysates from non-mulberry edible silkworm Antheraea assama (Muga) and Philosomia ricini (Eri) pupae, specifically Alcalase (A. assama) and Papain (P. ricini) hydrolysates obtained after 60 and 240 min, exhibited the highest ACE-inhibitory and antioxidant properties. The hydrolysates' fractions (<3, 3-10 and >10 kDa), specifically Alc_M60min_F3 (≤3 kDa) and Pap_E240min_F3 (≤3 kDa), showed the highest antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities, respectively. Further RP-HPLC purified sub-fractions F4 and F6 showed the highest ACE inhibition as well as potent anti-oxinflammatory activities in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated endothelial cells. Indeed, F4 and F6 ACE-inhibitory peptide fractions were effective in preventing p65 nuclear translocation after 3 h of LPS stimulation along with the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation in HUVEC cells. In addition, pretreatment with F4 and F6 ACE-inhibitory peptide fractions significantly prevented the LPS-induced upregulation of COX-2 expression and IL-1β secretion, while the expression of NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)-regulated enzymes such as HO-1 and NQO1 was induced by both peptide fractions. The derived peptides from edible pupae protein hydrolysates have potentialities to be explored as nutritional approaches against hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases.

Adsorption of As and Pb by Stone Powder/Chitosan/Maghemite Composite Beads (SCM Beads): Kinetics and Column Study

Adsorption kinetics of As and Pb onto composite beads synthesized with stone powder, chitosan, and maghemite (SCM beads) with weight ratio of 1:1:0.5 were investigated in batch mode. Several kinetic models such as pseudo-first order kinetic model (PFOKM), pseudo-second order kinetic model (PSOKM), two compartment first order kinetic model (TCFOKM), and modified two compartment first order kinetic model (MTCFOKM) were utilized to analyze the kinetics. Although the beads had low specific surface area and pore volume, MTCFOKM, one of two compartment models, could predict the most accurately because the As and Pb were adsorbed onto at least two kinds of adsorption sites such as functional groups in chitosan and Fe in maghemite. In MTCFOKM, both the fast adsorption fraction (f1’) and the fast adsorption constant (k1’) for Pb were higher than those for As. Therefore, the equilibrium time (teq) for Pb adsorption was shorter than that for As adsorption, indicating that Pb adsorption was more affinitive than As adsorption onto SCM beads (especially maghemite). Column study with a bed column reactor packed with the SCM beads was also conducted. For column study, the effect of flow rate and pore volume on removal efficiency of As and Pb was also investigated. Three models such as the Thomas, Adams-Bohart (A-B), and Yoon-Nelson (Y-N) models were used to fit the column experimental data to analyze the breakthrough curves and the saturation time. Both Thomas and Y-N models were most appropriate. Conclusively, the SCM beads are suitable for adsorption treatment of As and Pb from contaminated groundwater and are particularly effective in Pb removal.

Chloroform Fraction of &lt;i&gt;Panax Ginseng&lt;/i&gt; Extract Enhances Zip4-Mediated Zinc Influx into the Cytosol

Zinc is an essential nutrient with important biological functions, and its deficiency can lead to several diseases. The zinc transporter families, ZIP and ZNT, play essential roles in regulating zinc homeostasis and dynamics in the body and cells. Specifically, ZIP4 is the primary zinc transporter responsible for zinc absorption in the small intestine. Previous studies have shown that Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) extract can promote mouse Zip4 expression, and ginsenosides, including Rc and Re, enhance zinc uptake. However, the effects of other metabolites present in P. ginseng extract remain unclear. Therefore, we fractionated P. ginseng extract using chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butyl alcohol, and evaluated the effect of each fraction on zinc uptake using mouse Hepa and Hepa/MRE-Luc cells that stably expressed luciferase under the promoter of metal-responsive elements. Luciferase activity assays demonstrated that the chloroform (F1), ethyl acetate (F2), and n-butyl alcohol (F3) fractions increased cellular zinc uptake. In particular, F1 fraction was found to induce Zip4 mRNA and protein expressions, which significantly enhanced zinc uptake. Ginsenosides were mainly present in the F2 and F3 fractions, indicating that metabolites other than ginsenosides in the F1 fraction would enhance zinc uptake by inducing Zip4 mRNA and protein expressions. Our study offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying zinc uptake by P. ginseng.

Estoques e labilidade de carbono em sistemas de uso e manejo do solo no sudoeste goiano

ABSTRACT The southwest region of the Goiás state, Brazil, is suitable for several agricultural activities, even in more fragile soils such as Typic Quartzipsamments. This study aimed to evaluate the carbon stocks and lability of a Typic Quartzipsamment under land use and management systems in southwestern Goiás. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design and consisted of areas subjected to five land use and management systems [native Cerrado vegetation (Brazilian Savanna), pasture under intensive grazing, pasture under extensive grazing, soybean and maize rotation, and eucalyptus]. Soil samples were collected at the 0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m layers. The land use and management systems affected the carbon stocks and quality. In the 0-0.2 m layer, the carbon stocks ranged between 15.9 and 29.2 Mg ha−1. The areas with eucalyptus and under intensive grazing promoted increases in the carbon stocks that ranged between 72 and 84 %, when compared to the areas with Cerrado vegetation and soybean and maize rotation. The carbon contents in the F1, F2 and F4 fractions were higher in the areas with eucalyptus and under intensive grazing. In the 0-0.1 m soil layer, the areas with eucalyptus and under intensive grazing had an increase in the carbon management index by 33 and 36 %, respectively, when compared to the reference area with native Cerrado vegetation.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of the antidiabetic principle in Pterocarpus Santalinoides leaf extract

Pterocarpus santalinoides is used in Nigerian ethnomedicine to treat diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to establish the antidiabetic property of the plant, and isolate and characterize its active principle. Dried and pulverized leaves (500 g) of P. santalinoides were extracted with 1.8 L of 80 % hydromethanol by cold maceration. The dried extract (10 g) was partitioned into n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol, and water. Antidiabetic activitiy-guided isolation by column chromatographic separation of the EtOAc soluble and purification of the sub-fractions by repeated preparative thin layer chromatography (pTLC) yielded a C-glycosyl flavonoid, identified as isovitexin. The chemical structure was elucidated based on high-resolution mass spectroscopy, 1D, and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analyses. Alloxan-induced diabetic rat model was adopted for antidiabetic screening. The extract of P. santalinoides (100-200 mg/kg), fraction F4 (50 mg/kg), sub-fraction F4.3 (10 mg/kg), and the semi-purified compound F4.3.2 (5 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reduced the fasting blood glucose of alloxan-induced diabetic rats, causing 48.4, 69.4, 57.7 and 64.5 % antidiabetic activity respectively, compared with > 68 % recorded in glibenclamide (2 mg/kg) control. These results reveal that isovitexin is the antidiabetic principle in P. santalinoides.

Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Toxicological Properties of Uvaria comperei Stem Crude Extract and Fractions.

The present study was carried out to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of a methanolic extract and fractions of Uvaria comperei stems. The crude extract was obtained by maceration of the powder in methanol and fractions by vacuum chromatography from the methanolic extract. To study the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, red blood cell lysis inhibition assay and albumin denaturation inhibition were performed, while in vivo measurements of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and formalin-induced pain in albino mice were performed. Acute toxicity and cytotoxicity studies of the fraction F2 were performed, as well as its HPLC, and some biochemical parameters were quantified. Uvaria comperei crude extract (UCCE) at 250 and 500 μg/mL completely inhibited albumin denaturation, while decreasing 75.5% of heat blood cell lysis at 500 μg/mL. The fractions 128-136 (F3), 10-11 (F1), and 56-62 (F2) at 500 μg/mL displayed a significant anti-inflammatory activity with percentages of inhibition of 60.5, 67.4, and 100%, respectively. Administration of fraction F2 (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a dose-dependent inhibition of formalin-induced pain of 60.2% at 50 mg/kg in the neurogenic phase (p < 0.05) and 70.2% at 25 mg/kg in the inflammatory phase (p < 0.05). Similarly, the time-dependent increase in carrageenan-induced paw circumference induced by carrageenan was inhibited by pretreatment with F2: 50% of inhibition at 25 mg/kg after 30 min (p < 0.05) and 96.5% inhibition at 25 mg/kg after 6 h (p < 0.05). In this research, the fraction F2 presented its maximum analgesic property at 50 mg/kg, while it presented the highest anti-inflammatory property at 25 mg/kg. The oral lethal median dose (LD50) of F2 was determined to be greater than 2000 mg/kg; further low cytotoxicity in RAW cells was also observed. Overall, this work shows that the methanolic crude extract and fractions, mainly F2, of Uvaria comperei stem have interesting anti-inflammatory properties.

Antibacterial activity of essential oils of Salvia Officinalis growing in Morocco.

The bacterial infections treatment is complicated by antibiotic resistance. In this fact, the need for new therapeutic approaches to control bacterial infections is crucial. Therefore, discovering new antibiotics from medicinal plants, able to kill drug-resistant bacteria, is essential to saving modern medicine. This study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SoEO) growing in Morocco. The essential oil was extracted by hydro distillation, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by agar dilution method. The essential oil was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fractionated/purified using column chromatography followed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The results revealed that SoEO showed higher antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis and Citrobacter freundii. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, and purification/fractionation of SoEO, indicates that the most polar fraction F6 is the active fraction of SoEO. This finding can be explained by the existence of polar compounds in this fraction including alcohols, and phenols as thymol, eugenol, globulol, and spathulenol. It can be conclude that alcohols and phenols from Salvia officinalis essential oil (SoEO) have promising antibacterial activity. This action can offer a great possibility of the application of SoEO in the treatment of bacterial diseases.