Ficus Sycomorus Research Articles

Bioactive secondary metabolites from fungal endophytes, Penicillium oxalicum and Phoma herbarum, associated with Morus nigra and Ficus sycomorus: an in silico study.

Two pure fungal strains were isolated and identified from Ficus sycomorus and Morus nigra, namely, Penicillium oxalicum (OR673586) and Phoma herbarum (OR673589), respectively. The extract and fractions of secondary metabolites of each fungus were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities. The chloroform fraction of P. oxalicum showed potent cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 7.695 μg mL-1) against Hep-G2 cell line, alongside moderate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. On the other hand, the P. herbarum chloroform fraction showed potent antioxidant (DPPH IC50 = 5.649 μg mL-1) and antidiabetic activities (IC50 = 14.91 μg mL-1) against inhibition of α-glucosidase, in addition to moderate cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Guided cytotoxic fractionation leads to identifying bioactive compounds using hyphenated techniques. LC-MS identified fourteen compounds for P. herbarum and thirteen compounds for P. oxalicum. Three known compounds, mevalolactone (1), glycerol monolinoleate (3), and ergosterol (7) in addition to one new compound, barcelonyl acetate (2), were isolated from P. herbarum. On the other hand, four known compounds, 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4), secalonic acid D (5), altersolanol A (6), and ergosterol (7), were isolated from P. oxalicum. Altersolanol A (6) and secalonic acid D (7) exhibited outstanding cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 and Caco-2 cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 0.00038 to 0.208 μM. In silico study findings showed altersolanol A (6), 4-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid (4), glycerol monolinoleate (3), and barcelonyl acetate (2) displayed significant potential but may benefit from further optimization as lead for developing potent c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2, PDB: 3NPC) inhibitors, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies targeting cancer therapy.

NUTRIENT CONTENT, IN VITRO GAS PRODUCTION AND POST INCUBATION PARAMETERS OF INDIGENOUS BROWSE FODDERS IN DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Ethiopia indigenous browse species have the potential to serve as a sustainable supplement for poor quality feeds and enhance ruminant livestock production. <strong>Objective:</strong> To analyze the nutrient content, in vitro gas production, and post incubation parameters of indigenous browse species in northwestern Ethiopia. <strong>Methodology: </strong>Eight indigenous browse fodder trees were collected from each agroecological zone for this experiment. Leaf and pod samples of the fodder trees were collected, dried and ground for laboratory analysis. Analysis of variance was carried out for nutrient content, in vitro gas, and methane production of the samples within agroecological zones using standard analytical procedures. The statistical design used to analyze the data was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). <strong> Results:</strong> The highest CP content was recorded from <em>Vernonia</em><em> amygdalina </em>(223.4 g/kg DM)<em>,</em> <em>Dodonaea viscosa </em>(207.7 g/kg DM), and <em>Acacia abyssinica </em>(216.0 g/kg DM) in the highland, midland and lowland agro-ecology respectively. In lowland area, NDF, ADF and ADL contents were highest for <em>Albezia amara</em> leaves and lowest for <em>Acacia brevispica</em> respectively. <em>V. amygdalina</em>, <em>Stereospermum kunthianum</em> and <em>Ficus vasta</em> had the highest gas volume at 24-hour incubation time in high, mid and lowland, respectively. The estimated organic matter digestibility, metabolizable energy and short chain fatty acid at 24 hour of incubation was the highest for <em>V. amygdalina</em>, <em>S kunthianum</em> and <em>F. vasta</em> in high, mid and lowland, respectively. <em>Ficus sycomorus</em> and <em>Myrica salicifolia</em> had the lowest methane production among the species in the low, mid and highland study areas, respectively. <strong>Implications: </strong>The present study provides a valuable resource for selecting suitable feed options for livestock in different agroecological zones. High CP and digestible browse species like <em>V. amygdalina,</em> <em>S. kunthianum</em>, and <em>F. vasta</em> could be prioritized for livestock feed. Low methane-producing species like <em>F. sycomorus</em> and <em>M. salicifolia</em> could be incorporated into diets to reduce enteric methane emissions. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: Based on their nutrient composition and in vitro gas production potential, these feed resources are of better quality to supplement grazing livestock during the seasons of critical feed shortage as the main feed resources are either limited in availability or lower in nutrient composition and digestibility in the study areas.</p>

Spatial memory obviates following behaviour in an information centre of wild fruit bats.

According to the information centre hypothesis (ICH), colonial species use social information in roosts to locate ephemeral resources. Validating the ICH necessitates showing that uninformed individuals follow informed ones to the new resource. However, following behaviour may not be essential when individuals have a good memory of the resources' locations. For instance, Egyptian fruit bats forage on spatially predictable trees, but some bear fruit at unpredictable times. These circumstances suggest an alternative ICH pathway in which bats learn when fruits emerge from social cues in the roost but then use spatial memory to locate them without following conspecifics. Here, using an unique field manipulation and high-frequency tracking data, we test for this alternative pathway: we introduced bats smeared with the fruit odour of the unpredictably fruiting Ficus sycomorus trees to the roost, when they bore no fruits, and then tracked the movement of conspecifics exposed to the manipulated social cue. As predicted, bats visited the F. sycomorus trees with significantly higher probabilities than during routine foraging trips (of >200 bats). Our results show how the integration of spatial memory and social cues leads to efficient resource tracking and highlight the value of using large movement datasets and field experiments in behavioural ecology. This article is part of the theme issue 'The spatial-social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration'.

Analysis of the Synergistic Effect of Antibiotics with Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Different Clinical Cases

Synergism between antibiotics and nanoparticles is one of the most important ways to combat antibiotic resistance. Copper nanoparticles were produced using a green, environmentally friendly method of mixing aqueous Ficus Sycomorus leaf extract with copper sulfate. The work aimed to study the synergistic effect of six antibiotics with copper oxide nanoparticles prepared in a green approach against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from patient. A total of 110 specimens were collected from patients with burn, wound and urine infections. in Samarra General Hospital, Tikrit Teaching Hospital, Tikrit Military Hospital, and Baghdad Medical City of both genders from July to September 2023. A bacteriological examination was conducted to select bacterial pathogens, with a particular focus on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. From a total 110 cases, 50 (45.5%) gave positive cultures for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. CuO-NPs was characterized using different analytical techniques, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). showed that the CuO-NPs have a spherical shape, its average size is 29.2 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray )EDX( results confirmed the presence of copper and oxygen in the composition. The synergistic effect of six antibiotics with CuO-NPs was studied. By evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration of P. aeruginosa. The results show the highest inhibition against bacterial isolates was due to the synergistic effect of CuO-NPs with Impenem, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidime, Polymyxin B, Amikacin, and Cefepime respectively, especially on isolate (15) with zones of inhibition/mm were 19.33 ±0.33, 18.33 ±0.33, 16.33 ±0.33, 15.33 ±0.33, 14.67 ±0.33, and 12.7±0.58, respectively. The results indicated that the synergistic effect gave clear zones of inhibition against all isolates compared with the inhibition effect of nano-copper oxide and antibiotics.

Ethnobotanical study of wild edible plants in Arsi Robe district of East Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

BackgroundWild edible plants (WEPs) are usually considered to constitute all plant resources that are neither cultivated nor domesticated but are used as nutritional supplements by local people. WEPs play a vital role in ensuring food and livelihood security for countless families and communities around the world. The objective of the study was to assess and document wild edible plants used by communities in the Arsi Robe district as food.MethodsSemi-structured interviews, market surveys, and guided field walks were employed as data collection tools. The data were analyzed using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and Jaccard’s similarity index.ResultsThe present study revealed various types of wild edible plants consumed by local communities in the Arsi Robe district of the East Arsi Zone. This could be justified by the documentation of 36 different wild edible plants in the study area. These WEPs belong to 31 genera and 25 families. Most of the growth forms of the edible wild plants in the district were shrubs (16, 44.44%) and trees (14, 38.88%). Amaranthus caudatus and Bridelia micrantha are the most preferred WEPs in the study area. The finding of the study also revealed that Lepidotrichilia volkensii and Premna schimperi are among the novel WEPs that had not before been documented as food items in other areas. Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur are species with multiple uses. Agricultural expansion, charcoal production, the construction of different materials, making agricultural tools, deforestation, and other factors were the top prioritized threats affecting the abundance and diversity of wild edible plants.ConclusionAlong with the sustainable utilization and conservation of the existing WEPs of the study district, priority should be given to the urgent collection, domestication, and cultivation of multiuse wild edible plant species such as Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ficus sur in the study area.

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS studies on stem-bark and leaves Methanolic extract of Ficus sycomorus

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS studies on stem-bark and leaves Methanolic extract of Ficus sycomorus

Eco-Friendly Preservation of Pharaonic Wooden Artifacts using Natural Green Products

The biodeterioration of wooden cultural heritage is a severe problem worldwide and fungi are the main deteriorating agents. The identification of effective natural products, safer for humans and the environment, is a current challenge. Ten deteriorated archaeological objects (a wooden statue of a seated man, an anthropoid wooden coffin with a cartonnage mummy of Nespathettawi, and a wooden box of Padimen’s son), stored at the Egyptian museum in Cairo, were considered here. The wood species of the three most deteriorated objects were previously identified as Acacia nilotica, Ficus sycomorus, and Tamarix gennessarensis. Twenty-six fungal species were isolated and identified from the wooden objects and the four most frequent species belonged to the genus Aspergillus. Fourteen fungal species among those isolated showed the greatest biodeterioration activity on the experimental wood blocks of the archaeological objects. The antifungal activities of several eco-friendly plant essential oils (from cinnamon, eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, menthe, rosemary, tea tree, and thyme) and plant extracts (from basil, eucalyptus, henna, melia, and teak) were tested against the fungal species with the greatest biodeterioration activity. The essential oils (Eos) were more effective than the plant extracts. Thyme EO, followed by geranium and cinnamon ones, was the most active (minimum inhibitory concentrations: 0.25–1 µL/mL). These EO; also showed inhibitory effects on the enzymatic activities (cellulase, amylase, and protease) of the four most dominant fungal species. Thymol and p-cymene were the two main components of thyme oil, while geraniol and beta-citronellol were those of geranium oil; eugenol and caryophyllene were those of the cinnamon EO. Thyme oil applied to the most deteriorated experimental aged A. nilotica wooden cubes inoculated with the four highly frequent fungal species was effective in wood preservation. Moreover, no significant interference was observed in the wood before and after thyme treatment. Thyme oil seems to be a promising eco-friendly antifungal agent for the preservation of archaeological wooden artefacts.

Antibacterial and anti-coronavirus investigation of selected Senegalese plant species according to an ethnobotanical survey

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Senegal, upper and lower respiratory tract infections constitute a real health problem. To manage these disorders, most people rely on the use of local medicinal plants. This is particularly the case for species belonging to the botanical families, Combretaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Rubiaceae, which are widely used to treat various respiratory problems such as colds, flu, rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis, angina, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and also pneumonia. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to identify medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of infectious diseases, in particular those of the respiratory tract. On the basis of these ethnopharmacological uses, this study made it possible to highlight the antibacterial, antiviral and cytotoxic activities of selected plant species. Materials and methodsAn ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Senegal among informants, including herbalists, traditional healers, and households, using medicinal plants in the management of infectious diseases, with a focus on respiratory tract infections. The most cited plant species were evaluated in vitro on a panel of 18 human pathogenic bacteria may be involved in respiratory infections and against the human coronavirus HCoV-229E in Huh-7 cells. The antiviral activity of the most active extracts against HCoV-229E was also evaluated on COVID-19 causing agent, SARS-CoV-2 in Vero-81 cells. In parallel, cytotoxic activities were evaluated on Huh-7 cells. ResultsA total of 127 informants, including 100 men (78.74%) and 27 women (21.26%) participated in this study. The ethnobotanical survey led to the inventory of 41 plant species belonging to 19 botanical families used by herbalists and/or traditional healers and some households to treat infectious diseases, with a specific focus on upper respiratory tract disorders. Among the 41 plant species, the most frequently mentioned in the survey were Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (95.2%), Combretum glutinosum Perr. Ex DC. (93.9%) and Eucalyptus spp. (82.8%). Combretaceae (30.2%) represented the most cited botanical family with six species, followed by Fabaceae (29.3%, 12 species). A total of 33 crude methanolic extracts of the 24 plant species selected for their number of citations were evaluated in vitro for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. Guiera senegalensis, Combretum glutinosum, Vachellia nilotica subsp. tomentosa (Benth.) Kyal. & Boatwr, Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., and Terminalia avicennioides Guill. & Perr., showed antibacterial activities. The most active plants against HCoV-229E were: Ficus sycomorus L., Mitragyna inermis (Willd.) Kuntze, Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir., and Spermacoce verticillata L. One of these plants, Mitragyna inermis, was also active against SARS-CoV-2. ConclusionThis work confirmed the anti-infective properties of plant species traditionally used in Senegal. Overall, the most frequently cited plant species showed the best antibacterial activities. Moreover, some of the selected plant species could be considered as a potential source for the management of coronavirus infections. This new scientific data justified the use of these plants in the management of some infectious pathologies, especially those of the respiratory tract.

Impact of Human Activities on Woody Vegetation in Gallery Forests in the Mandara Mountains (Far North, Cameroon).

This study was conducted in the Mandara Mountains in Cameroon and aimed to assess the effects of human activities on woody vegetation in gallery forests, based on floristic inventories and observations made by the government. Firstly, the inventories were carried out in 150 plots of 1000 m2 each, installed on the banks of watercourses following the band of plant formations. In each plot, woody species were counted and those showing at least one sign of degradation were noted. Secondly, the survey was conducted in 18 administrative structures made up of delegations (MINFOF, MINADER, MINEPDED, and MINEPIA) and town halls. One hundred woody species, grouped into 63 genera and 30 families, have been inventoried, in which 45 species showed at least one sign of damage caused by human being. The species most affected are Anogeissus leiocarpus (67 stems), Azadirachta indica (46 stems), Diospyros mespiliformis (43 stems), Acacia albida (42 stems), Andira inermis (30 stems), Acacia sieberiana (23 stems), Khaya senegalensis (19 stems), Ficus sycomorus (13 stems), and Acacia polyacantha (10 stems). The most recurrent activity in the gallery forests is pruning (212 stems), followed by cutting (93 stumps), then picking (71 individuals). However, there are fewer debarked trees (11) and trees with fire trail (6). According to the responses provided, logging (77.78%), agriculture (72.22%), population growth (44.44%), grazing (33.33%), and bush fires (33.33%) are the main causes of the degradation of plant formations in the Mandara Mountains. These main factors could have a negative impact on biodiversity if appropriate integrated management measures are not taken. To maintain these vital ecosystems, an integrated management plan must be put in place, limiting human activities to a minimum.

Chemical composition and Larvicidal efficacy of Ficus sycomorus leaf extract against major malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii

Resistance to synthetic insecticides used in control of malaria vectors is a major threat to malaria control globally. Natural insecticides of plant origin provide environmentally safe alternativess. This study characterized the phytochemical contents of the Ficus sycomorus leaves and insecticidal activities of its methanolic extract on Anopheles colluzzii larvae. The active secondary metabolites from methanol extract of F. sycomorus leaves were characterized using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A modified WHO standard protocol for larvicidal bioassay was used to determine the activity of methanol extract of the F. sycomorus. Molecular species identification showed that 75 % of the larvae were Anopheles coluzzii (Coetzee & Wilkerson); 6.25 % Anopheles arabiensis and 12.5 % Anopheles gambiae s.s. The extract reduced the survival of An. coluzzii larvae by approximately 52 % at LC50 of 0.225 mg/ml (95% CI: 0.197-0.234; R2 =0.9445) after 24 h, and the mortality was dose dependent (with highest mortality of 51.67 % at 1 mg/ml). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, phytosterols and phenols, with alkaloid and flavonoids having the highest concentration in the extract. The GC-MS revealed that the extract contained: tetrapentacontane, 66.6 %; stigmasterol, 2.81 %; squalene, 1.01 %; bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 4.04 %; and 4,8,12,16-tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide, 0.51 %. The toxicity of the extract may be due to different insecticidal phytochemicals, probably working independently, synergistically, or additively. Overall, the F. sycomorus leaf extract is a promising larvicide against malarial vector An. coluzzii and should be exploited as an alternative, environmentally safe larvicide.

Comparative antibacterial studies of Ficus sycomorus, Khaya senegalinesis and Azadirachta indica leaves extract

Comparative antibacterial studies of Ficus sycomorus, Khaya senegalinesis and Azadirachta indica leaves extract

Chemical composition and Larvicidal efficacy of Ficus sycomorus leaf extract against major malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii

Resistance to synthetic insecticides used in control of malaria vectors is a major threat to malaria control globally. Natural insecticides of plant origin provide environmentally safe alternativess. This study characterized the phytochemical contents of the Ficus sycomorus leaves and insecticidal activities of its methanolic extract on Anopheles colluzzii larvae. The active secondary metabolites from methanol extract of F. sycomorus leaves were characterized using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A modified WHO standard protocol for larvicidal bioassay was used to determine the activity of methanol extract of the F. sycomorus. Molecular species identification showed that 75 % of the larvae were Anopheles coluzzii (Coetzee & Wilkerson); 6.25 % Anopheles arabiensis and 12.5 % Anopheles gambiae s.s. The extract reduced the survival of An. coluzzii larvae by approximately 52 % at LC50 of 0.225 mg/ml (95% CI: 0.197-0.234; R2 = 0.9445) after 24 h, and the mortality was dose dependent (with highest mortality of 51.67 % at 1 mg/ml). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, phytosterols and phenols, with alkaloid and flavonoids having the highest concentration in the extract. The GC-MS revealed that the extract contained: tetrapentacontane, 66.6 %; stigmasterol, 2.81 %; squalene, 1.01 %; bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 4.04 %; and 4,8,12,16-tetramethylheptadecan-4-olide, 0.51 %. The toxicity of the extract may be due to different insecticidal phytochemicals, probably working independently, synergistically, or additively. Overall, the F. sycomorus leaf extract is a promising larvicide against malarial vector An. coluzzii and should be exploited as an alternative, environmentally safe larvicide.

Antibacterial activity of five selected ethno-medicinal plants against extreme multi-drug resistance strains of pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus

Emergence of multidrug resistance strains of different kinds of virulent pathogens to various antibiotics worldwide had become one of the most concerning public health issues in Nigeria. This research is aimed at evaluating the antibacterial activity of five selected ethno-medicinal plants against multi-drug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Ficus sycomorus, Vitex doniana, Jatropha curcas, Acacia nilotica and Prosopis africana leafs were extracted using chloroform, to get the crude extracts of the various plants material. Exactly 150 clinical and environmental samples each, was collected for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus each. The antibiogram profile and resistance level of the isolated strains was ascertained using the standard disc diffusion bioassay. Multi-drug resistance genes; BLA-TEM, BLA-SHV and CTX-M presence were evaluated and also served as another form of selection protocol for extremely resistant strains of the selected pathogenic bacterial species. In-vitro and in-vivo bioassay was done to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the plants extracts on the most resistant strains of the two pathogenic bacteria. Tannins, saponin, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, quinones, phytosterols and phlobatanins were found present in these plants extracts. Eleven Pseudomonas aeruginosa and four Staphylococcus aureus extreme multi-drug resistance strains were successfully isolated and identified. The in-vitro bioassay reveals that F. sycomorus and J. curcas extracts has the highest antimicrobial activity against the various multi-drug resistant strains, while A. nilotica extract also maintains some level of activity against the resistant strains. The in-vivo bioassay reconfirmed the antibacterial effects of the three most active plants mentioned above, against all the resistant bacteria. Decoction of the three most active plants extracts also proves effective on the resistant strains of both bacteria, than the individual extracts. F. sycomorus, J. curcas and A. nilotica plant extracts could provide an alternative active pharmaceutical agents against multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

THE VEGETATION HISTORY OF THE SHEPHELAH, SOUTHERN LEVANT: MIDDLE BRONZE AGE–HELLENISTIC PERIOD (c.2000–100 BC)

SummaryAlthough the Shephelah region (Israel) is of a great archaeological significance and has been intensively excavated, very little is known about its landscape history. This study presents two large‐scale charred wood assemblages (>2300 items) that were recovered from Tel Azekah and Tel Lachish in order to reconstruct the ancient vegetation of the Shephelah. The two assemblages cover a temporal range from the Middle Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period (c.2000–100 BC). This new diachronic environmental investigation demonstrates that the natural arboreal vegetation in the Shephelah was dominated by oak and pistachio. From the perspective of the regional fruit tree horticulture, olive was the dominant component, indicating that the region included extensive olive orchards. Other documented fruit trees are grapevine, fig, sycamore fig, carob, date palm and almond. The high frequencies of olive remains throughout all investigated periods point to climatic conditions in the region being close to what we are facing today, with at least 400–450 mm of annual precipitation, which is required for a profitable grove. During the Iron Age II, the proportion of olive remains reached its zenith, most probably as a result of Assyrian agroeconomic management that assigned the Shephelah to olive oil production. At the same time, a reduction in natural Mediterranean trees was identified, representing intense human pressure on the natural environment. The discovery of charred cedar of Lebanon remains only at Lachish points to the high status of the site within the region.

Farmers' knowledge and Practicesto Combat Ecosystem Degradation in the South of the Benoue River in Northern Cameroon

Objective: The present study aims to contribute to the restoration of degraded ecosystems for a sustainable management of resources. Methods: It is based on socio-economic surveys with structured and semi-structured questionnaires including closed, open and directed questions, administered to local populations to provide us with information. Results: It appears that agriculture (71.92%) is the main cause of degradation, followed by erosion (71.82%), deforestation (64.29%) and overgrazing (62.15%). As indices of degradation, the presence of gullies (23.72%), low yield (22.28%), the presence of Striga hermonthica (18.56%) and sandy soils (18.11%) are to be noted and the indices of fertility are observable through the good yield (40.23%), the presence of earthen glasses (7.79%) and the presence of flora such as pennisetum pedicellatum (3.34%). To remedy the degradation and increase their production, the population makes more use of chemical fertilizers and crop rotation and species such as Faidherbia albida (64.33%), Daniellia oliveri (17.89%), Pterocarpus lucens (7.99%), Acacia nilotica (4.42%) are retained as having restorative potential. Also, these farmers mention the importance of bank protection species (Khaya senegalensis, Ficus sycomorus, Mitragyna inermis and Daniellia oliveri) and living hedges (Acacia nilotica, Commifora kerstindjii, Jatropha curcas, Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Conclusion: The population is aware of the degradation that is taking place and is trying to develop remedial practices despite the pressure of nature and vital needs. It would be important to take measures to mitig

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Ficus sycomorus and Hyphaene theibaica leaf Extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans

The effective use of Ficus sycomorus and Hyphaene theibaica traditionally in treatment of variety of illnesses has been widely reported. The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activities of the leaf extracts of Ficus sycomorus and Hyphaene theibaica on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. Fresh leaves of Ficus sycomorus and Hyphaene theibaica were collected, dried and subjected to ethanolic extraction, and screened for phytochemicals. Five different concentrations of each extract was prepared viz: 200, 160, 120, 80 and 40 mg/mL using distilled water as solvent and tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion method. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed that F. sycomorus contained phenol saponins, tannins, flavonoids and steroids while H. theibaica contains Saponin, flavonoids, alkaloid, phenol and steroids. Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic leaf extracts of Ficus sycomorus was observed only against Escherichia coli at 200 mg/mL. While no zones of inhibition were observed against any of the test isolates for ethanolic leaf extracts of Hyphaene theibaica. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of F. sycomorus extracts on E. coli was 100 mg/mL and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 200 mg/mL. The activity of F. sycomorus leaf extract on E. coli being an enteric bacteria, could justify the traditional claims of its use in effective treatment of diarrhea and other stomach complications.

Long-term fungal inoculation of Ficus sycomorus and Tectona grandis woods with Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum

In the current study, two molds, Aspergillus flavus (ACC# LC325160) and Penicillium chrysogenum (ACC# LC325162) were inoculated into two types of wood to be examined using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM–EDX) and computerized tomography (CT) scanning. Ficus sycomorus, a non-durable wood, and Tectona grandis, a durable wood, were the two wood blocks chosen, and they were inoculated with the two molds and incubated for 36 months at an ambient temperature of 27 ± 2 °C and 70 ± 5% relative humidity (RH). The surface and a 5-mm depth of inoculated wood blocks were histologically evaluated using SEM and CT images. The results showed that A. flavus and P. chrysogenum grew enormously on and inside of F. sycomorus wood blocks, but T. grandis wood displayed resistance to mold growth. The atomic percentages of C declined from 61.69% (control) to 59.33% in F. sycomorus wood samples inoculated with A. flavus while O increased from 37.81 to 39.59%. P. chrysogenum caused the C and O atomic percentages in F. sycomorus wood to drop to 58.43%, and 26.34%, respectively. C with atomic percentages in Teak wood’s C content fell from 70.85 to 54.16%, and 40.89%, after being inoculated with A. flavus and P. chrysogenum. The O atomic percentage rose from 28.78 to 45.19% and 52.43%, when inoculated with A. flavus and P. chrysogenum, respectively. Depending on how durable each wood was, The examined fungi were able to attack the two distinct types of wood in various deterioration patterns. T. grandis wood overtaken by the two molds under study appears to be a useful material for a variety of uses.

Ficus sycomorus as a Sustainable Source of Leather Dyeing Material: An Ecofriendly Approach

Natural colorants play a vital role in the production of eco-leather by substituting environmentally hazardous and toxic synthetic dyestuffs. In this study, a natural dye is extracted and optimized from the bark of Ficus sycomorus, a plant species locally known as shola, by designing different combinations of concentration, temperature, and time parameters. A dye extracted from 120 g/l concentration at a temperature of 1000°C for 60 minutes showed the highest absorbance value, and it has been used for further dyeing processes with and without mordant. Properties such as color strength (k/s), L ∗ a ∗ b ∗ values, and color fastness of a dyed leather specimen were measured and analyzed. Oxalic acid mordant-dyed leather samples mordanted with the postmordanting method have revealed the highest k/s value among other experimental samples. Moreover, better color fastness properties were obtained from a leather sample mordanted with oxalic acid. Consequently, a dye extracted from the bark of Ficus sycomorus can be used as a leather dyeing material.

Efficiency of ficus sycomorus exudates as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel pipes in acid concentrated water and soil

Efficiency of ficus sycomorus exudates as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel pipes in acid concentrated water and soil

Effect of Local (<i>Tsumi</i>) and Foreign (<i>Mi Jian Fen</i>) Aphrodisiac on Biochemical Parameters in Wistar Albino Rats

An aphrodisiac is any substance (i.e. food or drug) that arouses the sexual instinct, increases sexual pleasure and performance. Aphrodisiacs can be classified as natural remedies such as Ambrien, Ginseng and Yohimbine and synthetic aphrodisiacs like ecstasy, synthetic testosterone, phenethylamines and methamphetamine. <i>Tsumi</i> concoction (TC) is a herbal concoction made from <i>Ficus sycomorus</i>, Ginger, Clove, Honey and Brown sugar (Jaggery). <i>Mi Jian Fen</i> (MJF) is an aphrodisiac imported from Spain. This study investigated the effect of TC and MJF aphrodisiacs on biochemical parameters in adult female Wistar albino rats. Adult rats weighing between 160-220g were grouped into six (6) groups with three (3) animals in every group. Group 1 serve as the control, group 2 were administered with 0.2mg/kg of clomid as the standard drug, while group 3 and 4 received high and low (0.4mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg) doses of MJF while group 5 and 6 received high and low (0.4mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg) doses of TC, respectively. The results revealed significant increase (p<0.05) in the ALP and AST levels among all the test groups and a slight increase in ALT compared to the control group. It was followed by significant increase (p<0.05) in serum level of oestrogen and FSH. There was significant increase (p<0.05) in urea and a slight elevations in creatinine levels in all the treated groups. However, moderate changes in the Haematological parameters were also observed. It was concluded that MJF and TC are potent aphrodisiacs with some level of toxicity. Therefore, utilization of MJF and TC which caused kidney and liver damages in albino rats, could have deleterious side effects among human users.