Ficus Sycomorus Research Articles

Isolation, characterization and prediction of biologically active glycoside compounds quercetin-3-rutinoside from the fruits of Ficus sycomorus

Ficus sycomorus (F. sycomorus) is a medicinal plant which has been used traditionally for its medicinal benefits as metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory remedy. Therefore the present work was designed to isolate and characterize antibacterial compounds from the fruits of F. sycomorus and their antibacterial activity was assayed. The crude extract was prepared by using different polarity solvents. The pure bioactive compounds were isolated and characterized from the ethyl acetate extract by using different chromatographic techniques. The antibacterial activity of the isolated pure compounds and crude extracts was assessed by using disc diffusion method. The crude extract and flavonoids quercetin-3-rutinoside 1 showed significant antibacterial activities against two Gram positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pneunoniae (S. pneunoniae) and two Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Haemophilus influenza (H. influenza) in the disc diffusion assay. Inhibition zones were in the range of 0–13 mm. The maximum inhibition was shown by compound 1 at concentration 200 μg/ml against S. aureus (IZ = 13 mm) in comparison with the standard levofloxacin. Phytochemical investigation on the ethyl acetate crude extract of fruits resulted in the isolation of one glycoside compound named quercetin-3-rutinoside 1 with several other minor compounds. The structure was deduced on the basis of 1H NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMBC, and MS. The results showed that the isolated pure compound 1 has significant antibacterial activity, which can be used as natural antibiotics for the treatment of different infection diseases.

Assessment of fodder resources in Ethiopia: Biomass production and nutritional value

AbstractFodders are the major feed resource in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess biomass production and nutritive value of fodder resources in Ethiopia. A total of 34 scientific papers and 30 Central Statistical Agency (CSA) (Ethiopia) reports for biomass production, and 249 scientific papers for nutritive value were used for this study. The biomass production of crop residues was greatest followed by grazing biomass, enset [Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesem.] and banana (Musa spp.) leaves and pseudostems. The crude protein (CP) concentration of vetch (Vicia spp.) hay, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay, cultivated legume species and many indigenous browse species was >150 g kg−1 dry matter (DM). However, the CP value of natural pasture, crop residues, natural pasture hay, rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth) hay, cultivated grass species, sycamore fig (Ficus sychomorus L.), Indianfig pricklypear [Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill.] and enset and banana was <150 g kg−1 DM. Natural pasture, crop residues, all parts of enset except enset corm, natural pasture hay, rhodes grass hay, and cultivated grass species contained >550 g kg−1 DM neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Enset corm, vetch hay, alfalfa, Chinese banyan (Ficus thonningii Blume), and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) contained >10 MJ kg−1 DM metabolizable energy (ME). Crop residues except faba bean straw contained <600 g kg−1 DM in‐vitro digestibility. Methods should be devised for more efficient and effective use of the most widely available crop residues and grazing biomass through better management practices and appropriate supplementation with good quality forages and locally available better quality agricultural and agro‐industrial by‐products.

UPLC-QToF Nanospray MS and NMR Analysis of Ficus sycomorus Stem Bark and Its Effects on Rabbit

In the present study, a phytochemical of Ficus sycomorus (Moraceae family) was screened, and the effect of this extract on rabbit performance indices, immunity, and carcass quality measures was determined. Ficus sycomorus samples were collected, air-dried, and extracted with 70% methanol to prepare a solution of 100 mg/mL concentration. The extract was subjected to high-resolution mass spectrometric measurements via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-nanospray mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS) and 1H NMR analysis. Forty-eight male rabbits, one-month-old, belonging to the Blanc de Bouscat and New Zealand White breeds were selected and distributed equally in a 2 × 3 factorial trial. The rabbits within each breed received F. sycomorus extract at the dose of 0, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 60 days. Blood samples were collected and serum obtained for the detection of liver enzymes, serum lipids, and proteins. The results of UPLC-QToF-MS and molecular networking analysis revealed the presence of procyanidin B2, procyanidin A1, genistein, eriodyctiol, catechin, luteolin, biochanin A, and chlorogenic acid that might exhibit various pharmaceutical activities. However, the F. sycomorus extract reduced rabbit performance indices and carcass quality measures. In addition, this extract significantly depressed the low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, which may indicate the antidyslipidemia effect of this extract on rabbits.

Larvicidal and synergistic toxicity of Ficus sycomorus and Calotropis procera leaf extracts against malarial vector Anopheles gambiae complex from Kano-Nigeria: A green Bio-control approach

Plant phytochemicals appeared to be a promising tool to address resistance and environmental problems posed by synthetic insecticides. This study explored the larvicidal effects, and synergistic toxicity of Ficus sycomorus and Calotropis procera leaves on African malaria vector, Anopheles species sourced from agricultural fields in Kano-Nigeria. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals were determined using standard methods. Late third Instar larvae (L3) of Anopheles mosquitoes were subjected to bioassay at various concentrations (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg/mL) of ethanol extracts using the WHO standard protocol with some modifications. The synergistic potential was predicted using mathematical model. The extract of F. sycomorus revealed the highest concentration of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins and phenols, while C. procera extract had high concentration of glycosides and tannins. However, only alkaloids concentrations (15.41 mg/mL and 7.7 mg/mL) was statistically significant between the two plants (p 0.05) on Anopheles larvae than F. sycomorus extract (LC50=1.01 mg/mL; ꭓ2=0.920; 95% confidence limit, CI: 0.50-2.05; p>0.05). The binary combination (concentration LC25:LC25) of the two plants produced promising results of higher mortality than individual highest extract concentrations (LC50=0.38 mg/mL; ꭓ2=0.72; 95% confidence limits, CI: 0.23-0.61; p>0.05) due to possibly synergistic effect of the two plants (X2=13.33). The percentage mortalities in all the crude extracts tested were concentration dependent. It is evident from this study that crude extracts of F. sycomorus and C. procera have promising individual and synergistic larvicidal bioactivities and hence, can be employed in integrated approach for vectors resistance management.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antifungal Activity of Ficus Sycomorus L. (Moraceae) Extracts on some Dermatophytic Fungi

Ficus sycomorus L is a large, semi-deciduous spreading savannah tree that belongs to the family (Moraceae) is used by many tribes in the treatments of skin infections. The aim of this study was to carry out phytochemical analysis and antifungal evaluation of F. sycomorus L. stem and leaf Methanol extract on some dermatophytic fungi. The stem and leaf crude extracts were obtained after drying using maceration and percolation with methanol as the solvent. The extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening as well as GC-MS analysis for the presence of bioactive constituents. The antifungal inhibitory effect of the crude stem and leaf extracts was assessed by agar well diffusion methods. The phytochemical screening revealed that the leaves and stem-bark contained secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugar and steroid. The GC-MS assay showed that the most prevailing compound in the methanolic stem-bark extract was 2, 9, Diazabicyclo (4, 4, 0) decane-3,10 dione, while in the methanolic leaves extract was acetic acid. The anti-dermatophytic assay of the extracts against Microsporum canis and Tricophyton tonsurans showed that the extracts inhibited the fungi with zones of inhibitions ranging from 6.33±0.47 to 24.33±0.47mm with the leaf extract exhibiting higher inhibition zones than the stem extract (p˂0.01). The study shows that both the stem and leaf methanol extract of Ficus sycomorus L possesses antifungal activity and should be considered as a potential antifungal agent in search of newer agents to address dermatophytic fungal infections

Potentiation Effects of Ficus sycomorus Active Fraction Against Permethrin-Resistant Field-Population of Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae).

Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes is increasing amidst growing cases of global malaria, leading to high fatality in mostly Africa. To overcome the resistance as well as environmental effects of the synthetic insecticides, preliminary insecticidal and botanical potentiating effects of sub-lethal concentration (LC25) Ficus sycomorus active fraction (AFFS) and its synergistic potential with standard insecticide permethrin were evaluated against malarial vector Anopheles coluzzii (Coetzee & Wilkerson) populations. The glutathione-S-transferase (GST) inhibitory activity of the AFFS was also investigated compared to standard GST inhibitor, diethyl meleate (DEM). The WHO standard protocol for adult bioassay was used to expose the adult mosquitoes with sub-lethal concentration (LD25=0.49 mg/ml) of the plants' active fraction and permethrin (0.75%). The permethrin susceptibility screening result showed high level of resistance to permethrin in the field populations of A. coluzzii from Kano with 50.29 ± 2.14% average mortality after exposure to WHO diagnostic dose 0.75% permethrin. Post hoc Fisher's exact test showed that combination of sub-lethal concentration of AFFS with permethrin (mortality=73.02±12.10%; p=0.00352; RR=0.6923 and 95% CI = 0.5358-0.8946) was statistically significant, while the combination of sub-lethal concentration of AFFS with DEM showed no statistical difference (mortality=63.22±5.03; p=1; RR=0.6667 and 95% CI=0.4470-0.8438). This potentiation effect was signified to be additive effects with co-toxicity factor (CTF) of - 12.66. There was significant reduction of GST activities in the AFFS- and permethrin -exposed groups compared to unexposed populations of A. coluzzii (p < 0.05). The AFFS additively potentiate the permethrin activities by inhibiting GSTs, bio-transformational enzymes implicated in pyrethroids resistance. This study finding generally signifies the potential for bio-rational insecticide approach for malarial vector control.

IN VITRO ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITY OF LEAVE PETROLEUM ETHER EXTRACT OF FICUS SYCOMORUS PLANT

In vitro anti-malarial activity of petroleum ether extracts of Ficus sycomorus leaves was investigated using Candle Jar method. The extractions were carried out through activity guided fractionation. Petroleum ether extract has the highest activity, at the concentration of 1mg and 0.5mg with percentage growth inhibition of (33.12 and 31.9%) respectively. These results suggest that the leaves of Ficus sycomorus plant have significant antimalarial activity and that the antiplasmodial agents might be as a result of the extract fractionated using the petroleum.

Evaluation of haematology and serum biochemistry of weaner rabbits fed diets containing Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa leaf meals

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying levels of Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa leaf meals based diets on the haematology and serum biochemistry of weaner rabbits. Twenty rabbits of mixed breed and sex were allotted to four treatments with each treatment consisting of five rabbits per treatment. The treatments consisted of diets with zero forage (T; control), 5% Ficus sycomorus leaf meal (T), 5% Parkia biglobosa leaf meal 1 2 (T) and 2.5% Ficus sycomorus + 2.5% Parkia biglobosa leaf meals (T) in a completely 3 4 randomized design. The diets were iso-nitrogenous and the trial lasted for eight weeks. Haematological parameters measured were PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC whereas total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea and cholesterol were the biochemical parameters measured. Result of the study showed that Ficus sycomorus and Parkia biglobosa leaves were high in DM, CP, CF, fat and ash contents (94.50% and 92.30%, 18.66% and 19.60%, 9.32% and 7.12%, 9.71% and 8.00%, 10.46% and 12.60%, respectively) but low in moisture (5.50% and 7.70%, respectively). It also revealed significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in all parameters evaluated for haematology [31.93 - 6 3 6 341.90% PCV, 9.50 - 12.10 g/dL Hb, (4.13 - 5.93) x 10/mm RBC, (1.71 - 5.80) x 10/mm WBC, 70.67 - 77.37 Fl MCV, 20.46 - 23.96 Pg MCH and 29.00 - 30.00% MCHC]. The values of total protein (68.00 - 74.00 g/L), albumin (34.00 - 48.33d/L), globulin (25.67 - 34.00g/L), glucose (3.67 - 4.57 mmol/L), urea (8.73 - 9.67 mg/dL) and cholesterol (1.17 - 2.60 mmol/L) obtained for biochemical parameters in the control and study animals also showed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences except for globulin. It was concluded that inclusion of Ficus sycomorus leaf meal in the diets of weaner rabbits at 5% had no adverse effect on the parameters evaluated. It was therefore, recommended that 5% inclusion level of Ficus sycomorus could be safely incorporated in the diets of weaner rabbits to meet their protein requirements as an alternative to more expensive conventional protein sources.

Thermomechanical analysis of African tannins resins and biocomposite characterization

The Daniellia oliveri, Ficus sycomorus, Butyrospermum parkii and Azadirachta indica barks tannins were extracted, used in the development of four different resins hardened with the Vachellia nilotica exudates and in the development of an unidirectional biocomposite reinforced with woven banana stalk fibers. The percentage yield of these tannins was, respectively, 29%, 46%, 40% and 35%. Their behavior and reactivity were studied using gel time and thermomechanical analysis. The F. sycomorus resin reacted well with V. nilotica as biohardener, its gel time was 600 s. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) of R1, R2, R3 and R4 resins formulations were, respectively, 2.37*103 MPa, 7.05*103 MPa, 4.62*103 MPa and 2.65*103 MPa. They degraded, respectively, at 183, 174, 139 and 165 °C. The MOE and bending strength (MOR) of each unidirectional biocomposite were, respectively, 10; 24; 18; 15 GPa and 52; 78; 66; 60 Mpa.

Human Impact on Diversity and Abundance of Baboon (Papio kindae)-edible Fleshy-fruited Trees in Miombo Forests of the Kundelungu National Park, D.R. Congo

This study approaches, from a floristic perspective, the under-researched human-primate competition for forest resources. Investigating the human impact on fruit trees edible for Kinda baboons (Papio kindae Lonnberg), we have collated dietary data on a free-ranging troop and floristic information on two forest sites of the Kundelungu National Park (KNP), Democratic Republic of Congo: the relatively intact Integral Zone (IZ) and the human-disturbed Annex Zone (AZ). Trees with DBH≥10 cm have been identified, counted and measured throughout 22 sample plots (11 per site), each measuring 1,000 m2. A total of seven woody species whose fruits are eaten by Kinda baboons were recorded. Four of them, namely the Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus L., the Mobola plum Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth, the Kudu berry Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pax and the Monkey orange Strychnos innocua Delile were found in both sites, while the Large-leaved jackal-berry Diosyros kirkii Hiern and the Buffalo thorn Ziziphus mucronata Willd. were exclusively in the IZ, and Strychnos cocculoides Baker only in the AZ. Compared to the IZ, the AZ had lower values of stem density, species richness and diversity indices, suggesting a negative human impact on baboon-edible trees, in line with our hypothesis. Moreover, as was expected, human activities decreased the abundance of larger baboon-edible fruit trees. However, the size-class distribution of P. curatellifolia depicted a reverse J-curve in the AZ. The abundant younger P. curatellifolia trees remaining in that human-disturbed site constitute an important food stock for baboons, if well preserved. These results also illustrate the critical role of rangers’ patrols, formerly more frequent (and presumably efficient) in the IZ than in the AZ of the Park. Their implications on baboons and miombo forests are discussed from both the research and conservation perspectives.

Phenolic profile, enzyme inhibition and antioxidant activities and bioinformatics analysis of leaf and stem bark of Ficus sycomorus L.

This study was aimed to determine the phenolic profile of the leaf and stem bark of Ficus sycomorus and to investigate their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties. Extracts were prepared by maceration with hexane and dichloromethane: ethanol (DE) (1:1) respectively. Phenolic content was quantitatively determined and their constituents were identified on the basis of co-chromatography with reference compounds. Results showed that the leaf displayed significant higher polyphenolic and flavonoid contents than the stem bark while the latter showed significant highest total tannin content.. The leaf DE extract exhibited significant higher antiradical activity and higher capacity to reduce Fe3+ than the stem bark DE extract. The leaf DE and stem bark hexane extracts significantly (p < 0.05) displayed the highest acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibition while the former showed significantly (p < 0.05) the highest inhibition towards tyrosinase. Regarding the enzyme inhibition effects, the bioinformatics analysis suggested that the quercetin pool could be at the basis of the observed effects. Results obtained from this study suggested that, F. sycomorus could be a rich natural source of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and enzyme inhibition properties.

A New Dihydrocoumarin from Ficus sycomorus

A phytochemical study of the fruits and leaves of Ficus sycomorus L. led to the isolation of a new dihydrocoumarin, 4-carboxylic-4-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocoumarin (1), together with ten known compounds. Moreover, the different extracts of F. sycomorus were screened for cytotoxic activity using the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The results revealed that all extracts were virtually nontoxic on the shrimps and showed LC50 values greater than 100 μg/mL.

GC-MS Analysis and Antimicrobial Spectrum of Stem Bark Extracts of Ficus sycomorus

Aim: This work investigated the gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy of methanolic extract and antimicrobial spectrum of acetone and aqueous crude extracts of Ficus sycomorus stem bark.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: Department chemistry research laboratory and microbiology laboratory, Yobe State University, Damaturu between April 2019 and August, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Pure isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysentariae, proteus spp, Pseudomonas auruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia and a fungi, Candida albicans were collected from National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State. The plant was collected and the extract was used in preliminary phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and reconstituted for antimicrobial activities testing.&#x0D; Results: The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed presence of saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycoside and tannin. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of heterocyclic members of pyrazole, imidazole, triazole, thiazole and 1, 3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis (2-hethylhexyl) ester. Acetone extract showed the greatest antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis and Shigella spp while the aqueous extract produced antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans. Both acetone and aqueous extracts of both stem bark extracts did not exhibit any activity against Escherichia coli. All the extracts were tested at 100mg/ml concentration. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) (125 – 250 mg/ml) of both extracts were higher than those of ciprofloxacin (5.0 mg/ml).&#x0D; Conclusion: There is scientific basis for the uses of F. sycomorus in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases as prescribed earlier on and stronger basis for recommendation for its cautious use for the presence of 2-ethylhexyl which could be Carcinogenic. This is first study to identify 2-ethylhexyl from F. sycomorus stem bark extract and recommend cautious use.

Wood identification of some coffins from the Necropolis of Thebes held in the collection of the Egyptian Museum in Florence

Two groups of coffins from the Necropolis of Thebes and held in the Egyptian Museum of Florence were analysed to collect information about the woods used in their construction, possible provenance and the technological features. The two groups of coffins belong to burials during the XVIII Dynasty of the New Kingdom and the XXI Dynasty of the Third Intermediate Period. The latter group comes from the well-known tomb of Bab el-Gasus. The analysis confirms that the most frequently utilised timber for the ancient Egyptian wooden coffins was Ficus sycomorus L. (sycamore fig) that was widely available locally at the time of construction. Sycamore fig wood is light and easy to process, and is the only local tree species suitable for making boards of sufficient length for the sides of coffins. Sycamore fig is used almost exclusively in the coffins from Bab el-Gasus. Here very few other woods were detected, but were all local in origin: Acacia sp., acacia; Tamarix sp., tamarisk. In contrast, the precious softwood of Cedrus cf. libani (probably Lebanon cedar) largely appears in the coffins of the New Kingdom. The comparison of the woods from the analysis of the two groups of coffins points out important differences between them. The differences may depend on the variations over time of the workmanship skills and on the higher social status of the deceased in more ancient periods. Most likely the main difference is due to the worst socio-economic situations that drastically reduced the availability of timber during the XXI dynasty period, in that geographical area of Egypt.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Ficus sycomorus fruit and leaf extracts

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Ficus sycomorus fruit and leaf extracts obtained from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Materials and Methods: Fruits and leaves of F. sycomorus were collected from the Kyrenia region of Northern Cyprus in July 2018. The leaf and fruit samples were extracted with the distilled water, methanol, ethanol, acetone and chloroform solvents (1:10 [w/v]). After evaporation, samples were suspended in methanol at the final concentration of 100 mg/mL. The antimicrobial activity of the leaf and fruit extracts was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer Disk Diffusion Method. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the extracts were determined using the methods reported by Stankovic in 2011 and Sharm and Vig in 2013. Antioxidant activity of samples was tested using free radical scavenger method. Results: The leaf extracts of F. sycomorus was active. The inhibition zone diameters ranged from 1.8mm to 13.00 mm. Fruit extracts and methanol controls showed no inhibitory effect on strains. However, bacteriostatic activity against Enterococcus faecalis was observed in fruit-water extract. The highest antimicrobial activity was shown against Staphylococcus aureus (13 mm) for ethanolic extracts at 100 mg/mL concentration. Minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) for ethanolic extract was observed starting at 25 mg/mL concentration against S. aureus. Although, no antimicrobial activiy was observed in fruit extracts, the highest 2,2-diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activiy and phytochemical content were recorded in fruit extracts. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that leaf extracts of F. sycomorus can be used as a curative agent for the treatment of S. aureus and fungal infections and may be effective against pathogenic microorganisms that are resistant to antibiotics. Antioxidant content of fruit and leaf extracts can be effective against the negative effects of free radicals.

Antimicrobial evaluation of Amyrin acetate from the stem bark of Ficus sycomorus (Moraceae)

In this study, the antimicrobial evaluation of alpha Amyrin obtained from the stem bark of ficus sycomorus was reported. Standard method was adopted for the screening of phyto-chemicals, while a combination of column and preparative thin layer chromatography lead to the compound (FA) a light yellow crystal. The compound FA showed significant inhibition on the tested organisms, E.coli (IC50 = 0.81) S. typhi (IC50= 0.84) S. aureus (IC50= 0.66) K. Pneumonia (IC50= 0.06) and was identified based on spectra evidence to contain a mixture of α-amyrin acetate.

Nutrient Release Dynamics Associated with Native and Invasive Leaf Litter Decomposition: A Mesocosm Experiment

Leaf litter contributes to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems through allochthonous inputs of carbon, nitrogen, and other elements. Here, we examine leaf litter nutrient inputs and decomposition associated with four plant species using a mesocosm approach. Native sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus L., and silver cluster–leaf Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. decomposition dynamics were compared to invasive tickberry Lantana camara L. and guava Psidium guajava L., whereby phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, and ammonium releases were quantified over time. Leaf inputs significantly reduced pH, with reductions most marked by invasive L. camara. Conductivity was heightened by all leaf input treatments, except native T. sericea. Leaf inputs significantly affected all nutrient levels monitored in the water over time, except for silicate. In particular, leaf litter from invasive L. camara drove significantly increased nutrient concentrations compared to other native plant species, whilst effects of invasive P. guajava were less statistically clear. The end weights of the leaf litter demonstrated decomposition differences among the species types, following a decreasing order of P. guajava &gt; T. sericea &gt; F. sycomorus &gt; L. camara, further suggesting high organic inputs from invasive L. camara. The study results highlight that differential leaf litter decomposition rates of four plant species can play a significant role in nutrient release, in turn altering aquatic ecosystem productivity. However, these effects likely depend on species-specific differences, rather than between invasive–native species generally. Shifting terrestrial plant communities may alter aquatic community composition, but specific effects are likely associated with leaf traits.

Non-invasive wood identification on parts of King Horemheb's ritual couches (New kingdom)

The inclusion of couches as basic artefacts of ritual use in ancient Egyptian royal tombs first emerged in the New Kingdom; these are very rare objects, and very little information is available concerning the timber used to make them. To address this knowledge gap the present paper deals with the identification of wood from parts of ancient Egyptian ritual couches from King Horemheb's tomb using reflected light microscopy as a non-invasive analytic technique. Although these couches are from a royal tomb, our results show that the four identified wood species (Cedar of Lebanon, Sycamore fig, Tamarisk and Christ's thorn) are among the most common timbers found in ancient Egypt. This confirms that the shortage of timber in ancient Egypt forced the use of the few available timbers for specific purposes, according to their properties, and led the Egyptian carpenters to use large logs from external sources, such as cedar of Lebanon, confirming trading of wood in ancient Egypt.

Isolation and Characterization of Bacteria Involved in Daniellia oliveri, Ficus sycomorus, Hymenocardia acida andTerminalia glaucescens Leaf Litter Decomposition and their Hydrolytic Enzyme Potentials

The effect of microorganisms particularly those of bacteria on litter decomposition in the tropical savannahs of Adamawa Cameroon is poorly investigated. Litter decomposition was conducted in the field on the litter of Ficus sycomorus, Terminalia glaucescens, Daniellia oliveri, and Hymenocardia acida, and the dynamic of bacterial populationas well as their enzymatic activity during degradation of leaf litters was studied. For this purpose, bacteria were isolated from the litterof these plants at the initial time (zero), 12 and 24 weeks of degradation by serial dilution method and spreading onto nutrient agar culture medium. Identification of bacteria was done under photonic microscope after Gram staining and the production of enzymes was carried out on specific media. Results indicate that: 25 bacteria were isolated from distinct phenotypic characteristics on nutrient agar. Based on morphological appearance as observed under light microscope, 24% of isolates were found to be single bacilli; 28% bacilli cluster; 16% were found to be streptobacilli and 32% diplococci. For sugar fermentation test (TSI), 20% of isolates produced gas and acidic reaction, 40% produced acidic butt reaction, while only 20% produced H2S gas ; 76% of isolates were positive to citrate utilization (SIM) test; 20% of isolates were positive to catalase production test, whereas only 20% of isolates were motile. The aforementioned study of phenotypic, microscopic and biochemical enabled identification of two genera: the genus Bacillus and the genus Micrococcus representing respectively 68 and 32% of the isolates. The genus Bacillus consisted of Bacillus cereus (41.17%, with 7 phenotypes), Bacillus megaterium (17.64%, with 3 phenotypes), Bacillus subtilus (35.29%, with 6 phenotypes) and Bacillus sp. (5.88%, with 1 phenotype). The genus Micrococcusre grouped 08 phenotypes. The relative abundance of isolates demonstrated that in all leaf litters and soils, there was a great diversity of bacterial isolates at the initial time and then a considerable decrease in this diversity during litters degradation. The genus Bacillus was generally dominant at all decomposition periods of different plant species. A total of 64% of bacteria isolates produced at least one enzyme. 36% of the isolates produced amylase, 56% produced cellulase, 40% produced esterase, 48% produced lipase, while 48 % of the isolates produced protease. This strong enzymatic activity of the isolated bacteria suggests their competences in the degradation process of leaf litter, and therefore, the interest in exploiting them in litter degradation units for an efficient production of organic fertilizer.

Isolation of Quarcetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside from the ethanol leaf extract of &lt;i&gt;Ficus sycomorous L.&lt;/i&gt; (Moracaea)

Ficus sycomorous (Sycamore fig.) Family Moraceae is a plant used in African traditional medicine to treat mental illness, dysentery, cough, diarrhea, tuberculosis and Cancer. In this research work the leaf of the plant was subjected to cold maceration using 75% ethanol. The extract was fractionated using n- hexane, chloroform ethylacetate and n-butanol. The ethylacetate fraction was subjected to column chromatographic separation and purification. Quarcetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside was isolated and the structure of the compound was elucidated by various spectral techniques such as1 and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry.&#x0D; Keyword: Ficus sycomorous, Moraceae, NMR, Quarcetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside