Flower Crude Extracts Research Articles

Extraction, Evaluation, and Formulation of Hyptis capitata Jacq. (Burunganon) Flower Crude Extract as Bactericidal Ointment

Extraction, Evaluation, and Formulation of Hyptis capitata Jacq. (Burunganon) Flower Crude Extract as Bactericidal Ointment

Leaf and Flower Extracts from the Dwarf Elder (Sambucus ebulus): Toxicity and Repellence against Cosmopolitan Mosquito-Borne Diseases Vectors.

As there has been no scientific evidence of the bioactivity of Sambucus ebulus (Adoxaceae) extracts against insects, we chemically characterized S. ebulus leaves and flowers extracted in methanol and water. The crude extracts, phenolic compounds, and amino acids isolated were tested as larvicides against the fourth-instar larvae of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae). To understand their mode of action, we evaluated the in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor effect of the crude extracts on the two mosquito larvae through a colorimetric method. Furthermore, the deterrent effect of the crude extracts against ovipositing Ae. albopictus females was assessed in the open field. Twelve phenylpropanoids and fourteen amino acids were detected in the extracts, with a prevalence of hydroxycinnamic acids and nonaromatic amino acids. The most toxic compound to Ae. albopictus larvae after 24 h was gallic acid, followed by the crude S. ebulus leaf extract; on Cx. pipiens, it was the crude flower extract. The AChE test showed higher inhibition on both mosquito species exerted by the leaf extract if compared to the flower extract, and it also deterred oviposition by Ae. albopictus females starting from the third day. The results indicated that vegetal extracts could effectively help in the integrated vector management of mosquitoes.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Pereskia bleo flowers

Pereskia bleo, belongs to the Cactaceae family has been traditionally used for treating various diseases. This study aimed to determine the phytochemical analysis, antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content of Pereskia bleo flowers. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycoside, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, steroid, and terpenoid. The antioxidant activity test indicated that the crude extract of Pereskia bleo flowers had an average IC50 value of 6 ± 0.4359, confirming positive results in the phenolic content test. The total phenolic content of the Pereskia bleo flower crude extract was calculated as 75.295 mg/g at a concentration of 15.059 μg/ml and absorbance of 0.165. In contrast, the calculated total flavonoid content was 7.385 mg/g at a concentration of 9.477 μg/ml, suggesting the present of flavonoid compounds in the flowers of Pereskia bleo. The antibacterial activity of this sample was also tested using the disc-diffusion method against Gram-negative (Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas sp., E. coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus epidermidis) bacterial strains. The collected data showed that both 100 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml sample concentrations exhibited potent activity against Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas sp.

Efficacy of phytochemical-functionalized silver nanoparticles to control Flacherie and Sappe silkworm diseases in Bombyx mori L. larvae

Plant extracts comprise a complex mixture of numerous phytochemicals including important alkaloids and polyphenols that can reduce metal ions, and comprise unsaturated compounds such as α-linolenic and carboxylic acid that acts as stabilizing agents in the greener assembly of nanomaterials. The present study demonstrates the role of phytoconstituents from flowers of Tridax trilobata (T. trilobata) in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) that investigates their effects on the growth and development of the silkworm Bombyx mori L. besides controlling the occurrence of Flacherie and Sappe microbial diseases. FTIR and 13C NMR spectral studies confirmed the in situ role of phytochemicals from the flower extract responsible for the reduction of silver ions to AgNPs with crystalline structure, which is confirmed by XRD analysis. Compared to pure alkaloids and polyphenols, AgNPs synthesized with crude flower extract displayed synergistic antibacterial activity against Flacherie and Sappe microbial strains such as B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, B. cereus, Aerobactercloacae, and S. typhi. Furthermore, AgNPs prevented the growth of biofilms in a concentration-dependent manner and an increase in inhibition is observed with concentration augmentation from 0 to 50 µg/mL. In addition, the biosynthesized AgNPs increased the feeding efficiency and improved the body weight and shell weight of Bombyx mori L. larvae, pupae, and cocoons. Overall, this integrated study found that AgNPs were effective in reducing Flacherie and Sappe disease caused by the consumption of bacterially contaminated mulberry leaves, thus improving the survival rate of Bombyx mori L. and eventually improving the crop yield through insights into the anti-biofilm activity of phytochemical-adorned AgNPs.

In vitro and in silico analysis for elucidation of antioxidant potential of Djiboutian Avicennia Marina (Forsk.) Vierh. phytochemicals

The present work aims to study the phytochemical composition, the antioxidant capacity of the crude extracts, and the fraction of extract giving the best antioxidant activity of Avicennia marina. The leaves contain high TFC compared to other parts of the plant, whereas fruits have the highest amount of TPC. Fat-soluble pigments are strongly present in the leaves of Avicennia marina i.e. β-carotene, lycopene, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b. The crude methanolic flower extracts showed strong DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 0.30 and 0.33 mg/mL respectively compared to the leaf and stem methanolic extracts for the DPPH and ABTS models with a value IC50 greater than 1 mg/mL. The crude fruit extract shows good activity with the ABTS model, unlike the DPPH model whose IC50 values are 0.95 and 0.38 mg/mL, respectively. Fractionation improved the antioxidant effect of crude flower extract. The ethyl acetate fraction exhibits the best antioxidant activity for both DPPH and ABTS methods with IC50 values of 0.125 and 0.16 mg/mL. The HR–LCMS/MS led to the identification of 13 compounds: 6 flavonoids and 7 iridoid glycoside compounds in the different parts of the plant. A bioinformatics study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the three major Iridoid glycosides towards the target protein Catalase compound II through free binding energy. Out of these three iridoid glycosides, compound C10 does not represent any toxicity, unlike C8 and C9 which showed an irritancy effect. Furthermore, molecular dynamics shows good stability of the C10–2CAG complex. Highlights Extraction and fractionation of different part (leaf, stem, flower and fruit) of Avicennia marina. Botanical description and phytochemical analysis of crude extract methanolic. Investigation by HR-LCMS characterization of polyphenols and iridoid glycosides. Evaluation the antioxidant activity of crudes extracts methanolics by two methods in vitro DPPH and ABTS. Antioxidant activity of the fraction of the crude flower extracts presenting the best biological response. Evaluate the contribution of three major compounds 2′-Cinnamoylmussaenosidic acid, 10-O-[E-Cinnamoyl]-geniposidic acid and 10-O-[(E)-p-Coumaroyl]-geniposidic acid in the ethyl acetate fraction on the antioxidant activity through docking and dynamic molecular. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

RP-HPLC-based phytochemical screening of different polyphenolic compounds from floral extract of four species of Saraca L. (Leguminosae)

BackgroundSaraca L. is one of the treasures throve of medicinally important plants in Indian subcontinent with its four species among which two are naturally distributed. It is one of the important resources of highly active phytochemicals due to which it proclaims a legendary position from ancient medicinal practices to modern ages. The crude extracts of flowers of four species were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus in petroleum benzene, ethyl acetate and 90% methanol sequentially. RP-HPLC (reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography)-based analysis of the presence of different phytochemicals using 15 different polyphenolic phytochemical standards was done to assess and quantify different phytochemicals.ResultsRP-HPLC-based evaluation revealed the presence different polyphenolic compounds like catechins, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, t-cinnamic acid, anthrol, p-coumaric acid, biochanin A, etc., in a considerable amount which is very crucial for the phytomedicinal field. The correlations of the presence of known phytochemicals give a basis of phytochemical correlation among the four species. The RP-HPLC chromatographic data were applied to develop the complete phytochemical coding according to the complete set of chemicals found among the species to evaluate phytochemical correlation among them in a different way. This application also produces strong evidence of distinguishing features of S. indica and S. asoca that were considered as same species by some traditional taxonomy.ConclusionExtracts of S. thaipingensis contain highest amount of polyphenolic compounds, and the lowest amount was found in S. declinata. The phytochemical relations among S. asoca and S. declinata are high, and S. indica also has close relations with them, but S. thaipingensis has distinct divergence.

Silver Nanoparticles Formulation of Flower Head's Polyphenols of Cynara scolymus L.: A Promising Candidate against Prostate (PC-3) Cancer Cell Line through Apoptosis Activation.

Cynara scolymus L. (Family: Compositae) or artichoke is a nutritious edible plant widely used for its hepatoprotective effect. Crude extracts of flower, bract, and stem were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity and phenolic content. The flower crude extract exhibited the highest phenolic content (74.29 mg GAE/gm) as well as the best in vitro antioxidant activity using total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FEAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhyazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays compared with ascorbic acid. Phenolic fractions of the crude extracts of different parts were separated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography HPLC-DAD analysis. The silver nanoparticles of these phenolic fractions were established and tested for their cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity. Results showed that silver nanoparticles of a polyphenolic fraction of flower extract (Nano-TP/Flowers) exhibited potent cytotoxicity against prostate (PC-3) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 0.85 μg/mL and 0.94 μg/mL, respectively, compared with doxorubicin as a standard. For apoptosis-induction, Nano-TP/Flowers exhibited apoptosis in PC-3 with a higher ratio than in A549 cells. It induced total prostate apoptotic cell death by 227-fold change while it induced apoptosis in A549 cells by 15.6-fold change. Nano-TP/Flowers upregulated both pro-apoptotic markers and downregulated the antiapoptotic genes using RT-PCR. Hence, this extract may serve as a promising source for anti-prostate cancer candidates.

Phytochemical Investigation, Antioxidant Properties and In Vivo Evaluation of the Toxic Effects of Parthenium hysterophorus.

Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a poisonous Asteraceae weed. The phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and cytotoxicity of Parthenium hysterophorus L. flower extract were evaluated in this study, and the toxic effects were assessed in rabbits. The HPLC-DAD system was used for phytochemical analysis. The hemolytic and DPPH assays were performed. The effects of orally administering the flower crude extract to rabbits (n = 5) at four different doses (10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) for ten days on hematological and biochemical parameters were investigated. The crude extract of the flower contained phenolic compounds such as Gallic acid, Chlorogenic acid, Ellagic acid, and P Coumaric acid, which were detected at different retention times, according to the HPLC results. With a sample peak of 4667.475 %, chlorogenic acid was abundant. At concentrations of 80 µg, the methanolic extract of flowers had total phenolic contents (89.364 ± 4.715 g GAE/g) and total flavonoid contents (65.022 ± 2.694 g QE/g). In the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, 80 µg of extract had the highest cell inhibition of 76.90% with an IC50 value of 54.278 µg/µL, while in the hemolytic assay 200 µg of extract had the highest cell inhibition of 76.90% with an IC50 > 500. The biochemical and hematological parameters were altered in the flower extract-fed groups as compared to the control (p < 0.05). The toxic effects on the blood, liver, and kidneys were confirmed. The findings also confirmed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid content in the flower extract, both of which contribute to the plant’s antioxidant potential.

A mechanistic study on the inhibition of bacterial growth and inflammation by Nerium oleander extract with comprehensive in vivo safety profile

BackgroundNerium oleander (L.) is well known traditionally used medicinal plant with several pharmacological activities. However, the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo toxicity potential of floral parts of this plant are not reported. Therefore the present study was designed to investigate these activities of Nerium oleander ethanolic flower extract (NOEE) in different animal models.MethodsAntimicrobial activity of plant extract was compared with five different antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The time-killing kinetic assay and bacterial killing mechanism of NOEE were also performed. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using granuloma induced by cotton-pellet, rat paw edema induced by carrageenan and levels of different inflammatory biomarkers on healthy Wistar rats. The protein and mRNA expressions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were also measured. Acute (14 days) and sub-acute (28 days) oral toxicity studies were also performed on healthy Sprague Dawley rats.ResultsNOEE produced highly significant (P < 0.005) and significant (P < 0.05) zones of inhibition at 30 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL respectively against most of the tested bacterial strains. NOEE produced a more drop in viable counts of Gram-negative isolates within 20 min. After 12 h exposure with NOEE, the SEM images of MRSA showed the destruction of cell membrane. NOEE showed highly significant (P < 0.005) anti-inflammatory activity in cotton-pellet and carrageenan inflammatory models. In addition, treatment with NOEE also decreased the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1β in the rat paw after treated with carrageenan. Similarly, NOEE also suppressed the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-1β, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expressions. It is also showed highly significant reduction in total leukocyte count (73.09%) and C-reactive protein levels (54.60%). NOEE also inhibited COX-1, COX-2, 5-LO and 12-LO in a highly significant manner. Moreover, acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of NOEE in rats confirm the toxicity with hepatotoxicity at higher doses (2000 mg/kg) i.e. four times greater than the therapeutic dose.ConclusionIt is concluded that crude flower extract of N. oleander is a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent with no toxicity potential at therapeutic doses.

Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Commelino nudiflora as Sensitizer

Natural dyes extracted from the leaves and flowers of Commelino nudiflora was utilized as sensitizer in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by using a solvent system of distilled water, methanol and M HNO3 in the ratio 10: 9: 1. Also, the crude extract was purified to obtain anthocyanins from the leaves and flowers. Optical characterizations of the dyes were conducted by using UV-vis absorption and electrical characterization was determined using a solar simulator. Optical absorption for the crude extracts indicates an absorption in the visible range (400 nm) with the leaves extract showing better absorbance. Optical absorption for the purified extracts indicates the leaves extract has better absorbance though they show similar pattern. The crude flower extract has the highest efficiency of 0.00389 %. The characteristics of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has been simulated using MATLAB based on TiO2 by modifying the internal parameters. The simulated results show that the crude and purified extracts for the leaves showed a better power conversion efficiency in comparison to the flower extracts.

Performance Simulation of Ipomoea involucrata Dye Extracts for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using crude and purified extracts from Ipomoea involucrata leaves and flowers. The crude extract was obtained using a solvent system based on the combination of distilled water, ethanol and nitric acid. Furthermore, the purified extract comprising anthocyanins was obtained from the crude extracts. In order to study, the effectiveness of the dye, optical and electrical characteristics was determined using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer and solar simulator respectively. The highest power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 0.00412% and 0.00234% was obtained for crude and purified extracts respectively. Also, optical absorbance examined indicate similar absorption pattern for the crude extracts as well as purified extracts. A distinctive peak between 500 and 550 nm was observed for the crude flower extract. The widespread availability of these plants and ease of extraction of the extracts make them useful as absorbers in DSSCs. Consequently, simulation to determine the performance of the extracts was established using MATLAB.

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Hyperlipidemic and Anti-Oxidant Activity of Flower Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of Hagenia Abyssinica (Rosaceae).

BackgroundThe flower of Hagenia abyssinica (Rosaceae) has been used in traditional health systems to treat diabetes mellitus in Ethiopia and Tanzania. However, the antidiabetic activity of this medicinal plant is not scientifically validated and authenticated. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-diabetic activity of flower crude extract and solvent fractions of Hagenia abyssinica.MethodsThe in vitro α–amylase inhibition and antioxidant activity of the crude extract and solvent fractions of Hagenia abyssinica were evaluated by using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) and diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay model, respectively. Blood glucose lowering activity of 80% methanolic flower crude extract and solvent fraction was studied in four animal models: normoglycemic mice model, oral glucose loaded mice model, single dose-treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model, and repeated dose-treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model. The effect of the crude extract and solvent fraction of Hagenia abyssinica on diabetic lipid profile and body weight was also studied.ResultsThe acute toxicity study of Hagenia abyssinica flower extract did not show mortality in the animals at the limit dose of 2g/kg during the observation period. The result of α–amylase enzyme inhibition activity was found in a dose-dependent manner, the strongest activity was shown by ethyl acetate fraction (54.23% inhibition at 800 μg/mL) compared to the standard acarbose having 91.87% inhibition at 800 μg/mL. Among these extracts, the crude extract had the highest antioxidant activity (58.38% inhibition at 500 μg/mL). The crude extract of H. abyssinica showed significant blood glucose-lowering effect on normoglycemic mice and oral glucose loaded mice. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model, the crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose level after 14 days of treatment. There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. However, there were significant increments in body weight and high-density lipoprotein as compared to untreated diabetic mice.ConclusionThe result demonstrated the beneficial biochemical effects of Hagenia abyssinica extract by inhibiting α–amylase, scavenging diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and improving serum lipid profile levels. The flower crude extract and solvent fractions of Hagenia abyssinica are effective in lowering blood glucose levels in diabetic and normoglycemic mice. The claimed traditional use as antidiabetic has scientific ground.

In Vivo Evaluation of Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of 80% Methanol Crude Flower Extract of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel in Mice.

Background Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel (Rosaceae) is distributed in the highlands of Ethiopia. The flowers of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel are used traditionally to treat wound. However, there was no scientific report on wound healing activity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. Thus, this study was initiated to investigate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of 80% methanol crude extract of flowers of Hagenia abyssinica in mice. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of 80% methanol crude flower extract of Hagenia abyssinica in mice. Methods Air-dried flowers of Hagenia abyssinica were grounded and macerated three times successively by 80% methanol. The dried extract was fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. Phytochemical screening tests were performed according to established procedures. The crude extract and solvent fractions were formulated as ointments. Wound healing activity of the crude extract was evaluated using excision and incision wound models, and the wound healing activities of solvent fractions were evaluated by using the excision wound model. The anti-inflammatory activity of the 80% methanol extract of Hagenia abyssinica was evaluated using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model in mice. Result The 2000 mg/kg test dose of the 10% (w/w) crude extract ointment was safe in rats. Both the 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) crude extract ointment-treated groups showed significant wound contraction starting from the day 4th. Both 5% (w/w) and 10% (w/w) crude extract ointments showed significant (P < 0.001) increment of tensile strength compared to the negative control. The 10% (w/w) aqueous and ethyl acetate fraction ointment revealed high (P < 0.001) percentage of wound contraction. The 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg oral administration of the crude extract had significant inhibition of the paw edema in mice of carrageenan-induced inflammation. Conclusion The results of this study evidenced that both 5% w/w and 10% w/w 80% methanol extract ointment of the flowers of Hagenia abyssinica have wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of caesalpinia pulcherrima (L) swartz extract against microbes that cause dental and oral infections and determination of the total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of the plant

In Indonesia, Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L) Swartz is widely grown as an ornamental, whereas it is used as a medicinal herb in Mexico as an alternative treatment for dental and oral infections. At present, only fruit and root parts of the plant are used. The aim of this study was is evaluate the anti-microbial activity of ethanol extract of fruit, leaves, flowers and stems against microbes that cause dental and oral infections and determination of the total flavonoid and total phenolic contents of C. pulcherrima (L) Swartz. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Sterptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are microbes that cause dental and oral infections. All parts of the plant were extracted by maceration using 70% ethanol for 24 hours at 150-300C, and extracts were concentrated using a reflux method and dried over a water bath. The total flavonoid contents were determined using the aluminium chloride colorimetric assay at 415 nm. The total phenolic content was determined using Folin–Ciocalteu reagent in a 1:4 ratio at a wavelength of 750 nm using a microplate reader. Antimicrobial activity was determined by the diffusion method. The total flavonoid content was expressed as milligram quercetin equivalent (QE) per gram of plant extract. The highest total flavonoid content per gram of plant extract was found in the flowers (10.06 ± 0.08 mg QE/g), and the lowest total content was found in the leaves (0.34 ± 0.02 mg QE/g). The highest phenolic content was also found in the flowers (498.52 ± 1.96 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g), and the lowest total phenolic content was detected in the leaves (216.76 ± 1.00 mg GAE/g). A 100% crude ethanol extract of the flower and fruit parts exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria P. gingivalis, S. mutans, E. faecalis and C. albicans) that cause dental and oral infections. A 2% crude flower extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis (14.49 ± 0.465 mm), S. mutans (9.02 ± 0.607 mm), E. faecalis (9.67 ± 0.297 mm) and C. albicans (19.44 ± 0.207 mm). The ethanol extract of the flowers had the highest contents of total flavonoids and total phenols and the most antimicrobial activity against the studied compared to the other parts. This results of the present study revealed valuable information and also support the continued sustainable use of C. pulcherrima (L) Swartz in a traditional system of medicine

In vitro studies of 3-O-Methylquercetin against phytopathogenic fungi of major cereals

Maize, wheat, and rice are major cereal crops in the world, which provide more caloric energy than any other type of cereal class. In recent years, the yield of these cereal grains has stagnated due to a myriad of constraints, including infestation by pests and pathogens. Plant pathogens, especially agricultural phytopathogenic fungi, may be resistant to the available chemical fungicides which may have detrimental effects and are expensive. This study investigated whether natural products isolated from Linzia glabra Steetz of family Asteraceae could be used as alternative antifungals for control of cereal diseases caused by agricultural fungi. A single pure fraction was separated and identified from L. glabra methanolic flower crude extract using high performance liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry methods. The pure fraction isolated was tested for inhibition of spore germination in vitro against Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium verticillioides, Zymoseptoria tritici, Ustilago maydis, and Pyricularia oryzae. The fraction was identified as a flavonol, 3-O-Methylquercetin using high resolution mass spectrometry. Among the fungi tested, spores of Z. tritici were the most susceptible to 3-O-Methylquercetin (44% spore inhibition), followed by F. oxysporum (33% inhibition) at 27 μg/mL. Azoxystrobin, a standard commercialized fungicide, gave a complete inhibition of 100% against Z. tritici and 58% inhibition against F. oxysporum at 5 μg/mL. L. glabra contains flavonols with antifungal activity, but the modest and weak antifungal activity of 3-O-Methylquercetin compared to a standard such as azoxystrobin demonstrates the challenge to produce highly potent natural product fungicides. There is need for continued search for antifungals with new modes of action as solutions to challenges in agricultural production.

Cardoon-based rennets for cheese production.

The use of crude aqueous extracts of Cynara cardunculus flowers as coagulants in the production of high-quality sheep and goat cheeses-as are the cases of several Portuguese and Spanish cheese varieties with Protected Designation of Origin status-has been maintained since ancient times. The unique rheological attributes and sensory properties characteristic of these cheeses have always suggested that this plant coagulant (and, therefore, its isolated milk-clotting proteases) could be used as alternative rennet in the dairy industry, particularly suited for the production of sheep and goat cheeses. However, the lack of standardization of C. cardunculus crude flower extracts, whose quality and performance depends on numerous factors, has always hampered the application of this plant rennet in industrial production scales. To overcome these limitations, and to aim at developing more effective solutions with potential for scalability of production and commercial application, several strategies have been undertaken in more recent years to establish new cardoon-based rennets. This review provides an overview on these developments and on the currently available solutions, which range from producing standardized formulations of native cardoon enzymes, to the optimization of the heterologous production of cardosins and cyprosins to generate synthetic versions of these milk-clotting enzymes. Challenges and emerging opportunities are also discussed.

Phagodeterrence of extracts of Brugmansia candida (Solanaceae) on Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae.

Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller) is a key forest pest in Latin America and the Caribbean, where it has precluded attempts to establish commercial plantations of mahoganies (Swietenia spp.) and cedars (Cedrela spp.). In the search for methods to manage its larvae, being both preventative and cost-effective, as well as based upon resources from tropical flora, the crude flower extract of angel's trumpet, Brugmansia candida Pers., as well as four partitions thereof (water, hexane, dichlorometane, and ethyl acetate), were tested for phagodeterrence. Laboratory bioassays involved increasing concentrations of the crude extract (0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.2 and 10.0 % w/v) as well as each one of the partitions (in accordance to the yield obtained from the partitioning process). A randomized complete block design, with four replicates, was used. H. grandella instar III larvae were exposed for 24 h to Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata) leaf discs dipped into the respective treatment, after which disc consumption was measured. Strong phagodeterrence was detected at concentrations as low as 1.0 % y 0.122 % w/v for the crude extract and the hexane partitions, respectively. In addition, a single bioassay was performed to compare a single concentration (0.38 % w/v) of the alkaloid scopolamine, which reduced consumption in 90 % with respect to the controls. Also, mortality and sublethal effects were assessed in larvae exposed to the crude extract, the hexane partition and scopolamine, with no evidence for them, which confirmed their phagodeterrence. Moreover, the crude extract was submitted to a phytochemical screening by means of a number of qualitative tests, which showed that alkaloids, tannins, triterpenes and cumarins were the most important secondary metabolites. Finally, the presence of scopolamine was confirmed in both the crude extract and the hexane partition, by means of the gas chromatography-spectrometry (GC-MS) analytical method. It is recommended to prepare a formulation of scopolamine plus some adjuvants, in order to test its effectiveness under greenhouse conditions, as a first step to advance in the development of a commercial phagodeterrent.

Volatile Compounds from the Different Organs of Houttuynia cordata and Litsea cubeba (L. citriodora).

The volatile compounds obtained from the different organs of Houttuynia cordata (Saururaceae) and Litsea cubeba (Lauraceae) were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Headspace Solid Phase Micro Extraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS), and GC/olfactometry (GC/O). The major component of all parts of H. cordata is assigned as 4-tridecanone. Each organ produces myrcene as the major monoterpenoid. The major monoterpene in the rhizomes and roots was β-pinene instead of myrcene. 1-Decanal which was responsible for the unpleasant odor of this plant, was the predominant polyketide in both leaves and stems. The presence of 1-decanal was very poor in flowers, stem collected in summer, rhizomes, and roots. GC/MS analyses were very simple in case of the crude extracts of flowers. The content of sesquiterpenoids was extremely poor. (8Z)-Heptadecene, geranial, and neral were detected as the major components in Litsea cubeba. Odor-contributing components by GC/O analysis of the ether extract of the fresh flowers of L. cubeba were neral and geranial which played an important role in sweet-lemon fragrance of the flowers. The role of a high content of (8Z)-heptadecene was still unknown but it might play a significant role in the dispersion of the volatile monoterpene hydrocarbons and aldehydes. The flower volatiles of the Japanese L. cubeba were chemically quite different from those of the Chinese same species.

A Review of Pharmacognostical Studies on Moringa oleifera Lam. flowers

Moringa oleifera Lam. of the family Moringaceae, popularly called ‘miracle tree’ is a native of sub Himalayan tracts of Northern India and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Research on Moringa mainly pivoted around its leaves and seeds because of their immense nutraceutical potential but recently there is a greater interest in flowers too, mostly inspired by the positive outcomes of several pharmacognostical studies on flowers. Moringa flower is a rich reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals and crude flower extracts showed promising antibacterial, antifungal, anti larval, antioxidant, anti inflammatory and anticancer properties. This review concisely presents the various phytochemicals identified and isolated as well as the various bioassays employed to validate the therapeutic potential of flower. It is prepared after a detailed search on Google scholar. Reports on Moringa oleifera flower were sorted and tabulated based on the bioassays performed and solvents used for extraction. A grading pattern is adopted for comparing efficiency of different extracts in eliciting bioactivities. Many of these studies are at the preliminary stage but two of them present advanced mechanisms. First is the presence of a proteinaceous larvicidal compound ‘MoFTI’ in the flower capable of inhibiting larval trypsin of Aedes aegypti. The second describes flower extract’s anti inflammatory mechanism effecting via NF-KB pathway and consequent suppression of inflammatory mediators’ activation, but short of identifying lead compound/compounds behind this effect. Thus authors suggest further studies to elucidate the detailed mechanisms, identify and isolate the active compound or compounds of synergism behind the many therapeutic potential of the Moringa flower extracts.

Phytochemical Evaluation, Antibacterial Activity and Bioactive Determination

Objective: To find the antibacterial efficacy of the partially purified crude methanolic extract of Cassia alata and to characterize the active compounds responsible for the activity. Method: Using methanol as solvent, the crude extract was further subjected to qualitative, quantitative and spectral studies using GC-MS, FT- IR and UV-VIS. Findings: Active principle compounds and antibacterial efficacy of the flower extracts of Cassia alata have been examined against five bacterial strains of both positive and negative. The partially purified crude methanolic extracts show a significant response against Staphylococcus aureus , Salmonella typhi but inactive against other strains such as P. aeruginosa , E. coli, P. vulgaris . The partially purified crude flower extracts of Cassia alata , shows a remarkable minimum inhibitory concentration of 40mg/ml against S. typhi and S.aureus . However, the plant extract observed to be bacteriostatic at a very low concentration with a minimum bactericidal concentration against the Gram positive organisms tested. The partially purified extracts shows lightly above the minimum inhibitory concentration nearly potent as standard antibiotic rifampicin and the inhibition ranges from 10 to 25 mm. The spectral unveiling phytoconstituents such as fatty acid methyl esters, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, phenolics, aldehydes, aromatic compounds and alcohols can be postulated for its antibacterial efficacy of the partially purified extracts taken for this study.