Concentration Of Flower Extract Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles from Cocos nucifera L. male flowers: An investigation into their potent antibacterial and anticancer efficacy

The current research focused on the production of silver nanoparticles using dichloro methane-mediated Cocos nucifera male flower extract and their minimum inhibitory concentration against ten different bacterial pathogens. C. nucifera male flowers were extracted by 100% DCM, and the phytochemicals present in this extract were studied. These plant phytochemicals act as reducing agents to reduce the silver nitrate (AgNO3) to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) which was confirmed by UV/Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infra-red spectrum, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The 15 µL of silver nanoparticles was the minimum inhibitory concentration for Klebsiella pneumonia and Bacillus subtilis. The 20 µL of silver nanoparticles is the MIC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio harveyi, and Plesiomonas shigelloides. 30 µL of plant flower extract concentration highly inhibits the E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella paratyphi, Vibrio mimicus, and Vibrio alginolyticus bacterial pathogens. C. nucifera male flowers extract derived silver nanoparticles are highly stable and have high potential activity against MCF-7 Cell line.
 KEY WORDS: Cocos nucifera, Nanoparticles, Phytochemicals, Antimicrobials, Bacterial pathogens, MCF 7 Cell line
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 715-724. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.13

Identification, evaluation the source of natural bioactive compounds from Calotropis gigantea l. flowers and their anticancer potential

BackgroundIn the intensified search to derive biologically active compounds from natural products for various health care issues, attention is focused on non-edible plant sources. Among the wild plants, Calotropis [milk weeds] of the family Apocynaceae, are the repository of pharmaceutically active phytoconstituents. The flowers of C. gigantea are expected to be rich in bioactive compounds. MethodsThe bioactive compounds and in vitro anticancer activity of C. gigantea flower extract were investigated. The compounds in the extract were separated using GC–MS and confirmed their structures with NIST (National Institute of Standard and Technology) database. The cytotoxicity of flower extracts against A-549 lung cancer cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay. Among the six identified compounds, three biologically active compounds with short retention time and abundance were chosen for molecular docking for anticancer activities. Molecular docking using the software GLIDE version 6.5 was used to trace their interactions with the anti-lung cancer protein, IT69. ResultsThe phytochemical screening indicated the rich presence of anticancer flavonoid and phenolic compounds in the flower extract. Inhibition of cell viability and growth and morphological alterations in cells were observed when A-549 cells were exposed to different concentrations of flower extract. The highest percentage of cell death (70 %) was observed in cells exposed to 100 µg/ml concentration. Molecular docking of three identified compounds with lung anticancer protein complex, IT69 proved that Butanoic acid, 3-[(phenyl methoxy) imino] trimethylsilyl ester is a good anti-lung cancer agent. Hence for pulmonary cancer, the identified compound can intensively be tested further.

Evidence of antagonism in vitro and in vivo of extracts from Banisteriopsis laevifolia (A. Juss) B. Gates against the rice blast fungus

Rice blast is a common disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae which affects rice production worldwide, including Brazil. To reduce the use of harmful pesticides, sustainable control options are necessary for managing rice blast. One possible option is to use plant extracts because they produce secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting the pathogen and controlling the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers from Banisteriopsis laevifollia, a native Brazilian plant, to antagonise M. oryzae. In vitro antifungal activity assays were carried out, in which mycelium growth reduction, conidia germination, and appressorium formation of M. oryzae were evaluated. In addition, in vivo assay for suppression of leaf blast severity by extracts was done. We also explored the identification of secondary metabolites from ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers by HPLC–HRMS. Results showed that both leaf and flower extracts inhibited mycelial growth in 21.72% and 30.49%, respectively, due to the inhibition of ergosterol production. Additionally, both extracts inhibited melanin production in the mycelium of M. oryzae by inhibiting tyrosine production. Both leaf and flower extracts significantly inhibited conidia germination and appressorium formation. Furthermore, rice leaves treated with the extracts suppressed by 18.17% and 18.97% leaf blast severity, with the 1.00 mg/mL concentration of flower extract and 0.75 mg/mL concentration of leaf extract, respectively, showing the most significant reduction of leaf blast. The extracts contain phenolic compounds, including 2,3,7,8-tetrahydroxy-chromeno-(5,4,3)-chromene-5,10-dione, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyran-3,5,7-triol, 3,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, 3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavanone, 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone, 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone -3-O-glucoside, and 3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone-3-O-rutinoside, which are likely responsible for the antifungal activity of the extracts. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of plant extracts as a sustainable alternative for the management of rice blast.

Clove Flower Extract (Syzygium aromaticum) Has Anticancer Potential Effect Analyzed by Molecular Docking and Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT)

Various anticancer medications have been discovered due to advances in the health care industry, but they have undesirable side effects. On the other hand, anticancer drugs derived from natural sources have low side effects, making them excellent for cancer therapy. This study aims to evaluate the effect of clove flower extract (Syzygium aromaticum) as a potential anticancer agent by determining grid-score values using molecular docking and LC50 values using the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT) technique. As animal models, three hundred larvae of Artemia salina leach were divided into six groups. Each group has ten larvae that have undergone five replications. The clove flower extract concentration in the treatment media was 50 ppm (T1), 250 ppm (T2), 500 ppm (T3), 750 ppm (T4), 1000 ppm (T5), and 0 ppm (seawater) as the control. The probit analysis of Artemia Salina leach mortality percentage data. The results indicated that the clove flower extract (Syzygium aromaticum) is harmful to larvae with LC50 values of 227,1 g/ml or in the equation y = 2,8636 x – 1,7466 with an R2 value of 0.9062. According to molecular docking, eugenol acetate (grid-score −42.120834) has a close relationship with the cognate enzyme nitric oxide synthase (3E7G) based on its proximity to the grid score value (grid-score −61.271812). Therefore, clove flower extract has the potential to act as an anticancer medication. Based on the grid-score proximity, eugenol acetate is close to the homologous enzyme nitric oxide synthase (3E7G). Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase also shows a reduction in cancer cell proliferation.

Development of MgO nanoparticles via green synthesis at varying concentrations of precursor and mahua flower extract

Green synthesis process has been developed to produce MgO nanoparticles using wet chemical method. In this process, Madhuca longifolia (M. longifolia) flower extracts has been used as a reducing and stabilizing agent and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate is used as a metal precursor. This study exhibits the effect of varied concentrations of metal precursors and flower extracts on the shape and size of the MgO nanoparticles. FTIR, UV vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDS and HRTEM analysis have been carried out to identify the functional groups involved in the reduction process, confirmation of MgO nanoparticles, morphological and elemental analysis of the MgO nanoparticles respectively. The results confirmed the presence of spherical MgO nanoparticles decorated over the surface of MgO microclusters. It is observed that the varying concentration of flower extracts and precursor have a profound effect on morphology of the nanoparticles resulting in the decrease in cluster size with the increase in extract concentration. The nanoparticles were also tested for the presence of antibacterial activity against the bacterial species of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Green chemistry method prepared effective copper nanoparticles by lemon flower (citrus) extract and its anti- microbial activity

Green chemistry method is a toxic less Development of metal nanoparticle towards ecofriendly biosynthesis process for various applications. In the present investigation, we fabricated the Copper Nanoparticles using a lemon plant and its family name RUTACEAE). Copper sulphate (CuSO4) was used as precursor for the formation of copper Nanoparticles by using flower extract of lemon. The physico chemical characterization of copper nanoparticle were analysed by XRD, SEM and DRS study. The SEM results show that the copper Nanoparticles are aggregated cross rectangle/spherical shape morphology. The optical characterization was carried out using UV – Vis analysis. The results are showed that the optimum concentration of flower extract is important for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles. The as prepared Copper nanoparticle have the efficient ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms.

The Effect of Hibiscus Flower Extract (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) on the Growth of Streptococcus sanguinis Bacteria

According to the data of Global Burden Disease in 2016, periodontal disease is the 11th disease suffered by 750,487 people worldwide. Gingivitis occurs due to dental plaque formation. A half of bacterial plaque populations are Streptococcus sp. Streptococcus sanguinis is a predominant bacterial that initiates plaque formation. The adherence of this bacteria is mediated by fimbriae, pilus protein, lipoprotein, and glucosyltransferase enzymes. Hibiscus flower has a potential as an antimicrobial agent that may inhibit plaque formation due its active component i.e. flavonoid, tannins, and saponin. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flower extract concentration on the growth of Streptococcus sanguinis. Wells diffusion method was used in this study, using 100 μl bacterial suspension of 1,5 x 108 CFU/ml of bacteria. Hibiscus flower extract (2%, 4%, 6%), chlorhexidine 0,12% as a positive control, and distilled water as a negative control were added in the agar wells. The results showed that all concentrations (2 %, 4%, 6 %) of Hibiscus flower extract higher significantly compared to negative control. The concentration of 4% and 6% are higher ;significantly compared to positive control. The largest inhibitory zone was at a concentration of 6% (6,35±0,09 mm) and the smallest inhibitory zone was at a concentration of 2% (2,51±0,12 mm). The conclusion is that the concentration of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. flower extract affects the growth of Streptococcus sanguinis.

Mahua flowers (Madhuca sp.) utilization as a carbon-rich natural substrate for the cost-effective bench-scale production of fumaric acid

Fumaric acid is a multi-functional bio-based organic acid that is extensively used as a building block compound in chemical synthesis, food preservative and as therapeutics. The substrates required for the production are the sugars that account for 50–60% of the total process economics. The present work explores the utilization of Mahua flowers as a cheaper carbon source and low cost production medium for cost-effective fumaric acid production using Rhizopus oryzae. Various process parameters for fumaric acid production and desired fungal morphology were investigated, including Mahua flower extract concentration, fermentation temperature, fermentation pH and agitation speed. The highest concentration of the product, fumaric acid obtained in shake flask was 23.5 ± 0.9 g/L at optimized conditions of 100 g/L of Mahua flower extract medium, pH 6, 30 ℃ temperature and shaking speed of 200 rpm in 72 h. The pellet morphology resulted in higher production than mycelial clumps. Bench-scale production in stirred tank reactor resulted in 24.1 ± 1.0 g/L of fumaric acid production at an aeration rate of 1 vvm, agitation at 200 rpm and temperature of 30 ℃. The results obtained were comparable to fermentation with pure glucose. The present study evidently reveals the feasibility of carbon-rich, low cost, abundantly available natural substrate for cost-effective fumaric acid production.

Investigation of the impact on the antioxidant capacity and Flavonoids components of different drying methods for Sophora japonica L.

To develop the optimal drying method for the processing of Sophora japonica L., three approaches including freeze-drying, air-drying and oven drying were investigated. The water contents in dried Sophora flower samples treated using different drying methods were compared. The total amounts of Flavonoids in methanol extracts of dried Sophora flower were measured using UV-vis spectrophotometer, and the amounts of Rutin were measured using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The antioxidant capacity of extract of oven dried Sophora flower was determined by three different antioxidant assays, including measurement of clearance ability for DPPH, clearance ability for free hydroxyl radical and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. In our research, freeze-drying method demonstrated a minimal impact on the morphology, color, smell and other features of Sophora flower, and the freeze-dried Sophora flower reserved the highest value of total Flavonoids component amount. However, Sophora flower dried in the oven had the lowest water content and highest Rutin amount. In addition, oven dried Sophora flower could be stored easily and had less loss of the active components. Sophora flower has been demonstrated to be antioxidant in chemical reactions. In the measurement of clearance ability of DPPH, the clearance activity was positively correlated to Sophora flower extract concentration. In terms of clearance ability for free hydroxyl radical, the antioxidant capacity of Sophora flower extract increased with the increase of its concentration in the low concentration range, while after exceeding a certain concentration, clearance activity reduced with the increase of concentration. In FRAP assay, the total antioxidant capacity of Sophora flower extract first decreased as concentration increased when concentration was below 0.2 mg/mL, but then increased with the concentration after exceeding 0.2 mg/mL. In conclusion, oven drying method could be applied in the processing of Sophora flower. Sophora flower possesses good antioxidant capacity and this could be the theoretical basis for using it in the production of health products.

The Effect of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Flowers Extract on the Apoptosis of Fibroblast Proliferation in Keloids

BACKGROUND: Keloid is a benign fibroproliferative dermal disorder as a result of dysregulation wound healing process in susceptible individuals. The pathogenesis is not clearly known yet, but upregulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was found to have a significant role in inducing hyperproliferation of fibroblast cells. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) flower extract has been found to have high content of polyphenols. Some studies have shown inhibition effect of H. sabdariffa polyphenols extract on TGF-β1, and as result affects fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, roselle flower extract might have a significant role in the prevention of keloid formation.
 AIM: The objective of the study was to determine the effect of roselle flower extract on fibroblast cells proliferation in human keloid.
 METHODS: An experimental controlled trial of 10 different concentrations (1.96 μg/ml, 3.91 μg/ml, 7.81 μg/ml, 15.63 μg/ml, 31.25 μg/ml, 62.50 μg/ml, 125 μg/ml, 250 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml, and 1000 μg/ml) of roselle (H. sabdariffa L.) flower extract was done on cultured fibroblast cells originated from human keloid biopsied tissue. Tunnel assay was done to evaluate the apoptosis rate of the cultured fibroblast cells on each concentration. Determination of TGF-β1 titer of the cultured human keloid fibroblast cells in and cytotoxicity assay of the extract on cultured normal human fibroblast cells in each concentration were done with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. All the assays were done in triple repetition. Statistical analysis using linear regression test was done to determine the association between the concentration of roselle flower extract with apoptosis rate and TGF-β1 titer. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the results of cytotoxicity assay.
 RESULTS: Apoptosis rate of the cultured fibroblast cells was found to be increased dose dependently with roselle flower extract concentration (r2 = 0.797; p < 0.05). TGF-β1 titer was inversely related with the extract concentration (r2 = 0.501; p < 0.05). Cytotoxicity assay revealed that no differences in absorbance value and viability cells were found in each concentration.
 CONCLUSION: Roselle (H. sabdariffa L.) flower extract was found to induce apoptosis of the cultured fibroblast cells and reduction of TGF-β1 titer in dose-dependent pattern, without cytotoxicity effect against human fibroblast cells.

Alfa-Glucosidase inhibitory and antioxidant activity of hexane extract of flowers, leave and stems of Haplophyllum acutifolium DC. and Ferula haussknechtii Wolff ex Rech.

Background:α-Glucosidase Inhibition can significantly prevent glucose uptake after meal, and helps in controlling of some adverse effects in diabetics. So determination of α-Glucosidase inhibitory effect and antioxidant activity of the Haplophyllum acutifolium and Ferula haussknechtii aerial organs was the aim of this study.Methods:Inhibitory effect of hexane extracts from different organs was investigated in several concentrations at 405 nm wavelength using a microplate reader. Antioxidant activity of hexane extracts of various organs was also measured using DPPH and iron reduction tests. Results;The highest inhibitory activity of F.haussknechtii was observed at the 0.1 g/ml concentration of flower extract (100% inhibition and IC50= 0.1 μg /ml) and the most inhibitory activity of H.acutifolium, was related to the 1 g/ml concentration of flower extract (100% inhibition and IC50 = 10 μg /ml) and leaf extract (100% inhibition and IC50 = 60 μg /ml). Extract of H.acutifolium flower and leaves showed Non-competitive inhibition pattern and F.haussknechtii flower showed mixed (Competitive -Non-Competitive) inhibitory pattern at 0.001 g/ml and exhibit uncompetitive inhibitory pattern at the 0.1 g/ml. The results of antioxidant potential showed EC50 for F.haussknechtii flower and H.acutifolium leaves equalled 2.37 and 0.96 mg/ml, respectively. Conclusions:The hexane extract of the F.haussknechtii flower, and H.acutifolium flower and leaf organ have a significant inhibitory effect on the activity of α-Glucosidase, DPPH free radical scavenging activities and reducing power. So they are good resources for extraction of medicinal compounds to control blood level of glucose after meal, in diabetic patients.

Applying detailed molecular/atomic level simulation studies and electrochemical explorations of the green inhibiting molecules adsorption at the interface of the acid solution-steel substrate

In the present study, the inhibition effects of Rosa damascena flower extract on the mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl environment were assessed through integrated electrochemical, morphological, and computational techniques. EIS results evidenced that by enhancing the Rosa damascena flower extract concentration in acidic media the corrosion resistance was significantly improved. After 2.5 h metal subjection to the electrolyte containing 800 ppm Rosa damascena flower extract, 90% inhibition efficiency was observed. The potentiodynamic polarization curves clarified the mixed anodic/cathodic Rosa damascena flower extract inhibition behavior in the HCl solution. SEM and AFM images taken from the surface of the steel coupons illustrated the surface heterogeneity reduction as well as corrosion resistance improvement. The inhibited samples showed high water contact angles due to the extract molecules adsorption at the steel/solution interface. The experimental outcomes were best fitted by Langmuir isotherm, pointing to a mono-layer adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the iron substance. Besides various experimental analyses, the computational tools at electronic/atomic levels based on quantum mechanics and molecular simulations were employed for exploring the local/global molecular reactivity and adsorption tendency over the metallic substrate.

Synthesis, characterization and cellular mineral absorption of nanoemulsions of Rhododendron arboreum flower extracts stabilized with gum arabic.

To assess the cellular mineral uptake and oxidative stability of flower extract, a nanoscale gum arabic stabilized Rhododendron arboreum flower extract emulsion was formulated. Four different concentrations of flower extract (1-5%) were used for the optimization of the nanoemulsion. A significant (P < 0.05) difference was observed in average droplet size (43.51-55.87nm) of the nanoemulsion. FTIR spectrum confirmed mainly C=C, aliphatic C-H, aliphatic and aromatic galacto-proteins, and polymeric-OH groups present in nanoemulsion. Smooth type of nanoemulsion was confirmed by inverted light microscopy. Ionic strength was evaluated and significant (P < 0.05) increase in particles size was attributed, whereas significant (P < 0.05) decrease in zeta potential was observed by increased NaCl concentration. Iron and calcium showed a non-significant difference in terms of mineral bioavailability. Calcium revealed significantly higher cellular uptake (52.11%) in comparison with iron (50.25%) and zinc (45.32%) during transwell assay. Higher cellular iron uptake unveiled a satisfactory amount of ferritin content.

Use of Invasive Weed to Synthesize Shape-Tunable Gold Nanoparticles and Evaluation of their Catalytic Activities in Dye Reduction

Background: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of different sizes and shapes are very important for technological applications. They possess unique catalytic behavior under mild conditions and also they are considered catalysts of choice due to higher stability and negligible poisoning as compared to other metal nanoparticles (NPs). Objective: The main aim of the work is to synthesize GNPs using the flower extract of the harmful invasive wild growing plant, Lantana camara as a reducing and stabilizing agent under ambient conditions and use them for catalytic applications. Methods: The as-synthesized GNPs were characterized using various spectroscopic, microscopic and diffractometric techniques. UV-vis spectroscopy was used to monitor the progress of the catalytic dye reduction reactions. Results: UV-vis spectroscopic results indicated that optical properties of GNPs can be tuned by varying the concentration of extract in the reaction medium. Zeta potential measurement confirmed that the surfaces of these GNPs are negatively charged which imparts stability to the colloids. Microscopic results confirmed that varying the concentration of flower extract; size and shape of the formed GNPs can be systematically tuned. Selected area electron diffraction analysis of spherical and polygonal GNPs indicated that spherical GNPs are mainly polycrystalline in nature whereas polygonal GNPs are single crystalline.X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the formation of pure face-centered cubic gold. These GNPs showed excellent catalytic activity in the borohydride reduction of organic dye molecules. Conclusion: At higher extract concentration, spherical GNPs are formed predominantly. But when the concentration of extract is lowered, GNPs of mixed morphology are formed. Further lowering in the concentration of extract resulted in polygonal GNPs only. These gold nanoparticles can be used as an efficient catalyst for borohydride reduction of toxic organic dyes in an aqueous medium. Keywords: Gold nanoparticles, shape-tunable, Lantana camara, catalysis, waste-water, dye reduction.

Evaluation of bioactivities of Delonix regia extracts from different regions of Thailand

This research is to study bioactivity of Delonix regia flower and leaf extracts collected in Thailand. We analyzed for efficacy of free radical scavenging and found that flower and leaf extracts from Samut Prakan showed the strongest percentage of reduction with IC50 50.21 and 105.0 mg/ml, respectively. The result of evaluated phytochemicals revealed that Chon Buri’s flower extract had the highest of total phenolic and tannin contents at 200 mg GAE/g extract and 32 mg TAE/g extract, respectively. Furthermore, Samut Prakan’s flower extract had the highest flavonoid compounds at 328.5 mg QE/g extract. To examine cytotoxicity on breast cancer cell lines, we found that Samut Prakan’s flower extract had the most cytotoxicity CC50 value, 5000 µg/ml. In conclusion, we found that the flower of Delonix regia is the promising part for the further study because the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity strongly enhances when flower extract concentration is increased.

Antibacterial activity of kecombrang flower extract (Nicolaia speciosa) microencapsulation with food additive materials formulation

Kecombrang flower (Nicolaia speciosa) contains bioactive components of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, steroids, saponins, and essential oils as potential antimicrobials. The use of antibacterials in the form of essential oils has constraints; therefore microencapsulation needs to be done to prevent damage to the bioactive components. Microencapsulation can prevent degradation due to radiation or oxygen, easy-mix with foodstuffs and also slow the occurrence of evaporation. This study aimed to determine the effect of types of kecombrang extract, the concentration of microcapsules in food additives (NaCl and sucrose), and concentration of flower extract in the microcapsules. This study used Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 18 treatment combinations and two replications. Factors studied were types of kecombrang flower extract of (semi polar and polar extract), Food Additive types (sucrose and NaCl), the concentration of microcapsules in food additive (0%; 15%; 30% w /v). The results showed that polar and non-polar extract microcapsules produced antibacterial activity of 7.178 mm and 7.145 respectively of Bacillus cereus bacteria, while Escherichia coli was 7.272 mm and 7.289 mm respectively. A 30 percent microcapsule concentration provides antibacterial activity with inhibiting zone of 7, 818 mm for B. cereus and 8,045 for E.coli. Food Additive of sucrose concentrations showed that microcapsules produced tend to be more effective in inhibiting the growth of E.coli and B. cereus bacteria than that of NaCl, with each inhibition zone of 7.499 mm and 7.357 mm

Antimicrobial fabrication of cotton fabric and leather using green-synthesized nanosilver

This study aims to investigate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Erigeron annuus (L.) pers flower extract as reducing and capping agent, and evaluation of their antibacterial activities for the first time. The obtained product was confirmed by UV–Vis spectrum, high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies. The optimum AgNPs production was achieved at pH 7, metal silver (Ag+ ion) concentration of 2.0mM, flower extract concentration 4%, and time 335min. In addition, the antibacterial activity of cotton fabrics and tanned leather loaded with AgNPs, commercial AgNPs, flower extract, Ag+ ion and blend of flower extract with AgNPs were evaluated against Gram-positive odor causing bacteria Brevibacterium linens and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The results showed maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) by the cotton fabrics embedded with blend of flower extract and AgNPs against B. linens. The structure and morphology of cotton fabric and leather samples embedded with AgNPs, Ag+ ion and blend of flower extract with AgNPs were examined under field emission scanning electron microscope.

Pharmacological activity, phytochemical analysis and toxicity of methanol extract of Etlingera elatior (torch ginger) flowers

Objective To elucidate its pharmacological activities and medicinal potential of extract of Etlingera elatior ( E. elatior). Methods Phytochemical screening of the flower extract was done to determine the phytochemical in the extract. The pharmacological study included the determination of antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of metabolic flower extract. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was tested against medically important bacterial, yeast and fungal strains. Apart from that, the methanolic extract of E. elatior flower was further tested in vivo toxicity using the brine shrimp lethality test. Moreover, the flower extract was qualitatively screened for their free radical scavenging activity by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. Results The extract was effective on tested microorganisms and MIC values were in the range of 1.563-50.000 mg/mL. The brine shrimp lethality test exhibited no significant toxicity (LC 50 = 2.52 mg/mL) against Artemia salina. The E. elatior flower extract with high LC 50 value signified that this plant is not toxic to humans. While the phytochemical screening of the flower extract revealed the presence of the following compounds: flavonoids, terpenoids, saponin, tannins and carbohydrates whereas, alkaloids, anthraquinone and reducing sugars were absent. The concentration of the flower extract required for 50% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC 50) were 9.14 mg/mL and 8.08 mg/mL for butylated hydroxytoluene 8.08 mg/mL. Conclusions These findings indicate that the extract of E. elatior flower possesses pharmacological properties and potential to develop natural products based pharmaceuticals products.