Flower Extract Research Articles

Crude extract of Ruellia tuberosa L. flower induces intracellular ROS, promotes DNA damage and apoptosis in triple negative breast cancer cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRuellia tuberosa L. (Acanthaceae) is a weed plant traditionally used in folklore medicine as a diuretic, anti-hypertensive, anti-pyretic, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, analgesic, and gastroprotective agent. It has been previously reported that R. tuberosa L. is enriched with various flavonoids, exhibiting significant cytotoxic potential in various cancer models but a detailed study concerning its molecular mechanism is yet to be explored. Aim of the studyExploring and validating R. tuberosa L. flower methanolic extract (RTME) as an anti-cancerous agent as per traditional usage with special emphasis on multi-drug resistant human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and investigating the possible signaling networks and regulatory pathways involved in it. Materials and methodsIn this study, RTME was prepared using methanol, and phytochemical analysis was performed through GC-MS. Then, the extract was tested for its anti-cancer potential through in-vitro cytotoxicity assay, clonogenic assay, wound healing assay, ROS generation assay, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic nuclear morphology study, cellular apoptosis study, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) alteration study, protein, and gene expressions alteration study. In addition, toxicological status was evaluated in female Balb/C mice, and to check the receptor-ligand interactions, in-silico molecular docking was also conducted. ResultsSeveral phytochemicals were found within RTME through GC-MS, which have been already reported to act as ROS inductive, DNA damaging, cell cycle arresting, and apoptotic agents against cancer cells. Moreover, RTME was found to exhibit significant in-vitro cytotoxicity along with a reduction in colony formation, and inhibition of cell migratory potential. It also induced intracellular ROS, promoted G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, caused mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) alteration, and promoted cell death. The Western blot and qRT-PCR data revealed that RTME promoted the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Furthermore, blood parameters and organ histology on female Balb/C mice disclosed the non-toxic nature of RTME. Finally, an in-silico molecular docking study displayed that the three identified lead phytochemicals in RTME show strong receptor-ligand interactions with the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and give a clue to the possible molecular mechanism of the RTME extract. ConclusionsRTME is a potential source of several phytochemicals that have promising therapeutic potential against TNBC cells, and thus could further be utilized for anti-cancer drug development.

Chemical Variability, Antioxidant and Larvicidal Efficacy of EOs from Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Peel, Leaf, and Flower

Essential oils (EOs) from Citrus sinensis (Rutaceae) possess diverse biological activities. However, a comprehensive comparison of their chemical composition and bioactivity across different plant parts has not been studied yet. The current research comparatively assesses the yield, chemical composition, chiral distribution, antioxidant properties, and larvicidal activity of EOs extracted from the peels, leaves, and flowers of C. sinensis. EOs extracted via hydro-distillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD) were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and chiral GC-MS to explore their chemical composition and enantiomeric distribution. In addition, their larvicidal and antioxidant potentials were evaluated following standard protocols. Peels of C. sinensis exhibited significantly higher oil content (1.75–2.25%) compared to its leaves (0.75–0.78%) and flowers (0.20–0.25%). The GC-MS analysis identified around 60 compounds, including terpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and oxygenated terpenoids in the HD and SD extractions. Higher concentrations of sabinene were found in flower extract (38.05–39.89%) and leaf extract (32.30–36.91%), while peel extract contained more than 90% limonene. The larvicidal activity of peel oil was primarily attributed to limonene, with an LC50 value of 0.0031 µL/mL. The current study reports the first chiral (GC-MS) analysis in the essential oil of the leaves and flowers of C. sinensis, paving the way for authenticity and purity. Furthermore, the chemical profiling of citrus EOs, particularly from the peel, demonstrates a safe and promising candidate for diverse biological applications.

Screening of Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial activity on Flower Extracts of Morinda coreia Buch Ham.

Objectives: Morinda coreia has rich active components which has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases. Their active substance content may vary according to plant genetics, parts used,as well as to climatic factors, quality of the ground in which the plants were grown, the time of harvesting, and the extraction methods. Basically the flowers can heal the common cold, improve memory, aid relaxation due to presence of volatile oil. Flowers could be used as a new approach for the development of nutraceutical products or functional foods. The flower part of this plant are not documented. To develop and apply it, we report Pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity. Methods: The extracts were prepared by cold maceration process with aqueous and organic solvents such as ethanol and ethyl acetate. The anti-inflammatory activity were evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and the antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method. Results: The maximum zone of inhibition for Bacillus subtilis was found to be more susceptible toward the ethanolic extract (14mm) at the maximum conc. of 300µl followed by ethyl acetate (10mm) and aqueous extract (12mm). Similarly for Klebsiella pneumonia maximum inhibitory zone (13mm) followed Pseudomonas auroginosa (13mm), Staphylococcus aureus (12mm), Candida albicans was moderate sensitive towards ethanolic extract (11mm) Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Morinda coreia flower possessed high anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity than ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts on comparing with standards.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Red Frangipani Flowers (Plumeria rubra L.) on the Growth of the Bacteria Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Introduction: MRSA is an antibacterial resistance problem that requires serious treatment. The limitations of antibacterials make it difficult to treat infections. The development of alternative antibacterial is needed. Objectives: This study shows the antibacterial effect of ethanol extract of Plumeria rubra L. flowers against MRSA bacteria. Methods: This research is a true experimental research with the only post-test control group design. The Kirby-Bauer test method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of Plumeria rubra L. flowers with concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60% in triplicate. The test bacteria used MRSA ATCC 33591 bacteria. Antibacterial activity was assessed from the diameter of the inhibition zone formed in bacterial cultures on agar media. Results: The inhibition zone were not formed after ethanolic extract of Plumeria rubra L. flowers at various concentrations. These were not antibacterial activity shown from Plumeria rubra L. flowers extract at concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60%. Conclusions: The ethanolic extract of Plumeria rubra L. flowers does not show antibacterial activity against MRSA bacteria. Keywords: Red frangipani flowers (Plumeria rubra L.), antibacterial activity, MRSA.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Potential and Antibacterial Activities of Different Anatomical Parts of Hypericum cordifolium Choisy.

The genus Hypericum comprises a large number of species. The flower, leaf, stem, and root of the Hypericum species are widely used in traditional medicine in different cultures. Many Hypericum species have been well investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically. However, only a few reports are available on the H. cordifolium native to Nepal. The present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition of different extracts, qualitative analysis of methanol extract of the flower and leaf using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and the antioxidant properties of components by the TLC-DPPH. assay. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated in different extracts of the leaf and stem, and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were evaluated. In the phytochemical screening, phenolics and flavonoids were present in ethyl acetate, methanol, and 50% aq methanol extracts of both the leaf and stem. In TLC analysis, the methanol extract of flowers showed the presence of 11 compounds and the leaf extract showed the presence of 8 compounds. Both extracts contained chlorogenic acid and mangiferin. Hyperoside and quercetin were present only in the flower extract. In the TLC-DPPH. assay, almost all of the flower extracts and 5 compounds of the leaf extract showed radical scavenging potential. Estimation of phenolics and flavonoids showed that all the leaf extracts showed higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids than stem extracts. Among leaf extracts, greater amounts of phenolics were detected in 50% aqueous methanol extract (261.25 ± 1.66 GAE/g extract) and greater amounts of flavonoids were detected in methanol extract (232.60 ± 10.52 CE/g extract). Among stem extracts, greater amounts of flavonoids were detected in the methanol extract (155.12 ± 4.30 CE/g extract). In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the methanol extract of the leaf showed IC50 60.85 ± 2.67 µg/ml and 50% aq. methanol extract of the leaf showed IC50 63.09 ± 2.98 µg/ml. The methanol extract of the stem showed IC50 89.39 ± 3.23 µg/ml, whereas ethyl acetate and 50% aq. methanol extract showed IC50 > 100 µg/ml. In the antibacterial assay, the methanol extract of the leaf showed the inhibition zone of 12-13 mm and the stem extract showed the inhibition zone of 7-11 mm against S. aureus, E. coli, and S. sonnei, whereas both extracts were inactive against S. typhi. The findings of this study support the traditional use of this plant in Nepal for the treatment of diseases associated with bacterial infections. The present study revealed that the underutilized anatomical parts of H. cordifolium could be the source of various bioactive phytochemicals like other Hypericum species.

Charting the Cannabis plant chemical space with computational metabolomics

IntroductionThe chemical classification of Cannabis is typically confined to the cannabinoid content, whilst Cannabis encompasses diverse chemical classes that vary in abundance among all its varieties. Hence, neglecting other chemical classes within Cannabis strains results in a restricted and biased comprehension of elements that may contribute to chemical intricacy and the resultant medicinal qualities of the plant.ObjectivesThus, herein, we report a computational metabolomics study to elucidate the Cannabis metabolic map beyond the cannabinoids.MethodsMass spectrometry-based computational tools were used to mine and evaluate the methanolic leaf and flower extracts of two Cannabis cultivars: Amnesia haze (AMNH) and Royal dutch cheese (RDC).ResultsThe results revealed the presence of different chemical compound classes including cannabinoids, but extending it to flavonoids and phospholipids at varying distributions across the cultivar plant tissues, where the phenylpropnoid superclass was more abundant in the leaves than in the flowers. Therefore, the two cultivars were differentiated based on the overall chemical content of their plant tissues where AMNH was observed to be more dominant in the flavonoid content while RDC was more dominant in the lipid-like molecules. Additionally, in silico molecular docking studies in combination with biological assay studies indicated the potentially differing anti-cancer properties of the two cultivars resulting from the elucidated chemical profiles.ConclusionThese findings highlight distinctive chemical profiles beyond cannabinoids in Cannabis strains. This novel mapping of the metabolomic landscape of Cannabis provides actionable insights into plant biochemistry and justifies selecting certain varieties for medicinal use.

Pomegranate leaves, buds, and flowers: phytochemical, antioxidant, and comparative solvent analyzes

Punica granatum L. possesses significant nutritional and medicinal potential. Its pharmacological activities have been investigated, but no comparative evaluation has been reported regarding the effect of different extraction solvents on the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of its leaf, bud, and flower extracts. This research involved seven various solvents, namely methanol, ethanol, water, acidified methanol, acidified ethanol, acidified water, and hexane. A set of experiments made it possible to define the effect of each of these solvents on the contents of phenolics, flavonoids, flavanols, flavonols, anthocyanins, and tannins, as well as on the antioxidant activity of pomegranate leaf, bud and flower tissues. The research objective was to identify the optimal solvent for the most effective extraction of the abovementioned functional compounds. The antioxidant activity tests involved DPPH free radical scavenging, metal chelating, iron (III) reducing power, and CUPRAC assays. The aqueous extract of P. granatum leaves demonstrated the highest total phenolic content (192.57 mg GAE/g extract) while the greatest flavonoid content belonged to the acidified methanol extract of P. granatum buds (73.93 mg RE/g extract). The HPLC analysis detected such significant phenolic compounds as punicalagin in buds and flowers, as well as gallic acid in leaves. All the extracts showed good antioxidant activity; however, the bud extracts had a better antioxidant profile than the extracts from leaves and flowers. The pomegranate leaf, bud, and flower extracts demonstrated excellent phytochemical and antioxidant properties, which makes it possible to recommend these plant tissues as raw materials to be used in pharmaceutical, food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.

High Dose Sesbania Grandiflora Extract Alters Rat Kidney Electrolytes based on Insights from Indonesia

This study investigates the acute toxicity of white turi flower extract (Sesbania grandiflora) on kidney electrolyte levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Conducted at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups, receiving 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000 mg/kgBW doses. Symptoms of toxicity included lethargy and hair loss, but no deaths occurred. Despite normal macroscopic kidney observations, sodium and potassium levels significantly increased with higher doses (p=0.000). These findings suggest that high doses of white turi flower extract can affect kidney electrolytes, indicating potential toxicity. Further research is needed to assess long-term safety for medicinal use. Highlights: 1. High doses increase sodium and potassium in rat kidneys.2. Symptoms: lethargy, hair loss, no fatalities.3. Requires further research for long-term safety. Keywords: Sesbania grandiflora, acute toxicity, kidney electrolytes, sodium, potassium

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extract of Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) for potential therapeutic application

AbstractBACKGROUNDWoodfordia fruticosa is a well‐known medicinal plant traditionally used for various treatment methods. Green synthesis of silver nanocomposite with woodfordia flower extract is well‐investigated. However, the therapeutic potential of Woodfordia fruticosa leaf extract silver nanoparticles against various diseases has yet to be investigated.RESULTSSilver nanoparticles synthesized from Woodfordia fruticosa leaf extract (Wf‐AgNPs) showed UV spectral peaks at 450 nm. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, ranging from 20 to 50 nm, confirm the nanosynthesis. The average particle size of 39.63 nm with a zeta potential distribution value 17.0 was observed. Fourier transform infrared peaks ranging from 2942to 669 cm−1 confirm the amines, amides, carboxylic, aldehyde, alkane, phenolic and aliphatic bromo compounds involved in the synthesis of AgNPs. Wf‐AgNPs showed higher antioxidant activity compared to the ascorbic acid and BHT. The phenolic and flavonoid content was 141.66 ± 8.50 mg GAE/100 g dry weight and 191.66 ± 5.6 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g dry weight, respectively. Wf‐AgNPs showed a strong inverse relationship between the dose and viability of the cancer cells. The antibacterial properties of Wf‐AgNPs were confirmed through the bacteria's SEM images. Increased wound healing potential, re‐epithelization and elevation of the tensile strength of the infected skin tissue were observed after applying synthesized Wf‐AgNPs.CONCLUSIONVarious phytochemicals in the synthesized nanoparticles confer antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and wound‐curing potentiality to the Wf‐AgNPs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Cosmetic degradation: A study on body lotions with botanical extracts

Lipid oxidation is a spontaneous process in fats and, consequently, in products with significant fat content. Many cosmetics fall into this category, presenting an intrinsic relationship between the productʼs quality, oxidation capacity, and market value. This study comprehensively investigated the aging of body lotions, accentuating the role of their chemical formulations. Sensory analysis clarified that controlled temperature-induced aging significantly altered the lotions' appearance, texture, color, and, to a lesser extent, odor, hinting at the onset of rancidity. As lipid peroxidation unfolds, the emergence of secondary oxidation products like aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols becomes prominent. These secondary products indicate a potential degradation in the lotion's quality and efficacy. Quantifying the primary oxidation products was possible using methods like the quantification of Conjugated Dienes (CD) expressed in percentage and the Peroxide Index (PI) method expressed in meqO2/kg of a dry sample. On the other hand, methods such as the p-Anidisine Index (pAi) and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) with malonaldehyde (MDA) expressed as malonaldehyde concentration (mg/g of dry sample) provided the quantification of secondary oxidation products. Regarding lipid oxidation, lotions containing sunflower and soybean oils emerged as notably susceptible. Conversely, samples that demonstrated minimal oxidation, were attributed to protective elements such as Aloe barbadensis and Calendula officinalis extracts. Examining into secondary oxidation, four samples displayed the highest TOTOX values, indicating extensive oxidation. A discernible correlation was observed between TOTOX values and natural extracts' presence (or lack), underscoring their protective or exacerbating roles. Certain natural ingredients, including A. barbadensis leaf juice powder and C. officinalis flower extract, were recognized as supporters against oxidation. Yet, components like PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil can, paradoxically, seem to intensify the oxidative cascade. This research provides crucial insights into the interplay between natural extracts and lipid oxidation in body lotions. The elucidated results accentuate the necessity for judicious ingredient selection, balancing the inclusion of natural extracts to ensure product quality, longevity, and safety.

Antilipidemic and Hepatorenal Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Terminalia catappa on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Aims: Diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by glucose receptor abnormalities affecting glucose uptake, affects approximately 600 million individuals globally as of 2021. This study aimed to assess the antilipidemic and renal effects of aqueous extracts from the root bark and flowers of Terminalia catappa on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methodology: Twenty-five Albino rats weighing 160 – 300g were divided into five groups: A - normal control, B - diabetic control, C - diabetic treated with root bark extract, D - diabetic treated with flower extract, E - diabetic rats treated with glibenclimide. Diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (55mg/kg). The extracts (200mg/kg) were orally administered for 14 days, after which lipid profiles, renal and liver function tests were conducted. Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in total cholesterol, serum liver enzymes, and kidney markers in the diabetic control group compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Terminalia catappa extracts for 14 days resulted in more than 20% decrease in urea (from 18.58 Mmol/L to between 11.58 and 13.92 Mmol/L), creatinine (from 343.56 Mmol/L to between 223.94 and 266.30 Mmol/L) and uric acid (from 570.54 µmol/L to between 413.55 and 440.62 µmol/L) concentrations by more than 20%, with the root bark extract showing the most significant effect. Additionally, the Terminalia catappa extract-treated groups exhibited a substantial (around 40%) reduction in serum liver enzymes compared to the diabetic control group. The hepatoprotective capacity of the root bark extract was similar to the glibenclimide-treated group. Furthermore, the extracts led to a 3% reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins, along with a significant increase in high-density lipoproteins. Conclusion: The aqueous root bark and flower extracts of Terminalia catappa demonstrate potentials for managing diabetes mellitus at the specified dosage.

Hypoglycemic Effects of Extracts Obtained from Endemic Betonica bulgarica Degen and Neič.

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, together with the limited access of many patients to conventional antidiabetic drugs and the side effects resulting from their use, are the reason for the ever-increasing need for new agents. One of the most important strategies used in the therapy of this disease is to reduce the postprandial blood glucose level by inhibiting the carbohydrate-degrading enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The purpose of the present study was to provide in vitro evidence for the potential hypoglycemic effect of leaf and inflorescence aqueous extracts of Bulgarian endemic species Betonica bulgarica Degen and Neič. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of principal phenolic acids and flavonoids were performed using HPLC with a dual absorbance detector. The plant extracts were able to retard the enzymatic breakdown of starch to glucose with 50% inhibiting concentrations of 1.86 mg/mL and 1.54 mg/mL respectively for leaf and flower extract. Some of the plant constituents are proven inhibitors of α-amylase and/or α-glucosidase, but their adsorption on starch seems to be one additional mechanism for the inhibition of glucose release. Combination index analysis carried out with binary mixtures of acarbose and plant extracts showed a tendency toward synergism with an increase in concentrations and level of inhibition.

Attractant and repellent properties of Senna didymobotrya plant extracts to Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus

The growing challenge of acaricide resistance and geographical range expansion of invasive tick species demands other interventions, like plant-based alternatives, for sustainable tick control. Leaves, flowers, seedpods, and twig branch extracts of Senna didymobotrya were analyzed using coupled gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Response of adult Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus to extracts was evaluated. The most attractive plant extract was fractionated and ticks’ responses to its fractions assessed. Potential tick attractants in the attractive plant part extract and its fractions were identified by GC-MS analysis. Non- significant qualitative and quantitative differences were observed in the plant parts’ extract composition (R = 0.6178). Flower extracts attracted both species, with a 0.1-fold higher attraction in A. variegatum compared to the standard attraction aggregation attachment pheromone (AAAP). Leaf and seedpod extracts repelled ticks at various concentrations. Bioassays after fractionating flower extracts identified hexane and ethyl acetate fractions as most attractive to A. variegatum (P < 0.001) and R. appendiculatus (P < 0.001), respectively. Chemical analysis of the most attractive extracts and fractions identified compounds, including documented acarine attractants, squalene and linoleic acid. A squalene and linoleic acid blend (1:1) at 1 mg/mL significantly attracted adult A. variegatum (P < 0.01) and R. appendiculatus (P < 0.001). The results of this study broaden comprehension of how ticks respond to plants in nature, and showcase the promising potential for integrating these insights into effective tick management programs.

Biogenic synthesis of CuO/ZnO nanocomposite from Bauhinia variegate flower extract for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of vitamin B2

In this study, we report the preparation of bio-inspired binary CuO/ZnO nanocomposite (bb-CuO/ZnO nanocomposite) via the biological route using Bauhinia variegata flower extract following hydrothermal treatment. The prepared bb-CuO/ZnO nanocomposite was electrophoretically deposited (EPD) on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate to develop bb-CuO/ZnO/ITO biosensing electrode which is employed for the determination of vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) through electrochemical techniques. Physicochemical assets of the prepared bb-CuO/ZnO nanocomposite have been extensively evaluated and make use of different characterization techniques including powder XRD, FT-IR, AFM, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, Raman, and TGA. Electrochemical characteristics of the bb-CuO/ZnO/ITO biosensing electrode have been studied towards vitamin B2 determination. Furthermore, different biosensing parameters such as response time, reusability, stability, interference, and real sample analysis were also estimated. From the linear plot of scan rate, charge transfer rate constant (Ks), surface concentration of electrode (γ), and diffusion coefficient (D) have been calculated, and these are found to be 6.56 × 10−1 s−1, 1.21 × 10−7 mol cm−2, and 6.99 × 10−3 cm2 s−1, respectively. This biosensor exhibits the linear range of vitamin B2 detection from 1 to 40 μM, including sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) of 1.37 × 10−3 mA/μM cm2 and 0.254 μM, respectively. For higher concentration range detection linearity is 50–100 μM, with sensitivity and the LOD of 1.26 × 10−3 mA/μM cm2 and 0.145 μM, respectively. The results indicate that the bio-inspired nanomaterials are promising sustainable biosensing platforms for various food and health-based biosensing devices.

Efektivitas Biolarvasida Kombinasi Ekstrak Daun Sirsak (Annona muricata) dan Bunga Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) sebagai Pembasmi Jentik Nyamuk

This research aims to determine the effectiveness of using a biolarvicide combination of soursop leaf extract and marigold flowers as an exterminator for mosquito larvae. This research included a laboratory experiment using a completely randomized 2 factorial design. The first factor is a combination of soursop leaf extract and marigold flowers, namely, a) 75%:25% (F1); b) 50%:50% (F2); c) 25%:75% (F3). The second factor is the treatment dose, namely, a) 1% (D1); b) 2% (D2); c) 2.5% (D3). Each factor was repeated 3 times. Data analysis uses a non-parametric test, namely Kruskal-Wallist. The results of the study showed that the soursop leaf and marigold flower extract formula 75%:25% was most effective against mosquito larvae mortality at a dose of 2.5% within an observation period of 6 hours. In conclusion, soursop leaf and marigold flower extracts are effective mosquito larva repellents. Keywords: Biolarvicide, Marigold Flowers, Soursop Leaves, Effectiveness, Mosquito Larvae

Potential effect of fruit and flower extracts of Arbutus unedo L. on Tetrahymena pyriformis exposed to a cobalt-60 source

Exposure of Tetrahymena pyriformis cultures to cobalt-60 for 72 h significantly impacted the cells' growth, appearance, and physiology. This study aims to investigate the protective effects of Arbutus unedo L flowers and fruit extracts on T. pyriformis against gamma radiation. Initially, aqueous and 50% ethanolic extracts of the fruits and flowers were prepared, and their cytotoxicity on the ciliate was evaluated. The irradiated ciliate's cellular viability and morphological aspect improved when a non-toxic concentration of 25 µg/mL was added to the growth medium. The addition of extracts restored glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities to their initial levels, similar to non-irradiated cells. In addition, the extracts reduced oxidative stress markers, such as lipid peroxidation, and decreased the activities of antioxidant defence enzymes, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. This may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the extracts. Results of this study revealed that the flower extracts exhibited better protective effects than the fruit extracts, with superior antioxidant activity in the in-vitro DPPH scavenging assay. These results suggest that A. unedo flower extracts may have potential as exogenous radioprotective agents.

Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) Flower Water and Ethanol Extract: Phytochemical Screening, FTIR Analysis, and Antioxidant Activity Estimation using comparison of ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP Assays

Background: The community has empirically employed butterfly pea flower, one of the species, extensively as a traditional beverage with pharmacological benefits. The flavonoid content of these plants, particularly the anthocyanins, is assumed to be the source of the pharmacological effects. The content of the extract to be obtained will be impacted by the variation in solvent polarity. In this investigation, the butterfly pea flowers will be extracted utilizing the solvents of water and Ethanol. Objective: The goal of this study was to qualitatively assess the content of butterfly pea petal extract in water and ethanol solvents using phytochemical screening and FTIR analysis, followed by testing for antioxidant activity using three different methods, including ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP. Method: The extraction with water and ethanol solvents, phytochemical screening tests, antioxidant activity testing with DPPH assay, antioxidant capacity testing with ABTS, and quantitative FRAP assays utilizing UV-Vis spectrophotometry are all steps of this study. Results: When tested for antioxidant activity, ethanol extract produced IC50 of 113.31 0.142ppm and water extract produced IC50 of 86.67 0.485 ppm, placing water extract in the strong category and ethanol extract in the medium category. Using the FRAP assay, the antioxidant capacity of water extract and ethanol extract from butterfly pea flowers was tested, and the results were 52.8957 0.0881mgQE/g extract and 32.0051 0.0441mgQE/g extract, respectively. The antioxidant capacity test of the butterfly pea flower's ethanol and water extracts was performed using the ABTS assay, and the results were 71,497 3.29mgQE/g extract and 114,195 0.279mgQE/g extract, respectively. Conclusion: The water dan ethanol extract of butterfly pea flowers differs from one another in terms of antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition.

Combination therapy of cisplatin and green silver nanoparticles enhances cytotoxicity and apoptosis in breast cancer cells

Cisplatin is one of the first-line drugs for the treatment of breast cancer and is known for its ability to disrupt cancer cell DNA. However, cisplatin chemotherapy carries side effects and the risk of drug resistance. A strategy to improve its anti-cancer efficacy while reducing its negative effects on health is to leverage the synergistic potential of natural molecules with cisplatin. In this study, we explored combination therapy using cisplatin along with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to enhance apoptosis induction in MCF-7 breast cancer cells while reducing cisplatin resistance. The biosynthesized Ag NPs, derived from Acacia Luciana flower extracts, possess active molecules that effectively inhibit MCF-7 cells. Concurrent administration of cisplatin and Ag NPs resulted in a notable decrease in the IC50 value &amp;ndash; approximately 22 &amp;ndash; 26 times lower compared to individual treatments of free Ag NPs and cisplatin, respectively. Furthermore, the combination therapy significantly increased the BAK1/BCLX ratio by 162-fold compared to the control, while the cisplatin alone failed to activate intrinsic apoptosis pathway. In addition, the expression level of the CASP3 gene, indicative of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis, increased approximately 273 times compared to free cisplatin (CASP3 expression = 3.5). Notably, the combination therapy also reduced the expression of the AKT1 gene, associated with cell survival and treatment resistance, when compared to free cisplatin (1.87 vs. 4.488). In conclusion, our findings proved that combination therapy effectively enhances apoptosis induction by cisplatin while reducing drug resistance.

Antifungal, antioxidant, and photocatalytic activities of greenly synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles

Abstract The build-up of synthetic dyes in the environment and aquatic ecology is a significant environmental issue due to their inability to break down naturally. The overuse of chemical fungicides also poses a threat to the environment due to their accumulation and fostering of fungal resistance. Hence, the study was conducted to detect the antifungal properties and photocatalytic activity of greenly synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) prepared using the Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract. The biogenic IONPs showed the highest photocatalytic activity against rhodamine B dye at a concentration of 4.0 mg/ml. The biogenic IONPs also demonstrated effective antifungal properties against Penicillium digitatum and Aspergillus niger strains, with relative inhibition percentages of mycelial growth being higher than those with the metalaxyl + mancozeb fungicide at 800 ppm concentration. The efficient photocatalytic activity of the biogenic IONPs against rhodamine B dye and their effective antifungal properties suggest their potential use as safe substitutes for commercial fungicides.

Whey Protein Isolate as a Substrate to Design Calendula officinalis Flower Extract Controlled-Release Materials.

The use of natural active substances and the development of new formulations are promising directions in the cosmetic and pharmacy industries. The primary purpose of this research was the production of microparticles based on whey protein isolate (WPI) and calcium alginate (ALG) containing Calendula officinalis flower extract and their incorporation into films composed of gelatin, WPI, and glycerol. Both swollen and dry microparticles were studied by optical microscopy and their sizes were measured. Water absorption by the microparticles, their loading capacity, and the release profile of flower extract were also characterized. The films were analyzed by mechanical tests (Young's modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break), swelling capacity, contact angle, and moisture content measurements. The presented data showed that the active ingredient was successfully enclosed in spherical microparticles and completely released after 75 min of incubation at 37 °C. The incorporation of the microparticles into polymer films caused a decrease in stiffness and tensile strength, simultaneously increasing the ductility of the samples. Moreover, the films containing microparticles displayed higher swelling ability and moisture content compared to those without them. Hence, the materials prepared in this study with Calendula officinalis flower extract encapsulated into polymeric microspheres can be a starting point for the development of new products intended for skin application; advantages include protection of the extract against external factors and a controlled release profile.