Garlic Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Six Allium Extracts Using Protein-Based Biomimetic Methods.

Medicinal plants are a valuable reservoir of novel pharmacologically active compounds. ROS and free radicals are primary contributors to oxidative stress, a condition associated with the onset of degenerative diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease, and vascular disease. In this study, we used different spectrophotometry methods to demonstrate the antioxidant properties of 6 Allium extracts: Allium fistulosum; Allium ursinum; Allium cepa: Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa, and white variety of A. cepa; Allium sativum; and Allium senescens subsp. montanum. HPLC-MS determined the chemical composition of the extracts. Among the tested extracts, the Arieș red cultivar of A. cepa stands out as having the best antioxidant activity, probably due to the high content of polyphenols and alliin (12.67 µg/mL and 3565 ng/mL, respectively). The results obtained in this study show that Allium extracts have antioxidant activity, but also free radical scavenging capabilities. Also, their interactions with cytochrome c and hemoglobin can be the basis of future studies to create treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases.

Alliaceae versus Brassicaceae for Dyslipidemia: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies.

Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Preclinical studies have shown that organosulfur compounds from the Alliaceae and Brassicaceae plants, such as garlic (Allium sativum L.) and broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.), have potential lipid-lowering effects. However, their clinical efficacy is controversial, especially in "drug-free" patients. The aim of this work was to summarize evidence on the lipid-lowering properties of extracts containing organosulfur compounds in patients with dyslipidemia. Studies were searched in four databases (Medline, Scopus, Embase, and CENTRAL), from inception to October 11, 2023.Controlled clinical studies on patients with dyslipidemia receiving Alliaceae or Brassicaceae were included. The outcome was the change in lipid parameters from baseline. Random-effect meta-analysis of the extracted data was performed using R software. The effect size was expressed as mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The certainty of evidence was assessed with the GRADE approach. Out of 28 studies that were reviewed, 22 were included in the meta-analysis (publication period: 1981-2022). Results showed that Alliaceae extracts significantly reduce total cholesterol [MD: -15.2 mg/dL; 95% CI: -21.3; -9.1] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels [MD: -12.0 mg/dL; 95% CI: -18.1; -5.7], although with low certainty of evidence. Conversely, the lipid-lowering properties of Brassicaceae extracts are still unexplored. Our results support the use of Alliaceae extracts in patients with hypercholesterolemia, but future high-quality studies are needed. Our work suggests further exploration of the efficacy of Brassicaceae extracts, which may have high nutraceutical/phytotherapeutic potential, opening new perspectives in the management of dyslipidemia.

Effects of Plant Extracts on Growth Promotion, Antioxidant Enzymes, and Secondary Metabolites in Rice (Oryza sativa) Plants

Plant extracts are widely used in sustainable agriculture practices to enhance crop production and reduce chemical usage in agriculture. This study employed several extraction solutions of various plant extracts to synthesize planting and spraying strategies, assess the persistence efficacy of rice, and investigate the influence of selected water extracts on secondary chemicals at different rice planting stages. Among 17 water extracts that were evaluated on rice seeds, 7 were enhanced to align with the lengths of rice roots 50–70% and shoots 40–50%. The analysis of extraction, spraying, and planting experiments revealed that water extracts, soil application, and transplanting were the most efficient methods for stimulating rice growth, especially 0.1 and 0.5% concentrations. The efficacy of the extracts remained intact also after 14 days of treatment. This study showed that photosynthesis and antioxidant activities may play crucial roles in plant growth. Rice growth stimulation has been linked to photosynthesis, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant enzymes, providing a balanced supply of nutrients for plant growth. Among all tested water extracts, Psidium guajava, Aloe vera, Allium sativum, and Medicago sativa extracts can be used to promote plant growth in organic farming.

DETERMINATION OF SOME SELECTED PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THREE VARIETIES OF GARLIC (Allium sativum Linn) AT DIFFERENT MOISTURE CONTENTS

Some physical properties of three common varieties (in Kano State, Nigeria) of garlic cloves Ex-kofa, Dangin kura and Mai-makulli variety were determined and compared. These properties were obtained at five moisture content levels of 56.72, 42.85, 34.93, 26.48 and 13.68 % d. b. The ranges of the dimensions measured at the stated moisture content levels for Ex-kofa, variety were 25.35-20.56 mm, 13.33-8.16 mm, 16.36 -10.51 mm, for polar diameter, equatorial diameter and thickness respectively. Similarly, the values obtained for Dangin Kura were 22.25-18.41 mm, 9.78-5.85 mm and 11.91-7.21 mm. The values for Mai mukulli, respectively, were 24.46-20.41 mm, 14.25-10.05 mm and 11.16 - 6.64 mm. The Geometric mean diameter, Arithmetic mean diameter and Sphericity ranges were 14.83-10.64 mm, 16.15-12.09 mm and 0.61-0.53 for Ex-kofa, while 14.23-10.49 mm, 15.57-11.89 mm and 0.64-0.53 are for Dangin kura variety. Similarly, for Mai-makulli variety respectively, the values are 15.10-10.47 mm, 13.93-9.68 mm and 0.63-0.52. The Surface area, Cross-sectional Area and Shape Index range was 232.25-129.83 mm2, 618.86-348.19 mm2 and 0.72-0.65 for Ex-kofa. That for Dangin kura were 244.87-125.06 mm2, 701.36-335.90 mm2 and 0.68-0.65. While 233.35-122.80 mm2, 617.92-313.33 mm2 and 0.71-0.62 were values for Mai-makulli variety respectively. The range for mean values of bulk density, true density and porosity for the garlic cloves were measured as 768.30-350.40 kg/m3, 1185-699.30 kg/m3 and 34.83-49.93 for Ex-kofa variety. While 762.96-352.46 kg/m3, 1197.73-757.73 kg/m3 and 35.80-49.42 were for Dangin kura variety. Similarly, the ranges of values for Mai-makulli variety were 759.70-353.20 kg/m3, 1208.06-692.73 kg/m3 and 35.41-49.01 respectively. Results of statistical analysis ANOVA showed that the moisture content had significant effect on all the properties. The variety has significant effect on dimensions and arithmetic mean diameter. From the findings, it reveals that mean values of these properties were found to be higher at higher moisture levels for all the varieties. For porosity, however, the higher values were obtained at lower moisture levels.

Ameliorating effects of natural herbal supplements against water-borne induced toxicity of heavy metals on Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus)

The efficacy of herbal supplements in mitigating heavy metals (HMs) toxicity was investigated using a widely grown fish, the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experiment was conducted over two phases: during the stress phase, the experimental fishes were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of HMs, including lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper for 15 days; following which during the feeding phase, herbal supplements were given for 70 days to ameliorate their effects. Seven groups were established: the control negative group (CON−ve), control positive group (CON+ve, without any treatment), and five groups with supplementation of 1% turmeric (TUR), cinnamon (CIN), ginger (GIN), garlic (GAR), and their mixture (MIX), respectively. A total of 315 fishes were distributed evenly in experimental tanks (15 fishes per tank, in triplicates). The results revealed that exposure to HMs led to significant (p < 0.05) alterations in all the tested parameters, i.e., liver damage and growth reduction. The herbal supplements, especially the MIX groups, ameliorated the harmful effects of HMs and restored fish growth, digestibility, carcass composition, and liver health. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the herbal supplements were effective in reducing the HMs-linked toxicity in Nile tilapia. Future studies pertaining to the mechanisms facilitated by the various herbal bioactive substances-linked tolerance to HMs in fishes are warranted.

Garlic-Induced Enhancement of Bifidobacterium: Enterotype-Specific Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Probiotic Populations

The gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem crucial for maintaining its host’s health by regulating various immune and metabolic functions. Since diet plays a fundamental role in shaping the gut microbiome, understanding the relationship between food consumption and microbiome structure is essential. Although medicinal plants are widely recognized for their broad health benefits, their specific impact on the gut microbiome remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of garlic (Allium sativum) on the gut microbiome using an in vitro human fecal incubation model. Our findings revealed that the impact of garlic on gut microbial structure varied depending on the dominant gut microbiome components (enterotypes). The Bacteroides-dominant enterotype exhibited significant changes in overall microbial diversity in response to garlic, while the Prevotella-dominant enterotype remained unaffected. Additionally, the garlic treatment led to specific alterations in microbiota composition, such as an increase in beneficial probiotics like Bifidobacterium. We validated garlic’s prebiotic potential by promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis under in vitro culture conditions. Our study highlights the importance of understanding enterotype-specific responses to diet and suggests that garlic may serve as a dietary supplement for modulating gut microbiota and promoting the growth of beneficial probiotics.

Toxicity of botanical insecticides on the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula

This study aimed to investigate the toxicity of botanical insecticides on the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula (Apidae: Meliponini). Bioassays evaluated the effects of essential oils (EO) of Allium sativum (Amaryllidaceae), Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae), and commercial oil (CO) of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), in addition to ethanolic extracts (EE) of Piper nigrum (Piperaceae), and Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae). It was also assessed the effect of Surfactant addition to essential oils. The probit analysis was used to determine LC50 and LC90. Results showed essential oil of E. citriodora at 1% v/v was toxic to T. angustula, with mean mortalities of 42.00 and 46.00% at 96 hours and survival times of 107.52 and 105.60 hours for contact and ingestion, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum and E. caryophyllata caused 100% mortality within 24 hours through ingestion but were less toxic through contact. Surfactants increased mortality caused by the essential oil of E. citriodora from 47.67 to 93.33% and the commercial oil of A. indica from 38.00 to 100%. Essential oil of E. citriodora had the lowest LC50 and LC90 (0.075 and 1.45% v/v), indicating high toxicity to T. angustula. Ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum and E. caryophyllata had higher LC50 and LC90 values, showing lower toxicity. In conclusion, the oils of A. indica and E. citriodora and ethanolic extracts of P. nigrum and E. caryophyllata are toxic to stingless bee T. angustula.

Toxicity of botanical insecticides on different species of lace bugs

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of essential oils (EO) from Allium sativum (Amaryllidaceae) and Eucalyptus citriodora (Myrtaceae), commercial oil (CO) from Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), and ethanolic extracts (EE) of Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae) and Piper nigrum (Piperaceae) on lace bugs (Hemiptera: Tingidae). The study also investigated the effects of exposure method, surfactant addition, and lace bug species on insecticide toxicity. The results indicated that assessing lace bug toxicity via contact with contaminated filter paper is a more effective method. Adding 5% detergent to E. citriodora EO 1% increased the mean mortality rates of the lace bug Gargaphia lunulata and Corythaica passiflorae from 34.11% to 94.00%. A. sativum EO 10%, E. citriodora EO 1%, and A. indica CO 1%, when combined with 5% detergent, caused high mortality rates in G. lunulata (76.00%, 77.67%, and 80.73%, respectively). However, these insecticides without detergent caused lower mortality in C. passiflorae (15.44%, 20.09%, and 11.15%, respectively), highlighting the significant impact of surfactant addition on the toxicity of essential and commercial oils. Piper nigrum EE 10% was toxic to all lace bug species. Conversely, the toxicity of Eugenia caryophyllata EE 10% varied among species, with mortality rates of 40% in G. lunulata, an average of 76.00% in Ulotingis sp. and Vartiga illudens, and 95.48% in C. passiflorae. In conclusion, despite variations in toxicity due to exposure method, surfactant addition, and lace bug species in laboratory bioassays, the botanical insecticides studied show promise for lace bug control.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Nutrient Status in Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

An experiment was conducted during rabi season, 2021 to investigate the effect of integrated nutrient management on soil nutrient status in garlic. The study was structured around eighteen treatments with combinations of inorganic fertilizers, biofertilizers and organic manures like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit. The treatment T12 [(75 % RDF + 40 kg Sulphur/ha + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria + FYM (25t/ha)] resulted in minimum soil pH (6.82) and electrical conductivity (0.181 dSm-1) as well as highest organic carbon (0.86 %), available Nitrogen (258.84 kg ha-1), Phosphorus (26.72 kg ha-1) contents. Further, the treatment T17 [(100 % RDF + FYM (25t/ha)] recorded maximum available Potassium (180.35 kg ha-1) and treatment T16 [(100 % RDF + 40 kg S/ha + FYM) recorded highest S (44.98 kg ha-1) contents. Thus, it can be concluded that integration of inorganic fertilizers with biofertilizers and organic manures helps in improving the soil nutrient status.

Isolation, characterisation and clarification of the structure of isolates of Syzygium aromaticum (clove plant)

Isolation, characterisation and clarification of the structure of isolates of Syzygium aromaticum (clove plant)

Relationship between Complementary use of Herbal Medicines and Diabetes Mellitus Treatment Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in Jos Metropolis

In Nigeria, the use of herbal medicines to complement diabetes treatment is common, though their impact on treatment outcomes is not well understood. This cross-sectional questionnaire study, conducted in Jos metropolis, Nigeria, assessed the prevalence of herbal medicines use among 141 diabetes patients and its relationship with treatment outcomes. Most of the study participants were females (60.3%) with a family history of diabetes (70%). The findings showed that 58.9% of participants used herbal remedies like Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina and Allium sativum to complement treatment for diabetes mellitus without guidance from conventional clinicians. There were higher incidences of hospitalizations and hypoglycemia in the group that complemented their treatments with herbal medicines (P &lt;0.05). However, fasting blood glucose levels remained unaffected (P &gt; 0.05). The study highlights the common use of herbal medicines in Nigeria and underscores both the prospect for herbal medicine integration and the challenges of poor clinical data to inform ration use.

Antibacterial activity of biogenic and chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles and its application in wastewater treatment

The present work reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) by chemical as well as biological approaches. Ag NPs have been synthesized using different plant extracts such as Aloe vera, Syzygium aromaticum (clove), Musa (banana leaf), and Citrus X Sinensis (orange peel). The effect of various reducing agents has been examined on the shape and morphology of the synthesized Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs have been characterized using UV–visible spectrophotometer, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The average size of the synthesized Ag NPs has been confirmed by DLS characterization as 64 ± 11 nm, 106 ± 8 nm, 500 ± 14 nm, 281 ± 9 nm and 105 ± 7 nm, respectively. when synthesized using Aloe vera, Syzygium aromaticum, Musa, Citrus X Sinensis, and trisodium citrate (TSC), respectively. The synthesized Ag NPs have been used for screening antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The synthesized Ag NPs have also been evaluated for their bactericidal property against wastewater from polluted rivers and other water sources and have been found appropriate for use in bacteriological and wastewater treatment.

Enhancing Dental Alginate with Syzygium aromaticum, Zingiber officinale and Green Silver Nanoparticles: A Nature-Enhanced Approach for Superior Infection Control.

The study addresses the challenge of cross-infection in dentistry, focusing on improving disinfection protocols for dental hydrocolloid gel materials. This research aimed to incorporate chlorhexidine, natural plant extracts, and green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into dental alginate to enhance safety and hygiene standards in dental practices. Conventional dental alginate served as the control, with experimental groups including alginate modified with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX-group) and alginate incorporating AgNPs synthesized from Syzygium aromaticum (SA) and Zingiber officinale (ZO) extracts (SA + AgNPs and ZO + AgNPs groups). Plant extracts were analyzed via GC/MS to confirm their composition. UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX characterized the synthesized AgNPs. Antimicrobial efficacy against Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated using agar well diffusion assays. The dimensional accuracy of alginate impressions was assessed according to ISO 21563:2021 standards. Chemical analysis of SA and ZO extracts identified 60 and 43 active compounds, respectively, supporting their use in AgNP synthesis. UV-visible spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX confirmed the formation of spherical AgNPs using SA and ZO extracts. Modified groups showed inhibitory activity against Streptococcus mutans and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), in contrast to the unmodified control. Both AgNP-modified groups demonstrated efficacy comparable to the CHX-group against MRSA and MSSA, with SA + AgNP showing superior performance against C. albicans. The dimensional accuracy of all groups was within clinically acceptable ranges as reported in the literature (0.027-0.083 mm). CHX, silver nitrate, and green-synthesized AgNPs present promising options for developing self-disinfecting alginate impression materials. Utilizing plant extracts in AgNP synthesis offers a safe, efficient, and synergistic approach between metal ions and phytotherapeutic agents. This approach could potentially enhance disinfection efficacy without compromising material performance, improving dental safety and hygiene.

Investigating the Efficacy of Various Natural Products in Raw Form against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance urges alternative and efficacious antimicrobial solutions. Historically, medicinal plants have been used for therapeutic purposes, such as relieving pain and healing wounds. However, the evaluation of the natural therapeutic effects of medicinal plants in a manner that resembles how humans typically consume them is lacking. Therefore, in this study, many medicinal plants known to have some antimicrobial effects, including Frankincense, Garlic, Myrrh, and Ginger, were evaluated for their direct antibacterial activity in raw form. The direct antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants was evaluated against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. Aureus), Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae using agar well diffusion method and turbidity measurements in suspension culture. Out of all the tested medicinal plants, only raw garlic (Allium sativum) powder, when dissolved in water or vinegar, offered a straightforward antibacterial activity. A combination of garlic extract and vinegar increased antibacterial activity. Aqueous garlic extracts displayed robust antimicrobial activity against many resistant bacteria. Other medicinal plants used in this study had absent or minimal antibacterial effects. Only garlic in its raw form was effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The increase in the antibacterial activity of garlic when combined with vinegar suggests the synergistic activity of garlic. The straightforward antibacterial action of raw garlic may be strategically harnessed to combat the continuous challenge of increasing antibiotic resistance. This work promotes additional testing of more natural products (in raw form) and assesses their therapeutic effects clinically.

Anti-Coronavirus Activity of Chitosan-Stabilized Liposomal Nanocarriers Loaded with Natural Extracts from Bulgarian Flora.

Disease's severity, mortality rates, and common failures to achieve clinical improvement during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic exposed the emergency need for new antiviral therapeutics with higher efficacy and fewer adverse effects. This study explores the potential to encapsulate multi-component plant extracts in liposomes as optimized delivery systems and to verify if they exert inhibitory effects against human seasonal betacoronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro. The selection of Sambucus nigra, Potentilla reptans, Allium sativum, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant extracts was based on their established pharmacological and antiviral properties. The physicochemical characterization of extract-loaded liposomes was conducted by DLS and electrokinetics. Encapsulated amounts of the extract were evaluated based on the total flavonoid content (TFC) and total polyphenol content (TPC) by colorimetric methods. The BALB 3T3 neutral red uptake (NRU) phototoxicity/cytotoxicity assay was used to estimate compounds' safety. Photo irritation factors (PIFs) of the liposomes containing extracts were <2 which assigned them as non-phototoxic substances. The antiviral capacities of liposomes containing medicinal plant extracts against HCoV-OC43 were measured by the cytopathic effect inhibition test in susceptible HCT-8 cells. The antiviral activity increased by several times compared to "naked" extracts' activity reported previously. A. hippocastanum extract showed 16 times higher inhibitory properties reaching a selectivity index (SI) of 58.96. Virucidal and virus-adsorption effects were investigated using the endpoint dilution method and ∆lgs comparison with infected and untreated controls. The results confirmed that nanoparticles do not directly affect the viral surface or cell membrane, but only serve as carriers of the active substances and the observed protection is due solely to the intracellular action of the extracts.

Biological activity and chemical characteristics studies of new oligomannose produced by Erwinia gerundensis

Natural polymers have attracted considerable attention in recent decades among scientists due to their potential therapeutic uses, particularly as antimicrobial and antitumor agents. In this research, novel EPSs were extracted from garlic rhizosphere bacteria. The antibacterial and antitumor activities of the polymer were evaluated through biological assays. The antibacterial activity was tested against gram-positive microorganisms (such as Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative organisms (such as Shigella sonnei and Escherichia coli). The most significant inhibition zone was observed with Listeria monocytogenes and S. typhi, measuring 35 mm, while the most miniature antibacterial effect was seen with Staphylococcus aureus at 23.67 mm.Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of the crude polymer was assessed using a broth medium with two strains of E. coli and Bacillus cereus. Electron microscope images displayed varying degrees of damage to bacterial cells in the treated broth. The antitumor activity was determined using the MTT test on colon carcinoma cells (HCT-116), hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG-2), and CaCO2 (intestinal carcinoma cells), with IC50 values of 188.86±6.17 µg/mL, 221.66±8.02 µg/mL, and 203.65±7.43 µg/mL, respectively, after 48 h. The bacteria responsible for polymer production were isolated from garlic plant rhizospheres and identified as Erwinia gerundensis CCASU-2024–69 through 16S rRNA sequencing. FTIR and NMR techniques determined the crude EPS's main components and functional groups, including carbonyl, carboxylic, methylene, and silanol. GC–MS analysis revealed 34 bioactive compounds, while HPLC analysis indicated that the EPS was a hetero-monosaccharide consisting of d-xylose, d-glucose, l-arabinose, ribose, and d-mannose. This research study represents the initial exploration into the exopolysaccharide derived from Erwinia gerundensis. To assess the interaction between the exopolysaccharide and the active sites of Bacillus cereus and E. coli, molecular docking experiments were conducted using five monosaccharides: d-xylose, d-glucose, l-arabinose, ribose, and d-mannose. The data obtained from the molecular docking analysis strongly correlates with the findings from biological studies.Furthermore, these highly active compounds exhibit a favorable proposed ADMET profile. This particular exopolysaccharide shows potential as a natural antibiotic and holds promise in treating gastrointestinal cancer. A comprehensive assessment of laboratory animals is essential before its potential use as a prebiotic in nutrition.

Biophysical evidence that frostbite is triggered on nanocrystals of biogenic magnetite in garlic cloves (Allium sativum)

Trace levels of biologically precipitated magnetite (Fe3O4) nanocrystals are present in the tissues of many living organisms, including those of plants. Recent work has also shown that magnetite nanoparticles are powerful ice nucleation particles (INPs) that can initiate heterogeneous freezing in supercooled water just below the normal melting temperature. Hence there is a strong possibility that magnetite in plant tissues might be an agent responsible for triggering frost damage, even though the biological role of magnetite in plants is not understood. To test this hypothesis, we investigated supercooling and freezing mortality in cloves of garlic (Allium sativum), a species which is known to have moderate frost resistance. Using superconducting magnetometry, we detected large numbers of magnetite INPs within individual cloves. Oscillating magnetic fields designed to torque magnetite crystals in situ and disturb the ice nucleating process produced significant effects on the temperature distribution of supercooling, thereby confirming magnetite’s role as an INP in vivo. However, weak oscillating fields increased the probability of freezing, whereas stronger fields decreased it, a result that predicts the presence of magnetite binding agents that are loosely attached to the ice nucleating sites on the magnetite crystals.

Evaluation of Larvicidal Properties of Zingiber officinale Rhizome and Allium Sativum Bulbs against Aedes aegypti

This study evaluates the larvicidal potential of methanolic extracts derived from Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome and Allium sativum (garlic) bulbs against the 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, a key vector responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya, and Zika. Due to the increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides, there is a pressing need for alternative, eco-friendly vector control methods. Botanical extracts, known for their pesticidal properties, offer a promising solution. Methanolic extracts were collected from the selected test plant parts and different test solutions were prepared to test their larvicidal efficacy against the fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti. The results indicated a significant dose-dependent increase in larval mortality for both extracts. The extracts of Z. officinale consistently showed better larvicidal effects than outperformed the extracts of A. sativum at all tested concentrations, with mortality rates ranging from 14.29% at 62.5 ppm to 79.22% at 500 ppm. In contrast, A. sativum exhibited mortality rates from 11.69% at 62.5 ppm to 76.62% at 500 ppm. The LC50 values further highlighted the greater efficacy of ginger extract, with an LC50 of 219.10 ppm compared to 237.39 ppm for garlic. These results suggest the usage of extracts of ginger rhizomes and garlic bulbs as eco-friendly larvicides against Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.

In vitro Evaluation on Efficacy of Bioagents and Plant Extracts against Early Blight of Tomato (Alternaria alternata)

AIMS: In vitro evaluation on efficacy of Bioagents and plant extracts against Early blight of tomato (Alternaria alternata) Study Design: CRD (Completely Randomized Design). Place and Duration of Study: A trial was conducted in plant pathology laboratory at HRS Venkataramannagudem, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, during 2022. Methodology: The efficacy of bioagents were tested against isolates for radial growth inhibition on suitable media (Potato dextrose media and Nutrient agar media) using dual culture technique under in vitro conditions. The poisoned food technique was followed to evaluate theefficacy of botanicals in inhibiting the mycelial growth of test pathogen. Results: In the present investigation total nine bioagents and four plants extracts were tested against Alternariaalternata under in vitro. Results revealed that among the nine antagonists., Trichoderma harzianum, Tichoderma viride, Tichoderma longibraciatum (TCT4), Trichoderma reesi (TCT10), A10 (Tichoderma asperellum), A28 (Trichoderma harzianum), Trichoderma virens and two bacterial bioagents Pesudomonas fluorescens and Baciilus subtillis tested against A. alternata, maximum reduction in colony growth of A. alternata was observed in A10 (T. asperellum) (69.50%) and significantly superior over all other bioagents tested which was followed by A28 (T. harzianum) (62.96%) and the next best was T. virens (60.28%). Least inhibition was noticed in Bacillus subtillis (46.69%). Total four plant extracts neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), onion bulb (Allium cepa), garlic bulb (Allium sativum), and turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) tested at three concentrations (5, 7.5, 10 %) with suitable control by poisoned food technique against A. alternata, onion bulb extract (44.07%) which was found superior to all other tested botanicals. Least mean per cent inhibition was recorded with turmeric (21.34%).

Comparative Study on Cytotoxic Potency, Chemical Composition, and Antioxidant Characteristics of Clove Buds Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) Originating from Indonesia, Comoros, and India

Comparative Study on Cytotoxic Potency, Chemical Composition, and Antioxidant Characteristics of Clove Buds Essential Oil (Syzygium aromaticum) Originating from Indonesia, Comoros, and India