Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer Research Articles

Bioactive Compounds Investigation and Antioxidant Activities in Extracts and Fractions of Tamarindus Indica (Aradib) From Sudan

Tamarindus indica is commonly used interest in Sudan for edible plant and medicinal use. This study aimed to determine bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activities in extracts and fractions of Tamarindus indica pulp grown in Sudan. The powdered plant was extracted with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and acetone using an ultrasonic technique. The residue of the ethanol extract was fractionated using successive solvents. The extracts and fractions were determined for their phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins contents, and analyzed bioactive compounds by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer, and also evaluate their antioxidant activities using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, reducing power and hydrogen peroxide scavenging methods. The results show that the total phenolics, total flavonoids, and total tannins levels were significantly higher in the ethyl acetate fraction than in other extracts and fractions. GC-MS analyses of extracts and fractions showed a variety of bioactive compounds such as Hexadecanoic acid, Stigmasterol, Maltol, Sitosterol, Vitamin E, Allose, Tartaric acid, and Vaccenic acid. All the extracts and fractions exhibited good antioxidant activities. The extracts and fractions of Tamarindus indica pulp are sources of natural antioxidants and other bioactive compounds, which are beneficial effects on human health and the possibility of application in the pharmaceutical industry.

Evaluation of destruction of bacterial membrane structure associated with anti-quorum sensing and ant-diabetic activity of Cyperus esculentus extract

Recently, there has been an increasing demand for medicinal plants to control diseases for good health and well-being, as primary health facilities are inadequate in certain populations to cure infections. Since synthetic medicines are toxic to humans and other animals, the present research is thus focused on using traditional medicine for treating various ailments as they are harmless. Based on the above facts, the current study was conducted to assay the antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-cholinesterase, anti-oxidant, anti-quorum sensing, and anti-antibiotic resistance modifying effect of extracts of Cyperus esculentus. This study found 37 and 30 chemicals in butanol and dichloromethane (DCM) extracts using a gas chromatograph mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS). Most active compounds identified were benzofuran, 2,3-dihydro-, 1,2,3-benzenetriol, 3-bornanone, oxime and oleic acid by extracts of butanol whereas dichloromethane extracted three major active compounds (2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-, 4H-pyran-4-one 3-deoxy-d-mannoic lactone and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural). Both dichloromethane and butanol extracts showed the highest antimicrobial activity. Compared to aqueous extracts, dichloromethane, and butanol showed excellent anti-diabetic anti-cholinesterase activities and inhibited virulence factors regulated by quorum sensing (QS). Anti-oxidants increased in solvent extracts (DCM and butanol) compared to aqueous extracts. Results of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transmission Infrared (FTIR) indicated damage to the cell membrane of S. aureus by the formation of pits and breakage in functional groups exposed to the extracts of butanol and dichloromethane compared to aqueous extracts. The above results confirmed that C. esculentus can be an alternative medicine for treating diseases.

Chemical Component Analysis of Marine Sponge Extract of Potentially Medicinal Based on Solvent Differences

Tracing and characterizing marine natural materials with special medicinal abilities is important to obtain new materials to enrich the diversity of drugs to treat particular diseases. The identification of the chemical components of sponges is interesting, considering the uniqueness and several other abilities possessed by sponges that are thought to have medicinal potential. Searching for chemical components in sponge extracts is suspected to contain secondary metabolic substances with medicinal potential. The study aimed to identify the chemical components of sponge extract with potential medicinal value based on differences in solvents. The first extract on the sponge Clathria (Thalysias) reinwardti Sp.1 (CTR) by maceration method using semi-polar solvents (methanol). The second extraction uses a separating funnel with two types of non-polar solvents (diethyl-ether and n-hexane). The chemical components of the three extracts were analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer instrument. The identified chemical components of sponge extract generally belong to the class of free fatty acids and cholesterol. Investigation of identified compounds with medicinal value chemical components, for example, Cholestan-3.alpha.-ol, Ergosta-5, Hexadecanoic acid, 1-(2,6-Dichlorophenyl)-2-indolinone and Pyridine-3-carboxamide. Searching for chemical components with medicinal potential from sponge extracts is novelty research based on differences in solvents, a new method. Complementing the data from this research, it is necessary to carry out further and specific searches related to chemical components with medicinal properties, which can be carried out by chromatographic fractionation and testing the activity of the extract against bacteria. pathogens and parasitic fungi.

Onions, Salt and Palm Oil Marination Reduced Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Cooked Chevon and Beef Meat: A Risk Assessment Study

The roles of foods in human health can be greatly influenced by processing. The process of singeing deposits polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on meat. However, some food additives have shown tendencies to reduce PAHs levels in singed food. This study conducted a risk assessment study on the effect of onions, salt and palm oil marination on Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in cooked chevon and beef meat. The singed meat samples were cooked with specific quantities of additives (onions, salt and palm oil). PAHs levels were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) and the health risk assessment was conducted as described by USEPA. Our findings revealed that meat samples singed with augmented fire wood accumulated more PAHs than those singed with only firewood; also chevon accumulated more PAHs than beef. PAHs content in all singed meat samples cooked with maximum quantity of additives (15 g) for 30 min had reduction in concentration of about 99%. The estimated daily intake (EDI) showed that PAHs concentration were higher in uncooked meat samples singed with augmented firewood. The least concentration of PAH was seen in cooked chevon singed with only firewood (9.39E-06 mg/kg/day). The hazard quotients (HQs) evaluated showed that cooking the meat samples with additives, notably decreased PAHs concentration (from between 10−1 and 10−3 to between 10−5 and 10−7). The hazard index (HI) observed showed that PAHs concentration in cooked samples were lower than in uncooked samples. The Carcinogenic potency showed that the uncooked singed meat samples could lead to health complications except for the chevon sample singed with only firewood. However, all cooked samples showed lower health hazards with potency index which were all less than one (<1). The findings suggest that chevon accumulated PAHs more than beef. However, the carcinogenic potency of the PAHs in chevon was less than beef after cooking with additives.

Correlating Gas/Particle-Phase Concentration of Indicator Polychlorinated Biphenyls with Meteorological Factors in Bayburt, an Important University City of Turkey

This study was carried out in two seasons in Bayburt University Baberti Campus (BUBC) in Bayburt city, which is an important university city in Turkey. Gas and particle phase atmospheric concentrations of Urban atmospheric Indicator Polychlorinated Biphenyls (i-PCBs: PCB#28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined at first. Then, by using different methods, the interactions between i-PCB concentrations and meteorological factors were investigated. Gas and particle phases of atmospheric i-PCB samples were collected using a high-volume air sampler (HVAS) in BUBC . Following this stage, the samples were analyzed in a gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC-MS) by passing through appropriate extraction steps. According to the data obtained, the average gas phase ∑i-PCB concentration for the summer month was determined to be 11.314 pg/m3 during the sampling period while the average particle phase ∑i-PCB concentration was found to be 2.145 pg/m3. The average gas phase ∑i-PCB concentration was found to be 4.582 pg/m3 for the winter period while it was found to be 1.756 pg/m3 for the average particle phase ∑i-PCB concentration. In addition, the average total concentrations of i-PCBs were calculated to be 19.797 pg/m3. It was determined that meteorological factors especially temperature (from the Clausius–Clapeyron equation), wind velocity and direction, and rainfall have significant impacts on i-PCB concentration and its distribution. In light of these data, i-PCB concentrations determined in the gas phase were found to be higher than those in the particle phase. In addition, concentration rates determined in summer months were calculated to be higher compared to those calculated for winter months.

Testing the inhibition efficiency of the castor oil leaf as corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in H2SO4

This study focused on the testing of castor oil leaf as corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in H2SO4. It involved the examination of the dynamics of molecular forces at the inhibitor and mild steel interface. Findings of the study will promote industrial diversification of castor oil leaf. On the experiment, bio-molecular compounds of the leaf were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer. Then, gravimetric and potentiodynamic polarization techniques were employed, where the efficacy and type of the inhibitor were determined. Considering the gravimetric process, factors of inhibitor concentration (0.2 g/L - 1.0 g/L), temperature (303 K–333 K) and time (8 h–24 h) were considered, with the inhibitor efficiency as the response. The efficiency was determined and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN). On the other hand, potentiodynamic polarization process was used to identify the type of inhibitor. Adsorption quantities were ascertained through the subjection of the experimental raw data to various adsorption isotherms. The analyses showed that castor oil leaf contains methyl nicotinate and pyridine-4-carbohydrazide. The bio-molecular compounds possess heteroatoms (N, S and O), signifying strong corrosion inhibitive tendencies. High efficiency (96.25 %) was obtained, with ANN having better prediction capability than the RSM. Potentiodynamic polarization curves revealed castor oil leaf as mixed-type inhibitor. On the adsorption phenomenon, the process of the inhibition was best fitted by Frumkin isotherm, revealing physical adsorption mechanism of Gibb's free energy less than −40 kJ/mol. As a mixed-type inhibitor, castor oil leaf should be applied for mitigation of anodic and cathodic corrosion.

Biodegradation of chlorpyrifos by charcoal–alginate immobilized bacterial consortium isolated from pesticide-polluted Kuzhikandam Creek, Kerala, India

Chlorpyrifos, one of the most frequent organophosphorus pesticides, has been linked to major health problems and widespread environmental degradation. It is imperative to remove this herbicide from its point source of contamination since the risk of their off-site migration poses a health concern to non-target organisms. The objective of the present study was to investigate the biodegradation of chlorpyrifos 20% emulsifiable concentration (EC) utilizing a consortium of bacteria that had previously been isolated from a pesticide-contaminated site and are chlorpyrifos tolerant (S27I and S28I). Free cells and immobilized cells with chlorpyrifos as the only carbon source were used to analyze the biodegradation. Charcoal–alginate and kaolin–alginate were the immobilization matrices employed in the investigation. By using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer analysis, the degradation of chlorpyrifos was investigated. When compared to free cells, immobilized bacterial isolates showed the greatest amount of biodegradation in the investigation. Consortium (C1) among the isolates degraded chlorpyrifos most quickly compared to S27I and S28I. The study also examined the toxicity of chlorpyrifos at doses of 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 ppm on the green gram seeds’ morphological parameters. Increased chlorpyrifos concentrations resulted in appreciable variations in the germination percentage, shoot length, and root length. The green gram germination study was used to evaluate the detoxification of chlorpyrifos following its breakdown.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity, Phytochemical Screening and GCMS Analysis of Ethanol and Aqueous Extracts Adansonia digitata Fruits (Kuka) Against Some Clinical Isolates

Adansonia digitata plant is a tree with a wide range of medicinal properties used to treat a variety of infectious diseases locally. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial activity, phytochemical screening and GCMS analysis of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Adansonia digitata fruits against some clinical isolates. The Powdered fruit of Adansonia digitata was extracted using the ethanol solvent and distilled water. The extracts component was subjected to Phytochemical screening using standard procedure. The extracts were tested for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, using disc diffusion methods using different concentrations. Gas chromatography mass spectrophotometer analysis was used to quantify the two extracts The results of phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, reducing sugars, steroids, saponins, phenols and tannins in both extracts, except tannin that was no dictated in aqueous extract Results of sensitivity test showed that ethanol extracts were more active than aqueous extract on the isolates tested. The extracts also demonstrated antibacterial activities as it showed zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Rseults revealed distilled water, and ethanol extract to be effective against all the test organisms used at the concentrations of 600 mg/ml and 800 mg/ml. The range of zone of inhibition using ethanol extract (10.0 mm – 14.0 mm) was significantly higher than zone of inhibition using aqueous extract (0.00 mm – 6.0 mm). The MIC values the extracts have the potential for the production of drugs against some clinical bacterial isolates.

Cultivation and Analysis of Citronella Essential Oil Compounds for Traditional Medicine Development

Purpose: This study addresses challenges faced by Mahapraja, a Bali tourist cottage. It explores issues related to citronella cultivation, trust-building, limited land, equipment underutilization, and marketing hurdles. It is relevant for regional traditional medicine and agriculture.&#x0D; Method: This research uses a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative data collection (interviews, surveys, observations) with quantitative analysis (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer). Pre- and post-tests gauge knowledge enhancement during socialization activities.&#x0D; Practical Applications: The findings improve citronella cultivation in Mahapraja, boosting essential oil production and benefiting the cottage and traditional medicine industry. It informs marketing strategies, instilling confidence in producing and selling derivative products.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study highlights Mahapraja's citronella challenges, setting the stage for agricultural improvements and effective marketing. It underscores research's role in advancing regional traditional medicine and agriculture, positioning Mahapraja for success in citronella essential oil production and sales.

In- silico evaluation of bioactive compounds from selected medicinal plants from Southern Nigeria against hepatitis C virus genotype 1 RNA-directed RNA polymerase

BackgroundAt the moment, there is no vaccine for the hepatitis C virus (HCV), despite it being more infectious than the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Existing drugs based on protease and polymerase inhibitors present adverse clinical outcomes, sparking the search for alternatives. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds that hold great promise. Thus, the present study was aimed at evaluating the druggability of bioactive compounds implicated in folk medicine in the management of HCV against RNA-directed RNA polymerase (RdRp). MethodsTraditional healers involved in the management of hepatitis were consulted, and they suggested the use of leaves of Vernonia amygdalina, Jatropha tanjorensis, Annona muricata, and Solanum nigrum (berries too) in the management of hepatitis. The collection of plant parts and phytochemical screening via gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer (GC–MS) were carried out. Resulting bioactive compounds and a control HCV drug, remdesivir, were screened for ADMET properties using the pkCSM online prediction tool, while molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTool 1.5.6 and the resulting interactions visualised in 2-Dimension using Discovery Studio 2022 Client. ResultsGC–MS analysis of the medicinal plants revealed 60 bioactive compounds, of which 15 did not violate Lipinski's rule of five and 2 returned only one violation, while the control drug returned two violations. All the ligands were not inhibitors of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, CYPCC9, CYPAD6, and CYP3A4, except for 1,3-dihydrobenzo-[c]thiophen, docosahexaenoic acid, and benzonitrile N-oxide, which were inhibitors of CYP1A2. The intestinal absorption rates of the various ligands (73.56–100 %) were better than those of remdesivir, with an intestinal absorption rate of 67.15 %. Docking analysis revealed scores that ranged from -4.3 to -8.0 k/cal for the ligands, while the score for remdesivir was -9.0 k/cal. Eight ligands and remdesivir interacted with both the finger and palm regions, while one ligand interacted with the finger and thumb regions. Others interacted either with the finger (n = 5) or palm (n = 3) regions. These various interactions have the potential to alter the structural integrity and conformation of the RdRp protein and, in the process, interfere with its role in replication. ConclusionThe findings indicate that the selected medicinal plants possess bioactive compounds that hold great promise for the development of newer and safer nucleoside inhibitors against HCV. Given the high diversity of the virus, there may be a need to expand the scope of genotype-specific treatment regimens using bioactive compounds from medicinal plants. List of Abbreviations and UnitsAA, Amino Acid; HCV, Hepatitis C Virus; HBV, Hepatitis B Virus; GC–MS, Gas chromatograph-mass spectrophotometer; MD, Molecular docking; PDB, Protein Data Bank; RdRp, RNA directed RNA polymerase; RNA, Ribonucleic Acid; HIV, Human Immunodeficiency virus; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; WHO, World Health Organization

Phytonutrients and Anti-Nutrient Composition of Aqueous Extract of Fermented Seeds of Prosopis africana

Prosopis africana is a perennial leguminous plant in the genus Prosopis. The seeds are used as food condiment. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical, proximate, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions of aqueous extract of fermented seeds of Prosopis africana. The analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. Assessment of the bioactive constituents was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The result of the phytochemical analysis revealed quantifiable levels of Steroid, phenols, triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids and saponin. The result of the proximate analysis showed that fermented seeds of Prosopis africana contains moisture (50.51 ± 0.01%), ash (3.78± 0.004%), crude fat (4.45 ± 0.03%), crude fibre (2.49 ± 0.01%), crude protein (25.27 ± 0.07%) and Carbohydrates (13.56 ± 0.003%). The energy value was 195.37 Kcal/100g. Vitamins A (6.38 ± 0.001), vitamin C (36.77 ± 0.004), Vitamin D (0.43 ± 0.003) and vitamin E (0.84 ± 0.001) were present in the extract. The anti-nutrients detected were tannin (12.27 ± 0.06 mgGAE/kg), Phytate (3.68 ± 1.18 mg/kg), oxalate (44.36 ± 14.16 mg/kg), trypsin (4.72 ± 0.46 mg/kg) and cyanide (0.47 ± 0.14 ppm). A total of seventeen (17) bioactive constituents were found using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer which include 1,2-Benzisothiazol-3-amine, 2,5-Dihydroxyacetophenone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propionic acid, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene, Cycloheptasiloxane, 2-bromobutyloxychalcone, Cyclooctasiloxane, Fumaric acid, 5-Methyl-2-phenylindolizine, 4-(acridin-9—ylamino)-phenyl)-acetamide, 1,2-Bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene), 5-Methyl-2-phenylindolizine, 1,2-Benzisothiazole-3-propanoic acid, 1,4-Bis(trimethylsilyl) benzene and Cyclotrisiloxane. This study showed that aqueous extract of Prosopis africana seed contains various compounds which are found useful for nutritional and medicinal purposes.

Phytochemistry, antioxidant, anticancer, and acute toxicity of traditional medicinal food Biarum bovei (Kardeh)

BackgroundThe Biarum species (Kardeh) has been consumed as a traditional functional food and medicine for decades. The current study investigates the phytochemistry, in-vitro and in-vivo bioactivities of methanol extracts of B. bovei.MethodsThe Gas-chromatography mass spectrophotometer (GS/GS-MS) was used to analyze the phytochemical profile of the methanol extracts of B. bovei leaves and corms. The B. bovei extracts (BBE) were also investigated for in-vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and in-vivo acute toxicity (2000 mg/kg) activities.ResultsThe chemical profiling of BBE revealed mainly fatty acids, phytosterol, alcohols, and hydrocarbon compounds. Namely, Linoleic acid, eliadic acid, palmitic acid, 22,23-dihydro-stigmasterol, and campesterol. The antioxidant activity of BBE ranged between 0.24–3.85 μg TE/mL based on different assays. The extracts also exhibited significant anticancer activity against DU-145 (prostate cancer cells), MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), and HeLa (human cervical cancer) cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 22.73–44.24 μg/mL. Rats fed on 2000 mg/kg dosage of BBE showed absence of any toxicological sign or serum biochemical changes.ConclusionThe detected phytochemicals and bioactivities of BBE scientifically backup the folkloric usage as an important source of nutraceuticals and alternative medicine for oxidative stress-related diseases and carcinogenesis inhibition.

Physicochemical and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Analysis in Soil and Sediment from Vicinity of Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The study was undertaken to determine the levels of 16 priority PAHs in soil and sediments from some vicinities of Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin. The soils were prepared using standard procedure in the laboratory and analyzed for 16 US EPA priority PAHs using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The soil samples were obtained from two sampling sites at Ikot Akpaden (Site A and C). Site C showed minimal PAHs concentration while site A recorded PAHs levels ranging from 0.01 to 4.25 mg/kg. According to European commission, the PAHs concentrations in soil samples of this study are moderate, but deleterious over time. The soils were negatively affected more with low molecular weight PAHs than High Molecular Weight PAHs.This study revealed that the sampling sites had low carcinogenic burden, hence would exhibit moderate adverse health effects to plants and animals. It was concluded that automobile repair activities in site A contributed to the soil contamination with PAHs; hence it should be properly sited.

EFFECT OF SUBMERGED FERMENTATION ON THE ANTIBACTERIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OBTAINED FROM VOACANGA AFRICANA STAPF SEED

Voacanga africana Stapf which belongs to the family, Apocynaceae is among useful medicinal plants of West Africa. The present study investigates the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of aqueous extracts obtained from raw and fermented V. africana. One portion of V. africana was subjected to submerged fermentation for 7 days. Aqueous extracts of the raw and fermented samples of V. africana were obtained using standard methods. Antibacterial effect of the aqueous exracts was assessed by agar well diffusion while a battery of antioxidant test which include DPPH scavenging, ABTS, and Fe2+ chelation was employed. The bioactive compounds present in the extract were assessed using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer. Extract obtained from the fermented seed of V. africana had good antimicrobial effect with zones of inhibition ranging from 4.67 to 22.00 mm. Aqueous extract obtained from fermented V. africana exhibited better antioxidant capacity with DPPH scavenging effect being the highest (27.93) when compared with extract obtained from raw V. africana. Bioactive compounds such as Eicosane, 1,14-Dibromotetradecane, 7-Oxodehydroabietic acid, oleic acid and so on were present in the aqueous extract obtained from fermented V. africana. Data gathered from this study revealed that fermentation enhances the antimicrobial and anoxidant properties of V. africana. The presence of bioactive compounds in the aqueous extract of V. africana indicates that it could be a good source of natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds for the improvement of human health.

Minerals and fatty acids profile of armored catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis from Ciliwung River, Indonesia

Abstract. Wijayanti F, Lisdaniyah A, Hasanah M, Elfidasari D. 2023. Minerals and fatty acids profile of armored catfish Pterygoplichthys pardalis from Ciliwung River, Indonesia. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 58-67. Fish is an important food source in human consumption due to its minerals and fatty acids needed for various body functions. One fish widely eaten by the people around the Ciliwung River, Indonesia is the armored catfish, Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Castelnau 1855). It has great economic value and is easily obtained by the residents along this river. Due to its high protein content, P. pardalis is a potential source of animal protein for humans. The unavailability of information detailing the minerals content and fatty acids in P. pardalis from the Ciliwung River makes it necessary to conduct this research to analyze the fish's minerals content and fatty acid profile. Analyses of minerals, fatty acid contents, and fatty acid profiles were conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), socletation, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) methods, respectively. The mineral content of P. pardalis from the highest order was calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and zinc. Based on P. pardalis body size, large fish had the highest calcium concentration content, and the lowest calcium content was found in the medium fish. The fat content in this fish was very low (&lt;1%), and the content of Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA) was greater than unsaturated ones. Furthermore, palmitate acid was the dominant fatty acid in the fish, while the biggest ratio of omega-6: omega-3 is fatty acids.

In vitro antioxidant activities of Carissa edulis ((Forssk) Vahl) and Pappea capensis (Eckyl. & Zeyh) extracts

Herbal medications are gaining popularity due to their long history of use in traditional medicine. They serve as a reservoir for a diverse array of phytocompounds linked to amelioration of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the balance between generation and elimination of reactive species in human body. Moreover, reactive species are implicated in the onset and progression of chronic disorders. The current therapeutic approaches despite showing efficacy are characterized by several limitations such as adverse effects and prohibitive costs. This drives the need to explore alternatives that can inhibit, ameliorate or reverse conditions caused by oxidative stress. Several studies have evaluated antioxidant effects of diverse plant extracts. C. edulis and P. capensis are used as traditional therapy among the African communities to manage oxidative stress-related ailments. However, there is limited research on the antioxidant effects of these medicinal plants. The current study, therefore, sought to evaluate the antioxidant and phytochemical profile, of C. edulis and P. capensis extracts. Samples were collected from Embu County, Kenya. In vitro antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated through ferric reduction, Iron chelating, hydroxyl radical, and DPPH radical scavenging activities. Activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductases of the extracts were further determined. Phytochemical profiles were determined using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) analyses. The extracts displayed concentration dependent antioxidant activities. Phytochemical analyses revealed presence compounds which are associated with antioxidant activities including flavonoids, phenolics, tocopherols and terpenoids. The findings provide a scientific validation for the folklore use of C. edulis and P. capensis in management of oxidative stress. Nevertheless, there is a need for further purification and characterization of phytochemicals associated with antioxidant activities.

In Vitro Antiproliferative Effects and Phytochemical Characterization of Carissa edulis ((Forssk) Vahl) and Pappea capensis (Eckyl and Zeyh) Extracts.

Cancer mortality is a global concern. The current therapeutic approaches despite showing efficacy are characterized by several limitations. Search for alternatives has led to the use of herbal plants including C. edulis and P. capensis. However, there is limited research on antiproliferative effects of these medicinal plants. The study sought to evaluate antiproliferative effects of the plants against human breast and prostate cancers using cell viability, and gene expression assays to determine modulation of apoptotic genes. Further, Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS) analyses were performed to confirm phytocompounds in the extracts. The results indicated that ethylacetate extracts of C. edulis and P. capensis had the highest activity against cancer cells with IC50 values of 2.12 ± 0.02, and 6.57 ± 0.03 μg/ml on HCC 1395 and 2.92 ± 0.17 and 5.00 ± 0.17 μg/ml on DU145, respectively. Moreover, the plants extracts exhibited relatively less cytotoxic activities against Vero cell lines (IC50 > 20 μg/ml). The extracts also exhibit selectivity against the cancer cells (SI > 3). Further, mRNA expression of p53 in the treated HCC 1395 was increased by 7 and 3-fold, whereas by 3 and 2-fold in DU145 cells, upon treatment with ethylacetate extracts of C. edulis and P. capensis, respectively. Similarly, several-fold increases were observed in the number of transcripts of Bax in HCC 1395 and HOXB13 in DU145 cells. Phytochemical analyses detected presence of phytocompounds including flavonoids, phenolics, tocopherols and terpenoids which are associated with anticancer activity. Findings from this study provide a scientific validation for the folklore use of these plants in management of cancer.

Production of biodiesel from the novel non-edible seed of Chrysobalanus icaco using natural heterogeneous catalyst: Modeling and prediction using Artificial Neural Network

Biodiesel has been referred to as a perfect substitute for diesel fuel because of its numerous promising properties. They are renewable, clean, increase energy security, and improve the environment. The seed oil of Chrysobalanus icaco was characterised using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GCMS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The heterogeneous solid catalyst of periwinkle shell ash was prepared in 3 forms: raw, calcined and acid-activated. They were characterised using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and FTIR. The results of the SEM analysis revealed the calcined samples to be a better choice because of their larger surface area. The result showed that the oil yield of the used crop was promising for commercial biodiesel production, with Chrysobalanus icaco having a yield of 51.90%.The reusability of the catalyst for continuous reaction runs showed that biofuel yield was still high after five cycles: 92.25–80.60% for calcined periwinkle shell ash (PSA) catalyst and 89.26–78.50% for acid-activated PSA catalyst. The result of the fuel properties of the biodiesel and their blend indicated their suitability for biodiesel production. Methyl ester blends of 20:80 had viscosity that placed them in 2D grade diesel (2.0–4.3 mm2/s), helpful in powering stationary equipment. Other fuel properties, including acid value, pour point, flash point and density, were within the ASTM D6751 limits for biodiesels. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used to compare the experimental value to the simulated value using MATLAB 2020. The seed oil of Chrysobalanus icaco trans-esterified with methanol using Periwinkle Shell Ash (PSA) catalyst was proven to be a good source of biodiesel.

Antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing activities of the different solvent extracts of Embelia ruminata

The rise of antibiotic resistance has resulted in an intense drive to screen plants and their secondary metabolites for their antibacterial activity as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Furthermore, research has focused on plant sources that can curtail the development of drug resistance and the expression of bacterial virulence factors by attenuation of quorum sensing (QS). Thus, the present study investigated the phytochemical profile together with the antibacterial potential of a southern African plant species, Embelia ruminata (E.Mey. ex A.DC.) Mez. against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. Additionally, the study evaluated the QS inhibitory potential of E. ruminata using Chromobacterium subtsugae CV017 (short chain autoinducer) and Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 (long chain autoinducer). The results of the preliminary phytochemical tests showed the presence of benzoquinone, alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, quinones anthraquinones and resin compounds in the different solvent extracts. In the gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometer analyses, thirty bioactive compounds were identified including the benzoquinone compound, embelin in the hexane and chloroform fruit and seed extracts. In the antibacterial assays, extracts tested at 400 and 800 µg produced limited antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria, with the fruit extracts demonstrating greatest activity against selected bacterial strains. The methanolic stem bark extracts showed promising activity against selected Gram-positive strains, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the anti-QS violacein inhibition assay, the chloroform leaf, hexane and methanolic seed extracts displayed inhibition of both biosensor strains suggesting that these extracts possess broad-spectrum QS inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the methanolic seed extracts demonstrated the most potent violacein inhibitory activity against both biosensor strains compared to the other plant organ extracts. This study provides insight into the bioactivity of E. ruminata extracts as possible anti-virulence agents targeting resistant bacterial strains.

Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination of Fruits, Leaves, and Soil within Automobile Repair Workshops in Nsukka Metropolis

The level and distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) in soil, fruit, and leaf from within automobile repair workshops in Nsukka metropolis was assessed. The PAHs concentrations were evaluated using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometer (GC-MS). The health risk was assessed using incremental life cancer risk (ILCR) and mutagenic effect and the possible sources of the PAHs were estimated by the diagnostic ratio. The results showed that the concentrations of the PAHs in soil, fruit, and leaf ranged from 0.003 to 0.564, 0.011 to 0.070, and 0.020 to 0.120 µg/kg, respectively. The mean PAHs concentration for soil, fruit, and leaf are 0.229842, 0.034059, and 0.043091 µg/kg, respectively. The TEQs were generally within the acceptable limit stipulated by Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry–ATSDR (100 µg/kg) for non-pollution and low toxicity. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the seven prominent carcinogenic PAHS indicated that Benzo(a)pyrene and Dibenz(a,h)anthrance, being the most toxic were above the acceptable limit of 1 × 10−4 showing possible carcinogenic effects to humans with children being the most vulnerable. Although the concentration of PAHs in this study is lower than many similar cases, they have a high risk of carcinogenesis. In contrast, the Mutagenic Equivalent Quotient (MEQ) values were generally within the acceptable value. Benzo(a)pyrene and Dibenz(a,h)anthrance were the most contributors signifying possible alternation/modification of DNA in humans. The Diagnostic ratio showed that pyrogenic combustions could be the main sources of PAHs in the studied area. Therefore, it is evident that Nsukka automobile repair area is gradually being contaminated with PAHs.