GC-MS Screening Research Articles

Larvicidal Efficacy of <i>Cassia singueana</i> methanol leaf extract against <i>Aedes aegypti</i> and <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i>

Despite the persistent control measures, mosquitoes remain abundant and the disease they transmit persists globally posing significant health challenges. There is increasing enthusiasm for exploring botanical solutions as substitutes for conventional chemical insecticides, driven by their broad insecticidal attributes, eco-friendly nature and compatibility with various ecological settings. As such, the study was designed to assess the larvicidal properties of methanol leaf extract of Cassia singueana against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The plant was subjected to preliminary and GC-MS phytochemicals screening. Larvicidal bioassay was conducted using six different concentrations (0.10-3.20 mg/ml) and 31.25mg/l temphos and distilled water were used as positive and negative control respectively. The experimental set up was observed after 24 h and the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC99) were determined using Probit analysis. Preliminary phytochemical screening of C. singueana methanol leaf extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroid carbohydrates, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Eighteen (18) bioactive compounds were identified in the methanol leaf extract of C. singueana which includes 1,5-Heptadien-3-yne, 2-Hydroxy-3-methylbenzaldehyde, 2-Butenoic acid, Acetonitrile, 2,2'-iminobis-, 7,11-Hexadecadienal,2-Hexyne, among others. The extract had larvicidal activity against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus with LD99 of 5.44 mg/ml and 15.85 mg/ml respectively at 24 h post-treatment. This study offers valuable perspectives on the possible application and advancement of C. singueana leaf extract as a potential bioinsecticide against A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus and consequently control the diseases transmitted by them.

Exploring Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G.Don ex Loudon) By In vitro and In silico Approaches.

Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G.Don ex Loudon) (family: Myrtaceae) is used for its medicinal properties in treating various metabolic disorders. We investigated the chemical characterization and biological screening of the n-hexane extract of C. viminalis. The total phenolic content was (37.45±7.40 mg GA.E/g D.E±S.D) and the total flavonoid content was (18.43±6.34 mg R.E/g D.E±S.D). GC-MS screening of the n-hexane extract tentatively identified 70 bioactive phytochemicals. The maximum antioxidant potential (289.99±9.01 mg T.E/g D.E±S.D) was observed via the FRAP assay. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed that n-hexane extract of C. viminalis showed enzyme inhibition against the enzymes including α-glucosidase (6.9±0.13 mmol of ACA.E/g D.E±S.D); α-amylase (7.2±0.56 mmol of ACA.E/g D.E±S.D), urease (4.95±0.9 mg of TU.E/g D.E±S.D), acetylcholinesterase (2.9±0.08 mg GALA.E/g D.E±S.D), lipoxygenase (4.93±1.05 mg of Indo.E/g D.E±S.D) and tyrosinase (4.33±0.62 mg of KA.E/g D.E±S.D). The extract showed maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (71.30±4.44 %) followed by Bacillus subtilis (68.55±2.70 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (57.86±6.02 %), and Salmonella typhi (53.90±5.05 %). Docking studies revealed good docking interactions between ligands and the studied enzymes, whereas ADME analysis revealed the pharmacokinetic profiles of the phytoconstituents. C. viminalis possesses promising therapeutic potential and can be further explored for drug development and drug design.

Combustion-Derived Pollutants Linked with Kidney Disease in Low-Lying Flood-Affected Areas in the Balkans.

Tens of thousands of people in southern Europe suffer from Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), and four times as many are at risk. Incidental ingestion of aristolochic acids (AAs), stemming from the ubiquitousAristolochia clematitis(birthwort) weed in the region, leads to DNA adduct-induced toxicity in kidney cells, the primary cause of BEN. Numerous cofactors, including toxic organics and metals, have been investigated, but all have shown small contributions to the overall BEN relative to non-BEN village distribution gradients. Here, we reveal that combustion-derived pollutants from wood and coal burning in Serbia also contaminate arable soil and test as plausible causative factors of BEN. Using a GC-MS screening method, biomass-burning-derived furfural and coal-burning-derived medium-chain alkanes were detected in soil samples from BEN endemic areas levels at up to 63-times and 14-times higher, respectively, than in nonendemic areas. Significantly higher amounts were also detected in colocated wheat grains. Coexposure studies with cultured kidney cells showed that these pollutants enhance DNA adduct formation by AA, - the cause of AA nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity. With the coincidence of birthwort-derived AAs and the widespread practice of biomass and coal burning for household cooking and heating purposes and agricultural burning in rural low-lying flood-affected areas in the Balkans, these results implicate combustion-derived pollutants in promoting the development of BEN.

Plant-based food contact materials: presence of hazardous substances

As a result of the European Single Use Plastic Directive and as part of the transition to a circular economy, plastic food contact materials (FCMs) are being replaced, often by renewable plant-based materials. This research aimed to identify which chemical substances are present in plant-based materials. In 2022 a total of 28 samples of the latter materials from the Dutch market were analysed for 313 active substances from plant protection products, 47 per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFASs) and 27 heavy metals and other elements. Ten samples contained plant protection products that are not authorised in the EU. Most materials contained PFASs at trace or even high levels. Three out of four investigated sugar cane materials contained 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol at levels up to 1.7 mg/kg. High contents of aluminium, manganese, iron, zinc, and barium were found. Other heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead and mercury were found in relatively low contents. A broad GC-MS screening was performed, which revealed the presence of plant extractable, plasticisers, antioxidants and hydrocarbons, which were not all authorised for FCMs, but may be present as non-intentionally added substances.

Launaea fragilis extract attenuated arthritis in rats through modulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, COX-2, IL-4, and IL-10.

Launaea fragilis (Asso) Pau is a Cholistan desert medicinal plant. Launaea species are used as traditional remedies against various inflammatory conditions. The current research was designed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic potential of ethanolic extract of L. fragilis (Et-LF). The plant extract was prepared by triple maceration. GC-MS screening explored the presence of various bioactive phytoconstituents including n-tetracosanol-1, 1-heptacosanol, and n-hexadecanoic acid. DPPH assay demonstrated the antioxidant potential of Et-LF. Safety profile data indicated that Et-LF was safe up to the oral dose of 5000mg/kg in female rats. Anti-nociceptive activity of Et-LF was assessed in hot plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing model and the results suggested that Et-LF had significant analgesic effects in both animal models. Carrageenan, histamine, and serotonin-induced edema models were used to estimate the anti-inflammatory effects of Et-LF and were found to prevent paw edema development dose dependently. The anti-arthritic effect of Et-LF was estimated in CFA-induced arthritic rat model. Treatment with Et-LF 125, 250, 500 and flurbiprofen (FP) 10mg/kg/day significantly attenuated the paw edema, reversed the reduced body weight, and restored the altered hematological parameters in arthritic rats. Gene expression studies revealed the significant downregulation of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, NF‑κB, and COX-2, and upregulation of IL-4 and IL-10 in arthritic rats treated with various doses of plant extract. Histological evaluation of ankle joints showed that Et-LF mitigated pannus formation, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and fibrous connective tissue formation in the diseased rats. Thereof, it may be concluded that the recent study demonstrated the anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic effects ascribed to the signifying presence of phytoconstituents in L. fragilis.

ANTI INFLAMMATORY EFFECT AND GC-MS METABOLOME PROFILING OF Curcuma haritha Mangaly and M. Sabu – AN ENDEMIC HERB OF KERALA, SOUTH INDIA

Curcuma haritha (Zingiberaceae) is a less explored endemic ethnomedicinal herb of north Kerala (India). The aim of present study was to evaluate the anti inflammatory potential and phytochemical profile of methanolic rhizome extract of C. haritha. The preliminary assays performed were, the proteinase inhibition and the protein denaturation inhibition tests, followed by cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, iNOS and cellular nitrite activity/expression assays in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The toxicity of the extract was studied using MTT assay and the expression of COX-2 inflammatory protein in treated cells was determined by indirect ELISA. The phytochemical profiling was done by GC-MS analysis. All the assays revealed a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect in vitro. The inhibition of inflammatory enzymes, COX-2, Lox and iNOS were observed as 62.16 ± 0.49, 57.25 ± 1.98 and 56.74 ± 2.73%, respectively, at maximum concentration (100 µg mL-1). The cellular nitrite levels and expression of COX-2 mediator protein also decreased in treated cells proving the anti inflammatory effect of the extract. GC-MS screening revealed the presence of 54 phytoconstituents including anti-inflammatory compounds like curcumenol, chamazulene, etc., Therefore, in the light of above results, C. haritha can be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory drug source plant.

Chemical Profiling, in-vitro biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of Ruellia tweediana: An unexplored plant

Many Ruellia species have been utilized in traditional medicine and despite the prevalent use of Ruellia tweediana in folk medicine, its antioxidant potential and polyphenol content have not been investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the medicinal value of R. tweediana by evaluating its total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), GC–MS analysis, antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibition activities. The TPC and TFC of the extract/fractions were assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum trichloride methods, respectively. To determine the antioxidant capacity, five different assays were used: DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, and metal chelating assays. The inhibition activity against α-glucosidase, α-amylase, cholinesterases, and lipoxygenase enzymes was also analyzed. Furthermore, GC–MS was performed for chemical screening of non-polar fraction. The methanol extract showed the maximum TPC (167.34 ± 2.23 mg GAE/g) and TFC (120.43 ± 1.71 mg RE/g) values among all the tested samples. GC–MS screening of the n-hexane fraction showed the presence of 40 different phytoconstituents. The results demonstrated the highest scavenging potential of the methanol extract against DPPH (167.79 ± 2.75 mg TE/g) and ABTS (255.32 ± 2.91 mg TE/g) radicals, as well as the metal-reducing capacity measured by CUPRAC (321.34 ± 3.09 mg TE/g), FRAP (311.32 ± 2.91 mg TE/g), and metal chelating assay (246.78 ± 10.34 mg EDTAE/g). Notably, the n-hexane fraction revealed the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition activity (186.8 ± 2.84 and 179.7 ± 4.32 mg ACAE/g, respectively) while methanol extract showed highest acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity (198.6 ± 3.31 and 184.3 ± 2.92 mg GALE/g, respectively). The GC–MS identified Lupeol showed best binding affinity with all docked enzymes as compared to standard compounds. The presence of bioactive phytoconstituents showed by GC–MS underscores the medicinal importance of R. tweediana, making it a promising candidate for natural medicine.

Acaricidal activity of methanolic extract of leaves of Cleistanthuscollinus(Roxb.) Benth. Ex Hook.f

Ticks are parasitic haematophagus arthropods playing a major role in disease transmission among human and animals. Effective tick control is mainly accomplished through widespread use of chemical acaricides, which have a negative impact on environment, humans, and animals due to their toxicity and indiscriminate use leads to resistance developement. So, there arise an essentiality for development of safer, eco-friendly methods for control of acarine parasites. The present study was conducted to identify phytochemicals in methanolic extract of leaves of Cleistanthus collinus. and its acaricidal activity against Haemophysalis bispinosa. Leaves of C. collinus were harvested at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy campus in Thrissur, Kerala, India. They were shade-dried, ground into a powder, and extracted using methanol. A rotary vacuum evaporator was used to concentrate extract, and FTIR, GCMS, and qualitative phytochemical screening were carried out. Acaricidal activity was determined by adult immersion assay by accounting for various entomological parameters such as per cent adult mortality, index of egg laying and percent inhibition of fecundity using various concentrations of extract. Phytochemical analysis detected presence of steroids, alkaloids, glycosoides, flavonoids, terpenoids, in methanolic extract of C.collinus leaves. GC–MS analysis confided presence of Dianhydromannitol,Diethyl phthalate, Cyclooctasiloxane, Benzophenone, Dodecanoic acid, Tetradecanoicacid, Hexadecenoic acid, among many compounds. FTIR analysis ascertained presence of various functional groups like aldehydes, sulfoxides, phenol, vinyl ether and aliphatic ketones. There was cent per cent mortality of ticks in all doses tested. Index of egg laying was found to be zero and maximum inhibition of fecundity was observed in higher concentrations. IC50 found to be 30.84 mg/mL. From results, it was clear that methanolic extract of leaves of C.collinus induced very early adult tick mortality. It was apparent that methanolic extract of C.collinus leaves flaunted potent acaricidal activity against H. bispinosa and can be used to develop a potent ectoparasiticide.

Computational, chemical profile, in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory activity of hexane extract of some selected dark green vegetables

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-inflammatory potential of n-hexane extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (VA), Telfairia occidentalis (TO), Gongronema latifolium (GL) and Ocimum gratissimum (OG). The extracts demonstrated a concentration-dependent increase in antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of TO was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the other extracts; the total phenolic content of GL was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than OG, TO and VA; and the total flavonoid content (TFC) of OG was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the other extracts. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the TFC of GL and VA, while the TFC of TO was the least. The extracts produced a concentration-dependent increase in the percentage inhibition of haemolysis in both heat- and hypotonic solution-induced haemolysis. In the heat-induced haemolysis model, the percentage inhibition of haemolysis produced by TO, GL, OG, VA and diclofenac at 200 µg/mL concentration were 41.85, 18.26, 32.06, 15.56 and 25.49%, respectively. The extracts reduced starch digestibility and increased glucose adsorption, diffusion and uptake by yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner. GC–MS screening of plant extracts showed the presence of five compounds in all the extracts: 2,6,6-trimethyl-bicyclo (3.1.1) heptane-2,3-diol; 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol, (Z,Z,Z)-; 1-ethynyl-cyclohexanol; n-hexadecanoic acid; and phytol. Docking analysis of the major compounds common to all extracts showed a high affinity for target proteins compared to standard drugs. In conclusion, the extracts showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycaemic activity, which can be linked to the identified phytocompounds.

GC–MS screening of the phytochemical composition of Ziziphus honey: ADME properties and in vitro/in silico study of its antimicrobial activity

A revival interest has been given to natural products as sources of phytocompounds to be used as alternative treatment against infectious diseases. In this context, we aimed to investigate the antimicrobial potential of Ziziphus honey (ZH) against twelve clinical bacterial strains and several yeasts and molds using in vitro and computational approaches. The well-diffusion assay revealed that ZH was able to induce growth inhibition of most Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The high mean growth inhibition zone (mGIZ) was recorded in E. coli (Clinical strain, 217), S. aureus followed by E. coli ATCC 10536 (mGIZ values: 41.00 ± 1 mm, 40.67 ± 0.57 mm, and 34.67 ± 0.57 mm, respectively). The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) and minimal fungicidal concentration values (MFCs) from approximately 266.33 mg/mL to over 532.65 mg/mL. Molecular docking results revealed that the identified compounds maltose, 2-furoic acid, isopropyl ester, 2,4-imidazolidinedione, 5-(2-methylpropyl)-(S)- and 3,4,5-trihydroxytoluene, S-Methyl-L-Cysteine, 2-Furancarboxylic acid, L-Valine-N-ethoxycarbonyl, Hexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethyl-, Methyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside, gamma-Sitosterol, d-Mannose, 4-O-Methylmannose, 2,4-Imidazolidinedione, 5-(2-methylpropyl)- (S) were found to have good affinity for targeted receptor, respectively. Through a 100-ns dynamic simulation research, binding interactions and stability between promising phytochemicals and the active residues of the studied enzymes were confirmed. The ADMET profiling of all identified compounds revealed that most of them could be qualified as biologically active with good absorption and permeation. Overall, the results highlighted the efficiency of ZH against the tested clinical pathogenic strains. The antimicrobial potential and the potency displayed by the identified compounds could imply their further pharmacological applications. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Biological Characterization of Polystichum lonchitis L. for Phytochemical and Pharmacological Activities in Swiss Albino Mice Model.

Polystichum lonchitis L. is a fern belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae. The present study was conducted to evaluate its pharmacological, antioxidant, and phytochemical properties, and to conduct GC-MS screening of P. lonchitis. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, yeast-induced hyperpyrexia method, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model, and charcoal meal test model were carried out to assess analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic activity, respectively. DPPH was used as an antioxidant, while the phytochemical screening was conducted using standard scientific methods. Among the pharmacological activities, the most significant effects were observed in the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, followed by the antipyretic and antispasmodic activities, at a dose of 450 mg/kg after the 4th hour, compared with 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. For the evaluation of antioxidant activities, the most significant results were detected in the methanolic and aqueous extracts. The detection of flavonoids and phenol occurred most significantly in the methanolic extract, and then in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts. The main compounds detected using GC-MS analysis with a high metabolic rate was 𝛼-D-Galactopyranoside, which had a metabolic rate of 0.851, and methyl and n-hexadecanoic, which had a metabolic rate of 0.972. Overall, the results suggested that P. lonchitis had a strong potential for pharmacological activities. The suggested assessment provided a way to isolate the bioactive constituents and will help to provide new medicines with fewer side effects. Due to the fern's effectiveness against various diseases, the results provide clear evidence that they also have the potential to cure various diseases.

Comparison of the Anti-asthmatic Potential of Himalayan Plants Lonicera obovata Royle and Morina longifolia Wall: An in vivo Study

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,2,384-391.DOI:10.5530/pres.15.2.041Published:February 2023Type:Original Article Authors:Pooja Boora, Richa Puri, Sushila Rani, Monika Mehta, and Dechan Angmo Author(s) affiliations:Pooja Boora*, Richa Puri, Sushila Rani, Monika Mehta, Dechan Angmo Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Asthma is a very common and chronic disease in which there is an inflammation of the lungs. Inflammatory airways and narrowing, spasms, over-secretion of mucus, bronchoconstriction, and eosinophilic airway inflammation are generally seen in the asthmatic condition. Globally, its prevalence is rising constantly. The extracts of Lonicera obovata and Morina longifolia of the Caprifoliaceae family were traditionally used by the Himalayan local people to treat asthmatic and inflammatory conditions. Objectives: The goal of this experimental study was to identify the phytochemicals of the plants through GC-MS. To investigate and compare the anti-asthmatic potential of methanolic whole plant extracts of L. obovata and methanolic root extracts of M. longifolia through in-vivo experiments. Materials and Methods: The anti-asthmatic potential of extracts was determined by the method of leukocytosis and eosinophilia induced by milk in the Swiss albino mice model. Results: Various secondary active phytoconstituents were detected through the GC-MS screening method, some of which have anti-allergic (anti-asthmatic) and antihistaminic properties. The in vivo experiment result showed that in the case of increased leukocyte count, M. longifolia shows better results than L. obovata, and in the case of increased eosinophil count, L. obovata shows better results than M. longifolia to reduce the increased count. Conclusion: The anti-asthmatic potential of plant extracts could be due to the presence of the phytoconstituents like 1-Monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether in the L. obovata extracts and Octadec-9-enoic acid and Cis-vaccenic acid in both L. obovata and M. longifolia extracts. Hence, through the experiments, the unexplored anti-asthmatic properties were revealed and justifies the traditional usage of both plants to treat asthma. Keywords:Anti-asthmatic, Eosinophilia, in vivo, leukocytosis, Lonicera obovata, Morina longifolia.View:PDF (366.66 KB)

Phytochemical screening and GC-MS chemical profiling of an innovative anti-cancer herbal formula (PHF6)

The present investigation assessed the anticancer potential and chemical profile of the polyherbal formulation (PHF6) against human breast cancer cells. The plants (Alchemilla vulgaris, Cichorium pumilum, Crataegus azarolus, Eruca sativa, Ferula hermonis, and Hypericum triquetrifolium) were combined in equal quantities and extracted using soxhlet apparatus. The total polyphenolic (TPC) of the hexane and chloroform extract of PHF6 were 3.11 ± 0.004 and 7.88 ± 0.004 µg/mL (as gallic acid equivalent), respectively. The radical scavenging activity (RSA) values for the hexane and chloroform extract were 35.1 % ±0.01 and 36.9 % ±0.06, respectively. For hexane extract, the IC50 values were found to be 82.8 and 48.7 µg/mL against MCF-7ER(+)/PR(+) and MDA MB-231ER(−)/PR(−), respectively. Similarly, the IC50 value of chloroform extract was 44.4 µg/mL against both cell lines. The MDA MB-231ER(−)/PR(−) cells stained with DAPI post-treatment with hexane and chloroform extract showed cell shrinkage, nuclear fragmentation, and chromatin condensation. Moreover, GC–MS screening of the PHF6 revealed several compounds with different reported biological activities, such as phytol and octadecanoic acid. PHF6 showed promising anticancer activity against cancer cells tested, thus deserving more clinical studies in the future.

Preliminary Phytochemical, Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectroscopy Analysis and in-vitro Anticancer Activities of Macrosolen parasiticus (L.) Danser on Human Prostate Cancer Cell line (PC-3)

Background: Macrosolen parasiticus (L.) Danser, a hemiparasitic mistletoe plant was collected from the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to determine its phytoconstituents and in vitro anticancer activities against PC- 3 cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The collected samples were subjected to a hot extraction by using a soxhlet extractor. Investigation of phytochemicals was done by preliminary qualitative and GC-MS screening. In vitro anticancer activities on PC-3 cell lines were determined by MTT assay. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the occurrence of a variety of phytochemicals. GCMS screening of leaf methanol extract showed the occurrence of sixteen phytoconstituents, with valuable therapeutic uses. The identified major phytoconstituents were Dihydrochrysin (45.03%); 1,6-Anhydro-beta-D-glucopyranose (15.42%), and minor constituents were Adenosine,4’-de(hydroxymethyl)-4’-[N-ethylaminoformyl]- (0.95%); 4alpha-Phorbol 12,13-didecanoate (0.84%) and Agaricic acid (0.49%). The methanolic leaf extract showed moderate cytotoxicity on PC-3 lines at higher concentrations with IC50 values of 448.7μg/ mL. while it had no cytotoxic effects on MEF-L929 non-cancerous cells. Conclusion: It is concluded that Macrosolen parasiticus contains a wide variety of secondary metabolites and also it proved a potential anticancer agent for PC- 3 cells. Therefore, more research is required to determine its biological activities.

Identification of acidic degradation products of chemical warfare agents by methylation with trimethylsilyldiazomethane and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

Sensitive and reliable analysis of alkylphosphonic acids (APAs) and 2-(N,N-dialkylamino)ethanesulfonic acids (SAs), the degradation products of chemical warfare agents (CWAs), is one of the most important tasks for verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Unambiguous identification of these chemicals is required in a variety of environmental matrices, including soil and water. These acids with low volatility are very polar, and efficient and reliable methylation methods for their derivatization are needed for analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In this study, the derivatization conditions for trimethylsilyldiazomethane (TMSDAM) methylation were optimized for rapid GC–MS screening. Optimized methylation of APAs and SAs with TMSDAM was compared with methylation with diazomethane. The TMSDAM methylation of SAs and benzilic acid was further compared with silylation with N-methyl-N-(tert-butyldimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide. The significance and necessity of cation exchange prior to derivatization and analysis were tested on samples with a high inorganic background. A recommendation to use the method for methylation of water samples and aqueous extracts using TMSDAM is given. The robustness of the method was illustrated by the successful identification of APAs and SAs in aqueous samples from proficiency tests organized by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

In vitro pharmacological investigations of Oxystelma esculentum R.Br. and in silico molecular docking analysis of its leaf constituents on diabetic related target

The current investigation is to determine the preliminary chemical compounds present in Oxystelma esculentum R. Br. (Apocynaceae) leaf extracts and their pharmacological activities such as antioxidant and antibacterial anti-diabetic, assays. Total antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH, SO, FRAP, MC, and PHM assays, and antibacterial activity was determined by the minimal inhibitory concentration method against 10 pathogenic bacteria. The α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays were used for the enzymatic properties and its molecular docking approaches were examined through the screening of chemical characterization of the phytocompounds. The highest amount of total TPC and TFC obtained in ethyl acetate extract was 77.65 ± 0.65 mg/g GAE and 130.75 ± 0.01 mg/g QE, respectively. All the three extracts used in this study exhibited significant antioxidant activity at various concentrations and the results mentioned in the 50% inhibition and gram equivalents were respected with the assays. Ethyl acetate, ethanol, and acetone extracts exhibited significant results at the concentration of 118.75 µg/mL against S. flexneri. The highest inhibition was achieved by both enzyme activities, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity on ethanol (IC50 17.96 ± 2.6 µg/ml) and acetone (25.35 ± 1.43 µg/ml) extract respectively. GC-MS screening of ethanol leaf extract revealed the presence of 13 phytocompounds. Among these, 6 compounds possess anti-diabetic properties namely p-Chloroamphetamine, 1-Heptadecanol, Pentadecane, Hexadecanoic acid-2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester, Octadecanoic acid-2,3-dihydroxy propyl ester, and Solanesol were chosen for in silico modeling against human diabetic receptor (1B2Y). From these compounds, solanosol shows less binding affinity with the highest docking score of −7.3 than standard and other compounds. In conclusion, Oxystelma esculentum leaf extracts have significant pharmacological properties due to the presence of various phytocompounds.

GC-MS, FTIR and Antiulcer Screening of Aqueous Seed Extract and Oil of Nigella sativa in Wistar Rats

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenal mucosa. This study was aimed at evaluating the antiulcer activity of the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa (black seed) and its constitutents. The pharmacognostic properties of the dry seeds were determined. The seeds were extracted using two methods digestion and hydro-distillation. The acute toxicity, phytochemical constituents and the antiulcer evaluation were performed on ethanol-induced ulcer in wistar rats using a standard method. FTIR and GC-MS analysis of the aqueous seed extract was also determined using standard methods. Nigella sativa seed shows the presence of starch grains, lignified tissues, tannins, cellulose, protein and oil globules. The aqueous extract has a high safety margin. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, fats and oil. The black seed aqueous and oil extract at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced the acidity, total acidity, and ulcer index, and pH of gastric content when compared with the positive control (Famotidine). The FTIR analysis identified the presence of the following functional groups chloro, ether, amine, carboxylic acid, nitriles, methylene, alcohol, while the GC-MS identified five compounds such as glycerin, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid-methyl ester, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid and 9, 12-octadecadienoyl chloride. The pharmacognostic properties can act as a reliable tool for the standardization of the plant part. This study suggests that aqueous and oil extract possess antiulcer properties. Thus the aqueous and oil extract of black seed can be considered as antiulcer medication traditionally.&#x0D; Keywords: Nigella sativa, Black seed, Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical, Acute toxicity (LD50), Antiulcer.

Phytochemistry and GC-MS screening and biocidal potentiality of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) pods against mosquitos’ larvae

Many measures have been used for mosquito control, including the elimination of breeding places, exclusion via window screens and mosquito nets in addition to natural products including clove (Syzygium aromaticum). This study was run at University of Gezira, Sudan, to run phytochemical and GC-MS screening for clove pods before used it as mosquito control agent. The standard methods, materials and devices were used to screen the phytochemical components and the chemical constituents (GC-MS). The WHO protocol for testing the susceptibility of mosquito’s larvae to insecticides was followed in bioassay. The aqueous and the ethanol extracts from clove pods were prepared and used against Anopheles, Culex and Aedes larvae. The results showed that, Aedes mosquito was relatively more susceptible (LC50= 498 mg/L) to clove aqueous extract than Anopheles (LC50= 561 mg/L) and Culex (LC50= 615 mg/L), and similar findings were observed for clove pods ethanol extract, which is relatively more potent than the aqueous extract. The biocidal activity can be attributed to the presence of the detected saponins, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. The GC-MS for the ethanol extract showed that, the principal compounds were Eugenol (81%) and caryophyllene (4.65%). Further studies should be run to improve knowledge about how to use this natural product in more economic trends.

Phytochemistry and GC-MS Screening and Biocidal Potentiality of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome against Mosquito’s Larvae

Mosquitoes can act as vectors for many viruses and parasites through carrying these organisms from person to person. Although great number of natural products are lethal to mosquitoes, but few researches are conducted to understand the magnitude of the behavioral response to these plant parts. The objectives of this study were to screen the phytochemical and other chemical components from ginger rhizome in addition to test their aqueous and ethanol extracts on mosquito’s larvae. The standard methods, materials and devices were used to screen the phytochemical components and the chemical constituents (GC-MS). The aqueous and the ethanol extracts from clove pods were prepared and used against Anopheles, Culex and Aedes larvae. The results of the aqueous extract showed that, the LC50 was 153.77 mg/L for Anopheles larvae, 179.05 mg/L for Culex larvae, and 208.37 mg/L for Aedes larvae, also the ethanol extract of ginger rhizome was more potent than the aqueous extract. The biocidal activity can be attributed to the presence of saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids and steroids. The GC-MS for the hexane extract showed the presence of alkaloid: gingerol (18%) and eugenyl acetate- (19%) that gives the sweet aromatic, spicy taste, but the ethanol extract detected gingerol (43%) and zingiberene (14%). The obtained data will be useful to understand the mechanisms and reasons of biocidal activity of ginger rhizome against the tested mosquito’s larvae.

Eichhornia crassipes leaves biomass harvested from heavy metal contaminated water for biodiesel production potential

Energy is crucial for life and the issues related to fossil fuels (coal, gas and mineral oils) like limited availability, increasing prices, etc., have necessitated the need for some alternative energy sources. Eichhornia crassipes is known as widespread aquatic weed and a well known heavy metal hyperaccumulator. Its leaves biomass reported to have biochemical profile to be utilized for bioenergy generation. Therefore, the present study was conducted at the Institute campus during 2017–2020 with an aim to materialize the prolific growth of this aquatic weed to generate bioenergy sources such as Biodiesel from heavy metal contaminated water, thus proposing a strategy of its control through utilization. GC-MS screening of E. crassipes leaves extract showed the presence of methyl esters such as 8-Octadecenoic acid; 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-Hexadecanoic acid. Lower TL content (∼16%) was observed in E. crassipes leaves biomass raised at T2 culture (4 ppm Pb) as compared to T1 culture (1 ppm Pb). Characterization of the produced biodiesel using FTIR, confirmed the presence of the ester group. The FA analysis of esterified lipid showed the presence of C16:0, C18:1 and C18:3, which are known to be the common FAs present in biodiesel. The findings of the present study could provide a promising way of utilizing E. crassipes growing in wastewater contaminated with a lower concentration of heavy metal (lead) for biodiesel production.