Husk Extract Research Articles

Antifungal activity of volatile and non-volatile metabolites of endophytes of Chloranthus elatior Sw.

Agriculture crops that have fungal infections suffer significant economic losses and reduced crop output. Chemical fungicides are used to tackle the problem, although this has additional detrimental side effects. There is an urgent need for safe and novel antifungals. Volatiles from plant-beneficial endophytic fungi are considered promising alternatives for the biological control of fungal pathogens as a sustainable approach in an agroecosystem. In the present investigation, a volatile-emitting sterile endophytic fungus, Diaporthe sp. CEL3 with bio-fumigation activity, was isolated from leaves of the ethnomedicinal plant Chloranthus elatior Sw., collected from the Passighat forest of North-East India. The camphor odor volatiles of CEL3 showed an inhibitory effect against eight fungal pathogens in vitro and minimized the infections of Monilinia fructicola, a causal agent of cherry fruit rot, in VOC-exposed cherry fruits. Rhizoctonia solani, Botrytis cinerea, Pythium ultimum, and M. fructicola were maximally inhibited up to 51.5%, 55.8%, 61.9%, and 78.5%, respectively, in comparison to control by the volatiles. Another isolate, CEL7, identified as Curvularia sp., synthesized non-volatile, soluble antifungal metabolites in its cell-free extracts and exhibited antifungal action. Bioassay-guided fractionation revealed the presence of imidazole compounds- (2-aminoethyl)-1H-imidazole-2-carbaldehyde, Pyrazole 4, 5 imidazole, 1-formyl 3-ethyl, phenol compounds-Phenol, 4-[2-(methylamino) ethyl]-, 6-Nitro-3-chlorophenol, Phenol, 2,4,6-tri-tert-butyl-, etc., in the cell-free extracts, with a MIC value of 250-2,000 µg ml-1. Optimum VOC emission was achieved in a modified PDA medium with instantly smashed potato (150 g L-1), dextrose (20 g L-1), wheat husk (20 g L-1), and yeast extract (20 g L-1), with additional salts. Interestingly, endophytic CEL3 emitted different types of volatiles, and trans-verbenol (32.25%), geraniol (30.32%), trans-ocimenol (12.90%), and mentha-4,8-diene (5.16%) were the prime ones. These VOCs cause lethal leakage of protein and necessary intracellular molecules from the fungal pathogens. Thus, CEL3 could potentially be used as a bio-fumigating agent to control post-harvest infections caused by fungal pathogens. This study opens a new approach to the use of endophytic fungi in biocontrol.

Assessment of Antioxidant Stability of Meat Pâté with Allium cepa Husk Extract.

Antioxidants play a very important role in the food industry. Recently, both science and industry have shown substantial preference for natural antioxidants, including searching for antioxidant substances from natural sources without undesirable side effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding Allium cepa husk extract at a volume of 68 or 34 μL/g of unsalted blanched materials to replace 34% and 17% of the beef broth, respectively, which corresponded to a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 44.4 or 22.2 μmol-equiv. Q/100 g meat pté (i.e., 13.42 or 6.71 mg of quercetin/100 g meat pté), on the quality and safety indicators of the developed meat pté. The TAC according to a ferric reducing antioxidant power assay, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and physicochemical and microbiological characteristics were determined during the storage of the meat pté. Proximal and UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS analyses were also performed. The addition of yellow onion husk ethanolic extract to the meat pté at both volumes allowed the maintenance of an increased content of antioxidants, which contributed to a decrease in the generation of secondary products of lipid peroxidation for 14 days of storage at 4 ∘C. The results of the microbiological analyses showed that the developed meat ptés were safe according to all indicators of microbial spoilage within 10 days of production. The results supported the use of yellow onion husk extract in the food industry to contribute to improving the functionality of meat products, developing products for a healthy lifestyle, and providing clean-label foods without or with a minimal content of synthetic additives.

Biological behavior of the extract of green walnut husks on gastric cancer MGC80-3 cells

Stomach cancer (SC) is a relatively common cancer in my country, with a high mortality rate, which seriously threatens our health. This article studied the effect of Green walnut husks (GWH) extract on the biological behaviors and NF-κB protein levels of gastric cancer MGC80-3 cells, and provided evidence and support for the research and treatment of gastric cancer. Cell proliferation was measured by Thiazole blue and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Cell migration was analyzed by scratch experiment and the levels of NF-κB, NF-κBp65 and COX-2 in MGC80-3 cells were examined by Western blot and QRC-PCR. It was found that GWH extract inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. GWH extract significantly downregulated NF-κB, NF-κBp65 and COX-2. The growth process of cancer cells is related to biological behaviors such as cell proliferation and apoptosis. By inhibiting the biological behavior of cancer cells, inhibitory proteins can effectively inhibit gastric cancer. In summary, GWH extract has a great influence on gastric cancer MGC80-3 cells and the NF-κB protein expression.

Evaluation of the production of crude tannin extract from coffee husk as a feed additive for ruminant rations using the maceration method

Feed contributes 60-80% in livestock business. The main problem in ruminant farming in tropical areas such as Indonesia is the lack of availability of forage in the dry season, while in the rainy season its availability is abundant. For this reason, there is a need for preservation efforts using the silage method. However, the use of this silage method can reduce the nutritional content of fresh grass, especially protein. One of the additive properties of tannins is that they can bind to proteins. The preliminary study indicated that the addition of 9 g of tannin additives per kg of grass was able to maintain the protein nutrient content from microbial degradation during the ensilage. The Soxhlet extraction with ethanol as a solvent was used in the preliminary study. The obstacle faced is if we are going to produce on a large scale/business scale as in ruminant businesses in general, such as sheep and cattle. For this reason, an alternative method is needed to produce feed additives for crude tannin extract without using laboratory equipment (Soxhlet equipment) so that it can be applied easily in the field, namely by maceration. The aim of this study was to examine the production of crude tannin extract from coffee husks using the maceration method. The method of maceration used was 40 g of coffee husk powder which was extracted with a polar compound according to treatment (70% acetone, 70% ethanol) as much as 200 ml (room temperature), by shaking using a shaker. Extraction time according to treatment (8 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours). Crude tannin extract was obtained by drying the solid extract in an oven (60°C). The data were analysed for variance in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a factorial of 2X3. Factor I is the type of solvent (70% acetone and 70% ethanol). Factor II is the duration of maceration (8 hours, 16 hours and 24 hours). Each treatment was repeated 2 times. Significantly different results were continued using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that there was no interaction between the effect of the type of organic solvent and maceration duration but each factor, namely the type of organic solvent or maceration durations, had an effect on the tannin content produced and the amount of remaining unextracted coffee husk. Maceration durations for 24 hours using 70% ethanol as a solvent gave the best results for producing crude tannins from coffee husk extract.

Aktivitas Antioksidan Ekstrak Kulit Buah Kakao (Theobroma cacao L.) Pada Perlakuan Suhu dan Lama Penyimpanan

This research was conducted to determine effect of temperature and storage time on antioxidant activity of cocoa pod husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) and to obtain the best combination of storage temperature and storage time that can maintain the antioxidant activity of the extract. The experimental design used in this research was a factorial randomized block design, which are grouped into 2 groups based on the implementation time and consisted of two factors. The first factor was the storage temperature which consisted of 3 level that namely room temperature (27 ±2)?, cold temperature (5 ±2)? and freezing temperature (-10 ±2)?. The second factor was the storage time which consisted of 4 level namely 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and continued with Tukey test. The results showed that the temperature and storage time had a very significant effect on total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity of cocoa pod husk extract. Interactions between treatments had a very significant effect on total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant capacity of cocoa pod husk extract. The best treatment showed that freezing storage (-10 ±2)? for 1 week can maintain total phenol was 12.32 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g extract, total flavonoid was 4.07 ± 0.09 mg QE/g extract, antioxidant capacity was 6.50 ± 0.02 mg GAEAC/g extract.

Characterization of Cocoa Bean Husk Extract Particles and its Comparison as a Mouthrinse with Different Vehicles in Children aged 7-12 Years.

Assessing the efficacy of cocoa bean husk extract (CBHE) particles with different vehicles as a mouthrinse in children aged 7-12 years in comparison to chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium fluoride (NaF) mouthrinse. A total of 80 children aged 7-12 years residing at a residential school/orphanage in Bengaluru city were selected and randomly allocated into five groups-group I: 0.1% CBHE with distilled water (DW); group II: 0.1% CBHE with Ringer's lactate (RL); group III: 0.12% CHX; group IV: 0.1% CBHE with normal saline (NS); and group V: 0.05% NaF. A Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) was recorded, salivary pH was assessed, and unstimulated saliva samples were collected at baseline (BL) after 30 minutes of rinsing on day 7 and day 14. These saliva samples were subjected to microbiological analysis, and all the data from five groups at four different time intervals was tabulated and statistically evaluated. Nearly 0.1% CBHE with NS as vehicle showed maximum antibacterial properties among all the groups at all time intervals. The addition of RL to CBHE provided better anti-plaque efficacy than 0.1% CBHE with DW and 0.12% CHX mouthwash. All three combinations of 0.1% CBHE and 0.12% CHX mouthwash proved to be better anti-plaque agents than 0.05% NaF. Improving the preparation of CBHE mouthwash by using NS, RL, and with the addition of saccharin sodium also improved the patient's compliance. Thus, preparing chocolate/CBHE mouthwash with NS or RL instead of plain DW increased the salivary pH, anti-plaque efficacy, and antibacterial property by reducing Streptococcus mutans growth. Cocoa bean husk extract (CBHE) mouthwash is a better anticariogenic and nonalcoholic mouthwash compared to CHX and NaF, which can be safely used in children as a routine oral rinse and also for those with gingivitis and high-risk of caries. Kibriya S, Srinivasan I, Setty JV, et al. Characterization of Cocoa Bean Husk Extract Particles and its Comparison as a Mouthrinse with Different Vehicles in Children aged 7-12 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):54-59.

Effects of Cocoa Pod Husk Extract (Theobroma Cacao L.) on Alveolar Bone in Experimental Periodontitis Rats

Periodontitis is a destructive inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissues with a high prevalence in the world. Phorphyromonas gingivalis as one of the main bacteria causing periodontitis produces virulence factors that trigger immune cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines that can reduce the number of osteoblasts, thereby triggering alveolar bone resorption. Osteoblast cell differentiation is mediated by a number of growth factors such as cytokines and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). SRP mechanical therapy is sometimes not optimal and Metronidazole as an effective antibiotic against periodontitis has been reported to have several adverse effects. Utilization of cocoa pod waste (Theobroma cacao L) with its polyphenol content has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to determine the effect of ethanol extract gel from cocoa pod husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) on the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, as well as the expression of BMP-2 in the alveolar bone of periodontitis-model rats. This laboratory experimental study used 24 rats which were divided into negative control group (CMC-Na gel), positive control group (metronidazole gel), and treatment group (100 mg/mL cocoa pod husk extract gel). 24 Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups which were observed on days 7 and 14. The number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts of alveolar bone were observed by hematoxillin eosin staining and BMP-2 expression by immunohistochemistry staining. One-way ANOVA test showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between groups. The LSD test average of BMP-2 expression in the treatment group on the day 7 and day 14 was higher than the negative control group (p < 0.05). The conclusion of the study was that giving 100 mg/mL of cacao pod husk extract gel (Theobroma cacao L.) increased the number of osteoblasts and increased the expression of BMP-2 in the alveolar bone of periodontitis rats. HIGHLIGHTS Cocoa pod husk extract gel (Theobroma cacao) 100 mg/mL increased the ratio of osteoblasts to osteoclasts and increased BMP-2 expression in the alveolar bone of periodontitis rats The histological staining with IHC was analyzed using Quantitative Pathology 0.3.2 software The cocoa pod husk (Theobroma Cacao L.) extract gel effectively triggers and increased BMP-2 which stimulates bone formation in periodontitis rat models GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

A Multimethodological Approach for the Valorization of “Senatore Cappelli” Wheat Milling By-Products as a Source of Bioactive Compounds and Nutraceutical Activity

Wheat is the third most cultivated cereal in the world and represents the major contributor to human nutrition. Milling wheat by-products such as husks (17-20% of the total processing output weight), even if still containing high-value-added bioactive compounds, are often left untreated or unused, thus resulting in environmental and human health burdens. In these regards, the present study is aimed at evaluating in a multimethodological approach the nutraceutical properties of durum wheat husks belonging to the ancient cultivar "Senatore Cappelli", thus assessing their potential as bioactive compound sources in terms of phytochemical, cytotoxic, and nutraceutical properties. By means of HPLC-FD analyses, wheat husk samples analyzed revealed a higher content of serotonin, amounting to 35% of the total BAs, and were confirmed to occur at biogenic amines quality index (BAQI) values <10 mg/100 g. In addition, spectrophotometric assays showed a significant variable content in the phenolic (189.71-351.14 mg GAE/100 g) and antioxidant compounds (31.23-37.84 mg TE/100 g) within the wheat husk samples analyzed, according to the different cultivar areas of origin. Considering wheat husk extracts' anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, in vitro analyses were performed on BV-2 murine microglia cells cultured in the presence or absence of LPS, thus evaluating their ability to promote microglia polarization towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Cytotoxicity assays showed that wheat extracts do not affect microglia viability. Wheat husks activity on microglial polarization was assessed by analyzing the expression of M1 and M2 markers' mRNA by RT-PCR. Wheat husk antioxidant activity was assessed by analysis of NRF2 and SOD1 mRNA expression. Moreover, the sustainability assessment for the recovery of bioactive components from wheat by-products was carried out by applying the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology using SimaPro v9.2.2. software.

Ameliorative Effect of Rice Husk Methanol Extract on Liver and Kidney Toxicities Induced by Subchronic Codeine Administration.

Background and Objective. Rice husk remains a key by-product of rice milling generated in significant amount. Accumulated evidence indicates that rice husk contains numerous bioactive compounds; however, its application is limited. This study was designed to introduce an in vivo application of rice husk extract, against opioid-induced liver and kidney injuries. Codeine was considered a psychotic inducer in this study due to its global alarming misuse recently. The hepatorenal ameliorative proclivity of rice husk extract against codeine-induced toxicity on the liver and kidney in male albino Wistar rats was examined. To this effect, thirty-six (36) albino Wistar rats of weight 100-110 g were utilized and weight-matched animals placed in 6 groups of 6 rats each. After 30 days of the combined administration of codeine and the rice husk extract, the experimental animals were assayed for basic liver and renal markers such as AST, ALP, ALT, total protein, albumin, conjugated and total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate). Rice husks were collected from a local rice mill, and the extraction was done with methanol. Findings. Rice husk extract (RHE) significantly ameliorated the recorded hepatic damage. More so, the extract showed a significant action on the renal markers as well. A histopathology examination of the liver and kidney tissues revealed that RHE showed a hepatorenal ameliorative potential in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion. Phytonutrient from RH possesses a healing ability against opioid-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Thus, RH is safe for human and may be adopted to obviate and manage codeine-induced hepatorenal damage or injury. Significance and Novelty. Data on the application of RHE as a phytonutrient to combat liver and kidney injuries were demonstrated. Future studies should evaluate its potential on other organs.

Two different anti-algal control mechanisms in Microcystis aeruginosa induced by robinin or tannin rich plants

Phytochemical is considered an alternative method for cyanobacterial bloom control in aquatic environments. When cyanobacteria are treated with anti-algal materials produced from plant tissues, they tend to exhibit growth inhibition or necrosis of cells. These different anti-algal responses have not been well discussed, and thus, the modes of anti-algal action in cyanobacteria remain obscure. In this study, transcriptomic and biochemical researches were conducted to understand the mechanisms of cyanobacterial growth inhibition and necrosis in harmful cyanobacterial cells exposed to allelopathic materials. The cyanobacteria Microcystis aeruginosa was treated with aqueous extracts of walnut husk, rose leaf, and kudzu leaf. Walnut husk and rose leaf extracts induced mortality of cyanobacterial population with cell necrosis, whereas kudzu leaf extract exhibited poorly grown cells with shrunk size. Through RNA sequencing, it was revealed that the necrotic extracts significantly downregulated critical genes in enzymatic chain reactions for carbohydrate assembly in the carbon fixation cycle and peptidoglycan synthesis. Compared to the necrotic extract treatment, expression of several genes related to DNA repair, carbon fixation, and cell reproduction was less interrupted by the kudzu leaf extract. Biochemical analysis of cyanobacterial regrowth was performed using gallotannin and robinin. Gallotannin was identified as the major anti-algal compound in walnut husk and rose leaf affecting cyanobacterial necrosis, whereas robinin, which is the typical chemical in kudzu leaf, was associated with growth inhibition of cyanobacterial cells. These combinational studies using RNA sequencing and regrowth assays provided evidence supporting the allelopathic effects of plant-derived materials on cyanobacterial control. Furthermore, our findings suggest novel algicidal scenarios with different responses in the cyanobacterial cells depending on the type of anti-algal compounds.

The Influence of Antioxidant Plant Extracts on the Oxidation of O/W Emulsions

The demand for natural cosmetics has steadily increased in recent years. However, challenges occur especially in quality preservation regarding oxidative spoilage of natural cosmetic products, as the use of synthetic preservatives and antioxidants is limited. Therefore, it is important to find nature-based ingredients to ensure shelf life in natural cosmetic formulations. As a result, potential is seen in the use of plant-based antioxidant extracts. The aim of this work was to determine the suitability of the method combination by measuring the antioxidant activity, oxygen concentration, and volatile oxidation products via gas chromatography (hexanal) for the characterization of the influence of some plant extracts on the oxidative stability of natural cosmetic emulsions. Plant extracts of Riesling (Vitis vinifera) pomace, apple (Malus domestica) pomace, coffee (Coffea arabica) grounds, cocoa (Theobroma cacao) husk, and coffee (Coffea arabica) powder extract were incorporated in stable O/W emulsion formulations, while an emulsion without extract functioned as blank. Afterwards, the emulsions were subjected to 3-month accelerated storage tests with and without light exposure. Their oxygen uptake was investigated, and headspace gas chromatography measurements were performed to detect the fatty acid oxidation products formed during oxidative processes in the samples. The results showed that all emulsion samples under light exposure had a higher oxygen uptake and an increase in the characteristic fatty acid oxidation products compared with those stored under light exclusion. However, differences in oxygen uptake under light exposure were observed depending on the plant extract. Therefore, for O/W emulsions, the daily oxygen consumption rate correlated exponentially with the antioxidant activity, and the hexanal concentration correlated linearly with the daily oxygen consumption rate.

Natural Melanogenesis Inhibitor, Antioxidant, and Collagen Biosynthesis Stimulator of Phytochemicals in Rice Bran and Husk Extracts from Purple Glutinous Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Pieisu 1 CMU) for Cosmetic Application

Oryza sativa L. cv. Pieisu 1 CMU (PES1CMU) has a high anthocyanin content in the colored bran and high phenolic content in the husk. Biologically active compounds in plants are available as dietary supplements and cosmetics. To expand the utilization of natural resources, PES1CMU will be a natural remedy for skin hyperpigmentation and aging. Cell-free tyrosinase inhibition and scavenging assays were used to screen all extracts, including PES1CMU-rice bran oil (RBO), PES1CMU-defatted rice bran (DFRB), and PES1CMU-husk (H). PES1CMU extracts were first examined in IBMX-stimulated B16 cells and H2O2-induced fibroblasts. The results exhibited that PES1CMU-DFRB was the most effective inhibitor of mushroom tyrosinase, intracellular melanin production (fold change of 1.11 ± 0.01), and tyrosinase activity (fold change of 1.22 ± 0.10) in IBMX-stimulated B16 cells. Particularly, PES1CMU-DFRB showed a comparable whitening effect to the standard arbutin with no significant difference (p > 0.05). Moreover, PES1CMU-DFRB and PES1CMU-H demonstrated strong scavenging activities. After accelerated cell aging caused by H2O2 exposure in fibroblasts, the levels of malondialdehyde production in all PES1CMU-treated fibroblasts were comparable with those of standard l-ascorbic acid (p > 0.05). Besides, PES1CMU-DFRB and PES1CMU-H treatment significantly inhibited collagen degradation against MMP-2 compared to l-ascorbic acid-treated cells (p > 0.05). PES1CMU rice-processing wastes (DFRB and H) could become potential natural sources for dermatocosmetic constituents in skin anti-aging and whitening products.

Antiviral activity of biosynthesized copper nanoparticle by Juglans regia green husk aqueous extract and Iron nanoparticle: molecular docking and in-vitro studies.

The interaction between nanoparticles (NPs) and viruses is attracting interest because of the antiviral potential of NPs. This study aims to investigate the antiviral potential of NPs against Herpes simplex virus types 1 (HSV-1). Molecular docking studies were conducted by Molegro virtual docker software. An extract of Juglans regia green husk was utilized to biosynthesize copper-oxide nanoparticles (CuNPs). The cytotoxicity of NPs was evaluated by MTT assay. Different treatment assays were conducted. Another assay was designed to employ the concentration of 300 μg/ml of CuNPs, which is the highest concentration that did not precipitate. Finally, chemically synthesized Iron oxide nanoparticles (FeNPs) were utilized to adsorb CuNPs. The antiviral effect of FeNPs was investigated, separately. Docking results confirmed that NPs could interact with the HSV-1 glycoproteins and prevent viral entry. MTT assay results illustrated that the minimum non-toxic concentration (MNTD) of CuNPs is 100 μg/ml which did not exhibit antiviral properties. Employing a noncytotoxic concentration of FeNPs (300 mg/ml) in combination with cytotoxic concentration of CuNPs (300 μg / ml), eliminated the cytotoxicity effects of CuNPs. Exposure of the virus with the combination of CuNPs and FeNPs resulted in 4.5 log10 TCID50 reductions in HSV-1. While treating HSV-1 with only FeNPs reduced the titer of virus by 3.25 log10 TCID50. The results highlight that combination of CuNPs and FeNPs have antiviral activity against HSV-1. Moreover, FeNPs demonstrated antiviral properties against HSV-1 separately.

Allelopathic effects of tamarind husk, lemongrass and citronella residues to suppress emergence and early growth of some weeds

The allelopathic effects were evaluated of water extracts from tamarind (Tamarindus indica L.) husk and from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.) or citronella (Cymbopogon nardus Rendle.) leaves on 2 test plants: ruzi grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. &amp; C.M. Evrard) and popping pod (Ruellia tuberosa L.). In the laboratory, the seeds were subjected to the different extracts at concentrations of 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 % (w/v). The number of germinated seeds was counted daily for 6 days. The shoot/root length was measured 5 days after sowing (DAS). The results showed that the aqueous extract of tamarind husk did not inhibit the germination of either ruzi grass or popping pod. The lemongrass and citronella extracts had higher inhibition effects at high concentrations and clearly delayed seed germination at 10 % (w/v). With the seedling growth bioassays of the 3 extracts, only the citronella extract at the highest concentration had any effect on the shoot/root lengths of ruzi grass. Popping pod was susceptible to all 3 extracts, especially the popping pod roots treated with lemongrass and citronella extracts. The lemongrass and citronella extracts caused cell death and induced lipid peroxidation in both plants. Therefore, the primary action of these extracts on seedling growth inhibition might have been related to the loss of cell viability and triggering lipid peroxidation in affected tissues. The residue incorporation bioassay determined the effects of residue mixed in soil at concentrations of 0, 2.5, 5 and 10 % (w/w) on the growth of ruzi grass and popping pod at 30 DAS. Both plants showed an adverse effect than for the control, based on reduced leaf numbers and greater chlorosis, especially with soil incorporation of the lemongrass and citronella residues at 10 % (w/w). Mixing soil with lemongrass and citronella leaves at 2.5 % (w/w) and above resulted in reductions in the shoot/root lengths and shoot/root biomass values. Catechin, gentisic acid, syringic acids, p-coumaric acid and ferulic acid were the dominant allelochemicals found in the lemongrass and citronella residues.

Evaluation of flavonoid compound in coconut waste and its antioxidant activity

The coconut tree, Cocos nucifera L., is planted for a variety of purposes. According to the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), rising coconut production has resulted in an increase in agricultural waste (coconut husk) in Malaysia (536,606 million coconuts in 2018 compared to 22,167 million coconuts in 2016). More than 60% of solid waste degradation in the environment is caused by the manufacture of coconut husks each year. Recycling coconut waste, particularly coconut husk, as a source of natural compounds offers environmental and economic benefits. The objectives of this study are to extract the flavonoid compounds from coconut husk from three different types of coconut fruit (Pandan Coconut, MAWA Coconut and Yellow Coconut) by using ethanolic solvent and compare them. Secondly, the antioxidant activity of coconut husk was determined by using the free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Thirdly, the alkaline reagent test was used to determine the presence of flavonoid compounds. The flavonoid compounds are existed in the coconut husk ethanolic extract and it have the antioxidant activity. IC50 of the standard compounds, ascorbic acid was 9.2 μg/ml. The most powerful radical scavenging effect was seen in Yellow Coconut husk extract, which had an IC50 value of 8.4 μg/ml. Flavonoids found in the husk of coconuts are known to have antioxidant properties. This shows that coconut husk extract has enormous potential as a natural preservative and a good bioresource of antioxidants.

Antioxidant Activities and Characterization of Polyphenols from Selected Northern Thai Rice Husks: Relation with Seed Attributes

Rice production generates a significant amount of agricultural waste. This study aimed to give results related to the existence of antioxidant phenols in agricultural waste of selected Northern Thai rice varieties. The antioxidant activities, contents of total flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the ethanolic rice husk extract were evaluated. The highest antioxidant activities were found in the variety PES1CMU, with 2,2ʹ-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl as 679.66 and 4.16 mmol/(L·g) trolox equivalent, respectively, ferric reducing antioxidant power as 0.87 mmol/(L·g) Fe2+, total phenolic content as 29.90 mmol/(L·g) gallic acid and total flavonoid content as 12.16 mg/g catechin equivalent. Polyphenol compounds were identified mainly by standard polyphenols using the liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, with the highest contents of phytic acid, o-coumaric acid, naringin and kaempferol. The non-glutenous and wetland ecotypes of rice husk samples were the richest in antioxidant activities and polyphenol contents characterized by using principal component analysis. The glutenous rice husk contained higher antioxidant activities than the rest. Interestingly, quercetin is a significant phenolic compound that positively correlated with the overall antioxidant activities of rice husk. This finding will be relevant for future application of rice husk antioxidant components in the production of functional ingredients as well as for the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Preparation of Juglans nigra L. husk extracts by applying an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method and process optimization of minerals extraction using response surface methodology

The aims of this research were preparation of Juglans nigra husk extracts by employing an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method and process optimization of minerals extraction using response surface methodology. Extracts from J. nigra L. fresh husk were prepared using ethanol (70%, v/v) as a solvent, at different extraction temperatures: 15, 30 and 40 °C, and extraction times: 5, 15, 30, 60 and 80 min. The content of minerals in ethanol extracts was determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The response surface methodology (RSM) was developed to evaluate the effect of two extraction factors as well as to optimize the extraction variables for each mineral individually. The RSM models pointed out 40 °C temperature and extraction time in the range 77–80 min as optimal conditions for extraction of macro- and micro-elements. Results of RSM optimization showed the relative order of maximum obtained yield of macro-elements: K>P>S>Ca>Mg and maximum yield of micro-elements was Si>Zn>Sr>Cu.

Polyphenol and Tryptophan Contents of Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) Variety KND and Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) Aqueous Extracts: Insights into Phytochemical Profiles with Antioxidant Activities and PCA Analysis.

Plants are a rich source of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant activity. Several studies have revealed that the consumption of plant polyphenols reduces the risk of diseases. Purple corn (Zea mays L. variety KND) and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea; CT) were selected to be investigated as alternative natural polyphenol sources to increase the value of these plants. Phytochemical profiles and antioxidant activities of KND cob, silk, husk and CT extracts alone and in combination were investigated in this study. The results revealed that purple corn cob (C) extract had the highest tryptophan, melatonin, total anthocyanin (TAC) and delphinidin content, while the purple corn silk (S) extract showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities. Serotonin was found only in purple corn husk (H) extract and C extract. High contents of tryptophan and sinapic acid were found in CT extract. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that strong antioxidant activities were strongly correlated with protocatechuic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid contents, moderate antioxidant activities were strongly correlated with melatonin, and low antioxidant activities were strongly correlated with sinapic acid content. Therefore, the purple corn variety KND waste cobs, silk and husks are a potentially rich source of health-promoting phytochemical compounds.

Haematopoietic Potential of Rice Husk Extract in Codeine Administered Male Wistar Rats

Oryza sativa (rice) is a widely consumed staple grain with significant amount of fibre, carbohydrate, and trace amount of other biomolecules such as minerals and vitamins. Thus, it’s a good energy source. The pre-clinical and clinical investigations of rice hull has revealed its numerous health benefits. Utilization of rice products as dietary supplements, additives and pharmacological adjuvants has become a global trend. Rice husk (RH), is a by-product of rice milling generated in tremendous quantity. Considering the global trend in codeine consumption especially by the youths, this study adopted codeine as a drug of abuse as against its therapeutic use as an analgesic. The study explored the haematopoietic potential of rice husk methanol extract (RHME) in codeine-administered male Wistar rats. A total of thirty-six (36) rats weighing between 100-110g were procured and assembled into 6 groups of 6 rats. Group I was the negative control (NC), Group II received codeine at 10mg/kg body weight, Group III received 10mg/kg body weight of RHME, while Groups IV, V, and VI received codeine with RHME concurrently but at three different concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000mg/kg respectively. After 30 days of treatment, blood samples of the specimens were subjected to haematological assay. From the assessment, codeine administration significantly decreased the haematological indices (PCV, haemoglobin, RBC, WBC, platelets, neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte and monocyte), while RHME administration significantly upregulated the altered blood parameters concentration. Thus, RH showed haematopoietic efficacy and should be considered a possible therapeutic for prevention and/or management of anaemia as well as boosting of key haematology indices.

Ethanol extract of corn husk for mild steel corrosion prevention in saline water

Natural materials are used for corrosion prevention of metals due to their low cost, zero noxiousness, biomolecules, and effectiveness. However, natural materials are very less used for corrosion prevention as coating materials. In the present report, the ethanol extract of corn husk (EECH) is investigated as natural, low cost and effective coating material for mild steel (MS) protection in chloride (0.5 M NaCl) solutions. Characterization of EECH is performed by UV–visible (UVS) spectroscopy, which suggests that the EECH is chemically active. EECH layers (L) are coated on MS by drop casting. Corrosion testing of MS and EECH coated MS is done in 0.5 M NaCl by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), open circuit potential (OCP) curves, and Tafel polarization curves (TPC). It is declared after analysis of the results that EECH prevention ability enhances with the count of layers and 3 L coated MS has given the best protection (77 %) among the tested ones. Surface morphology is analyzed by optical microscopy (OM) and Field emission Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), which supports that EECH coated MS is less damaged in NaCl than alone MS. It is concluded based on this work that EECH can effectively suppress MS corrosion in 0.5 M NaCl.