Increasing Extract Concentration Research Articles

Antibacterial Potential of Ethanol Extract from White Pidada (Sonneratia alba) Leaves Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens

The antibacterial properties of the ethanol extract of White Pidada leaves (Sonneratia alba), a mangrove plant rich in bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, triterpenoids, tannins, and alkaloids, were evaluated in this study. The research focused on determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) against gastrointestinal infection-causing bacteria, including Salmonella typhii, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae. The MIC results showed effective inhibition at concentrations as low as 0.025% for Shigella dysenteriae, 0.05% for Salmonella typhii and Vibrio cholerae, and 0.5% for Escherichia coli. The MBC analysis indicated bactericidal activity at higher concentrations, with significant effects observed at 1% for Salmonella typhii, 0.05% for Shigella dysenteriae and Vibrio cholerae, and 0.1% for Escherichia coli. Agar diffusion tests confirmed that increasing extract concentrations correlated positively with the inhibition zone diameter, highlighting the potential of White Pidada leaves as a natural antibacterial agent.

Antibacterial activity of methanol extract from Wedelia biflora (L.) DC. growing in the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam

The study investigated antibacterial activity of methanol extract of Wedelia biflora (L.) DC. (Wollastonia biflora or Melanthera biflora) growing in the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam by using agar well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity strength of Wedelia biflora (L.) DC. was depended on diameter of antibacterial zone causing by the methanol extract. The findings showed that methanol extract of whole plants, Wedelia biflora (L.) DC. exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram (+) bacteria: Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus but negative effects on Gram (-) bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Its antibacterial activity increased with increase in extract concentration. Only extract with concentration of 1000 mg mL-1 had moderately antibacterial strength against B. cereus but the extract with other tested concentrations had antibacterial activity at weak level according to Manuanza’s rating scale of antibacterial zones.

Antioxidant and antimalarial properties of hot aqueous leaf extracts of Setaria megaphylla, Ageratum conyzoides and Chromolaena odorata

This study investigated the antioxidant and antimalarial properties of leaf extracts of Setaria megaphylla, Ageratum conyzoides Linn, and Chromolaena odorata Linn, plants used in folkloric treatment of malaria. The plants were assessed for phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity and radical scavenging activities using standard methods. Single, binary and ternary combinations of the processed leaves were subjected to hot aqueous extraction, and evaluated for in vivo antiplasmodial efficacy against Plasmodium berghei NK 65 using Swiss albino mice. The plants’ total phenolic profile varied as S. megaphylla (Sm; 118.06 µg/ml) > C. odorata (Co; 116.58 µg/ml) > A. conyzoides (Ac; 73.01 µg/ml), with catechin, dihydrocytisine and tannin being the most abundant phenolics. Total antioxidant capacities (TAC) and reducing power potentials (RPP) of the plants increased with increase in extract concentrations with Sm showing highest TAC (1.49 ± 0.02 mgAAE/g) and RPP (0.47 ± 0.01 mgAAE/g) values. A similar trend was observed for the hydroxyl, nitric oxide and DPPH radicals scavenging potentials, showing dose-dependent increases in scavenging potentials but with no observed significant (p<0.05) differences in activities at the highest extract dose of 400 µg/ml. The in vivo antimalarial study demonstrated that the combination of A. conyzoides and S. megaphylla was the most effective, significantly reducing parasitemia without causing mortality in the mice. This research highlights the potential of S. megaphylla, A. conyzoides, and C. odorata, especially the combination of their extracts as source of effective anti-malarial agents, and further confirms the folkloric use of hot aqueous extracts of the plants in malaria treatment.

The effect of natural herbicide from Fusarium equiseti crude extract on the aquatic weed water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms)

In this study, Fusarium equiseti was isolated from the weed plant Tridax procumbens in an agricultural field and a crude extract produced with 75% ethanol for use as active ingredient material in natural herbicides. The herbicidal effect of F. equiseti extract was tested on water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), an invasive aquatic weed, by leaf disk assay at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% w/v crude extract. Dose-dependent visual toxicity symptoms were evident after three days, namely chlorosis, yellow leaves surrounded by dark brown edges. Photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) and membrane integrity (as electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content) were evaluated following the leaf disk test. 3 days after treatment, photosynthetic pigment contents showed dose-dependent decreases, while both measures of membrane integrity showed dose-dependent increases with increasing extract concentration. In addition, a cytogenetic assay was conducted on Allium cepa L. root, in which mitotic index reduction and depigmentation were evident as early as 24 h after herbicide application. Finally, anatomical analysis of treated E. crassipes leaves revealed degradation or damage of the ground tissue. All told, our results support the F. equiseti crude-based natural herbicide cloud as a sustainable alternative in agriculture.

Green preparation of tertiary-phase titanium oxide nanopowder using Chlorella sp. aqueous extract

Herein, a novel green synthesis of tertiary-phase titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) using an aqueous extract of Chlorella sp. was reported for the first time. The TiO2 NPs were prepared using various extract volume concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 % v/v) and subsequently calcinated at 600 °C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results revealed that the concentration ranging from 5 to 15 % v/v algae extract resulted in mixed phases of anatase, brookite, and rutile, while the extract concentration of 20 % v/v yielded mixed phases of anatase and brookite. The phase transformation from anatase to rutile decreased with increasing extract concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that the average grain size of the control TiO2 was 90 nm, whereas that of algae mediated TiO2 NPs was 10–20 nm. The concentration of algae extract was a very significant parameter for the phase transformation and particle size reduction of TiO2 NPs. The tertiary phase 10 % and 15 % algae mediated TiO2 powder also exhibited reaction rate constants (k) similar to the binary phase 20 % TiO2, despite containing lower anatase content. The present work demonstrated the successful synthesis of tertiary phases TiO2 nanopowder using microalgae Chlorella extract as a biogenic capping agent.

Eco-conscious corrosion inhibitor synthesis via Soxhlet extraction: experimental study in HCl 1M and theoretical analysis using DFT and MC simulations

ABSTRACT This study investigates the inhibitory potential of a hydroalcoholic extract from tea waste, using the Soxhlet method, against C38 corrosion in hydrochloric acid. Electrochemical tests, including EIS and PDP, evaluated the impact of extract concentration and immersion time on corrosion inhibition. SEM/EDS analysis was performed to examine the adsorption process. The results show that inhibitor concentration significantly affects corrosion inhibition, with inhibitory efficiency (IE) values up to 97.98% according to IE and Tafel curves. Increasing extract concentration enhances corrosion inhibition via surface adsorption, following the Langmuir model, resulting in a gradual increase in charge transfer resistance over time. Maximum inhibitory efficiency is reached after 6 hours, demonstrating time-dependent corrosion inhibition. SEM analysis confirms the adsorption mechanism. In summary, this study highlights the inhibitory potential of green tea waste extracts against C38 steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid, suggesting sustainable corrosion protection methods. Theoretical methods, including DFT and MC approaches, were used to analyse the interactions between hydrochloric acid, water, and the iron surface, as well as the adsorption of catechin on Fe (110) and Fe2O3 (110) surfaces. DFT results align well with MC simulations and experimental measurements, revealing a significant correlation between molecular structure and inhibitory efficacy.

Exploring Ginkgo biloba extract's green corrosion inhibition effects on Q235 steel in H2SO4 environments

The corrosion inhibition properties of Ginkgo biloba extract on Q235 steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution were comprehensively investigated using weight loss measurements, electrochemical techniques, surface characterization, and quantum chemical calculations. The results demonstrate that Ginkgo biloba extract acts as an effective green corrosion inhibitor, with inhibition efficiencies reaching up to 96.54% at a concentration of 0.7 g/L. The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing extract concentration and temperature. FTIR and LC/MS analyses revealed that the extract contains various phytochemical constituents, including flavonoids, terpenoids, and other polyphenolic compounds, which contribute to its corrosion inhibition properties. The adsorption of the extract compounds on the steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, with a negative value of the standard free energy of adsorption, indicating a spontaneous and stable adsorption process involving both physisorption and chemisorption. SEM and XPS analyses confirmed the formation of a protective film by the adsorbed extract compounds, which acts as a barrier, preventing the direct contact between the aggressive solution and the steel substrate. The film also alters the wettability of the metal surface, making it more hydrophobic and further enhancing the corrosion inhibition efficiency. Quantum chemical calculations showed that flavonoids, particularly quercetin, contribute significantly to the corrosion inhibition performance due to their high reactivity, strong dipole moment, and stable adsorption on the Fe(110) surface. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of sustainable and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors for the protection of metal structures in acidic environments.

Antifungal activity of Carica papaya fruit extract against Microsporum canis: in vitro and in vivo study.

Tinea capitis (T. capitis), commonly known as scalp ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the scalp and hair. Among the causative agents, Microsporum canis (M. canis) stands out, often transmitted from cats to humans (zoonotic disease). In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Carica papaya (C. papaya), fruit extract against dermatophytes, particularly M. canis, both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we aimed to identify the active compounds responsible for suppressing fungal growth and assess the toxicity of C. papaya on human cells. It conducted in two parts. First, In Vitro Study include the preparation of C. papaya fruit extract using methanol as the solvent, Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract including Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was conducted, Cytotoxicity assays were performed using HUH-7 cells, employing the MTT assay (1-(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide), Antimicrobial activity against M. canis was evaluated, including: Zone of inhibition (ZI), Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), M. canis cell alterations were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Second, In Vivo, Albino Wistar male rats were included. The phytochemical analysis of the methanolic extract from papaya revealed several functional groups, including hydroxyl, ammonia, alkane, carbonate, and alcohol. Additionally, the GC-MS analysis identified 15 compounds, with xanthosine and decanoic acid being the predominant components. The methanolic extract of papaya fruits demonstrated potent antifungal activity: ZI = 37 mm, MIC = 1,000 μg/mL, MFC = 1900 μg/mL, MTT results indicated lower cytotoxicity of the fruit extract at concentrations of 20 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, 100 μg/mL, 150 μg/mL, and 200 μg/mL, The IC50 revealed a significant decrease in cell viability with increasing extract concentration. Notably, papaya extract induced considerable alterations in the morphology of M. canis hyphae and spores. In animal tissue, improvements were observed among the group of rats which treated with Papaya extract. This study highlights the potential of C. papaya fruits as a natural antifungal agent, warranting further exploration for clinical applications.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plants

The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Myrtus communis, Ammi visnaga, and Equisetum arvense was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans by using the agar well diffusion method. Serial concentrations (15%, 30%, and 50%) of the extracts of each plant were tested and compared with gentamicin (10 μg) and fluconazole (25 μg). Most of the extract concentrations showed a relatively high antimicrobial activity against all the tested microbes, and the ethanolic extract was more effective than the aque¬ous extract. The activity of plant extracts increased with the increasing extract concentration of Myrtus communis, which appeared to possess a more antimicrobial activity than the other plants assessed; in fact, its ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition zone against S. aureus (32 mm). The ethanolic plant extracts at a concentration of 50% displayed the maximum activity against the herein assessed isolates. Moreover, E. coli showed a higher sensi¬tivity to most extracts, while the lowest effect being noticed on C. albicans.

Adult food and species type influence the nutritional physiology and tolerance of two flour beetles to the extract of Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker)

AbstractTribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Tribolium confusum (Jacquelin du Val) are common and damaging pests of stored grain flours in several homes and flour mill industries worldwide. This study examines how food, species, concentration, and exposure time affect the susceptibility and nutritional physiology of T. castaneum and T. confusum when exposed to partially purified methanolic fruit extract of Dennettia tripetala (G. Baker) and two of its major active compounds (linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the chemical profile of the partially purified plant extract. Thirty‐two compounds were found in the plant, including established insecticidal and insectifuge compounds such as linalool, cis‐vaccenic acid, 2‐phenylnitroethane, and linoleic acid, among others. The interactions among the factors have a differential impact on the susceptibility and nutritional indices of both Tribolium species to D. tripetala, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane. According to LC50 values, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane were the most and least toxic to both beetles, respectively. With increasing extract concentrations, all nutritional indices except feeding deterrence decreased. Relative to controls, linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane evoked the highest and least reduction, respectively, in beetles' nutritional indices. Treated corn discs deterred both species over treated wheat discs, regardless of insecticide type. T. castaneum had a higher overall food consumption than T. confusum. Regardless of insecticide type, the relative growth rate was higher in T. confusum and T. castaneum fed with treated corn and wheat discs, respectively. D. tripetala extract, linalool, and 2‐phenylnitroethane showed higher post‐ingestion toxicity to T. castaneum than T. confusum. This study emphasises the importance of certain intrinsic factors, like beetles' species and cereal food types, when managing Tribolium species with plant‐based insecticides. The various data obtained from this study will help researchers and pesticide manufacturers formulate effective biopesticides from linalool and 2‐phenylnitroethane to control Tribolium species on corn and wheat flours.

Manufacture of mesoporous silica coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes containing silver nanoparticles synthesized by Angelica gigas Nakai using hot-melt extrusion for enhanced antimicrobial activities

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be used as carriers for AgNPs. In the present study, MWCNTs were coated with mesoporous silica for improved delivery of antimicrobial agents. This study also reports a strategy for preparing MWCNTs in which AgNPs are formed in pores using an extract of Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) prepared by hot-melt extrusion (HME) (HME-AGN) as a reducing agent. Mesoporous silica coating of MWCNTs improved the dispersibility of MWCNTs and induced regular formation of AgNPs. When MWCNTs were decorated with AgNPs and coated with mesoporous silica (MWCNT-AGN), in which the extract was added as a reducing agent, they exhibited increased formation of AgNPs with increasing extract concentration and higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, MWCNT-AGN could inhibit biofilm formation known to be involved in the development of antibiotic resistance.

SEMENTES DE MAMÃO EM DIFERENTES ESTÁGIOS DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SÃO EFICAZES NO CONTROLE DO ÁCARO VERMELHO DA PALMEIRA?

Objective: To evaluate the acaricidal potential of papaya fruit seed (C. papaya L.) extracts at different phenological stages of development on the red palm mite. Methods: Extracts from green and ripe seeds, diluted at different concentrations, were sprayed on adult mites in a completely randomized design using Petri dishes with discs of dwarf coconut leaf. The acaricidal effect was assessed at intervals of 12 hours up to 72 hours after spraying. Results and Conclusion: The mortality of Roiella indica was proportional to the increase in extract concentrations for both green and ripe papaya fruit seeds. It was concluded that aqueous extracts from green and ripe papaya fruit seeds exhibit acaricidal activity against adult red palm mites under laboratory conditions. Research Implications: Papaya seeds at different stages effectively controlled red palm mites under laboratory conditions. Originality/Value: This research contributes by exploring the potential of an agricultural residue as a pest control agent in agriculture and demonstrating its potential for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Assessment of the chemical profile and potential biocontrol of Amphora coffeaeformis against foodborne pathogens and Culex pipiens L. to ensure food safety

AbstractThe extensive use of synthetic antibiotics and insecticides in controlling microbes and insect spreads led to a build‐up of resistance strains and caused negative impacts on human health through bioaccumulation in food and the environment. The present study assessed the antimicrobial activity of Amphora coffeaeformis (A. coffeaeformis) ethanolic extract against foodborne pathogenic microbes as well as assessed its ability to control Culex pipiens L. (C. pipiens) larvae. The gas chromatography–mass spectrum (GC/MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that A. coffeaeformis extract was rich with phenolic compounds, organosulfur compounds, carboxylic acids, amino acids, organic quinoline, dipeptide and monosaccharide. The extract of A. coffeaeformis showed antibacterial capability against all tested bacteria, with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values ranging from 20.2 to 66.7 g/mL, as well as antifungal effects against all tested mycotoxigenic fungi, with MIC values ranging from 113.62, 68.95 and 49.37 μg/mL mg/mL. Furthermore, the extract showed high larvicidal activity against C. pipiens larvae at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. LC50 values decreased gradually with the treatment period. Likewise, the adult emergence and growth index were significantly negatively related to increasing extract concentrations. Moreover, the extract exhibited a noteworthy depletion in the reproductive potential and increased sterility index of C. pipiens females developed of treated larvae. Besides a reduction in egg hatching percent, increase pupal malformations, increase and adult abnormalities. C. pipiens biochemical markers; glutathione‐S‐transferase, carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase, α‐esterase and cytochrome P‐450 showed significant alteration after the extract exposure. Overall, these findings promise the application possibility of A. coffeaeformis extract as a biopreservator against foodborne pathogens and as bioinsecticides for mosquito control as well.

A Comparative In Vitro Analysis of Antimicrobial Effectiveness and Compressive Strength of Ginger and Clove-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement.

Background Glass ionomer cement (GIC) is widely recognized for its self-adhesive characteristicsand biocompatibility, making it commonly used as a restorative material. However, challenges related to limited antibacterial effectiveness and relatively low mechanical properties have hindered its widespread clinical use. Cloveand ginger are recognized for their potent antimicrobial activity against numerous pathogenic microorganisms. The present study aims to enhance the clinical applicability of GIC by modifying it with clove and ginger extract. Aim The objective of the study is to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness and compressive strength of GIC modified with ginger and clove extract. Materials and methods Ginger and clove extracts were prepared and incorporated into conventional GIC at three concentrations for each, creating ginger-modified GIC groups (Group A, Group B, and Group C) and clove-modified GIC groups (Group D, Group E, and Group F), with Group G as the control (conventional GIC without modification). The antimicrobial assessment was conducted on disc-shaped GIC specimens (3.0 mm height x 6.0 mm diameter) prepared using molds. Bacterial strains were used to evaluate antimicrobial properties, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays conducted at intervals of one to four hours for both modified and unmodified groups. Compressive strength specimens were prepared using cylindrical molds (6.0 mm height × 4.0 mm diameter), according to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) guidelines. The evaluation was conducted using a Zwick universal testing machine (ElectroPuls®E3000, Instron, Bangalore, India), with the highest force at the point of specimen fracture recorded to determine compressive strength. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) alongside Tukey's post hoc test, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.01. Results The antimicrobial effectiveness of clove and ginger-modified GIC was assessed through a MIC assay, revealing a statistically significant improvement in antimicrobial potency against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus within the modified groups compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Increased extract concentration correlated with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Clove-modified GIC exhibited superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to ginger extract. Compressive strength was higher in clove-modified GIC groups (p < 0.01), with Group F showing a maximum value of 175.88 MPa, while other modified groups demonstrated similar results to the control, with a value of 166.81 MPa (p > 0.01). Conclusion The study concludes that both clove-modified GIC and ginger-modified GIC exhibited antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species. The antimicrobial activity was notably higher in clove-modified GIC compared to ginger-modified GIC. Additionally, the compressive strength of clove-modified GIC surpassed all other groups. Thus, clove-modified GIC emerges as a promising restorative material for addressing recurrent caries. Future investigation is necessary to assess the long-term durability of the material.

Biological Properties of Propolis from Tetragonula sp. Against Subgingival Bacteria Proteolytic Activity in Periodontitis

Periodontitis refers to the damaged periodontal tissues as a manifest of mixed bacterial infection and pathogenic activities. This bacterial complex produces critical virulence factors which are responsible for disease development. Some commercially available antimicrobial agents have been reported in generating cytotoxicity effects towards the oral tissues. Propolis has alternatively been reported to also have an inhibitory effect on the oral pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) properties through quercetin levels and antioxidant capacity analysis, while the functional effectiveness was observed by its anti-proteolytic activity. The quercetin level and antioxidant capacity in EEP were found to increase gradually as the increased extract concentration. Furthermore, bacteria proteolytic activity was also correspondingly inhibited. Keywords: Phenolic compound, Antioxidant activity, Antibacterial, Quercetin

Molecular and metabolites characterisation of Inonotus rickii: a medicinal mushroom from Western Ghats of India and its biological activities

ABSTRACT Mushrooms are a rich source of biologically active compounds. Meanwhile, Inonotus species reported abundant bioactive chemicals. Therefore, the current study aims to evaluate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer potential of Inonotus rickii (Pat.), a less-studied mushroom with an unverified identity, collected from the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, and its metabolic profiling. The morphological traits and spores were examined through a compound microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm the species. Further, the ITS-5.8S region of the sample DNA was amplified using PCR, and species I. rickii was confirmed through molecular phylogeny. The I. rickii sample extracts demonstrated biological activity against Propionibacterium acnes, Vibrio cholera, and Bacillus subtilis. However, tested antioxidant capacity revealed an increase in activity with an increase in extract concentration. Moreover, the extract showed anticancer potential against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines MCF-7 with IC50 greater than 80 µg/mL. The FTIR analysis and HRLCMS based metabolic profiling of I. rickii reported various chemical groups and bioactive metabolites, respectively. It might, however, be used as a nutraceutical and in the healthcare industry.

Effect of paprika extracts on growth performance, haemolymph chemistry, intestinal microbiota and antioxidant enzyme activities of white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

This study aims to evaluate the effects of paprika extract on the survival rate, growth performance and stimulation of the innate immune system of Litopenaeus vannamei. In this experiment, 240 healthy shrimp (3.22 ± 0.12 g) were randomly divided into four groups. The shrimp were fed diets with different concentrations of paprika oil extracts (0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%) for 8 weeks. The results showed that growth performance, urea, uric acid, creatinine, cholesterol levels, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were not significantly affected by adding paprika extract to the shrimp diet (p > 0.05). Diets containing 1% and 0.5% paprika extract showed the highest levels of total protein and triglyceride, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in haemolymph glucose concentration in shrimp-fed diets containing 1% and 2% paprika extract (p < 0.05). Moreover, a diet containing 0.5% paprika extract resulted in the highest levels of total heamocyte count, hyaline cells and large-granular cells in shrimp (p < 0.05). Higher catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were also exhibited in the paprika groups (p < 0.05). Vibrio sp. bacteria were not significantly reduced by paprika extract in the intestines of L. vannamei (p > 0.05). A significant decrease in heterotrophic bacteria was observed with increasing extract concentrations (p < 0.05). The shrimp culture industry can utilize paprika extract as a cost-effective, efficient and environmentally friendly immune stimulant at a concentration of 0.5%.

The Bio-herbicidal potential of some wild plants with allelopathic effects from Tabuk Region on selected local weed species.

Weeds are considered one of the most serious problems limiting global agricultural production. As a result, chemical herbicides have been extensively used for weed control. However, overuse of synthetic herbicides, has resulted in public concerns over the effect of herbicides on the health of the ecosystems and humans. In the food system, innovative approaches are needed to foster sustainable practices that preserve biodiversity, conserve habitats, and mitigate climate change factors. Thus, alternatives are required to control the weeds. This study aimed to determine the impact of some wild plants' (Citrullus colocynthis, Euphorbia retusa, Retama raetam, Artemisia monosperma, Tamarix gallica, and Artemisia judaica) allelopathic potentials (at rates of 0, 15, 25, 35, and 50 g/L) on seed germination of selected local weeds (Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Chloris barbata) collected from different locations in Tabuk region, Saudi Arabia. GC-MS analysis was used to evaluated the main compounds in the wild plants under study. The experimental design was completely randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates. According to the results, phytochemical screening of the wild plants using GC-MS analysis showed a wide range of phytochemicals. Amaranthus retroflexus exhibited the highest germination rate in the control group. In addition, applying 5 g/L and 20 g/L of Citrullus colocynthis extracts had no discernible effect on the rate of germination of A. retroflexus seed; however, they were able to reduce the germination rate as compared to the control. As the extract concentration of Artemisia monosperma rose to 20 g/L, the germination rate of A. retroflexus dropped. Neither 35 g L-1 nor 50 g L-1 of A. monosperma extract inhibited the germinate of A. retroflexus. The germination rate of Portulaca oleracea decreased with increasing extract concentration of C. colocynthis. The extract of C. colocynthis at 50 g/L had the lowest rate. The germination rate of Chloris barbata decreased with increasing extract concentration of C. colocynthis. The highest germination rate of C. barbata was observed in control, followed by 5g/L, while no germination was observed at 20, 35, and 50 g/L of C. colocynthis extracts. A. retroflexus's root length shrank when the extract concentration of C. colocynthis rose. A. retroflexus's control sample had the most extended root length, followed by 5 and 20 g/L, respectively. C. colocynthis at 35 and 50 g/L showed no root elongation as this treatment inhibited radicle protrusion. High concentration of d-Glycero-d-galacto-heptose and pentane in C. colocynthis aqueous extract may be the cause of C. colocynthis' ability to inhibit Chloris barbata germination. The entire C. barbata plant length decreased when treated with 5 g/L of C. colocynthis extract. No growth was seen at any of the higher C. colocynthis concentrations (20, 35, and 50 g/L). The present work revealed that cultivating allelopathic crops like the selected studied wild plants from the Tabuk region has a promising future as an antagonistic species in a biological weed control program or combined with integrated weed management in agricultural food production.

Sphagnum divinum Flatberg &amp; K. Hassel ve Sphagnum girgensohnii Russow (Sphagnopsida)'nin Fitokimyasal İçeriklerinin ve Antioksidan Aktivitelerinin Belirlenmesi

This study aimed to explore the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from Sphagnum divinum and Sphagnum girgensohnii. Screening methods were employed to identify the phytochemical groups present in the methanol extracts of these two Sphagnum species, which have been relatively understudied for their antioxidant potential. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated using in vitro DPPH, CUPRAC, and phosphomolybdate assays. The experimental results revealed that the methanol extract of S. divinum exclusively contained phenols and tannins, while the methanol extract of S. girgensohnii contained phenols, tannins, and saponins. Alkaloids and flavonoids were not detected in either bryophyte. The methanol extracts of both S. divinum and S. girgensohnii exhibited DPPH scavenging activity exceeding 50% at all tested concentrations. An increase in DPPH scavenging ability was observed with increasing extract concentration. The DPPH scavenging activity of S. divinum methanol extract was consistently higher than that of S. girgensohnii methanol extract across all tested concentrations. These findings suggest that S. divinum and S. girgensohnii hold promise as potential sources of antioxidant compounds.

Effects of seed soaking and foliar spraying of Kalanchoe pinnata aqueous leaf extracts against rice bacterial leaf blight

This study aims at evaluating the disease-reducing effects against rice bacterial leaf blight (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae). Under greenhouse conditions, the activities of the four enzymes [peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL)] after application of Kalanchoe pinnata aqueous leaf extracts using the combination of seed soaking and foliar spraying were studied. Overall, two extract concentrations [1 and 2% (w/v)] applied as seed soaking combined with the five extract concentrations [1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% (w/v)] applied as foliar spraying were tested. Three application methods were furthermore used for foliar spraying (7 days before pathogen inoculation (DBI), 14 DBI and their combination). Results showed the effects increased with the increase of extract concentrations and durations from application time points prior to pathogen inoculation. The combination of foliar spraying at 7 and 14 DBI provided stronger protection compared to single sprays. The effects involved induced resistance. Indeed, the activities of POX and CAT increased until 4 days after inoculation (DAI) and remained until 7 DAI, while those of PPO and PAL increased similarly then decreased until 7 DAI. Activities of these enzymes increased after pathogen inoculation and reached higher levels with extract applications.