Indica Extract Research Articles

HPLC Profile of Bioactives and Antioxidant Potential in Acalypha indica Extract

Acalypha indica is a plant found in many parts of Africa and Asia. The plant is used for the treatment of many respiratory diseases, management of cancers, diabetes and other diseases. The leaves of Acalypha indica were harvested, washed and shade dried. They were later extracted with methanol. The methanolic extract of Acalypha indica was subjected to DPPH radical scavenging assay, total antioxidant and HPLC quantification of phenols and flavonoids. The result showed a percentage yield of 5.72 %. Also the antioxidant capacity of Acalypha indicia based on the phosphomolybdenum method showed 13.60 ± 0.21 mg AAE/g extract. The DPPH radical scavenging potential of Acalypha indica showed that at 100 – 1000 µg/ml, the extract of Acalypha indica inhibited 7.2 ± 0.35 – 65.13 ± 1.53 % of DPPH radical as compared with standard gallic acid. The phenolics and flavonoids detected through HPLC are shown in Table 3. The phenolics and polyphenols with higher quantity in Extract of Acalypha indica are naringenin (169.91 mg/100 g), gallic acid (131.51 mg/100 g), rutin (76.72 mg/100 g), syringic acid (35.75 mg/100 g), ferulic acid (30.10 mg/100 g) and quercetin (11.36 mg/100 g). The results showed that Acalypha indica possesses antiradical, total antioxidant properties including a wide range of phenols and polyphenols. Therefore the extract can be a source of dietary supplement. This plant extract is a source of medicine if further research is applied.

Computational and in vitro analyses of the antibacterial effect of the ethanolic extract of Pluchea indica L. leaves.

The most common gram-negative, Escherichia coli, and gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus spp., have evolved different mechanisms that have caused the emergence of multi-drug resistance. As a result, drugs that block the bacterial growth cycle are needed. Here, in silico and in vitro studies were performed to assess compounds in the Pluchea indica leaf extract, a medicinal plant, that can inhibit bacterial proteins. Briefly, P. indica leaves were extracted using ethanol. The crude extract was then subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for metabolite screening. Molecular docking simulations with rhomboid protease (Rpro) (Protein data bank ID number: 3ZMI from E. coli and filamenting temperature-sensitive mutant Z (FtsZ) protein data bank ID number: 2VAM from Bacillus subtilis were performed. Moreover, the well diffusion method was used to confirm the antibacterial activity of P. indica leaf extract. A total of 10 compounds were identified in the P. indica extract and used for computational analysis. Based on drug-likeness prediction, P. indica compounds may be drug-like molecules. Binding affinity tests indicated that 10,10-Dimethyl-2,6-dimethylenebicyclo(7.2.0)undecan-5.β.-ol and 11,11-Dimethyl-4,8-dimethylenebicyclo(7.2.0)undecan-3-ol had the most negative values. Accordingly, these compounds may be potential ligands that bind to bacterial proteins. The root mean square fluctuation values was <2 Å, indicating stable fluctuation binding for the ligand-protein complex. According to in vitro antibacterial assays, a high concentration (50%) of the P. indica extract markedly inhibited E. coli and B. subtilis, with inhibitory zone diameters of 31.86±1.63 and 21.09±0.09 mm, respectively. Overall, the compounds in the P. indica leaf extract were identified as functional inhibitors of E. coli and B. subtilis proteins via in silico analysis. This may facilitate development of antibacterial agents.

Inhibitive Effect of Mangifera Indica Extract on Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid Solution

This research investigated the corrosion inhibition potential of Mangifera Indica Peel Extract (MIPE) for mild steel in a 1 M HCl solution. The study explored the effects of extract concentration, solution temperature, and immersion time on the inhibition potential of MIPE using weight loss measurements at extract concentrations of 0, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 g/L, temperatures of 303 K and 323 K, and immersion times of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 h. Experimental results showed that MIPE significantly reduced the corrosion rate of mild steel, with maximum inhibition efficiency reaching 97.26% and 94.83% at 2.0 g/L MIPE concentration and solution temperatures of 303 K and 323 K, respectively. The uninhibited mild steel experienced increased corrosion rates with rising temperatures and longer immersion times. The inhibition efficiency of MIPE improved with higher extract concentrations and immersion periods. These findings underscore the potential of MIPE as an effective and environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor in acidic environments.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Infused with Azadirachta indica Extract and Chlorhexidine Against Red-complex Pathogens.

The present study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles infused with Azadirachta indica extract and chlorhexidine against red-complex periopathogens. Neem leaf extraction was done followed by standardization to the synthesis of neem-infused silver nanoparticles and fractionation of compounds done by using thin layer chromatography to separate the mixture of neem leaf extract. Characterization of neem-infused silver nanoparticles was done by scanning electron microscopy and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The compound identified in neem-infused silver nanoparticles was gedunin which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Determination of antibacterial activity done by disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. Group I-99% ethanolic extract, group II-neem-infused silver nanoparticles (NAgNPs), group III-chlorhexidine. The relative inhibitory zone value for Tannerella forsythia (180) in neem-infused silver nanoparticles (group II) was greater when compared with other periopathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis (133) and Treponema denticola (160) than 99% ethanolic extract (group I), chlorhexidine (group III). Neem-infused silver nanoparticles (group III) showed superior antimicrobial activity against T. forsythia (19.3 ± 31.1547) and T. denticola (18±0) when compared with P. gingivalis (17.6 ± 0.5774). On evaluating MIC and minimum bacterial concentrations, P. gingivalis is more resistant than other pathogens in neem-infused silver nanoparticles (group III). Neem-infused silver nanoparticles exhibited superior antibacterial activity as compared with gold-standard chlorhexidine against red-complex periodontal pathogens. For MIC and MBC all the three periopathogens were effective but P. gingivalis was more resistant. Antibiotics are effective against many drug-resistant bacteria. As a ready-made medicine, they can be used to treat many infections. Silver nanoparticles in drug delivery systems generally increase solubility, stability, and biodistribution, thereby increasing their effectiveness. Green synthesis using plant extracts as precursors to synthesize nanoparticles has proven to be environmentally non-hazardous combined with remarkably improved efficacy against bacterial and viral diseases. So neem-infused silver nanoparticles can be utilized as a drug delivery system. Hence, it can be used as a potential antibacterial ingredient in formulations for periodontal use like mouthwashes and gels for local drug delivery. How to cite this article: Krishnappan S, Ravindran S, Balu P, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Nanoparticles Infused with Azadirachta indica extract and Chlorhexidine Against Red-Complex Pathogens. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):547-553.

&lt;i&gt;Iv vitro&lt;/i&gt; synergistic antimicrobial interactions between the extract of &lt;i&gt;Azadirachta indica&lt;/i&gt; and antibiotics against &lt;i&gt;Bacillus subtilis&lt;/i&gt;

This study aims to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial interactions between crude aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica and standard antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, and norfloxacin. Using checkerboard techniques with Bacillus subtilis as the test microorganism, the synergistic effect of Azadirachta indica and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin), was determined. The checkerboard assay presented FIC indices indicative of synergy, particularly notable with the combination of A. indica extract and the antibiotics. Specifically, with the 4:6, 8:2, and 9:1 ratios of ciprofloxacin and 1.9 to 9:1 of norfloxacin. These results suggest a potentiation of antibacterial effects when the plant extract is used in conjunction with conventional antibiotics. The synergistic interaction could potentially reduce the required doses of antibiotics, thereby minimizing side effects and the risk of antibiotic resistance.

Microorganisms Associated with Tomato (Lycopersicum Esculentum) Rot and Effect of Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Extract in Rot Control in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) is a vital agricultural crop globally, yet it is significantly affected by various microbial pathogens leading to post-harvest rot, which threatens food security and economic stability. This study aimed to identify the microorganisms associated with tomato rot in Makurdi Metropolis and evaluate the efficacy of neem (Azadirachta indica) extract as a biocontrol agent. A total of 60 tomato fruits were sampled from the five major markets within the Makurdi metropolis. They were cultured on Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, Potato Dextrose agar, Mannitol salt agar, and Eosin Methylene blue agar. The organisms identified were Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter sp, Shigella sp, Staphylococcus sp, Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Aspergillus sp, and Fusarium sp. Neem extract was used for susceptibility tests on the bacterial isolates at 10%, 50%, and 100% concentration, and it was found most effective on some bacterial isolates at higher concentrations of 100% with wider zones of inhibitions. Vegetative growth of the fungi on neem extract decreased with increase in concentrations. This finding proved the potentiality of plant extracts for controlling the fungal rot of tomato fruit. A pathogenicity test was conducted with readings taken at intervals of days and it was noticed that the microbial isolates were actually the cause of tomato rot. This study underscores the importance of identifying microbial threats to tomato crops and highlights neem extract as a promising natural alternative for managing tomato rot, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Makurdi Metropolis and Nigeria at large.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal wet wipes using non-woven fabrics

Herbal wet wipes are a viable substitute for conventional wipes, tackling worries regarding chemical composition and ecological effects while offering advantages for skin health. This research uses non-woven fabric as the substrate and focuses on the formulation and assessment of herbal wet wipes. Selected plant extracts or essential oils with antibacterial and skin-soothing qualities are incorporated into the recipe. Testing the herbal wet wipes' antimicrobial activity against common skin bacteria and fungus allows for an evaluation of their effectiveness. Testing for skin sensitivity is done to determine safety and suitability for different skin types. To guarantee product integrity under various storage circumstances, stability testing is carried out by incorporating extracts of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Aloe barbadensis, Tulsi, and Clove Extract. Thus, the final cloth will include qualities like softness, antimicrobial, and anti-allergy for adults and infants. The intended application of the fabric material is to improve skin health through the use of wet wipes.

Biological Effects of Green Synthesized Al-ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze on Living Organisms.

The synthesis of Al-ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) was achieved using a green synthesis approach, utilizing leaf extract from Anisomeles indica (L.) in a straightforward co-precipitation method. The goal of this study was to investigate the production of Al-ZnO nanoparticles through the reduction and capping method utilizing Anisomeles indica (L.) leaf extract. The powder X-ray diffraction, UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with EDAX analysis were used to analyze the nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of spherical structures with an average grain size of 40 nm in diameter, while UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a prominent absorption peak at 360 nm. FTIR spectra demonstrated the presence of stretching vibrations associated with O-H, N-H, C=C, C-N, and C=O as well as C-Cl groups indicating their involvement in the reduction and stabilization of nanoparticles. SEM image revealed the presence of spongy, spherical, porous agglomerated nanoparticles, confirming the chemical composition of Al-ZnO nanoparticles through the use of the EDAX technique. Al-ZnO nanoparticles showed increased bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antioxidant property of the green synthesized Al-ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by DPPH radical scavenging with an IC50 value of 23.52 indicating excellent antioxidant capability. Green synthesized Al-ZnO nanoparticles were shown in in vivo studies on HeLa cell lines to be effective for cancer treatment. Additionally, α-amylase inhibition assay and α-glucosidase inhibition assay demonstrated their potent anti-diabetic activities. Moving forward, the current methodology suggests that the presence of phenolic groups, flavonoids, and amines in Al-ZnO nanoparticles synthesized with Anisomeles indica (L.) extract exhibit significant promise for eliciting biological responses, including antioxidant and anti-diabetic effects, in the realms of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Effects of solvent extraction on the phytoconstituents and in vitro antioxidant activity properties of leaf extracts of the two selected medicinal plants from Malawi

This study evaluated and compared the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the solvent extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Vernonia amygdalina Del leaves. Methanolic and aqueous extracts showed high (P ≤ 0.05) extract yields (in %), compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts from both V. amygdalina and A. indica leaves. The study exhibited high phytochemical content in methanol and aqueous extracts compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts, confirming the potential for medicinal use. V. amygdalina methanol and aqueous extracts had higher (P ≤ 0.05) total phenolic content (TPC), in mg GAE/gDW, (158.810±0.846 and 217.883±0.265, respectively) than chloroform (37.574±0.118) and ethyl acetate (104.758±0.236) but higher ethyl acetate content in A. indica extracts. Low polar solvents extracted high (P ≤ 0.05) total flavonoids, in mgQE/gDW, (367.051±0.858 and 149.808±0.009) compared to high polar solvents (14.863±0.071 and 54.226±0.014 ) in V. amygdalina while as in A. indica leaf extracts, low polar solvents showed high TFC ( 658.469±3.451 and 275.288±10.490) compared to high polar solvents (26.312±0.063 and 48.858±0.063) respectively. In vitro total antioxidant capacity, in mg/g, was higher in polar solvents than in low-polar solvents, ranging from 34.300±1.784 to 121.015±6.839 for A. indica ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts. A strong correlation between TPC and tannic acid content was observed, except in A. indica methanolic extracts of A. indica. Ferric reducing power was high, except for V. amygdalina chloroform and methanol leaf extracts, which were lower (P≤ 0.05) than that of the standard ascorbic acid. The study revealed that high polar solvents, such as methanol and water, are more efficient in the extraction of antioxidants from A. indica but lower in V. amygdalina extracts. High phytochemical content and antioxidative capacity could be significant in treating various diseases in humans.

Identification of Phytochemicals and Mineral Nutrients of Selected Malaysian Plant Extracts and its Effects on Seed Priming of Maize

Plants contain a variety of phytochemicals, which act as natural bioactive compounds to help plants enhance abiotic tolerance and promote growth. Therefore, plant extracts are considered to have great potential as environmentally friendly biostimulants in sustainable agriculture. This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds and quantify nutrients present in three plant extracts, namely Euphorbia hirta, Polygonum minus, and Eleusine indica, as well as to explore the effect on the growth of maize seedlings (Zea mays L.). The plant powder was extracted using methanol, followed by a solid-liquid extraction procedure. The phytocompounds were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, while mineral nutrients were quantified using inductively coupled plasma. Five concentrations of plant extracts, i.e., 5, 15, 25, 50, and 100%, were designed to evaluate seed germination and priming. The result showed that 53, 45, and 39 phytocompounds were identified from E. hirta, P. minus, and E. indica, respectively, and classified into different chemical groups (such as flavonoids and amino acids) and rich nutrients (for example, N, P, and K). Besides, P. minus and E. hirta extracts with lower concentrations (5 and 15%) showed a positive effect on germination, shoot length and fresh weight, and the Highest concentration (100%) of E. hirta and E. indica extracts exhibited strong toxicity. This study emphasizes that weed extracts containing abundant secondary metabolites and nutrients can be used as natural biostimulants for maize seed priming.

Alocasia Indica Assisted Green Synthesis of Metallic Cu Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antimicrobial Activities

In the past several years, the widespread utility of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) has spurred global interest in streamlining synthesis methodologies. Notably, this study introduces an environmentally conscious strategy for synthesizing CuNPs using the extract of Alocasia indica. Employing a chemical reduction process, A. indica, abundant in phenolics and flavonoids, acts as a potent reducing agent. The nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by A. indica have been carefully characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Viz) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and antimicrobial analysis. UV testing, spanning wave length, elucidates light absorption attributed to the newly formed CuNPs by showcasing a surface plasmonic resonance peak at 204 nm. The evolution of the FTIR spectrum of the produced CuNPs confirms the presence of diverse biomolecules. TEM delineates the synthesis of irregularly shaped particles. Elemental composition analysis via EDX identifies the presence of various elements, including C, O, Al, Cl, K and Cu, with detailed insights into their mass percentages, standard deviations, atom percentages and characteristic X-ray energy levels. The successful synthesis of CuNPs is validated by XRD, which reveals characteristic copper peaks at 2[Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The synthesized NP showed 98.99% inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and 99.99% inhibition against Escherichia coli. This research presents an easy, economical and ecologically friendly process for producing CuNPs utilizing A. indica extracts.

Protective effects of extracts of forsythia suspensa and chrysanthemum on alcoholic hypertension rats based on tissue pathological slice image analysis

To explore the effects of Forsythia suspensa and Chrysanthemum indicum extracts on blood pressure as well as hepatic and renal functions of hypertensive rats and to optimize the most beneficial combination of the two herbs to achieve this goal. After hypertension was observed, rats were administrated with extracts of F. suspensa and C. indicum by gastric perfusions at doses of 20 mL/kg, for fourteen days. On the fourteenth day, rats were fasted for 12 h and then blood was collected from the eyeballs for serum measurement of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein, sodium, potassium and creatinine. Hepatic and renal tissue were harvested and processed into paraffin blocks for observation. F. suspensa and C. indicum at a ratio of 2:1 was the most effective with respect to liver repair in the hypertensive rats (p < 0.05). Both plant extracts decreased serum lipids and creatinine with the ratio of 2:1 of the two extracts being the most beneficial (p < 0.05). A synergistic effect on decreasing blood pressure and protection of the liver was observed in the hypertensive rats when extracts of F. suspensa and C. indicum were administered in combination. F. suspensa and C. indicum at a ratio of 2:1 was the most effective.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica and Syzygium aromaticum Extract and Its Antibacterial Action Against Enterococcus faecalis: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter at the atomic scale involving particles smaller than 100 nm. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are gaining popularity across diverse sectors including medical, food, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial fields due to their distinctive physical and chemical characteristics. The eco-friendly synthesis of AgNPs offers a straightforward, cost-effective, and environmentally benign method devoid of hazardous chemicals. Methodology Eighty milliliters (mL) of silver nitrate mixed with 20 mL of Azadirachta indica and Syzygium aromaticum plant extract underwent two days of magnetic stirring for AgNP synthesis. Characterization was done via ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis)-spectroscopy (300-700 nm), and antimicrobial properties, which were checked with Enterococcus faecalis, were assessed using the agar-well diffusion method. Results The change in color and peak observed in the UV-vis spectrum confirmed the successful synthesis of AgNPs. Both neem and clove extract-mediated synthesis of AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. However, neem extract synthesized AgNPs displayed a larger inhibitory zone diameter and lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values compared to those synthesized using clove extract. Conclusion Incorporating neem and clove extracts in AgNP synthesis offers a practical, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient method with notable efficacy. These AgNPs exhibit antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, suggesting their viability as potent antibacterial agents for addressing oral pathogens. Their sustainable synthesis underscores a promising avenue for developing effective antimicrobial solutions in oral healthcare.

Effects of the medicinal plant, Tamarindus indica, as a potential supplement, on growth, nutrient digestibility, body composition and hematological indices of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings

Tamarindus indica, a beneficial herb, has many health benefits but there is limited research on its use in fish nutrition industry. The current study investigated the effects of incorporating extracts of T. indica into the canola meal-based diets of Cyprinus carpio (common carp); following which, the growth, digestibility, carcass and hematological markers were assessed. A total of six diets were formulated with varying concentrations of T. indica extracts (TIE) viz, 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 % and 2.5 %. The fish (N = 270, 15 fish/tank with triplicates) in each tank were fed experimental diets for 70 days. The study demonstrated that TIE supplementation significantly improved the growth of common carp when compared to 0 % TIE level (control). The best results were observed at 1 % TIE level for the specific growth rate (1.68 ± 0.03 %), weight gain (15.00 ± 0.57 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.36 ± 0.05). Conversely, the 2.5 % TIE level gave the least improvement in terms of growth performance. Specifically for nutrient digestibility, the maximum values of crude protein (CP, 67.60 ± 0.83 %), crude fat (CF, 67.49 ± 0.45 %) and gross energy (GE, 70.90 ± 0.56 %) were recorded at 1 % TIE level. In addition, the best results of body composition (protein: 63.92 ± 0.06 %, ash: 18.60 ± 0.03 %, fat: 7.12 ± 0.02 % and moisture: 10.36 ± 0.04 %) and hematological indices, were measured in carps fed with 1 % supplementation level. In conclusion, the overall health of C. carpio fingerlings was improved with TIE supplementation in the diet containing 1 % TIE.

GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Azadirachta indica Extracts and their Antibacterial Effect against Fish Pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

GC-MS Analysis of Bioactive Compounds in Azadirachta indica Extracts and their Antibacterial Effect against Fish Pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila

The Impact of Azadirachta Indica Extract on the Expression Profile of Esp Gene in Treated Enterococcus faecalis

Background and Objectives Enterococcus faecalis is a bacterium often associated with persistent endodontic infections, posing challenges for effective root canal disinfection and treatment outcomes due to its resilience in adverse root canal conditions and resistance to antimicrobial therapies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Azadirachtaindica's active plant compounds at subinhibitory concentrations on the expression of the virulence gene (esp) in Enterococcus faecalis strains (ATCC 29212). Materials and Methods Azadirachta indica (neem) specimens were obtained in Erbil, Northern Iraq, and the active compounds from the dried plant samples were extracted. Dry extracts were dissolved in Dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) until reaching 100 mg/ml. Bacterial samples were treated with the extracted plant material and incubated. The assessment of relative esp gene expression in treated Enterococcus faecalis strains (ATCC 29212) began with total RNA extraction using the RNXplus kit, followed by a Quantitative RT-PCR assay. Results The minimum concentration of Azadirachta indica's ethyl acetate fraction 3 (30 mg/ml) inhibited the growth of the targeted bacteria. In contrast, the highest concentration inhibiting the target bacteria was 50 mg/ml of fraction 6 (Azadirachta indica-water). All fractions of Azadirachta indica decreased the expression of the target gene, with fraction 5 (ethyl alcohol) showing the highest fold change. Conclusion The ethyl alcohol extraction of Azadirachta indica inhibited the expression of the virulence gene (esp) by 2.84-fold, suggesting a potential decrease in (esp) gene expression, which could be considered as an alternative to classical irrigants.

Dielectric and structural properties of polyaniline-tungsten trioxide nanocomposites: For the packing of nano-electronic devices and EMI shielding

Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) have showed the significant applications in the fields of packing, energy, safety, defense, sensors, EMI shielding, optoelectronics etc. Tungsten trioxide nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by propellant chemistry technique using Azadirachta indica extracts as a fuel/surfactant. Conducting polyaniline (PANI) was prepared using aniline monomer and suitable polymerizing agents. Ex-situ nanocomposites were prepared by mixing the different weight percentage of NPs into PANI matrix. For the better dispersion of NPs in to the matrix, solvents like Dodesyl benzene sulphonic acid (DBSA) and Camphor sulphonic acid (CSA) were used. Crystal structure, morphological features and their dielectric response at room temperature were reported. Electromagnetic Shielding (EMI) studies were compared between the PANI-WO3 composites prepared by CSA and DBSA solvents. Composites showed worthy shielding response of 80 dB with CSA and 38 dB with DBSA. Here, the protonation of the solvent and the dispersion of NPs with the polymer matrix matters for the shielding efficiency. Hence, prepared materials are suitable for packing of electronic devices which provides the better EMI shielding and also suppress the heat through effective absorption of EM waves of X-Band.

Potential of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract in Managing Fall Armyworm on Maize

This research assessed the effect of neem leaf extract on the larval population of the fall armyworm and the level of damage, growth, and yield of maize. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments (Control, 50 g per L, 100 g per L and 200 g per L of neem leaf extract) applied within the two seasons of 2022A and 2022B. The findings showed that a higher concentration (200 g per L) of neem leaf extract-treated maize plants registered the least leaf damage (0.15), severity (0.15), and larvae population (0.1). This effect was most attained during the 1st season of maize production and at the earliest vegetative weeks of maize growth (3 WAP to 5 WAP, i.e., weeks after planting). The higher neem leaf extract concentration of 200 g per L produced the most significant (p &amp;lt; 0.001) effect on maize growth traits. A higher plant height (162.51 cm), longer leaf length (112.5 cm), wider leaf width (11.7 cm), and broader stem girth (11.91 cm) were attained under 200 g per L of neem leaf extract treated plots during the 1st season of maize production and 11 WAP. The findings of this showed that a relatively high concentration of neem leaf extract produced a higher cob weight (200 g per L = 180.1 g) followed by 100 g per L (174.1 g), 50 g per L (140.9 g) and control (139 g). The weight was optimised during the 1st season of maize production (163.8 g). The grain yield was higher under 200 g per L (153.7 g) of neem extract. The above findings demonstrated that a high concentration of neem leaf extract reduced fall armyworm infestation and increased maize plant growth and yield. Farmers should, therefore, be encouraged to apply 200 g per L of neem leaf extract in the management of fall armyworms and improve plant growth and yield because it contains antifeedant and insecticidal properties against the fall armyworm.

The Neuroprotective Effects of Oroxylum indicum Extract in SHSY-5Y Neuronal Cells by Upregulating BDNF Gene Expression under LPS Induced Inflammation.

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role during neuronal development as well as during differentiation and synaptogenesis. They are important proteins present in the brain that support neuronal health and protect the neurons from detrimental signals. The results from the present study suggest BDNF expression can be increase up to ~8-fold by treating the neuroblastoma cells SHSY-5Y with an herbal extract of Oroxylum indicum (50 μg/mL) and ~5.5-fold under lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation conditions. The Oroxylum indicum extract (Sabroxy) was standardized to 10% oroxylin A, 6% chrysin, and 15% baicalein. In addition, Sabroxy has shown to possess antioxidant activity that could decrease the damage caused by the exacerbation of radicals during neurodegeneration. A mode of action of over expression of BDNF with and without inflammation is proposed for the Oroxylum indicum extract, where the three major hydroxyflavones exert their effects through additive or synergistic effects via five possible targets including GABA, Adenoside A2A and estrogen receptor bindings, anti-inflammatory effects, and reduced mitochondrial ROS production.

In-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of Rorippa indica (L.) extract and fractions with molecular docking, dynamics simulation, ADMET, and PASS studies

Rorippa indica (L.) is an annual herb of the Brassicaceae family that has the potential as a traditional medicine. In this research, the antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects of R. indica were systematically studied by computational and experimental techniques. The prepared methanolic extract of R. indica (MRI) was fractionated with petroleum ether (PRI), dichloromethane (DRI), ethyl acetate (ERI), and distilled water (WRI). The total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) of the extract and fractions were measured applying the Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods, respectively, and the ERI fraction showed the highest TPC and TFC values. Spectrophotometric techniques estimated the total antioxidant capacity and ERI showed the highest antioxidant (IC50: 30.35±3.58 µg/ml in DPPH, EC50: 24.98±7.11 µg/ml in FRPT) potentials. In an in-vitro antidiabetic investigation, ERI demonstrated maximum α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory action where the IC50 values were 25.13 and 19.96 μg/ml, respectively. Further, the GC‒MS study revealed 23 compounds, among them molecular docking of (±)-Kusunokinin (C2) exhibited the highest binding scores with antioxidant (2HE3) (-6.6 kcal/mol), antidiabetic α-glucosidase (5NN5) (-8.3 kcal/mol), and α-amylase (4GQR) protein (-8.0 kcal/mol), respectively. Molecular dynamics by YASARA demonstrated that the complex C2 had an initial higher RMSD trend, reduced its profile after 30 ns, stabilized after 40 ns, and maintained a stable state until 100 ns. Moreover, the ADMET results depicted the non-hepatotoxic, and well-absorbed behaviour. In contrast, the PASS prediction and drug-likeness data revealed their effectiveness as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer agents, and excellent oral bioavailability. Overall, the R. indica plant could be an expected source of lead compounds for the discovery and advancement of a fresh potential drug.