Inhibition Zone Diameter Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Torch Ginger (Etlingera elatior) Towards Enterococcus faecalis: A Preliminary Research to the Alternative of Root Canal Irrigant of Primary Teeth

Enterococcus faecalis is a notable pathogen found in the root canals of primary teeth with endodontic infections, often resistant to conventional root canal irrigation solutions, leading to treatment failure. Torch ginger or kecombrang (Etlingera elatior), a spice plant, is reported to contain bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties. This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of ethanolic extract of torch ginger against Enterococcus faecalis, evaluating its potential as an alternative irrigant based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and effective concentration. Samples included Enterococcus faecalis ATCC® 29212™ and 70% ethanol extract of torch ginger, tested in eight concentrations (80%, 75%, 65%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125%) obtained through maceration, alongside two control groups (NaOCl and saline). The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed to determine MIC, while the streaking method from MIC testing identified MBC. Data analysis for MIC and MBC values was conducted using the One-Way ANOVA parametric test (p < 0.05). Torch ginger extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis, with inhibition observed at a minimum concentration of 3.125% with average inhibition zone diameter of 9.63 ± 0.25 mm and reaching up to 80% concentration with average inhibition zone diameter of 15.03 ± 0.21 mm. The MIC was established at 3.125%, and the MBC among the tested concentrations was 80%. The study concludes that the ethanolic extract of torch ginger shows significant antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. An 80% concentration is identified as the most effective for inhibiting and killing the pathogen, suggesting its potential as an alternative root canal irrigant of primary teeth.

Anticandidal activity of a wild Bacillus subtilis NAM against clinical isolates of pathogenic Candida albicans

BackgroundResistance to antifungal medications poses a significant obstacle in combating fungal infections. The development of novel therapeutics for Candida albicans is necessary due to the increasing resistance of candidiasis to the existing medications. The utilization of biological control is seen as a more advantageous and less hazardous strategy therefore the objective of this study is to identify the antifungal properties of Bacillus subtilis against pathogenic C. albicans.ResultsWe conducted a study to evaluate the antifungal properties of three bacterial isolates against the human pathogen Candida albicans. One of the bacterial isolates exhibited a potent antifungal activity against this fungal pathogen. This bacterium was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on the 16Sr RNA gene sequence. It exhibited inhibitory efficacy ranging from 33.5 to 44.4% against 15 Candida isolates. The optimal incubation duration for achieving the maximum antifungal activity was determined to be 48 h, resulting in a mean inhibition zone diameter of 29 ± 0.39 mm. The Potato Dextrose agar (PDA) medium was the best medium for the most effective antifungal activity. Incubation temperature of 25oC and medium pH value of 8.0 were the most favorable conditions for maximum antagonistic activity that resulted fungal growth inhibition of 40 ± 0.16 and 36 ± 0.94 mm respectively. Furthermore, the addition of 10.5 mg/ml of bacterial filtrate to C. albicans colonies resulted in 86.51%. decrease in the number of germinated cells. The fungal cell ultrastructural responses due to exposure to B. subtilis filtrate after 48 h were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It revealed primary a drastic abnormality that lead to cellular disintegration including folding and lysis of the cell wall, total collapse of the yeast cells, and malformed germ tube following the exposure to the filtrate. However, the control culture treatment had a characteristic morphology of the normal fungal cells featuring a consistently dense central region, a well-organized nucleus, and a cytoplasm containing several components of the endomembrane system. The cells were surrounded by a uniform and intact cell wall.ConclusionThe current study demonstrates a notable antifungal properties of B. subtilis against C. albicans as a result of production of bioactive components of the bacterial exudate. This finding could be a promising natural antifungal agent that could be utilized to combat C. albicans.

Phytochemical Analysis of Centaurea calcitrapa L. Aerial Flowering Parts Serial Solvent Extracts and Its Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities.

To evaluate the phytochemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity of successive extracts of Centaurea calcitrapa L. (C. calcitrapa) aerial flowering parts, they were assessed in vitro. Using a spectrophotometer, the sample absorbance at 517 nm was used to quantify the scavenging activity. The negative control was DPPH. In the current study, the diffusion using agar wells technique was adapted to measure antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical analysis was performed using the recommended standard procedures. The methanol extract of C. calcitrapa exhibited high levels of total phenolic acids expressed as gallic acid (GA), measured as (97.25 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g) content compared to the chloroform, acetyl acetate, and aqueous extracts (27.42 ± 0.29, 64.25 ± 0.96, and 17.25 ± 0.73 mg GAE/g), respectively. Additionally, the methanol extract had a higher total tannin (27.52 ± 0.53 mg TAE/g) content compared to the chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts (12.02 ± 0.55, 26.01 ± 0.81, and 7.35 ± 0.56 mg TAE/g), respectively, while the aqueous extract contains a lower percentage of flavonoids (141.10 ± 1.31 mg RTE/g) compared to the higher content achieved by the methanol extract (425.93 ± 1.27 mg RTE/g). The hydroxyl groups of the flavonoid and the phenolic compounds found in C. calcitrapa are essentially scavenging free radicals. Radical scavenging activity was highest in the methanol extract (IC50 = 2.82 μg/mL), aqueous extract (IC50 = 8.03 μg/mL), ethyl acetate extract (IC50 = 4.79 μg/mL), and chloroform extract (IC50 = 6.33 μg/mL), as compared to the standard scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.52 μg/mL). The antibacterial properties of C. calcitrapa against Gram-negative bacterial strains Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Acinetobacter baumanii, in addition to Gram-positive strains Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus, revealed inhibition zone diameter. The findings of this investigation establish that the aerial flowering parts of C. calcitrapa have substantial antibacterial action against human infections, and the plant can serve as a significant antioxidant that can be employed to prevent and treat severe degenerative diseases brought on by oxidative stress. qPCR showed that C. calcitrapa extracts elevate both SOD1 and SOD2 (cellular oxidation markers) with remarkable folds (1.8-fold for SOD1 and SOD2) with ethyl acetate plant extract against ascorbic acid as a control. This result reflects that C. calcitrapa extracts have remarkable antioxidant activity.

Preparation, characterization, and application of gallic acid-mediated photodynamic chitosan-nanocellulose-based films

In this study, an active film composed of gallic acid (GA), chitosan (CS), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) was prepared using a solution casting method and synergistic photodynamic inactivation (PDI) technology. Characterization of the film showed that the CS-CNC-GA composite film had high transparency and UV-blocking ability. The addition of GA (0.2 %–1.0 %) significantly enhanced the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of the film. The tensile strength increased up to 46.30 MPa, and the lowest water vapor permeability was 1.16 × e−12 g/(cm·s·Pa). The PDI-treated CS-CNC-GA1.0 composite film exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity, with inhibition zone diameters of 31.83 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and 21.82 mm against Escherichia coli. The CS-CNC-GA composite film also showed good antioxidant activity. Additionally, the CS-CNC-GA1.0 composite film generated a large amount of singlet oxygen under UV-C light irradiation. It was found that using the CS-CNC-GA1.0 composite film for packaging and storage of oysters at 4 °C effectively delayed the increase in pH, total colony count, and lipid oxidation in oysters. In conclusion, the CS-CNC-GA composite film based on PDI technology has great potential for applications in the preservation of aquatic products.

Thymoquinone’ potent impairment of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus NorA efflux pump activity

The drug efflux pump is a crucial mechanism implicated in resistance to multiple antimicrobials. Thymoquinone (TQ) has evidently demonstrated multiple activities, antibacterial being the most effective. Knowledge about TQ activity against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is very scarce. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate TQ resistance modulation in ciprofloxacin (CIP) and doxycycline (DO) multidrug-resistant S. aureus. Forty-seven samples were collected from different sources, and S. aureus was isolated and identified. Then, S. aureus resistance profiles to antimicrobials, N. sativa essential oil, and TQ; the correlation between TQ-MIC readings and disc diffusion; cartwheel and ethidium bromide (EtBr) accumulation assays; and norA gene expression were all described within silico molecular docking for TQ interactions with norA efflux pump protein. TQ-MICs ranged from 5–320 µg/ml. TQ down-regulated norA gene expression, resulting in a drop in efflux pump activity of 77.5–90.6% in the examined strains, comparable to that observed with verapamil. Exposure of S. aureus strains to CIP and DO raises the initial basal efflux pumping expression to 34.2 and 22.9 times, respectively. This induced efflux pumping overexpression was substantially reduced by 97.7% when TQ was combined with CIP or DO. There was a significant reduction of MICs of CIP and DO MICs by 2–15 and 2–4 folds, respectively, after treatment with 0.5XMIC-TQ in resistance modulation assays. These results refer to TQ ligand inhibitory interactions with NorA protein in molecular docking. Interpretations of inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) of disc diffusion and TQ-MICs exhibit independence of MICs from IZDs, as indicated by invalid linear regression analysis. TQ significantly reduced efflux pumping S. aureus induced by CIP and DO, but further investigations are needed to improve TQ-pharmacokinetics to restore CIP and DO activity and suppress fluoroquinolone and doxycycline-resistant S. aureus selection in clinical and animal settings.

Molecular Periphery Design Allows Control of the New Nitrofurans Antimicrobial Selectivity.

A series of 13 new 3-substituted 5-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazoles was synthesized from different aminonitriles. All compounds were screened in the disc diffusion test at a 100 μg/mL concentration to determine the bacterial growth inhibition zone presence and diameter, and then the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for the most active compounds by serial dilution. The compounds showed antibacterial activity against ESKAPE bacteria, predominantly suppressing the growth of 5 species out of the panel. Some compounds had similar or lower MICs against ESKAPE pathogens compared to ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, and furazidin. In particular, 3-azetidin-3-yl-5-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole (2h) inhibited S. aureus at a concentration lower than all comparators. Compound 2e (5-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-3-[4-(pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)phenyl]-1,2,4-oxadiazole) was active against Gram-positive ESKAPE pathogens as well as M. tuberculosis. Differences in the molecular periphery led to high selectivity for the compounds. The induced-fit docking (IFD) modeling technique was applied to in silico research. Molecular docking results indicated the targeting of compounds against various nitrofuran-associated biological targets.

Proximate nutritive values, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial properties and profiling the chemical content of opuntia stricta cladodes and fruit peel by HPLC–DAD-ESI/MS analyses

The study characterises the phenolic compounds in ethanol, butanol, and ethyl acetate extracts from the fruit peels and cladodes of Opuntia stricta (syn. Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw), from Morocco using UHPLC/DAD/ESI-MS. Additionally, the study evaluates the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of these extracts. Thirteen phenolic compounds were found in Opuntia stricta extracts, such as flavonoids (kaempferol 3-O-arabinoside, isorhamnetin rhamnosyl-rutinoside, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin) and phenolic acid. The fruit peels were found to contain the highest phenolic content, protein, and total sugars. The antibacterial effect was investigated in vivo. The most active extract was the ethyl acetate extract of fruit peels and cladodes against Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zone diameters of 16.2 and 15 mm, respectively, followed by dichloromethane extract, with zone diameters of 13.8 and 14 mm, respectively. Our results revealed higher antioxidant activity for the ethyl acetate and butanol extracts from fruit peels than cladodes.

Study in the impact of quaternized graphene oxide (QGO) composition as modifier on the chemical, physical, mechanical, and performance properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based nanocomposite membrane

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) membranes were modified with quaternized graphene oxide (QGO) synthesized from graphene oxide and quaternized ammonium groups. PVDF/QGO membranes were created by blending PVDF and 0.01-0.05 g QGO via phase inversion. FTIR confirmed the successful QGO incorporation. PVDF/QGO membranes exhibited increased mechanical stiffness. Meanwhile, SEM revealed asymmetric morphology with surface and internal pores. AFM showed the membrane with 0.05 g and QGO had the highest surface roughness of 101.2 nm, which increased filtration area and flux. QGO improved hydrophilicity through hydroxyl and quaternary ammonium groups, enhancing water flux up to 1208 Lm?2h?1 for 0.05 g QGO. Cu2+ rejection increased to 75% for 0.05 g QGO membrane due to chelation and adsorption effects. PVDF/QGO membranes displayed bacterial growth inhibition, unlike pristine PVDF. The inhibition zone diameter increased with more QGO, indicating improved antibacterial activity. Overall, this study demonstrated that QGO improved PVDF membranes' hydrophilicity, antibacterial properties, and mechanical strength.

Antibacterial and Cytotoxicity of Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Artemisia abyssinica: A Combined Experimental and Computational Study.

Artemisia abyssinica is a widely cultivated hedge plant in Ethiopia. Traditionally, they have been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including intestinal problems, infectious diseases, tonsillitis, and leishmaniasis. Silica gel chromatographic separation of the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the leaves, roots, and stem barks of A. abyssinica led to the isolation of 12 compounds, labeled as 1-12. Among these, compounds 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7-11 are reported as new to the genus Artemisia. The extracts and isolated compounds from A. abyssinica were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains: Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, using the disc diffusion assay. All of the extracts displayed weak antibacterial activity, with inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) ranging from 6.10 ± 0.3 to 9.30 ± 0.20 mm. The isolated compounds, on the other hand, exhibited weak to moderate antibacterial activity, with IZDs ranging from 6.00 ± 0.300 to 13.50 ± 0.50 mm. The most potent antibacterial activity was observed for compound 6, which showed an IZD of 13.30 ± 0.50 mm against E. coli and 13.50 ± 0.50 mm against P. aeruginosa. This activity was comparable to that of the positive control ceftriaxone, which had IZDs of 14.1 ± 0.3 and 13.8 ± 0.5 mm against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The in silico molecular docking analysis against DNA gyrase B revealed that compound 5 showed a higher binding affinity (-6.9 kcal/mol), followed by compound 10 (-6.7 kcal/mol) and compound 12 (-6.3 kcal/mol), whereas ciprofloxacin showed -7.3 kcal/mol. The binding affinities of compounds 5, 11, 10, and 9 were found to be -5.0, -4.3, -4.2, and -4.0 kcal/mol against S. aureus Pyruvate kinase, respectively, whereas ciprofloxacin showed a binding affinity of -4.9 kcal/mol, suggesting that compound 5 had a better binding affinity compared with ciprofloxacin. The effect of extracts of A. abyssinica was evaluated for cytotoxic activity against the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) by the MTT assay. The extracts induced a decrease in cell viability and exerted a cytotoxic effect at a concentration of 20 μg/mL. The highest percent cell viability was observed for the methanol extract of the stem (92.9%), whereas the least was observed for the methanol extract of the root (34.5%). The result of the latter was significant compared with the positive control. The binding affinities of the isolated compounds were also assessed against human topoisomerase inhibitors IIβ. Results showed that compound 5 showed a binding affinity of -6.0 kcal/mol, followed by 11 (-5.4 kcal/mol), 10 (-5.0 kcal/mol), and 11 (-4.9 kcal/mol). Similar to ciprofloxacin, compounds 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 12 comply with Lipinski's rule of five. Overall, the comprehensive investigation of the chemical constituents and their biological activities reinforces the traditional medicinal applications of A. abyssinica and warrants further exploration of this plant as a source of novel therapeutic agents.

Bioactivity and antibacterial effect of star anise biosynthesized silver nanoparticles against Streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

BackgroundSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are receiving a lot of attention as a prospective antibacterial agent for use in caries prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the bioactivity and antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Star Anise against Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans).MethodsThe bioactive components of the Star Anise were assessed by employing the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. The antibacterial activities of Star Anise Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles against S.mutans bacteria were evaluated using Bauer and Kirby’s disc diffusion mechanism and the minimum inhibitory concentration.ResultsSilver nanoparticles biosynthesized using Star Anise revealed high antioxidant activity. AgNPs inhibited S. mutans with a 16 mm inhibition zone diameter and demonstrated an 80 µg/ml minimum inhibitory concentration.ConclusionsBiologically synthesized AgNPs made from aqueous extract of Star anise appear to be a potential and effective bactericidal agent against S.mutans that can be used to prevent dental caries.

The Effect of Salinity Stress on the Antibacterial Activity of SpirulinaPlatensis Algae

Background: The production of secondary metabolites in different strains of microalgae varies and is likely dependent on environmental conditions. Consequently, the production of bioactive substances as secondary metabolites occurs in microalgae to aid their survival in adverse environmental conditions such as salinity stress. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of S. platensis algae cultivated under different salinity stresses against Yersinia rukeri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., and Vibrio cholerae. Methods: The broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the growth inhibitory activity of the extracts against Yersinia ruckeri, Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, and Vibrio cholerae bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by this method, and the diameter of the inhibition zone was assessed through the well diffusion method. Results: In the treatment with algae extract grown under 3.5 ppt salinity stress, the concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/mL extract showed the largest inhibition zone diameter against Salmonella sp. compared to other bacteria. Under 7 ppt salinity stress, all studied concentrations of algal extract exhibited a higher inhibition zone diameter against V. cholerae compared to other bacteria. The results of comparing different concentrations of algae extract between the two salinity stresses of 3.5 and 7 ppt for each bacterium showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). As salinity increased, the diameter of the inhibition zone also increased for all bacteria. Conclusions: Our results showed an increase in the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of Spirulina platensis with higher salinity stress levels. Therefore, cultivating Spirulina algae in salt water can be a cost-effective and suitable method to produce more secondary metabolites for use in the pharmaceutical industry.

Effects of Flour Extract of Leaves of Terminalia catappa (L) on Aeromonas Motile Septicemia in Cyprinus carpio (L) Larvae

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Terminalia catappa (L) leaf flour extract in controlling Motile Aeromonas Septicemia (MAS) disease caused by A. hydrophila in common carp larvae. The research method used in this study is an experimental method using a complete randomized design (RAL). This research consists of 2 stages; in vitro and in vivo tests using T. catappa leaf extract. In vitro test, T. catappa leaf extract consists of 5 different doses; The treatments consisted of 0 (negative control), 20, 40, 80, and 100 g L-1 T. catappa leaf flour extract and Stroptomycinsulphate 0.005 g (positive control). In vivo test, 3 best doses were selected based on the diameter zone of inhibition; 60, 80, and 100 g L-1, with positive (using Stroptomycinsulphate 0.005 g and untreated sample (without T. catappa leaf flour extract), each with 3 replicates. The results showed that using T. catappa leaf flour extract can significantly increase the fish's immune response, resistance, and survival. Duncan's further test showed that the 100 g L-1 dose treatment revealed an increase in immune response and survival rate compared to the F and G treatments.

Chemical profile by GC-MS and protective effect of Algerian cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) against Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. isolated from dental caries

The oral cavity is home to a large and diversified microbial flora, which plays an important role in the genesis of multiple diseases, including tooth decay. Indeed, tooth decay is the most common ailment in the world, with almost everyone having experienced it at least once in their lifetime. Examining plants used in traditional medicine is one of the research approaches used to discover novel, potent antibacterial chemicals with a broad spectrum of action, as present antibacterials have significant drawbacks. This study aims to examine the chemical composition of Algerian clove Syzygium aromaticum using GC-MS and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract against bacteria isolated from dental caries caused by Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. The results show a strong extraction yield of 29.7%, with high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids calculated at 178.82 mg GAEQ/g and 24.13 mg QEQ/g. The principal chemical elements of S. aromaticum peel methanol extract were identified as eugenol (61.23%) and eugenol acetate (26.45%) based on mass spectrum data and retention times. The methanol extract has a significant antibacterial effect against tested strains, with MICs ranging from 111.37 to 445.5 mg/mL. Higher concentrations of polyphenols resulted in a significant increase in inhibition zone diameter against S1 (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), L3 (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), L5 (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.001), and L9 (r2 = 0.96, p < 0.001).

Chemical profiling and bioactivity studies on aerial parts Ammoides atlantica (Coss. et Durieu) H. Wolff

The Algerian endemic plant Ammoides atlantica (Coss. et Durieu) H. Wolff was studied for the chemical profiling and biological activities of its essential oil (EO) and ethanolic extract (EE). The chemical analysis by GC/MS and HPLC/DAD/UV revealed, respectively, the major compounds thymol (39.46%), γ-terpinene (31.74%), and p-cymene (19.01%) in the EO, and apigenin (33.58%), luteolin 7-O-glucoside (20.09%), and luteolin (14.39%) in the EE. The EO exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with a significant ABTS•+ scavenging capacity (IC50 = 2.79 µg/mL) compared to EE, Trolox, and BHT. The EE showed comparable effects to BHT in DPPH scavenging and reducing power tests. Moreover, the EO demonstrated noteworthy antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 32.1 to 70 mm and MICs below 0.3 to 5 mg/mL. Furthermore, the EE exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting hemolysis of red blood cells >70% at a concentration of 20 µg/mL.

Antifungal Activity the Active Fraction of Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata (Linn) Jack) Leaves and Stem Bark Against Malassezia furfur

Leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine have bioactive compounds such as phenol and flavonoids, which these compounds could be extracted by organic solvent and have antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur which cause excema, dandruff and tinea versicolor in humans. Fractionation of the extract would obtain a specific compound based on the polarity of the solvent. This research aims to know the active fraction of leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine which had antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur. The simplicia powder of leaves and stem bark orange jasmine was macerated with 96% ethanol solvent and then fractionated as gradually with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water solvent. The antifungal activity of ethanol extract and fractions was tested against Malassezia furfur with 80; 90; 100% concentration by disk diffusion method at 37˚C for 48 hours of incubation. The data of antifungal activity was analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The result of this research showed antifungal activity from active fraction as water fraction of leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine against Malassezia furfur. The diameter of inhibition zones for the active fraction of leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine such as 8.6 – 14 mm and 12.3 – 15.8 mm respectively.

Evaluation of antifungal efficacy of albedo extract of Punica granatum on Candida albicans – An in vitro study

Abstract Introduction: The study aims to investigate the antifungal efficacy of albedo extract of Punica grantum on candida albicans by evaluating the inhibitory capacity of alcoholic albedo extracts by disc diffusion method and by comparing the antifungal efficacy of alcoholic extract of albedo with clotrimazole and ethanol. Methods: Using a conventional disc diffusion method, the effectiveness of Punica Granatum albedo extract against Candida albicans was assessed and evaluated depending on the presence or absence of inhibition zones, as well as the average diameter of inhibition zones. Albedo extract of Punica granatum serial dilutions were prepared ranging from 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% and its antifungal efficacy was tested against Candida albicans in comparison with clotrimazole and ethanol. Results: When compared to clotrimazole, the albedo extract of punica granatum showed significant anticandidal activity. The mean zone of inhibition of extract was recorded at 27.6 mm whereas clotrimazole was 21.6 mm and no zone of inhibition was recorded for ethanol. Statistically significant p value 0.015 was recorded within the different dilutions of albedo extract of Punica grantum which is less than 0.05. Conclusion: The present investigation found that Punica Granatum albedo extract had greater potent antifungal activity when compared to clotrimazole and ethanol.

Isolation, characterization, antimicrobial properties, and theoretical investigations of a new isoflavanol from nigerian red propolis for therapeutic applications

The chemical components of Nigerian red propolis were thoroughly examined to identify its phytochemical constituents. The investigation yielded a new isoflavanol, identified as 2′,7-dihydroxy-3′,4-dimethoxyisoflavan-4-ol (DDI), which was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract. Using advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as 1D, 2D NMR as well as HR-LC-MS, the structure and molecular composition of the new compound was determined with extreme precision. The present study offers important information regarding the chemical structure of reddish propolis sourced from the southeast region of Nigeria. The isolated compound suggests that the botanical source of the propolis could be Dalbergia spp. antimicrobial assay of the compound isolated revealed potent antibacterial and antifungal properties with diameter zones of inhibition measuring between 27 and 32 mm. The MIC, MBC, and MFC values were between 6.25 and 25 µg/mL. Further theoretical investigations of DDI were also carried out using DFT/D3(BJ)-B3LYP/6–311 ++ G (d, p) level of theory, of DDI in different environments (DMSO, Ethanol, Gas, and Water), that demonstrated structural stability of DDI in the different solvents with an energy gap of 7.0878 eV, 7.0831 eV, 6.9335 eV, and 7.0899 eV respectively. Molecular docking was employed substantiating the antimicrobial analysis, resulting in a score for receptors Candida tropicalis (1N9G), Escherichia coli (4LFU), Candida albicans (5K04), and Helicobacter pylori (4HI0) with binding affinity of -6.9 Kcal/mol, -8.5 Kcal/mol, -7.9 Kcal/mol, and -7.7 Kcal/mol respectively, compared with a conventional drug (fluconazole and amoxicillin) the docking proteins receptors. The docking for the DDI ligand against the receptor proteins of the studied organisms showed better inhibitory activity than the conventional drug (fluconazole), however, less activity with amoxicillin suggesting a more antifungal activity than antibacterial activity, presenting DDI ligand as a potential drug molecule against candidiasis.

Enhanced antimicrobial potency and stability of juglone/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: a comparative study of formulation methods

Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent derived from walnut trees, possesses significant therapeutic potential limited by its low water solubility and instability in varying pH and temperature conditions This study aims to address these limitations by enhancing juglone’s solubility, stability, and antimicrobial efficacy through the formation of inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Employing methods such as co-precipitation, freeze-drying, and solvent evaporation, we synthesized these complexes and confirmed their formation using UV–vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The obtained optimum complex was characterized using SEM to reveal its structural properties, while NMR analysis showed significant chemical shift changes, indicative of complex formation between juglone and β-CD; additionally, XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of the J-β-CD3-4 inclusion complex, providing direct evidence for its formation. Our findings reveal a notable enhancement in the pH and thermal stability of juglone within the β-CD inclusion complex, in comparison to its free form. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the juglone-β-CD complex surpassed that of juglone alone. The increased water solubility of juglone in the inclusion complex contributed to its enhanced antimicrobial activity. The inhibition zone diameters of J-β-CD3-4 inclusion complex against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans were 7, 22, and 8.5 mm, respectively, relatively higher than juglone. Remarkably, in the broth microdluation method, the MIC and MBC values of the inclusion complex were determined to be much lower than those of free juglone, a significant fourfold decrease for S. aureus, and C. albicans and twofold for E. coli. These results underscore the potential of juglone-β-CD complexation in extending the applicability of juglone, especially in sectors such as food preservation, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, where enhanced stability and efficacy of natural antimicrobial agents are crucial.

Salvia fruticosa mill leaves: chemical assessment and antimicrobial activity of different extracts based on molecular docking study

The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyze the lipid and flavonoid components present in Salvia fruticosa Mill, as well as to assess its potential antibacterial activity. Introduction: Salvia fruticosa Mill (SF) is considered a significant medicinal plant that is found all over the world. Method: The essential lipid contents (fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter), the volatile oil from leaves, and the antibacterial activity of various extracts were all evaluated. The lipid components were extracted with n-hexane then fractionated. Four flavonoids, namely luteolin, cosmos, cynaroside, andorientin, were isolated from the alcoholic extract of the plant by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms by measuring the inhibition zone diameter using disc diffusion method. A molecular docking study was performed to assess the binding affinity of the flavonoids to the DNA gyrase enzyme, which is a crucial target for antibacterial drugs. Caryophyllene (18.70%), lab-13-ene,8,15-diol (15.93%), methyl linoleate (10.53%), and 1,8-cineole (8.24%) are the most prevalent components in the volatile oil, according to the GC/MS analysis. The lipid components were fractionated into three groups: the unsaponifiable fraction, the fatty acid OMe (FAME), and the insoluble fraction of the acetone (fatty alcohols and hydrocarbons). The obtained results show remarkable antifungal activity with chloroform extract against A. flavus and moderate activity against A. niger. Besides, the butanol and ethyl acetate extracts presented high activity against Sarcina sp. with inhibition zone of 22 mm. The microorganism B. cerus was affected moderately by ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts with inhibition zone of 14 and 12 mm, respectively. The methanol extract was active against C. albicans only. The fatty acids fraction inhibited the growth of A. flavus with inhibition zones of 8, 10 and 14 mm for different concentrations, respectively. The Docking results revealed that all compounds exhibited a promising interaction into the DNA-gyrase, which agrees with an experimental data got from the antibacterial activity assay. These results were obtained first for this plant, especially the results of molecular docking study in relation to antibacterial activity.

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.