Justicia Spicigera Research Articles

Sustainable Zeolite–Silver Nanocomposites via Green Methods for Water Contaminant Mitigation and Modeling Approaches

This study explores cutting-edge and sustainable green methodologies and technologies for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials, with a specific focus on the removal of water contaminants and the application of kinetic adsorption models. Our research adopts a conscientious approach to environmental stewardship by synergistically employing eco-friendly silver nanoparticles, synthesized using Justicia spicigera extract as a biogenic reducing agent, in conjunction with Mexican zeolite to enhance contaminant remediation, particularly targeting Cu2+ ions. Structural analysis, utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM and SEM), yields crucial insights into nanocomposite structure and morphology. Rigorous linear and non-linear kinetic models, encompassing pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Freundlich, and Langmuir, are employed to elucidate the kinetics and equilibrium behaviors of adsorption. The results underscore the remarkable efficiency of the Zeolite–Ag composite in Cu2+ ion removal, surpassing traditional materials and achieving an impressive adsorption rate of 98% for Cu. Furthermore, the Zeolite–Ag composite exhibits maximum adsorption times of 480 min. In the computational analysis, an initial mechanism for Cu2+ adsorption on zeolites is identified. The process involves rapid adsorption onto the surface of the Zeolite–Ag NP composite, followed by a gradual diffusion of ions into the cavities within the zeolite structure. Upon reaching equilibrium, a substantial reduction in copper ion concentration in the solution signifies successful removal. This research represents a noteworthy stride in sustainable contaminant removal, aligning with eco-friendly practices and supporting the potential integration of this technology into environmental applications. Consequently, it presents a promising solution for eco-conscious contaminant remediation, emphasizing the utilization of green methodologies and sustainable technologies in the development of functional nanomaterials.

Utilización de extracto natural del Muicle (Justicia spicigera) en la elaboración de chocolate a partir de dos variedades de cacao (Theobroma bicolor Humb. & Bonpl. y Theobroma cacao L.)

Se propuso fomentar la incorporación del extracto natural del Muicle (Justicia spicigera) en la producción de chocolate, utilizando dos variedades de cacao: Theobroma bicolor Humb. & Bonpl y Theobroma cacao L. Para evaluar los efectos, se implementó un diseño estadístico completamente al azar con arreglo bifactorial, compuesto por 6 tratamientos y 3 repeticiones. Como factor A se evaluó dos tipos de Theobromas y factor B las concentraciones del extracto de Justicia Spicigera (0%, 3% y 6%). Se realizó la toma de las variables morfológicas para la comparación entre variedades, Theobroma bicolor Humb. & Bonpl presentó un peso de mazorca promedio de 969, mientras que Theobroma cacao L. tubo un promedio de 787 g. Durante la fermentación se tomó la temperatura inicial que fue de 21 - 48°C, pH inicial de 3,88 - 5,46 y °Brix 21- 6°Brix. La capacidad antioxidante se determinó mediante los métodos ABTS y DPPH, con valores de 239,83 y 176,49 µmol. Se requirió de 25 catadores semientrenados, se evaluó el aroma, intensidad, color y sabor. La adición del extracto de Justicia Spicigera mejoró significativamente las notas sensoriales y la aceptabilidad del chocolate.

A SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY STUDY OF POLLEN GRAINS

A simple, quick and non-destructive method of preparing fresh pollen grains for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies was used in this investigation. The pollen grains of seven taxa belonging to seven families were studied six were dicots, namely Delonix regia, Helianthus annuus, Justicia spicigera,Kigeliaafricana,Lagerstroemia speciosaand Portulaca umbraticola,and one a monocotHymenocallis littoralis. Fresh pollen grains were dehydrated in acidified 2, 2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) followed by criticalpoint drying in carbon dioxide (CO2). In the preliminary study the acidified DMP treated pollen grains were mounted in glycerine and observed under the light microscope. The DMP direct method preserves the original shape of the pollen grains and dissolves the pollen coat thereby enabling observation of the surface ornamentation of the exine. The high magnifications of the SEM provided detailed information about the fine structure or micromorphology of the pollen surface. In the taxa studied the pollen are aperturate and are shed as monads.Among the taxa studied, P.umbraticola was apolar, H.littoralis was heteropolar,and the remaining five were isopolar. The exine was reticulate in D. regia, H.littoralis, J.spicigera, and K.africana echinate in H. annuusandP.umbraticola andfossulate, perforate in L. speciosa.

In Vitro Biological Activity and Lymphoma Cell Growth Inhibition by Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants.

Cancer is a major health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, plants are a source of metabolites with diverse biological properties, including antitumor potential. In this study, we investigated the in vitro murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cell growth inhibition, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) toxicity and proliferation, and antioxidant, hemolytic, and anti-hemolytic activities of methanol extracts from 15 plants of traditional use in Mexico. Justicia spicigera caused the highest tumor cell growth inhibition with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 29.10 µg/mL and a selectivity index >34.36 compared with those of PBMC, whereas Mimosa tenuiflora showed the highest lymphoproliferative activity from 200 µg/mL compared with that induced by concanavalin A. In addition, M. tenuiflora showed an antioxidant effect (IC50 = 2.86 µg/mL) higher than that of ascorbic acid. Regarding the hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activity, all extracts presented significant anti-hemolytic activity. The extract of J. spicigera is emerging as a possible source of effective antineoplastic compounds.

Overview of the Justicia Genus: Insights into Its Chemical Diversity and Biological Potential.

The genus Justicia has more than 600 species distributed in both hemispheres, in the tropics and temperate regions, and it is used in the treatment of numerous pathologies. This study presents a review of the biological activities of plant extracts and isolated chemical constituents of Justicia (ACANTHACEAE), identified in the period from May 2011 to August 2022. We analyzed over 176 articles with various biological activities and chemical compound descriptions present in the 29 species of Justicia. These have a variety of applications, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial, with alkaloids and flavonoids (e.g., naringenin) the most frequently identified secondary metabolites. The most observed species were Justicia gendarussa Burm., Justicia procumbens L., Justicia adhatoda L., Justicia spicigera Schltdl, and Justicia pectoralis Jacq. The frontier molecular orbitals carried out using density functional theory (M062X and basis set 6-311++G(d,p) indicate reactive sites for naringenin compound and a chemical reaction on phytomedicine activity. The energy gap (206.99 kcal/mol) and dimer solid state packing point to chemical stability. Due to the wide variety of pharmacological uses of these species, this review points toward the development of new phytomedicines.

Methodology for dyes purification by preparative bidimensional offline reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography separation based on mobile phase pH change: Case study of Justicia spicigera.

The extensive characterization of the natural dyes involves the purification of their colored compounds for their structural analysis and stability studies. As most natural compounds being ionizable, herein is presented the optimization of an easy and affordable preparative bidimensional offline reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography purification based on mobile phase pH change. At the analytical scale, several combinations of stationary phases and mobile phases at different pH values were investigated first. The orthogonality between the dimensions was quantitatively evaluated using the nearest-neighbor distance approach. The optimized separation method was transferred to the preparative scale for the successful isolation of two colored compounds from Justicia spicigera, a traditional dye plant from Central America. They were identified as perisbivalvine B (2-amino-8-hydroxy-7-methoxy-3H-phenoxazin-3-one) and one of its derivatives, also found in another tinctorial plant species, Peristrophe bivalvis growing in Asia.

Thermal and pH stability of Justicia spicigera (Mexican honeysuckle) pigments: Application of mathematical probabilistic models to predict pigments stability

Kinetic and probabilistic (Time-to-Failure, TTF) models were used to predict the color (L*, a*, b* total color differences (ΔE), Hue and Chroma) stability of Justicia spicigera leaves pigments subjected to different temperatures (40 – 80 °C) and pHs (2 – 12). The change in pH caused different hues (from 60° = orange red to 268° = deep-blue) due to the shift effect of anthocyanins in the extract. Temperatures higher than 60 °C increased the color degradation. High heat sensitivity was observed at pH 4 (Ea = 90.27) and 10 (Ea = 154.99 kJ/mol). The Time-to-Failure model for both ΔE and Hue describes the effect of pH and temperature in the J. spicigera extracts. High pHs and temperatures applied to the extracts increased the probability of showing ΔEs > 4 or Hue changes over 20 %. Nearby the neutral region of pH, pigments of J. spicigera were more stable. The TTF model might be a useful tool to describe and predict the behavior of pigments added to foods.

Microencapsulates by spray of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG from fermented whole or skimmed cow's milk added with Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) extract using mesquite gum as carrier agent

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of the addition 5°Bx Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) extract (JSE) in spray dried encapsulates of whole and skimmed unfermented and fermented cow's milk with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (LR). All samples were spray dried at 160 °C. Samples were analyzed in physical properties (moisture content, water activity (aw), L∗, a∗, b∗, Hue, Chroma color parameters, particle size), LR content, and bioactive compounds (total anthocyanins (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) using the DPPH assay). Results showed that the load of LR was in the range 6.79–7.44 Log10 (CFU/mL) cycles after fermentation, lower values were obtained when JSE was added before fermentation. In addition, LR remains after drying in fermented samples but decrease about 1 Log10 (CFU/mL) cycle. LR was 4.46 Log10 (CFU/mL) in the fermented skimmed milk-J. spicigera extract powder. All powders had aw and moisture content below 0.295 and 6.51%, respectively. Color of powders depended on the moment of addition of JSE and fermentation. Powders from fermented milk were pale brownish/orangey/red (Hue = 44.91–59.7) and unfermented and J. spicigera extract-maltodextrin solution (12% w/v) powders were purple (Hue = 314.52–326.68). Higher particle sizes (52.3–104.7 μm) were obtained with whole milk fermented and unfermented powders. On the contrary, skimmed milk and JSE without milk protein had values in the range 15.56–44.0 μm. TPC in powders were higher (16.96–33.81 mg GAE/g powder db) compared with TA (0.27–0.64 mg Peonidin-3,5-diglucoside/g powder db). TPC increased with fermentation and remain after spray drying. The AC and TPCs were highly correlated and had antioxidant capacity of 10.18 mg TE/g powder db. The principal component analysis showed that the type of milk and fermentation separate the powders in four groups, depending on their physical and antioxidant properties. Encapsulated pigments could be used in formulations in the food industry to increase bioactive compounds and pigments in foods.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory activity of compounds from Justicia spicigera (Acanthaceae)

An infusion from the aerial parts of Justicia spicigera Schltdl., an herb commonly used to treat diabetes, inhibited the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Two undescribed compounds, 2-N-(p-coumaroyl)-3H-phenoxazin-3-one, and 3″-O-acetyl-kaempferitrin, along with kaempferitrin, kaempferol 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, perisbivalvine B and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone were isolated from the active extract. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic and spectrometric methods. The isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against PTP1B; the most active compounds were 2-N-(p-coumaroyl)-3H-phenoxazin-3-one, and perisbivalvine B with IC50 values of 159.1 ± 0.02 μM and 106.6 ± 0.01 μM, respectively. However, perisbivalvine B was unstable. Kinetic analysis of 2-N-(p-coumaroyl)-3H-phenoxazin-3-one and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone (obtained in good amounts) indicated that both compounds behaved as parabolic competitive inhibitors and bind to the enzyme forming complexes with 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry. Docking of 2-N-(p-coumaroyl)-3H-phenoxazin-3-one and 2,5-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone to PTP1B1-400 predicted a good affinity of these compounds for PTP1B catalytic site and demonstrated that the binding of a second ligand is sterically possible. The 1:2 complex was also supported by the second docking analysis, which predicted an important contribution of π-stacking interactions to the stability of these 1:2 complexes. Finally, an UHPLC-MS method was developed and validated to quantify the content of kaempferitrin in the infusion of the plant.

Biological Activities of Seven Medicinal Plants Used in Chiapas, Mexico.

Seven medicinal plants from Chiapas, Mexico, used by Native Americans were analyzed, aiming to improve the understanding of their medicinal properties through the evaluation of various biological activities, i.e., bactericidal, antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibition, and toxicity, to provide a scientific basis for the management of infectious and hyperglycemic diseases in the Mexican southeast. Plant extracts were obtained from Cordia dodecandra, Gaultheria odorata, Heliotropium angiospermum, Justicia spicigera, Leucaena collinsii spp. collinsii, Tagetes nelsonii, and Talisia oliviformis through maceration techniques using methanol and chloroform (1:1). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was employed to determine the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter faecalis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa. The antiradical/antioxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays and antihemolytic activity using the 2,2’-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride radical (APPH). The anti-α-glucosidase activity was evaluated in vitro through the chromogenic PNPG assay. The toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. The highest antimicrobial activity was displayed by T. nelsonii, mainly against E. faecalis and P. aeuroginosa. The extracts of L. collinsii, J. spicigera, and T. nelsonii possess antioxidant properties with EC50 < 50 μg/mL. J. spicigera and T. nelsonii extracts showed the highest antihemolytic activity with IC50 < 14 μg/mL. T. nelsonii exhibited a remarkable inhibitor effect on the α-glucosidase enzyme and the greatest toxic effect on Artemia salina with IC50 = 193 ± 20 μg/mL and LD50 = 14 ± 1 μg/mL, respectively. According to our results, G. odorata, J. spicigera, T. nelsonii, and T. oliviformis extracts contained active antimicrobial compounds. At the same time, T. nelsonii stands to be a possible source of effective antineoplastic and antihyperglycemic compounds.

Beyond the Exploration of Muicle (Justicia spicigera): Reviewing Its Biological Properties, Bioactive Molecules and Materials Chemistry

In recent years, the research community is tremendously investigating unexplored plants and herbals as they represent a potential source of various biomolecules, which not only contribute to nutrition but also to human health. In fact, Muicle (Justicia spicigera) has attracted the attention of scientists thanks to its multiple biological activities associated with the phytochemicals and specific biomolecules present in this plant. In this review, an evidence on current development works assaying the potential biological properties of Muicle is given. Here, we introduce the key biologically active molecules ascribed to such properties, along with the mechanism of action and interaction. Although the utilization of this plant has been majorly focused on traditional medicine, specific applications in terms of production of new feedstocks and nanomaterials, and developments of functional foods and formulations, are also a current direction towards the exploitation of this natural source. Therefore, this review reports the main outcomes of current research towards the utilization of biomolecules and other elements of the plant in new fields of research such as materials chemistry.

Antilipidemic and Hepatoprotective Effects of Ethanol Extract of Justicia spicigera in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats.

Oxidative stress is a factor that contributes to the development of complications in diabetes; however, its effects can be counteracted using exogenous antioxidants that are found in some plants, which is why people turn to traditional medicines in the search for therapeutic treatment. Justicia spicigera has been demonstrated to have the capacity to reduce glycemic levels; however, its effects on non-insulin-dependent organs such as the liver have not been reported. During 30 days of administration of Justicia spicigera ethanol extract, the blood glucose and weight of rats were measured every 5 days. Once the treatment was concluded, the rats were sacrificed. Corporal weight, blood glucose, cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, total lipids, and liver profile were reduced in the diabetic condition and normalized with the application of ethanol extract from J. spicigera (EJS). Additionally, there was a significant increase in catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in the control diabetic rats, a decrease in their activity with the extract administration, and no effect on normoglycemic rats. In conclusion, EJS is considered to be capable of reducing oxidative stress by maintaining diminished lipid and liver function profiles in male Wistar rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Effect of herbal decoctions used in Mexican traditional medicine attenuate the adverse effects of a hypercaloric diet.

BackgroundIn Mexico, plants as Ibervillea sonorae, Justicia spicigera, Mentha spicata, or Hibiscus sabdariffa are used to prepare decoctions that are traditionally used by the population to prevent or treat several diseases such as obesity and diabetes; scientific evidence is still in process. PurposeThis study evaluated the therapeutic effects of traditional preparations (aqueous decoctions) of four herbs on obesity and its complications, such as insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and hepatic steatosis induced by a hypercaloric diet. Materials and methodsUPLC-PDA-ESI-QqQ analysis was performed to identify and quantify extractable phenolic constituents of each decoction. Metabolic alterations were induced by high fat and fructose diet in Wistar rats; decoctions were administered for 12 weeks. The effects of herbs on insulin resistant animals, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and lipid storage in the liver and adipose tissue were assessed by biochemical assays and histological examination. ResultsRats treated with H. sabdariffa preventing body weight gain, improving glucose homeostasis, and decreasing adipocyte size. Meanwhile, the triglycerides and glucose levels in obese rats decreased after I. sonorae treatment. All decoctions showed no adverse effects. UPLC-PDA-ESI-QqQ analysis revealed caffeoylquinic acid derivatives as the most abundant phenolic compounds in aqueous decoctions. ConclusionsDecoctions of H. sabdariffa or I. sonorae attenuated the adverse effects of a hypercaloric diet via improving glucose homeostasis and triglycerides levels without any observed adverse effects. These decoctions could be helpful for the treatment of metabolic diseases such as obesity and its complications.

Extraction of Kaempferitrin and Astragalin from Justicia Spicigera by Supercritical Fluid Extraction and Its Comparison with Conventional Extraction

A study of supercritical fluid CO2 extraction of kaempferitrin (KM) and astragalin (KG) from Justicia spicigera (muicle) was conducted. A 33 Box-Behnken design was used to analyze the effects of pressure (200-300 bar), temperature (40-60° C), and co-solvent flow rate (0.5-1.0 mL/min). The highest KM and KG concentration were achieved at a pressure of 300 bar, a temperature of 60° C, and co-solvent flow rate of 1.0 mL/min (ethanol 99.5 %), with a constant CO2 flow rate of 5 mL/min and extraction time of 180 min. Under these conditions, the experimental values for KM and KG (115.08±2.81 and 56.63±9.02 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively) were similar to those calculated by the models (109.0 and 44.07 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively). The use of 70 % ethanol as co-solvent in the supercritical extraction process considerably improved the yields of KM and KG (562.71±156.85 and 79.90±18.03 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively) compared to the 99.5 % ethanol extractions. The conventional extraction showed the highest yields of KM and KG (574.20±65.10 and 113.10±15.06 mg/100 g of dry powder, respectively) at 70° C and extraction time of 120 min. Adequate yields were achieved of KM and KG by supercritical fluid extraction compared with conventional extraction (98 and 70 %, respectively); therefore supercritical fluid extract of J. spicigera could be used in the development of functional foods, as well as its possible use in traditional medicine by the health professionals.

Extraction and Microencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds from Muicle (Justicia spicigera) and Their Use in the Formulation of Functional Foods

Bioactive compounds (BC) present in muicle leaves were extracted using the best extraction conditions obtained with a Box–Behnken experimental design, extracting 95% of BC. Microencapsulation of muicle BC was carried out by spray drying using DE10 maltodextrin (MD) and soy protein isolate (SPI) as encapsulating agents. The best conditions for the ethanolic extraction of BC from muicle were 30 °C, 40% aqueous ethanol, and one extraction for 1 h. The best spray drying encapsulating conditions for BC and antioxidant capacity (AC) using MD as an encapsulating agent were: 160–80 °C and 10% MD in the feeding solution, and for SPI: 180–70 °C and 5% SPI in the feeding solution. Microcapsules were added to yogurt and a sensory evaluation and retention of BC during 15-day storage at 4 °C was performed. Sensory evaluation showed that yogurt with added MD microcapsules had better acceptance than that with SPI microcapsules. Based on this, a jelly with added muicle MD microcapsules was also prepared which obtained better acceptance by the judges. At the end of the storage period, yogurt with SPI microcapsules showed better retention of BC and AC than yogurts with MD microcapsules; however, products with MD microcapsules had better acceptance.

Study of the toxicity of the ethanolic extract of Justicia spicigera in rats treated orally for 30 days

In Mexico, according to data from the ENSANUT, 2012, 6.4 million of Mexicans were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM). Currently, there are several reports in the scientific literature supporting the use of plants for the treatment of T2DM. Justicia spicigera (JS) is widely distributed in Huasteca Potosina and its ethanolic extract (EEJS) has recently been shown that it has a hypoglycemic effect in normoglycemic rats and streptozotocin-induced DM model; however only its acute toxicity has been evaluated. therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the toxicity for prolonged periods. Oral toxicity was evaluated by repeated dose administration model for 30 days. The results showed that administration of EEJS induced mild adverse effects, particularly related to behavioral abnormalities. Additional experiments are currently being carried out in our laboratory to evaluate its chronic toxocity.

Effect of the Ethyl Acetate Extract of Justicia spicigera and Biotin in Liver of Diabetic Rats

The present investigation was directed to study the effect of the compounds present in the Justicia spicigera extract collected at different seasons of the year combined with biotin, in a model of diabetic rats induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally (40 mg / kg). 120 male rats of the Wistar strain weighing between 450-500 g were used, which were randomly divided into six groups that received treatment over a period of 60 days, as follows: a control normoglycemic group (NC) and a control diabetic group (DC) administered only with the vehicle (1% DMSO). A normoglycemic group (NEPV) and a diabetic group (DEPV) administered with the acetate extract spicigera ethyl acetate corresponding to the spring - summer period. A normoglycemic group (NEOI) and a diabetic group (DEOI) administered with J. spicigera ethyl acetate extract corresponding to the autumn - winter period. A normoglycemic group (NB) and a diabetic group administered for 30 days with biotin (DB). A normoglycemic group (NEPVB) and a diabetic group (DEPVB) administered for 60 days with the extract of ethyl acetate of J. spicigera corresponding to the spring-summer period and for 30 days with biotin. A normoglycemic group (NEOIB) and a diabetic group (DEOIB) administered for 60 days with the ethyl acetate extract of J. spicigera corresponding to autumn - winter period and for 30 days with biotin. During the treatment, the weight and the levels of glycemia and triacylglycerides were determined. After the treatment, the liver was dissected and homogenized to determine the concentration of liver lipids and the activity of the enzyme catalase (CAT), later the mitochondria were extracted where the activity of the enzyme antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) was carried out and levels of total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG). From the blood samples, the lipid profile and liver function tests were evaluated in serum. The results obtained showed that the extract obtained during the spring - summer season has a hypoglycemic, lipid lowering and antioxidant effect. In addition, it was able to decrease liver damage and the possible appearance of liver steatosis in diabetic pathology. On the other hand, the extract obtained during the autumn-winter season only exerted a lipid-lowering effect, which indicates that possibly the compounds responsible for reducing the lipid profile in diabetic rats are found indiscriminately in both climatic seasons to which they were exposed. On the other hand, the combined treatment of biotin with J. spicigera extract obtained during the spring-summer season has a significant lipid-lowering and antioxidant effect on the liver of diabetic rats. Which could be related to the effects that biotin and the components of the extract present individually, becoming a potential treatment to prevent diabetic dyslipidemia and the appearance of liver disease in people with diabetes mellitus.

Spectral characterisation of a traditional Mesoamerican dye: relationship between in situ identification on the 16th century Codex Borbonicus manuscript and composition of Justicia spicigera plant extract.

Characterisation of vegetal colourants in manuscripts is still a challenging task. Their identification using non-invasive techniques - since sampling is rarely possible - is valid only if there is evidence that the recorded signals are generated by compounds specific to the plant species. Otherwise, more extensive chemical characterisations are required to relate the non-invasive technique signals to the chemical composition of the dye extract and thus avoid misidentification. The case study of a traditional Mesoamerican dye found in the Codex Borbonicus is reported herein. The non-invasive identification of the colourant plant source and chemical characterisation of the coloured molecules were carried out through a multi-analytical technique approach. In situ Raman and UV-Vis emission fluorescence signals suggested the use of Justicia spicigera leaves to produce the brown paint layers of the manuscript. Analysis of the plant extract by liquid chromatography revealed that two compounds are mostly responsible for the colour, and these compounds were successfully isolated. Both contribute to the Raman spectra while only one of them is mainly responsible for the fluorescence recorded on Codex Borbonicus.

Exogenous addition of muicle (Justicia spicigera Schechtendal) extract to white maize tortillas affects the antioxidant activity, texture, color, and in vitro starch digestibility

This work focused on the effects of adding of a polyphenol rich aqueous muicle (Justicia spicigera Schechtendal) extract (ME) to nixtamalized white maize flour, on the rheological properties of masa and on the texture, color, FTIR, antioxidant activity, and in vitro starch digestibility. NWMF with ME contents of x = 0, 0.7, 1.7, and 2.7 g.100 g−1 d.b. was used to prepare masa (Mx) and tortillas (Tx) variations. Increasing concentrations of ME had significant effects as follows: (i) Mx viscoelastic parameters decreased with G’>G’’; (ii) Tx hardness was unaffected, but extension at hardness, and maximum extension were increased; (iii) FTIR spectra indicated that hydration of the starch structures was improved; (iv) the enzymatic hydrolysis rate was lower; (v) the readily digestible and slowly digestible starch were reduced, and the resistant starch contents increased; (vi) polyphenols release and bioaccesibility under gastrointestinal conditions increased and so did the antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods; (vii) color parameters were similar to that from blue maize tortillas; and (v) the moisture content of tortilla was improved under storage conditions. The addition of ME to white maize nixtamalized flour allows to tortillas in which starch digestibility can be modulated and blue maize tortillas color mimicked.

Biosynthesis, characterization and photocatalytic activity of ZnO nanoparticles using extracts of Justicia spicigera for the degradation of methylene blue

This paper presents an easy and simple green route method for the biosynthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, which were synthesized using Justicia spicigera extract, in different concentrations (1, 2, 4 and 8% in weight-volume). The samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Visible Ultraviolet Spectrometry (UV-vis) spectrophotometric techniques, furthermore complemented with the use of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Finally, the different catalysts were tested for the degradation of methylene blue under ultraviolet light. The samples presented the typical band of the Zn-O bond at 618 cm−1. UV-vis studies revealed a characteristic signal at 373-376 nm, confirming the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The different samples manifest the same hexagonal crystal structure, Wurtzite. These materials have a semi-spherical morphology and sizes ranging from 10 to 100 nm. Regarding photocatalytic activity, the catalysts degraded close to 90% of the dye in 120 min.