LD50 Values Research Articles

IN SILICO ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS FROM VARIOUS PLANT SOURCES AS DRUG CANDIDATES AGAINST LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES

Epigenetic changes and glycation play a significant role in the progression of life-threatening diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), neurodegenarative diseases (ND) and others. Exploring natural sources for overall therapeutic effect can be a beneficial approach for treating these life threatening diseases. The phytocemicals apigenin, aegeline, marmelosin, kaempferol, pyrrolemarumine 4”-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside and garcinol from Durva, Bael, Custard apple, Moringa and Kokum were evaluated for their therapeutic value using in silico techniques. These phytochemicals and target structures (molecules from diseases pathologies from KEGG database), were obtained from PubChem and PDB, respectively. The docking studies, pharmaceutical parameters and toxicity studies were done using Swiss Dock, Swiss ADME for and Pro Tox II. The above phytochemicals have shown optimal lipophilicity, insaturation, flexibility and solubility. Molecular weight was less than 500 Da and LD50 values for each of these was above 400 mg kg-1. Amongst all phytochemicals, garcinol was found to be ideal for dermal drugs.

Comparative toxicity of two neonicotinoid insecticides at environmentally relevant concentrations to telecoprid dung beetles

Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) frequently traverse agricultural matrices in search of ephemeral dung resources and spend extended periods of time burrowing in soil. Neonicotinoids are among the most heavily applied and widely detected insecticides used in conventional agriculture with formulated products designed for row crop and livestock pest suppression. Here, we determined the comparative toxicity of two neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) on dung beetles, Canthon spp., under two exposure profiles: direct topical application (acute) and sustained contact with treated-soil (chronic). Imidacloprid was significantly more toxic than thiamethoxam under each exposure scenario. Topical application LD50 values (95% CI) for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were 19.1 (14.5–25.3) and 378.9 (200.3–716.5) ng/beetle, respectively. After the 10-day soil exposure, the measured percent mortality in the 3 and 9 µg/kg nominal imidacloprid treatments was 35 ± 7% and 39 ± 6%, respectively. Observed mortality in the 9 µg/kg imidacloprid treatment was significantly greater than the control (p = 0.04); however, the 3 µg/kg imidacloprid dose response may be biologically relevant (p = 0.07). Thiamethoxam treatments had similar mortality as the controls (p > 0.8). Environmentally relevant concentrations of imidacloprid measured in airborne particulate matter and non-target soils pose a potential risk to coprophagous scarabs.

Development of PROMETHEE-Entropy data mining model for groundwater potentiality modeling: a case study of multifaceted geologic settings in south-western Nigeria

This work looks at developing an object-driven decision support system (DSS) model with the goal of improving the prediction accuracy of the present expert-driven DSS model in assessing groundwater potentiality. The database of remote sensing, geological, and geophysical information was constructed using the technological efficiency of GIS, data mining, and programming tools. Groundwater potential conditioning factors (GPCF) extracted from the datasets include lithology (Li), hydraulic conductivity (K), lineament density (Ld), transmissivity (T), and transverse resistance (TR) for groundwater potentiality mapping in a typical hard rock multifaceted geologic setting in south-western Nigeria. A Python-based entropy approach was used to objectively weight these factors. The weightage findings determined that the greatest and lowest given values for Ld and K were 0.6 and 0.03, respectively. The produced Python-based PROMETHEE-Entropy model algorithm was born through combining the weight findings with the Python-based PROMETHEE-II method. The groundwater potentiality model (GPM) map of the area was created using the model algorithm's outputs on the gridded raster of GPCF themes. Based on the suggested approach, the validated results of the created GPM maps using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve technique yielded an accuracy of 86%. An object-driven DSS model was created using the approaches that were used. The created object-driven model is a viable alternative to existing approaches in groundwater hydrology and aids in the automation of groundwater resource management in the research region.

Effect of solvation on the molecular structure, vibrational assignment, nature of bonding, and the antiviral drug-like potential of troxerutin against HBV proteins

Drugs used in the management of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are largely based on nucleosides or their analogues and these have several side-effects. These drugs only inhibit viral replication, cannot eliminate cccDNA and present with serious long-term effects. Hence, researchers are now searching for potential targets that present with less side-effect and are more effective. The study was aimed at evaluating and comparing the antiviral drug-like potential of troxerutin against various HBV proteins and entecavir. In this study, troxerutin was purified, synthesized and characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and FT-IR. In addition, detailed investigation using density functional theory (DFT), and in-silico molecular docking of troxerutin and entecavir against various HBV proteins were conducted. The spectral analysis (NMR and FT-IR) confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups with the presence of C–H, C–C and OH bonds/vibrations. Docking result showed excellent binding affinities across all four HBV proteins with the bindings scores for troxerutin (−6.3 to −7.1 kcal/mol) that was similar to those of entecavir (−6.2 to −7.8 kcal/mol). Unlike entecavir, troxerutin did not show any predicted hepatotoxicity but appears to be immunotoxic with an LD50 value of 1000 mg/kg. Given the anti-HBV potential of troxerutin this study has revealed, further in-vivo and in-vitro studies are needed to validate these findings.

Acute Oral Toxicity Evaluation of Extract Bajakah (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk) in Mice

One potential biodiversity as traditional medicine is bajakah (Spatholobus littoralis Hassk.). Bajakah is an herbal plant that has been used in the Borneo region, Indonesia. However, there are not enough data regarding the toxicity of this plant. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine acute toxicity in the form of a lethal dose value of 50% (LD50) and the effect on behaviour and organ macroscopic after administration of S. littoralis methanol extract. The LD50 test used 50 male mice divided into five groups of 5 mice each. The treatment groups were divided based on the concentration of the given extract, namely; 0, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/g BW. Observations were made for 14 days after treatment, and then surgery and macroscopic observations were made on the organs of mice. The results showed that the LD50 value for replication A and B was 17.78 and 68.13 mg/Kg BW, respectively. Macroscopic observations found damage to the liver, heart, and stomach. The macroscopic assessment by ANOVA and Kruskal Wallis test showed that in the replication A there was a toxic effect on the stomach, which was marked by a significant difference in weight compared to the control at the test level of p 0.05. These data revealed that the methanol extract of S. littoralis lignum is categorized as very toxic, and therefore, it requires special attention in its use. However, further research needs to be done to support the results of this study.

Acute Toxicity and Pharmacokinetic Profile of an EU-GMP-Certified Cannabis sativa L. in Rodents.

The conundrum of Cannabis sativa's applications for therapeutical purposes is set apart by the hundreds of known and commercially available strains, the social, cultural and historical context, and the legalization of its use for medical purposes in various jurisdictions around the globe. In an era where targeted therapies are continuously being developed and have become the norm, it is imperative to conduct standardized, controlled studies on strains currently cultivated under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification, a standard that guarantees the quality requirements for modern medical and therapeutic use. Thus, the aim of our study is to evaluate the acute toxicity of a 15.6% THC: <1% CBD, EU-GMP certified, Cannabis sativa L. in rodents, following the OECD acute oral toxicity guidelines, and to provide an overview of its pharmacokinetic profile. Groups of healthy female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated orally with a stepwise incremental dose, each step using three animals. The absence or presence of plant-induced mortality in rats dosed at one step determined the next step. For the EU GMP-certified Cannabis sativa L. investigated, we determined an oral LD50 value of over 5000 mg/kg in rats and a human equivalent oral dose of ≈806.45 mg/kg. Additionally, no significant clinical signs of toxicity or gross pathological findings were observed. According to our data, the toxicology, safety and pharmacokinetic profile of the tested EU-GMP-certified Cannabis sativa L. support further investigations through efficacy and chronic toxicity studies in preparation for potential future clinical applications and especially for the treatment of chronic pain.

General toxicity studies of alpha mangostin from Garcinia mangostana: A systematic review

Alpha mangostin (AM), the main xanthone derivative contained in mangosteen pericarp (Garcinia mangostana/GM), has many pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiproliferation, antiinflammatory, and anticancer. Several general toxicity studies of AM have been previously reported to assess the safety profile of AM. Toxicity studies were carried out by various methods such as on test animals, interventions, and various routes of administration, but the test results have not been well documented. Our study aimed to systematically summarizes research on the safety profile of GM containing AM through general toxicity tests to get the LD50 and NOAEL values, and so, can be used as a database related to AM toxicity profiles. This could facilitate other researchers in determining further development of GM-or-AM-based products. Pubmed, Google scholar, ScienceDirect, and EBSCO were chosen to collect the articles while ARRIVE 2.0 was used to evaluate the quality and risk-of-bias of the in vivo toxicity studies included in this systematic review. A total of 20 articles met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed to predict the LD50 and NOAEL of AM. The results showed that the LD50 of AM is between >15.480 mg/kgBW to ≤6000 mg/kgBW while the NOAEL value is between <100 and ≤2000 mg/kgBW.

Acute and repeated dose 28-day oral toxicity of Ruta angustifolia Pers. leaves ethanolic extract in Wistar rats

Context: Ruta angustifolia Pers. has been used as a traditional herb among counties. The ethanol extract of R. angustifolia has proven active as an anti-hepatitis C virus in vitro. Due to the potency of this plant, a safety evaluation is necessary. Aims: To examine the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of ethanol extract of R. angustifolia leaves in rats. Methods: An acute toxicity study was done by treating 70% ethanol extract of R. angustifolia (doses of 5, 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg of BW), while the control group received 1% Tween-80. Toxicity signs and mortality of rats for 14 days were observed. While sub-chronic (28-days repeated dose) toxicity was evaluated with 4 groups, both males and females. The three groups were treated with 70% ethanol extract of R. angustifolia at doses of 50, 500, and 1000 mg/kg BW daily for 28 days, and one group served as a control group. Biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters were measured after the period of treatment. Results: The acute toxicity was no demonstrated toxicity signs or mortality effects up to 14 days of the experiment. Therefore, the LD50 value of the extract was estimated to be higher than 2000 mg/kg BW. The sub-chronic assay revealed no mortality and toxicity effects, including behavior parameters, relative body weight, hematology, and biochemical at 50 and 500 mg/kg BW doses. However, a significant change was seen in the testis of all doses and the liver of the male rats treated at 1000 mg/kg BW. Histopathology assay observed the presence of activated Kupffer cells, sinusoidal dilatation, and infiltration of lymphocytes at the portal vein in the liver with 1000 mg/kg BW. Those may indicate possible toxicity in the liver at the dose of 1000 mg/kg BW. However, no toxic effect at the lower doses tested. Conclusions: These results suggest that the use of Ruta angustifolia leaves ethanolic extract is relatively safe. The application of high doses needs to be evaluated.

UJI TOKSISITAS AKUT EKSTRAK ETANOL KAYU MANIS

Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum burmanni) is one of the cheap and easy traditional medicinal herbs and is widely used to treat toothache. The largest content of cinnamon bark is essential oil which contains the main compounds cinnamaldehyde (60.72%), eugenol (17.62%) and coumarin (13.39%). The content has potential as an antibacterial. Cinnamon bark extract affects the growth of Streptococcus mutans which is the main bacterium that causes dental caries (Puspita et al., 2013). This research was continued to the toothpaste formulation stage where people can use this plant as an anti-plaque comfortably. The development of extracts into paste preparations requires safety or toxicity data within a certain period of time. This study uses an experimental design. The test rats were divided into 4 groups consisting of the normal group (CMC Na 0.5%), the EEKM group at doses of 300 mg/kg BW, 2000 mg/kg BW and 5000 mg/kg BW. Toxic symptoms observed included behavioral changes such as tremors, slow walking, urination, defecation, motor ability tests such as stage tests, catalepsy, hanging and death. Changes in toxic symptoms were observed intensively every 30 minutes in the first 2 hours after administration of the test preparation and followed up to 14 days after administration. Based on the results of the study showed that EEKM at doses of 300 mg/kg BW, 2000 mg/kg BW and 5000 mg/kg BW did not show a toxic effect on the physical behavior of the test animals. EEKM is included in the practically non-toxic criteria, where at a dose of 5000 mg/kg bb there is no death, the LD50 value is greater than 5000 so it is included in the practically non-toxic criteria.

Filago pyramidata Tolerant to ALS-Inhibiting Herbicides: A New Invasive Weed in Olive Groves of Southern Spain

Weeds that usually grow in non-agricultural areas have become increasingly common invading perennial crops. Species of the genus Filago, in addition to invading Spanish olive groves, have developed certain levels of natural tolerance to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicide flazasulfuron. The objective of this study was to determine the level and the mechanism involved in the tolerance to flazasulfuron in Filago pyramidata L., which occurs in olive groves of southern Spain, as well as to identify possible cross- or multiple-tolerances by evaluating alternative herbicides for its control. A population resistant (R) to flazasulfuron and a susceptible (S) one of Conyza canadensis were used as references. The accessions of F. pyramidata presented LD50 values (from 72 to 81 g active ingredient (ai) ha−1) higher than the field dose of flazasulfuron (50 g ai ha−1), being 11–12.5 times more tolerant than the S population of C. canadensis, but less than half the R population (170 g ai ha−1). Enzymatically, F. pyramidata was as sensitive to flazasulfuron (I50 = 17.3 μM) as the S population of C. canadensis. Filago pyramidata plants treated with flazasulfuron, combined with 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, had a growth reduction of up to 85%, revealing the participation of glutathione-S-transferases in herbicide metabolism. Filago pyramidata presented cross-tolerance to the different chemical groups of ALS inhibitors, except triazolinones (florasulam). Synthetic auxins (2,4-D and fluroxypyr) presented good control, but some individuals survived (low multiple resistance). Cellulose synthesis, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, photosystem I, and photosystem II inhibitor herbicides, applied in PRE or POST-emergence, presented excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata. These results confirmed the natural tolerance of F. pyramidata to flazasulfuron and cross-tolerance to most ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The mechanism involved was enhanced metabolism mediated by glutathione-S-transferases, which also conferred low multiple tolerance to synthetic auxins. Even so, herbicides with other mechanisms of action still offer excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata.

Valorization of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) by-products as potential stored grain protectants.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) being a most valuable spice, produce stems and leaves as by-products during processing. This study aimed to valorize these by-products as potential grain protectants against rice weevils since it is a novel approach to reducing the post-harvest loss of rice and minimizing synthetic insecticide usage. The composition of clove stem and leaf essential oils was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Accordingly, the contact repellent activity and fumigation mortality of essential oils were tested while computing the mortality percentage and LD50 values. The yield of stem essential oil (5.52%) was significantly higher than leaf essential oil (3.92%). Further, stem essential oil with a 100µL dose showed the highest repellency (100.00 ± 0.00%) and mortality (96.67 ± 3.33%) while 50 and 75µL doses caused similar mortality (83.30 ± 3.33%) after 5days. The lowest LD50 (28.06µL/L) was observed on day 5, indicating the higher toxicity of stem essential oil. Eugenol (73.73 and 82.56%), β-caryophyllene (24.84 and 16.67%), α.-humulene (0.82 and 0.33%), and 1S, CIS-calamenene (0.14 and 0.03%) were detected as the major components responsible for the insecticidal activity of stem and leaf essential oils. Hence, the valorization of clove by-products was successful as potential grain protectants, and clove stem essential oil could be the most effective alternative for rice weevil management.

Flexible biodegradable electrochemical sensor of PBAT and CNDs composite for the detection of emerging pollutants

Herein we proposed the fabrication and optimization of a flexible electrochemical sensor composed of polymer poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and Carbon Nitrite Dots (CNDs). The materials stand out for being low-cost, flexible, biodegradable, and easily discarded after use. Characterization was performed by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), contact angle, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The sensor was used to simultaneously detect emerging pollutants such as cadmium and copper by Square Wave Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (SWV) technique. As result, a linear behavior in the concentration range of 0.1 to 1.0 mM for cadmium and copper showed excellent electrochemical activity with sensitivity of (3.79 ± 0.21) × 10−5 (mA cm−2) (M)−1 for cadmium and (2.06 ± 0.14) × 10−5 (mA cm−2) (M)−1 for copper. The LD and LQ values obtained for cadmium were 2.75 × 10−6 M and 9.16 × 10−6 M, and for copper were 7.09 × 10−6 M and 2.36 × 10−5 M, respectively. Therefore, the sensors obtained in this work have the advantage of simultaneously detecting emerging pollutants such as cadmium and copper, including real tap water samples.

Phytochemical Analysis of Bulung Boni (Caulerpa cylindracea S.) N- Hexane Extract with Gc-Ms Method and Toxicity Test on Mice (Mus musculus L.)

One of the marine resource commodities owned by Indonesia is seaweed. Bulung boni is one type of seaweed that grown in Indonesia. Bulung boni is the regional name of Caulerpa cylindracea. Bulung boni is usually used as a food and medicine for most people in Bali. The purpose of this research is to study the content of phytochemical compounds in n-hexane extract of bulung boni and determine the toxicity effect on mice (Mus musculus). The methods used in this study were maceration, GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), observation, and calculation with the Thomson and Weil formula. This study used 24 mice as experimental animals. Mice were divided into 6 treatment groups, group 1 as control was given 1% Na-CMC solution, groups 2-6 were given test extracts with doses, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 mg/30 g BW mice. The results showed the highest compound contained in the n-hexane extract of bulung boni was Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester with an AUC value of 35.21%. Toxicity tests on mice showed no deaths experienced by mice, so the LD50 value determined was pseudo at 16.6 g/ kg BW and fell into the practically non-toxic category

Dominance of Cyperus kyllingia Endl. at guava orchard and its possible resistance to glyphosate

Weed resistance, indicated by increasing the level of herbicide for control, might arise due to the continuous use of similar herbicides in the long term without any herbicide rotation. The objective of this research was to evaluate the status of dominant weeds in a guava orchard to determine weed control strategies. The research was carried out from November 2020 to June 2021 at Agribusiness Technology Park IPB, Bogor. Vegetation analysis to define dominance was carried out at 4 blocks using the square method. In each block, five sampling points were randomly selected. Seeds of C. kyllingia were collected and planted as many as 25 seedlings in polybags. Glyphosate herbicide was applied onto C. kyllingia in 3 replications using 9 doses, i.e., 0 (D0), 60.75 (D1), 121.5 (D2), 243 (D3), 486 (D4), 972 (D5), 1944 (D6), 3888 (D7), and 7776 g ha-1 (D8). C. kyllingia mortality percentages were analyzed using linear regression to obtain LD50. The results showed that the dominant weed was C. kyllingia. Block 4 showed the highest significant LD50 value at 759.11 g ha-1 with a resistance index of 2.67 (reduced sensitivity). The presence of dominant C. kyllingia was identified only at block 4, indicating the dominance could correlate with increasing resistance of the particular weed.&#x0D; Keywords: doses; EPSPS; glyphosate; LD50; sedges; vegetation analysis

Preparation and characterization of silica nanoparticles (sol–gel & river sand): A comparative toxicity studies against seed weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L). and effect on agro-morphological characteristics of maize seeds

The present study aimed to compare the entomotoxic efficacy of silica nanoparticles obtained through sol–gel and river sand against Sitophilus oryzae L. by keeping insecticidal dust (malathion 5D) as a control. Physicochemical characterization results revealed that silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) were spherical in shape. Bioassay studies exhibited the LD50 values as 0.44 mg/100 g for sol–gel synthesized SiO2 NPs and 0.92 mg/100 g for river sand based SiO2 NPs. Cent percent mortality was brought about by sol–gel synthesized SiO2 NPs at the dose of 3 mg after 4 days of exposure whereas only 73.33 ± 1.57 per cent mortality was observed for river sand based SiO2 NPs at the dose of 9 mg after 4 days. Further, sol–gel synthesized SiO2 NPs [LD90 (6.64 mg/100 g maize seed)] enhanced the seedling characteristics i.e., (%) germination (98 ± 1.72), seedling length (49.71 ± 0.13 cm), vigour index (4871.58) and dry matter production (4.00 ± 0.01 g) compared to river sand based SiO2 NPs.

Oxidation of ibuprofen in water by UV/O3 process: Removal, byproducts, and degradation pathways

Owing to the huge consumption of ibuprofen (IBP), its risk of exposure in water is of concern. The UV/O3 process has advantages in IBP degradation compared with the single UV and O3 processes. To promote the utilization of UV/O3, further exploration is necessary. In this study, the degradation mechanisms, byproduct security and cost of the UV/O3 process were investigated. Degradation kinetics showed that adding of UV irradiation into 0.6 mg/L of O3 increased the IBP degradation rate by 10 times, subsequently achieving a superior mineralization result. When the pH values changed (4.0–10.0) or humic acid existed in water, the UV/O3 efficiency was less affected compared with that of O3 process, which mainly attributed to the promotion of HO formation during UV/O3. Eleven byproducts with OH/COOH groups were identified in UV/O3, most of which contained 2–6 carbons. Ozonation produced the same types of byproducts, but the byproducts from UV irradiation were aromatics. Toxicity evaluation indicated that the 4′-(2-Methylpropyl)acetophenone formed in the UV process had stronger bioaccumulation potential than IBP, and some byproducts produced in the O3 and UV/O3 processes were more harmful based on the oral rate LD50 values. Because the byproduct transformations in UV/O3 accomplished within 10 min compared with the 100 min in the separate processes, the UV/O3 technology could better ensure byproduct security. In addition, the cost of UV/O3 was most acceptable among the three technologies under the same IBP degradation target. The UV/O3 technology had the promotion potential in IBP wastewater treatment.

Antibacterial Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Isolates of Nine Plants from Chencha, Southern Ethiopia.

The diminishing efficacy of antibiotics currently in use and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a grave threat to public health worldwide. Hence, new classes of antimicrobials are urgently required, and the search is continuing. Nine plants were chosen for the current work, which are collected from the highlands of Chencha, Ethiopia. Plant extracts containing secondary metabolites in various organic solvents were checked for antibacterial activity against type culture bacterial pathogens and MDR clinical isolates. The broth dilution technique was used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of highly active plant extracts, and time-kill kinetic and cytotoxic assays were performed using the most active plant extract. Two plants (C. asiatica and S. marianum) were highly active against ATCC isolates. The EtOAc extract of C. asiatica produced the highest zone of inhibition ranging between 18.2±0.8-20.7±0.7 and 16.1±0.4-19.2±1.4 mm against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The EtOH extract of S. marianum displayed zones of inhibition in the range of 19.9±1.4-20.5±0.7 mm against the type culture bacteria. The EtOAc extract of C. asiatica effectively curbed the growth of six MDR clinical isolates. The MIC values of C. asiatica against the Gram-negative bacteria tested were 2.5 mg/mL, whereas the corresponding MBC values were 5 mg/mL in each case. The MIC and MBC values were the lowest in the case of Gram-positive bacteria, ie, 0.65 and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively. A time-kill assay showed the inhibition of MRSA at 4 × MIC and 8 × MIC within 2 hours of incubation. The 24 h LD50 values of C. asiatica and S. marianum corresponding to Artemia salina were 3.05 and 2.75 mg/mL, respectively. Overall results substantiate the inclusion of C. asiatica and S. marianum as antibacterial agents in traditional medicines.

Protective Effect of Hydroethanolic extract of Datura metel leaves against Nicotine induced toxicity in albino rats

Background: Datura metel (D.metel) is a plant with both poisonous and medicinal properties that have been proven to have great pharmacological potential. It has a wide range of traditional applications and uses in folklore medicine to treat various ailments. Conspicuous marketing of new nicotine-containing formulations has caused an upsurge of nicotine toxicity which is increasingly germane to public health . Fatal overdose of nicotine could occur as a result of suicidal intent or by accident. The current review focuses on the protective effffect of hydroethanolic extract of Datura metel leaves against nicotine-induced toxicity in albino rats. Methods: For a period of 7-days, nicotine (1mg/kg/day, i.p) was administered to fifive groups of rats in addition to hydroethanolic extract of D.metel leaves at doses of 250, 500, 1000 mg/kg and vitamin E at 50mg/kg/day, p.o . On the 8 th day, the animals were sacrifificed, and organs (kidney, heart, liver) were taken for histopathological analysis. The phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity studies were also determined. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid, saponin, phenol, flflavonoid, anthraquinone and steroid. No observable signs of delayed toxicity and mortality for 14 days post treatment up to a maximum dose of 8g/kg/p.o. The intraperitoneal LD50 value was estimated as 3076.1mg/kg/i.p. Post-treatment with D. metel ameliorated the nicotine induced pathomorphological&nbsp;changes . Conclusion:The dose related attenuation of pathomorphological changes is suggestive of D.metel's protective ability. A basis for further exploration of the potential of D.metel as a possible therapeutic agent in human nicotine induced toxicity can be deduced.

Detection limit calculation according to ISO 11929 for in vitro 210Pb radiobioassay determinations by LSC

According to the limit of detection (DL) presented in ISO 11929:2010, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) abandoned the concept of minimum detectable amount (MDA) described in ISO 12790-1:2001. In this work we demonstrate and discuss how we calculate the detection limit for the determination of 210Pb by liquid scintillation counter (LSC) for the previously developed methodology and compare its results with the MDA value. The DL value found was 0.033 Bq/L instead of 0.032 Bq/L for MDA. The MDA and LD values ​​did not differ virtually, the results highlight that the main change between the two Standard is related to the definition approach.

Exposure Pathways and Toxicity of Fullerenes

Fullerenes have become very popular nowadays in the field of cosmetic and medicine as “radical sponge” because of their high antioxidant activities. However, there are worries about the toxicity of fullerenes due to their special chemical properties and good ability to enter the human body. In this article, it is found that fullerenes have been proved to have the ability to enter animal body through skin penetration, peroral administration and pulmonary absorption beside initiative injection. The potential mechanism of fullerene toxicity is to interrupt the activation process of protein, cause mitochondrial dysfunction and generate ROS to damage organism. Nevertheless, the experiments result shows the negative effects of fullerenes only occur in a high dose and the assessments of fullerenes toxicity show a low result with the IC50 value and LD50 value to be 383.4 lg/mL to HEK293 and 721mg/kg to mice. It is suggested that fullerenes can rarely affect human health as long as people are exposed to the appropriate dose of fullerenes and the toxicity of fullerenes can further reduce via synthesis of fullerene derivates.