LD50 Values Research Articles

Chemical Characterization, Evaluation of Acute Oral Toxicity, and Anti-Diabetic Activity of Aloe sabaea Flowers Extract on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

The study aimed to conduct chemical profiling, acute in-vivo toxicity evaluation, and the potential anti-diabetic effect of standardized Aloe sabaea flowers ethanolic extracts (ASFEE) on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The chemical composition was analyzed using GC-MS and TLC techniques. The oral acute toxicity study was performed according to the WHO 2000 and the OECD 420 guidelines. Furthermore, anti-diabetic activity was investigated using two doses of ASFEE (0.2 and 0.5 g/kg/day BW, p.o.) compared with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.). A molecular docking investigation of the identified components with the PTPN9 enzyme was performed to figure out the proposed anti-diabetic mechanism. GC-MS analysis displayed the existence of 18 compounds; mostof the compoundswere fatty acids and theiresters, and phytosterols. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 42.00±1.26 mg GAE/g DW and 22.21±1.55 mg QE/g DW, respectively. The results of the in-vivo toxicity study revealed the absence of noticeable signs of toxicity or mortality at various doses establishing the safety of the tested extract. The estimated LD50 value was higher than 10 g/kg. Antidiabetic action exhibited a noticeable decline in fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels comparable to glibenclamide with no inducing intense hypoglycemia and considerable excess weight.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation and Ems on Germination and Survival of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cv Arka Nikita

The present investigation was devised to observe different doses of chemical and physical mutagen on the germination and survival percentage of okra variety Arka Nikita. Seeds of okra variety Arka Nikita were treated with different doses of gamma rays and EMS. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with thirteen treatments and three replications. It was clearly observed that germination and survival percentage decreased with increase in doses of gamma rays and EMS. Results revealed that among different treatments, treatment T1 (Control) recorded maximum germination (85) and survival per cent (98.82) and observed dose-dependent reduction in biological factors such as germination and survival, the LD50 values for gamma rays and EMS were 0.4% and 60 kR, respectively.

Safety Profile of Abelmoschus Manihot (L.) Medik Ethanol Leaf Extract: Acute Toxicity Study in Animal Models

Abelmoschus Manihot (L.) Medik, commonly known as Abelmoschus manihot, is a traditional medicinal plant from Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, widely utilized for its potential health benefits. This research aims to evaluate the acute toxicity of ethanol extract from Abelmoschus manihot leaves, focusing on determining the lethal dose (LD50) in rats. The study involved extracts being administered at a range of doses of 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/ kg, and 2000 mg/Kg of body weight (BB) in a rat population. Rats were observed for 24 hours to look for signs of toxicity and death. The LD50 value, which determines the dose required to cause death in 50% of the test population, is calculated based on the results. This research provides insights into the safety profile of ethanol extract from Abelmoschus manihot leaves and contributes to understanding its potential risks when used in traditional medicine. No significant deaths were observed at lower doses, but higher doses resulted in observable toxic effects, indicating the need for careful dosing in therapeutic applications. The results show that although Abelmoschus Manihot did not exhibit acute toxic effects on rats at doses of 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg body weight. No significant deaths or severe toxic symptoms were observed during the 24-hour observation period up to the 14-day observation, and there were no differences in the body weight of the rats during the 14-day observation

Resistance Realized Heritability and Fitness Cost of Cyproflanilide in Rice Stem Borer, Chilo suppressalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The rice stem borer (RSB) Chilo suppressalis is a devastating rice pest with resistance to a number of insecticides. Recently, the new meta-diamide insecticide cyproflanilide has been considered an effective insecticide to control RSB. However, its resistance risk has not been reported. In the present study, we aimed to assess the resistance risk and evaluate the fitness cost after the RSB was exposed to cyproflanilide. After five generations of selection, the resistance level of RSB increased by 1.5-fold. When h2 was 0.125, a 10-fold resistance increase in the LD50 values was expected in fourteen and thirty-one generations at the selection intensity of 90% and 50%, respectively. The selected population (RSB-SEL) had significant differences in the developmental duration of eggs, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th instar larvae, and female pupae compared to the unselected population (RSB-UNSEL). Besides, the adult longevity was shortened, and the average pupal weight of males, the emergence rate, the sex ratio, the oviposition, the mean fecundity, and the full life cycle rate were decreased in RSB-SEL. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), the net reproductive rate (R0), and the finite rate of increase (λ) of RSB-SEL were significantly lower than those of RSB-UNSEL, while the mean generation time (T) of RSB-SEL was significantly longer than that of RSB-UNSEL. Based on the results of the prediction of the generations required for a 10-fold resistance increase in the LD50, a potential risk of resistance development exists in RSB after continuous and excessive use of cyproflanilide. These results will be useful in designing the dose of cyproflanilide to control C. suppressalis in field.

Dermal Acute Toxicity Test

The aim of the dermal acute toxicity test is to identify the intrinsic toxicity of a product by assessing its hazard potential following acute skin exposure. This test also provides preliminary data that can be used to determine the appropriate dosage level and guide the design of subsequent toxicity studies, including determining the LD50 value and information about skin absorption. In this study, female rats (Rattus Nervegicus) are used as test subjects. The test material is prepared by diluting 15 ml of the sample to a final concentration of 994.9 mg/mL. The rats are exposed to the material for 24 hours. Post-exposure, microanatomical observations, and surgery in the abdominal and thoracic areas revealed no abnormalities.

Assessment of Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) leaves toxicity on the adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

BackgroundNumerous insect pests attack stored grains causing both qualitative and quantitative losses. The most damaging pest that infests dry stored produce is the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a secondary pest of stored goods. This pest, especially in its adult stage, exhibits resistance to chemical insecticides, thereby rendering the traditional pesticides ineffective in controlling it. Phyto-derivatives, which are strong insecticides and also ecologically benign, have gained interest as non-chemical solutions for controlling this pest. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Piper longum leaf extract insecticidal action as an environmentally benign insecticide for the first time against the adults of T. castaneum. In this study, P. longum leaf ethanol extract was tested against the adults of T. castaneum by petri dish bioassay method. Ad hoc studies to verify significant mortality for the initial confirmation of adulticidal activity were conducted for 24 h at different dosages of 62.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/L of P. longum leaf ethanol extract. Thereafter, dosages set at 10, 20, 30 and 40 mg/L for the fractions of P. longum leaf ethanol extract were conducted. Prior to this, the leaf extract of this plant was subjected to column chromatography for fractionation. The fractions tested for adulticidal activity were subjected to gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy.ResultsSignificant adulticidal action with 100% adult mortality was observed in ethanol extract of P. longum leaves. Among the fourteen fractions (F0–F13) obtained tested, only fractions, F5, F10 and F13, demonstrated adulticidal activity, and the remaining fractions displayed poor activity. One hundred per cent morality was noted in T. castaneum adults after 96 h at 40 mg/L in F5 and F10, and in F13 at 20 mg/L, and their respective LD50 values were 17.6, 26.6 and 10.0 mg/L. The fractions F5, F10 and F13 contained fatty acids, viz., hexadecanoic acid, dotriacontane and heptacosane in F5; tetradecanoic acid and nonadecanoic acid in F10; and octadecanoic acid, aspartame and tridecanoic acid in F13, revealed through gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy.ConclusionsThe results of the study showed that P. longum ethanol leaf extract revealed significant adulticidal activity and is a promising toxic agent to the adults of T. castaneum. The fatty acids in the ethanolic leaf extract fractions of P. longum could have caused toxicity to the adults of T. castaneum. According to the current literature survey, this is the first research report on the adulticidal activity of P. longum leaf extracts against the adults of T. castaneum.

Evaluation of Cyfluthrin and Etofenprox Resistance in House Fly Musca domestica Populations in Antalya, Türkiye.

The house fly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), is a significant vector for many pathogens and parasites. Presence of this vector causes economic losses due to decreased feeding activity in livestock, resulting in reduced yields of products. The repeated and unconscious application of chemical insecticides has resulted in the development of resistance in the majority of house fly populations worldwide. The aim of this research was to determine the susceptibility levels of two field M. domestica populations to cyfluthrin and etofenprox in Antalya, Türkiye. The LD50 values, resistance ratios, and resistance status were determined by exposing adult house flies to the test chemicals for one hour. The Kemer population exhibited very low resistance to cyfluthrin, with a 5-fold increase, while the Serik population, in contrast, showed moderate resistance with a 29.67-fold increase. The resistance ratios of field populations to etofenprox were 2.33-fold (no resistance) for Kemer and 6.44-fold (very low resistance) for Serik, respectively. This is the first study to determine the resistance levels of house flies against cyfluthrin and etofenprox insecticides in Türkiye. To prevent or reduce the development of resistance to insecticides in house flies, integrated control methods and resistance management programs should be employed. Furthermore, it is advised that regular monitoring tests be conducted to observe the level of resistance.

Acute Toxicity Test of Gastroretentive Mucoadhesive Granule Preparation of Earthworm Flour (Lumbricus rubellus)

Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) contain the compound lumbricin, which is beneficial for treatment, and its use is still simple, leading to the innovation of gastroretentive mucoadhesive granule formulations. However, its security has not yet been fully supported by research. This research aims to determine the toxic effects caused by earthworm granule preparations in terms of toxicity symptoms and the determination of the LD50 value. This research used 20 male white rats that were randomly divided into 4 groups. One control group was given Aquadest, and three treatment groups were given earthworm granules at doses of 500 mg/kgBB (P1), 2000 mg/kgBB (P2), and 5000 mg/kgBB (P3) with a single oral administration. The research results indicate that the preparation of earthworm granules (Lumbricus rubellus) causes toxic symptoms such as decreased locomotor activity, piloerection, and increased grooming frequency in line with the increase in dosage, but does not result in the death of the test animals. (LD50). Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that the LD50 value of the earthworm granules (Lumbricus rubellus) is >5000 mg/kgBB and falls into the practically non-toxic category with an LD50 range of 5–15 g/kgBB

Multiple Herbicide Resistance in Annual Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) in the Southeastern Cropping Region of Australia

Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is a problematic weed in winter crops and fallows in the southeastern cropping region (SCR) of Australia. This weed has evolved resistance to multiple herbicide groups, globally. In Australia, L. rigidum is more prevalent in the western and southern regions than in SCR. To assess the herbicide resistance status of L. rigidum, the response of five L. rigidum populations (collected from the SCR) to glyphosate, glufosinate, paraquat, haloxyfop-P-ethyl, and clethodim is determined using dose–response curves. Three parametric logistic models are used to determine the herbicide dose required to achieve 50% survival (LD50) and 50% growth reduction (GR50). The LD50 values for 50% survival at 28 days after treatment range from 1702 g a.e. ha−1 to 8225 g a.e. ha−1 for glyphosate, 1637 g a.i. ha−1 to 1828 g a.i. ha−1 for glufosinate, 141 g a.i. ha−1 to 307 g a.i. ha−1 for paraquat, 11 g a.i. ha−1 to 107 g a.i. ha−1 for haloxyfop-P-ethyl, and 17 g a.i. ha−1 to 48 g a.i. ha−1 for clethodim. The resistance factor, based on GR50 value, is highest in the S7 population (2.2 times) for glyphosate, the S11 population (2.3 times) for glufosinate, the S11 population (2.0 time) for paraquat, the S7 population (3.9 times) for haloxyfop-P-ethyl, and the S3 population (3.1 times) for clethodim, compared with the susceptible or less tolerant population. The S11 population is found to be resistant to five tested herbicides, based on resistance factors. Similarly, the S3 population is highly resistant to glyphosate, haloxyfop-P-ethyl, and clethodim compared with the W4 population. These results suggest that L. rigidum populations in the SCR exhibit resistance to multiple herbicide groups at labelled field rates. The findings highlight the necessity of adopting an integrated management approach, including the use of residual herbicides, tank mixing herbicides with different modes of action, and rotating herbicides in conjunction with cultural and mechanical control methods.

Genomic diversity study of highly crossbred cattle population in a Low and Middle Tropical environment

Milk production in tropical regions plays a crucial role both economically and socially. Typically, animals are utilized for dual purposes and are genetically obtained by an intense crossbreeding between Zebu and/or locally adapted breeds, alongside specialized breeds for dairy production. However, uncontrolled mating and crossbreeding may affect the establishment of an effective animal breeding program. The objective of this study was to evaluate Genomic diversity of highly crossbred cattle population in a Low and Middle Tropical environment. All sampled animals were genotyped using the Genessek GGP Bovine 100 chip (n = 859) and public genomic information from eight breeds were employed as reference. The genetic structure of the population was estimated using a Principal Component, Bayesian clustering and a linkage disequilibrium analysis. PCA results revealed that PC1 explained 44.39% of the variation, associated with the indicus/taurus differentiation, and PC2 explained 14.6% of the variation, attributed to the differentiation of Creole and European components. This analysis underscored a low population structure, attributed to the absence of genealogical tracking and the implementation of non-directed crossbreeding. The clustering shows an average contribution of Zebu, Creole, and European Taurine components in the population was 53.26%, 27.60%, and 19.13%, respectively. While an average LD of 0.096 was obtained for a maximum distance of 400 kb. The LD value was low in this population, probably due to the almost no selection applied and the recombination events that occurred during its development. These findings underscore the value of crossbreeding in tropical dairy production but emphasize the importance of directing the mattings.

Targeting Design of Human Anti-idiotypic Genetically Engineered Antibody for Simulating the Structure and Insecticidal Function of Bt Cry1C Toxin.

The β-type anti-Id (Ab2β) is considered to have potential for simulating the structure and function of the antigen. In this study, a β-type anti-Id (3A7 anti-I-GEAb) of the Cry1C toxin was captured from a GEAb library. Subsequently, a higher activity of mutant (3A7 mutant 8) was obtained from the mutagenesis library based on 3A7 anti-I-GEAb. The LD50 values of 3A7 anti-I-GEAb and 3A7 mutant 8 reach up to 38.9% and 46.8% of Cry1C toxin for P. xylostella and reach up to 32.9% and 37.4% of Cry1C toxin for H. armigera. Additionally, an IC-ELISA was established based on 3A7 mutant 8 (as the coated "antigen"), with an LOD value of 0.35 ng/mL, exhibiting good accuracy and stability for detecting Cry1C toxin in spiked samples. The present β-type anti-I-GEAb not only exhibits insecticidal activity similar to Cry1C toxin, offering potential for environmentally friendly pest management, but it can also replace the Cry1C toxin structure to establish a highly sensitive and specific IC-ELISA for monitoring Cry1C toxin.

Safety and efficacy evaluation of plain OTC-HCL in acute and subacute toxicity tests and infected mice

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of plain Oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC-HCL) in mice experimentally infected with 544 strain. The safety of plain OTC-HCL was assessed through acute and subacute toxicity testing. The LD value was determined, and hematologic, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed. For efficacy evaluation, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 3 × 10^6 CFU of 544 in 0.5 ml. Following infection, the mice received 25 mg/kg of plain OTC-HCL intravenously either daily or on alternate days for 21 days, starting from day 14 post-infection. Efficacy was assessed by measuring the logarithmic decrease in counts in the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen on days 1, 7, and 14 after treatment. Plain OTC-HCL has an LD of greater than 250 mg/kg. In both acute and subacute toxicity evaluations, the hematologic and biochemical data of the drug were within the normal range. Histopathology studies revealed no significant changes in the safety studies. In the subacute toxicity study, the drug was administered to mice received plain OTC-HCl @ 25 mg/kg intravenously for 21 days. Efficacy was measured by the decrease of counts in the liver, lymph nodes, and spleen. Plain OTC-HCL was found to be safe in both acute and subacute toxicity tests and effectively reduced the infection load of in mice. Our findings and novelties are 1) LDis more than 250 mg/kg for plain OTC-HCL by intravenously as a single dose. 2) Histopathology indicates that there is no organ toxicity for plain OTC-HCL in safety studies. 3) Plain OTC-HCL was found to be effective in reducing the infection load in -infected mice.

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of methanol extract of Trema orientalis (Linn) blume in albino wistar rats

BackgroundThe safety potential of the methanol extract of Trema orientalis (TOM) leaf was evaluated in albino Wistar rats using biochemical, haematological, and histological indices in both acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies. MethodsThe animals were managed following the National Institute of Health (NIH) stipulated protocols for handling laboratory animals. The weight of each animal was recorded upon arrival and monitored throughout the study. The animals were allowed to acclimatize for 14 days, after which they were reweighed and randomly distributed into four groups of three female rats (n=12) for acute toxicity studies. Group A was given distilled water, and Groups B, C, and D were given a single dose of 2000, 4000, and 5000 mg/kg bw TOM extract, respectively. On day 15, each animal was anaesthetized and then euthanized. For the sub-chronic toxicity study, animals were randomly distributed into five groups of eight female rats (n=40). They were dosed daily for 28 days. Group A (Negative control group) was given distilled water. Groups B, C, and D had 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg bw TOM extract and Group E (Vehicle control group) were given 0.25 % of sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC). Five animals were anaesthetized and then euthanized on day 29, while three animals were kept for recovery evaluation for another two weeks without further administration of the extract. Ten organs were excised from each animal and weighed. The liver and kidney were processed for histopathological studies, while the blood samples were collected for biochemical and haematological assays. ResultsFrom acute toxicity studies, the LD50 value of TOM extract was estimated to exceed 5000 mg/kg bw via oral passage. From Sub-chronic toxicity studies, biochemical results showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total protein, albumin, globulin, AST, ALP, and ALT in a dose-dependent manner. Histology of the liver and kidney tissues of all the animals except the kidney of the 800 mg/kg group had no visible lesions; this sets the safety dose for TOM at above 400 mg/kg but below 800 mg/kg. Recovery animals had significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein, total bilirubin, and ALP and decreased albumin and direct bilirubin levels. ConclusionThis study reports the safety dose of TOM, a reputable medicinal plant extract. This is the first study reporting that the LD50 value of TOM extract exceeds 5000 mg/kg bw via oral passage.

Toxicological characteristics of the drug Hyperico

The article presents the results of a study of the toxicity of the drug Hyperico. It has been established that the drug is low-toxic and safe for animals with daily use. It does not provoke the development of pathological reactions. According to the classification of Hodge and Sterner (1943), Hyperico can be classified as toxicity class 6 – relatively harmless. The LD50 value of the drug after intragastric administration to white rats was ≥ 36400 mg/kg, to mice – ≥ 45400 mg/kg, irritation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract was not observed. According to GOST 12.1.007.76, Hyperico belongs to the 4th hazard rating, that is low-hazard substances. Based on the results of the study, a reasonable conclusion can be made that Hyperico does not have a toxic effect on calves. There are no contraindications for conducting clinical trials of the drug Hyperico.

A Minor Groove Binder with Significant Cytotoxicity on Human Lung Cancer Cells: The Potential of Hesperetin Functionalised Silver Nanoparticles.

Natural drug functionalised silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) have gained significant interest in pharmacology related applications due to their therapeutic efficiency. We have synthesised silver nanoparticle using hesperetin as a reducing and capping agent. This work aims to discuss the relevance of the hesperetin functionalised silver nanoparticles (H-AgNPs) in the field of nano-medicine. The article primarily investigates the anticancer activity of H-AgNPs and then their interactions with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) through spectroscopic and thermodynamic techniques. The green synthesised H-AgNPs are stable, spherical in shape and size of 10 ± 3nm average diameter. The complex formation of H-AgNPs with ctDNA was established by UV-Visible absorption, fluorescent dye displacement assay, isothermal calorimetry and viscosity measurements. The binding constants obtained from these experiments were consistently in the order of 104 Mol-1. The melting temperature analysis and FTIR measurements confirmed that the structural alterations of ctDNA by the presence of H-AgNPs are minimal. All the thermodynamic variables and the endothermic binding nature were acquired from ITC experiments. All these experimental outcomes reveal the formation of H-AgNPs-ctDNA complex, and the results consistently verify the minor groove binding mode of H-AgNPs. The binding constant and limit of detection of 1.8μM found from the interaction studies imply the DNA detection efficiency of H-AgNPs. The cytotoxicity of H-AgNPs against A549 and L929 cell lines were determined by in vitro MTT cell viability assay and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. The cell viability and LDH enzyme release are confirmed that the H-AgNPs has high anticancer activity. Moreover, the calculated LD50 value for H-AgNPs against lung cancer cells is 118.49µl/ml, which is a low value comparing with the value for fibroblast cells (269.35µl/ml). In short, the results of in vitro cytotoxicity assays revealed that the synthesised nanoparticles can be considered in applications related to cancer treatments. Also, we have found that, H-AgNPs is a minor groove binder, and having high DNA detection efficiency.

In silico, in vitro, and in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity profiling of whole plant methanol extract of Equisetum diffusum D. Don from the sub-Himalayan West Bengal, India, having ethnobotanical uses

BackgroundEquisetum diffusum D. Don commonly known as ‘Himalayan horsetail’, has been traditionally used in the treatment of back pain, bone fracture and dislocation, and arthritis by various tribal communities of India. Our previous study confirmed the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the plant through in silico, in vitro, and in vivo model studies. Therefore, the current research is focused on safety dose evaluation for the first-time of the whole-plant methanol extract (EDME) of E. diffusum through appropriate in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches.MethodThe whole plant, along with its rhizomes, was collected, and the methanol extract was prepared. The in silico ADMET study was performed to predict the pharmacokinetics profile and toxicity of all the identified phyto-compounds of EDME previously screened by GC–MS study. In vitro cytotoxicity study of EDME was performed using two cell lines: kidney (HEK293) and liver (Huh7) cell lines. The in vivo toxicity study of EDME was validated by the acute toxicity (OECD 423, 2002) and sub-acute toxicity assays (OECD 407, 2008) in the Wistar Albino rat model.ResultsThe in silico ADMET study of all 47 bioactives predicted good pharmacokinetic and low toxicity profiles. In vitro cytotoxicity showed higher IC50 values of EDME viz., 672 ± 15.7 μg/mL and 1698 ± 6.54 μg/mL for both kidney (HEK293) and liver (Huh7) cell lines, respectively, which were considered as low-toxic. Based on acute oral toxicity, the LD50 value of the extract was considered “non-toxic” up to a feeding range of 2000 mg/kg of body weight. The regular consumption of the extract for an extended period (28 days) was also qualified as safe based on the body and organ weight, hematological, biochemical, and histoarchitecture results in the sub-acute toxicity assay.ConclusionThe detailed in silico, in vitro, in vivo (acute and sub-acute oral toxicity) studies gave us a new insight to the safety dose evaluation of Equisetum diffusum, which may serve as a reliable documentation for undertaking the experimental validation of the ethnobotanical uses of the plant which would help in the field of drug development for the treatment of inflammation related complications.

Toxicity and Repellent Effect of Three Plant Based Essential Oils against the Red Flour Beetle &lt;i&gt;Tribolium castaneum&lt;/i&gt; (Herbst)

In this study jasmine (Jasminum officinale), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), and sandalwood (Santalum album) essential oils were investigated for their efficacy against the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Sandalwood oil consistently showed the highest contact toxicity, with LD50 values decreasing over time. Jasmine and lemon grass oils ranked lower but still exhibited toxicity. The order of contact toxicity was sandalwood &gt; jasmine &gt; lemon grass at each exposure period. Fumigation treatments revealed sandalwood’s initial superiority, though jasmine surpassed it at 48 hr. The order of fumigation toxicity shifted to jasmine &gt; sandalwood &gt; lemon grass at this extended exposure time. Repellency tests showed dose and time-dependent responses for both larval and adult stages, with occasional fluctuations. Sandalwood’s significance differed for adult beetles between time intervals, and jasmine exhibited insignificance in its efficacy for larvae at certain intervals. This study provides insights into the potential of these essential oils as alternatives for pest control.

Evaluation of Saffron Quality Using Rapid Quantitative Inspection Technology with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

A predictive model utilizing near-infrared spectroscopy was developed to estimate the loss on drying, total contents of crocin I and crocin II, and picrocrocin content of saffron. Initially, the LD values were determined using a moisture-ash analyzer, while HPLC was employed for measuring the total contents of crocin I, crocin II, and picrocrocin. The near-infrared spectra of 928 saffron samples were collected and preprocessed using first derivative, standard normal variable transformation, detrended correction, multivariate scattering correction, Savitzky-Golay smoothing, and mean centering methods. Leveraging the partial least squares method, regression models were constructed, with parameters optimized through a selective combination of the above six preprocessing methods. Subsequently, prediction models for loss on drying, total contents of crocin I and crocin II, and picrocrocin content were established, and the prediction accuracy of the models was verified. The correlation coefficients and root mean square error of loss on drying, total contents of crocin I and crocin II, and picrocrocin content demonstrated high accuracy, with R2 values of 0.8627, 0.8851, and 0.8592 and root mean square error values of 0.0260, 0.0682, and 0.0465. This near-infrared prediction model established in the present study offers a precise and efficient means of assessing loss on drying, total contents of crocin I and crocin II, and picrocrocin content in saffron and is useful for the development of a rapid quality evaluation system.

Antimicrobial characteristics of endophytic Aspergillus terreus and acute oral toxicity analysis

BackgroundEndophytic fungi produce biologically robust metabolites suitable for diverse applications, which support the increasing exploration of these fungi. The study aimed to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial properties of the metabolites of endophytic fungus Aspergillus terreus which isolated from the leaves of Psidium guajava plants while the acute oral toxicity was assessed in vivo. ResultsA. terreus (OR125572) was successfully isolated for the first time from P. guajava. The ethyl acetate extract of A. terreus exhibited antibactericidal effects against Enterobacter aerogenes with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 18.75 mg/ml in contrast to 75.00 ± 0.0, 37.50, and 37.50 mg/ml, respectively against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus sphaericus were 75.00 ± 0.0, 37.50, and 37.50 mg/ml, respectively. Analysis of the crude extract obtained from A. terreus by GC-MS revealed a total of 32 distinct compounds. The major components included 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, di-iso-octyl ester; hexyl oxecan-2-one and phenol. The acute oral toxicity study found no symptoms of toxicity and no mortality until the 14th d, suggesting that the LD50 value of A. terreus extract might exceed 1 ml/kg. The group receiving 0.5 ml/kg of A. terreus extract experienced a 42.9% increase in body weight, while administration of varying dosages resulted in a significant reduction in MCV levels. There was also a significant increase in the proportion of monocytes across all treated groups. ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the potential of A. terreus as a source of antimicrobial and other bioactive compounds, with relatively low acute toxicity.How to cite: Shehabeldine AM, Abdelaziz AM, Abdel-Maksoud MA, et al. Antimicrobial characteristics of endophytic Aspergillus terreus and acute oral toxicity analysis. Electron J Biotechnol 2024;72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2024.07.003.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Acute Toxicity Of Pereskia aculeata, In Zophobas morio Larvae.

Pereskia aculeata has been widely investigated due to its anti-inflammatory potential. Among the metabolites found in this species are the phytosterols beta-sitosterol (β-SIT) and stigmasterol (STIG). The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and toxicity activities of the hexane partition of P. aculeata (PHEX), as well as β-SIT and STIG. PHEX was prepared and the phytosterols were quantified. In terms of toxicity against L929 fibroblast cells, PHEX showed toxicity up to 200 μg/mL; STIG and β-SIT showed toxicity up to 25 μg/mL. PHEX inhibited 66 % of nitric oxide radicals, while STIG and β-SIT inhibited 33.73 % and 34.94 %, respectively. In an anti-inflammatory test against Zophobas morio larvae, all samples significantly reduced hemocyte levels. Additionally, the LD50 values were calculated: 229.6 mg/kg for PHEX, 101.5 mg/kg for STIG, and 103.8 mg/kg for β-SIT. In conclusion, the study indicates that the phytosterols present in PHEX may contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity.