Maximum Antifungal Activity Research Articles

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential, BSA and DNA Binding Properties of Some 3-Hydroxy-3-Pyrrolin-2-Ones Bearing Thenoyl Fragment.

It is known that pyrrolidinone derivates belong to a class of biologically active compounds with a broad spectrum of biological actions. Nowadays, many scientists are making an effort in the discovery of more effective ways to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause oxidative stress or to eliminate the harmful microorganisms from the organism in humans. Therefore, pyrrolidinones seem to be great candidates for the research of this field. The antimicrobial activity of tested compounds was estimated by the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration by the broth micro-dilution method against four species of bacteria and five species of fungi. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by free radical scavenging and reducing power. Among the tested compounds, P22 showed marked antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC value of 0.312 mg/mL. Maximum antifungal activity with MIC value 0.625 mg/mL was shown by P23 and P25 compounds against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Tested samples showed a relatively strong scavenging activity on DPPH radical (IC50 ranged from 166.75- 727.17 μg/mL). The strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity was shown by P3 compound with an IC50 value of 166.75 μg/mL. Moreover, the tested compounds had effective reducing power. Compounds P3, P10, and P13 showed the highest reducing power than those from the other samples. Results of the interactions between DNA and P3 indicated that P3 had the affinity to displace EB from the EB-DNA complex through intercalation [Ksv = (1.4 ± 0.1) × 105 M-1], while Ka values obtained via titration of BSA with P23 or P25 [Ka = (6.2 ± 0.2) and (5.0 ± 0.2) × 105 M-1] indicate that the notable quantity of the drug can be transmitted to the cells. Achieved results indicate that our compounds are potential candidates for use as medicaments.

Exploring the Impact of Bioformulated Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Cytomorphology of Alternaria brassicicola.

Black leaf spot of Brassica species is caused by a foliar pathogen Alternaria brassicicola (A. brassicicola), the noxious killer of mustard, cabbage, and cauliflower crops. The current investigation involved the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) from potential strain of Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum). Characterization of CuO NPs was performed by UV-vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM studies. UV-visible spectra showed an absorption peak at 275nm. FTIR study revealed the presence of N-H bonds which could be due to the presence of enzymes and secondary metabolites released in the filtrate of T. harzianum. SEM and HR-TEM revealed the cube shape CuO NPs formed and average particle size was in the range of 31-45nm. Poisoned food technique was used to check the antifungal efficacy of CuO NPs against A. brassicicola at various concentrations (0.025, 0.050, 0.1, and 0.15mg/mL). In vitro assays carried on potato dextrose agar showed maximum antifungal activity at 0.15mg/mL. The control sample have cylindrical and oblong shape conidia, while transverse septation was 2-4 in untreated population. The lower concentrations of CuO NPs (0.025 and 0.050mg/mL) caused malformed spherical shape conidia with excessive septation, while its higher concentrations (0.1 and 0.15mg/mL) leads to viability loss in fungal culture. Results indicated that a higher concentration of CuO NPs serve as an effective biocidal concentration for the control of phytopathogens.

Potential of Ulvan Polysaccharide from Ulva lactuca as Antifungal Against Some Foodborne Fungi Isolated from Spoiled Tomato Sauce Cans

ABSTRACT The extracts from Ulva lactuca have biological and nutritional values. The protein was 48.7 mg/g dry wt, soluble carbohydrate 43.9 mg/g dry wt, insoluble carbohydrate was 223 mg/g dry wt and lipid was 18.3 mg/g dry wt. Maximum antifungal activities of U. lactuca were observed with ulvan extract. The most predominant fungi in spoiled tomato sauce cans were Aspergillus flavus (33.6%), Rhizopus stolonifer (26.8%), and Fusarium oxysporium (22.3%). The minimal fungicidal inhibition concentration of ulvan extract against A. flavus and R. stolonifer were 10 mM and 15 mM, respectively. The colony deactivation of A. flavus and R. stolonifer by ulvan extract occurred was 91% and 89%, respectively, at 25 C after 72 h, but the deactivation occurred at 100% after 24 h at 4°C. Results affirmed the damaging effect on both tested fungal spores’ walls and intercellular components. So, ulvan polysaccharide can be used as a natural preservative for raw or processed tomato sauce to increase its shelf life.

Chemical composition and molecular docking studies of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. leaves and fruits extracts as antifungal agents against rice phytopathogenic fungi

The present study investigates the chemical composition of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub. leaves and fruits extracts and their molecular docking studies as antifungal agents against rice phytopathogenic fungi. The extracts were prepared by using Soxhlet apparatus taking ethyl acetate, ethanol and methanol as solvents. These extracts were characterized by GC-MS analysis and were evaluated for their antifungal potential against Rhizoctonia solani and Drechslera oryzae. Maximum antifungal activity was shown by ethyl acetate fruits extract with minimum EC50 values. All the major compounds in guar extracts were subjected to molecular docking studies against the fungal target protein, i.e. lanosterol 14α- demethylase to find their potential binding mode and binding affinity. Among the six compounds, stigmasterol and γ-sitosterol bound most strongly with the receptor through the involvement of single-residue interactions. Hence, both these sterols present in ethyl acetate fruits extract can be effectively used to control these phytopathogenic fungi.

Rubus ellipticus Sm. Fruit Extract Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: A Green Approach for Dye Degradation and Biomedical Applications.

Rubus ellipticus fruits aqueous extract derived ZnO-nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized through a green synthesis method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO-NPs were investigated using XRD, FTIR, UV-vis spectrophotometer, XPS, FESEM, and TEM. The Rietveld refinement confirmed the phase purity of ZnO-NPs with hexagonal wurtzite crystalline structure and p-63-mc space group with an average crystallite size of 20 nm. XPS revealed the presence of an oxygen chemisorbed species on the surface of ZnO-NPs. In addition, the nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity due to the attachment of the hydroxyl group of the phenols on the surface of the nanoparticles. Among all microbial strains, nanoparticles’ maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity in terms of MIC was observed against Bacillus subtilis (31.2 µg/mL) and Rosellinia necatrix (15.62 µg/mL), respectively. The anticancer activity revealed 52.41% of A549 cells death (IC50: 158.1 ± 1.14 µg/mL) at 200 μg/mL concentration of nanoparticles, whereas photocatalytic activity showed about 17.5% degradation of the methylene blue within 60 min, with a final dye degradation efficiency of 72.7%. All these results suggest the medicinal potential of the synthesized ZnO-NPs and therefore can be recommended for use in wastewater treatment and medicinal purposes by pharmacological industries.

Metabolite fingerprinting of phytoconstituents from Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don and molecular docking analysis of bioactive peonidin with microbial drug target proteins

Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don (Liliaceae), a valuable and critically endangered medicinal herb of northwest India, including Jammu and Kashmir, grows in temperate to alpine regions of the Himalaya. It is known as the traditional herb for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and metabolic disorders. The plant bulbs are precious and are used to cure many other health complications. The current study analysed the phytoconstituents by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) of different crude extracts (methanolic, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate) of F. cirrhosa. The LC–MS analysis from the bulbs of F. cirrhosa yielded 88 bioactive compounds, with the vast majority having therapeutic applications. Further, determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) by broth microdilution method of F. cirrhosa against tested bacterial and fungal pathogens showed remarkable results with MICs ranging between 6.25–200 µg/mL and 50–400 µg/mL, respectively. Subsequently, these 88 identified phytocompounds were tested for their bioactivity through ADMET prediction by SwissADME and in silico molecular docking studies. Results revealed that Peonidin might have maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity against various microbial protein drug targets among the phytochemical compounds identified. Furthermore, the highest binding affinity complex was subjected to molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) analysis using Desmond Schrodinger v3.8. The root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) graphs obtained through the molecular dynamic simulations indicated the true bonding interactions, further validated using the root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) graphs which provided a better understanding of the amino acids present in the proteins responsible for the molecular motions and fluctuations. To our best knowledge, this is the first description of the phytochemical constituents of the bulbs of F.cirrhosa analyzed through LC–MS, which show pharmacological significance. The in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics study of peonidin was also performed to confirm its broad-spectrum activities based on the binding interactions with the antibacterial and antifungal target proteins. The present study results will create a way for the invention of herbal medicines for several ailments by using F. cirrhosa plants, which may lead to the development of novel drugs.

In-vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities of Populus ciliata bark and leaves: A comparative study

Populus ciliata Wall. ex Royle (Salicaceae family) is a fast-growing, multipurpose native tree of the Himalayas. Traditionally, the tree's bark is used for blood purification, treatment of rheumatism, and fatigue, and to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. The present study deals with screening crude methanolic extracts and fractions (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol) of P. ciliata bark and leaves for total polyphenolic contents, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities. Results showed that among all tested samples, the bark ethyl acetate fraction had the highest polyphenolic contents and strong antioxidant potential (DPPH 25.75±3.60 µg/mL; ABTS 33.55±2.96 µg/mL; FRAP 70.39±1.75 µM of Fe equivalents). The HPTLC analysis confirmed the presence of gallic acid, salicin, and quercetin molecules in the extracts and different fractions of P. ciliata whereas ethyl acetate fractions showed their maximum quantity. The ethyl acetate fraction of bark also revealed higher antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC 0.0156 mg/mL), Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 0.0312 mg/mL), Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli (MIC 0.0625 mg/mL), and antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum (MIC 0.125 mg/mL) and Rosellinia necatrix (0.250 mg/mL), whereas butanol fraction of bark showed maximum antifungal activity against Candida auris (MIC 1.25 mg/mL). The highest anti-inflammatory activity was observed in bark ethyl acetate fraction (IC50 0.113±0.017 mg/mL for egg albumin and 0.160±0.014 mg/mL for bovine serum albumin assay) in comparison with other extracts and fractions. Additionally, bark crude extract and its ethyl acetate fraction were observed more effective against colon cancer cell lines (IC50 values <0.170 mg/mL for HCT-116 and <0.340 mg/mL for SW-620). The study concludes that the bark ethyl acetate fraction is the most biologically active fraction due to a higher number of polyphenolic contents (salicin, gallic acid, and quercetin) and among both plant parts, bark has a higher medicinal value than leaves. Therefore, this fraction can be further explored to extract biologically active compounds of pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic values.

Synthesis of 1, 3, 5-Trisubstituted Pyrazoline Nucleus Containing Compounds and Screening for Anti-Inflammatory Activity

In this study, a novel series of heterocyclic compounds containing pyrazoline nucleus has been synthesized. The compounds were synthesized in two steps. Chalcone was synthesized in the first step by Claisen-Schmidt reaction, using 1-acetylnaphthalene and p-nitrobenzaldehyde as reactants. In the second step, the chalcone was cyclized in an acidic medium with some hydrazine derivatives to form pyrazolines. All the compounds were characterized by physical, chromatographic, spectroscopic, and elemental analysis and evaluated in vitro for antimicrobial activity against nine microorganisms by cup plate method. The minimum inhibitory concentration of all the compounds was determined by tube dilution method. All the compounds exhibited higher antibacterial activity as compared to the antifungal activity. Compound 5g (3-Naphthalen-1-yl-1-(2-nitro-phenyl)-5-(4-nitro-phenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole)exhibited maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity and may be designated as the most potent member of the series, with 2-nitrophenyl group at N-1 position of the 2-pyrazoline ring.

PHARMACOGNOSTIC STANDARDIZATION OF ANACYCLUS PYRETHRUM LINN AND ITS BIOLOGICAL STUDIES

Despite the long history of traditionally used and clinically potential plant Anacyclus pyrethrum (Akarkara; family – Asteraceae) root parts, the plant has never been investigated systematically for the scientific phytochemical and biological studies till date. Thus, present investigation was envisaged to perform experiments to study phytochemical and biological activities. The various extracts and fractions were subjected to phytochemical screening. The complete profile of pharmacognostic standards of plant was established as per standardized procedures. The results revealed that the plant contain alkaloids, anthraquinone glycosides, carbohydrates, tannins and flavonoids. The thin layer chromatography of petroleum ether-, chloroform and methanol extracts showed presence of three-, seven- and five spots. Quantitatively maximum phenolic content was found in ethyl acetate fraction (6.48 % w/w) followed by methanol extract (2.40 % w/w). Various extracts and fractions of plant were screened for antioxidant activity by DPPH method, and the results revealed that maximum activity was shown by ethyl acetate fractions as compared to other test samples. In antimicrobial studies, the zone of inhibition in mm was determined by cup plate method. Amongst various test samples, only the ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 7443, Staphylococcus epidermides MTCC 1133, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2449 and Escherichia coli MTCC 1235 followed by methanol extract whereas other test samples were devoid of antibacterial activity. In antifungal study, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity against Candida albicans MTCC 1637 and Aspergillus niger MTCC 1235, followed by methanol extract, whereas other test samples were devoid of antifungal activity. The research findings of the present investigations suggest that phenolic compounds might be responsible for the biological profile of plant. Further, it can be concluded that a complete monograph of plant has been established. These findings are very important for natural product scientists before performing any research work on plant.

Pomegranate peels mediated synthesis of calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles, characterization, and antimicrobial applications

This research work investigates the facile biosynthesis of calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO-NPs) using pomegranate peels. The characterizations of the prepared CaO-NPs were performed with the help of UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In this investigation, we have evaluated the antimicrobial activities of the prepared CaO-NPs against the selected bacterial viz. Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp., and Pseudomonas sp., and fungal strains viz. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Arthrographis cuboidea. The result of antimicrobial activity was determined with the obtained zones of inhibition on the culture plates. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities (zone of inhibitions) of the biosynthesized CaO-NPs was observed to be 24.67 ± 0.5 mm and 26.67 ± 0.5 mm against the Bacillus sp., and Arthrographis cuboidea, respectively. This study has deliberated on the facile and inexpensive method to synthesize ecological CaO-NPs of appropriate structural and morphological characteristics with adequate antimicrobial characteristics.

Antifungal Effects of Herbal Extracts and Fluconazole on Heat-polymerized Acrylic Denture Base Resin as Denture Cleanser: An In Vitro Study

The study aimed to investigate the antifungal effects of herbal extracts and fluconazole on heat-polymerized acrylic denture base resin as a denture cleanser. Several essential oils, such as origanum oil and grape seed oil and commercially available antifungal agent fluconazole were used as denture cleansers and their antifungal efficacy was evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Overall, 68 samples were obtained and were divided into four groups, each containing 17 samples. These samples were immersed in Sabouraud dextrose broth consisting of Candida albicans for 16 hours and later in these antifungal solutions for 8 hours and their antifungal efficacy was measured. Data were subjected to an ANOVA test. Among the study groups origanum oil showed the maximum antifungal activity with a mean optical density at 0.072 ± 0.014 followed by fluconazole (0.094 ± 0.155), and least by grape seed oil (0.190 ± 0.071). Results of this in vitro study showed that origanum oil was more effective than commercially available antifungal agents, and among the tested groups oregano oil was a potential agent in lowering the C. albicans colony. Origanum oil, being a herbal product, can be considered as a denture cleanser and also be used as an effective alternative to commercially available antifungal agents without any side effects.

Evaluation of the antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity of a halophyte plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum Koch extracts.

Background: Indiscriminate use of conventional antibiotics has become a major factor responsible for the emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant strains of microorganisms. In this regard, we analyzed the plant extracts as an alternative solution for the inhibition of the resistant bugs.&#x0D; Methodology: This study was planned to investigate the antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol extracts of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. Soxhlet apparatus was used to prepare different extracts of the whole plant using hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and methanol. The antifungal and antibacterial activity was analyzed with the help of a good diffusion technique using different concentrations of plant extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity was also checked by observing the inhibition of albumin denaturation.&#x0D; Results: Maximum antifungal activity was observed by hexane, methanol, and chloroform extracts, and maximum antibacterial activity showed by the methanol extract. The most sensitive fungi found were Mucor, Aspergillus flavus, Saccharomyces, and Candida. Trichophyton mentagrophytes were found resistant to all the extracts. The most sensitive bacterial isolates found were Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Citrobacter freundii. The most resistant organisms were Streptococcus fecalis and Shigella dysenteriae. Methanol and chloroform extracts produced observable anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting albumin denaturation. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS version 23.0.&#x0D; Conclusion: The plant extracts showed significant antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. These findings may support using the Arthrocnemum macrostachyum whole plant as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and traditional antifungal plant. Our results demonstrate that this plant has considerable therapeutic effects on potential infectious agents and can be used to alternative conventional medicines.

In-Vitro Antifungal Activity of Azadirachta indica, Ocimum tenuiflorum &amp; Murraya paniculata Leaf Extract against Three Phytopathogenic Fungi

Fungal disease is one of the major problems in agriculture. Fungal pathogens are accountable for approximately 85% of plant diseases. Apart from these, public health conditions are also influenced by consequential fungal infection as well as approximately 1.5 million killed and more than a billion people were affected by fungal disease. Our present exploration has been conducted to assess the antifungal efficiency of Azadirachta indica, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Murraya paniculata leaf extract against three phytopathogenic fungi viz. Pichia kudriavzevii, Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Fusarium oxysporum, at the concentration of 300 µg/disc by food poisoned technique. The result showed that all of these three extracts have significant antifungal efficiency against all of the tested fungus. Maximum antifungal activity was recorded in Murraya paniculata with an inhibition percentage of 100% (0.00±0.000 mm) against three fungi. In addition, Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Fusarium oxysporum, growth was totally suppressed in terms of Ocimum tenuiflorum and Murraya paniculata extract. The lowest antifungal effect was 47.18% (34.33±0.272 mm) revealed in Azadirachta indica extract against Pichia kudriavzevii. Among these three extracts, the order of antifungal effect was Murraya paniculata˃Ocimum tenuiflorum˃Azadirachta indica. Amis of this screening to focus antifungal effects of three experimental medicinal plants. These findings indicate leaf of these three plants may be useful for the treatment of various diseases associated with these fungi and could be useful to develop novel, secure and fecund bio-fertilizer for pest control. Further phytochemicals analysis is required to evaluate the compounds responsible for their antifungal effects.

Novel biosynthesis, characterization and bio-catalytic potential of green algae (Spirogyra hyalina) mediated silver nanomaterials

In recent years green nanotechnology gained significant importance to synthesize nanoparticles due to their cost effectiveness and biosafety. In the current study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using extract of Spirogyra hyalina as a capping and reducing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractive analysis. Silver nanoparticles give a characteristic Surface Plasmon Resonance peak of 451 nm at 2.21 a.u (arbitrary unit). SEM micrograph revealed the spherical morphology and average grain size of 52.7 nm. Furthermore, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antioxidant and membrane damage activities were determined. The maximum antibacterial and antifungal activity was observed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18 ± 1.2 mm) and Fusarium solani (14.3 ± 0.6 mm), respectively. In membrane damage assay, Pseudomonas aeruginosa absorbed A260 wavelength and gave maximum peak values of 0.286, 0.434 and 0.629 at 25, 35 and 45 µg/mL of silver nanoparticles. The membrane damage assay confirmed that nanoparticles are involved in bacterial cell membrane damage. At 500 ppm silver nanoparticles showed 30% mortality against Tribolium castaneum (a common grain pest). The silver nanoparticles also showed potent antioxidant activity and successfully scavenged the DPPH free radicals upto 53.43 ± 0.17, 43.26 ± 0.97, 31.39 ± 0.33, 24.62 ± 0.85, and 14.13 ± 0.12% at a concentration of 400, 200, 100, 50, and 25 µg/mL of nanoparticles, respectively. It is concluded that silver nanoparticles can easily be synthesized by using green algae Spirogyra hyalina as a capping and reducing agent. Silver nanoparticles showed potent biomedical activities and thus can be used for therapeutic applications invitro and invivo.

Antifungal Activity of Piper betle, Ocimum sanctum Linn, Curcuma longa and Murraya koenigii on Candida albicans

Context:Over the years drug resistance has become a common phenomenon and it holds true for antifungal drugs also. In the ancient Indian scriptures like Sushruta Samhita, Charaka Samhita, the medicinal plants having the antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties have been described. Some of these plants are Piper betle (Paan), Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi), Curcuma longa (Turmeric) and Murraya koenigii (Currypatta Plant). Aims and Objectives: To determine antifungal activity of different plants extracts by experimentally recoding their zone of inhibition and also determining their minimum inhibitory concentration. Material and Methods: Fresh extracts of all plants were collected and ethyl acetate, ethanolic and aqueous extracts have been prepared. MIC was determined using tube dilution method and zone of inhibition is recorded in agar plates with Candida albicans. The data for the present study was entered in the Microsoft Excel 2007 and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software 23.0 Version. The descriptive statistics included mean and standard deviation. The intergroup comparison was done using independent t test and Chi Square test to find the difference between the individual groups. The level of the significance for the present study was fixed at 5 %. Results: Out of all four plants extracts Piper betle showed maximum antifungal activity in ethyl acetate and ethanolic solutions, while in aqueous solution Murraya koenigii showed high antifungal activity. MIC value of Piper betle is 125 µg/L which was lowest among the four used extracts. Conclusion: Piper betle showed promising antifungal activity and thus can be further studied for its practical applications in modern medicine.

Antifungal Activity of Six Medicinal Plants of Pakistan Against Selected Fungi

Antifungal properties of Cucumis sativus, Portulaca oleracea, Malus baccata, Saxifraga flagillaris, Geranium wallichianum. and Monotheca buxifolia were evaluated against Alternaria, Acremonium, Verticillium, Pythium, and Trichoderma, using agar well-diffusion method. The crude ethanolic extract of G. wallichianum showed the highest antifungal activity followed by P. oleracae and S. flagillaris. The dichloromethane fraction of G. wallichianum showed the highest antifungal activity against Acremonium (28 mm), Alternaria (20.50 mm) and Trichoderma (20 mm). The n-hexane fraction of C. sativus showed the maximum antifungal activity (20 mm) against Pythium. The present findings demonstrated that six selected plants contain precious natural products for treating infectious diseases and can be used to isolate chemical compounds for future drug sources.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(2): 441-443, 2021 (June)

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial properties of Calotropis procera against bacterial phytopathogens

Calotropis procera, is known as crown flower or giant milkweed and belongs to the family Asclepiadacea. It has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. In the present study, the phytochemical analysis, antioxidant property, and antimicrobial activity of C. procera were evaluated. Methanol was used as a solvent for the extract preparation using soxhlet extraction. The extracts were subjected to the analysis of the different secondary bioactive metabolites. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of these extracts were determined against various pathogens. The qualitative analysis of plant extracts of leaves stems, and roots showed the presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosidic, protein, phytosterols, steroid, saponin, and flavonoid compounds. The leaf extract of C. procera plants inhibited 95% 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DDPH) activity at 0.8 mg/mL Methanol extract of C. procera showed the maximum antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested plant pathogen of bacterial and fungal strains. This research explored the various phytochemicals, including carbohydrates, glycosides, alkaloids, steroid, saponins, amino acids, phenols, and flavonoids, present in the stem, leave, root, and flower of the indigenous C. procera plant. The study gave a systematic base for the isolation of the novel bioactive phytochemicals with the antioxidant and antibacterial activities from the Calotropis species of Balochistan

Potential antifungal effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of different sizes against phytopathogenic Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) strains

Fusarium species are the primary fungal pathogen affecting agricultural foodstuffs both in crop yield and economic loss. Due to these problems, control of phytopathogenic fungi has become one of the critical problems around the World. Nanotechnology is a new technology with potential in many fields, including agriculture. This study focused on determining potential effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with different nanosizes (3, 5, 8 and 10 nm) and at different concentrations (12.5–100 ppm) against phytopathogenic Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) strains. The maximum antifungal activity was achieved by decreasing nanosize and increasing concentration of AgNPs. Mycelium growth abilities were decreased about 50%, 75% and 90% by AgNPs treatment with 3 nm sizes at 25 ppm, 37.5 ppm and 50 ppm concentrations, respectively. The productivity of fungal biomass in the liquid growth media was found to be too limited at the 25–37.5 ppm of AgNPs concentrations with all sizes. In addition, both septation number and dimensions of micro- and macroconidia were found to be gradually decreased with the application of silver nanoparticles. This work showed that the low concentration of AgNPs could be used as potential antifungal agents and applied for control of phytopathogens.

Determination of antimicrobial and phytochemical compounds of Jatropha curcas plant.

The aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of different parts of J. curcas plant against some selected human pathogens as antimicrobial agent which are known to cause diseases and to check antioxidant and phytochemicals from different plant sections of J. curcas. Plant extracts were analyzed by quantification of antimicrobial and phytochemical compounds. This study reveals that 20% ethanol stem extract of J. curcas showed maximum antibacterial activity (40 ± 0.0 mm) against Klebsiella pneumonia. Water extract of root of J. curcas also inhibited E. coli (35.25 ± 0.35 mm). The growth of K. pneumonia and Agrobacterium tumifaciens were also ceased when ethanol extract of J. curcas root applied to check their potential as antimicrobial agent. The results also revealed that fungal species, Aspergillus niger, and Pencillium notatum noted the maximum antifungal activity in ethanol extract of flower and methanol extract of root (38.5 ± 0.7 mm) and (27.25 ± 0.35 mm) respectively. Phytochemicals and many secondary metabolites were present in J. curcas extracts such as alkaloids, steroids, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, courmerin, and phenolic compounds. It also showed the highest density of color in the different parts of plant extract of J. curcas. Similarly, biochemical primary metabolites were observed at maximum amount of biochemical in different parts of J. curcas, and correlated with antimicrobial activity. The study concluded that J. curcas has great potential as antibacterial agent and cure various human pathogens.

Fungicides of biological and chemical origin to control grape alternariosis

At the modern stage of development, the support of sustainable viticulture is possible having an optimal set of methods and means of effective disease control. Currently, with distribution and development of grape leaf alternariosis, the issue of forming a zonal assortment of fungicides by replenishing with preparations that effectively regulate the causative agent of this grape disease in addition to basic diseases - mildew and oidium, is updated. The paper presents the results of laboratory and field studies aimed at finding effective means of biological and chemical origin to control the development of grape alternariosis. The maximum antifungal activity against Alternaria sp. for the period of 2016-2020 in vitro was showen by 2 biological preparations based on OPS and OST-713 strains of the bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, as well as by active agents from triazole and strobilurin chemical classes. Field studies of 2018-2020 found out that the minimum values of aternariosis development on leaves were obtained with three-fold application of fungicides Skor, EC (0.4 l/ha), Acrobat Top, WDG (1.5 kg/ha), Dynali, DC (0.6 l/ha), Quadris, SC (0.6 l/ha), Topaz, EC (0.4 l/ha), as well as when using the biological preparation Serenade ASO, SC (5.0 l/ha). The obtained results allow to conclude that fungicides of both biological and chemical origin, intended for protection of grapes from basic diseases, can be used to effectively control grape alternariosis.