Medicinal Properties Research Articles

Single-Dose Oral Toxicity Study of Chloroform Extract of Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix DC.) Leaves in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)

Leaves of kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) are commonly used as a seasoning in various Indonesian and Southeast Asian dishes. Phytochemical studies reported various secondary metabolites that possess medicinal properties. Before exploring their potential as therapeutic agent, a series of toxicity studies must be conducted to assess the toxicity and safety levels. This research aimed to study the single-dose acute oral toxicity of chloroform extract of kaffir lime leaves (CECHL) in female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) as experimental animals. The procedure followed OECD Test Guideline No.420 with the dose 2000 mg/kg bw for 14 days (Sighting study). Parameters consisted of mortality, clinical signs of sublethal effect based on changes in general appearance and daily activity/behavior, hematological profile, and blood clinical biochemistry. Neither mortality nor sublethal effects were found during the experiment. All blood parameter values (erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes, ALT, AST, creatinine, BUN, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) were within reference interval, indicating that CECHL is not harmful to normal physiology. In conclusion, single-dose oral administration of CECHL is safe, no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) at dose 2000 mg/kg bw or included in Category 5 based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Ethnomedicinal and Pharmacological Properties of Cavendish Banana

Banana is the common name for herbaceous plants of the genus Musa. Bananas come in a variety of sizes and colours when ripe, including yellow, purple, and red. This review presents information on the phytochemicals and pharmacological studies to validate the traditional use of different parts of M. acuminata in various diseases and ailments. Musa acuminata is a common name for Cavendish banana is an important plant due to its immense medicinal properties. It is traditional used to treat skin disease, wound healing, swelling, diabetes, allergy, cardiovascular disorder, diarrhea. The scientific information was obtained from various sites such as Google scholar, PubMed, Wikipedia, Google, ChatGPT, and other scientific database. The bioactive components of Musa acuminata such as carbohydrates, proteins, fatty acids and minerals.

Cannabis Wrong Way to be Employed

The history of medical cannabis spans millennia, with the plant playing a role in various cultures and civilizations for therapeutic purposes. The use of cannabis for medicinal reasons can be traced back to ancient times, when it was employed by different societies for a range of health-related applications. One of the earliest documented instances of medical cannabis use dates to ancient China. The Chinese emperor Shen Nung is credited with the compilation of the “Pen Ts’ao,” a pharmacopoeia that documented the medicinal properties of various plants, including cannabis. Shen Nung is believed to have recommended cannabis for a variety of ailments, including rheumatism and malaria, highlighting its perceived healing properties.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitory Potential of Methanolic Extract of Myristica fragrans (Mace)

Myristica fragrans is commonly named as nutmeg or mace. It is native to Moluccas of Indonesia. It is used in folk medicine. Phytochemicals present in the plant are responsible for the medicinal properties of the plant. Antioxidants neutralise the free radicals that are produced in our body due to various biochemical reactions .Gout is a clinical condition caused due to accumulation of Uric acid crystals in one or more joints leading to inflammation. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of the extract helps in preventing excess production of uric acid. The extract was found to be rich in phytochemicals such as saponin, alkaloid, terpenoids and flavonoids. The IC50 for the antioxidant potential of the extract was 280µg/ml and the IC 50 for the xanthine oxidase inhibitory potential of the extract was 320 µg/ml.

Subacute Use of Aqueous Extract of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds Mitigates against Pyramidal Neuronal Toxicity of Lead Acetate in Adult Wistar Rats

Introduction: Lead exposure remains a significant public health burden across the globe, impacting millions of individuals and posing a major threat to nervous system development and function As a reported bio-toxic environmental and industrial pollutant, Lead (Pb) do accumulates in almost all body tissues to cause health complications with the cerebellar region of the central nervous system reported to be more susceptible to cellular distortions. As a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is associated with numerous medicinal properties. Aim: This study aim to investigate the possible neuroprotective potential of aqueous extract of citrulus lanatus seed on lead acetates-induced neurotoxicity in the Cerebral cortex of adult Wistar rats. Place of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy adult female wistar rats weighing 150±50g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5). The Control group received 2mls/kg of distilled water, Treatment group (T1) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate, Treatment group (T2) was administered 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus and Treatment group (T3) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus concomitantly orally for fourteen (14) days. H&E and Cresyl violet histological stains and Biochemical assays for SOD, CAT activities and MDA concentration was determined. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and subjected to Turkeys post hoc test from the multiple comparison. Results: Revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in body weight and brain weight changes across groups relatives to the control group while SOD and Catalase activities were increased significantly in the Treatment groups compared to control group. Histological findings in control group and T2 showed normal histoarchitectural appearance of cerebral cortex Pyramidal neurons while the lead exposed group (T1) revealed features of neurodegenerative changes evident by nuclear shrinkage with pyknosis and karryorrhexis. while T3 revealed near normal presentations. Conclusion: In summary, Citrullus lanatus mitigates against pyramidal neuronal cells distortions following lead acetate induced toxicity in Wistar Rats and also further affirms its antioxidative potential.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil Based Nanoemulsions: Preparation and Biological Activities.

Eucalyptus essential oil has remarkable industrial importance and biological properties due to its effectiveness against various diseases, reported throughout human history. Despite the extraordinary bioactivities of essential oil, its applications are limited due to volatility, insolubility in water, and less stability. Formulation of nanoemulsion is the best way to enhance the bio-efficacy of this essential oil and eliminate the factors responsible for limited application. This review article compiles the information regarding formulation of Eucalyptus essential oil-based nanoemulsion and their several biological activities and medicinal properties including antibacterial, antifungal, larvicidal, insecticidal, and cytotoxic activities etc. The bio-efficacy of essential oil-based nanoemulsion has also been found to be enhanced as compared utilization of essential oil alone. This review can be beneficial for researchers working on medicinal plant-based natural products, specifically containing Eucalyptus essential oil, to explore new research horizons in this emerging field.

Antiproliferative efficacy and mechanism of action of garlic phytochemicals-functionalized gold nanoparticles in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Fabrication of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with phytochemicals is an emerging green nanotechnology approach with therapeutic implications. Garlic, known for its culinary and medicinal properties, has been extensively investigated for its anticancer properties. Here, we report a method to substantially enhance the antiproliferative potency of garlic by functionalizing its phytochemicals to GNPs and demonstrate a possible mechanism of action of these nanoparticles in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Garlic gold nanoparticles (As-GNPs) were synthesized using garlic extract (As-EX) and gold chloride and characterized using a variety of spectroscopy techniques, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared to As-EX, which has a negligible effect on the viability of the cells, As-GNPs inhibited cell viability with an IC50 of 0.310 ± 0.04 mg ml−1 and strongly inhibited the clonogenic and migratory propensities of these cells. As indicated by TEM, the As-GNPs entered the cells via endocytosis and dispersed in the cellular milieu. Since tubulin, the protein involved in cell division, is a verified target for several antiproliferative drugs, we next examined whether the As-GNPs interact with this protein. The As-GNPs showed concentration-dependent binding to purified tubulin, slightly but consistently perturbing its secondary helical integritywithout grossly damaging the tertiary structure of the protein or the net polymer mass of the microtubules, as indicated by a tryptophan-quenching assay, far UV-circular dichroism spectroscopy, anilinonaphthalene sulfonate-binding assay, and polymer mass analysis, respectively. In cells, As-GNPs killed the cancer cells without cell cycle arrest, as evidenced by flow cytometry.

Aqueous Extract of Terminalia bellirica Fruits Improves Insulin Sensitivity, Controls Hyperglycaemia and Improves SIRT1 Expression in High-fat Diet and Streptozotocin-induced Type 2 Diabetes in Rats

Background: Plants from the genus “Terminalia” are well known for their various pharmacological and medicinal properties. Terminalia bellirica is considered a vital medicinal plant from the genus Terminalia. It has been reported for its astringent, antipyretic, and purgative effects. It is also used to treat dyspepsia, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, allergic eruptions, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and leprosy. The present research study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic activity of T. bellirica in an experimental model of type 2 diabetes in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: In rats, type 2 diabetes was induced by the alteration in the diet by administration of a high-fat diet for 15 days, followed by the administration of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p.). The experimental animals were given 500 and 1,000 mg/kg of T. bellirica aqueous fruit extract for six weeks. Liver enzymes and lipid parameters, homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity index, glycohemoglobin, and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed at the end of the study. Histopathology and immunohistochemical analysis for the SIRT1 expression of pancreatic tissue were also performed. Results: The selected doses of the aqueous extract of T. bellirica (500 and 1,000 mg/kg) significantly reduced blood glucose ( p < .05). The 1,000 mg/kg dose of T. bellirica notably decreased glucose tolerance ( p < .001) in experimental animals. A high dose of T. bellirica significantly reduced resistance ( p < .001). The lipid profile was improved significantly ( p < .01) at both the selected dose levels. Glycohemoglobin concentration was significantly reduced in experimental animals ( p < .001) at both dose levels. The extract treatment increased the expression of SIRT1 in the pancreas. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the extract has significant effects on the management of type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of Extraction Techniques for Determining Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Spirulina platensis

Spirulina platensis (S. platensis) is a high-nutrient blue-green algae that has been used as a food supplement for a long time. It contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds essential for basic human nutrition. It is known to have anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and hypocholesterolemic properties due to the bioactive compounds it contains. In this study, the effects of freeze-thawing, a rapid freezing (-20°C) and thawing (4°C) process, and ultrasonically assisted extraction techniques on the color, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and phenolic composition of Spirulina platensis extracts were investigated. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts obtained was determined by two different methods, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazollin-6-sulfonic acid)). The sugar profile was determined by HPLC-RID and phenolic composition was determined by HPLC-ESI-DAD-MS/MS. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of samples prepared by the freeze-thawing were higher than those prepared by ultrasonic-assisted conventional extraction technique. In addition to ferulic acid 4-O-glucuronide and brevifolin carboxylate, an isocoumarin derivative, as the dominant phenolic compound in S. platensis extracts, a total of 10 phenolic compounds including catechin isomer, resveratrol C-hexoside, myricetin, ferulic acid, gallic acid, phloroglucinol, and lutein were detected. Glucose was the predominant sugar in both samples. The total sugar content was higher in the freeze-thawed samples (217.92 mg/100 g DW) than in the ultrasonic-assisted conventional extraction technique (182.91 mg/100 g DW). S. platensis has a significant amount of antioxidants, valuable secondary metabolites, and potential commercial applications and medicinal properties, but releasing these compounds is difficult due to the cell wall. This study was carried out to determine how different extraction techniques alter the release of bioactive compounds.

Nutritional/Chemical Constituents and Free Radical Scavenging Potentials of the Aqueous Extract of Phoenix dactylifera Fruit

Aims: Phoenix dactylifera fruit, grown majorly in northern part of Nigeria is acclaimed to possess numerous nutritional and medicinal properties. The study was carried out to investigate the nutritional/chemical constituents and the free radical scavenging potentials of the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera fruit. Methods: The aqueous extract of the fruit was subjected to standard analytical test to assay for the amino acids, phytochemicals and free radical scavenging potentials: Phytochemicals and amino acids screening was carried out via High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analyses. The antioxidant effects of the extract on free radicals were determined on radicals 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) , 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl , Nitric oxide and Hydroxyl radical. Results: Results revealed the presence of seven secondary metabolites with a high steroid and flavonoid content and low Coumarins, Glycosides, Alkaloids, Saponin, and Terpenoid concentration. The HPLC analysis of the phytochemical showed that it contained fifteen phytocompounds, seventeen amino acids while GCMS analysis reveals eleven fatty acids. For the free radical scavenging activity, it was able to inhibit ABTS, DPPH, NO, and OH-, in a concentration dependent manner. Conclusions: The results indicate that the fruit possess good nutritional properties and abundant secondary plant metabolites constituents and this might provide evidence which corroborates with the free radical scavenging potentials of the fruit.

Insights about the deleterious impact of a carbamate pesticide on some metabolic immune and antioxidant functions and a focus on the protective ability of a Saharan shrub and its anti-edematous property

Abstract In the Algerian desert, individuals often enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea made from Ephedra alata Decne before bedtime; this aids in their relaxation. Our previous and earlier investigations demonstrated the richness of the shrub in terms of polyphenols and flavonoids and their effective medicinal properties. In the light of that fact, our interest has been aroused to check for other types of metabolites and for the protective ability of the shrub crude extract (SCE) regarding chemically induced edema and subacute toxicity (following a formalin-induced paw edema model and using a carbamate pesticide “pirimicarb” as a toxic agent, in Wistar male rats, respectively). Evidently, the SCE was used as a preventive agent. Swelling of formalin-injected foot was measured, and the anti-edematous ability was expressed as a percent of paw edema. At the end of induced subacute toxicity procedure, many investigations were carried, namely, checking for biochemical several parameters (hepatic, renal), hematological parameters, oxidative stress status (OSS), and histological examining of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. The results revealed a remarkable anti-edematous effect. Furthermore, the association of the SCE effect has clearly minimized the OSS, the tissue aberrations, and the disturbance of the other metabolic parameters, along with a reduced immunodepression that was provoked under the effect of pirimicarb. In conclusion, pirimicarb has an important deleterious impact on metabolic and immune functions, and the studied shrub has exhibited an amazing protective potential against chemically induced inflammation and toxicity.

A Comparative Analysis on Bugkalot of Elders and GenZ Perception on the Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Practices in Wasid, Nagtipunan, Quirino

This qualitative, ethnographic study explores the use of medicinal plants within the Bugkalot community for healing purposes. It aims to evaluate the younger generation’s knowledge of these plants, alongside the methods of their preparation and administration. Utilizing semi-structured interviews with key informants, the research underscores the importance of ethical considerations, securing permissions from both the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and individual participants. The study engages with a diverse age group, including Generation Z members aged 13 to 25 and seniors aged 70 to 85, involving a total of nine participants. Data collection was enriched by recorded discussions subsequent to questionnaire dissemination, maintaining confidentiality regarding participant profiles. Through qualitative thematic analysis of interview transcripts, organized into thematic units, the study interprets the collected data to shed light on the Bugkalot community’s ethnobotanical knowledge. This research not only contributes to the understanding of traditional healing practices but also suggests a framework for their preservation and potential integration into wider healthcare systems. It opens future research pathways into the medicinal properties of specific plants, the fusion of traditional and modern healthcare practices, and the documentation of cultural significance within the Bugkalot healing tradition. Keywords: Medicinal plant, Bugkalot, Healing practices, Ethnobotanical, Indigenous people, Cytotoxixity, patability

A comprehensive review of physiological and phytochemical adaptations in German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) in response to abiotic stress and factors

In the face of contemporary climate change, crops are grappling with stress, leading to reduced production. Understanding the plant's response to environmental stressors is crucial for enhancing its adaptability and optimizing the production of bioactive compounds with therapeutic and industrial significance. Matricaria chamomilla L., commonly known as chamomile, has a rich history of use in traditional medicine owing to its numerous medical benefits. The phytochemistry and physiology of chamomile can be strongly influenced by abiotic factors such as temperature, water availability, salinity, light exposure and nutritional imbalances. These stressors may lead to reduced growth, altered secondary metabolite composition and compromised medicinal properties. The review provides a thorough description of how chamomile responds to abiotic stresses, including heat, salt, salinity and drought. Gaining insights into the effects of abiotic stressors on chamomile is essential for refining cultivation techniques and enhancing the overall quality of herbal products derived from chamomile. Drawing on a compilation of previous research, this review addresses diverse facets that capture the attention of both farmers and researchers. Furthermore, insights gained from this exploration are pivotal for enhancing the quality of chamomile-based herbal products in the face of changing environmental conditions.

Echinacea: Bioactive Compounds and Agronomy.

For centuries, medicinal plants have been used as sources of remedies and treatments for various disorders and diseases. Recently, there has been renewed interest in these plants due to their potential pharmaceutical properties, offering natural alternatives to synthetic drugs. Echinacea, among the world's most important medicinal plants, possesses immunological, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Nevertheless, there is a notable lack of thorough information regarding the echinacea species, underscoring the vital need for a comprehensive review paper to consolidate existing knowledge. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the existing knowledge on recent advances in understanding the physiology, secondary metabolites, agronomy, and ecology of echinacea plants, focusing on E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Pharmacologically advantageous effects of echinacea species on human health, particularly distinguished for its ability to safeguard the nervous system and combat cancer, are discussed. We also highlight challenges in echinacea research and provide insights into diverse approaches to boost the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites of interest in echinacea plants and optimize their large-scale farming. Various academic databases were employed to carry out an extensive literature review of publications from 2001 to 2024. The medicinal properties of echinacea plants are attributed to diverse classes of compounds, including caffeic acid derivatives (CADs), chicoric acid, echinacoside, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, polysaccharides, and alkylamides. Numerous critical issues have emerged, including the identification of active metabolites with limited bioavailability, the elucidation of specific molecular signaling pathways or targets linked to echinacoside effects, and the scarcity of robust clinical trials. This raises the overarching question of whether scientific inquiry can effectively contribute to harnessing the potential of natural compounds. A systematic review and analysis are essential to furnish insights and lay the groundwork for future research endeavors focused on the echinacea natural products.

Pharmacological Significance of Boraginaceae with Special Insights into Shikonin and Its Potential in the Food Industry.

Shikonin is a naphthoquinone pigment present in the hairy roots of the plant species from the Boraginaceae family. The compound has been well investigated for its highly efficient medicinal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Various extraction methodologies have been employed to maximise yield while minimising waste production of shikonin and its derivatives. Despite substantial research on shikonin and Boraginaceae plants, a research gap persists in the food industry and extraction technologies. This review addresses crucial aspects of shikonin deserving of further exploration. It begins by elucidating the attributes of the Boraginaceae plants and their medicinal traits in folklore. It proceeds to focus on the roots of the plant and its medicinal properties, followed by extraction procedures explored in the last fifteen years, emphasising the novel technologies that have been chosen to improve the yield extract while minimising extraction times. Furthermore, this review briefly outlines studies employing cell culture techniques to enhance in vitro shikonin production. Lastly, attention is directed towards research in the food industry, particularly on shikonin-loaded biodegradable films and the antioxidant activity of shikonin. This review concludes by summarising the future potential in food science and prominent research gaps in this field.

Nutritional Content of Underutilized Vegetable Crops: A Source for Nutritional Security and Human Health

Vegetables are essential to a balanced diet and are the primary force behind the achievement of global nutritional security due to their presence of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Vegetable crops classified as underused are those that are neither widely traded nor farmed on a commercial basis. Underutilized crop species have the potential to boost the country's economy but have not received enough attention because of a decline in focus on their production, consumption, and utilization. An examination of the literature found that most underutilized crop species are nutritious, and some even have medicinal properties. Vegetables that are underutilized may be significant locally or regionally, but they are typically not valued or approved nationally. The plant species that are traditionally used for food, fiber, fodder, oil, or medicinal purposes are the underutilized vegetable crops. Nonetheless, such species have untapped potential to provide environmental benefits, economic production, nutrition, health, and food security. Using underused crops improves rural populations' health and contributes to the fight against malnutrition-related problems. Unused vegetables are a rich source of energy, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals. These nutrients can help prevent and treat a number of illnesses, including hypertension, cancer, kwashiorkor, marasmus, night blindness, anemia, diabetes, and hidden hunger. Important underutilized vegetable crops include kale, broad beans, asparagus, amaranthus, basella, moringa, ivy gourds, globe artichokes, and others. India's soil and climate are ideal for growing a variety of underutilised vegetables. As a result, the Indian government has started to promote the underutilized vegetables. In conclusion, underutilized vegetable production can help address the shortage of per capita consumption availability and address nutritional issues while creating jobs and raising rural residents' incomes, all of which have the potential to boost the national economy.

Medicinal and Aromatic (Odoriferous) Properties of Pineapple (Minthostachys Mollis)

Objective: The purpose of the research is to provide relevant scientific information on the medicinal and aromatic properties of pineapple. Theoretical background: Based on the literature on the medicinal and aromatic properties of pineapple (Minthostachys mollis). Method: It was a research with quantitative approach, which consisted of a bibliographic search of articles, scientists and theses in the database such as Google Scholar, Sciencedirec, Elsevier, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, Redalyc, Doaj and Dialnet, second specialty, master's and doctoral theses, which were grouped and the bibliographic background was organized in a matrix according to the type of research, methodology and study participants (species). Results and conclusions: Research results that evaluate and demonstrate the medicinal, aromatic, antioxidant and essential oil properties of muña are shown. Originality/value: It shows the medicinal and aromatic properties of pineapple (Minthostachys mollis) for being a very powerful herb in the treatment of diseases to improve health. Its use in health is very beneficial, thanks to the properties it contains such as antibacterial and antitumor activity of the essential oil, as a natural medicine, insecticides, biological pest control, among other benefits.

Evaluating the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Pathogenic Properties of Cannabis Species

The Cannabis species is one of the potent ancient medicinal plants acclaimed for its medicinal properties and recreational purposes. The plant parts are used and exploited all over the world for several agricultural and industrial applications. For many years Cannabis spp. has proven to present a highly diverse metabolomic profile with a pool of bioactive metabolites used for numerous pharmacological purposes ranging from anti-inflammatory to antimicrobial. Cannabis sativa has since been an extensive subject of investigation, monopolizing the research. Hence, there are fewer studies with a comprehensive understanding of the composition of bioactive metabolites grown in different environmental conditions, especially C. indica and a few other Cannabis strains. These pharmacological properties are mostly attributed to a few phytocannabinoids and some phytochemicals such as terpenoids or essential oils which have been tested for antimicrobial properties. Many other discovered compounds are yet to be tested for antimicrobial properties. These phytochemicals have a series of useful properties including anti-insecticidal, anti-acaricidal, anti-nematicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Research studies have reported excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria as well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Although there has been an extensive investigation on the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis, the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis on phytopathogens and aquatic animal pathogens, mostly those affecting fish, remain under-researched. Therefore, the current review intends to investigate the existing body of research on metabolomic profile and anti-microbial properties whilst trying to expand the scope of the properties of the Cannabis plant to benefit the health of other animal species and plant crops, particularly in agriculture.

Extraction of phenolic compounds from edible flowers (Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus) using ultrasound‐microwave‐assisted extraction and its screening by HPLC

AbstractPhlogacanthus thyrsiflorus flowers have been consumed as a traditional delicacy in the north‐eastern region of India. The present investigation utilized the microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) technique in conjunction with an ultrasound pretreatment (at 250 W for 15 min) to extract phenolic compounds from Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus flowers. Here, independent factors for optimization of MAE were microwave power (300, 500, and 700 W) and extraction time (2, 4, and 6 min), and responses were total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH (2,2‐dipheny‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) activity. For the experimental design, a Response surface methodology and a central composite design were followed. The optimum MAE condition was found at microwave power 700 W for 5 min resulting 30.204 mg GAE/g TPC, 81.26% DPPH and 22.50 mg QAE/g of TFC. The extraction of phenolic compounds was significantly impacted by both the microwave power and the extraction time. The high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis detected various phenolic compounds in both conventional and MAE extracts. However, compared to conventional extract, the majority of the identified phenolic compounds were found to be higher in quantities in MAE extract. These results highlighted that MAE‐optimized flower extract could be beneficial as a functional ingredient for food product development.Practical applicationsPhlogacanthus thyrsiflorus is a highly nutritious flower with medicinal properties. Though traditionally edible flowers have been consumed in the northeastern part of India but people are still neophobic and there is scanty awareness available regarding the benefits of consuming edible flowers. This scientific justification regarding the advantages of edible flowers makes them appealing for future novel use in food technology and also for further scientific study. High perishability of flowers makes them limited for market viability and extraction of its phenolic compounds is one of the novel solutions to utilize the flowers before spoilage. Also, using ultrasound as a pretreatment could enhance the efficiency of microwave‐assisted extraction techniques for a higher yield of phenolic compounds. Microwave‐assisted extraction technique as its novel and was proven an easy successful extraction technique on this flower. Also, the study of phenolic compounds through HPLC provides important information regarding the presence of various phenolic compounds in the Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus flower. This research can be supportive of both food technology and the medicinal industry.

Psychoactive and other ceremonial plants from a 2,000-year-old Maya ritual deposit at Yaxnohcah, Mexico.

For millennia, healing and psychoactive plants have been part of the medicinal and ceremonial fabric of elaborate rituals and everyday religious practices throughout Mesoamerica. Despite the essential nature of these ritual practices to the societal framework of past cultures, a clear understanding of the ceremonial life of the ancient Maya remains stubbornly elusive. Here we record the discovery of a special ritual deposit, likely wrapped in a bundle, located beneath the end field of a Late Preclassic ballcourt in the Helena complex of the Maya city of Yaxnohcah. This discovery was made possible by the application of environmental DNA technology. Plants identified through this analytical process included Ipomoea corymbosa (xtabentun in Mayan), Capsicum sp. (chili pepper or ic in Mayan), Hampea trilobata (jool), and Oxandra lanceolata (chilcahuite). All four plants have recognized medicinal properties. Two of the plants, jool and chilcahuite, are involved in artifact manufacture that have ceremonial connections while chili peppers and xtabentun have been associated with divination rituals. Xtabentun (known to the Aztecs as ololiuhqui) produces highly efficacious hallucinogenic compounds and is reported here from Maya archaeological contexts for the first time.