Melastoma Malabathricum Research Articles

Inhibitory Effect on Arginase and Total Phenolic Content Determination of Extracts from Different parts of Melastoma malabathricum L.

Background: Some phenolic compounds are potential source for arginase inhibitor that can be used in management of disease associated with endothelial dysfunction. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect on arginase and to determine total phenolic content of extracts from different parts of Melastoma malabathricum L. Methods: Each part were extracted with 70% ethanol by maceration. The extracts were mixed with bovine liver arginase and L-arginine as a substrate. The inhibitory effect of extracts were determined in vitro, by measuring its absorbance on 430 nm. Total phenolic content were determined with Folin-Ciocalteu 25% on 750 nm. Results: The 70% ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaves at 100 μg/mL was found to have highest inhibition (81.26 ± 5.27 %) followed by flower 73.39 ± 9.39%, fruit 67.63 ± 7.61 and stem 61.61 ± 4.56%. The IC50 value of the most active extract was 62.43 μg/mL while the IC50 value of N-hidroksi-nor-L-arginin (nor-NOHA) acetate, an arginase inhibitor was found to be 3.91 μg/mL. Total phenolic content of 70% ethanolic extracts of M. malabathricum leaves, flower, fruit and stem was 15.9, 20.7, 6.44, and 6.29%. Conclusion: The 70% ethanol extract of M. malabathricum leaves exhibited the highest inhibition on arginase but highest total phenolic content was from flower part. Pearson correlation test showed no correlation p>0.05 between arginase inhibition and total phenolic content of the samples. Key words: Arginase, L-arginine, Melastoma malabathricum.

Habitat of Nepenthes spp. in the area of Sampit Botanic Gardens, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Hidayat S, Dodo, Purnomo DW, Helmanto H, Supriyatna I. 2018. Habitat of Nepenthes spp. in the area of Sampit Botanic Gardens, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1258-1265. Nepenthes spp are protected plant and most of them are at least concern criteria. The research purpose is to explore the habitat information that supports the existence of Nepenthes in the area around Sampit Botanic Gardens, Central Kalimantan. Three different sites have been selected in this research. In each sites, seven sampling plots have been made by purposively sampling, each plot measuring 5x5 m2. In the Gelam Forest (Melaleuca quinquenervia), two Nepenthes species have been found, namely Nepenthes gracilis and Nepenthes mirabilis. In two other sites, in Peat Swamp Forest and Alang-alang Forest (Imperata cylindrica), dominated by N. mirabilis. Combretocarpus rotundatus is a tree in the Peat Swamp Forest that is mostly climbed by Nepenthes. Scleria sumatrensis and Stenochlaena palustris are two species of plants that are always found in the three research sites, but the dominant family is Melastomataceae primarily represented by Melastoma malabathricum. Nepenthes mirabilis can be found in the three research sites with an equal number, but N. gracilis was only abundant in the Gelam forest. By using imageJ software, obtained canopy cover in Gelam forest only 10%. Meanwhile, based on laboratory test, the soil in the Gelam forest is dominated by the dust fraction and is relatively more fertile than the Alang forest. In this case, Nepenthes favored open canopy, but was quite watery and relatively fertile.

Methane mitigation potential of phyto-sources from Northeast India and their effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and protozoa in vitro.

Aim:The aim of the study was to explore the anti-methanogenic potential of phyto-sources from Northeast region of the country and assess the effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and protozoa for their likely inclusion in animal diet to reduce methane emission.Materials and Methods:Twenty phyto-sources were collected from Northeast state, Assam, during March to April 2014. Phyto-sources were analyzed for their tannin content followed by screening for methane mitigation potential using in vitro system. The effect of tannin on methane production and other fermentation parameters was confirmed by attenuating the effect of tannin with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-6000 addition. About 200 mg dried phyto-source samples were incubated for 24 h in vitro, and volume of gas produced was recorded. The gas sample was analyzed on gas chromatograph for the proportion of methane in the sample. The effect of phyto-sources on rumen fermentation characteristics and protozoal population was determined using standard methodologies.Results:Results from studies demonstrated that Litchi chinensis, Melastoma malabathricum, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Terminalia chebula, and Syzygium cumini produced comparatively less methane, while Christella parasitica, Leucas linifolia, Citrus grandis, and Aquilaria malaccensis produced relatively more methane during in vitro incubation. An increase (p<0.05) in gas and methane production from the phyto-sources was observed when incubated with PEG-6000. Entodinimorphs were prominent ciliates irrespective of the phyto-sources, while holotrichs represented only small fraction of protozoa. An increase (p<0.05) in total protozoa, entodinimorphs, and holotrichs was noted when PEG-6000 added to the basal substrate. Our study confirmed variable impact of phyto-sources on total volatile fatty acid production and ammonia-N.Conclusion:It may be concluded that L. chinensis, M. malabathricum, L. speciosa, S. cumini, and T. chebula are having potent methane suppressing properties as observed in vitro in 24 h. These leaves could be supplemented in the animal diet for reducing methane emission; however, in vivo trials are warranted to confirm the methane inhibitory action and optimize the level of supplementation.

POTENSI EKSTRAK DAUN TANAMAN KARAMUNTING (Melastoma malabathricum L.) DI DAERAH KALIMANTAN SEBAGAI ANTIBAKTERI Staphylococcus aureus

The year 2008 recorded the death toll reached 16,769 soul due to infection. Infection is one of the diseases caused by bacteria or parasites. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the bacteria causes infection of the skin that is often the case in Indonesia. Staphylococcus aureus bacterial infection can be treated naturally, one of the plants that can be utilized is plant karamunting. Plant leaf karamunting (Melastoma malabathricum l.) contain flavonoids and alkaloids that have activity as antibacterial. The purpose of this research is to know the power of drag karamunting folium of extract against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.&#x0D; In vitro studies were conducted with diffusion agar method. The extraction of leaf maceration method done with karamunting solvent ethanol 96%. Concentration of karamunting folium of extract used are: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Microbiology research results indicate that karamunting folium of extract have drag against the growth of bacteria Staphylococcus aureus with extract concentration 50% yield of 5.34 mm; the concentration of extract 75% of 9.40 mm; the concentration of extract 100% of 12.43 mm.

UJI AKTIVITAS ANTIBAKTERI DARI ISOLAT CENDAWAN ENDOFIT ASAL TUMBUHAN SENDUDUK (Melastoma malabathricum L.) TERHADAP Escherichia coli DAN Staphylococcus aureus

Endophytic fungi is a symbiotic microorganism which live inside plant tissues and not harm to their host. Several genera from endophytic fungi known to produce secondary metabolite compounds like antibiotics, anticancer, antifungal, antiviral and antimalarial. This study aimed to investigate antibacterial activity of endophytic fungi from senduduk (Melastoma malabathricum L.) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Based on the test result, 11 isolates endophytic fungi from senduduk were known to have antibacterial activities. Isolate code 23 have ability to inhibit the growth of E.coli with diameters zone of inhibition is 22 mm and eight isolate endophytic fungi have ability to inhibit the growth of S.aureus (showed by inhibition zone).

Antioxidant activity of an invasive plant, Melastoma malabathricum and its potential as herbal tea product

East Kalimantan possesses abundant biodiversity of tropical medicinal plant. Melastoma malabathricum (known locally as karamunting, senduduk) is an invasive plant along with other species in the family of Melastomataceae with traditional medicinal purposes. This research explored the potential of Karamunting (M. malabathricum) plant for its antioxidant activity and the potential as a material for herbal tea product. The plant was macerated to yield ethanolic extract, and at the same time plant powder was packed into tea bags and extracted with hot water to obtain the infused water. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The results showed that the ethanol extracts of plant samples displayed ability to inhibit DPPH free radical formation by 82% at 50 ppm concentration. Evaluation of the tea water extract showed that the highest inhibition obtained by leaves powder by 90% and fruit 88% at 1 minutes immersion time. This finding suggest that leaves and fruit of M. malabathricum plants display potential as herbal tea material having antioxidant activity if the safety aspect can be assured.

Response surface methodology to simplify calculation of wood energy potency from tropical short rotation coppice species

Short Rotation Coppice (SRC) system is an option to provide renewable and sustainable feedstock in generating electricity for rural area. Here in this study, we focussed on application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to simplify calculation protocols to point out wood chip production and energy potency from some tropical SRC species identified as Bauhinia purpurea, Bridelia tomentosa, Calliandra calothyrsus, Fagraea racemosa, Gliricidia sepium, Melastoma malabathricum, Piper aduncum, Vernonia amygdalina, Vernonia arborea and Vitex pinnata. The result showed that the highest calorific value was obtained from V. pinnata wood (19.97 MJ kg-1) due to its high lignin content (29.84 %, w/w). Our findings also indicated that the use of RSM for estimating energy-electricity of SRC wood had significant term regarding to the quadratic model (R2 = 0.953), whereas the solid-chip ratio prediction was accurate (R2 = 1.000). In the near future, the simple formula will be promising to calculate energy production easily from woody biomass, especially from SRC species.

Anti-Bacterial Activities of Melastoma Malabathricum Stem Bark Fractions against Streptococcus Mutans

The objective of this study is to isolate and identify the bioactive compounds that possess antibacterial activities from Melastoma malabathricum stem bark acetone extract (MMSBAE) against Streptococcus mutans. M. malabathricum is widely used in the Southeast Asia to treat many ailments. A total of 12 fractions was purified by vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) and further analysed by TLC-bioautography to determine antibacterial activities. TLC-bioautography showed that fraction 9 possesses antibacterial activities against S. mutans. Identification of fraction 9 had been done by GCMS and revealed 21 compounds. Some of the compound were important as agent pharmaceutical such as ?-amyrin, ?-sitosterol, hexadecenoic acid, stearic acid and hexacosanoic acid. Crystal violet and glass surface assay were used to determine anti-biofilm and anti-adherence activity, respectively. The concentrations of fraction 9 that produce 50% reduction in anti-biofilm and anti-adherence activities were 5 mg/mL and 2.50 mg/mL, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to visualize the effect of the fraction 9 on biofilm structure of S. mutans. SEM analysis showed lysed biofilm were found on treated cells. These results indicated that this fraction possesses a powerful anti-cariogenic potential against S. mutans.

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS TUMBUHAN BAWAH YANG BERKHASIAT OBAT DI KAWASAN ARBORETUM SYLVA UNIVERSITAS TANJUNGPURA

Understorey plants has many function, beside for the ornamental plants, it also has a function for medicinal plants. The research aimed to exploration understorey plant in Arboretum Sylva Universitas Tanjungpura and identification the understorey plants as medicinal plant. Arboretum Sylva Universitas Tanjungpura was located in the central of Pontianak City with average area around 3.2 hectares. The methods for exploration and identification the understorey plants were with inventory methods in all area of arboretum. The plant was collected and identification the used of plant to medicine was conduct by in depth interview with the person who has used the plants and from references of literature. The result of research found 23 understorey plants and divided into 19 families. The understorey plants which has a function for medicinal plants consist of Imperata cylindrica, Asplenium nidus, Lophatherum gracile, Stenochlaena palustris, Piper aduncum Lim, Melastoma malabathricum, Mimosa pudica, Ageratum conyzoides, Pyrrosia piloselloides, Justicia gendarussa, Cordyline fruiticosa, Sansevieria trifasciata, Manihot esculenta, Capsicum frutescens, Nymphaea alba, Ananas comosus, Euphorbia tithymaloides, Phyllanthus urinaria, Saccharum officinarum, Alpinia galanga, Aloe vera, Piper ningrum and Pandanus amaryllifolius. The families of understorey plants consist of Poaceace, Aspleniaceae, Blechnaceae, Piperaceace, Melastomaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Polypodiaceae, Acanthaceae, Asparagaceae, Ruscaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Bromeliaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Zingiberaceae, Xanthorrhoeaceae, and Pandanaceae. The plants use to overcome the fever, headache, reduce high blood pressure, and anti-inflamation.Keyword: Arboretum Sylva, fever, medicinal plants, understorey plants, Zingiberaceae

Assessment of Impacts Caused by Granite Quarries on Vegetation: A Case Study in the Kalutara District

Granite quarrying has become a major business enterprise from which huge economic benefits are gained while neglecting the damage on the environment. In this study we investigated the effect of small and large scale granite quarries (n=2 each) on neighboring individual plants and their communities. We compared foliar anatomy and stomata conductance of Macaranga peltata(MP) and Melastomamalabathricum(MM) sampled (n=6) from the edge and ~700 m away from the quarries. Floristic details of the vegetation were enumerated using three 200 m transects at each site in which three plots (10x10 m2) were set at the edge, 100 m and 200 m away from the quarry. Each plot had three 1x1 m2 sub-plots to determine the herbaceous cover, soil physical properties and seed bank. Ecological dominance of species was determined using the Important Value Index (IVI) and the floral diversity was assessed using standard biodiversity indices. Statistics (t-test) using SPSS (16.0) was applied where appropriate. Wind-blown granite dust was a major problem which affected the foliar anatomy and physiological performance. Stomatal conductance (MP-113.17 & 131.75 mmol.m-2.s-1 and MM- 149.00 & 144.75 mmol.m-2.s-1 in large and small quarries respectively) was lower compared to unaffected leaves (MP-419.67 and MM-432.40 mmol.m-2.s-1). Stomatal size was small in affected leaves (MP-62.87 & 62.81 μm2 and MM-47.87 & 47.05 μm2 in large and small quarries respectively, compared to MP-115.37 and MM-74.27 μm2) but had an increased stomatal density (MP-1502.78, 1419.44 stomata/mm2 and MM-3113.89, 3244.44 stomata/mm2 in large and small quarries respectively, compared to MP-846.67 and MM-875.56 stomata/mm2).IVI indicatedTremaorientalisand Macarangapeltatadominate in the neighbourhood. Diversity indices increased at a distance from the quarry (Shannon Weiner diversity index - 0.601, 0.733, 1.298 in large quarries and 0.655, 1.127, 1.687 in small quarries for edge, 100 m and 200 m respectively) indicating the limited species richness in the immediate neighbourhood. Establishment of invasive alien species Clidemiahirta, Panicum maximum, Dilleniasuffruticosaand Alstoniamacrophyllaat quarry edge also reflected the negative impacts of disturbances to the site. Soil seed banks of weeds exhibited the highest density at the edge and decreased towards the outside. Quarry edge had high soil temperature, low moisture content, low conductivity and acidic pH. Impacts to the vegetation were similar irrespective of the category of granite quarries (small or large) as quarrying activity highly influenced the stomatal functions, and affect establishment of natural plant communities while adding weeds and invasive alien species. Keywords: Quarrying activity, Impacts, Plants, Community

SUKSESI VEGETASI PADA LAHAN BEKAS PENAMBANGAN EMAS RAKYAT DI KECAMATAN MONTERADO KABUPATEN BENGKAYANG

This study aims to obtain information about the succession levels of natural vegetation on ex – community gold mining in Monterado. The method of this research was survey method through vegetation analysis by double plot size 20 m x 20 m. Placement of plots dileberately based on the tailing period of ex – community gold mining which were : &lt; 1 year, 2-3 years, 5-7 years, and &gt; 10 years. The result showed that kinds of shrub found in all age level of ex – community gold mining area. The type of woody plants at the seedling found in all period of ex – community gold mining area, whereas sapling, pole and tree only found in ex – community gold mining at age level &gt; 10 years. Based on the vegetation analysis, it showed that Ischaemum rugosum and Melastoma malabathricum L. dominanted at all age level of ex – community gold mining. Seedling in the ex – community gold mining at all age level were dominanted by Dillenia suffruticus. The index of species diversity showed that it was still low on ex – community gold mining in Monterado.Until the age of tailing &gt; 10 years, succession was still in the level of competition, so it was concluded to be slow. To accelerate succession, revegetation, land restoration, and people awareness should be undertaken.Keyword : community gold mining, Monterado Sub district, Succession

Potentiality of Melastoma malabathricum as Phytoremediators of soil contaminated with sewage sludge

Heavy metal pollution of the soil environment has become a major source of concern and continues to pose serious health problems to both humans and ecological systems worldwide. Phytoremediation is a biological treatment whereby plants are used to remove pollutant from the environment. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Melastoma malabathricum as a phytoremediator to absorb heavy metals from soil contaminated with sewage sludge. Melastoma malabathricum seedlings were planted on six different growth media: T0 - Control (100 % soil), T1 (80 % soil + 20 % sewage sludge), T2 (60 % soil + 40 % sewage sludge), T3 (40 % soil + 60 % sewage sludge), T4 (20 % soil + 80 % sewage sludge) and T5 (100 % sludge). There were differences found in both growth parameters and plant biomass. The highest growth performance such as plant height and number of leaves was found in T3. Iron was highly accumulated in the roots, Cu in the stems in T3, while Pb was accumulated in leaves in T5. The results showed the lowest Translocation Factor (TF) and highest Bioconcentration Factor (BCF) values in relation to the following elements: Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn. Melastoma malabathricum roots are able to uptake and translocate the elements into the plant's shoots. Therefore, it can be considered a good accumulator plant due to its capability of concentrating contaminants in aerial tissue. Melastoma malabathricum were thus found to be suitable for absorbing heavy metals in contaminated soils, and this species can also be considered an effective phtyoremediator of contaminated soil and mitigator of soil pollution.

Natural Dyes and their Effect on Efficiency of TiO2 based DSSCs: a Comparative Study

The purpose of this study is to determine the most effective sensitizer in dye sensitized solar cells, fabricated using three dyes, obtained from Begonia malabarica Lam. (BM), Melastoma malabathricum (MM) and Punica granatum L. (POM). The comparison is based on energy conversion efficiencies of the assembled DSSCs obtained from current voltage measurement. Extensive information is provided regarding the plant dye and its extraction. UV-Vis and FT-IR spectroscopy studies were conducted for all the three dyes and were used as qualitative tool to evaluate the absorption maxima and to characterize the molecular species. FT-IR analysis allowed the identification of functional groups that correspond to phenolic compounds associated to -OH, C=O, C-O, C-H, and =C group. Experimental results shows that DSSCs sensitized with BM dye achieve the highest conversion efficiency of 1.76% as compared to MM and POM dye which has the maximum efficiency of 0.76 and 1.12% respectively.

Novel Weed-Extracted Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antibacterial Appraisal against a Rare Bacterium from River and Sewage Treatment Plan.

This is the first investigation to demonstrate the use of biochemical contents present within Cyperus rotundus, Eleusin indica, Euphorbia hirta, Melastoma malabathricum, Clidemia hirta and Pachyrhizus erosus extracts for the reduction of silver ion to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) form. In addition, the antibacterial capability of the synthesized AgNPs and plant extracts alone against a rare bacterium, Chromobacterium haemolyticum (C. haemolyticum), was examined. Moreover, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) of the synthesized AgNPs were characterized. The smallest AgNPs can be produced when Cyperus rotundus extracts were utilized. In addition, this study has found that the synthesis efficiencies using all plant extracts are in the range of 72% to 91% with the highest percentage achieved when Eleusin indica extract was employed. All synthesized AgNPs have antibacterial capability against all examined bacteria depending on their size and bacteria types. Interestingly, Melastoma malabathricum and Clidemia hirta extracts have demonstrated an antibacterial ability against C. haemolyticum.

Optimization of lead (Pb) bioaccumulation in Melastoma malabathricum L. by response surface methodology (RSM)

Phytoremediation using the tropical plant Melastoma malabathricum L. has been investigated as an alternative to conventional treatment methods for the remediation of lead (Pb) contamination in soil. In the present study, lead (Pb) bioaccumulation by M. malabathricum L. was evaluated and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to maximize the removal of lead (Pb), with three major variables employed (Pb concentration in sand: 20–70 mg/kg; exposure time: 14–70 days; aeration rate: 0–3 mL/min) in the optimization. The predicted optimum conditions were 44.1 mg Pb/kg for the lead (Pb) concentration in sand, an exposure time of 14 day and 0 L/min aeration rate, with an actual lead (Pb) bioaccumulation of 3596.0 mg Pb/kg. This value compares well to the value predicted by RSM (3855.1 mg Pb/kg). The difference between the validation value and the predicted value was within 6.7%, indicating that RSM was able to predict the optimum lead (Pb) bioaccumulation precisely with very low error. The maximum lead (Pb) bioaccumulation can be attained without requirement of aeration, resulting in a cost-effective treatment system.

Synergistic gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of a mixture of Melastoma malabathricum and Muntingia calabura leaves in rats

BackgroundMelastoma malabathricum L. (family Melastomaceae; MM) and Muntingia calabura L. (family Elaeocarpaceae; MC) have been separately reported to possess gastroprotective activity. In an attempt to develop a pharmaceutical product with antiulcer potential, the synergistic gastroprotective activity of methanolic extract of a mixture of MM and MC (MMMC) at various ratios was evaluated in rat models.MethodsRats were pre-treated orally with 2% Tween 80 (vehicle), 100 mg/kg ranitidine (reference drug) or MMMC (ratios of 1:1, 1:3 and 3:1 (v/v); doses of 15, 150 or 300 mg/kg) and then subjected to the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer or pyloric ligation assays. Stomach of rats from the former assay was collected and subjected to the macroscopic and microscopic observations, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant studies while the gastric juice content and tissue from the latter assay were subjected to the antisecretory activity study. The UHPLC analysis of MMMC was also performed.ResultMMMC, in the ratio 1:1, demonstrated the most effective (P < 0.001) gastroprotective activity indicated by the highest reduction in ethanol-induced ulcer area formation. These macroscopic findings were supported by the microscopic observations. Except for pH and total acidity, MMMC also significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the volume of gastric content but increased the gastric wall mucus content in the pyloric-ligation test. MMMC also demonstrated remarkable antioxidant activity indicated by the highest total phenolic content (TPC) value and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) activity with the recorded IC50 value of approximately 53 μg/mL for the 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. MMMC also improved the catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) activities of the gastric tissue intoxicated by ethanol. UHPLC analysis of MMMC confirmed the presence several flavonoid-based bioactive compounds.ConclusionMMMC, at the ratio of 1:1 (v/v), exerts gastroprotective activity partly by activating its antisecretory and antioxidant activities, and via modulation of the gastric tissue endogenous antioxidant system.

Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic, and Antiviral Activity of Plants Traditionally Used for Treating Infectious Disease in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India.

In the present study, we tested in vitro different parts of 35 plants used by tribals of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR, Mayurbhanj district, India) for the management of infections. From each plant, three extracts were prepared with different solvents (water, ethanol, and acetone) and tested for antimicrobial (E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans); anthelmintic (C. elegans); and antiviral (enterovirus 71) bioactivity. In total, 35 plant species belonging to 21 families were recorded from tribes of the SBR and periphery. Of the 35 plants, eight plants (23%) showed broad-spectrum in vitro antimicrobial activity (inhibiting all three test strains), while 12 (34%) exhibited narrow spectrum activity against individual pathogens (seven as anti-staphylococcal and five as anti-candidal). Plants such as Alangium salviifolium, Antidesma bunius, Bauhinia racemosa, Careya arborea, Caseria graveolens, Cleistanthus patulus, Colebrookea oppositifolia, Crotalaria pallida, Croton roxburghii, Holarrhena pubescens, Hypericum gaitii, Macaranga peltata, Protium serratum, Rubus ellipticus, and Suregada multiflora showed strong antibacterial effects, whilst Alstonia scholaris, Butea monosperma, C. arborea, C. pallida, Diospyros malbarica, Gmelina arborea, H. pubescens, M. peltata, P. serratum, Pterospermum acerifolium, R. ellipticus, and S. multiflora demonstrated strong antifungal activity. Plants such as A. salviifolium, A. bunius, Aporosa octandra, Barringtonia acutangula, C. graveolens, C. pallida, C. patulus, G. arborea, H. pubescens, H. gaitii, Lannea coromandelica, M. peltata, Melastoma malabathricum, Millettia extensa, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, P. serratum, P. acerifolium, R. ellipticus, S. multiflora, Symplocos cochinchinensis, Ventilago maderaspatana, and Wrightia arborea inhibit survival of C. elegans and could be a potential source for anthelmintic activity. Additionally, plants such as A. bunius, C. graveolens, C. patulus, C. oppositifolia, H. gaitii, M. extensa, P. serratum, R. ellipticus, and V. maderaspatana showed anti-enteroviral activity. Most of the plants, whose traditional use as anti-infective agents by the tribals was well supported, show in vitro inhibitory activity against an enterovirus, bacteria (E. coil, S. aureus), a fungus (C. albicans), or a nematode (C. elegans).

Melastoma malabathricum Fruit Extract-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Sensing Ability for High Concentrations of Mercury (II) Nitrate

A strategic approach was developed to synthesize silver nanoparticles from AgNO 3 using Melastoma malabathricum seed extract. The reaction of silver ions with the organic compounds in the seed extract proceeded smoothly at room temperature without any additional capping agent. The appearance of an absorption peak around 427 nm provided evidence for the presence of silver nanoparticles in the reaction mixture. A diluted solution of the silver nanoparticles was treated with various concentrations of mercury (II) nitrate solutions and the resulting reaction was monitored using UV-Vis spectrophotometry

Attenuation of quorum-sensing-dependent virulence factors and biofilm formation by medicinal plants against antibiotic resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa use small signaling molecules such as acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which play an important role in release virulence factors and toxin for further establishment of host infection. Thus, involving with the QS system would provide alternative ways of preventing the pathogenicity. In the present study, totally six medicinal plants (Terminalia bellerica, Celastrus paniculatus, Kingiodendron pinnatum, Schleichera oleosa, Melastoma malabathricum, Garcinia gummi-gutta) were screened for anti-QS activity using biomonitor strain of Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472. The primary screening of antimicrobial activity of all the plant extracts have inhibited the growth of tested bacterial species. Of these at the sub-minimum inhibitory concentration the methanol extract of T. bellerica (0.0625–0.5 mg/ml) has significantly inhibited violacein production (20.07–66.22%) in C. violaceum (CV12472). Consequently, the extract of T. bellerica has reduced the production of pyocyanin, exopolysaccharide and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa strains. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the reduction of biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa strains when treated with T. bellerica. GC–MS analysis showed the active compounds inhibited the production of virulence factors of P. aeruginosa. The results suggest the possible use of this T. bellerica as an anti-QS and anti-biofilm agent to control Pseudomonas infection. Interference of QS provides an important means for the inhibition of bacterial virulence and thus aids in treatment strategies.

Plant species from coal mine overburden dumping site in Satui, South Kalimantan, Indonesia

Coal mine overburden (OB) materials were nutrient-poor, loosely adhered particles of shale, stones, boulders, and cobbles, also contained elevated concentration of trace metals. This condition cause OB substrate did not support plants growth. However, there were certain species that able to grow on overburden dumping site. This investigation sought to identify plants species that presence on coal mine overburden. The research was conducted on opencast coal mine OB dumping site in Satui, South Kalimantan. Vegetation sampling was carried out on six different ages of coal mine OB dumps (7, 10, 11, 42, 59 and 64 month) using line transect. Species identification used information from local people, AMDAL report of PT Arutmin Indonesia-Satui mine project, and website. There were 123 plant species, consisted of 79 herbs (Cyperaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae), 10 lianes, bryophyte, 9 ferns, 10 shrubs, and 14 trees. A number of Poaceae, i.e., Paspalumconjugatum , Paspalumdilatatum , and Echinochloacolona generally present among the stones, boulders, and cobbles. While Cyperaceae such as Fimbristylis miliaceae , Cyperus javanicus , Rhyncospora corymbosa and Scleria sumatrensis most often foundinand around thebasin/pond with its smooth and humid substrate characteristics. Certain species of shrubs and trees present on the 7 month OB dumping site. They were Chromolaena odorata , Clibadium surinamense , Melastoma malabathricum , Trema micrantha , and Solanum torvum (Shrubs), Ochroma pyramidale and Homalanthus populifolius (trees). This plant species could be used for accelerating primary succession purpose on coal mine overburden dumping site. Nevertheless, species selection was needed to avoid planting invasive species.