Milk Bush Research Articles

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antibacterial, Anticandidal, and Sporicidal Properties of Euphorbia tirucalli Extract in Terengganu, Malaysia

Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as the pencil cactus or milk bush plant, is used as an alternative medicine. The current study evaluated the phytochemical contents, antibacterial, anticandidal, and antisporicidal potential of the E. tirucalli methanolic extract. The antibacterial and anticandidal activity of E. tirucalli methanolic extract was determined by performing a disc diffusion assay, MIC, MBC, and MCC. The sporicidal activity was tested at different concentrations of extract and exposure times. Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, and tannins in E. tirucalli methanolic extract. Results demonstrated inhibition zones of the extract against Gram-positive bacteria were in range of 22.00-7.00 mm. Meanwhile, inhibition zones of the extract against Gram-negative bacteria were in range of 13.00-7.00 mm. All bacteria were inhibited with MIC values at 1.56-25.0 mg/ml and can be completely killed with MBC values of 20-200 mg/ml. Inhibition zones of E. tirucalli methanolic extract against Candida spp. were in the range of 20.00-8.00 mm. All Candida spp. were inhibited with MIC values at 1.56-100.00 mg/ml and MBC values of 100-300 mg/ml. All concentrations of the extract inhibited all Bacillus spp. spores at different exposure times. In conclusion, the methanolic extract of E. tirucalli exhibits antibacterial, anticandidal, and sporicidal activities. The findings indicated that the methanolic extract of E. tirucalli has good potential for prospective nature-based antimicrobial agents.

Potential biofuel exploitation from two common Vietnamese Euphorbia plants (Euphorbiaceae)

AbstractIn this work, two common Vietnamese Euphorbia plants, Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. (the milk bush) and Euphorbia tithymaloides Linn. (the milk hedge), have been investigated for potential use as biofuels. Their aerial parts were macerated with different solvents [petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EA), methanol and water] to obtain extracts. The extracts were put through petrochemical composition analyses, including elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectra recording and fatty acids composition analysis by HPLC. Subsequently, extracts were subjected to thermal gravimetric analysis for determination of some petrochemical contents. In addition, the gross calorific values (GCVs) of all extracts were determined and compared with those of other Euphorbia species and fuels. The obtained results showed the high petrochemical properties of Euphorbia tirucalli and moderately high ones of Euphorbia tithymaloides. Their estimated total rubber content values were then determined and compared with those of strains of other countries. The petroleum ether extract possessed the highest GCV, followed by the EA extract of E. tirucalli, then the EA extract of E. tithymaloides. Their GCVs were higher than those of some of other Euphorbia plants, conventional fuels like anthracite or lignite, and asymptotic to those of present fuels, including diesel and gasoline. Together with the plants’ well‐known tolerance of harsh conditions, such interesting phytochemical and petrochemical results significantly contribute to the potential for biofuel exploitation of Vietnamese E. tirucalli and E. tithymaloides. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Molluscicidal Activity of Aqueous Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants on Fresh Water Snails and Fish

Aim: To investigate the molluscicidal activity of aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus niruri and Euphorbia tirucalli on fresh water snails Lymnaea (Radix) acuminata and Indoplanorbis exustus (as target organisms) and on Channa punctatus fish ( as non target organism),sharing the same habitat.
 Methodology: The aqueous extracts of the stem bark and leaves of Phyllanthus niruri ( a tropical small herb, commonly known as a Bhumi Amla), belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae and the aqueous extracts of stem bark and latex of Euphorbia tirucalli (a semi-arid tropical plant, commonly called milk bush) of the family Euphorbiaceae, were investigated as plant origin molluscicides, against freshwater snails, responsible for causing fascioliasis, Lymnaea (Radix) acuminate and Indoplanorbis exustus, as well as on Channa punctatus ,using Singh and Agarwal method and POLO computer program.
 Results: A significant time and dose-dependent effect of aqueous extracts of both the plants against the freshwater snails were observed. Thus increase in exposure time, the LC50 of Phyllanthus niruri stem and leaf extracts were decreased from 267.89 mg DW/L (24h) > to 180.64mg DW/L (96h) against Lymnaea acuminata and 261.49 mg DW/L (24h)> to 136.40 mg DW/L (96h) against Indoplanorbis exustus. Likewise, the LC50 of aqueous extract of latex of Euphorbia tirucalli were decreased from 1.80 mg DW/L (24h) >to 0.65 mg DW/L (96h) against Lymnaea acuminata and 0.90 mg DW/L (24h)> to 0.28 mg DW/L (96h) against Indoplanorbis exustus, with the increase in exposure time. Its aqueous stem bark extract showed a similar pattern. These aqueous plant extracts at higher doses were also observed to be lethal to freshwater fish Channa punctatus, which share a common habitat with the freshwater snails, but the doses LC90, (24h) of snails didn’t cause any mortality to these fishes, thus indicating that these plant extracts can be safely used as molluscicides.

Investigation of Amino and Fatty Acid Characterisation of Thevetia peruviana (Milk Bush) Seed

This study examined the amino acid profile and fatty acid analysis of Milk bush (thevetia peruviana) seed. The seeds were ground into very fine powder using three processing techniques. The parameters of interest were carried out using standard methods. The results of both essential and non-essential amino acids showed that the total essential amino acid content in oven-dried seed sample (OD.S), airdried seed sample (AD.S) and sun-dried seed sample (SD.S) were within the WHO Standard. It was observed that eighteen out of the twenty amino acids content of food were present in the seed with glutamic acid having the highest value, followed by aspartate and arginine. Also the eight essential amino acid needed in the daily diet were all present in the sample (arginine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylanine, threonine, tryptophan and leucine). There were reductions in the level of some amino acids as a result of the processing treatments. The fatty acid analysis also revealed that the sample contained both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids for oven-dried, sun-dried and air-dried are 60.89, 2.21 and 20.47 respectively while the saturated fatty acids for oven-dried , sun-dried and air dried 26.15, 3.29 and 35.61 respectively. The result suggested that thevetia peruviana contains high quality protein and the oil is a good source of unsaturation which increases the shelf life and edibility of the oil.
 Keywords: Amino acid; Fatty acid; Characterization; Processing techniques; Milk-bush seed

Assessment of Milk Bush Seed Oil as an Auspicious Feedstock for Biodiesel Fuel

It is indubitable that world energy demand is increasing drastically due to rapidly growing population and urbanization. It is not obscure that biodiesel would make a massively copious contribution to the energy demand at a time when the populace is becoming increasingly conscious of the declining reserves of fossil fuels and detrimental environmental effects it poses. There are several potential feedstocks that can be used for biodiesel production. The second generation feedstocks which are the non-edible vegetable oils could be considered as promising replacement for first generation feedstocks which are the edible vegetable oils. The usage of non-edible vegetable oil in the production of biodiesel is very significant because of the profuse demand for edible oils as food source. Moreover, first generation’s feedstock costs are exorbitant to be used as fuel. However, in this study, non-edible milk bush (Thevettia peruviana) seed in which its seed is enrich with oil and can be grown in arid and semi-arid condition, on waste land, roadsides and road-dividers in expressways for beautification, environmental protection and hated by herbivorous animals, was used in biodiesel production. The oil was extracted with n-hexane using soxhlet apparatus with which ample amount (60.2%) of oil was extracted. Biodiesel was produced via trans-esterification process from the crude oil of milk bush (Thevetia peruviana) seed with methanol. The optimum condition was obtained at molar ratio 6:1 of alcohol to oil, temperature of 55°C, reaction time of 60 minutes and sodium hydroxide as the base catalyst adopted. Some fuel properties (kinematic viscosity, centane number, flash point, density, cloud point, acid value and moisture) of the biodiesel produced were determined. Results obtained for these fuel properties are 4.48 mm 2 /s, 55, 135°C, 0.866, 4, 0.1 mgKOH/g, 0.03% for kinematic viscosity at 40°C, centane number, flash point, density, cloud point, acid value and moisture content respectively. The results obtained were in agreement with ASTM D6751 and EN 14214 standards. In conclusion, it has been found that there is an immense chance to produce biodiesel from milk bush (Thevetia peruviana) seed oil and therefore it can boost the future production of biodiesel.

Yield Response of Biodiesel Production from Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysis of Milk Bush Seed (Thevetia peruviana) Oil

ABSTRACTConventional production of biodiesel employs the use of alkaline catalysts because they are cheaper and less corrosive, and they use minimal energy when compared to other acidic catalysts. Heterogeneous catalysts have also shown significant effects on biodiesel production with its ease of recovery and reusability. Three reaction variables—temperature, time, and molar ratio of alcohol to oil—were optimized for biodiesel production from milk bush oil using snail shell as a catalyst. The catalyst was prepared by calcinating waste giant African land snail in an electric oven for 3.5 hours at 900°C. Also, a control transesterification experiment was carried out using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a catalyst. Catalyst concentrations of 3.0 wt % of calcined snail shell (CSS) and KOH were used for the transesterification of the oil. A response surface analysis of biodiesel production using CSS as a catalyst showed that all reaction variables were significant. Biodiesel yield of 81% was recorded experimenta...

Proximate Characterisation and Physicochemical Properties of Raw and Boiled Milk Bush (Thevetia Peruviana) Seed

Proximate Characterisation and Physicochemical Properties of Raw and Boiled Milk Bush (Thevetia Peruviana) Seed

Heavy metal ions adsorption from dairy industrial wastewater using activated carbon from milk bush kernel shell

Activated carbons (MBK400 and MBK600), produced from milk bush kernel shells, were carbonized at 400 and 600°C, respectively, activated with H3PO4, and subsequently, employed to remove heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, zinc, iron, and copper) in dairy industrial wastewater (DIWW). Effects of doses (1.0–3.0 g/L) and contact time (5–25 min) at constant agitation (120 rpm) on removal efficiencies and adsorption capacities of the agricultural precursors were investigated. Four types of Langmuir isotherm model were used to fit the adsorption of the heavy metals. The pH of the treated DIWW increased from 6.1 to a range of 6.7–6.9 and 6.8–6.9 with MBK400 and MBK600, respectively, while, there were slight increase in the conductivity of the treated DIWW, except with 3.0g of MBK400, which reduced the conductivity from 377 to 345 µS/cm. The maximum percentage of cadmium, iron, copper, lead, zinc and nickel removal were 90, 80, 91.7, 91.6, 87.18, and 73.62% with 2.0 g/L MBK400, 1.0 g/L MBK400, 3.0 g/L MBK600, 2.0 g/L MBK600, 3.0 g/L MBK600 and 1.0 g/L MBK600, respectively. The removal of lead ranked the highest, consistently, for all the doses of MBK400 and MBK600 used. The Langmuir Type-1 was the most suitable linearized Langmuir isotherm that described the adsorption of the heavy metals in the DIWW, based on coefficient of determination (R2). The adsorbents developed are suitable for the removal heavy metals, particularly lead, in a typical DIWW.

Sarcostemma viminale activates macrophages to a pro-inflammatory phenotype

Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R.Br, also known as caustic or milk bush, is a semi-succulent plant commonly found in the North West of Australia. Local Aboriginal populations have long used the milky white sap from this plant to treat skin cancers. An ethanol extract from S. viminale was tested by exposing the RAW264.7 cell line as an in vitro murine macrophage model, to the extract. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to determine if S. viminale skewed macrophages towards a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory phenotype using a number of cell surface markers. Cell culture supernatants were also analysed by cytometric bead array to determine if S. viminale exposed macrophages produced pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory cytokines. After exposure to S. viminale, a significantly greater number of macrophages expressed pro-inflammatory major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and significantly greater expression levels of the dendritic cell marker CD11c. Cytometric bead array analysis found that S. viminale induced significant amounts of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) from macrophages. The markers CD40 and ICAM-1 were expressed but were not significantly different from the controls. Also, significantly higher expression of CX3CR1 indicated that macrophages were preparing to migrate. No anti-inflammatory cytokines were produced. No significant production of NO2 −, IL-6, IFN-γ or IL-12 was found. These results demonstrate that S. viminale drives resting macrophages into a pro-inflammatory phenotype, reminiscent of activated immature dendritic cells. If this activation could be achieved in the peri-tumour environment, then S. viminale could be useful as an adjunct therapy for skin cancer.

Termiticidal potency of Erythrophleum suaveolens (Guill. and Perr.) Brenan bark, Thevetia peruviana (pers.) K. Schum and Moringa oleifera Lam. root extracts as alternative to conventional synthetic preservative-chemicals

Search for effective, ecosystem-friendly wood preservative-chemicals, as safe-alternatives to the conventional inorganic types (e.g. CCA), has currently been extensive. Bio-potency of inestimable tropical plants has assumed folkloric dimensions. Thus, the influence of cold water-soluble extracts from potrodom (Erythrophluem suaveolens) bark, moringa (Moringa oleifera) and milk bush (Thevetia peruviana) roots on the durability of pressure-treated ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) stakes (500 × 50 × 10 mm) was examined under graveyard conditions (EN 252). Their field performance was compared with their CCA-impregnated counterparts. Control stakes were untreated. T. peruviana root extract and CCA were retained most (2.08 and 2.06 × 10−4 g/mm3 respectively) then E. suaveolens and M. oleifera root extracts (1.84 and 1.74 × 10−4 g/mm3 respectively). Thevetia peruviana extract-treated stakes recorded 19.4 % hardness loss, 41.5 % mass loss and visual durability rating of 3. Similarly, E. suaveolens impregnated stakes recorded 34.6, 28.8 % and 2; M. oleifera root extract 41.2, 98.9 % and 4; CCA-treated stakes 12.7, 19.4 % and 1, and the control 100, 100 % and 4 respectively. Biocides from the plant parts (especially E. suaveolens bark) were as effective as CCA. To broaden the preservative-chemical base for the wood treatment industry, chemicals from organic sources including vegetable-based types, which act as a pool for unlimited source of innocuous biocides, need be increasingly discovered and utilized as alternatives to the efficacious but noxious inorganic types, which pose regulatory, health and environmental fretfulness. Synergy of botanic extracts with the synthetic preservative-chemicals could likewise be explored industrially.

Historical Perspective on Agroterrorism: Lessons Learned from 1945 to 2012

This article presents a historical perspective on agroterrorism cases from 1945 until 2012. The threat groups and perpetrators associated with bio- and agroterrorism are clustered into several groups: apocalyptic sects, lone wolves, political groups, and religious groups. We used open-source information, and 4 biological agroterrorism cases are described: (1) in 1952, Mau Mau poisoned cattle in Kenya by using a plant toxin from the African milk bush plant; (2) in 1985, the USDA claimed that Mexican contract workers were involved in deliberately spreading screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) among livestock; (3) in 2000, Palestinian media reported that Israeli settlers released sewer water into Palestinian agricultural fields; and (4) in 2011, a person was sentenced to prison after threatening US and UK livestock with the deliberate spread of foot-and-mouth disease virus. All 4 cases can be assigned to political groups. These cases have not attracted much attention in literature nor in the public media, and the credibility of the sources of information varies. We concluded that agroterrorism has not been a problem during the period studied. Lessons learned from the few cases have generated awareness about the fact that nontypical biological weapons and non-high-risk agents, such as African milk bush, screwworm, and sewer water, have been used by attackers to influence local decision makers. This review will be useful in improving future preparedness planning and developing countermeasures.

Adsorption of Acenaphthene unto Activated Carbon Produced from Agricultural Wastes

A B ST R A C T The suitability and the performance of activated carbon produced from flamboyant pod back, milk bush kernel shell and rice husk for the effective removal of acenaphthene from simulated wastewater under the influence of carbonization temperature and initial concentration were investigated. The adsorption capacities of all the activated carbons obtained from the selected raw materials are influenced by increasing carbonization temperature. Activated carbons obtained from rice husk at carbonisation temperature of 600 0 C had the maximum adsorption capacity (5.554 mg/g) while carbons produced from milk bush at carbonisation temperature of 300 0 C had the minimum adsorption capacity (1.386 mg/g), for the adsorption of acenaphthene from the simulated wastewater. The removal efficiencies of the investigated adsorbents generally rank high and the highest value (80.56 %) was obtained for the adsorption of acenaphthene by rice husk carbonized at 600 0 C. Furthermore, the removal efficiencies obtained in the study decreased as the initial concentrations of the adsorbate increased. The four selected isotherm models; Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich described well the equilibrium adsorption of acenaphthene unto activated carbon derived from Flamboyant pod bark, milk bush kernel shell and rice husk. Sequence of suitability of the selected isotherms in the study was

Adsorption of naphthalene onto activated carbons derived from milk bush kernel shell and flamboyant pod

The suitability and the performance of activated carbon produced from flamboyant pod (FB) and milk bush kernel shell (MB) for the effective removal of naphthalene from simulated wastewater was conducted to determine the influence of increasing initial concentrations (50 – 150 mg/L) on adsorption. The activated carbon obtained from milk bush kernel shell (25 – 40%, w/w) decreased with increased carbonization temperature (300 - 600°C) while those obtained from flamboyant pod was 15 - 20%, w/w. The removal efficiencies of FB produced at 300°C (FB300) increased from 51.49 - 53.28%, while removal efficiencies of FB produced at 500°C (FB500) and 600°C (FB600) decreased from 55.51 - 54.42% and 59.71 - 58.56%, respectively, as the initial concentrations of naphthalene increased. The removal efficiencies of MB were relatively lower than those obtained from FB and decreased from 48.18 - 43.65%, 53.55 - 50.37% and 56.41 - 52.53% for adsorbent produced at 300°C (MB300), 500°C (MB500) and 600°C (MB600), respectively, as the initial concentrations of naphthalene increased. The Freundlich exponent ‘n’ for the adsorption of naphthalene onto FB300, FB500, FB600, MB300, MB500 and MB600 were 0.94, 1.04, 1.05, 1.19, 1.13 and 1.16, respectively, and were within the range (1<n<10), except FB300. Similarly, the separation factor (RL) for the adsorption of naphthalene unto FB300, FB500, FB600, MB300, MB500 and MB600 were 1.27, 0.97, 0.85, 0.64, 0.70 and 0.65, respectively and satisfied the condition (0< RL <1), except FB300. This study suggests that effective adsorbent from the selected agricultural materials can be achieved at selected carbonization temperatures except 300°C for FB. Furthermore, the results indicate that these adsorbents may be more adsorptive at lower concentrations of naphthalene.

Evaluation of Interaction of Carbonization Temperatures and Concentrations on the Adsorption Capacities and Removal Efficiencies of Activated Carbons Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)

Response Surface Methodology was used to evaluate the interactions of carbonization temperatures of adsorbents and concentrations of adsorbates on the adsorption capacities and removal efficiencies of activated carbons obtained from flamboyant ( Delonix regia ) pod bark (FB), milk bush ( Thevetia peruviana ) kernel shell (MB) and rice ( Oryza sativa ) husks (RH). The activated carbons produced at various temperatures (300-600 ?C) were used to adsorb concentrations (50-150 mg/L) of naphthalene and acenaphthene in a batch process at 150 rpm. The amount adsorbed was quantified with gas chromatography (GC-FID). Two factors interaction (2FI) model Y = a 0 + a 1 A + a 2 B + a 12 AB, showed that the interactions between increasing activation temperature of the adsorbents and increasing concentrations of the adsorbates increased the adsorption capacity of the MB while the adsorption capacities of FB and RH were reduced. The order of suitability of the adsorbents is MB > RH > FB and MB > FB > RH, respectively

African milkbush

African milkbush

Four serine proteases from the latex of Euphorbia tirucalli

Four proteolytic enzymes, euphorbains t1–t4, were isolated from the latex of the succulent Euphorbia tirucalli ("milk bush") and purified to homogeneity. The enzymes all have molecular weights of 74 000. Each enzyme has several different charged forms; t1, for example, has four with isoelectric points in the range of 5.0–5.5. The four proteases examined are of similar amino acid compositions but yield differing two-dimensional maps of tryptic digests. The euphorbain t's are not closely related in composition to their counterparts isolated from Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia pulcherrima, and Euphorbia cyparissias. The euphorbains from E. tirucalli were inhibited by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride and by histidine-specific reagents, and so are trypsin-like proteases.

A History of Breast-Feeding Practices in the English-Speaking Caribbean in the Twentieth Century

This article traces the history of breastfeeding practices in the English-speaking Caribbean since 1900 with particular emphasis on cultural attitudes. A pattern of early weaning and supplementation with milk bush teas carbohydrate gruels and condensed milk was widely practiced in the early part of the 20th century and reflected womens work patterns. Malnutrition morbidity and infant death due to early weaning and suplementation with poor and unsanitary diets had gained recognition as serious health problems by 1925 however. In the years following World War II the production and promotion of infant formula led again to a shift toward earlier weaning and suplementation in turn producing increased incidence of marasmic infantile malnutrition. At present a majority of Caribbean mothers are breastfeeding at 3 months although they are giving a wide range of supplementary milks teas juices and paps. The causes of the recent decline in the prevalence of breastfeeding are a combination of womens activity patterns access to substitute feeding and perceptions of desirable feeding methods. Feeding practices have been associated historically with adaptations to material conditions that encourage separation of working mothers and infants. This observation underscores the need to understand breastfeeding practices within the context of womens lives specifically the social structures of underdevelopment. Nutrition policies that affect these structures in ways that enhance womens opportunities and desire to breastfeed should be the goal.