Mixture Of Plant Extracts Research Articles

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of a Medicinal Plant Extract Mixture Against Candida Species Isolated from Patients with Oral Stomatitis

Background: Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) is a hemostatic product comprising a standardized mixture of Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica. It is used to control bleeding after extracorporeal injuries, traumatic cuts, dental operations, and surgical intervention. ABS was reported to exhibit antibacterial and germicidal activities. Objectives: This in vitro study aimed to determine the antifungal activity of ABS. Methods: In total, 114 Candida strains; 65 Candida albicans and 49 non-albicans isolated from the oral cavity of patients with oral stomatitis, as well as three reference strains of C. albicans ATCC 90028, C.parapsilosis ATCC 22019, and C.krusei ATCC 6258, were tested by agar well diffusion, disk diffusion, and time-kill curve methods in this study. The results obtained for ABS were compared with those obtained for amphotericin B (AMB). Results: ABS and AMB exhibited inhibitory zones with mean diameters of 18.2 ± 1.4 (12-20) mm, 20.6 ± 1.2 (18 - 23) mm by disk diffusion and 18.3 ± 1.3 (15 - 20) mm, 19.9 ± 2.6 (18 - 22) mm, respectively, by agar well diffusion methods for C. albicans. On the other hand, ABS and AMB showed inhibition zones with mean diameters of 19.4 ± 1.5 (18 - 24) mm, 19.1 ± 2.8 (13 - 30) mm by disk diffusion and 19.8 ± 2.1 (18 - 25) mm, 18.7 ± 2.3 (13 - 23) mm by agar well diffusion methods for non-albicans Candida isolates. ABS exhibited higher activity against non-albicans Candida species compared to C. albicans (P < 0.001). By the time kill-curve method, ABS achieved a 4 log10 cfu/mL decrease in C. albicans ATCC 90028, C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019, and C. krusei ATCC 6258, as well as seven different Candida spp. isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. guilliermondii, C. kefyr, C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis, respectively. Conclusions: ABS can be an alternative for treating superficial infections.

Attenuation of E. coli O157:H7 virulence by a combination of natural plant extracts and organic acids before and after refrigerated storage

Anti-virulence strategies are an alternative approach to combat zoonotic bacterial pathogens. Although control measures are in place against E. coli O157, it still remains a global health concern with cattle being the most important reservoir. Different feed constituents have varying effects on the virulence of E. coli O157 present in the gut which then are transferred to meat processing surfaces and meat during slaughter. This study explored the anti-virulence properties of a mixture of natural plant extracts and organic acids (citrus, grape and oregano extracts, lactic and citric acid) before and after refrigerated storage as means of reducing the risk from E. coli O157 by reducing its virulence. Assessment of the effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations (0.1 and 0.5 %, v/v) of the antimicrobial mixture before refrigerated storage showed that the pathogen’s motility and adhesion onto HCT-8 cells was significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Shiga-toxin 2 production was also significantly reduced. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the mixture of natural antimicrobials repressed expression of adhesion (eae) and shiga-toxin 2 (stx2) genes, which was consistent with the observed reduction in adhesion and toxin production. The same virulence factors were investigated after simulated storage of E. coli O157 in meat simulation medium. Results revealed that after exposure to the antimicrobial mixture, the virulence was significantly lower compared to non-treated control after refrigerated storage. The present work shows the potential of the antimicrobial mixture in reducing virulence and thus risk from E. coli O157 by applying it as a feed additive.

The Evaluation of Antiurolithiathic Properties of Ananas nanus, Aquilaria malaccensis, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Pandanus atrocarpus and Garcinia mangostana

Abstract Medicinal plants was commonly used as an alternatives for treating many ailments including kidney stones disease. These plants provides various promising features as to confered health benefits, lessen the side effect and safe to be consumed. In this regards, a present study was conducted on five Malaysian traditional plant which are A. nanus, A. malaccensis, C. xanthorrhiza, P. atrocarpus and G. mangostana to investigate their inhibition effect towards stone crystallization using in-vitro technique. The plant extracts was obtained by using water decoction method. The turbidity of plant extract and calcium oxalate (CaOx) mixture was observed for inhibition activity in nucleation assay using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Standard drugs Cystone, was used as positive control in comparison. Among all, the best inhibition rate was possessed by A. Malaccensis extract (77.27%) with no significant different (p

Effect of plant extracts and emulsifiers on control of anthracnose (Colletotrichum coccodes) in persimmon trees

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to determine suppression of the anthracnose fungus (Colletotrichum coccodes), causing disease in persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki Thunb), by (1) extracts from various parts of 45 plant species from 27 families obtained using different extraction methods, and (2) selected plant extracts and emulsifiers. Fermentation extracts of Torilis japonica roots and Portulaca oleracea, all above ground parts, as well as ethanol extracts of Rheum palmatum roots and Cinnamomum cassia barks were found to effectively suppress anthracnose, leading to 83%, or more, suppression by 10% plant extracts in laboratory tests. Additionally, anthracnose was suppressed by 100% by 3% brown rice vinegar, 3% powder soap, 5% loess sulphur, and by 5% natural emulsifier-B in a laboratory test. In the field trial with organically grown persimmon trees, treatments with plant extracts used on their own, resulted a reduction of anthracnose by 63% and 51% by 5% fermentation extract of T. japonica and 5% ethanol extract of R. palmatum, respectively, compared with a control. However, in treatments with combinations of plant extracts and emulsifiers, anthracnose was reduced by 79%, 67%, 63% and 56% when treated with 5% fermentation extract of T. japonica + natural emulsifier-B (1%), 5% fermentation extract of T. japonica + loess sulphur (1%), 5% ethanol extract of R. palmatum + natural emulsifier-B (1%), and 5% ethanol extract of R. palmatum + loess sulphur (1%), respectively, compared with the control. Thus, mixtures of plant extracts and emulsifiers may be used to control anthracnose in organic production systems.

Synergistic of Solenostemonmonostachyus and Ocimumgratissium for the Management of type -2 -diabetes

The efficacy of synergistics of Solenostemonmonstachyus and Ocimumgratissimumfor the management of type -2 –diabetes using Zebra fishwas investigated. The plants were dried at room temperature, grounded and the powder pooled together, homogenized and extracted for 7 hours using the Soxhlet apparatus. A total of 75 zebra fish were used and were divided into five groups of five juveniles per test concentration in three replicates. Group A was given de-chlorinated water; B was treated with 0.25mg/L diazinon only while other groups were exposed to the same concentration as in group B, but with different concentrations of the plant’s extract. Group C, D, and E received 250, 500, and 750mg/L respectively. Water quality parameters and blood chemistry were estimated in the experimental and control fish on days 7, 14, 21, and 28th. All the blood parameters were significant P less than 0.05 affected by diazinon when compared with the control. But were reversible in the plant extract mixture treated fish and were dose and time-dependent reduction, even less than the control group. This finding had shown the efficacy of these plants’ extract and the use of zebrafish as a toxicological tool. Thus, the thorough study of these plants' mixture is indispensable, so as to find a lasting solution to the ailment that has been given people a nightmare.

The Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Individual and Mixture of Lemongrass, Curry Leaves, Turmeric and Ginger Extracts

Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus ), curry leaves ( Murrya koenigii ), turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) and ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) are frequently used as ingredients in food industry. Recent researches proved these plants contain phytochemicals which contributes to antioxidant properties. However, the evaluation were done individually and rarely in mixtures. This study was conducted to examine the antioxidant properties as well as their interaction effect when mixed together. There were 18 designated formulations with various proportions obtained from Design Expert ® 6.0.4. All of the extracts were freshly decocted and analyzed for antioxidant activity by 2, 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Lemongrass extract exhibited the highest inhibition percentage which was 95.90% followed by curry leaves (91.99%), turmeric (69.01%) and ginger extracts (63.41%). The combination extracts of turmeric-ginger, curry leaves-ginger and curry leaves-turmeric showed the synergistic interaction effects. However, the one to one ratio of lemongrass-curry leaves extracts, lemongrass-turmeric, and lemongrass-ginger extract showed antagonistic interaction effects. In conclusion, most of the plant extracts mixture in this study contributed synergistic interaction in the formulations. This indicates the potential of these mixture to be developed into food product in the future.

Environmentally Friendly Procedure Based on Supercritical Fluid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry Molecular Networking for the Discovery of Potent Antiviral Compounds from Euphorbia semiperfoliata.

A supercritical fluid chromatography-based targeted purification procedure using tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking was developed to analyze, annotate, and isolate secondary metabolites from complex plant extract mixture. This approach was applied for the targeted isolation of new antiviral diterpene esters from Euphorbia semiperfoliata whole plant extract. The analysis of bioactive fractions revealed that unknown diterpene esters, including jatrophane esters and phorbol esters, were present in the samples. The purification procedure using semipreparative supercritical fluid chromatography led to the isolation and identification of two new jatrophane esters (13 and 14) and one known (15) and three new 4-deoxyphorbol esters (16-18). The structure and absolute configuration of compound 16 were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. This compound was found to display antiviral activity against Chikungunya virus (EC50 = 0.45 μM), while compound 15 proved to be a potent and selective inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in a recombinant virus assay (EC50 = 13 nM). This study showed that a supercritical fluid chromatography-based protocol and molecular networking can facilitate and accelerate the discovery of bioactive small molecules by targeting molecules of interest, while minimizing the use of toxic solvents.

Interactions between phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables: Effects on bioactivities and bioavailability

ABSTRACTThe combinations of two or more phytochemicals bring about changes in the ultimate biological effects and/or the bioavailability of each component. A number of mixtures of pure bioactive compounds or phytochemical-containing plant extracts provide synergy with regard to antioxidant status, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and chemoprevention of several oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in vitro. The biological activities of food phytochemicals depend upon their bioaccessibility and bioavailability which can be affected by the presence of other food components including other bioactive constituents. The interactions between phytochemicals during intestinal absorption could result in changes in the bioavailability of the compounds, which in turn affects the intensity of their bioactivities. This paper provides an overview of combined biological effects of phytochemical mixtures derived from fruits and vegetables with a focus on anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic activities. The bioavailability impairment or enhancement caused by the co-consumption of dietary phytochemicals is also discussed. Finally, research gaps for future studies on phytochemical interactions are identified.

Antioxidant and Synergistic Antidiabetic Activities of a Three-Plant Preparation Used in Cameroon Folk Medicine.

Introduction. Several plant preparations like a mixture of aqueous extracts of Spilanthes africana; Portulaca oleracea; and Sida rhombifolia are currently utilized in Foumban (West Cameroon) to manage diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the antidiabetic property of the aqueous mixture of three plant extracts (1 : 1 : 1) on streptozotocin induced diabetes rats. Methods. Diabetes was induced to rats by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. The diabetic rats received different dosages of the mixture of extracts for 21 days and glibenclamide 6.5 mg/kg b.w. as positive control. Results. The results showed that the mixture of extracts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the level of the glycaemia, the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol as well as MDA, AST, ALT, and creatinine levels. It also increased significantly the concentration of HDL-cholesterol, glutathione, and TAOS. A great reduction of the atherogenic indexes CT/HDL and LDL/HDL of the treated groups was observed. Each extract and the mixture demonstrated significant scavenging property on DPPH and OH radicals and present a good antioxidant property. Conclusion. The mixture of plant extracts has hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic properties and can be used for the management of diabetes mellitus.

Vascular health effects of a plant extract mixture of Phellinus baumii and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge on postprandial platelet hyperactivity in healthy subjects: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover trial and systematic approach

A postprandial state leads to atherosclerosis, inducing endothelial dysfunction and other profound changes in the vascular systems by affecting the hemostatic status including platelet activation. Platelet hyperactivity is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological. Several studies indicated that the vascular protective effect of the plant‐derived constituents of the food. In a previous our animal study, the oral administration of plant extract mixture obtained from Phellinus baumii and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (PS) ameliorated endothelial and vascular dysfunction in a platelet activation rat model. In the present study we performed a randomized double‐blind, crossover trial in humans. We aimed to examine whether PS influences postprandial events related to platelet activation induced by a dietary lipid and glucose challenge in healthy subjects. To this end, fifty six eligible subjects (44.5 ± 1.1 years old) were randomized to a specific administration sequence encompassing four dose levels of PS (0, 300, 600, and 900 mg/day). We collected blood samples three time points over a six‐hour period for biochemical and molecular analysis. Ex vivo platelet aggregation with collagen plus epinephrine and gene expression of cyclooxyhenase‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 were significantly reduced in the high‐dose PS group. The result suggest that multi‐components in PS may exert additive effects on vascular health by reducing platelet aggregation and adhesion molecule production.Support or Funding Information[This project was supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy/KIAT (Establishment of Infra Structure for Anti‐Aging Industry Support, N0000697) and the Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning (NRF‐2012M3A9C4048761).]

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF MIXTURE FROM DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS IN GEL, CREAM AND BODY MILK FORMULATION, AGAINST DIFFERENT MICROORGANISMS

In this study the antimicrobial activity of a mixture of plant extracts originating from five different plants and suspended in three different forms of gel, cream and lotion was examined with the purpose of discovering new anti-microbial compounds. The antimicrobial activity was investigated through the standard disc diffusion method, as well as through a variation of the microdillution method. The formulations under examination (gel, cream and lotion) showed a broad spectrum of action against all the selected microorganisms, with inhibition zones of 9–46 mm. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for all the formulations against the microorganisms in the study was in the range of 0.000761μg ml-1 to 0.125μg ml-1. The results of this study have clearly demonstrated that the mixture of plant extracts originating from five different plants and suspended in the forms of gel, cream and lotion can definitely be used in the battle against the microorganisms under investigation.

Antibacterial and anti-adherence effects of a plant extract mixture (PEM) and its individual constituent extracts (Psidium sp., Mangifera sp., and Mentha sp.) on single- and dual-species biofilms.

BackgroundPlant extracts mixture (PEM) and its individual constituent plant extracts(Psidium sp., Mangifera sp., Mentha sp.) are known to have an anti-adhering effect towards oral bacteria in the single-species biofilm. To date, the adhering ability of the early and late plaque colonisers (Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans) to PEM-treated experimental pellicle have not been investigated in dual-species biofilms.MethodsFresh leaves of these plants were used in the preparation of the respective aqueous extract decoctions. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts towards S. sanguinis ATCC BAA-1455 and S. mutans ATCC 25175 was determined using a two-fold serial microdilution method. The sum of fractional inhibitory concentration (ΣFIC) index of PEM and its constituent plant extracts was calculated using the MIC values of the plants. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the plant extracts was also determined. The anti-adherence effect of the plant extracts (individually and mixed) was carried out by developing simulated S. sanguinis and S. mutans respectively in single- and dual-species of biofilms in the Nordini’s Artificial Mouth (NAM) model system in which the experimental pellicle was pretreated with the plant extract before bacterial inoculation. The bacterial population in the respective biofilms was quantified using ten-fold serial dilutions method and expressed as colony forming unit per ml (CFU/ml). The bacterial population was also viewed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). All experiments were done in triplicate.ResultsThe PEM compared with its respective constituent plants showed the lowest MIC towards S. sanguinis (3.81 mg/ml) and S. mutans (1.91 mg/ml) and exhibited a synergistic effect. The Psidium sp. (15.24 mg/ml) and, PEM and Psidium sp. (30.48 mg/ml) showed the lowest MBC towards S. sanguinis and S. mutans respectively. The anti-adherence effect of the PEM and its respective constituent plants (except Psidium sp.) was different for the two bacteria in the single-species biofilm. In the dual-species biofilms, PEM demonstrated similar anti-adherence effect towards S. sanguinis and S. mutans. The proportions of the bacterial population viewed under SEM appeared to be in agreement with the quantified population.DiscussionThe combination of the active constituents of the individual plant extracts in PEM may contribute to its low MIC giving rise to the synergistic effect. The different anti-adherence effect towards S. sanguinis and S. mutans in both single- and dual-species biofilms could be due to the different proportion of the active constituents of the extracts and the interaction between different bacteria. The better adhering ability of S. sanguinis towards the PEM-treated pellicle when present together with S. mutans in the dual-species biofilms may suggest the potential of PEM in controlling the balance between the early and late colonisers in biofilms.

Antitumour and Apoptotic Effects of a Plant Extract Mixture Containing Rhus verniciflua and Other Herbs in Human Leukaemia Cells.

The apoptotic effects of a novel antitumour agent (Rv-PEM01) prepared from 6 kinds of herbs, including Rhus verniciflua were investigated using flow cytometry and western blot analysis. Rv-PEM01 induced apoptosis but not necrosis in MOLT-3, KG-1, and K562 human leukaemia cell lines. Further, Rv-PEM01-treated cells showed significantly upregulated expression of caspase-3 and 9 and cleaved caspase-3 and 9 compared to the control cells. Taken together, the results suggest that Rv-PEM01 induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial-mediated pathway, and is a potential natural anticancer agent and/or a functional food material.

INSECTICIDAL POTENTIALS OF DENNETTIA TRIPETALA (LINN.) (PEPPER FRUIT-ANNONACEAE) APPLIED AS SINGLE AND MIXED WITH ZINGIBER OFFICINALE (ROSC.) (GINGER-ZINGIBERACEAE) CRUDE EXTRACTS AGAINST MUSCA DOMESTICA (HOUSEFLY) LARVAE

Musca domestica is a common nuisance insect pest that is cosmopolitan. It also causes serious health problems to humans and livestock because it is a mechanical vector of many diseases. Crude extracts of Dennettia tripetala were used individually and mixed with Zinigber officinale in equal proportion (50:50) at various concentrations (200 to 1000ppm) to determine their toxic efficacy against newly emerged larvae of Musca domestica. Each concentration was replicated twice. The bioassay was done using feeding and dipping method under laboratory conditions and was monitored every 12 h for 72 h. Distilled water was used as control for the experiment. Mean mortality was recorded to obtain Median Lethal Concentration (LC50) and Median Lethal Time (LT50). The study also compared the efficacy of feeding or dipping the larvae in the extracts. The results showed that as concentration increased from 200 to 1000ppm, mortality was generally significant (P 0.05), as duration of exposure increased from 12-72 h when D. tripetala was applied individually; but when they (D. tipetala and Zingiber officinale) were mixed in a 50:50 proportion, mortality was significant (P<0.05) with time, as duration of exposure increased from 12-72 h. The mixture of plant extracts (D. tripetala and Z. officinale in a 50:50 ratio) had a lower LC50 and LT50 (0.2754 mg/ml (275.4ppm) and 30 h). It was observed that dipping the insects in plant extracts caused more mortality when compared to feeding the insects with plant extracts. This result showed that plant extracts used for this study could be promising bioinsecticides especially when mixed in equal proportions and should be considered in integrated pest management (IPM) of houseflies

The New TLC Method for Separation and Determination of Multicomponent Mixtures of Plant Extracts.

The new mode of two-dimensional gradient thin layer chromatography (MGD-2D TLC) has been presented. Short distance development of sample in the first dimension leads to formation of the preconcentrated narrow zones. They are consecutively separated in the second dimension with the mobile phase gradient in several steps of development until the eluent reaches the further end of the chromatographic plate. The use of the above-mentioned technique allows isolating and then identifying the compounds of various polarity from the multicomponent mixture. The practical application of two-dimensional gradient thin layer chromatography has been performed for isolation of the two plant (Juniperus and Thymus) oils components as the examples of test mixtures. The experiments have been carried out with the use of silica gel plates as well as a normal phase condition. The results of solute separation with isocratic one-dimensional thin layer chromatography system have been compared with those of two-dimensional gradient system. It has been observed that application of the latter mode leads to almost triplicated number of zones in comparison with the former one. It is purposeful to apply the proposed mode to control the purity of the dominant component or components of the mixture.

Study of antiurolithiatic activity of a formulated herbal suspension.

Summary Urolithiasis is the process of formation of stone in the urinary tract by crystal nucleation, aggregation and retention in the urinary tract. Traditional medicinal plants have been successfully used to overcome urolithiasis. Hence, herbal formulation containing a mixture of plant extracts was prepared and evaluated for the antiurolithiatic activity. This formulation contained alcoholic extracts of fruit of Tribulus terrestris, root of Boerhavia diffusa and leaves of Azadirachta indica Studies were performed in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model using Cystone as a standard drug. Ethylene glycol increases the level of calcium, oxalate and phosphate which are responsible for urolithiasis. The herbal suspension decreased the level of calcium, oxalate and phosphate significantly at doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg when compared to the negative control group. Creatine, uric acid and urea were also decreased significantly at all dose levels. Histopathology has supported these results. The level of LD50 was found to be higher than 2000 mg/kg. Therefore, the prepared formulation has appreciable significant antiurolithiatic activity and is safe for use.

Bal Arısı Şurubuna Katılan Bitki Ekstraktı ve Yağlarından Oluşan Karışımının Koloni Gelişimi ve Bal Verimi Üzerine Etkileri

This study during the spring of 2014, effects of plant extract and oil mixture obtained from various plants added to the syrup given to the forces equalized bee on physiological characteristics of the colonies were examined. Bee colonies (10 colonies in each group) were randomly divided into two groups. When the first group feed syrup and plant extract oil mixture, at the same rate with feed syrup only test group to control group (1/1 sucrose-water) was applied. According to the research results, the plant extract-oil mixture was not effective on the number of frames and hive weight. The mixture although numerically increased the amount of brood rearing area, this effect was not statistically significant. However, provided statistically significant increase in honey production. We concluded that, while the plant extract-oil mixture tested is not effective in brood production, is effective on honey production.

Antitumor Effects and Acute Oral Toxicity Studies of a Plant Extract Mixture Containing &lt;i&gt;Rhus verniciflua&lt;/i&gt; and Some Other Herbs

A novel antitumor agent was developed from six kinds of herbs containing Rhus verniciflua (Rv-PEM01). The components were traditionally established for each formula for traditional medicine. The formula was designed to affect antitumor effect as well as maintain host immune functions. First, we investigated the antiproliferative activities of Rv-PEM01 on human and canine tumor cell lines in vitro, and on antitumor effects using BALB/cAJcl-nu/nu mice in vivo. Acute oral toxicity of Rv-PEM01 was also investigated in vivo in ddY mice. Rv-PEM01 exhibited antiproliferative activities against PC-3 (IC50: 0.328 ± 0.081 mg/ml), A549 (IC50: 0.520 ± 0.070 mg/ml), D-17 (IC50: 0.124 ± 0.037 mg/ml) and MRC-5 (IC50: 0.505 ± 0.058 mg/ml) cells. Luteolin 7-β-D-glucopyranoside and apigenin 7-β-D-glucopyranoside were identified as the main active compounds in Rv-PEM01 by HPLC analysis. The single dose toxicity study of Rv-PEM01 did not result in any deaths or abnor-malities in daily behavior, body weight gain, or anatomical observations at necropsy. Thus, so we could not calculate the 50% lethal dose (LD50) in mice, but it would be higher than 5.0 g/kg. Treat- ment with Rv-PEM01 at a dose of 2.5 g/kg tended to show antitumor activities on mice bearing Colon26 tumors compared with the control group. It was concluded that the formula was a safe antitumor agent with no side effects on mouse physiological function as judged by survival and organ weight.

Providing mesotherapy to prevent and treat hair loss in aesthetic practice

Although the hair growth cycle causes individuals to lose some hair every day, some people may experience excessive hair loss. In the author's experience, of the many treatments available for this indication, mesotherapy is highly effective for both the prevention and treatment of hair loss. Mesotherapy specifically targets the site of pathology and delivers therapies directly to it. The substances injected into the scalp include mixtures of natural plant extracts, homoeopathic agents, vitamins, vasodilators and medications which stimulate hair growth. As the mesotherapy cocktail reaches the target directly, avoiding metabolism by the digestive system, doses can be minimal. In this article, the author, who has been treating various hair conditions for 10 years, provides background information on hair anatomy, the hair growth cycle, hair loss, products commonly used and techniques of administration. She will also reflect on her personal experience with clients using a random sample of 50 clients. Descriptive study results are presented in this article, and the data presented can be interpreted as inferring that the treatment is associated with a high level of client satisfaction and is well tolerated.

English

Plant extracts are an important part in agroecology, as they benefit environment in combating pathogenic organisms, without resorting to synthetic chemicals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of mixtures of ethanol extracts from semi-desert plants [creosote bush ( Larrea tridentata ), tarbush ( Flourensia cernua ) and paddle cactus ( Opuntia ficus-indica )] against Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus . The maximum antimicrobial activity was achieved with the creosote bush–tarbush-paddle cactus mix (1:1:1) v/v, followed by paddle cactus-tarbush (1:1) v/v. E. coli was the bacterial strain that showed the highest growth inhibition as consequence of the concentration of plant extracts (4000 and 5000 ppm of tarbush). While with the creosote bush plant extracts, the highest inhibition halos were observed. Synergistic effects were observed when mixtures of ethanolic plant extract against food-borne pathogen bacteria were used, so this may be a better way to design alternative pathogen control methodologies for food-borne pathogen bacteria. Keywords: Larrea tridentate, Flourensia cernua, Opuntia ficus-indica , ethanolic plant extract mixtures, foodborne pathogen African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol. 13(5), pp. 699-704, 29 January, 2014