mL Of DMSO Research Articles

Evaluating the antibacterial efficacy of bee venom against multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Enterococcus faecalis

Bee venom (BV) represents a promising natural alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly significant given its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and potential to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms (AMR) is a global burden that affects human health and the economies of different countries. As a result, several scientific communities around the world are searching for safe alternatives to antibiotics. In this context, the present study represents a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the antibacterial effect of bee venom (BV) against Escherichia coli ATCC8739, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC14028, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC25923. One mg of BV was extracted using 1 mL of DMSO to obtain a 1000 µg/mL solution. The chemical profile of the BV extract was determined using GC-MS, which revealed the presence of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial properties, such as astaxanthin, hycanthone, and fucoxanthin. The BV extract was tested against bacterial strains using different concentrations to obtain the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The results obtained revealed a high antibacterial activity of BV against the three strains with the highest MIC/MBC values of 12.5/25 µgml− 1 against S. typhimurium. The antibacterial activity of the BV extract was compared to five conventional antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. The results showed a high antibacterial activity of the BV extract compared to different antibiotics with the largest inhibition zone obtained against E. faecalis at a value of 15 ± 0.22 mm compared to 9 ± 0.13 for azithromycin. The mode of action of BV, examined using scanning electron microscopy, proved a high effect of BV on the permeability of the bacterial plasma membrane. This study demonstrates bee venom’s promising potential as a natural and eco-friendly antimicrobial agent, with activity against multiple bacterial strains, suggesting it may serve as an alternative to conventional antibiotics. The findings highlight the potential applications of BV in medical, agricultural, and veterinary fields, offering a sustainable solution to combat antimicrobial resistance. However, further studies are needed to fully assess its broad-spectrum antibacterial potential.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Anti-Aging Properties of Temulawak Extract (Curcuma xanthorrhiza L.) by In Vitro Assay

Highlights:1. Elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase can all be inhibited by temulawak extract.2. Temulawak extract has strong anti-aging ability and can be used as a candidate for cosmetic applications. AbstractThe process of aging is the gradual loss of a tissue's capacity to heal and maintain normal or physiological form and function. Elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase are the enzymes that contribute to skin aging. The anti-aging effect is connected to the inhibition of these enzymes' activity. Many medicinal plants with active metabolite have been utilized extensively to treat aging. Active compounds of temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza L.) such as phenolic, curcuminoid and xanthorrhizol have potential as antiaging. This study aims to determine whether temulawak extract (TE), a potential candidate for cosmeceutical agent, has anti-aging characteristics by inhibiting the elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase enzymes. TE was processedxby PT FAST. Stock solution of TE was made by dissolving 20 mg of extract with 1 ml of DMSO 100%, the stock solution was then diluted to achieve the concentrations level 31.25 - 1000 μg/ml working solution of TE. The antiaging activity assays were carried out at PT Aretha Medika Utama. In vitro antiaging assay of TE includes elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase enzyme inhibition at 7 level of various concentrations of 2.08-66.67 μg/ml for anti-elastase assay, 5.21-166.67 μg/ml for anti-hyaluronidase assay, and 3.125-100 μg/ml for anti-tyrosinase assay with three replications. SPSS software was used to conduct the statistical analysis (p<0,05 is considered significant). TE exhibited highest inhibition percentage of 82.72%, 89.41%, and 94.17% for anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase, respectively. The median inhibitory concentration (IC50) for elastase inhibitory activity was 10.66 μg/ml, hyaluronidase 70.39 μg/ml, and tyrosinase 55.87 μg/ml. According to this study, TE can be used as cosmeceu

Dimethyl sulfoxide as a function additive on halogen-free electrolyte for magnesium battery application.

Practical Mg batteries still face significant challenges in their development, like the lack of simple compatible electrolytes, self-discharge, the rapid passivation of the Mg anode, and the slow conversion reaction pathway. Here, we propose a simple halogen-free electrolyte (HFE) based on magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2), magnesium triflate Mg(CF3SO3)2, and succinonitrile (SN) dissolved in acetonitrile (ACN)/tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (G4) cosolvents, with dimethyl sulfoxide as a functional additive. The addition of DMSO to the HFE changes the interfacial structure at the magnesium anode surface and facilitates the transport of magnesium ions. The as-prepared electrolyte shows high conductivity (σ b = 4.48 × 10-5, 6.52 × 10-5 and 9.41 × 10-5 S cm-1 at 303, 323, and 343 K, respectively) and a high ionic transference number (tmg +2 = 0.91/0.94 at room temperature/55 °C) for the matrix containing 0.75 ml of DMSO. Also, the cell with 0.75 ml of DMSO shows high oxidation stability, a very low overpotential, and steady Mg stripping/plating up to 100 h. Postmortem analysis of pristine Mg and Mg anodes extracted from disassembled Mg/HFE/Mg and Mg/HFE_0.75 ml DMSO/Mg cells after stripping/plating reveals the role of DMSO in improving Mg-ion passage through HFE by evolving the anode/electrolyte interface at the Mg surface. Further optimization of this electrolyte is expected to achieve excellent performance and good cycle stability when applied to the magnesium battery in future work.

Response of Different Physiochemical Parameters of Wheat Genotypes (Triticum aestivum L. & Triticum durum L.) in Nutrient Stress Condition

Nitrogen management strategies during plant growth period are based on chlorophyll content of plant photosynthesis efficiency. This study is aimed to determine the impact of different nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer rates on the dynamics of chlorophyll content in winter wheat varieties during vegetative and flowering stage to determine the relationship between nitrogen and phosphorus on chlorophyll content in different winter wheat varieties. Field trial involving nine winter wheat (TriticumaestivumL.) varieties. The treatments were T1=Control, T2=100% (N+P+K) T3= 50% N+ 100% (P+K), T4 =50%P+100%N+K.The results of the trial shown that the maximum chlorophyll content in different wheat varieties was observed at the end of flowering stage. The chlorophyll content depended on the level of mineral fertilization. The highest chlorophyll content in leaves, stem and ears was obtained by using normal recommended doses. By using chlorophyll meter Yara N-tester recorded the highest chlorophyll content in all analyzed plant parts in one year trial. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization significantly affected chlorophyll content, SPAD value and photosynthesis rates in leaves. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization had an important effect on chlorophyll content, SPAD and leaf photosynthesis rates.
 Aims: The genotypes with high photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content characteristics identified in this study could be applied to conventional breeding efforts to more effectively exploit the constrained ecosystem whichminimize environmental impacts.
 Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was carried out during 2019-20 at subtropical region of India.
 Methodology: In this experimentPhotosynthetic rate was measured by Photosynthesis system (LICOR 6400) at 55 and 85 DAS. The measurement was taken in the morning hours (8 to 11 AM) in the leaf of wheat crop. The results were expressed inμmol m−2 s−1.SPAD meter reading was measured at 90 DAS. SPAD reading was taken in the morning and evening hours on the leaf of wheat varieties in each plot.A method described by Richardson et al. [1] was used for measuring leaf chlorophyll content at 65 and 85 DAS. Leaf samples were collected and washed with distilled water to eliminate dust. The leaf samples (0.25 g) were pulverised and centrifuged with 3 ML of DMSO. The absorbance of the supernatant was measured at 645 and 663 nm by the help of spectrophotometer to compute the total chlorophyll content.
 Results: Among the nine wheat varietiesAt 55 DAS, G 366 had highest photosynthetic rate (33.50μmol m−2 s−1) followed by NARMADA14 (33.45 μmol m−2 s−1) and at 85 DAS, HI1531had highest Ps rate (32.60 μmol m−2 s−1). Under normal dose of N, SPAD readings were higher in variety NARMADA14 (48.40), followed by HI8713 (47.70).
 Conclusion: Among all the wheat varieties tested, the variety HI 8713 had considerably higher dry weight, leaf area, biomass, grain yield, chlorophyll content, SPAD value and the maximum chlorophyll content was found in optimum dose on N and P plot.HI8737 shows optimum chlorophyll content in nutrient deficient condition.

An efficient cheap source of activated carbon as solid phases for extraction and removal of Congo Red from aqueous solutions

The present study reported the preparation of solid phases from various available and cheap natural sources represented by activated carbon to remove the polluting dye Congo Red (CR). Activated carbon derived from the leaves of the Consocarpus plant (C/AC) and Ziziphus Spina-Christi plant (Z/AC) and Myrtus plant (M/AC) by chemical activation. The solid phases were diagnosed and examined using FTIR, FESE, and XRD. The results of the study indicated that the best amount for the solid phase was 0.25 g for the three solid phases used against dye, the optimal concentration of the CR was 100 mg L-1, and the optimum acidity function was equal to 5 with a volume of 25 mL, as the optimization experiments indicated that the best flow rate of the eluting solution was equal to 0.5 ml min-1. The elution processes were carried out using several solvents different in polarity and it was found that 8 mL of DMSO achieved the best percentage of recovery (%R). Also, the adsorption capacity based on the optimal conditions that were obtained by applying Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, and qmax, according to the Langmuir model, was (21.74, 23.53, 22.17) mg g-1 for (Z/AC), (C/AC), and (M/AC) adsorbents, respectively.

Effect of Annonaceous Sp. Ethanolic Extract on Transforming Growth Factor- Β (TGF- Β) Expression on MCF-7 Cells Line

Aims: To analyze effect of the Annonaceous sp. ethanolic extract to Transforming Growth Factor- β (TGF- β) expressions on MCF-7 cells line.
 Methods: This experimental analytic study used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three repetitions. The extract was dissolved in 1 ml of DMSO with a concentration of 0.1%. Furthermore, dilution was made with a dose of 0 µg / ml (K); 25 µg / ml (P1); 50 µg / ml (P2); 100 µg / ml (P3); 200 µg / ml (P4). MCF-7 cells line were cultured using RPMI 1640 Medium with 80 – 90% confluent. The ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. was exposed to MCF-7 cells for 48 hours. Analyze Transforming Growth Factor- β (TGF- β) level using ELISA Methods with λ=405 nm.
 Results: The results of the ELISA analysis show that the ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. has a potential effect of decreasing TGF- β expression on the sample with treatment on some concentration (p< 0,05).
 Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. has shown the potential effect to decreased of TGF- β level on MCF-7 cells line
 Keywords: Annonaceous sp ethanolic extract, TGF- β, MCF-7 cells line, anti-cancer

The Ethanolic Extract of Annonaceous sp. to Inhibit Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as Anticancer Modalities

Introduction: Cancer has become a major public health problem worldwide, with breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and one of the most important causes of death among them. Management of breast cancer have some adverse effects, with many factorx=s shiouln be considered to ordered the therapy. Use of chemotherapy will suppress cell proliferation and trigger apoptosis, but it cannot just focus on cancer cells only, but also would affected on other cells and cause.
 Objective: This study aim to analyze the inhibition effect of the Annonanceous sp. ethanolic extract to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) on MCF-7 cells line
 Material and Methods: This study is an analytic experimental study used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three repetitions. The extract was dissolved in 1 ml of DMSO with a concentration of 0.1%. Furthermore, dilution was made with a dose of 0 µg / ml (K); 25 µg / ml (P1); 50 µg / ml (P2); 100 µg / ml (P3); 200 µg / ml (P4). MCF-7 cells line were cultured used RPMI 1640 Medium with 80 – 90% confluent. The ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. were exposed to MCF-7 cells for 48 hours. Analyze of VEGF level use ELISA Methods with λ=405 nm.
 Results: The results of ELISA analyze shows that the ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. have potential effect to decreased of VEGF expression on sample with treatment on some concentration (p< 0,05).
 Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. has shows the potential effect to decreased of VEGF level on MCF-7 cells line

The Ethanolic Extract of Annonaceous sp. to Inhibit Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as Anticancer Modalities

Introduction: Cancer has become a major public health problem worldwide, with breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and one of the most important causes of death among them. Management of breast cancer have some adverse effects, with many factorx=s shiouln be considered to ordered the therapy. Use of chemotherapy will suppress cell proliferation and trigger apoptosis, but it cannot just focus on cancer cells only, but also would affected on other cells and cause.
 Objective: This study aim to analyze the inhibition effect of the Annonanceous sp. ethanolic extract to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) on MCF-7 cells line
 Material and Methods: This study is an analytic experimental study used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three repetitions. The extract was dissolved in 1 ml of DMSO with a concentration of 0.1%. Furthermore, dilution was made with a dose of 0 µg / ml (K); 25 µg / ml (P1); 50 µg / ml (P2); 100 µg / ml (P3); 200 µg / ml (P4). MCF-7 cells line were cultured used RPMI 1640 Medium with 80 – 90% confluent. The ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. were exposed to MCF-7 cells for 48 hours. Analyze of VEGF level use ELISA Methods with λ=405 nm.
 Results: The results of ELISA analyze shows that the ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. have potential effect to decreased of VEGF expression on sample with treatment on some concentration (p< 0,05).
 Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Annonaceous sp. has shows the potential effect to decreased of VEGF level on MCF-7 cells line

Formation of biocomplexes based on the bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens and substances of a stimulating nature to limit the development of harmful organisms in potatoes

Goal. Selection of combinations of biocomplexes based on Pseudomonas fluorenscens bacteria with stimulant preparations based on various derivatives of ammonium salts of dihydropyrimidine and study of their effectiveness.
 Methods. Biotechnological methods for the study of bacteria Pseudomonas fluorenscens strain AR-33. The concentration of viable bacteria (CFU/cm3) was determined by the Koch method. Accounts were performed according to generally accepted methods using experimental methods in phytopathology and plant protection. Determined the effectiveness of drugs at different rates of consumption against fungal diseases.
 Results. Derivatives of ammonium salts of dihydropyrimidine did not show a toxic effect on reducing the concentration of viable cells of strain AR-33 bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens. The best indicators of the weight of 100 seeds and the number of beans in soybean plants showed a combination: Planriz, v.s. (bacteria of strain AR-33 Pseudomonas fluorescens, 3 ќ 10 9 CFU/cm3) (5 l/ha) + 0.1% solution of ximedon + 0.2% solution of succinic acid + 2 ml of DMAE + 2 ml of DMSO. The use of all combinations of biocomplexes showed the effectiveness of drugs against diseases in the range of 59.31—69.63%. With the use of biocomplexes, due to the fungicidal, immunoprotective and stimulating effect, a yield increase of 1.15—1.7 times relative to the control was recorded. The best yield on potatoes (3.4 t/ ha) was provided by the combination Planriz, v.s. (5 l/ha) + 0.1% solution of ximedon + 0.2% solution of succinic acid + 2 ml of DMAE + 2 ml of DMSO. The effectiveness of the drug against late blight was 79.1%.
 Conclusions. The use of stimulants and excipients DMAE and DMSO as substances that affect various transmembrane functions, provided an increase in the effectiveness of drugs by 8—14% relative to combinations without their use.

Uji Toksisitas Ekstrak Etanol Batang Petai Cina (Leucaena leucochepala) Terhadap Cacing Gelang Ayam (Ascaridia galli)

Leucaena stem ( Leucaena leucochapala ) was a plant that has been widely known and used as a medicinal treatment. This plant contains tanins, saponins and flavonoids. Was to know the toxicity for ethanol extract of (Leucaena leucochepala) towards (Ascaridia galli) with in vitro method. In this study there were 10 serial dilutions of the dose, the highest dose was 5000 µg/ml of ethanol extract of Leucaena leucochepala plus 0,3 ml of DMSO and dilution with NaCl 0,9. Used 150 tail worm’s added 15 tails to control. The result is observed by 24 hours. Data have been obtained by calculating amount of died worm’s 24 hours after treatment. Through the data, LC50 value was analyzed by probit analysis. This experimental’s result was a significant correlation betweenconcentrations of petai cina extract and worm’s death. The results of the probit analysis showed LC50 price of ethanol extract of Leucaena leucochepala was 5751,451 µg/ml. It means that the petai cina stem has toxic potential because it LC50 is < 1000 µg/ml. Extract of ethanol stems petai cina producted showed that the test toxicity acutely one plants with the in vitro declared toxic. And the price LC50 that established is 5751,451 µg/ml declared toxic.

Preparation of DESIGNER extracts of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) by centrifugal partition chromatography

Starting with an isoflavone-rich red clover extract (RCE), this study expands on the DESIGNER approach to Deplete and Enrich Select Ingredients to Generate Normalized Extract Resources using countercurrent separation (CCS) methodology. A hydrostatic CCS (also known as centrifugal partition chromatography, CPC) technique was used to enrich and deplete selected bioactive isoflavones of RCE extracts.In order to efficiently prepare large enough DESIGNER extracts from RCE for biological testing including in vivo assays, it was necessary to choose a balance between resolution and a loading capacity of at least 1 g per separation for the selected solvent system (SS). Adding 3 mL of DMSO to the sample containing equal amounts of upper and lower phases of hexanes-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (HEMWat 5.5/4.5/5/5, v/v) allowed 1 g of RCE to be dissolved in the sample without disrupting the chromatographic resolution of the target isoflavones. CPC experiments using other solubility modifiers, acetone and acetonitrile indicated that these modifiers increase solubility significantly, even better than DMSO, but the separation of target compounds was sufficiently disturbed to be unacceptable for producing the desired DESIGNER extracts.The preparation of DESIGNER extracts was achieved with two sequential CPC separations. The first produced a biochanin A enriched fraction (93.60% w/w) with only small amounts of other isoflavones: 2.30% w/w prunetin, 1.17% w/w formononetin, and 0.12% w/w irilone. Gravimetric investigations of this step demonstrated the high efficiency of CCS technology for full and unbiased sample recovery, confirmed experimentally to be 99.80%. A formononetin enriched fraction from this first separation was re-chromatographed on a more polar HEMWat (4/6/4/6, v/v) SS to produce a formononetin enriched DESIGNER fraction of 94.70% w/w purity. The presence of the minor (iso)flavonoids: 3.16% w/w pseudobaptigenin, 0.39% w/w kaempferol, and 0.31% w/w genistein was also monitored in these fractions. Chromatographic fractions, combined fractions, and DESIGNER extracts were analyzed with quantitative 1H NMR (qHNMR) spectroscopy which provided purity information, quantitation, and structural identification of the components.

Role of Orexin 1 Receptor Blocker SB-334867 On Changes Of Triglyceride And Cholesterol Metabolisminduced By Paradoxical Sleep Deprivation In Adult Male Rats

Background: Sleep deprivation (SD) is a growing hazard through its effects on metabolism. Orexin is involved in the regulation of both sleep and metabolism. Work on orexin receptors may explain the mechanisms of some hazardous effects of SD. Aim: To test the role of the orexin-1 receptor (OX1R)blocker, SB-334867 in changes of triglycerides and cholesterol metabolisminduced by SD. Method: 72 adult albino rats arranged in 4 equal groups: control, SD, SD-OX1R blocked &SD-DMSO groups. The 3 SD groups are subjected to 8 days of paradoxical SD using the modified multiple platform method. The OX1R blocked group was injected intraperitoneallydaily with a single dose (3 mg/kg/day) of SB-334867 dissolved in 2 ml DMSO and diluted 1:1000. The SD-DMSO group was injected by 2 ml of DMSO diluted 1:1000. Triglycerides and cholesterol levels were measured. Results: Blood triglyceride levels dropped in all groups subjected to SD after the 1stday while the blood cholesterol level dropped in all groups subjected to SD at the 7th or 8th day. In SD-OX1R blocked group showed less drop in blood triglycerides than the other SD groups but the statistically non-significant change in cholesterol level. Conclusion: SD leads to earlier and more drop-in blood triglyceridesthan the drop in cholesterol levels. This can be explained by high metabolism during SD with dependence on triglyceride more than cholesterol. OX1R blocker partially reduces the drop of triglyceride, not cholesterol level indicating that orexin may be involved in the control of triglyceride metabolism but not cholesterol.

NIFEDIPINEON;

Background: The most potent and effective drugs used for the management of blood pressure in hypertensive patients are Calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Nifedipine, a CCB, acts by blocking entry of calcium ions all the way through the voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) of L-type present in the smooth muscle cells of blood vesselsand reducing the blood pressure by decreasing the peripheral vascular resistance. Objectives: The study objective was to determine the effect of nifedipine on serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and serum testosterone in male Sprague Dawley rats. Study Design: Animal experimental study. Setting: All experiments were conducted at the Research laboratory of Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad along with National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad. Period: October, 2012 to April, 2014. Methods: The study was done on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (N= 60) aged 90-120 days old and their body weights varied between 200 + 50 grams. Rats were divided intotwo groups (n=30). Group A was administered0.5 ml distilled water/rat daily orally, group B was administered orally with nifedipine 50 mg/kg/rat dissolved in 1ml of DMSO. All the doses were given to rats for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, serum luteinizing hormone and serum testosterone were measured in both groups. Results: In Nifedipine treated group, serum testosterone was significantly decreasedand serum LH was unaffected as compared to the control group. Conclusion: Nifedipine has adverse effects on male fertility as it decreases serum testosterone level.

Antifungal properties of methanolic extracts of some medical plants in Enugu, south east Nigeria

Objective : The current study evaluated the anti-fungal activities of methanolic extracts of the leaves and fruits of some medicinal plants of health value in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. Materials and methods : Volumes of the different extracts into molten Sabouraud Dextrose Agar to make up for concentrations of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. Concentrations of 125 ag/ml, 250 ag/ml and 500 ag/ml of Miconazole were incorporated to serve as a positive control while 0.5 ml of DMSO served as a negative control. The plants extracts employed were from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Anacardium occidentale (Cashew), Euphorbia hirta (Asthma weed),Jatropha curcas (Physic nut), Acantus montanus (Mountain thistle) and Picralima nitida (osuigwe in Igbo) . A 2 mm agar disc cut out from the margin of actively growing cultures of each dermatophyte (Trichophyton soudanense, T.mentagrophytes, Cladosporium sp, T.rubrum and Fusarium sp ) were inoculated on the agar plates containing varying concentrations of the different plant extracts, the standard antifungal agent and negative control in triplicates and incubated at 28 oC. Results : All the extracts exhibited antifungal activities of varying degrees with radial growth inhibitions (RGIs) ranging from 0-0.45 mm radius. Fifty percent (50 %) of the plants extracts comprising of Picralima nitida , Euphorbia hirta and Acantus montanus exhibited complete inhibition at 100 mg/ml against all the clinical isolates under investigation (p < 0.05). Picralima nitida seed was the only plant extract with complete inhibition at 25 mg/ml against T.soudanense and T.rubrum. Picralima nitida was the closest in activity to miconazole. Azadirachta indica (Neem) did not exhibit complete inhibition against any of the clinical isolates at 100 mg/ml yet exhibited a significantly lower RGI at the lowest concentration of 25 mg/ml better than others. Conclusion : Antifungal activities showed that leaves extract of fruits plants against the clinical isolates are good source of medicinal applications Key words : Antifungal agents, medical plants, Enugu, Nigeria.

Antifungal properties of methanolic extracts of some medical plants in Enugu, south east Nigeria

Objective: The current study evaluated the anti-fungal activities of methanolic extracts of the leaves and fruits of some medicinal plants of health value in Enugu, southeast Nigeria.Materials and methods: Volumes of the different extracts into molten Sabouraud Dextrose Agar to make up for concentrations of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. Concentrations of 125 μg/ml, 250 μg/ml and 500 μg/ml of Miconazole were incorporated to serve as a positive control while 0.5 ml of DMSO served as a negative control. The plants extracts employed were from Azadirachta indica (Neem), Anacardium occidentale (Cashew), Euphorbia hirta (Asthma weed), Jatropha curcas (Physic nut), Acantus montanus (Mountain thistle) and Picralima nitida (òsúigwe in Igbo). A 2 mm agar disc cut out from the margin of actively growing cultures of each dermatophyte (Trichophyton soudanense, T. mentagrophytes, Cladosporium sp, T. rubrum and Fusarium sp) were inoculated on the agar plates containing varying concentrations of the different plant extracts, the standard antifungal agent and negative control in triplicates and incubated at 28 ºC.Results: All the extracts exhibited antifungal activities of varying degrees with radial growth inhibitions (RGIs) ranging from 0-0.45 mm radius. Fifty percent (50 %) of the plants extracts comprising of Picralima nitida, Euphorbia hirta and Acantus montanus exhibited complete inhibition at 100 mg/ml against all the clinical isolates under investigation (p &lt; 0.05). Picralima nitida seed was the only plant extract with complete inhibition at 25 mg/ml against T. soudanense and T. rubrum. Picralima nitida was the closest in activity to miconazole. Azadirachta indica (Neem) did not exhibit complete inhibition against any of the clinical isolates at 100 mg/ml yet exhibited a significantly lower RGI at the lowest concentration of 25 mg/ml better than others.Conclusion: Antifungal activities showed that leaves extract of fruits plants against the clinical isolates are good source of medicinal applicationsKeywords: Antifungal agents, medical plants, Enugu, Nigeria

In Vivo Assessment of Anti-Tumor Activity of Methyl 2'-Methyl-1,3-dioxo-1,1',2',3,5',6',7',7a'-octahydrospiro[indene-2,3'-pyrrolizidine]-2' carboxylate (6) on 7,12 dimethylbenz(a) Anthracene-Induced Mammary Tumors in Rat

Objective- Breast cancer is one of the most serious problems in oncology. Alkaloids pyrrolizidine are widely found in nature and exhibited versatile biological activities. The aim of the present study was to assess anti-tumor activity of methyl 1,3-dioxo-1,1',2',3,5',6',7',7a'-octahydrospiro[indene-2,3'-pyrrolizidine]-2'-carboxylate (6) on 7,12 dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in rat. Design- Experimental study. Animals- Twenty-one female Wistar ats Procedures- 7-Week-old female Wistar rats (180 g body weight) were randomized into three groups of seven animals each. DMBA-induced mammary tumors was achived using DMBA dissolved in 1ml of vehicle (0.5 ml of DMSO plus 0.5 ml of saline) and injected by subcutaneous injection beneath the mammary gland on either side. Tumor yield and size were stabilized after 90 days with the initiation of DMBA. Healthy intact animals (NC) were considered as a normal control feeding on pellets and tap water. In group DMBA, the tumor was induced by DMBA. In group DMBA/7d the animals with tumor received 100 µL 6 dissolved in DMSO (0.25 µM) solution intraperitoneally for one week. Synthesis of 6 was accomplished and the structure of new product was assigned by their 1H/13C NMR, IR, CH-COSY and mass spectral data as well as the elemental analysis. Results- The overall tumor analysis showed that 6 treatment significantly inhibited the breast tumor incidence, tumor multiplicity, and tumor size in the DMBA-initiated rat model. 6 treatment significantly inhibited the total volume of tumors per rat. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance-The findings of the present study showed that the 6 treatment was significantly effective in reduction of tumors versus the cancer controls.

BIOACTIVITY STUDY OF MOSS DUMORTIERA HIRSUTA (SWAEGR.) NEES ETHANOLIC EXTRACT ON PARASITEMIC LEVEL OF PLASMODIUM BERGHEI VINCKE AND LIPS, 1948 IN MICE (MUS MUSCULUS L.)

Objective: Malaria is a major infectious disease in the world including Indonesia. The main problem in controlling malaria is its resistance by standard treatment. Dumortiera hirsuta has not been widely used by the public as an alternative medicine. Liverworts contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids one of which may reduce the level of Plasmodium in the blood.Methods: Moss was collected from Telaga Putri waterfall, Yogyakarta. Samples were extracted by using 96% ethanol. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used for detecting bioactive compounds. Peter's Suppressive Test method has been used for monitoring anti-plasmodial activities of moss extract in male SWISS Strain mice. The 107 P. berghei in 0.2 ml of DMSO were infected intraperitoneally for the treated mice (H0). There were 9 groups: 3 control groups, 1 placebo, and 5 treated groups on the 1st day (H1) until the 4th day (H4) D. hirsuta extract on 100; 200; 300; 400 and 500 mg/Kg BW doses were given orally.Results: The results of TLC showed that alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and saponins were detected in the extract of D. hirsuta. The most effective inhibition was showed at the dose 300 mg/Kg BW up to 96%, whether the control mice with chloroquine up to 77%.Conclusion: Ethanolic extract D. hirsutacould be potential source of an alternative antimalarial drug.

Application of 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol for flotation-spectrophotometric determination of iron

Optimum conditions for flotation-spectrophotometric determination of iron with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR) based on a 1:2 Fe II -PAR complex were found to be as follows: flotation solvent (chloroform), shaking time (2 min), pH (4.5±0.5), concentration of PAR (2.0×10 –4 mol L –1 ), reducing agent (hydroxylamine hydrochloride), solvent for the floated compound (dimethylsulphoxide, DMSO), wavelength for spectrophotometric measurements (718 nm), and volumes of the organic solvents (5 mL of chloroform and 3 mL of DMSO). Calibration graphs were compared for different volumes of the aqueous phase – 10 mL and 40 mL; the corresponding linear ranges were 0.30–1.3 mg mL – 1 and 0.25–1.0 mg mL – 1 . The iron content was successfully determined in soil samples, reference standard materials (PS-1, COOMET No. 0001-1999 BG, SОD No. 310а-98; PS-2, COOMET No. 0002-1999 BG, SOD No. 311а-98; and PS-3, COOMET No. 0003-1999 BG, SOD No. 312а-98) and zinc sulfide concentrates. KEY WORDS : Iron(II), Fe-PAR complex, Flotation, Spectrophotometry, Soils, Zinc sulfide concentrates Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2016 , 30(3), 325-332. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v30i3.1

Role of PKCα-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway in endotoxic shock-induced acute lung injury in rabbits

Objective To evaluate the role of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) -nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) -heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway on endotoxic shock-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rabbits. Methods Thirty healthy male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 2 months, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg, were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=10 each) using a random number table: normal control group (group C) ; ALI group (group ALI) ; PKCα inhibitor chelerythrine group (group CHE) . In group CHE, chelerythrine 8 mg/kg (in 0.5 ml of DMSO) was injected intraperitoneally, and 30 min later, LPS 5 mg/kg (in 2 ml of normal saline) was injected via the auricular vein to induce ALI in ALI and CHE groups.The rabbits were then sacrificed at 6 h after injection of LPS or normal saline, and the lungs were removed for examination of the pathological changes which were scored and for determination of wet/dry lung weight ratio (W/D ratio) , and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA. Results Compared with group C, the pathological score and W/D ratio were significantly increased, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was up-regulated in ALI and CHE groups.The pathological score and W/D ratio were significantly higher, and the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein and mRNA was lower in group CHE than in group ALI. Conclusion The PKCα-Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway is one of the endogenous protective mechanisms underlying endotoxic shock-induced ALI in rabbits. Key words: Protein kinase Cα; NF-E2-related factor 2; Heme oxygenase-1; Shock, septic; Respiratory distress syndrome, adult

Laser‐Assisted Synthesis of Mn0.50Zn0.50Fe2O4 Nanomaterial: Characterization and In Vitro Inhibition Activity towards Bacillus subtilis Biofilm

There is growing interest in the development of novel nanomaterials with potential antimicrobial activity and lesser toxicity. In the current research work, Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via a novel coprecipitation cum laser ablation technique yielding fine spinal structured material. The synthesized nanomaterial was structurally characterized by X‐ray diffraction technique which confirmed the formation and the crystalline nature of Mn0.50Zn0.50Fe2O4 nanomaterial. The crystallite size determined by Debye‐Scherrer’s formula was found to be ~12 nm. The formation of nanoparticles was evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDXA) was performed for elemental analysis. The synthesized nanomaterial was interestingly found to be an effective antimicrobial agent and inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation. The 5 µg of Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanomaterial dissolved in 1 mL of DMSO showed excellent biofilm inhibitory activity 91.23% ± 1.87 against Bacillus subtilis.