Family Moraceae Research Articles

Physiochemical profiling of bioplasticizer derived from Ficus benghalensis leaves for eco-friendly applications

Ficus benghalensis is a tree belonging to the Moraceae family, reaching a height of 20–30 m and featuring branches that spread out widely, along with roots that grow in the air. F. benghalensis leaf cellulose (FBLC) is a type of biodegradable plasticizer with a restricted range of uses. Using pyrolysis and chemical reactions, this research aimed to produce a biodegradable plasticizer from natural sources. Once extracted, microscopic investigations evaluated the plasticizer’s suitability for use in lightweight packaging. The prominent Fourier transform infrared peaks ranging from 644 to 1124 cm−1 indicated the presence of C–Cl and C–F bonds. Additionally, the peak at 1524 cm−1 corresponds to the C–OH stretching in FBLC plasticizer, which is an organic molecule. The thin, downward UV peak indicated the presence of lignin or hemicelluloses. A strong transmission peak was observed at wavelengths of 240 and 366.34 nm. The FBLC plasticizers could be responsible for the size variations seen in the XRD view. The presence of a prominent thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) peak at an angle of 2θ = 28.35° indicated that the plasticizers had a significant enhancement on its crystalline properties. The material exhibits thermal stability up to a temperature of 271 °C. The FBLC plasticizer’s kurtosis (Rku) value ranged from 13.44 to 15.74, with a maximum value of 15.74 generating spikes on the produced surface and a minimum value of 13.44 skewing atomic force microscopy data. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the presence of micro-sized fillers, plasticizers particles, rough surfaces on the fillers, and well-matched rough surfaces. The EDX test confirmed that the FBLC was free from any elemental impurities and showed a high level of purity. The Rq or Rrms value of FBLC surface roughness, measured at 48.28 μm, represented the square root of amplitudes relative to the midline. A significant reduction at 71.76 °C demonstrated the main thermal transition of the biopolymer, also known as the glass transition temperature of FBLC. In summary, the research findings suggested that bioplasticizers are a viable substitute for synthetic chemicals commonly used in the lightweight packaging industry.

Phytochemical and Biological Investigations of Different Partitioned Extracts of Ficus heteropleura Blume (Family: Moraceae) Leaves

Ficus heteropleura Blume is a plant of the Moraceae family with high medicinal value. Therefore, the plant leaves' fractional extracts have been subjected to preliminary screenings for phytoconstituents and pharmacological studies. The phytochemical analysis was done after fractionating the ethanolic extract with n-hexane, chloroform, and hydro-alcohol. Then, the TLC method, DPPH radical scavenging, disc diffusion, membrane stabilization activity, heat-induced hemolysis, human blood clot lysis, and starch-iodine method were performed. The chemical investigation resulted in the identification of glycosides, amides, reducing sugars, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, gums, and steroids from the different extracts of the leaves of Ficus heteropleura Blume. In the antioxidant assay, hydro-alcoholic, chloroform, and n-hexane extracts at the dose of 100μg/ml produced significant inhibition of 76.11% (IC50 = 46.47 µg/ml), 72.83% (IC50 = 54.72 µg/ml), and 61.83% (IC50 = 77.95 µg/ml), respectively, as compared to the reference standard drug, ascorbic acid, 85.01% (IC50 = 32.22 µg/ml). However, only moderate anti-inflammatory activity was found in hydro-alcoholic extract (IC50 = 4.24 µg/ml). The extract also showed moderate thrombolytic and membrane-stabilizing effects. Hydro-alcoholic extract had antifungal activity against only Candida albicans (11 mm). However, chloroform plant extract exhibited significant antifungal activity against all included fungi. In the anti-diabetic study, significant inhibition of amylase activity was found by the hydro-alcoholic (73.33%) and chloroform (83.3%) extracts, respectively, whereas the n-hexane was found to have moderate activity (35.44%) compared to acarbose. Therefore, before isolation, characterization, and determination of the mechanism of action of the screened pharmacological activities, further investigation is needed.

First detection of alfalfa mosaic virus in Ficus benjamina in Chile.

Ficus benjamina, commonly known as ficus or weeping fig, is an ornamental tree from Southeast Asia in the Moraceae family. It is an evergreen species grown as an interior plant worldwide, prized for its glossy green leaves, gray stem, and multiple branches. F. benjamina can be pruned and kept as a small shrub when grown indoors, with most commercially available cultivars in the ornamental industry derived from sports and propagated cuttings (Chen et al., 2010). In October 2022, symptoms indicative of alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) infection, such as intense bright yellow spots, mottling and chlorosis were observed in leaves of F. benjamina growing in office environments in Santiago, Chile (supplementary Fig.1). Seven symptomatic and three asymptomatic plants were sampled and traced back to the same plant nursery, and only leaf tissue samples from the symptomatic plants tested positive for the presence of the AMV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Agdia Inc., Elkhart, IN). These results were verified using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with specific primers AMV-F and AMV-R, targeting a region of the AMV CP gene (Xu and Nie, 2006). AMV was detected in all symptomatic leaf samples, producing 351-bp amplicons in the RT-PCR assay for all samples that were positive to AMV by ELISA. No amplification product was observed when seronegative samples or non-template control was used as templates in the RT-PCR assays. Three RT-PCR amplicons were directly sequenced in both directions. BLAST analysis of these sequences showed 100% nucleotide sequence identity to an AMV isolate previously reported (GenBank Accession No. KX458469), confirming the detection of AMV in F. benjamina. This pathogen causes disease in several species, including ornamentals plant such as Viburnum tinus L. (Peña et al., 2011), peony (Belardi and Rubies, 2003), phlox (Holcomb et al., 2006), and weeds such as Cayratia japonica (Thunb.) Gagnep, Justicia procumbens L. and Veronica persica Poir. (Gao et al., 2020). F. benjamina is among the most popular ornamental indoor plants in Chile, so nurseries should ensure AMV-free plants to restrict disease incidence and prevent the spread of this virus. However, Chile lacks specific regulations for ornamental nurseries, making adherence to pest and disease recommendations voluntary, and only imported plant material requires a sanitary certificate.

Potential of Ficus religiosa Linn. Flavonoids in Management of Allergic Asthma

Humans have been using medicinal plants as a source of medicine for thousands of years. Truth be told, ancient man was completely reliant on plants for all of his medical needs, including recovery, prevention, and other types of medications, and has done so for millennia. Many plants and herbs hold their prestigious position in the field of medicine among which Ficus religiosa belonging to the family Moraceae is the vital one. Recent studies have reported that Ficus religiosa is used in the traditional medicine to relieve about 50 types of disorders including diabetes, diarrhoea, epilepsy inflammatory disorders, and gastric problems, sexual and infectious disorders. Antihistaminic principles are known to be useful in the treatment of asthma; hence, in the present work, the antihistaminic activity of an ethanol extract of Ficus religiosa was assessed using various methods. The results showed that the ethanol fractions inhibits clonidine-induced catalepsy as well as asthmatic inflammation. This suggests that the inhibition is through an antihistaminic action and that there is no role of dopamine. Hence, we concluded that the ethanol extract has significant antihistaminic activity. The flavonoid derivatives identified from ethanol fractions of leaves of Ficus religiosa may showed potential as a antihistaminic activity. So in future the plant Ficus religiosa isolated these flavonoids may lead significant role in the treatment of asthma.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal face scrub

Herbal face scrubs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to improve skin health and are available at a low cost. These scrubs contain natural ingredients such as rice powder and orange peel powder, ficus riligiosa etc. Which work to exfoliate, whiten, and prevent free radical damage. Vitamin E, rose Oil, and almonds are used to hydrate and exfoliate the skin. Neutralizers and herbal preservatives like neem, and rosemary are used in the variuos formulations. The preparation was evaluated for various parameters, such as colour, odour consistency, pH, spreadability, viscosity, and foamability. The results from the evaluation indicated that the scrub was satisfactory after application and was non-irritating to the skin. Ficus religiosa L., commonly known as Peepal tree known to be a native Indian is a medicinally important tree species belonging to the Moraceae family. It is a large evergreen tree found throughout the India. This tree is popular indigenous system of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy. Ficus religiosa is sacred tree, which is having great traditional uses as well as pharmacological activities. Almost all parts of the tree are useful in traditional system. The various parts like leaf, bark, fruit, and seeds are beneficial in treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, healing and curative, heart diseases, constipation, mumps and boils, gynaecological problems, fever and joint pains, respiratory problems, skin diseases orodental and ear problems. Ficus religiosa tree shows pharmacological activities analgesic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, wound healing, ant amnesic, anti-acetyl cholinesterase, proteolytic activity. The present review is hence an effort to give detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, photochemistry and medicinal applications.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile of Ficus Capensis Stem Collected from Agbani, Enugu, South East Nigeria

Ficus capensis commonly called bush fig tree belongs to the family Moraceae and have been used for different medicinal purposes. This study aimed at determining the Proximate, Phytochemical, Vitamin and Mineral Compositions of Ficus capensis stem. The analyses were done using standard biochemical methods. The results of Proximate composition showed that the stem contained moisture (21.94 ± 0.10 %), Crude Fat (2.45 ± 0.21 %), Crude protein (15.24 ± 0.05%), Crude Fiber (32.55 ± 0.06 %), Carbohydrate (18.79 ± 0.34 %) and Ash (9.04 ± 0.12 %). The Total energy value was 158 KCal/100g. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of Tannin (1.32 ± 0.01 mg/g), Alkaloid (0.55 ± 0.00 mg/g), Saponin (2.17 ± 0.00 mg/g), Glycoside (1.13 ± 0.00 mg/g), Terpenoids (0.10 ± 0.00 mg/g), Flavonoids (2.42 ± 0.02 mg/g), Steroids (0.54 ± 0.00 mg/) and Phenol (0.97 ± 0.00 mg/g). The result also revealed that the stem contained vitamins A (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/g), β-carotene (1.27 ± 0.02 mg/g), B1 (0.89 ± 0.02 mg/g), B2 (1.14 ± 0.01 mg/g), B3 (0.96 ± 0.01 mg/g), B6 (0.85 ± 0.01 mg/g) and B9 (1.28 ± 0.04 mg/g), C (0.81 ± 0.01 mg/g), D (0.26 ± 0.01 mg/g), E (0.85 ± 0.02 mg/g) and K (1.10 ± 0.02 mg/g). The Mineral composition include Calcium (34.01 mg/kg), Phosphorus (0.57 mg/kg), Chloride (2.56 mg/kg), Potassium (21.40 mg/kg), Sulphur (0.26 mg/kg), Iron (0.89 mg/kg), Manganese (0.07 mg/kg), Copper (0.28 mg/kg), Zinc (0.07 mg/kg), Cobalt (0.02 mg/kg) and Selenium (0.52 mg/kg). These results have shown that stem of Ficus capensis is a potential source of nutrients and bioactive compounds which are found useful in nutrition and therapy.

Synthesis and characterization of activated carbon-supported magnetic nanocomposite (MNPs-OLAC) obtained from okra leaves as a nanocarrier for targeted delivery of morin hydrate.

The method of encapsulating the drug molecule in a carrier, such as a magnetic nanoparticle, is a promising development that has the potential to deliver the medicine to the site where it is intended to be administered. Morin is a pentahydroxyflavone obtained from the leaves, stems, and fruits of various plantsmainly from the Moraceae family exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and free radical scavenging and helps treat diseases such as diabetes, myocardial infarction and cancer. In this study, we conducted the synthesis of a nanocomposite with magnetic properties by coating biocompatible activated carbon obtained from okra plant leaves with magnetic nanoparticles. Characterization of the synthesized activated carbon-coated magnetic nanocomposite was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. The cytotoxic effects of the drug-loaded magnetic nanocomposite were examined in HT-29 (Colorectal), MCF-7 (breast), U373 (brain), T98-G (Glioblastoma) cancer cell lines, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells healthy cell line. We studied the loading and release behavior of morin hydrate in the activated carbon-coated magnetic nanocomposite. Activated carbon-coated magnetic nanocomposite carriers can show promising results for the delivery of Morin hydrate drugs to the targeted site.

Comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of.

Ficus religiosa L. (F. religiosa) or sacred fig is a large perennial tree belonging to the family Moraceae or mulberry family. Though the tree has pan-tropical distribution but originally it is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina region. Popularly the tree is named "Pepal or bodhi tree". Traditionally, it is practiced for the treatment of asthma, nose bleeding, heart disorders, diabetes, wound healing, ear problems, constipation, hyperlipidemia, gonorrhea, ulcers and infectious disorders. Chemical analysis demonstrated the presence of numerous bioactives including tannins, phenols, saponins, sugars, alkaloids, methionine, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, proteins, separated amino acids, essential and volatile oils and steroids etc., which are probably responsible for its diverse pharmacological actions. The present work is an attempt to compile up-to-date comprehensive information on F. religiosa that covers its taxonomy, ethnomedicinal importance, phytochemistry, pharmacological attributes and clinical trials. Keeping in mind the various health attributes of F. religiosa, future research can be aimed at in-depth elucidation of the structure-function relationship and multifactorial signalings pathways.

Two new plant records, Alangium kurzii (Cornaceae) and Ficus racemosa (Moraceae), in Bhutan and corresponding distributions

Bhutan represents a biodiversity hotspot in the eastern Himalayan region, known for its unique environment and diverse plant species. This has made Bhutan a popular destination for plant enthusiasts from all over the world. Several new plant discoveries and records have been made in recent years, contributing valuable additions to scientific knowledge and the country’s botanical records. Here, we provide two new additional records of plants for the flora of Bhutan: Alangium kurzii Craib from the Cornaceae family and Ficus racemosa L. from the Moraceae family. With these additions, Bhutan now has three Alangium species and 25 Ficus species including the current records. We also present their uses and distributions in the country.

Phytochemical and Antioxidant Analysis of Artocarpus heterophyllus Peel Extracts

BACKGROUND: Plants have a diverse variety of bioactive compounds such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates and steroids among many others that can offer significant physiological actions in the human body. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemical, biological and active compounds found in plants that are of benefit to human health apart from those that act as macronutrients and micronutrients. A. heterophyllus (Jackfruit) belongs to the family Moraceae. Jackfruit tree is native to India and is popular in several tropical and sub-tropical Countries. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of the fruit peel of A. heterophyllus extracts using three different solvents. METHODS: Artocarpus heterophyllus fruits were collected from University of Ibadan botanical garden, identified at the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Oyo State. The peel was extracted and dried at 35 ℃. Qualitative method and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy were used to determine the phytochemical and bioactive compounds present in the plant, whereas¬¬¬¬¬¬ 2, 2, Diphenylpicryl-1-hydrazyl (DPPH) was used for the antioxidant analysis. RESULTS: Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, and Terpenoids were present based on the solvents while anthraquinnes were absent. Flavonoid and phenol were abundant in the three extracts while saponin was moderate. Eight chemical compounds were observed in the plant extracts. Major bioactive components with highest and lowest retention peak were (65.55 %) bis(2- ethyl hexyl) phthalate and (6.06 %) Cis- 13(2- ethylhexyl)phthalate respectively. Antioxidant activity increased with increase in concentration of which acetone extract had the highest DPPH (75.00 %) at 100 μg/ml. CONCLUSION: The fundamental means of the usage of medicinal plants for medicine is due to their bioactive properties which are used as substrates for biochemical and enzymatic reactions. Phytochemical derivatives have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antitumor, analgesic and many other properties harbor in them.

FORMULASI SEDIAAN GEL EKSTRAK DAUN SUKUN (Artocarpus altilis) SEBAGAI TERAPI LUKA SAYAT PADA KELINCI NEW ZEALAND WHITE

Breadfruit leaf (Artocarpus altilis) is a type of plant that has a single to oval leaf from the Moraceae family. There are secondary metabolites in breadfruit leaves (Artocarpus altilis), namely flavonoids, tannins, and saponins which are efficacious as a treatment for the wound healing process. This study aims to determine whether breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus altilis) can be formulated into a gel preparation and to determine the maximum concentration of breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus altilis) in wound healing. This study was an experimental study to determine the maximum concentration in healing cuts with varying concentrations of 6.25%, 12.5%, and 25% tested on 5 male rabbits with 3 treatment groups. Wound healing data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA (Analysis of Varian) and the physical evaluation of the gel preparation was analyzed descriptively. The results showed that breadfruit leaf extract (Artocarpus altilis) could be formulated into gel preparations and fulfilled the physical evaluation test for gel preparations. Statistical test results had a significant effect on wound healing in rabbits p=0.001 (p<0.05) and the maximum concentration in wound healing was a concentration of 25% with a healing time of 11 days.

Woody vegetable species commonly used by communities in and around the tropical forest of Yunnan province, China

The woody vegetables are important green vegetables in the nutritional value of diet and economic value. In order to utilize and sustainable of the woody vegetable resources, the woody vegetable in Southwestern Yunnan was studied, according to field surveys, interviews, and market surveys. The totals of 35 species of commonly used woody vegetables were investigated in the site study, which belong to 25 families. The Araliaceae and Moraceae family had the highest proportion of woody vegetables with four species, following Leguminosea with three species, and Moringaceae and Juglandaceae had the next large species (2), and other only one species in each family. Most part used is young leaves and tender leaves 12 species, accounting for about 32.%. The fruits had the next commonly use part 8 species, accounting for about 22%, follow by flowers had five species, accounting for about 14%, of the total number.

Antinociceptive in vivo activity and chemical profiling by UHPLC-MS/MS of stem bark and leaves extracts of Ficus maxima Mill. (Moraceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFicus maxima is a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional medicine by Indigenous peoples across Central and South America. It is a member of the family Moraceae, subgenus Pharmacosycea, employed in treating various conditions, including intestinal parasites, gingivitis, internal inflammations, and snake bites. Despite its significant pharmacological potential, the species remains underrepresented in scientific literature. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antinociceptive properties of leaf (ELFM) and stem bark (EBFM) extracts from Ficus maxima. Additionally, the chemical composition of these extracts was determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Materials and methodsPlant material was collected in Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil, in October 2013 and subjected to static maceration to obtain crude ELFM and EBFM. Bio-guided fractionation was performed by sequential liquid-liquid partitioning with hexane (Hex), dichloromethane (DCM), and ethyl acetate (EtOAc), yielding the following fractions: ELFM-Hex and EBFM-Hex, ELFM-DCM and EBFM-DCM, and ELFM-EtOAc and EBFM-EtOAc. The biological activity of EBFM, ELFM, and their respective fractions were evaluated using the formalin-induced pain test and the hot plate test, followed by an assessment of their mechanisms of action. The UHPLC-MS/MS analysis was conducted using electrospray ionization (ESI) in both positive and negative modes. Metabolite annotation was facilitated by MS/MS libraries and molecular networks constructed on the GNPS platform. ResultsThe reactivity time to formalin in the neurogenic phase was reduced from 84.7 ± 7.6 s (100%) to 37.3 ± 4.7 s (44%), 33.1 ± 6.3 s (39%), 40.7 ± 7.4 s (48%), 57.2 ± 2.6 s (77%), 49.7 ± 4.1 s (58%), 46.8 ± 8.1 s (55%), and 52.4 ± 5.3 s (61%) after treatment with ASA, morphine, EBFM, ELFM, ELFM-Hex, ELFM-DCM, and ELFM-EtOAc at doses of 30 mg/kg, respectively. In the inflammatory phase, the reactivity time to formalin was reduced from 124.3 ± 25.9 s (100%) to 49.7 ± 4.7 s (40%), 9.8 ± 4.3 s (8%), 32.5 ± 8.5 s (26%), 59.8 ± 16.8 s (48%), and 54.4 ± 7.3 s (44%) after treatment with ASA, morphine, EBFM, ELFM, and ELFM-Hex at doses of 30 mg/kg, respectively. A reversal of the antinociceptive action of EBFM and ELFM was observed in the inflammatory phase after treatment with atropine, a muscarinic antagonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, respectively. In the hot plate test, EBFM showed Antinociceptive Activity (AA) of 62.6 ± 9.2% after 90 min; however, there was a reversal of AA to 8.6 ± 2.8% when naloxone was used. The UHPLC-MS/MS metabolite analysis revealed the presence of loliolide (3), luteolin (13), lupeol (14), gallic acid (15), chlorogenic acid (16), pygenic acid A (17), and other metabolites from the alkaloids and fatty acids classes.

Study on Population and Roosting Ecology of Bats in and Around Chikkamagaluru

Bats spend over half of their lives in their roost environment, so these eventually play a prominent role in their ecology and evolution. Roosts are vital to the bats as it is plays where they actively get involved in mating, rearing offspring’s and facilitate the social living. With this background, the present study has been planned to evaluate the ecobiology of the bats in the vicinity of Chikkamagaluru. It is situated roughly in the south western part of Karnataka exists in mid-Western Ghats. The population dynamics of bat roosts were studied by emergence Count and direct roost count method. The roosting trees were identified by using standard botanical taxonomic keys. Bats roosted much more in trees belonging to Fabaceae family (1,527) followed by Myrtaceae family (1,180), Moraceae family (519), Bignoniaceae family (253), Sapindiaceae family (202), Proteaceae family (103), and very less population found in Poaceae family (21). Bat roosted much more in Pipal tree (40.72%), Red buckeye (26.03%), Banyan tree (19.97%), Rubber tree (6.18%), Avenue tree (3.22%), Bamboo (2.7%) and very less population in Tamarind tree (1.15%) in rural side of the study area. Where as in the city premises bats roosted much more in Nilgiri tree (38.19%), followed by Blue jacaranda tree (29.72%), White locust tree (25.26%) and very less roosting of bats in Silver tree (6.81%).In the present survey the population of bats and hosting trees varies from one locality to another locality. This is because of variation in vegetation, environmental condition and more or less adoptability of food and water and the less or more predators. The present study showed that bats preferred to roost in taller and larger trees having greater canopy areas as roosting sites, because these trees could provide more space for their large colonies.

New ergasiofigophyte species from the Moraceae family in the flora of the Emirate of Fujairah (UAE)

New findings that complement the species composition of the flora of vascular plants in the territory of the Emirate and the UAE as a whole were made during the floristic research in the Emirate of Fujairah (the United Arab Emirates – UAE) in 2017–2022. The article provides data on 8 new or rare ergasiophygophytes (cultivated and running wild plant species) from the Moraceae family, alien to the Emirate of Fujairah. These are Ficus amplissima Sm., F. benghalensis L., F. benjamina L., F. carica L., F. microcarpa L. f., F. religiosa L., F. sycomorus L., and Morus albus L. Also, most of these species have never been previously listed in the Arabian floras and checklists as alien adventive.

Ethnobotanical survey of multipurpose, medicinal and wild edible plants in the upper Gibe watershed landscapes, West Shewa zone, Ethiopia

Plants provide multiple ecosystem services that can, directly and indirectly, benefit the local community and beyond. This study assessed the diversity of the multiple uses of medicinal plants (MPs) and wild edible plants (WEPs) as well as associated local knowledge in Bako Tibe District, Ethiopia. Based on the recommendation of local authorities, eight key informants were selected out of the general informants (48) at eight sites. Ethnobotanical data were quantitatively analyzed through the use of use values, pairwise comparisons, and reference and direct matrix rankings. In total, 74 species from 61 genera and 36 families were found to have multiple uses. The Fabaceae family had the highest number of species (11), followed by the Moraceae family (eight). Trees were represented by 31 species. Twenty species were used to treat 22 human and livestock ailments. The highest preference ranking was recorded for Ocimum lamiifolium for treating febrile illness. Leaves (55.2%) and fruits (13 species) were the most commonly used parts for MP and WEP species, respectively. The highest use value was recorded for Cordia africana, among the top 10 multipurpose species. The findings showed that the most preferred MP and WEP species need further phytochemical and food nutritional analysis, respectively.

Black Mulberries (Morus nigra L.) Modulate Oxidative Stress and Beta-Amyloid-Induced Toxicity, Becoming a Potential Neuroprotective Functional Food.

Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) is a common edible fruit from the Moraceae family with a wide variety of nutritional and medicinal applications, mainly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The purpose of this work was to investigate the cytoprotective and neuroprotective capacity of a hydrophilic black mulberry solvent-free extract rich in polyphenols, including the antioxidant, antiradical, and enzymatic mechanisms that would explain these effects. Its neuroprotective potential was evaluated in vitro using the Neuro-2a cell line and in vivo through the Caenorhabditis elegans organism model. Neuro-2a cells were treated at different concentrations of the extract (25-500 µg/mL) and hydrogen peroxide (300 µM) as an oxidant agent, simultaneously. From these treatments, redox status (intracellular ROS production) and cellular activity (MTT) were also quantified in Neuro-2a. Regarding the C. elegans assay, the protection of the extract against β-amyloid toxicity was measured against the CL4176 strain, which is a model of Alzheimer disease. As a complementary neuroprotective assay, its potential to inhibit the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme was measured. In addition, an Artemia salina bioassay was performed for preliminary toxicity screening. And its antioxidant properties were evaluated by means of the FRAP assay. The results confirm its neuroprotective potential and its ability to scavenge free radicals and decrease ROS production, also acting as a moderate MAO-A inhibitor. Moreover, the polyphenolic extract alleviates the toxicity induced by β-amyloid accumulation in C. elegans. Concluding, Morus nigra can be considered a functional food with bioactive compounds that may prevent the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Community Structures of On-Farm Tree Species in Budaka Sub-County, Budaka District, Eastern Uganda

Tree species population composition and diversity refers to the variety of tree species and their relative abundance in an ecosystem. In most tropical agro-ecosystems where land cover changes are faster than natural restoration, tree species composition, distribution, richness and diversity and the services provided by them are particularly susceptible to change globally from continuous stress factors such as bushfires, logging and cultivation. Data for the study was obtained from trees inventory using a systematic random sampling technique. A quadrant measuring 25m x 25m was laid. A total of sixty quadrants were used in the study. Each quadrant was demarcated using a measuring tape and its boundaries marked using pegs. All tree species encountered in each quadrant were identified and recorded. The unidentified specimens were collected, pressed and taken to Makerere University herbarium for proper identification. The results from the study revealed a total of 28 tree species belonging to 16 families were documented as being used by people in the four surveyed villages of Budaka Sub County, where Family Moraceae had the highest number of tree species with no significance difference in the density, diversity, richness, evenness, poles, saplings and seedlings of tree species across the four villages (Kruskal-Wallis P< 0.05). This indicates that these trees are under threat in the study area. This situation is quite alarming and calls for more resourceful and sustainable management and conservation techniques. Among others, it is suggested that laws should be enacted to protect the resource from further timber and fuel wood exploitation in the area in order to allow it to regenerate fully.

Population and Habitat Characteristics of Tarsius fuscus in Resort Mallawa Bantimurung Bulusaraung, South Sulawesi

Tarsius fuscus is one of the conservation priority wildlife in the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park (Babul National Park). This study aims to analyze the population and habitat characteristics of T. fuscus as one of the considerations in the conservation management of its population and habitat. This research was carried out in July 2021 in the forest around Bentenge Village and Samaenre Village, Resort Mallawa, Babul National Park. The method used was direct observation, calculation of the number of individuals for each group, and vegetation analysis at the meeting points of T. fuscus. Based on observations, the population size of 48 individuals from 13 groups was obtained with an overall population density of 0.109 individuals/Ha. The population density in the secondary dryland forest is higher than in the scrubland. The number of juvenile and infant in both land cover were low compared to the adults. T. fuscus was found in two types of habitat, there are secondary dryland forests (SDF) and scrubland with specific ranges of physical parameters. Based on vegetation analysis, SDF was dominated by the mana-mana tree (Blumeodendron kurzii) with an important value index (IVI) of 57.72%, while shrubland was dominated by kemiri tree (Aleurites moluccana) with an IVI of 40.75%. The two land covers are dominated by the Moraceae family and jambu air seedlings (Syzygium aqueum).

Morin alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice via inhibition of inflammation and modulation of intestinal microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition with recurrent and challenging symptoms. Effective treatments are lacking, making UC management a critical research area. Morin (MO), a flavonoid from the Moraceae family, shows potential as an anti-UC agent, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. Using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model, we employed network pharmacology to predict MO’s therapeutic effects. Assessments included changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), and colon length. Immunofluorescence, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and PAS staining evaluated colon damage. ELISA and western blot analyzed inflammatory factors, tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins (Claudin-3, Occludin, ZO-1), and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/ Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. 16S rRNA sequencing assessed gut microbiota diversity, confirmed by MO’s modulation via Fecal Microbial Transplantation (FMT). Early MO intervention reduced UC severity by improving weight, DAI scores, and colon length, increasing goblet cells, enhancing barrier function, and inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathways. MO enriched gut microbiota, favoring beneficial bacteria like Muribaculaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae while reducing harmful Erysipelotrichaceae and Muribaculaceae. This study highlights MO’s potential in UC management through inflammation control, mucosal integrity maintenance, and gut flora modulation.