Morinda Citrifolia Research Articles

SOCIALIZATION OF COUNSELING ON THE BENEFITS OF NONI FRUIT FOR HYPERTENSION PATIENTS

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a health problem that is increasingly encountered in Indonesia. Traditional medicine using natural ingredients, such as noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia), has long been used by the community as an alternative therapy. This community service activity aims to discuss the effectiveness of socialization and counseling regarding the use of noni fruit in helping lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The time and place of the event is August 20, 2024, in Lingsana Village with a total of 20 participants. Community service activities consist of:1. Material preparation, 2. Implementation: distribution of leaflets, lectures, and questions and answers, 3. Evaluation. Counseling about the benefits of noni fruit for hypertensive patients can increase public knowledge about this herbal treatment, which was previously tested by 62% and increased to 86%. However, to avoid side effects, paying attention to the dosage and how to use it is necessary.

Structural characterization of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) pectin and its inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and biological activities of noni pectin (NP) extracted using various solvents, three fractions of noni pectin were obtained using traditional chemical and deep eutectic solvents. NPs are composed of various ratios of galacturonic acid, arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, glucose, and galactose with different yields, molecular weights, esterification degrees (DE), and microstructures. Among the fractions, noni pectin extracted with Betaine-citric acid (BNP) exhibited higher molecular weight, degree for esterification and pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory activity than the other fractions. Enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that BNP inhibited PL via a noncompetitive mechanism. BNP significantly altered the secondary structure of PL and quenched PL fluorescence, suggesting a static quenching mechanism. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) further demonstrated that the binding of BNP to PL was spontaneous and driven by enthalpy, primarily mediated by hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. Molecular docking simulations also confirmed strong noncovalent interactions (hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces) between BNP and PL. This study validated the high efficiency of the deep eutectic solvent-extracted noni pectin fraction in pancreatic lipase inhibition.

In vitro antibacterial activity of Morinda citrifolia extracts against eight pathogenic bacteria species.

Medical professionals continue to face a severe issue with the evolution of resistance to conventional antibiotics. The search for new novel compounds from plants has been proven to be the alternative solution. Morinda citrifolia is used traditionally for the treatment of infectious diseases. The present study investigates the antibacterial properties of M. citrifolia root, leaf, and fruit (fresh, dried, and fermented) extracts on three-gram-positive and five-gram-negative bacteria. The plant parts were processed and extracted in distilled water and ethanol (60%, 80%, and absolute (100%)). The antibacterial activities of the extracts were assessed in vitro using the agar well diffusion method, with Ciprofloxacin serving as the positive control. All the tests were conducted three times to obtain the average value of inhibition zones. Overall, root extracts showed the most significant antibacterial activity, followed by dried fruit, fermented fruit extract, fresh fruit, and the least leaf extract. Using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests, the statistical analysis revealed significant differences in antibacterial activity among the extracts and solvent concentrations. The 100% ethanol extracts had significantly higher zones of inhibition compared to the other solvents. The most inhibitory activity was against Campylobacter spp. (21.33±1.80) for the 80% ethanol root extract. All the extracts of M. citrifolia were found to exhibit moderate antibacterial activity against all the bacteria pathogens. However, Enterococcus faecium, Campylobacter spp., and Bacillus cereus were most sensitive to all the plant extracts while Shigella spp. and Klebsiella spp. showed resistance to most extracts. This observed difference is significant for each strain extract depending on the bacteria strain and the type of solvent extract (p < 0.001). The findings indicate a promising antimicrobial potential of M. citrifolia extracts.

Effect Use Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) Leaf Meal with Different Levels in Basal Diet on Performance and IOFC of Landrace Crossbed Pig

This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of the use of noni leaf meal on diet intake, weight gain, feed conversion and income overfeed cost (IOFC) of landrace crossbed pig. Material used is landrace crossbed pig 12 starter phase aged 1-2 months with a weight variation of 10.50-21.50kg (average 16.70kg) and the variation coefficient is 18.76%. Lasts for 8 weeks consisting of 2 weeks of adjustment period and 6 weeks of data collection period. The method used in this study is a direct experimental method using a Randomized Group Design consisting of 4 treatments and 3 tests so the number of samples taken is 12 samples. The treatment used is R0: 100% basal diet without noni leaf meal; R1: 98% basal diet+2% noni leaf meal; R2: 96% basal diet+4% noni leaf meal and R3: 94% basal diet + 6% noni leaf meal. The variables studied were diet intake, body weight gain, diet conversion and IOFC. The results of fingerprint analysis using Microsoft Excel showed an unreal effect treatment (P&gt;0.05) on the research variables. The conclusion of this study is that the use of noni leaf meal in basal diet of 2, 4 and 6% has a relatively similar effect on diet intake, body weight gain, diet conversion and IOFC of landrace crossbed pig in the starter phase.

Chemical constituents from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice and their chemotaxonomic significance

Extensive phytochemical investigation on the noni juice, a globally renowned health beverage derived from the fermentation of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit in tropical regions, led to the discovery of a new coumarin glycoside, esculetin-7-O-β-d-glycopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), along with a new natural product (8), and eighteen known compounds: six coumarin derivatives (2–7), two alkaloids (9 and 16), six diketopiperazines (10–15), a furan derivative (17), and three lignans (18–20). The structures of these compounds were elucidated through extensive NMR and HRESIMS analysis. The NMR data of compounds 2 and 8 are reported comprehensively for the first time. The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was also examined, highlighting their significance. Notably, compounds 1–4, 8–16, and 18 were being reported from the genus Morinda for the first time. These findings contribute to the growing understanding of the chemical diversity of noni juice.

Phytochemical Profiling and Comparative Analysis of the Bioactive Compounds in Adansonia digitata, Morinda citrifolia and Tamarindus indica from Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State

Study’s Excerpt A comparative phytochemical analysis of Adansonia digitata stem bark, Morinda citrifolia leaves, and Tamarindus indica leaves was carried out. UV/visible spectrophotometric technique is used for the identification of phytochemical compounds. These plants have considerable potential as sources for drug development and functional foods. Full Abstract For decades, man has utilized plants as traditional medicine to cure various illnesses. The majority of modern medications now available have been generated from plants. This study subjected the ethanolic crude extract of Adansonia digitata stem bark, Morinda citrifolia leaves, and Tamarindus indica leaves to phytochemical analysis. Ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometric techniques were used to quantify the bioactive compounds detected in the plants. Qualitative analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and quinones in all three plant extracts. Anthraquinones were detected only in A. digitata, while coumarins, though present in M. citrifolia and T. indica, were absent in A. digitata. Adansonia digitata recorded a higher content of anthraquinones (59.3 mg/g), phenols (79.3 mg/g), and tannins (286.1 mg/g) than M. citrifolia and T. indica. Alkaloids (45.5 mg/g), flavonoids (124.0 mg/g), saponins (38.7 mg/g), and triterpenes (23.8 mg/g) were found to be higher in T. indica than in A. digitata and M. citrifolia. Statistical analysis shows significant variation in the concentration of these compounds between the sampled plants (p &lt; 0.05). The high bioactive content of A. digitata and T. indica indicates their potential as outstanding bioactive compound repositories suitable for drug development, purification, and functional food uses.

Biotechnological potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized by green method to control phytopathogenic bacteria: contributions from a proteomic analysis.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through green synthesis routes are widely used as antimicrobial agents due to their advantages such as biocompatibility, stability, sustainability, speed and cost-effectiveness. Although AgNPs appear to be more potent than silver ions, the mechanisms related to their antibacterial activity are not yet fully understood. The most common proposed mechanism of AgNPs' toxicity so far is the release of silver ions and/or specific functions of the particles. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of AgNPs synthesized using noni fruit peels (Morinda citrifolia) against the phytopathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) through proteomics. Xcc was treated with AgNPs (32 µM), AgNO3 (32 µM), or received no treatment (Ctrl - control condition), and its proteomic response was comprehensively characterized to elucidate the antimicrobial mechanisms of AgNPs in the phytopathogenic microorganism. A total of 352 differentially abundant proteins were identified. Most proteins were regulated in the AgNPs × Ctrl and AgNPs × AgNO3 comparisons/conditions. When Xcc treated with 32 µM AgNPs were compared to controls, the results showed 134 differentially abundant proteins, including 107 increased and 27 decreased proteins. In contrast, when Xcc treated with 32 µM AgNO3 were compared to Ctrl, the results showed only 14 differentially abundant proteins, including 10 increased proteins and 4 decreased proteins. Finally, when Xcc treated with 32 µM AgNPs were compared to Xcc treated with 32 µM AgNO3, the results showed 204 differentially abundant proteins, including 75 increased proteins and 129 decreased proteins. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that most of the increased proteins were involved in important biological processes such as metal ion homeostasis, detoxification, membrane organization, metabolic processes related to amino acids and carbohydrates, lipid metabolic processes, proteolysis, transmembrane transport, and others. The AgNPs used in this study demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against the phytopathogenic bacteria Xcc. Furthermore, the obtained results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms of action of AgNPs in Xcc and may aid in the development of strategies to control Xcc in brassica.

Chemical Characterization of Synthesized Nanoparticles from Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Seed

Morinda citrifolia is an herbal medicine that is used for disease treatment as recommended in traditional medicine. The present study aimed to characterize silver nanoparticles from Noni seed. In this experimental study, green synthesis was carried out then the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using SEM, EDX, TEM and FTIR. Findings showed that SEM images of the AgNPs of different shapes were obtained in the case of different seed extracts being used as reducing and capping agents. Seed extract formed approximately spherical, triangular, and cuboidal AgNPs, respectively. Elemental mapping of AgNPs by SEM-EDX shows the presence of 0.31% Ag and 40% oxides with 39% Carbon and other elements in trace amounts. TEM image demonstrates that the AgNPs were spherical. The image shows agglomerates of small grains and some dispersed nanoparticles, confirming the results obtained by SEM. FTIR result reveals the assignment of functional groups to 19 FTIR bands (690-3833 cm 1). Bands were categorized based on possible functional group classes (alkene, aromatic, alcohol/phenol/ether, amine, etc.). Specific functional groups like alkenes, conjugated alkenes, ketones, aldehydes, nitriles, alkynes, and carboxylic acids were identified based on characteristic wavenumbers. The study presents a green synthesis approach to prepare silver nanoparticles using Noni seed extract. Reduction of silver nitrate with Noni seed extract is a simple, conducted at room temperature, efficient, and clean method to synthesize silver nanostructures.

Synbiotic effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CMT1 and Morinda citrifolia on the growth performance and disease resistance of whiteleg shrimp

This study assesses the effects of a prebiotic derived from Morinda citrifolia (noni fruit) extract and a probiotic of Lactobacillus plantarum CMT1 alone and in combination on the survival, growth performance, digestive enzymes, and disease resistance of whiteleg shrimp. A total of 1200 juvenile shrimp were randomly allocated to four treatments: control (not supplemented with noni fruit extract or L. plantarum CMT1), Treatment 1 (TRT1) (supplemented with 1 % noni fruit extract), Treatment 2 (TRT2) (supplemented with 108 CFU/kg L. plantarum CMT1), and Treatment 3 (TRT3) (supplemented with 1 % noni fruit extract and 108 CFU/kg L. plantarum CMT1). After 56 days of feeding, the growth indices of the TRT3 group were statistically larger than the other treatments (P < 0.05). Shrimp in the three treatment groups demonstrated significantly enhanced survival compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed among these three groups (P > 0.05). Shrimp fed the TRT3 diet had the lowest feed conversion rate, which was statistically significant compared to the other groups. Shrimp in the TRT3 group also had significantly higher amylase and protease levels than the control group. In addition, the use of fruit extract or L.plantarum CMT1 alone and in combination significantly increased shrimp survival after exposure to Vibrio parahaemolyticus, with the TRT3 group recording the highest value. The results indicate that a synbiotic of M. citrifolia extract and L.plantarum CMT1 could be used in shrimp aquaculture to promote animal development and health.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis of Morinda citrifolia Fruit Metabolites Suggest Anxiety Modulation through Glutamatergic Pathways.

The fruit of Morinda citrifolia, also known as the noni tree, has been extensively used in Polynesian culture as an alternative medicine to various diseases. Recent studies have pointed out its anxiolytic activity in vitro and in mouse models. Despite the effectiveness of developed anxiolytic drugs in the market, the potential side effects of these medications have led people to resort to traditional medicine such as M. citrifolia. However, evidence regarding its anti-anxiety characteristics is still lacking to this day. Hence, this preliminary study implemented combined network pharmacology and molecular docking to validate its anti-anxiety claims. This study highlighted the bioactive compounds of the M. citrifolia fruit part to have excellent absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties, particularly their outstanding oral bioavailability and blood-brain barrier penetration, both of which are essential considerations to ensure the effectiveness of anxiolytic drugs to arrive at the site of action. Moreover, noni fruit metabolites target genes involved in glutamatergic synapse pathways, which have been significantly associated with anxiety. Through molecular docking, selected compounds exhibited a strong binding affinity towards GRIA2 and PRKCA, both of which have connections with glutamatergic pathways. With all things considered, the results established that the noni fruit potentially contains therapeutic agents that elicit anti-anxiety potential. Through this, the promotion of a more sustainable, accessible, and affordable treatment of anxiety could be developed.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Various Irrigating Solutions on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Biodentine and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: An In Vitro Study

Introduction: A successful endodontic treatment is ba¬sed on combination of adequate instrumentation, irrigation and obturation of canal system. The objectives of endodontic irrigants are lubrication of root canal, removal of microorganisms, pulp, dentinal remnants and dissolution of tissues. The objective of root-end filling is establishment of proper apical hermetic seal. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of various irrigating solutions on push-out bond strength of Biodentine and Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Materials and Method: Sixty-four extracted human single rooted teeth were decoronated 1.5-2 mm coronal to cemento-enamel junction. The root canals were prepared and divided into four groups (n=16): Group I- Normal Saline (Control group), Group II- Triple antibiotic solution, Group III- 2% Chlorhexidine, Group IV- Morinda citrifolia solution. Mid root dentin was sectioned horizontally and irrigated further with respective irrigating solutions for 5 minutes and divided into 2 subgroups: Subgroup A- Biodentine and Subgroup B- MTA. The root-end filling material was incrementally placed and embedded in acrylic blocks. Samples were tested for push-out bond strength using universal testing machine. Results: The highest push-out bond strength was shown by 2% Chlorhexidine group when used with Biodentine and lowest when normal saline was used with Biodentine. Conclusion: All experimental irrigating solutions increased the push-out bond strength of MTA and Biodentine.

Discovery of Natural Products for Cancer Prevention.

"Cancer chemoprevention" is a term referring to the slowing or reversal of this disease, using nontoxic natural or synthetic compounds. For about 50 years, there has been a strong scientific interest in discovering plant-derived compounds to prevent cancer, and strategies for this purpose using a concerted series of in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo laboratory bioassays have been developed. Five examples of the more thoroughly investigated agents of this type are described herein, which are each supported by detailed literature reports, inclusive of ellagic acid, isoliquiritigenin, lycopene, trans-resveratrol, and sulforaphane. In addition, extracts of the plants avocado (Persea americana), noni (Morinda citrifolia), açai (Euterpe oleracea), and mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) have all shown inhibitory activity in an in vivo or ex vivo bioassay using a carcinogen and germane to cancer chemoprevention, and selected in vitro-active constituents are described for each of these 4 species.

Divine noni's protective impact on Swiss albino mice's short-term memory impairment caused by cyclophosphamide: A behavioral and biochemical approach

Cyclophosphamide (CYL) is a first-line cancer chemotherapeutic agent widely used for the treatment of cancer that has severe toxic effects. The primary mechanism by which CYL induces toxicity through free radical generation. Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit juice is an herbal remedy documented to have antioxidant properties. The aim of the current study was to investigate the protective effect of noni against CYL-induced memory impairment in Swiss albino mice. Treatment schedule: Group 1: Normal: Received vehicle; Group 2: CYL treatment: Received CYL (40.0 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) on day one; Group 3: NJ treatment: Received NJ (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Group 4: DNG treatment: DNG (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days, Group 5: NJ + CYL treatment: Received CYL (40.0 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) on day one and after half an hour of received NJ (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Group 6: DNG + CYL treatment: Received CYL (40.0 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) on day one and after half an hour received DNG (360 mg/b.w. p.o.) once daily for 14 days. Mice were subjected to the Morris water maze (MWM) challenge for two weeks as part of a behavioral study. Short-term memory impairment was observed in the behavioral activity of CYL-treated mice in the MWM test in the 1st week trial, and this effect was reversed in the 2nd week trial in the combination treatment group. The behavioral analysis proved that noni supplementation reduced the risk of memory impairment caused by CYL. Biochemical analysis revealed that CYL markedly increased the levels of AChE and MDA in brain tissue. Similarly, decreases in the levels of antioxidants, i.e., GSH, CAT, SOD and GST, were detected in the brain tissue of the mice exposed to CYL. Qualitative and quantitative examinations of histopathological examination of the mouse hippocampus supported the above findings. The results demonstrated that noni supplement therapy reversed the changes in the MDA, AChE, and antioxidant enzyme levels while improving the behavioral and histological alterations caused by CYL. Long-term hippocampal growth and memory are unaffected, suggesting that CYL is less harmful. According to our research, supplementing with noni in conjunction with CYL may be a helpful treatment strategy for treating memory impairment caused by CYL.

Identifying Potential Human Monoacylglycerol Lipase Inhibitors from the Phytoconstituents of Morinda Citrifolia L. Fruits by in silico Pharmacology and in vitro Study.

Human monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) is accountable for the hydrolysis of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), thus contributing pivotally to neuroprotection because 2-AG is the main source of arachidonic acid, the precursor of prostaglandins production. Inhibiting MGL reduces inflammatory damage in the ischemic brain and enhances cerebral blood flow. Plants have been reported for their neuroprotective effect, such as Morinda citrifolia on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling seizures in mice, by reducing the seizures and restoring behavioral and biochemical changes, although the mechanism is not described. To evaluate the binding affinity and stability of phytoconstituents in M. citrifolia fruits toward human MGL (PDB ID 3PE6), compared to the known MGL inhibitors (JZL195 and ZYH). The in silico pharmacology study was validated by an in vitro study of the phytosterols and the ethanol extract of M. citrifolia fruits (EEMC) towards MGL. Initially, nine phytoconstituents of M. citrifolia fruits were docked to the catalytic pocket of human MGL (PDB ID: 3PE6), and compounds with the best affinity were subjected to a molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The in vitro study was performed using the MGL inhibitor screening assay kit. The best binding affinity and stability toward human MGL were shown by stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol, and the MM-PBSA total binding energy of stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol to MGL is stronger than that of JZL195 and ZYH. Moreover, beta-sitosterol and EEMC inhibit MGL with an IC50 value of, respectively, 8.10μg/mL and 196.20μg/mL, while JZL195 shows an IC50 of 0.028μg/mL. Beta-sitosterol of Morinda citrifolia fruits may have the potential to protect human neurons by occupying the catalytic site of human MGL, thus competitively inhibiting the substrate of the enzyme. However, the inhibitory activity towards human MGL is lower than JZL195.

Scopoletin and rutin attenuate ethanol reward in mouse-conditioned place preference test

IntroductionIn Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Hai ba ji), is utilized for its various parts such as leaves, fruits, flowers, roots, and bark, serving as a tonic and addressing ailments including fever, skin, eye, throat, and gum issues, as well as nausea, vomiting, and neurological diseases. Previous research indicated that M. citrifolia Linn. fruit and its juice reduced ethanol-conditioned place preference (CPP) in mice, with scopoletin (SCOP) and rutin (RUT) proposed as the main bioactive compounds responsible for this effect. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SCOP and RUT on ethanol reward using the CPP test in mice. MethodsThe CPP protocol consisted of a habituation phase spanning 3 days, a 1-day preconditioning phase, 10 days of conditioning, a rest day, and a post-conditioning day. The vehicle-saline control and vehicle-ethanol control groups received oral administration of a 1 % w/v solution of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at a dosage of 10 ml/kg. SCOP and RUT were administered orally at doses ranging from 0.05 to 1 mg/kg body weight (bw), while acamprosate (ACAM) was administered at a dosage of 300 mg/kg bw, all one hour before postconditioning. Statistical analyses utilized both repeated measures two-way and one-way ANOVA. ResultsOral administration of SCOP (0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg bw) and RUT (0.05 mg/kg bw) one hour before postconditioning testing on day 16 markedly reduced ethanol CPP in mice. Additionally, SCOP and RUT at all tested doses (0.05–1 mg/kg bw, p.o.) did not induce any changes in normal locomotor activity in mice. DiscussionThese results suggest that SCOP and RUT diminish ethanol reward in mice, underscoring the therapeutic potential of these phytochemicals in managing alcohol use disorder.

Effect of temperature regulation on microbial community, volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit fermentation

Noni fruit has an unpleasant flavour but is highly bioactive. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the effect of temperature regulation on quality of fermented noni fruit. In the present study, the formation of flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides during noni fruit fermentation at different temperatures were investigated. We initially found that different temperatures affected core microbial communities. The general evolutionary trends of Acetobacter and Gluconobacter were influenced by different temperatures. Furthermore, high temperature helped maintain low octanoic and hexanoic acids. Subsequently, we found that high temperature improved total amino acids and iridoid glycosides. The correlation network analysis revealed that bacterial communities impacted the quality (volatile flavours, amino acid profiles, and iridoid glycosides) of fermented noni fruit. Overall, altering the temperature induced variations in microbial communities and quality during the noni fruit fermentation process. These results are instrumental in the pursuit of quality control in natural fermentation processes.

Olfactory sensory neuron population expansions influence projection neuron adaptation and enhance odour tracking

The evolutionary expansion of sensory neuron populations detecting important environmental cues is widespread, but functionally enigmatic. We investigated this phenomenon through comparison of homologous olfactory pathways of Drosophila melanogaster and its close relative Drosophila sechellia, an extreme specialist for Morinda citrifolia noni fruit. D. sechellia has evolved species-specific expansions in select, noni-detecting olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) populations, through multigenic changes. Activation and inhibition of defined proportions of neurons demonstrate that OSN number increases contribute to stronger, more persistent, noni-odour tracking behaviour. These expansions result in increased synaptic connections of sensory neurons with their projection neuron (PN) partners, which are conserved in number between species. Surprisingly, having more OSNs does not lead to greater odour-evoked PN sensitivity or reliability. Rather, pathways with increased sensory pooling exhibit reduced PN adaptation, likely through weakened lateral inhibition. Our work reveals an unexpected functional impact of sensory neuron population expansions to explain ecologically-relevant, species-specific behaviour.

Iridoid glycosides from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit pomace: A novel booster strategy for its extraction and will its α-glucosidase inhibitory be increased by acetylation?

Iridoid glycosides (IGs) are secondary metabolites found in plants such as the noni plant (Morinda citrifolia L.), known for their diverse biological activities and potential health benefits. Herein, we screened fifteen natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) and two conventional solvents (CS, 70% (V/V) methanol and 70% (V/V) ethanol) for extraction of IGs from noni fruit pomace. Our findings indicate that non-acidic NADES promote IG extraction. Glycerol/glycine combined with β-cyclodextrin was selected, and a molecular simulation was performed to elucidate the interaction between NADES components and IGs. Further, the structure-activity relationship and interaction mechanisms of IGs with α-glucosidase were investigated using multispectral and molecular docking tools. The results demonstrated that deacetylation of the B-ring's C-10 improved the inhibitory potential of IGs. Deacetylation produces hydrophobic contacts, which enhance the inhibitory effect of deacetylasperulosidic acid on α-glucosides. Additionally, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces drive the formation of non-covalent complexes between IGs and enzymes.

Insight into the changes in active metabolite profiles of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit subjected to different drying treatments

Noni fruit is renowned for its abundance of bioactive compounds. Drying is an important method for processing functional products derived from noni. However, limited information exists on how drying methods affect the active metabolite profiles of noni fruit. This study investigated the impact of four common drying methods, including hot-air drying (HAD), vacuum freeze drying (VFD), microwave drying (MWD), and far infrared drying (FID), on the physicochemical indexes, bioactive components, and functional properties of dried noni fruit slices using targeted and untargeted metabonomics analysis. The results showed significant variations in appearance, water migration, and microstructure of dried noni fruit slices subjected to the four drying methods. VFD treatment yielded better dried noni fruit products when compared to other drying methods. The superiority of VFD treatment was due to its uniform stratification, reduced collapse, better retention of bioactive components and antioxidants, and higher enzyme inhibitory rates. These findings suggest that VFD method is ideal for obtaining premium bioactive profiles and maintaining the biological activity of noni fruit.

Super capacitive electrode performance analysis of facile synthesized α-Fe2O3 aerogel and its nanocomposite with in-situ formed polyaniline (α-Fe2O3/PANI)

This paper presents the synthesis of an α-Fe2O3-assisted polyaniline (α-Fe2O3/PANI) nanocomposite using a straightforward two-step process. Initially, α-Fe2O3 aerogels with cratered nanohexagon structures are synthesized through a solution combustion method assisted by noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit extract. In the second step, these nanohexagons facilitate the preparation of α-Fe2O3/PANI via in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization of anilinium chloride. The structural, optical, and morphological properties were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDAX). Electrical conductivity, wettability, and electrochemical properties of the prepared materials were assessed. The results indicate that the 2D cratered α-Fe2O3 aerogel is effectively embedded within PANI, forming a modified nano α-Fe2O3/PANI composite. The composite exhibited altered DC conductivity and electrolyte wettability. After 200 cycles of cyclic voltammetry (CV), the specific capacitance of the nano α-Fe2O3/PANI was determined to be 153 Fg⁻¹ at a scan rate of 10 mVs⁻¹, retaining approximately 90 % of its cycle stability. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed significantly lower charge transfer and equivalent series resistance values for the nano α-Fe2O3/PANI electrode compared to the pure α-Fe2O3-based electrode. Galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) tests further demonstrated the superior electrochemical performance of the α-Fe2O3/PANI nanocomposite electrode. Therefore, this α-Fe2O3/PANI is an advanced conducting polymeric electrode for electrochemical applications.