Muricata Seeds Research Articles

Standardisation of an efficient RNA isolation protocol from the seeds of Momordica charantia var. muricata (Willd.): A Comparative Evaluation

Extraction of high-quality total RNA from Momordica charantia var. muricata seeds is difficult due to the presence of polyphenolic and polysaccharide compounds which bind to nucleic acids and thus they co-precipitate and contaminate the RNA samples. The current study aimed to find out a reliable and reproducible RNA extraction method for obtaining good-quality RNA from the seeds of Momordica charantia var. muricata (Willd). The RNA was isolated from seed tissues with four different extraction protocols including the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) method, TRIzol (Invitrogen) method, GenElute™ total RNA purification kit (Sigma-Aldrich) and Plant RNeasy mini kit (Qiagen). The Qiagen RNeasy plant mini kit was the most efficient extraction method providing the highest RNA yield and good quality. The method successfully enhanced the yield of RNA to 923.27 ± 58.64 ng/μl and electrophoresis revealed two distinct bright 28S and 18S rRNA bands and spectrophotometric quantification detected A260/ A280 ratio of 2.04±0.01 within the desired range of 1.8-2. To verify that the RNA quality obtained was appropriate for downstream molecular applications, the isolated RNA samples were converted into cDNA and PCR amplification of the cDNA was performed using a housekeeping gene (Actin 7) and a dormancy-specific gene (DOG1). The current investigation reports on a method for isolating high-quality RNA from M. charantia var. muricata seeds for future dormancy gene expression studies.

Four new resin glycosides from Ipomoea muricata seeds: muricatins XIV-XVII.

Ipomoea muricata (L.) Jacq. seeds (Convolvulaceae) are used as a traditional laxative and carminative medicine. Muricatins XIV (1), XV (2), XVI (3), and XVII (4), were isolated from I. muricata seeds as four new resin glycosides, along with seven known compounds, three of which were isolated for the first time as natural products; their structures were determined using MS and NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 1-4 are macrolactones (jalapins); the sugar moieties of 1, 2, and 4 are partially acylated with 2S-methylbutyric acid, while that of 3 is esterified with 2S-methylbutyric and 2S-methyl-3S-hydroxybutyric acids. In addition, the antiviral activities of the seven compounds obtained in this study, together with five known compounds obtained in our previous study into resin glycosides from I. muricata seeds, were evaluated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1); their cytotoxicities against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells were also investigated. All examined jalapins exhibited similar or slightly weaker anti-HSV-1 activities than acyclovir, the positive control; however, the glycosidic acid of 4 was inactive, while its methyl ester was weakly active. On the other hand, cytotoxicity testing against HL-60 cells showed similar results to those observed during anti-HSV-1 activity testing, with the exception that one jalapin was less active.

Comparative Phytochemical Composition and Functional Group Detection of Annona muricata Linn Seeds and Leaves

Annona muricata Linn (A. muricata) belongs to the Annonaceae family, it is well-known for its high nutritional index and therapeutic relevance in traditional medicine. Aim of the study: To determine and compare the bio-active compounds profiled from selected parts of the A. muricata plant. In addition, study findings is aimed at advancing pharmacological knowledge of selected plant parts of A. muricata. Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were utilised to comparatively profile the phytochemical compositions of the ethanolic extracts of A. muricata seeds and leaves. From GC-MS analyses, nineteen phytochemical compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract of A. muricata seeds while eighteen phytochemical compounds were identified in the ethanolic extract of A. muricata leaves. Comparatively, cyanogenic glycosides, resveratrol and tannin were identified uniquely from A. muricata seeds, while the cardiac glycosides and anthocyanin were identified uniquely from A. muricata leaves. The FT-IR analyses confirmed the presence of C-Cl, C-O, C=C, N-H, SCN and -OH functional groups. However R2CHOH and R-COO were identified uniquely in A. muricata seeds and leaves respectively. These findings will be relevant in plant pharmacology and the development of enhanced medical strategies.&nbsp

Antibacterial Activity of Crude Extract and Purified Acetogenins from Annona muricata Seeds

Currently, several biological activities are attributed to the acetogenins (ACGs) of Annonaceae (including Annona muricata); among these is antimicrobial activity. The main focus of this experiment was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the crude extract (CE) and purified acetogenins (P-ACGs) from the endosperm of A. muricata seeds using agar disk diffusion, lethality, sub-lethal, and potential damage membrane tests against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. According to the results, P-ACGs present the highest antibacterial effect (12.5–4000 µg/mL) against Enterococcus faecalis (11–15.67 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (12–18 mm), Aeromonas hydrophila (10.33–11.67 mm), Bulkholderia cenocepacia (11–12 mm), and Salmonella paratiphy (11–15.67 mm), and a minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.009 to 12.50 µg/mL. Measurement of the membrane potential shows that, in the presence of P-ACGs, the number of viable cells is reduced, with a significant logarithmic reduction observed (0.38, 1.27, and 1.81 CFU/mL) and a significant sub-lethal lesion (57.78, 96.14, and 98.42%) in Escherichia coli, E. faecalis, and L. monocytogenes, respectively. According to this study, the results demonstrate that P-ACGs from A. muricata seeds are potent and effective antibacterial compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications.

Evaluation of Genotoxicity and Toxicity of Annona muricata L. Seeds and In Silico Studies.

Cancer is a multifactorial organic dysfunction for which great efforts are being devoted in searching for new treatments and therapeutic adjuvants. Annona muricata is a fruit that has promising activity against several types of cancer, as it contains acetogenins, the metabolite group associated with this action. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate, in experimental models, the toxic behavior of an extract and fraction rich in acetogenins from A. muricata seeds and study the acetogenin, Annonacin, in silico. Phytochemical characterization was made by thin layer chromatography, spectroscopy in the infrared region and nuclear magnetic resonance. Toxicity was evaluated by tests of Allium cepa and Artemia salina, and in silico studies using the SwissDock servers DockThor, PharmMapper, ADMETLab, PreADME, Osiris and ProTox. The extract and fraction showed genotoxic activity against meristematic cells of A. cepa, reducing the mitotic index; however, the extract produced great deleterious effects on the system, even causing cell necrosis. In A. Saline, the extract was more toxic than the fraction, but both samples were considered toxic. Annonacin was effectively linked to complex I, and presented different activities regarding toxicity. Thus, the results of this study are promising, highlighting the anticancer potential of acetogenins.

Extraction of Acetogenins Using Thermosonication-Assisted Extraction from Annona muricata Seeds and Their Antifungal Activity.

The objective of this work was to find the optimal conditions by thermosonication-assisted extraction (TSAE) of the total acetogenin content (TAC) and yield from A. muricata seeds, assessing the effect of the temperature (40, 50, and 60 °C), sonication amplitude (80, 90, and 100%), and pulse-cycle (0.5, 0.7, and 1 s). In addition, optimal TSAE conditions of acetogenins (ACGs) were compared with extraction by ultrasound at 25 °C and the soxhlet method measuring TAC and antioxidant capacity. Moreover, solubility and identification of isolated ACGs were performed. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of ACGs crude extract and isolated ACGs was evaluated. Optimal TSAE conditions to extract the highest TAC (35.89 mg/g) and yield (3.6%) were 50 °C, 100% amplitude, and 0.5 s pulse-cycle. TSAE was 2.17-fold and 15.60-fold more effective than ultrasound at 25 °C and the Soxhlet method to extract ACGs with antioxidant capacity. Isolated ACGs were mostly soluble in acetone and methanol. Seven ACGs were identified, and pseudoannonacin was the most abundant. The inhibition of Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis was higher from isolated ACGs than crude extract. TSAE was effective to increase the yield in the ACGs extraction from A. muricata seeds and these ACGs have important antifungal activity.

Comparative evaluation of proximate composition and anti-sickling potential of Annona muricata Linn seeds and leaves

Background: Annona muricata Linn is a notable, well-studied plant of therapeutic value. Based on the abundant pharmacological constituents contained in the understudied plant, it is imperative that the plant parts are investigated for nutritional value and anti-sickling potentials. Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an inheritable haematological disorder, caused by an amino acid substitution on the haem protein. The outcomes for SCA are poor health indices and high mortality. Therefore, the use of natural products is necessary and widely promoted in countries with poor health infrastructure. Methods: In this study, A. muricata seeds and leaves were comparatively analysed for the proximate compositions. In addition, aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. muricata seeds and leaves were respectively analysed for anti-sickling potentials with the use of spectrophotometry. Results: Proximate composition of A. muricata seeds and leaves showed that both plant parts contain ash, carbohydrate, fat, fibre, moisture and protein. However, percentage proximate composition of A. muricata seeds was not significantly different from the percentage proximate composition of A. muricata leaves (p ≤ 0.05). From anti-sickling analysis, the aqueous extracts of A. muricata seeds and leaves were observed to inhibit HbSS polymerisation, while the ethanol extracts of A. muricata seeds and leaves showed limitations to the inhibition of HbSS polymerisation. Conclusion: A. muricata seeds and leaves possess potentials as health or nutritional supplements for the management of SCA. Further studies are necessary in order to ascertain efficacy and safety in in vivo models

Antifungal Activity of Annona muricata Seed Extracts Against Cercospora malayensis, Causal Agent of Cercospora Leaf Spot Disease of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Background: Cercospora leaf spot disease of okra whose pathogen is Cercospora malayensis causes yield losses of up to 60% in plantations. To limit productivity losses, fungicides are commonly used, but are expensive and degrade the environment.
 Aims: This study aims to test in vitro efficacy of Annona muricata seed extracts against Cercospora malayensis.
 Study Design: Four extracts were used in this study (the ethyl acetate, acetone, methanol and aqueous extract of A. muricata seeds at the concentrations C1 = 7.5 μl/ml, C2 = 15 μl/ml, C3 = 30 μl/ml and C4 = 60 μl/ml as well as the synthetic fungicide at the concentration of 3.33 g/l) in triplicate. The phytochemical screening of the extracts was performed, the radial growth of pure explants (7 mm diameter) of C. malayensis deposited in sterile Petri dishes containing the PDA medium supplemented with the different concentrations of extracts and incubated at 23 ± 1°C for 6 days were evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC50, MIC90) were calculated.
 Results: The extracts of A. muricata seeds are rich in tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenols. The ethyl acetate extract at the concentration C3 resulted in 100% total inhibition of growth of C. malayensis in the Petri dishes. The other extracts resulted in total inhibition of the growth of C. malayensis at C4. The low MIC50 values (12.9 and 21 μl/ml) were obtained with the ethyl acetate and acetone extract, respectively. The ethyl acetate and aqueous extract at the C4 concentration were found to be fungicidal.
 Conclusion: The extracts were found to be potential fungicide against the C. malayensis strain and might be an alternative in the fight against fungal diseases of okra as their activity was comparable to that of the synthetic fungicide Monchamp 72 WP.

Physiochemical and phytochemical analysis of oil from Persea american, Garcinia kola, and Annona muricata seeds

Physiochemical and phytochemical analysis of oil from Persea american, Garcinia kola, and Annona muricata seeds

Evaluation of the essential amino acids and fatty acids of Citrullus lanatus and Annona muricata seeds

Looking into the prevalence of high level of macro and micronutrients malnutrition especially amongst the vulnerable sections in the country even at this time of dwindling economy and increasing prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases globally, the need for exploration of underutilized food parts is significant to overcome the nutritional disorders. Many seeds which we considered as waste and simply discard after taking the juicy part of the fruit may however be reservoir of many nutrients. The seeds of Citrullus lanatus (Watermelon) and Annona muricata (Soursop) were collected, dried and dehulled. They were thereafter pulverized and subjected to analysis to assess their nutritional qualities by identifying their essential amino acids and fatty acids. Results of the proximate analysis revealed that the seeds are rich sources of protein and fat. They also contain all the essential amino acids with leucine being predominant in watermelon and lysine in soursop. The seeds also contain essential fatty acids such as linoleic acids and linolenic acids. Overall, the results indicated that the seeds of watermelon and soursop are of high nutritional qualities as identified by the essential nutrients, hence, could be harnessed and incorporated in the diets (man and animal nutrition) to combat malnutrition.

Evaluating the Anticancer Potentials of Methanol Extracted Annona muricata Fruit Pulp and Seed(s) Phytochemicals

Annona muricata L. has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases ranging from fever to cancer. In this study, we evaluate the in vitro anticancer potential of methanol extracted A. muricata fruit pulp (AMPM) and seeds (AMSM) phytochemicals against breast (MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), prostate (PC-3) and colorectal (HCT-116) cancer cell lines. Additionally, the in vitro antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of the extracts have been carried. The findings suggest that the AMSM is the most potent among the either extracts. Notwithstanding, both AMPM and AMSM showed significant dose and cell line-dependent anticancer potential(s).

The effects of Annonaceae and Amaryllidaceae extracts in controlling the Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Annona muricata and Allium fistulosum extracts in controlling Thrips tabaci and to identify the main secondary metabolites. We obtained extracts from A. muricata seeds and of A. fistulosum L. leaves. An in vitro model for evaluating insecticide against T. tabaci was performed. The effect of the extracts was individually and subsequently assessed in mixtures for determining the mean lethal concentration. According to the results obtained with T. tabaci, the A. muricata L. extract showed LC50 = 82.93 mg L-1, the essential oil showed LC50 = 335.29 mg L-1, and the hydrolate showed LC50 = 2348.84 mg L-1. The combinations of extracts reached mortality rates between 50% and 72.62%, which are promising results as alternatives for the comprehensive management of this pest. The analysis of the Annonaceae extract using HPLC indicated the presence of acetogenins and alkaloids, and the analysis of A. fistulosum L. extracts using GC-MS showed the presence of volatile sulfur compounds. The phenol and total flavonoid contents were also determined in the essential oil and in the A. fistulosum L. hydrolate.

Production and characterization of biodiesel from Annona muricata seed oil

Due to the depletion of available energy resources, the usage of fossil fuel has increased steadily. Additionally, the gas emissions of fossil fuel proved to be harmful to the environment. Therefore, researches now focus on utilizing second-generation biodiesel that do not compete with edible seed oils but still can be of great use as an alternative to commercially-produced diesel. The purpose of this research is to extract the oil from Annona muricata (Guyabano) seeds and convert it to biodiesel by esterification using hydrochloric acid and transesterification using potassium hydroxide. The average oil yield was 18.92% while the average crude biodiesel yield was 94.76%. The characterization results of the biodiesel composed of 5% guyabano methyl ester in commercial diesel (B5) were all within the limits set by the Philippine National Standards (PNS). However, the water content for the pure biodiesel (B100) was not within the standard range. The kinematic viscosity of B100 is at the maximum limit of PNS. Nevertheless, it suggests that pure Guyabano biodiesel has the potential to be utilized in diesel engines.

Acute oral toxicity studies of methanolic extract and chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of seeds of muricata

Background: Natural products are considered to be safe and efficacious. Adequate proof of the safety of these herbal drugs is lacking. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the acute oral toxicity of methanolic extract of seeds of Annona muricata (MAM) and chloroform fraction of MAM and to derive the lethal dose 50 (LD50) of chloroform fraction of methanol extract of seeds of A. muricata (CMAM). Materials and Methods: Acute toxicity studies of MAM and CMAM were conducted as per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines 420. LD50 of CMAM in rats and mice was estimated as per OECD guidelines 425. The toxic response was evaluated in vitro using hemolytic assay in rat and human erythrocytes. Results: The acute toxicity study done using OECD 420 guideline revealed that MAM and CMAM were safe at 300 mg/kg and produced mortality at 2000 and 5000 mg/kg. On gross examination, congestion of cranial, mesenteric, and uterine blood vessels was observed. As per OECD guidelines 425, CMAM was safe up to 980 mg/kg in rats and up to 175 mg/kg in mice and LD50 value was estimated to be 1310 mg/kg in rats and 310 mg/kg in mice. In vitro hemolytic assay showed that the plant fraction produced hemolysis. Conclusion: The present study concluded the toxicity produced by A. muricata seeds in the vascular system might be due to oxidative injury caused by the phytochemical constituents and it is essential to derive the safe pharmacological dose whenever the plant material is tested for efficacy studies.

Phytochemical fractions from Annona muricata seeds and fruit pulp inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells through cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase.

Annona muricata (L.) (AM), commonly known as Soursop and Lakshmanaphala/Hanumaphala in India, has been extensively used in ethnomedicine for treating tuberculosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and cancers. The fruit is a rich source of antioxidants and antitumor agents. In this study, we have extracted phytochemicals that exhibited anti-cancer property from the (a) fruit pulp using methanol (AMPM) and water (AMPW); and (b) seeds using methanol (AMSM). Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, carbohydrates and proteins in AMPM and AMPW. All three extracts were first checked for in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and then tested for efficacy against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Among these three extracts, AMSM showed the highest antioxidant power as well as ~80% inhibition at 320μg/ml concentration in both cell lines upon treatment for 24h. However, only about 40% inhibition was observed with 320μg/ml AMPM treatment, despite its highest anti-inflammatory potential. Water extract AMPW exhibited about 80% growth inhibition at 50% dilution. Since fruit pulp is the one consumed, the extracts AMPM and AMPW were further tested for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Analysis of the data showed increased apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest upon exposure to AMPM and AMPW.

Growth Inhibition, Residual Contact and Translaminar Toxicity of Annona-based Bioinsecticides on Tomato Leafminer: Laboratory and Greenhouse Assessments

This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of ethanolic extracts from different parts of some Annona species (A. montana, A. muricata and A. sylvatica) against T. absoluta. In the initial screening, the ethanolic extracts from leaves and seeds of A. muricata promoted pronounced lethality and growth inhibition of T. absoluta larvae by means of residual contact and translaminar action. However, these extracts did not affect its biology, oviposition in choice and no-choice tests, as well as egg viability. Afterwards, the crude ethanolic extracts of leaves and seeds from A. muricata were submitted to liquid-liquid partitioning, and their respective fractions were evaluated against T. absoluta larvae. These procedures disclosed the hydroalcoholic fraction from A. muricata seeds and both the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions from its leaves as the most active against T. absoluta larvae. Then, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) experiments were performed aiming to identify the main constituents present in these fractions. The chemical analyses of each NMR spectrum revealed that A. muricata bioactive fractions presented acetogenins as major compounds. Moreover, a formulated ethanolic extract from A. muricata seeds presented similar bioactivity against T. absoluta larvae in both laboratory and greenhouse bioassays when compared with two commercial botanical insecticides (AnosomTM 1 EC and Azaamax 1.2 EC). Therefore, the seeds from A. muricata, discarded during the process of its fruit pulp extraction, are a potential source of bioactive acetogenins to formulate botanical insecticides to control populations of T. absoluta in tomato crops, mainly in organic production systems.

Antimicrobial Activity of Terpenoids Extracted from Annona muricata Seeds and its Endophytic Aspergillus niger Strain SH3 Either Singly or in Combination.

BACKGROUND:Annona muricata (Soursop) has an antimicrobial activity toward various pathogenic microorganisms which support its ethnomedicinal for the treatment of many infectious diseases.AIM:Aim of the present study to evaluate the relation between antimicrobial activities of terpenoids extracted from different soursop parts with the isolated endophytic fungi.METHODS:Endophytic fungal species of pulp and peel of Annona fruit along with those of seeds were isolated. Salkowski test was used for qualitative screening of terpenoids in plant and the isolated endophytic Aspergillus niger strain SH3.RESULTS:Endophytic A. niger strain SH3 and Annona seed extract showed high terpenoid content indicated by the high intensity of reddish-brown colour. GC/Mass analysis revealed six compounds of terpenoids from endophytic A. niger strain SH3 extract and four compounds from seed extract with different retention times. The antimicrobial assay was performed using A. niger strain SH3 extract and Annona seed extract singly or in combinations against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and C. albicans.CONCLUSION:The results revealed the significant antimicrobial activity of both extracts. However, the combined extract showed some reduction in antimicrobial activity which could be attributed to the antagonistic effect exhibited by their constituents.

Larvicidal and Enzymatic Inhibition Effects of Annona muricata Seed Extract and Main Constituent Annonacin against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae).

The mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are vectors of arboviruses that cause dengue, zika and chikungunya. Bioactive compounds from plants are environmentally sustainable alternatives to control these vectors and thus the arboviruses transmitted by them. The present study evaluated the larvicidal activity of an acetogenin-rich fraction (ACERF) and its main constituent annonacin obtained from Annona muricata seeds on Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. The larvicidal assays were performed using different concentrations to calculate the LC50 and LC90 values observed 24 h after exposure to the treatment. Annonacin was more active against Ae. aegypti (LC50 2.65 μg·mL−1) in comparison with Ae. albopictus (LC50 8.34 μg·mL−1). In contrast, the acetogenin-rich fraction was more active against Ae. albopictus (LC50 3.41 μg·mL−1) than Ae. aegypti (LC50 12.41 μg·mL−1). ACERF and annonacin treated larvae of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus showed significant differences in the inhibition of their metabolic enzymes when compared to untreated larvae. The results demonstrate the relevant larvicidal action of the acetogenin-rich fraction and annonacin showing the potential to develop new products for the control of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of the Phytoestrogenic, Hypocholesterolemic and Antioxidant activity of Ethanolic Extract of Sour Sop (Annona muricata) Seeds in DMBA-Treated Female Wistar Rats

Background of study: Annona muricata; commonly known as sour sop has been reported to possess ethno medicinal values including anti-tumor and antioxidant activity.Aim: This research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemical composition and the phytoestrogenic, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activity of Annona muricata seed extract in 7, 12-dimethylbenzeneanthracene (DMBA) treated female wistar rats. Methodology: Ethanolic extract of A. muricata seed was prepared following crude extraction protocol. Qualitative and quantitative screening for the phytochemical constituents was done using standard methods. A total of thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups with five rats in each group. Group I served as the control group fed on food and water only; group II rats received A. muricata seed extract (200 mg/kg per body weight) intraperitoneally (i.p) daily for two weeks; rats in group III were treated with DMBA i.p (20 mg/kg pbw) twice weekly for two weeks; group IV rats were pre-treated with DMBA (20 mg/kg pbw) i.p for two weeks followed by i.p injection of tamoxifen (20 mg/kg pbw); group V rats were pre-treated with DMBA (20 mg/kg pbw) i.p for two weeks followed by i.p treatment with A. muricata seed extract (100 mg/kg pbw) for two weeks while rats in group VI received i.p injection of DMBA (20 mg/kg pbw) twice weekly for two weeks followed by i.p treatment with A. muricata seed extract (200 mg/ kg pbw) for two weeks. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. Serum levels of estradiol and cholesterol were determined by standard methods. Levels of antioxidant parameters superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also estimated from the serum using standard methods. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenol (26.74 mg/100 g), tannin (21.95 mg/100 g), flavonoids (27.52 mg/100 g), alkaloid (19.25 mg/100 g) and steroid (20.23 mg/100 g). Results obtained from the serum samples of experimental animals showed that there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the estradiol, SOD and CAT levels while there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in MDA and cholesterol levels of the treated rats as compared to the control groups. Conclusion: The results obtained in the study suggest the phytoestrogenic, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant activity of A. muricata extract in DMBA-treated rats.

New Natural Coagulant Aid in Water Treatment

Natural source of coagulant is certainly being considered in addressing the disadvantages associated with the use of inorganic coagulants. Annona muricata is hypothesized to be new material as natural coagulant aid in coagulation-flocculation process. On the other hand, due to the high lipids content in microalgae, namely, Chlorella vulgaris is used in producing renewable energy, i.e. biodiesel. Coagulation-flocculation is an effective method in microalgae harvesting. Thus, in this study, a novel natural coagulant aid extracted from fruit waste in algae harvesting. It is aimed to (1) to extract natural coagulant aid (hereafter is known as biopolymer) extracted from Annona muricata seeds in algae harvesting, and (2) to evaluate the operational conditions of coagulation-flocculation process by utilizing the biopolymer. As a result, it is observed that acid extraction and extraction through sodium chloride does not show any yield. On the other hand, the harvesting efficiency showed positive response as coagulant aid at 20 mg/L.