Natural Alternatives Research Articles

Extraction and characterization of Plantago major L. mucilage as a potential natural alternative over synthetic polymers for pharmaceutical formulations

The growing demand for natural cosmetic ingredients with minimal environmental impact has spurred the search for novel alternatives to synthetic materials. In this context, mucilage from Plantago major L., an exotic plant widely spread in Brazil, presents a promising option. This study focused on optimizing mucilage extraction from Plantago major L. seeds, drying the extracted solution, characterizing the dried product, and evaluating its rheological properties for potential cosmetic use. An extraction procedure was developed using a baffled-jacketed stirred vessel with the addition of Teflon® particles to improve seed attrition and enhance seeds’ mucilage removal. The mucilage solution was filtered, precipitated by ethanol addition, and then dried on various surfaces, with Teflon® proving the most effective. The product’s suitability was evaluated in gel formulations and compared with established commercial polymers. The results showed an optimum extraction yield of 18.4% from the seeds, at the optimum extraction conditions of 140.5 minutes, solvent-to-seed mass ratio of 0.0284, and a temperature of 80.2 °C. The dried purified mucilage yielded a thermally stable product up to 300°C, with a structure featuring the fingerprint region between 800 and 1200 cm⁻1, characteristic of carbohydrates. The gel formulation obtained with the product exhibited a non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic rheological profile, resembling the ones prepared with the natural and semi-synthetic polymers such as xanthan gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose, commonly used in cosmetic formulations. This study highlights the potential of mucilage from Plantago major L. seeds for applications in pharmaceutical formulations.

Evaluation anthelmintic activities of an ethnopharmacological leaves nerium oleander against the earthworms (Allolobophora caliginosa)

The emergence of drug-resistant strains reason for the search for natural alternatives. The study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of Nerium oleanderleaf extract against Allolobophora caliginosain vitro. The concentrations (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, and 100 mg/mL), were tested, andthe results were expressed in paralysis time and the death of worms. Albendazole (40 mg/mL), and distilled water were used as standard drug and control. The FT-IR and GC-MS analysis of the extract showed the presence of 12 and 13 compounds responsible foranthelmintic activity. There was a dose-dependent increase in effectiveness over time during 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 minutes. The death reached 97% and 100%, respectively when (100 mg/mL) after 10 minutes. Histological examination and scanning electron microscopy showed noticeable abnormalities and a cuticular layer of the body surface had shrunk in all treated worms. The current experiment results show that oleander has powerful anti-Acaliginosa action.

Comparative Efficacy of Plant Extracts and Probiotics on Growth and Gut Health in Chickens with Necrotic Enteritis

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, represents a major economic challenge to poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of four plant extracts—Astragalus, pomegranate peel, Sophora flavescens, and Artemisia annua—in combination with B. subtilis, as potential antibiotic alternatives for controlling NE. Using an experimentally induced NE model produced by coinfection with Eimeria maxima and C. perfringens, 288 chickens were divided into 12 groups to assess growth performance, intestinal lesions, and inflammatory markers. Compared with the enramycin group, the pomegranate peel extract group had a 9.9% increase in body weight gain (BWG), significant enhancement in claudin-2 expression, and reduced production of inflammatory factors. Compared with the infected control group, the combination of A. annua extract and B. subtilis resulted in the lowest intestinal lesion scores. The claudin-2, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 expression levels in the group treated with S. flavescens extract combined with B. subtilis increased to the highest levels compared to those in the healthy control group. These findings emphasize the potential of plant extracts, particularly pomegranate peel and A. annua with B. subtilis, as natural alternatives for NE management in poultry, providing a promising approach to reducing reliance on antibiotics.

Assessment of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and in vivo topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy as treatment for atopic dermatitis

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritus and skin barrier dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pelargonium graveolens (Geraniaceae) in managing AD symptoms through its essential oil. Methods The chemical composition of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil (PFEO) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties were assessed, along with the inhibitory effects of PFEO on key enzymes involved in skin repair: tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase. An in vivo evaluation of a gel formulation containing PFEO was also conducted to assess its anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy. Results GC-MS analysis identified major compounds in PFEO, including Geraniol (22.83%), beta-citronellol (19.51%), naphthalenemethanol (15.36%), and Geranyl tiglate (9.38%), with minor constituents such as linalool (3.81%) and neryl formate (1.31%). PFEO exhibited bacteriostatic activity against various bacterial and fungal strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and Malassezia spp. The essential oil also demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and inhibited key enzymes linked to skin alterations in AD. Conclusions PFEO shows promising therapeutic potential for managing symptoms of atopic dermatitis due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its analgesic effects. The findings support further exploration of PFEO as a natural alternative in the treatment of AD.

Application of Natural Antioxidants from Fruits Waste for Improving Egg Quality Characteristics

Fruit waste poses a significant global challenge, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reporting that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually, contributing to environmental and economic challenges. The major fruit-producing countries (United States, China, India, and Brazil) are responsible for a large portion of this waste. Fruit waste contains different bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and carotenoids, which are, in large part, underutilized regardless of their antioxidant properties. These compounds can play an important function in poultry nutrition, offering natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Reintegrating fruit waste into poultry diets might have potent benefits on the nutritional quality and shelf life of eggs. Some studies reported that bioactive compounds from fruit waste improve the oxidative stability of eggs and the nutritional content, potentially extending shelf life during storage. Additionally, antioxidant compounds from fruit waste have been shown to improve yolk coloration and some egg quality parameters while reducing reactive oxygen species, which cause lipid oxidation. Their inclusion in poultry diets can lower feed costs, promote animal welfare, and reduce the environmental impact of fruit waste. This review highlights some key fruit wastes, such as citrus, apple, grape, rosehip, sea buckthorn, and banana, among others, which are natural reservoirs of bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry nutrition. This strategy aligns with FAO sustainability goals, addressing both food waste and animal nutrition challenges. Future studies should focus on optimizing the inclusion rates of these natural antioxidants in poultry diets to maximize their benefits.

Evaluating the Antifungal Potential of Cinnamaldehyde: A Study of its Efficacy against Candida Species

Candida species exist as commensals in nature, colonizing the mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, vagina as well as the skin and usually cause infections in immunocompromised patients. C. albicans are known to be the most prevalent Candida species associated with infections, while there has been a significant surge in the incidence of Non-Candida albicans Candida species (NCAC) recently. The recent occurrences of the antifungal resistance in Candida, especially in NCAC species are quite alarming which raises the need for a safe and efficient alternative antimycotic drug. This study analyses the efficacy of cinnamaldehyde against Candida species, which is known to cause the majority of the fungal infections in humans. Cinnamaldehyde is a natural antimicrobial compound derived from cinnamon and has demonstrated significant antimycotic properties. Antifungal susceptibility profiles of cinnamaldehyde against Candida species were studied by disc diffusion as well as by broth microdilution assays. The mean diameter of the inhibition zone (IZ) formed by direct contact and disc volatilization assays were 61.26 mM and 65.20 mM, respectively. Both the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of cinnamaldehyde ranged from 16-256 mg/L with mean MIC of 60.61 mg/L and a mean MFC of 81.94 mg/L. Co-incubation of Candida cells with cinnamaldehyde resulted in the loss of viable cells within 4 hours of incubation. Cinnamaldehyde was found to exhibit both fungistatic and fungicidal properties, making it a potent natural alternative for conventional antifungal agents.

Atmospheric water harvesting as a sustainable and resilient resource in arid climates: gaining insights from ancient techniques

ABSTRACT Fog and dew, or atmospheric moisture, are valuable complementary resources. Ancient civilisations exploited these resources in harmony with the environment, though information on their techniques is fragmented. This review provides insights into the efficiency, evolution, and relevance of ancient atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) techniques from 5000 B.C. to the 1900s, alongside modern techniques. An analytical framework and assessment are presented to deduce their viability for replication, revival, restoration, or redevelopment. Modern fog collectors yield an average value of 3–10 L/m2/day and dew collectors 0.3–0.6 L/m2/day. Ancient fog collectors from Mexico and Chile resembled modern collectors, while fog drip from trees offers a natural alternative, collecting 70 L/m2/day. The stone drip method shows potential in urban areas with extensive concrete surfaces. Ancient dew collection techniques include alchemists' dew collectors, lithic mulching for soil water conservation, dew ponds for water retention, and stone-pile condensers, which collected up to 360 L/day. Air wells, however, were less effective. Ancient AWH techniques offer valuable insights and can effectively supplement modern collectors, enhancing resilience and water security, especially in arid regions. Implementing AWH techniques provides sustainable, decentralised, nature-based strategies on a micro and macro scale for mitigating contemporary water shortages amidst increasing climate challenges.

Characterization and complete genome sequence of highly lytic phage active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from Egypt

BackgroundMethicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most resistant bacteria to antibiotics. S. aureus is an important, widespread pathogen that can cause a variety of infectious diseases in humans and animals. Phages have been recognized as natural, safe, highly specific and effective alternatives agents to antibiotics for preventing and treating bacterial infections caused by MRSA. Therefore, this study aims at the characterization of a novel isolated lytic phage, vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123.MethodsIsolates of Staphylococcus aureus MRSA were obtained on Mannitol Salt Agar and Baird Parker Agar plates and confirmed using VITEK 2. Sewage and clinical samples were used to isolate specific phages for S. aureus MRSA, and plaque assays were used for host range determination on Luria-Bertani (LB) media. The phage morphology of the isolated phage was determined by transmission electron microscopy. The phage’s whole genome sequencing was identified.ResultsA total of 25 isolates of Staphylococci were obtained from different clinical sources and showed typical colonies on Baird-Parker and Mannitol Salt Agar plates. The VITEK 2 automated system revealed that all 25 isolates were confirmed as S. aureus (MRSA). Two of the most antibiotics-resistant isolates were further confirmed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. A lytic phage was detected against the MRSA isolates tested In Vitro, namely vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123. The phage belonged to Rountreeviridae family based on morphological properties observed by TEM and the host range of the isolated phage was tested on the 25 clinical MRSA isolates in Vitro. The one-step growth curve of the isolated phage showed that the latent period was about 55 min, and the burst size was estimated at 167 PFU. The whole genome sequencing and annotation of genes revealed that phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 contained a linear dsDNA with a size of about 17,155 bp with predicted 24 ORFs. Analysis of its genome provides valuable information approximately the variety of phages belonging to the staphylococcal phages class I.ConclusionA lytic Podo Phage vB_SauP_ASUmrsa123 was identified against S. aureus MRSA isolates and its genome was sequenced. The phage was found to be eligible for potential application in biocontrol.

Extraction and characterization of bark fibers from Ethiopian Ficus thonningii tree

The growing environmental pollution issues by synthetic textile products demand sustainable natural textile alternatives. This paper aimed at extracting and characterizing a new fiber called Ficus thonningii fiber from Ficus thonningii trees found in Ethiopia to be used as a source of textile fiber for different applications. The study utilized water and chemical extraction with sodium hydroxide methods. Physical, mechanical, and chemical properties such as length, diameter, fineness, tenacity, moisture content, moisture regain, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and ash content were characterized. The results revealed that Ficus thonningii fiber possesses comparable characteristics with jute, sisal, and flax fibers that can be used for different applications. The fiber exhibits tenacity of 39.65 cN, an elongation of 2.60%, a moisture content of 10.78%, and a moisture regain of 11.98% when extracted chemically. While it exhibits a tenacity of 37.83 cN, an elongation of 3.02%, a moisture content of 10.35%, and a moisture regain of 11.02% when extracted using water extraction method. Both extraction methods yield a fiber length of 101.50 mm. The chemical composition of the fiber obtained through water extraction consists of 52.35% cellulose, 19.20% hemicellulose, 17.20% lignin, and 1.20% ash. On the other hand, the chemical extraction method results in a composition of 63.57% cellulose, 16.10% hemicellulose, 12.10% lignin, and 0.83% ash. These results confirm the potential use of Ficus thonningii tree as a valuable source of coarse fibers for various technical textile applications.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal: A Sustainable Approach for Poultry Production: A Review

Poultry production is among the fastest ways to address the shortage of animal protein supply and intake in many nations. With the prohibition of antibiotics as growth promoters in the poultry industry due to rising bacterial resistance and growing public concern over health and food safety, the sector has been prompted to seek safe alternatives. This shift has led to a focus on finding natural antibiotic substitutes and optimizing feed management to enhance chicken health and growth. Consequently, phytogenics have emerged as promising natural alternatives to antibiotics in the poultry sector. Moringa oleifera has attracted significant research interest recently as a natural supplement with numerous health advantages for poultry. Known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties, Moringa also aids in activating digestive enzymes in the stomach due to its wealth of bioactive compounds. This review emphasizes the potential impact of Moringa oleifera as a natural feed additive on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical profile, antioxidant effects, immune response, and egg production in poultry.

Antioxidant activity and whitening effect of vitamin C and superoxide dismutase from Rosa roxburghii Tratt

Abstract With growing concerns about the negative impact of environmental pollution on skin health, there is an increased demand for natural active ingredients to combat free radicals and excessive melanin production. We focus on the Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RR) as a potential source of skin-lightening compounds. Vitamin C (Vc) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich extracts (RRVC and RRSOD) were extracted from RR using macroporous resin column chromatography and graded ammonium sulfate precipitation. The antioxidant and skin-lightening effects of these extracts were evaluated. RRVC and RRSOD showed strong inhibitory activity against various radicals and tyrosinase. When formulated together, their antioxidant and skin-lightening abilities were significantly enhanced, with an optimal ratio of 5:32 (RRVS). In vivo studies on C57BL/6J mice revealed that these two extracts and their formulations effectively lowered oxidative stress levels in a model of D-galactose-induced aging in mice. Furthermore, they inhibited melanogenesis, and tyrosinase activity in B16 cells and reduced UV (ultraviolet radiation)-induced melanin deposition in mouse ears. The combination of RRVC and RRSOD had a more potent melanin-scavenging effect compared with the individual extracts. These findings suggest that RRVC and RRSOD extracts, especially when combined in the optimal ratio, can whiten skin, both enhancing the value of RR products and offering natural alternatives for skin lightening.

Comparative toxicity of three variant oils and their nanoemulsions on the brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Tick control mainly depends on using chemical acaricides that have led to the emergence of resistant tick populations along with environmental hazards. Natural alternatives including essential oils are now widely used to avoid the undesirable effects of chemicals on human, animals and environment. In this study, three commercial oils (myrrh, patchouli, and cypress) and their nanoemulsions (NEs) were tested against Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato unfed adults. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the nanoemulsions. Four concentrations with three replicates were used in the bioassay of oils and NEs against ticks using an adult immersion test. Furthermore, a toxicity study of the three oils and their NEs using normal fibroblast cells (BJ-1) was performed. TEM revealed particle size ranges from 29 to 211 nm with spherical droplets. The droplet size and polydispersity index were (29.30 nm & 0.367), (211.6 nm & 0.221) and (164.2 nm & 0.237) for myrrh NE, patchouli NE, and cypress NE, respectively. Myrrh and patchouli oils recorded high acaricidal activity followed by cypress oil with LC50 value 5 days after treatment of 9.01, 12.40, and 15.21%, respectively. The acaricidal efficacy of oil was potentiated in the NEs form which was proved by the reduction in LC50 values that were recorded 7 days after treatment 4.17, 8.57, and 5.04%, for myrrh, patchouli, and cypress NE, respectively. As an alternative for lab animals, we applied the cytotoxicity of myrrh, patchouli, and cypress on normal fibroblast cells. The oils showed low cytotoxic activity of 10.6, 21.5, and 23.6% for Myrrh, Patchouli, and Cypress, respectively. The nanoemulsion was revealed to be safe for normal cells up to a concentration of 0.62% (cytotoxicity%= 24.4, 34.4, and 16.3%, respectively), and the moderate cytotoxic effect appeared at around a concentration of 1.25% (cytotoxicity%= 42.2%, 57.0%, and 36.8% respectively). In conclusion, the three oils and their NEs have good acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus sanguineus unfed adults. Further toxicity studies on mammals are needed to ensure the safe use of these formulations for the control of ticks on infested animals.

Insights into the antifungal activity and mechanisms of cinnamon components against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum

Fungal spoilage of food and the excessive use of chemical disinfectants serves potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. Consequently, there is a growing interest in exploring natural alternatives, particularly plant-derived antimicrobial preservatives. Cinnamon extracts are known for their antifungal activity, but most research has focused on essential oils, rarely on other bioactive components. This study assessed the antifungal activity and underlying mechanisms of four components—trans-cinnamaldehyde, cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid, coumarin, and o-methoxycinnamaldehyde—extracted from Cinnamomum cassia Presl (cinnamon) against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium citrinum. These cinnamon components can inhibit the two fungi strains at the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 0.30 to 8.55 mmol/L. These components can disrupt fungal cell membranes by enhancing relative electrical conductivity and cytoplasmic content leakage, reducing ergosterol content, and increasing malondialdehyde level. Additionally, they can affect fungal cell wall integrity, leading to the leakage of alkaline phosphatase and alterations in the contents of β-1,3-glucan and chitin. Moreover, the cinnamon components influenced the activities of malate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, as well as adenosine triphosphate levels. The observed suppression of fungal contamination in A. flavus and P. citrinum suggests that these cinnamon components as potential natural antifungal agents.

Microfluidic and impedance analysis of rosemary essential oil: implications for dental health

BackgroundOral health is closely linked to systemic conditions, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which can exacerbate oral issues. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as potential alternatives for oral health due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Among these, rosemary essential oil (REO) shows promise due to its various biological activities. This study investigates the potential of REO in dental applications using microfluidic devices and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to analyze the electrical properties of REO in artificial saliva (AS) mixtures.ResultsThe study demonstrated significant variations in impedance across different REO concentrations and their mixtures with AS. Higher impedance was observed in REO mixtures, particularly at lower frequencies, indicating distinct electrical properties compared to pure AS. The impedance of REO was influenced by its concentration, with a 1% REO solution showing higher impedance than a 4% solution, possibly due to micelle formation and changes in dielectric properties. Additionally, microfluidic devices enabled precise control over fluid interactions and real-time monitoring, offering valuable insights into REO's behavior in a simulated oral environment. The impedance data demonstrated significant differences in REO–AS mixtures, highlighting potential interactions critical for oral care applications.ConclusionsRosemary essential oil exhibits unique electrical properties, making it a promising candidate for dental applications, particularly in preventing and treating oral diseases. Microfluidic devices enhance the accuracy and reliability of studying REO's interactions with AS, providing a robust platform for future dental research. The findings suggest that REO could be effectively incorporated into oral care products, offering a natural alternative for combating oral pathogens, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. Future research should focus on clinical trials to validate these findings and explore the synergistic effects of REO with other essential oils.

A Clinical Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Poly-Herbal Formulation in Managing Functional Dyspepsia

IntroductionFunctional dyspepsia is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, and nausea, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life. While there are several pharmaceutical treatments available, many individuals are turning to herbal remedies as a safer and more natural alternative. This clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of poly-herbal formulation (PHF), marketed under brand names like Dizester® Herbal, Great Day®, etc. in patients suffering from functional dyspepsia compared to Pantoprazole, a commonly used pharmaceutical treatment. Materials & MethodsThe study included 80 patients, with 40 patients in each treatment arm. The primary objective was to assess the improvement in symptoms using various questionnaires at All India Institute of Medical Science Bhubaneswar, including the Reflux Disease Questionnaire, Short-Form Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire, GERD-Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Investigator's Symptomatic Assessment. The secondary objective was to evaluate the safety of PHF by assessing liver and renal function parameters and hemogram. Results & discussionThe results showed significant improvement in symptoms of GERD in the PHF group, which was comparable to the Pantoprazole group. The burning feeling behind the breastbone, pain behind the breastbone, burning feeling in the center of the upper stomach, acid taste in the mouth, and unpleasant movement of material upwards towards the mouth improved significantly from the beginning of the study to the follow-up visits. The mean VAS score reduced by 71.5% in the PHF arm and 67.85% in the Pantoprazole arm. Additionally, the study found no abnormal elevations in liver and renal function parameters in blood or any abnormal changes in hemogram, indicating the safety for use in patients with functional dyspepsia. Since the synthetic anti-dyspeptic drugs like proton pump inhibitors are known to have adverse effects, this natural alternative PHF shows promising results in a safer way. ConclusionIn conclusion, this study provides evidence for the efficacy and safety of PHF in improving symptoms of functional dyspepsia. The use of synthetic anti-dyspeptic medications has been associated with the occurrence of undesirable effects. In light of this, PHF has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in a manner that is considered safer.

An Overview of Commonly Used Natural Alternatives for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia, with Special Emphasis on Rosemary Oil.

Androgenetic alopecia is a chronic dermatological condition in which genetically predisposed individuals undergo progressive hair loss secondary to the effects of circulating androgens. It has been well documented that dihydrotestosterone binds to the androgenic receptors prevalent in the scalp, thus inducing miniaturization of the hair follicle. To date, the only FDA approved medications for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia are finasteride and minoxidil. A plethora of studies have been conducted testing the efficacy of various herbal compounds, but additional research is needed to further establish the concrete efficacy of such natural remedies in treating androgenetic alopecia. Of late, rosemary oil has gained mass popularity as a promising natural alternative. This review article will not only provide a detailed background on this ancient herbal component but will additionally overview all other major herbal alternatives including peppermint oil, tea tree oil, green tea, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and lavender oil and will summarize the latest clinical studies, which have tested their efficacy for the management of androgenetic alopecia.

Polyphenolic Nano-formulations: A New Avenue against Bacterial Infection.

The gradual emergence of new bacterial strains impervious to one or more antibiotics necessitates discovering and applying natural alternatives. Among natural products, various polyphenols exhibit antibacterial activity. However, polyphenols with biocompatible and potent antibacterial characteristics are limited due to low aqueous solubility and bioavailability; therefore, recent studies are considering new polyphenol formulations. Nanoformulations of polyphenols, especially metal nanoparticles, are currently being investigated for their potential antibacterial activity. Nanonization of such products increases their solubility and helps attain a high surface-to-volume ratio and, therefore, a higher reactivity of the nanonized products with better remedial potential than nonnanonized products. Polyphenolic compounds with catechol and pyrogallol moieties efficiently bond with many metal ions, especially Au and Ag. These synergistic effects exhibit antibacterial pro-oxidant ROS generation, membrane damage, and biofilm eradication. This review discusses various nano-delivery systems for considering polyphenols as antibacterial agents.

Antifungal Activity of Citrus Essential Oil in Controlling Sour Rot in Tahiti Acid Lime Fruits.

Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, is a significant post-harvest disease in citrus, resulting in economic losses due to the lack of effective fungicides. This study investigates the antifungal activity of citrus essential oils in controlling sour rot in Tahiti acid lime fruits. Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation with chemical composition analyzed by CG-MS and tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays evaluated mycelial growth inhibition at 2 to 32 µL mL-1 concentrations. In vivo trials involved preventive and curative treatments on artificially inoculated fruits stored at 25 °C ± 2, and the results showed that Pera IAC sweet orange oil, at 32 µL mL-1, reduced disease severity by 96% in curative treatments. In contrast, Late IAC 585 willowleaf mandarin oil demonstrated moderate inhibition (44%) at the highest concentration in vitro. The oils did not affect key fruit quality parameters such as juice yield and total soluble solids. These findings suggest that citrus essential oils could be natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for post-harvest sour rot management, combining effectiveness with maintaining fruit quality.

Phyllanthus-derived Naturally-occurring Products: An Overview of their Effects against Viruses in Cell Models

Background: Infectious diseases are considered a global public health problem, with viruses being the predominant infectious agents afflicting the human population. The most used control alternatives are the search and development of vaccines and drugs. Nevertheless, their efficacy has limitations related to the immune response stimulation, resistance mechanisms, costeffort ratio, development, and production. An alternative to these drawbacks is the search for compounds isolated from plants with antiviral and/or virucidal properties. The genus Phyllanthus is a plant group producing compounds that gathers an antiviral and virucidal spectrum on different biological models. However, there is no complete review of their properties against viruses in cell models. Objective: To compile and analyse the more relevant information on the antiviral and virucidal activity in cell models, phytochemical composition, and generalities of the genus Phyllanthus. Method: The information was assembled from a general search for articles in various databanks, and the information was organized, tabulated, and discussed. Results: The taxonomic classification of the genus Phyllanthus showed discrepancies between different authors and publications. The antiviral and virucidal effects of Phyllanthus naturallyoccurring compounds on cell models showed a broad spectrum and a high chemical diversity mainly related to phenols and polyphenols. Conclusion: Antiviral and virucidal properties of Phyllanthus-derived compounds showed promising results as controlling agents against viral infections in different cell models, particularly in the viral replication and translation processes. Further studies are required to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved in these natural alternatives to expand their efficient and effective applications.

Physical test and irritation test of water guava leaf extract (Syzygium aqueum) as a natural spray hand sanitizer

This study explores the manufacture of water guava (Syzygium aqueum) leaf extract-based hand sanitizers as an effective and safe natural alternative for maintaining hand hygiene. Given the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of disease, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of hand sanitizers has increased significantly. However, alcohol-based products are often irritating to the skin. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential of water guava leaf extract to improve the effectiveness and convenience of hand sanitizers. Water guava leaves contain active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The research method includes extracting water guava leaves, hand sanitizer formulation, and organoleptic, pH, homogeneity, and irritation testing. The tests carried out were physical tests, including organoleptic tests (shape, smell, and colour), pH, homogeneity, spreadability, adhesiveness, and product irritation tests. The research was designed with a posttest-only control group design with true experimental by analyzing the test object after being given treatment. This research is expected to produce products that are useful for the community. The results showed that all hand sanitizer formulas tested had a pH within the safe range of pH 5 for the skin without irritating the skin of the test animals. Formulas with added guava extract showed improved aroma and anti-irritation, with formulas F1 and F2 gaining the highest preference in aroma and colour. This study concludes that water guava leaf extract can be effectively used in the manufacture of hand sanitizers, providing a gentler and skin-friendly alternative to alcohol-based synthetic products.