Methanol Extract Of Peel Research Articles

Anti-Skin Aging and Cytotoxic Effects of Methanol-Extracted Solanum betaceum Red Fruit Seed Extract on Ca9-22 Gingival Carcinoma Cells.

The tamarillo, or Solanum betaceum, recognized for its comprehensive nutritional profile, has long been valued for its diverse ethnobotanical uses. This study delves into the potential therapeutic applications of S. betaceum by analyzing its polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes like elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and its cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. Extracts from the seeds, pulp, and peel of red and yellow fruits were prepared using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The highest TPC was found in the methanol extract from red fruit seeds (9.89 mg GAE/g), and the highest TFC was found in the methanol extract of yellow fruit peel (3.02 mg QUE/g). Some of these extracts significantly inhibited skin aging-associated enzymes with the red fruit seed extract (100 μg/mL) showing up to 50.4% inhibition of tyrosinase. Additionally, the red fruit seed extract obtained using methanol demonstrated potential anticancer effects against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of S. betaceum fruit extracts, especially from red fruit seeds, as promising agents for anti-skin aging and anticancer applications, meriting further exploration for therapeutic uses.

Chemical profile by GC-MS and protective effect of Algerian cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) against Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. isolated from dental caries

The oral cavity is home to a large and diversified microbial flora, which plays an important role in the genesis of multiple diseases, including tooth decay. Indeed, tooth decay is the most common ailment in the world, with almost everyone having experienced it at least once in their lifetime. Examining plants used in traditional medicine is one of the research approaches used to discover novel, potent antibacterial chemicals with a broad spectrum of action, as present antibacterials have significant drawbacks. This study aims to examine the chemical composition of Algerian clove Syzygium aromaticum using GC-MS and to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the methanol extract against bacteria isolated from dental caries caused by Streptococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. The results show a strong extraction yield of 29.7%, with high amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids calculated at 178.82 mg GAEQ/g and 24.13 mg QEQ/g. The principal chemical elements of S. aromaticum peel methanol extract were identified as eugenol (61.23%) and eugenol acetate (26.45%) based on mass spectrum data and retention times. The methanol extract has a significant antibacterial effect against tested strains, with MICs ranging from 111.37 to 445.5 mg/mL. Higher concentrations of polyphenols resulted in a significant increase in inhibition zone diameter against S1 (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), L3 (r2 = 0.94, p < 0.001), L5 (r2 = 0.93, p < 0.001), and L9 (r2 = 0.96, p < 0.001).

Testing Antioxidant Activity of Pineapple (Ananas Comossus Merr.) Rinds Using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry Method

Pineapple (Ananas comossus Merr.) is one of the plants that is widespread in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant content vitamin C and antioxidant activity. This study was conducted to identify the class of secondary metabolite compounds and determine the antioxidant activity of pineapple fruit peel. Antioxidant activity testing on pineapple fruit peel was conducted using UV-Vis spectophotometric method with wavelength of 514 nm. The identification of secondary metabolite compounds showed that the methanol extract of pineapple fruit peel contains alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, tannin and saponin compounds. Antioxidant activity of methanol extract of pineapple fruit peel carried out by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldhydrazyl) method shows IC50 value of 92.87 ppm with strong category, while vitamin C as a comparison has IC50 value of 9.31 ppm with very strong category. This is due to the pineapple fruit peel containing high levels of vitamin C. In addition, pineapple fruit peel contains secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids, phenols and tannins which are a class of polyphenolic compounds.

ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANTIDIABETIC, ANTHELMINTHIC, AND THROMBOLYTIC ACTIVITY OF THE METHANOL EXTRACT OF CITRULLUS LANATUS PEEL

Background: The present study aimed for in vitro evaluation of Citrullus lanatus Peel (CLP) methanol extract for antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, and thrombolytic activity. Method: CLP was extracted with methanol and tested for in vitro antioxidative (DPPH and H2O2 scavenging method), thrombolytic, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties (human red blood cell membrane stabilization method, α-amylase inhibitory effect by using Iodine-Starch method. Results: The percentage yield was 7% and phytochemical profile showed the presence of steroid, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycoside and reducing sugar. In DPPH scavenging assay, 88.7% was at 1000 g/ml, whereas 34% to 48.9% (IC50 27.65 µg/ml) in H2O2 and from 61.8% to 95.2% (IC50 value: 07 µg/ml) in ASCOR. In in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, the maximum protection percentage was observed 58% and 44%. Consecutively, in anti-diabetic activity, IC50 values of 1137.64 μg/ml whereas reference (Acarbose) exhibited IC50 at 671.71 μg/ml. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect of Acarbose showed 57% and 98% respectively at 2000 μg/ml. In earthworms, it considered as very potential for the helminthic infection and helminthiasis. A significant clot lysis activity of 44% was noticed when the clots were treated with 100 µl of CLP extract (10 mg/ml) in in-vitro thrombolytic activity assay. Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the peel possessed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anthelminthic and thrombolytic activities. These findings will be motivated to do further research on molecular level to finds into more depth which is considered as the limitation of this study. Peer Review History: Received 3 February 2024; Revised 12 March 2024; Accepted 20 April; Available online 15 May 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewers: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com Dr. Francis Adou Yapo, Felix Houphouet Boigny, University of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, fyapo@yahoo.fr

Effectiveness Analysis of Antidiabetic Property from Dragon Fruit Peel Methanol Extract in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is a health burden in various countries, one of these countries, is also Indonesia. Dragon fruit peel is an alternative diabetes therapy that has been widely studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate an antidiabetic effect of dragon fruit peel methanol extract on alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. This experimental study used twenty-five male Wistar rats induced by alloxan injection. After 48 hours, all rats were grouped into five different groups, including control (0.5% SCMC), standard (Metformin), Dragon Fruit Peel Methanol Extract-1 (500 mg/kg BW), 2 (750 mg/kg BW), and 3 (1,000 mg/kg BW). These treatments were given for two weeks. After that, all rats were dissected to obtain the pancreas. The results showed that dragon fruit peel methanol extract significantly decreased blood glucose levels after the 7th and 14th days (P value <0.05). In addition, pancreatic histology showed a decrease in the extract dose followed by a smaller size of the pancreatic Langerhans islet. The lowest dose of the extract showed a similar size of pancreatic Langerhans islet to the control group with an atrophic pancreatic Langerhans islet. Therefore, it can be concluded that dragon fruit peel extract can significantly decrease blood glucose levels and improve the structure of pancreatic Langerhans islet at higher doses.

Effect of Base Type Variation on Physicochemical Properties of Ambon Banana Peel (Musa Paradisiaca L) Methanol Extract Nanoemulsions Ointment

Ambon banana peel (Musa Paradisiaca L) contains flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and saponins which have potential to be in the wound healing process. One of topical preparations suitable for wound healing is ointment. The ointment base can affect the release of active substances and absorption in the skin layers, since the release of the drug from its base is an important factor in the success of therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of base type variations on the physicochemical properties of ointments from banana peel methanol extract nanoemulsions. Ambon banana peel extract was obtained by maceration using methanol solvent and made in the form of a nanoemulsion. Ambon banana peel extract nanoemulsion is then added to the ointment preparation with water-soluble, absorption and hydrocarbon base types. Ointments with variations in base types were observed for physicochemical properties including organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, pH and spreadability. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using One Way ANOVA. The results showed that variations in base type affected on organoleptic appearance, viscosity and spreadability but had no effect on the pH value and homogeneity. The absorption base produces a formula that meets the requirements for ointment preparations.

The extract of Cavendish banana (Musa acuminata) peel as antioxidant and anti-aging agents in model yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Banana peel is one of the wastes that can be explored for various applications. Cavendish is among the most highly consumed bananas in the world, which implies a high amount of banana peel waste. Our study evaluated the potential of Cavendish banana peels as the source of antioxidant and anti-aging agents. Antioxidant was extracted using three different solvents, i.e., water, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Each extract was then assayed for antioxidant activity in vitro using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The antioxidant and anti-aging activity of the extracts were further evaluated at the cellular level using the yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model. Our data indicated that the methanol extract of banana peel showed the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 253.8 µg mL-1 compared to ethyl acetate and water, yet it was considered weak. Interestingly, the methanol extract (600 ppm) showed antioxidant and anti-aging activities at cellular levels in yeast S. pombe. Therefore, this research reveals the potential for developing banana peel methanol extract as a component of pharmaceutical or cosmetic products with antioxidant and anti-aging properties.

Punicalagin, a pomegranate polyphenol sensitizes the activity of antibiotics against three MDR pathogens of the Enterobacteriaceae

BackgroundMultidrug resistance (MDR) in the family Enterobacteriaceae is a perniciously increasing threat to global health security. The discovery of new antimicrobials having the reversing drug resistance potential may contribute to augment and revive the antibiotic arsenal in hand. This study aimed to explore the anti-Enterobacteriaceae capability of bioactive polyphenols from Punica granatum (P. granatum) and their co-action with antibiotics against clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae predominantly prevalent in South Asian countries.MethodsThe Kandhari P. granatum (Pakistani origin) extracts were tested for anti-Enterobacteriaceae activity by agar well diffusion assay against MDR Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Predominant compounds of active extract were determined by mass spectrometry and screened for bioactivity by agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The active punicalagin was further evaluated at sub-inhibitory concentrations (SICs) for coactivity with nine conventional antimicrobials using a disc diffusion assay followed by time-kill experiments that proceeded with SICs of punicalagin and antimicrobials.ResultsAmong all P. granatum crude extracts, pomegranate peel methanol extract showed the largest inhibition zones of 25, 22 and 19 mm, and the MICs as 3.9, 7.8 and 7.8 mg/mL for S. typhi, S. typhimurium and E. coli, respectively. Punicalagin and ellagic acid were determined as predominant compounds by mass spectrometry. In plate assay, punicalagin (10 mg/mL) was active with hazy inhibition zones of 17, 14, and 13 mm against S. typhi, S. typhimurium and E. coli, respectively. However, in broth dilution assay punicalagin showed no MIC up to 10 mg/mL. The SICs 30 μg, 100 μg, and 500 μg of punicalagin combined with antimicrobials i.e., aminoglycoside, β-lactam, and fluoroquinolone act in synergy against MDR strains with % increase in inhibition zone values varying from 3.4 ± 2.7% to 73.8 ± 8.4%. In time-kill curves, a significant decrease in cell density was observed with the SICs of antimicrobials/punicalagin (0.03–60 μg/mL/30, 100, 500 μg/mL of punicalagin) combinations.ConclusionsThe P. granatum peel methanol extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against MDR Enterobacteriaceae pathogens. Punicalagin, the bacteriostatic flavonoid act as a concentration-dependent sensitizing agent for antimicrobials against Enterobacteriaceae. Our findings for the therapeutic punicalagin-antimicrobial combination prompt further evaluation of punicalagin as a potent activator for drugs, which otherwise remain less or inactive against MDR strains.

Inter-Varietal Variation in Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Two Brassica rapa Varieties: Influence on Pro-Inflammatory Mediators.

The present research study aims to appraise the potential of polyphenol-rich extracts from two Brassica rapa varieties on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. Methanol extracts of peels and pulps of Brassica rapa yellow root (BRYR) and Brassica rapa white root (BRWR) were prepared using the soxhlet extraction technique. All four extracts were analyzed by reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) for the polyphenols, and results showed that 10 phenolic acids and 4 flavonoids were detected. Gallic acid was the major phenolic acid (174.6-642.3 mg/100 g of dry plant material) while catechin was the major (34.45-358.5 mg/100 g of dry plant material) flavonoid detected in the extracts. The total phenolic contents (TPC) of BRYR peel, BRWR peel, BRYR pulp and BRWR pulp extracts were in the range of 1.21-5.01 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as GAE, whereas the total flavonoid contents (TFC) were found in the range of 0.90-3.95 mg/g of dry plant material, measured as QE. BRYR peel extract exhibited the best DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50, 3.85 µg/mL) and reducing potential as compared with other extracts. The in vivo anti-inflammatory potential was assessed by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, and the analgesic potential was investigated by a hot plate test. Suppression of biochemical inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration were also determined. Results showed that BRYR peel extracts reduced paw edema and suppressed the production of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and RF most significantly, followed by BRWR peel, BRYR pulp and BRWR pulp extracts. In addition, histopathology observation also supports the anti-inflammatory effect of peel extracts as being greater than that of root pulp extracts. Moreover, it was observed that the analgesic effect of the root-peel extracts was also more pronounced as compared with root-pulp extracts. It can be concluded that BRYR peel extract has higher phenolic contents and showed higher suppression of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP and RF, with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Biological Activity of Red Pitahaya Extracts on Lactococcus garvieae and Vibrio alginolyticus

The enhancement population of the world every day brings with it the demand for protein needs. In our study, it was aimed to identify the utilization potential of red pitahaya fruit obtained from Turkey as a natural feed additive. The disc diffusion assay, micro-dilution method for determination of minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentration values of the extracts were used to identify the biological activity of the extracts from red pitahaya. The red pitahaya pulp methanol extract against L. garvieae and V. alginolyticus showed 10.61 mm and 7.65 mm of inhibition zone diameters. The methanol extract of red pitahaya peel has 10.18 mm and 11.25 mm inhibition zone diameters on L. garvieae and V. alginolyticus. MIC values were determined as 20 µg/µl and 40 µg/µl for pulp methanol extract and as 80 µg/µl and 40 µg/µl for peel methanol extract against L. garvieae and V. alginolyticus. MBC values of pulp and peel methanol extracts against fish pathogens were determined as 80 µg/µl. As a result, the red pitahaya extracts may have usage potential as natural antimicrobial agents or feed additive in aquaculture.

Upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor by Shiikuwasha (Citrus depressa Hayata)

BackgroundA reduction in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in the brain causes depression, whereas an increase in its level has therapeutic benefits against depression. BDNF is synthesized in various peripheral tissues and transported to the brain via the peripheral circulation across the blood–brain barrier. Therefore, substances that upregulate peripheral BDNF level may be used to prevent and treat depression. Previously, we demonstrated that Citrus unshiu peel (Chinpi) and C. natsudaidai increased BDNF level in a human renal adenocarcinoma cell line ACHN, which has BDNF-producing ability. Here, we evaluated whether Shiikuwasha (C. depressa Hayata), a citrus species cultivated in East Asia, can upregulate BDNF level in ACHN cells.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of test samples on BDNF production by measuring BDNF level in the medium of ACHN cells after a 24 h cultivation in the presence of test samples. The BDNF mRNA level was measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and the phosphorylation level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor regulating BDNF expression, was determined using Western blotting.ResultsWe found that methanol extracts of Shiikuwasha peel, pulp, and seed increased the BDNF level in the culture medium of ACHN cells. Shiikuwasha peel and pulp extracts also upregulated BDNF mRNA level and phosphorylation of CREB.ConclusionsThese results suggest that Shiikuwasha includes the candidate antidepressant substances with peripheral BDNF-upregulation effect.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity, Flavonoid and Phenolic Contents of 70% Methanol Extract from Purple and Yellow Passion Fruit Peel

Peel of purple and yellow passion fruit has the potential to be an antioxidant. The flavonoid and total phenol compound groups are two examples of natural antioxidant compounds that can potentially be antioxidants. Many studies have used 70% methanol solvent to extract flavonoids and total phenolics from plants. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential of 70% methanol extract from the peel of purple and yellow passion fruit as an in vitro antioxidant using the DPPH method, total flavonoid, and phenolic levels. The passion fruit peel powder was macerated with 70% methanol for four days. The total flavonoid contents were determined using quercetin, and total phenols were determined using gallic acid. The 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was used for in vitro antioxidant activity by determining the percent inhibition of DPPH radicals. The flavonoid content in the 70% methanol extract of purple and yellow passion fruit peel is 1.2824 and 1.9775 mg QE/g extract, respectively. In contrast, the total phenolic content in 70% methanol extract of purple and yellow passion fruit peel is 15.8 and 3.6 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. The 70% methanol extract of purple passion fruit peel at a concentration of 80 mg/L resulted in a more significant percent inhibition of DPPH free radicals (72.80 %) than yellow passion fruit (64.91 %). In conclusion, the results suggest that 70 % methanol extract from purple and yellow passion fruit peel can decrease free radicals and be a natural antioxidant.Keyword: Antioxidant activity, Flavonoid, Methanol extract, Passion fruit peel, Total phenol

IN-VITRO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EVALUATION OF METHANOL AND BUTANOL EXTRACTS OF AVOACADO PEAR (PERSEA AMERICANA MILL) FRUIT PEEL

Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid or non-rheumatoid joint inflammations are dominant among people all around the world. Plant-derived anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used against these disease conditions. This study investigated the in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous methanol and butanol extracts of Persea americana fruit peel. Three different concentrations of test samples: 10, 20 and 40 mg/ml from the concentrated methanol extract (ME) and butanol extracts (BE) were evaluated in vitro by albumin denaturation, heat induced hemolysis, anti-proteinase action, anti-lipooxygenase spectrophotometric assay methods using aspirin as a reference drug. Results showed that at sample concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 mg/ml, the inhibition of albumin denaturation by the ME and BE were in the range 26.826-51.471 % and 40.329- 54.797 % respectively. The inhibition of heat-induced haemolysis by ME at the same concentrations was in the range 30.252-44.727% and 34.52-49.897% for BE. Anti-proteinase inhibitory activity for ME was within the range of 17.073-52.1 20% while 31 .781-37.01 4% was for BE. In all four assays, the BE elicited a relatively higher inhibitory activity than the ME. These suggest that the fruit extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties which may be attributed to the occurrence of bioactive compounds in the fruit peel.

The Antiacne Activity of Sunkist Peels Methanol Extract in Propionibacterium acne-Induced Acne Vulgaris

Treatment with acne vulgaris is a challenge because the complex pathophysiology of acne vulgaris. One of the natural products that potentially use as a herbal medicine is Sunkist peel. The peel of Sunkist is more inclined to end up as waste from domestic industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiacne activity of the Sunkist peel methanol extract gel in vivo study. The experimental study used by applied Sunkist peel extract gel to rats injected intradermally with Propionibacterium acne suspension. One hour before the injection of Propionibacterium acnes suspension, all rats were applied to a topical gel based on the group. Control, standard, Sunkist Peel Extract Gel-I, II, and III groups received gel base, clindamycin, 5%, 10%, and 15% of Sunkist peel extract gel, respectively. This study indicates the methanol extract of Sunkist orange peel with a yield of 8.73% revealed the presence of some phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. Sunkist orange peel methanol extract gel significantly reduced the size of acne vulgaris lesions after 7-14 days of extract application (p-value <0.05). It is in line with the histological study that the gel concentration increased, followed by the growth of the epidermal layer. This study sstrongly indicates that Sunkist orange peel methanol extract has an antiacne effect in a physically stable gel form.

Studi Komparasi Aktivitas Antiradikal Bebas Ekstrak Metanol Kulit Buah Pisang Ambon (Musa acuminata Colla) Muda dan Matang dengan Metode DPPH

Ambonese banana fruit peel has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This search aims to investigate the potential of free radical scavengers based on the binding of DPPH free radicals (1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl Hidrazil). Ambonese banana fruit peel was extracted by maceration using methanol. Free radical activity assay on sample measured by inhibition of DPPH using spectrophotometer UV-Vis at a wavelength at 516 nm. Identification by the TLC method showed that the peel extract of Ambonese banana was active as free radical scavengers where the DPPH solution changed in color from purple to yellow after being sprayed. The calculation results in IC50 values of each sample methanol extract of unripe Ambonese banana fruit peel is 11.78 µg/mL, while the methanol extract of the ripe Ambonese banana fruit peel is 151.56 µg/mL. The standard quercetin has IC50 values of 4.44 µg/mL. The result showed that the methanol extract from the Ambonese banana fruit peel (Musa acuminata Colla) has antioxidantactivity.

Analgesic and Antipyretic Activity of Sweet Orange Peel Methanol Extract

An analgesic-antipyretic drug widely used is paracetamol, which has various health benefits and several adverse effects. Therefore, various natural products have been extensively studied as alternative analgesic-antipyretics, one of which is sweet orange peel. This study aimed to investigate sweet orange peel's analgesic and antipyretic activity by in vivo methods. This experimental study evaluated the analgesic and antipyretic effects of sweet orange peel extract extracted by the maceration method. The analgesic effect was evaluated by tail immersion (Maximum Possible Analgesia) and acetic acid-induced writhing method (total abdominal writhing). Meanwhile, the antipyretic effect was evaluated by the brewer yeast-induced hyperpyrexia (body temperature) method. This study showed that sweet orange peel methanol extract significantly increased the maximum possible analgesia value (132.79%) and reduced the number of abdominal writhing (44.05%) at the highest dose of 750 mg/kg BW. It indicated analgesic activity from sweet orange peels. Meanwhile, the antipyretic effect of sweet orange peel methanol extract was observed from 1-4 hours after administration, and the highest percentage inhibition of body temperature 4 hours after administration was found in a moderate dose, that was 5.98% (P value: 0.042). Therefore, it can be concluded that sweet orange peel methanol extract has analgesic and antipyretic effects with an optimal dose range of 500-750 mg/kg BW.

Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Methanolic Extract Dietary Supplementation on Oreochromis Niloticus Performance, Blood Health, Intestine Morphometry and Immunity

Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Methanolic Extract Dietary Supplementation on Oreochromis Niloticus Performance, Blood Health, Intestine Morphometry and Immunity

Methanolic pomegranate dried peel extract improves cryopreserved semen quality and antioxidant capacity of rams

Objective: To select the appropriate concentrations of methanolic pomegranate extract supplemented in rams' semen extender for obtaining the best-cryopreserved semen quality. Methods: Tris-based semen extender was supplemented with 0.0, 0.40, 0.48, and 0.56 mg/mL pomegranate peel methanolic extract to extend semen collected from five native rams twice weekly for two months (n=80). Pooled (n=16) post-thaw semen characteristics were determined. Thawed seminal plasma of all supplemented and control groups were used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbic acid, zinc, copper, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: The supplementation of Tris-based semen extender with 0.48 mg/mL semen extender resulted in the highest post-thaw sperm total motility (P<0.001), sperm progressive motility (P<0.001), live sperm (P<0.001), sperm plasma membrane integrity (P<0.001), acrosome integrity (P<0.001), SOD (P<0.05), zinc (P<0.001), total cholesterol (P<0.001), and LDL (P<0.001) with the lowest percentage of abnormal sperm morphology (P<0.001), the lowest lipid peroxidation (MDA, P<0.01), ascorbic acid (P>0.05), and LDH (P>0.05). Conclusions: Pomegranate peel methanolic extract 0.48 mg/mL supplemented to Tris-based semen extender of rams is the best enrichment in preserving the sperm post-thaw characteristics via improving biochemical profiles and antioxidant capacity.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antidiarrheal Activity of Dragon Fruit Peels Methanolic Extract

Diarrhea is a global major health problem reported by 2.5 billion cases annually. Diarrhea accounts for 9% of child death worldwide or the second leading cause of death among toddlers. Many local people have used traditional medicine for diarrhea therapy. Dragon fruit is a herbal plant with high vitamins and various nutritious compounds. Therefore, this study determined antidiarrheal activity from dragon fruit peel methanolic extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus). This study was experimental with in vitro and in vivo models. The in vitro model used disc diffusion and microdilution assay against the diarrhea-causing pathogen (Escherichia coli). Meanwhile, the in vivo model used male Wistar rats induced by Castro oil. This study showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum killing concentration (MKC) of dragon fruit peel extract against Escherichia coli were 50 and 100 mg/ml, respectively. The increased dose of dragon fruit peel methanol extract has increased the antidiarrheal index. The highest and lowest antidiarrheal index was found in the dragon fruit methanol extract-3 (76.56%) and dragon fruit methanol extract-1 (43.28%). The dragon fruit peel methanol extract can be proposed as antidiarrhea and antibacterial therapy against the diarrhea-causing pathogen.

Development of the Obesity Nutraceutical from Raja and Kepok Banana Peels

Patients with obesity often fail to control their body weight through diet and physical activity, while the existing anti-obesity drugs have some side effects for long-term use. Banana is Indonesia's tropical fruits with the highest production, and the banana peel has become soil waste. This study aimed to analyze nutrients and active compounds of methanol extracts of raja and kepok banana peels (ERP and EKP respectively). Macro and micro-nutrient compositions of the ERP and EKP were determined using the proximate analysis, while Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was used to detect the ERP and EKP active compounds. The ERP contained 0.11% crude fibers, 4.44% fat, and 58.08% carbohydrates, different from the EKP (4.25% protein, 20.95% water, and 14.45% minerals). By contrast, both the ERP and EKP contained flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, and saponins. In conclusion, ERP is potentially developed as a nutraceutical for obesity treatment in the future. Further study is needed to measure specific fat levels and to analyze specific active compounds in the ERP which can modulate gene expression and interact with protein targets in lipid metabolism.