Plant Extract Treatment Research Articles

94 Associative effects of two potent anti-methanogenic Moringa oleifera accessions mixed at various proportions on in vitro rumen fermentation and methane inhibition

Abstract Moringa is an important anti-methanogenic plant with a potential to develop as multipurpose feed additives. Previous studies identified two potent accessions (accession 07633 designated as A3 and accession collected from Pretoria designated as A11) with high methane (CH4) inhibition characteristics. Two metabolite ion features (MIFs) 4.44_609.1462 and MIF 4.53_433.1112 were identified as bioactive MIFs associated with greater methane inhibition in Moringa accession A3 and A11, respectively. Two separate studies were conducted with an aim to name the MIF associated with methane inhibition and evaluate the benefit of mixing plant extract from A3 and A11 in different proportions to exploit their additive or synergistic effect in inhibiting CH4 emission. In study 1, software and online tools such as MS-DIAl, MS-FINDER, and the mass bank database were used to identify the MIF 4.44_609.1462 and MIF 4.53_433.1112, and the two MIFs were tentatively named as Hesperidin and Isovitexin, respectively (Figure 1). In study 2, the Moringa plant extracts from A3 and A11 were mixed in the following proportion A3100:A110, A380:A1120, A360:A1140, A350:A1150, A340:A1160, A320:A1180, and A30:A11100 proportions (A3:A11), and applied at a rate 50 mg/kg DM of Eragrostis curvula hay incubated in an Incoshake incubator to determine their effect on in vitro gas production and CH4, and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of the hay. In each incubation run, the sole or a mixture of the Moringa plant extract treatments were added to the test feed and incubated in 125 mL serum bottles with four replications per treatment, and the incubation was repeated for three runs. A Chi–square (☐2) test were used to determine the presence of an associative effect for mixtures combined at different proportion. Generally, the mixture resulted in less (P < 0.05) CH4 volume, slightly improved or no effect on IVOMD, propionate concentration decreased acetate while increasing propionate concentration, with higher CH4 inhibition, and % CH4 inhibition was significantly greater when the two accessions were mixed in 50% proportion (Figure 2). Specifically, associative effects were recorded when the two accessions are mixed in 50% proportion in terms of greater CH4 inhibition, propionic acid concentration and total volatile fatty acid production (TVFA), as well as reduction in CH4 per unit TVFA and C2:C3 ratio (Table 1). Therefore a 50% binary cocktail of M. oleifera accession A3 and A11 (A350:A1150) plant extracts can be used as feed additive for CH4 inhibition without affecting the feed fermentation adversely when compared with the sole accession leaf extracts or other proportions of binary cocktails. Detailed mechanisms of action, however, need to be confirmed.

Gene expression and anticancer evaluation of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. Extracts using MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines.

In recent years, a cancer research trend has shifted towards identifying novel therapeutic compounds from natural assets for the management of cancer. In this study, we aimed to assess the cytotoxic activity of Kigelia Africana (KA) extracts on breast cancer (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and noncancerous kidney cells (HEK-293T) to develop an efficient anticancer medication. We used gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS to analyze the constituents of EKA and HKA extracts meanwhile the crystal violet and the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assays were used to examine the possible cytotoxic effects of plant extracts on our cancer cell lines along with non-cancerous control. The quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was run on cell samples to evaluate the differential expression of cell proliferative markers of cancer (BCL-2 and TP53). These phytochemicals have been reported to have binding affinity for some other growth factors and receptors as well which was evaluated by the in-silico molecular docking against Bcl2, EGFR, HER2, and TP53. Our Morphological observation showed a significant difference in the cell morphology and proliferation potential which was decreased under the effect of plant extracts treatment as compared to the control samples. The ethanol extract exhibited a marked antiproliferative activity towards MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines with IC50 = 20 and 32 μg/mL, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR gene expression investigation revealed that the IC50 concentration of ethanolic extract regulated the levels of mRNA expression of apoptotic genes. With the target and active binding site amino acids discovered in the molecular docking investigation, TP53/Propanoic acid, 3-(2, 3, 6-trimethyl-1, 4-dioxaspiro [4.4] non-7-yl)-, methyl ester (-7.1 kcal/mol) is the best-docked ligand. The use of this plant in folk remedies justifies its high in vitro anti-cancer capabilities. This work highlights the role of phytochemicals in the inhibition of cancer proliferation. Based on all these findings, it can be concluded that EKA extract has promising anti-proliferative effect on cancerous cells but more study is required in future to further narrow down the active ingredients of total crude extract with specific targets in cancer cells.

ERADICATION OF HETEROGENEOUS VANCOMYCIN ITERMEDIATED STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (hVISA) USING PEGANUM HARMALA L. SEEDS EXTRACTS

The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the antibacterial essential oil of Peganum harmala L. seeds against locally isolated heterogeneous vancomycin intermediated Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA) at doses ranging from 0.03 to 200 mg/ml. The filtered essential oil of P. harmala, after extract by the 96% ethanol in a Soxhlet extraction device, was analyzed by GC/MS (gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy). The results showed that the P. harmala seeds oils contained several compounds, such as Harmine (58.26%), followed by 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, methyl ester (28.55%) and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (4.30%), It is highly effective against targeted bacteria. The MIC method was used to investigate antibacterial activity by measuring the lowest inhibitory concentration of the extract and observed that the inhibition concentration against hVISA isolates was 0.3 mg/ml. The gene expression was detected after RNA extract from hVISA (untreated and treated) with P. harmala essential oil using the Quantitative Real-Time PCR method the results revealed that gene expression was low after bacterial with plant extract treatment. Finally, the ethanolic extract of p. harmala seeds appears to be a potential therapy choice for hVISA infection.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer activities of endemic Cephalaria tuteliana

IntroductionThe genus Cephalaria, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is a rich source of secondary metabolites, including mainly saponins which display a variety of biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancerous effects. This study was carried out to observe the biochemical composition and to evaluate the biological activities of Cephalaria tuteliana Kus & Gokturk. MethodsThe composition of endemic C. tuteliana was determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) studies. Antimicrobial effect were determined by the disk diffusion and dilution methods for test bacteria and test fungi. The antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract was also investigated. Cell proliferation and apoptosis analysis were investigated by WST-1 and ELISA methods. The migration level of PC-3 prostate cancer cells after plant extract application was examined by wound healing assay. Also, molecular docking experiments were performed to investigate the anticancer activity of the major component found in the C.tuteliana extract. ResultsGC–MS analysis showed that the predominant compounds were Phenol, 2,2′-methylenebis [6-(1,1dimethyl ethyl)-4-methyl- (23.54 %), 9,12,15-octadecatrien-1-ol, (Z,Z,Z)-(6.06 %) and n-Hexadecanoic acid (3.03 %). The ethanolic extract of C. tuteliana displayed moderate antimicrobial activity against a spectrum of tested microorganisms. Also, it exhibited significant antiproliferative effects on PC-3 human prostate cancer cells while having no harmful effects on healthy control HUVEC cells. Furthermore, enhanced expressions of Caspase-3, 8, and 9 were observed in PC-3 cells after plant extract treatment. Also, cell migration level was notably reduced, especially at a dose of 400 µg/mL in PC-3 cells. The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extracts of C. tuteliana showed higher activity than ascorbic acid. Molecular docking experiments showed potential binding of the major aromatic compound in C.tuteliana extract to human androgen receptor 1E3G protein. ConclusionThese findings highlight the potential of C. tuteliana as a valuable natural resource and pave the way for further in vivo prostate cancer investigations.

The influence of plant extracts on viability of ST3 and ST7 subtypes of Blastocystis sp.

Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently detected protozoa during stool specimen examination. In the last decade, the studies about the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis sp. have intensified. Additionally, treatment approaches against this parasite are still disputable. The study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of the substances of natural origin against two subtypes (ST) of Blastocystis sp.—ST3 and ST7. Garlic and turmeric extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory effect in relation to the ST3 viability. While horseradish and turmeric were found to be the most effective extracts to the ST7 viability. The study showed that ginger, garlic, horseradish, and turmeric extracts have potent antimicrobial activity against Blastocystis ST3 and ST7, with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 3.8 to 4.8 µg/ml and from 3.3 to 72.0 µg/ml, respectively, and thus may be useful in the prevention and control of Blastocystis infections. Additionally, this research confirmed that Blastocystis ST7 is more resistant to the selected plant extracts treatment than Blastocystis ST3 which in consequence may bring some difficulties in its eradication.

Initial Physiological, Biochemical and Elemental Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Clove Responses to T. vulgaris and S. aromaticum Extract Application

Plant extracts are getting attention for their sterilizing, growth-promoting properties in the agricultural field. No exception exists when it comes to the treatment of propagating material with these natural components. Plant extracts may have complex compositions which affect plants or seeds in a positive way. However, they could also cause negative effects, like decreased germination, secondary metabolite contents or biomass gain. As the agricultural field requires sustainable techniques for plant growth and quality assurance in production, it is important to evaluate the potential effects of every alternative natural compound that shows promise for future plant treatment. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a popular spice crop grown in various regions of the world. Therefore, our study focused on an investigation of the early physiological and biochemical changes in garlic cloves (cv. ‘Jarus’ and ‘Vasariai’) treated with Thymus vulgaris essential oil and Syzygium aromaticum extract. Experiments were carried out in controlled climate conditions, in which the treated cloves were kept for four weeks. Results show that S. aromaticum extract increased germination in cv. ‘Jarus’ compared to untreated garlic cloves. Meanwhile, T. vulgaris caused lower germination of both cultivars compared to untreated cloves. None of the extracts increased biomass gain in garlic cloves. ABTS antioxidant activity was decreased by both extracts in cv. ‘Jarus’ (~7–47%) and ‘Vasariai’ (~22–32%) compared to untreated garlic cloves. Antioxidant DPPH and FRAP activities were ~6–11% and ~14–15% higher after ‘Vasariai’ treatment with extracts. Meanwhile, in ‘Jarus’ only, S. aromaticum extract caused an increase in DPPH and FRAP antioxidant activities. The elemental content was the highest in garlic cloves treated with T. vulgaris essential oil. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and flavonoids (TF) were 1.2 times higher after S. aromaticum treatment of ‘Jarus’ compared to untreated cloves, while slightly increased TPC and two times higher TF values were found after treatment with T. vulgaris. Around 10% higher TPC and 1.5–3 times lower TF values were observed after the plant extract treatment of ‘Vasariai’ garlic cloves. Our study demonstrates initial changes in garlic cloves dependent on the plant extract treatment and cultivar. This provides important information for the future utilization of such technology, either alone or in combination with others.

Antidiarrhoeal and anti-emetic activities of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Ficus thonningii</i> Blume in young chicks

Treatments for diarrhoeal and vomiting with modern drugs have been associated with unwanted effects such as sedation and extrapyramidal effects. In this study, Ficus thonningii Blume leaf extract (FTE) was investigated for its anti-diarrhoeal and anti-emetic properties. Two study groups, namely anti-diarrhoeal and anti-emetic groups (n=36), were sorted into: placebo; drug-treatment, and 3 plant-extract treatment (FT100, FT200 and FT300) subgroups (n = 6). In the placebo group, chicks were administered only saline solution (0.9 %) while chlorpromazine (150 mg/kg) and loperamide (2.5 mg/kg) served as positive control in the anti-emetic and antidiarrhoeal study groups, respectively. The plant-extract treatment groups (FT100, FT200 and FT300) were treated with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses of FTE, respectively. Vomiting was induced using oral copper sulphate solution (50 mg/kg) and chicks were observed for latency as-well-as number of retches. In the anti-diarrhoea study group, 30 mins after treatment with extracts, diarrhoea was induced with oral castor oil and latency as-well-as number of defecation was observed. Results revealed that treatment with 200 and 300 mg/kg of FTE, similar to chlorpromazine, inhibited the number of retching in chicks by 71% and 78%, respectively. Treatment with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg of FTE, similar to loperamide, reduced the number of droppings in chicks by 45.4%, 42.9%, and 58.4%, respectively. Thus, the results showed that FTE possess anti-emetic and anti-diarrhoeal properties which qualifies it a potential research candidate in search of new drugs.

The Effectiveness of Intrauterine Treatment with Momordica charantia L. on Some Hormone Parameters in Repeat Breeder Cattle

Background: Repeated breeding is a substantial problem in dairy cattle affecting reproductive efficiency. The goal of the current study was to see how intrauterine treatment of phytotherapeutic plant extract affected some hormonal indicators and conception rates in dairy cattle with fertility issues. Methods: In the study, 40 repeat breeder (RB) cattle were randomly divided into two groups. Forty ml (0.25 g/mL) Momordica charantia L. (MC) extract was administered intrauterine to cattle in group I (n=20) and 40 ml of pure olive oil was administered intrauterine to cattle in group II (n=20) at a time. The control group, group III (n=20), was composed of healthy heifers. Endometrial smear samples were taken from all RB cattle for cytological examination before the treatment and all were stained with Giemsa. Estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels were assessed by collecting blood samples starting from intrauterine treatment on days 0, 7 and 14. After the last blood sample was collected, the estrus cycles of all cattle were synchronized through a double dose of PGF2α administration at 14-day intervals. GnRH was administered with single insemination at the 60th hour following the second PGF2α treatment. Result: Subclinical endometritis was determined in 82.5% (33/40) of RB cattle. Pregnancy rates in group I, group II and group III were determined as 55%, 35% and 35%.respectively.(P greater than 0.05). There was no significant difference in E2 values according to time and between groups. For P4, there were also no significant differences between three time-dependent measurements, but there was a difference in the 7th and 14th days of the groups (P less than 0.01). For IGF-1, significant differences were found between the three time-dependent measurements of the groups (P less than 0.001). In conclusion, it was observed that the MC extract treatment, especially in RB with SCE, can improve the pregnancy rate by positively affecting the increase in IGF-1 which is a key element of the extremely complex endocrine system.

Analysis of anti-rheumatic activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis via in vivo and pharmacovigilance approaches.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease associated with chronic inflammation of numerous joints. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NAT) is a traditional remedy for RA, a chronic inflammatory disorder. Aim: The current project aims to demonstrate the role of the NAT extracts in sub-acute toxicity, pharmacovigilance, and anti-rheumatic biomarkers. Method: Hydroethanolic extract (1:1) of plant leaves was prepared by using the reflux method. The safety of the dose was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the anti-inflammatory effects of NAT on RA symptoms, including paw volumes, body weight, arthritic index, withdrawal latency, hematology and serological test, radiology, and histopathology, were evaluated in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis Sprague-Dawley rat models. The inflammatory (TNF-α and COX-2) and anti-inflammatory markers (IL-10) were analyzed in control and experimental groups. Result: The study showed that 500mg/kg BW NAT leaf extract was found to be least toxic without showing any subacute toxicity symptoms. The pharmacovigilance study highlighted the potential side effects of NAT, such as drowsiness, sedation, and lethargy, at high dosages. Treatment with the plant extract mitigated paw edema, restored the immune organ and body weights, and ameliorated the level of blood parameters such as hemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), C-reactive proteins, and rheumatoid factor. Treatment with the plant extracts also reduced the level of cyclooxygenase 2 and TNF-α and increased the level of IL-10 in the serum of arthritic rats dose-dependently. Radiographic analysis of the ankle joint showed an improvement in the hind legs. Histological examination of the ankle joints revealed that the plant extract treatment decreased pannus formation, inflammation, and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic animals. Conclusion: NAT 500mg/kg could serve as a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

Combinational Antidiabetic effects of Curcuma longa L. and Trigonella foenum-graecum L. extracts in alloxan induced type-1 diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that is one of the leading causes of death globally. The current study aimed to determine the combined protective effect of Curcuma longa (CL) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (TFG) on alloxan-induced oxidative stress in liver tissue of albino Wister rats. Rats were divided into 8 groups with 6 individuals each. Group I served as control, group II, III and IV were treated with CL, TFG and CL+TFG respectively. Group V, VI, VII and VIII were alloxan-induced diabetic rats, whereas group V served as negative control and group VI, VII and VIII were treated with CL, TFG and CL+TFG respectively. Blood glucose, body weight, oxidative enzymes and histopathological changes were evaluated. Group V showed significant increase in blood glucose levels after induction of alloxan, whereas, group VI, VII and VIII showed significantly decreased levels. However, the best hypoglycaemic activity was found in group VIII. The body weights were slightly increased in groups II, III and IV after the treatment of plant extracts, whereas, decreased body weights were noticed in group V. though no significant weight changes were observed in groups VI, VII and VIII. A significant decrease in oxidative enzyme levels as compared to group V were recorded. The histopathological investigation of liver tissue showed morphological alteration in group V and ameliorative effects in group VI, VII and VIII due to administration of CL, TFG and CL+TFG. Therefore, the combined administration of CL+ TFG exhibits the highest hypoglycemic activity by reducing the oxidative enzyme levels and regeneration of liver tissue.

Efficacy of the Whole Plant Ethanol Extract of Phyllanthus Amarus on Trypanosoma Brucei-Induced Pathology in Wistar Rat

African animal trypanosomiasis is one of the most important protozoal diseases affecting animal health and production. This study was conducted to assess the phytochemical composition of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract and to assess its safety and efficacy on Trypanosoma brucei-induced pathology in Wistar rats. The plant sample was obtained from around the residential area in Ahmadu Bello University, main campus, Zaria, Nigeria, and subjected to phytochemical screening following standard procedures. Sixteen Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each rat in the groups receiving 0.1 mL of 10⁶ T. brucei trypomastigotes. After three days of patency, rats in groups III to V were given different plant extract treatments for four days, while rats in groups I and II served as negative and positive controls. Following treatment, clinical parameters, parasitaemia, gross pathology and biochemical analysis were observed and recorded. The results showed that the ethanol extract contained primary constituents such as alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, triterpenes, anthraquinones, tannins, and steroids. The extract was found to be non-toxic and orally safe for Wistar rats. It showed moderate suppressive ability against parasitaemia, ameliorating fever, weight loss, and anaemia in Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats. It also demonstrated significant modulatory activity in reducing internal organ pathologies, liver enzyme pathology, and oxidative stress in the heart, kidney, and spleen. The study highlights the safety and efficacy of Phyllanthus amarus ethanol extract in managing African animal trypanosomiasis.

Assessing the efficacy of plant extract treatment for controlling tuber soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovora subsp. carotovora in sweet potato tubers

Assessing the efficacy of plant extract treatment for controlling tuber soft rot caused by Pectobacterium carotovora subsp. carotovora in sweet potato tubers

Ameliorative effect of micro-algal and medicinal plants on some biochemical properties of bean plants under salinity stress

This study was conducted to examine the ameliorative effects of foliar application of some micro-algal (Chlorella vulgaris and Spirulina platensis) and some medicinal plant leaves (Salix alba, Psidium guajava, and Olea europaea) extracts on Phaseolus vulgaris (Bean) under salinity stress. On a loamy soil, a pots trial was carried out on bean plants grown under salinity stress. Growth characteristics, pigments, osmolytes, total phenol, and antioxidant enzyme contents were determined. S. platensis extract application showed the greatest improvement in shoot length and fresh weight of shoot, which rose 23.5% and 65.1%, respectively compared to the control. The utilized bio-stimulants, particularly S. platensis extracts, remarkably increased the chlorophyll content compared to the control under salinity stress. The photosynthetic pigment, soluble sugars, and soluble protein levels were strengthened by foliar application of bio-stimulant extract. Proline and antioxidant enzyme levels are significantly reduced using algal and plant extracts treatment. These findings support the treatment’s increased contribution to reducing salt stress and their detrimental effects on bean plants.The findings of this study indicate that the use of these biostimulants, especially S. alba, P. guajava, and O. europaea leaf extracts can be considered as an unconventional, ecofriendly, and novel tool in the mitigation of salinity stress.

Effects of the aqueous extract of Pycnanthus angolensis (Myristicaceae) on male rat sexual behavior and nitric oxide release

Erectile dysfunction is a major public health problem leading to harmful consequences for couples. Hence the need to find adequate treatments using medicinal plants such as Pycnanthus angolensis, a Cameroonian plant used to treat erectile dysfunction. The effects of aqueous extract of Pycnanthus angolensis wood were evaluated on male rat sexual behavior and nitric oxide release. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 5 each that included a group receiving orally: distilled water (10 ml/Kg BW), plant extract treatment (43 or 86 or 172 mg/kg BW). Sexual behaviors were monitored on days 1, 4, 7, and 14 by pairing male rats to receptive females and nitric oxide levels were assessed in penile homogenate. At the end of the 14 days of treatment, rats were killed and sexual organs weighed. No significant effect was observed on sexual organs weights. When administered at a dose of 43 mg/Kg, body weight; the plant extract significantly increased (p<0.05) the sexual performance as well as the libido of male rats. Nitric oxide release was significantly increased (p<0.05) in that group of extract-treated rats, while compared to the control group. The study demonstrates that Pycnanthus angolensis is a medicinal plant which can enhance the sexual behaviors of male rat. Hence, it can be used for the management of erectile dysfunction, mainly at a dose of 43 mg/Kg, body weight.

Acute Toxicity and Anxiolytic Activity Screening of Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extracts of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Terminalia catappa and Tapinanthus dodoneifolius Growing on Terminalia catappa Tree in MIce

Aims: Hydroalcoholic T. dodoneifolius, B.pinnatum and T. catappa leaf extracts were investigated for their acute toxicity and anxiolytic activities. Study Design: Acute toxicity (LD50) was determined using the limit dose acute and Anxiolytic activities were assessed by open-field field behavioural testing in mice. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in the Neurobehavioural room of Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in late December 2022. Methodology: Groups of mice (n=6; equal sexes) were each exposed to the open-field paradigm (OFT) following 1 hour of single oral administration of distilled water, extracts (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) and diazepam (0. 5 mg/kg) using the behavioural indices of mean centre zone time (M%CZT), centre zone re-entry (MCZR) and defeaction/urination frequency (MD/UF). Results: Acute toxicity testing shows that the three extracts are safe with LD50 of 5g/kg. Behavioural results indicate, compared to the distilled water treatment (M%CZT, 6.39±1.53; MCZR, 4.67±1.15, & MU/UF, 4.83±0.75), single acute T. dodoneifolius (M%CZT, 7.50±1.73, 13.72±2.43, & 20.94±3.91*; MCZR, 7.33±0.88, 9.50±0.76, & 11.50±1.6*; MD/UF, 4.17±0.48, 3.17±0.54, & 1.83±0.60*), and B.pinnatum (M%CZT, 9.72±1.91, 9.78±1.32, & 19.67±2.01*; MCZR, 6.00±1.15, 10.50±0.76, & 12.50±1.72*; MD/UF, 3.17±0.79, 2.33±0.42, & 1.33±0.49*) extract treatments demonstrated consistent dose-dependency in their anxiolytic activity across the three parameters with T. catappa extract (M%CZT, 6.95±1.27, 12.17±2.01, & 16.84±1.49*; MCZR, 8.17±1.60, 10.17±1.67, & 10.83±1.96; MD/UF, 2.83±0.60, 2.00±0.73, & 3.67±0.42) exhibiting dose-pendent anxiolytic effect only on the M%CZT. However, at the highest dose level of 500 mg/kg, all plant extract treatments caused anxiolytic effects that are comparable with those of 0.5 mg/kg diazepam treatments (M%CZT, 22.61±1.31*; MCZR, 12.17±1.66*; & MD/UF, 2.62±0.21*). Conclusion: These findings justify the traditional use of these medicinal plant extracts in the remediation of nervous and related disorders.

Induction and Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Plant Extract in Rats: A Systematic Review

Aims: To review the induction and treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with plant extract in rats in light of the rising incidence of the condition, its accompanying physical and mental issues, and the role that sex hormone alterations play in its development.
 Methodology: An extensive literature search was carried out using relevant publications, which were published between 2012 and 2022 and indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, Scientific Information Database, and Science Direct were investigated.
 Results: This review shows that the majority of research examined the levels of sex hormones in the serum, the induction of PCOS, and the treatment of animal models. The review also found that 43.75% of the studies induced PCOS with Letrozole, 31.25% with estradiol valerate, 6.25% with Testosterone Enanthate (TE), and 6.25% of the studies induced PCOS with Testosterone Propionate (TP).
 Conclusion: This study showed that Letrozole, Estradiol valerate, Dhea, Testosterone Enanthate, and Testosterone Propionate effectively induce PCOS in rats. Also, `plant extracts are effective in treating PCOS. More research into the mechanisms of action for plant extracts is required to complete our understanding of the reproductive endocrinological effects of plant extract treatment for PCOS.

Alkaline oxidization can increase the in vitro antiparasitic activity of proanthocyanidin-rich plant extracts against Ascarissuum

Proanthocyanidins (PAs) are a class of plant specialized metabolites with well-documented bioactivities such as antiparasitic effects. However, little is known about how the modification of PAs influences their bioactivity. The objective of this study was to investigate a wide range of PA-containing plant samples to determine if extracts containing PAs modified by oxidation had altered antiparasitic activities, compared to the original extracts that had not been modified in alkaline conditions. We extracted and analyzed samples from 61 proanthocyanidin-rich plants. The extracts were then oxidized under alkaline conditions. We used these non-oxidized and oxidized proanthocyanidin-rich extracts to conduct a detailed analysis of direct antiparasitic effects against the intestinal parasite Ascaris suum in vitro. These tests showed that the proanthocyanidin-rich extracts had antiparasitic activity. Modification of these extracts significantly increased the antiparasitic activity for the majority the extracts, suggesting that the oxidation procedure enhanced the bioactivity of the samples. Some samples that showed no antiparasitic activity before oxidation showed very high activity after the oxidation. High levels of other polyphenols in the extracts, such as flavonoids, was found to be associated with increased antiparasitic activity following oxidation. Thus, our in vitro screening opens up the opportunity for future research to better understand the mechanism of action how alkaline treatment of PA-rich plant extracts increases their biological activity and potential as novel anthelmintics.

“Medicinal plant extracts enhanced the shelf life of chilli fruits against the anthracnose disease through defense modulation”

Colletotrichum capsici is a severe concern for the post-harvest management of chilli fruit. Mostly synthetic fungicide is used to protect chilli fruits after harvesting, which contain many toxic compounds, and it's become the most significant issue for the consumers' health. In the current study, antifungal activity of leaf and stem extracts of different medicinally important plants such as Acalypha indica, Adhatoda vasica, Alternanthera sessilis, and Peristrophe paniculata were examined against the C. capsici on chilli fruits. The chilli fruits were treated with plant extracts ‘before’ and ‘after’ the inoculation of the fungal pathogen at two different temperatures (25 °C and 4 °C). The plant extract treatment ‘before pathogen inoculation’ was more effective than ‘after pathogen inoculation in controlling the anthracnose disease of chilli fruits. Results revealed that most plant extracts showed better disease resistance (small size of lesions, low weight loss, higher pH, and increased titrable acidity) at 4 °C than 25 °C. The maximum disease incidence (33.88%) resulted in leaf extract of A. sessilis ‘before pathogen inoculation’, and it minimized the lesion size up to 15 mm. Similarity reduced the decay by 53% at 25 °C, and a similar manner of disease reduction was followed by A. vasica, P. paniculata, and A. indica. Further, PPO, POD, CAT, SOD, and PAL enzyme quantification showed leaf extract of A. sessilis ‘before pathogen inoculation’ significantly induced the plant defense against the C. capsici. In conclusion, A. sessilis leaf extract treatment ‘before pathogen inoculation’ was found most efficient in reducing anthracnose disease in chilli fruits. The bioactive compounds of the leaf extract of A. sessilis could function in C. capsici growth inhibition and defense activation of chilli fruits.

MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE ALIEN WEED (PARTHENIUM HYSTEROPHORUS L) THROUGH ALLELOPATHIC AND COMPETITIVE PLANTS AND CHEMICALS IN ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURE

The study conducted evaluated potential of extracts of selected plant species and chemicals on growth of P. hysterophorus. Since the impact of parthenium weed has become to the status of being an extensive economic and social problems of Ethiopian farmers. The experiment identified herbicidal potential of Aregemon mexicana leaf, stem and root extracts and 2, 4-D on seed germination and early seedling growths of parthenium at under field pot condition. Aqueous extracts of 6, 8 and 10 % (w/v), obtained from dry leaves, stem root of Aregemon mexicana plants and 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 % of 2, 4-D herbicide. The overall germination, shoot and root growth means of A. mexicana extract and 2, 4-D, herbicidal treatments were significant (p<0.0001). Germination hinder by 2, 4-D and A. mexicana stem extracts, which inhibited the germination by (74.4 and 69.3 %) respectively from the control (82.2 %) and the lowest was A. mexicana root extract (54.8 %) in invitro. In the pot experiment the overall growth parameter means of plant extract and herbicidal treatments were significantly lower than the distilled water treated plants. A. mexicana stem resulted 100 % mortality at active growth stage of the parthenium plant, and 2, 4- D also showed best suppressed growth effects. A. mexicana leaf and root gave remarkable seed suppression of (93-94%) at 10 % concentration. Then we conclude that species like A. Mexicana and chemicals like 2, 4-D and are good candidates for future parthenium management. The Small holder farmers adopted mechanical control measures, while, it is most serious is not tackled by these farmers, integrate with other management options such as competitive plants and chemicals may appear to be satisfactory. However further research is required to progress our understanding of the interference mechanisms between parthenium and these species, on how to integrate with other management options and cost effectiveness of the methods.

Deregulation of apoptotic proteins by induction of Dendropthae falcata (L.f.) Ettingsh plant extract in breast cancer cells: A proteome-wide analysis.

The present study evaluated the protein-based analysis to unravel the role and mechanism behind the Dendropthae falcata plant extract treatment in breast cancer cells. The protein sample was extracted from the cancer cells after treatment with the plant extract and subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis for protein separation. Further, the proteins that were differentially regulated among the samples which were treated and non-treated were selected and processed further for protein identification using a tandem mass spectrometry approach. Using these strategies, we identified 16 potential candidates which were showing remarkable changes in treated samples. All the candidates were analyzed further for gene ontology analysis, and it was observed that all proteins were involved in multiple pathways pertaining to the carcinogenesis process. Specifically, apoptotic pathway proteins including BAD, BIK, BID, CASP8, MCL1, BCL2, and BAK1 were highly impacted by treatment with D. falcata plant extract. All these protein hits were further taken for validation experiments using RT PCR analysis. Initiation of these apoptotic proteins by D. falcata plant extract treatment in breast cancer cells shows a positive direction toward nature-based alternative medicine.