Plant Extracts Research Articles

Innovative fertilizers with added plant extracts in the cultivation of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus and in the control of Botrytis and powdery mildew

Research objective: The main objective of this article is to report the results obtained from the use of innovative fertilisers with added plant extracts in agriculture. In particular, this article will deal with two important topics: i) study of the effect of innovative fertilisers on the biomass of vegetable plants; ii) possible control on mortality due to diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew. The information reported in this research work can support the design of cultivation systems in which agricultural sustainability is fundamental due to the presence of plant extracts as an alternative to synthetic plant protection products. Materials and Methods: The plants were grown in pots under controlled conditions; 30 seedlings per thesis, divided into 3 replications of 10 plants each, were planted in early January 2024. The plants used in the trial were Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. The five experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group control, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate; ii) group with Aktigen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iii) group with Lifegen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); iv) group with QI-gen, irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week); v) Group with Ecklonia maxima (EK): (peat 70% + pumice 20%), irrigated with water and previously fertilised substrate, (3 ml per plant once a week). On 5 May 2024, plant height, number of leaves, primary root length (mm), biomass of the aerial and root system, and number of dead plants (Botrytis and powdery mildew) were recorded. Results and Discussion: The experiment showed that the use of innovative fertilisers enriched with plant extracts can indeed significantly improve the vegetative and root growth of Valeriana officinalis L. and Raphanus sativus. All treatments showed a significant improvement over the untreated control and the commercial Ecklonia maxima treatment for the agronomic parameters analysed, but the Qi-gen treatment was significantly the best for increasing vegetative and root biomass. Improvements were also found in plant height, leaf number and root length. The trial also revealed the significant effect on Botrytis control of the product Aktigen and on powdery mildew of the product Lifegen, in fact they reduced the mortality of Valeriana officinalis and Raphanus sativus seedlings. Conclusions: A number of scientific studies have shown that the application of biofertilizers can improve plant growth, productivity, quality, and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Because of their multiple properties, they have become increasingly important as advanced agricultural techniques in global agriculture. This type of product, which includes natural substances, will contribute significantly to ecologically and economically sustainable agricultural production systems in the coming years, as well as serving as the foundation for large-scale sustainable agriculture in the future.

Assessment of acute impacts of cadmium chloride exposure on blood sugar level, body and organs weight in male albino Wistar rats and the ameliorative effects of ethanol leaf extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Mangifera indica

Impacts of acute cadmium chloride exposure on blood sugar level, body and organs weights in male albino Wistar rats and the ameliorative effects of ethanol leaf extracts of Tapinanthus bangwensis and Mangifera indica were assessed. Twenty –five animals (125- 285 g) were randomly assigned five groups of five rats each. Groups 1-4 were orally administered with cadmium chloride (30%) below its LD50 each for three times at 2days interval before treatment with the plant extracts. Groups 1 and 2 were later treated with 300 mg/kg of T. bangwensis and M. indica respectively. Group3 were treated with 300 mg/kg of both extracts at 50:50 dosage ratio. Groups 4 and 5 were not treated and they served as negative and normal control respectively. Treatment was done via oral route for 14 days and all animals were allowed free access to commercial rat mash and water. Blood sugar and body weight were assessed at 2days interval after exposing animals to the heavy metal followed by treatment. Organs weights were taken after 14days treatment. The results of the blood sugar level revealed significant increase (P< 0.05) in group 4 (untreated) when compared to the normal control group and the groups treated with leaf extracts. Significant decrease was recorded in body weight of the untreated rats when compared to the treated and normal groups. There was significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the weight of testis and liver in group 4 when compared to groups 1,2,3 and 5, with significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the weight of the kidneys in group 1 when compared to groups 3 and 5. These results implied that cadmium chloride toxicity altered blood sugar levels, body and organs weights in the animals, however, the two plant extracts ameliorated these impacts and regulated the parameters to fall within their normal ranges.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MADHUCA LONGIFOLIA: A REVIEW

Plant extracts and their derivatives are used by almost 80% of the world's population for the treatment of various infections and disorders. The current review was based on the chemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological properties of Madhuca longifolia. The Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) Symmachus indica is a huge deciduous tree native to Nepal, India, and Ceylon. It is also known as the Butter nut tree and is a member of the Sapotaceae family. The height of an M. longifolia tree can reach up to 70 feet. The fruiting period of the tree begins between the ages of 8 and 15, and can last up to 60 years. When ripe, the fruits have a greenish yellow colour and are oval in shape [4]. Sugars, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, Ca, P, Fe, Mg, Cu, anthocyanins, betains, salts of malic and succinic acid, and many other vitamins and minerals can be found in flowers. It is the rich source of quercetin, 3-O-lrhamnosid, stigmasterol, n-hexacosanol, n-octacosanol, carotene, myricitin, erthrodiol, 3-caproxyolcan-12-en-28-ol, 3-galactoside and Xanthophylls. It was traditionally utilized in bronchitis, diabetes, rheumatism, haemorrhage, ulcer, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and spongy gums etc. In conclusion, Madhuca longifolia is reported to be effective as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppression, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-neoplastic and anthelmintic.

Comparison the effect of plant extracts and antibiotics on gram negative bacteria isolated from patients with urinary tract infection in Tikrit city

Background: With increasing bacterial resistance for antibiotic, there is an increasing interest in medicinal herbal as a new source of an antimicrobial agents and with less side effects than conventional drugs. Objective: Was to evaluate the potential of Syzygium aromaticum and rosemarinus officinalis extract on Proteus mirabilis isolates in vitro. Methods: Six pathogenic gram negative bacilli belonging to three different genus (E.coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Enterobacter aerogenes) and two isolates from each species were used in this study and four concentration (100%, 75%, 50%, 25% mg/ml ) from each plant extracts (aqueous and ethanolic of Syzygium aromaticum and rosemarinus officinalis extracts ) were prepared to be antibacterial agent. antibacterial activity was measured by using wells method and five antibiotics using to compare with the activity of antibacterial agent. Results: The result of the study shown that the ethanolic extracts of Syzygium aromaticum is a strong antibacterial agent (with diameter of inhibition zone 25 mm) against Proteus mirabilis. Enterobacter aerogenes with (15mm) of inhibition zon, E.coli did not show any inhibition zone also the aqueous and ethanolic of rosemarinus officinalis extracts and aqueous of Syzygium aromaticum extracts did not show any activity towards any gram negative bacilli also the results of the study show resistance isolates of E.coli and Proteus mirabilis toward several antibiotic while Enterobacter aerogenes is sensitive for more antibiotics that used in this study. Conclusions: Our study concluded that the extract of Syzygium aromaticum has high potential as antibacterial agent against UTI that caused by Proteus mirabilis, clove (syzygium aromaticum) can be used in pharmaceutical for the production of new synthetic agents. There is an increasing interest in phytochemicals as new sources of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. The natural compounds which have biological activities are interest to pharmaceutical industries especially for treatment of human disease of microbial origin and several pathological disorders such as cancergenesis, coronary atherosclerosis, as well as in ageing processes.

REVIEW OF COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES OF PRIYANGU

The chemical components found in plants make them a vital and fundamental component of complementary and alternative medicine. Traditional medicine has made use of plants of the Aglaia genus, the species in the Meliaceae family. the genus Aglaia has more than one hundred. Juss. Aglaia elaeagnoidea In the Western Ghats and other dry regions of India, Benth trees grow in dense, damp woods. Priyangu and chokkala are two of the common names. Rural people use the bark and leaves of this tree, much like they do with other Aglaia species. The Aglaia elaeagnoidea plant's leaves and stem bark are used in Indian medicine, specifically Ayurvedic medicine, to treat a variety of conditions, including skin diseases, tumors, insect repellent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anti-cancer. Numerous studies have documented the existence of phytoconstituents in plant extracts, providing empirical evidence for the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-tumor, and anti-hypertensive effects of plants. This review includes information on Aglaia elaeagnoidea phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye under solar light irradiation by zinc oxide nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Cleome gynandra

A simple green synthetic technique is proposed for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using the plant extract Cleome gynandra as a bio-template. The morphological, functional and structural characterization of synthesized ZnONPs was investigated using several techniques, such as energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The synthesized ZnONPs have a wurtzite hexagonal nanostructure with an average size of 15.20 nm. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous solution was carried out using the synthesized ZnONPs. The photocatalytic activity of ZnONPs was investigated by adjusting physicochemical variables as reaction time, medium pH, precursor concentration, and photocatalyst dosage. All results indicate that ZnONPs produced by the green approach exhibits significant photocatalytic activity against dye molecules.

Research on: Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal soap

People have been using medicinal plants for centuries to treat various ailments. The extract from the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants has been a natural remedy for many health issues. Commercial soaps often contain harmful ingredients, making natural herbal soaps a good alternative. Bacterial skin infections are common and require proper treatment and skincare. Some herbal plant extracts and oils have been found to have antibacterial properties. To address this, an antibacterial Polyherbal soap was formulated using ingredients like curcumin, neem, lemon juice, aloe vera, and almond oil. Neem leaves have traditionally been used to treat skin disorders due to their antioxidant properties. Lemon water has antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities that keep the skin healthy and rejuvenated. Aloe vera is known for preventing aging, reducing acne, and moisturizing the skin. Turmeric is beneficial for treating skin injuries and conditions like psoriasis. The Polyherbal soap was tested for its antibacterial activity and showed positive results. So, the use of medicinal plants in soap production offers cost-effective benefits with minimal side effects.

Determination of Trace Cd(II) in Water and Cosmetics based on Au/GO/CuO Nanocomposite Functionalized Electrochemical Sensor

Abstract Cadmium (Cd(II)) is highly toxic to environmental, and while many approaches have been developed to measure cumulative Cd(II) concentration over time, online monitoring of spatiotemporal changes remains challenging. To address this, an electrochemical sensor for determination of ultra-trace Cd(II) was developed, based on gold/graphene oxide/copper oxide (Au/GO/CuO) nanomaterials modifying glassy carbon electrode. CuO nanoparticles were prepared by a green synthesis method using plant extract, and the Au nanoparticles were deposited on the GO/CuO nanosubstrates by an in-situ electrochemical method. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The CuO nanoparticles are layered flower-like with an average particle size of 200-500 nm. Au/GO/CuO nanocomposites with high specific surface area and excellent electronic transmission capability enhanced the electrochemical signal of the sensor. Owing to the synergistic effect of Au/GO/CuO, the sensor exhibited good performance to Cd(II) in the ultra-wide range of 5×10-11 - 5×10-7 M with a detection limit of 2×10-11 M. The sensor was successfully quantified for determining Cd(II) with desirable recovery, displaying outstanding long-term stability, high sensitivity, and reproducibility. After validating its accuracy, this sensor was successfully used for detection of Cd (II) in water and cosmetic samples.

Bio-ultrasonic synthesis of tin oxide quantum dots: Effect of bio-carbon and their UV Photocatalytic activity

Abstract An ecofriendly synthesis is realized to elaborate tin oxide quantum dots (SnO2 -QDs) using the plant aqueous extract of Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera) and SnCl4.5H2O at room temperature as a biological solvent and a precursor respectively. The effect of Aloe Vera extract concentration on the properties of SnO2-QDs has been studied. Morphological and structural properties of the as synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized using field effect-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical composition of the nanoparticles was studied by Raman, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transformation infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The optical properties were investigated by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that all samples have a tetragonal rutile structure, with an estimated crystal size closed to the exciton Bohr radius, indicating a strong confinement of the carriers in the material. The crystallite size of SnO2-QDs nanoparticles decreases as Aloe Vera plant extract concentration increases. The formation of SnO2-QDs and the presence of graphitic carbon in samples were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, EDX analysis and Fourier transformation infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The blue shift of absorption is the most likely attributed to the quantum confinement effect. An Ostwald-repining growth model based on the concept of surface energy has been proposed to explain the kinetic growth of SnO2 QDs. The improvement of photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst for degradation of methylene blue (MB) might be caused by the size and the high surface area of the material.

Efficiency evaluation of Cunambí and Timbó plant extracts in agroecological management of Meloidogyne sp. in jambu crop

The control of phytoematoids through the use of plant extracts with nematicide attributes represents another alternative for small producers, with affordable and economical value, besides not presenting risks of environment contamination. Due to the need to seek to increase production in an increasingly sustainable way, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ‘Cunambí’ (Clibadium surinamense L.) and ‘Timbó’ (Derris elliptica) plant extracts extracted from different part of plants at different concentrations (distilled water, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) to control meloidogyn sp. in ‘Jambu’ (Acmella oleracea L.) under controlled conditions. The aqueous extract was obtained from crushing the plant parts used of each species. In vitro and in vivo tests were performed. The percentage of immobile nematodes was determined evaluating the nematostatic and nematicide activity of extract. In the in vitro test cunambí and timbó extracts at different concentrations showed nematicide activity on Meloidogyne sp., considering that all treatments differed from control group. When timbó extract was used, the concentration of 2% presented lower results than the other concentrations used. The application of timbó and cunambí extracts via soil did not affect height, diameter, fresh and dry shoots weight, nor even the weight of jambu root system. Despite these variations, all percentages used were able to reduce the amount of Meloidogyne sp. Therefore, timbó and cunambí extracts may be an option to control Meloidogyne sp. under controlled conditions, recommending concentrations above 4%.

Investigation of Hydrocolloid Plant Polysaccharides as Potential Candidates to Mimic the Functions of MUC5B in Saliva

The successful substitution of complex physiological fluids, such as human saliva, remains a major challenge in drug development. Although there are a large number of saliva substitutes on the market, their efficacy is often inadequate due to short residence time in the mouth, unpleasant mouthfeel, or insufficient protection of the teeth. Therefore, systems need to be identified that mimic the functions of saliva, in particular the salivary mucin MUC5B and the unique physiological properties of saliva. To this end, plant extracts known to contain hydrocolloid polysaccharides and to have mucus-forming properties were studied to evaluate their suitability as saliva substitutes. The aqueous plant extracts of Calendula officinalis, Fucus sp. thalli, and lichenan from Lichen islandicus were examined for composition using a range of techniques, including GC-MS, NMR, SEC, assessment of pH, osmolality, buffering capacity, viscoelasticity, viscoelastic interactions with human saliva, hydrocolloid network formation, and in vitro cell adhesion. For this purpose, a physiologically adapted adhesive test was developed using human buccal epithelial cells. The results show that lichenan is the most promising candidate to mimic the properties of MUC5B. By adjusting the pH, osmolality, and buffering capacity with K2HPO4, it was shown that lichenan exhibited high cell adhesion, with a maximum detachment force that was comparable to that of unstimulated whole mouth saliva.

Insecticidal activity of Baccharis essential oils against Duponchelia fovealis, toxicity to strawberry leaves, and in vitro biocompatibility with entomopathogenic fungi

ABSTRACT Duponchelia fovealis is responsible for great losses in the strawberry production, and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are an alternative to control this larva. They can be used in combination with other natural compounds with insecticidal activity, such as plant extracts or essential oils (EOs). Thus, our objectives are to evaluate the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Baccharis uncinella EOs on strawberry leaves and third instar larvae of D. fovealis, and to evaluate their in vitro compatibility with strains of Beauveria bassiana and Cordyceps javanica. EOs were not phytotoxic to strawberry leaves at 2% v/v. Larval mortality ranged between 48% and 83% at 1% and 2%, and B. dracunculifolia EO at 2% presented the higher mortality. EO of B. uncinella (BU) at 1% was compatible with two strains of B. bassiana and C. javanica. Therefore, the combined use of BU EO with EPF may be an alternative to control D. fovealis.

Anti-Urolithiasis Activity of Selected Plant Extracts by Titrimetry Method and Aggregation Assay

A major global health concern with a high recurrence rate is urolithiasis. Various in vivo and in vitro techniques have been effective in assessing the anti urolithiatic capacity of therapeutic plants. Renal stone production can be studied using in vitro models, whereas the pathological implications of urolithiasis are declared using in vivo models. Therefore, preventative management can be considerably and successfully evaluated using in vitro models, whereas urolithiasis treatment can be directed by using in vivo models. This study explains the benefits, drawbacks, and uses of both models, with a focus on the contribution of in vitro research to the assessment of preventive care. We done Physicochemical Tests for Phyllanthus acidus (fruits) Tinospora cordifolia (leaves) and Psidium gujava (fruits and leaves ) and also Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation of Phyllanthus acidus (fruits), Tinospora cordifolia (leaves) and Psidium gujava (fruits and leaves).

Metabolic profiling reveals the nutraceutical effect of Gongolaria abies-marina and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts in a type 1 diabetes animal model

Nutraceuticals have gained increasing interest, prompting the need to investigate plant extracts for their beneficial properties and potential side effects. This study aimed to assess the nutraceutical effects of environmentally clean extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis and Gongolaria abies-marina (formerly Cystoseira abies-marina (Phaeophyceae)) on the metabolic profile of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We conducted untargeted LC-QTOF-MS metabolic profiling on six groups of rats: three diabetic groups receiving either a placebo, R. officinalis, or G. abies-marina extracts, and three corresponding control groups. The metabolic analysis revealed significant alterations in the levels of various glycerophospholipids, sterol lipids, and fatty acyls. Both extracts influenced the metabolic profile, partially mitigating diabetes-induced changes. Notably, G. abies-marina extract had a more pronounced impact on the animals' metabolic profiles compared to R. officinalis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that environmentally clean extracts from R. officinalis and G. abies-marina possess nutraceutical potential, as they were able to modulate the metabolic profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. G. abies-marina extract exhibited a more substantial effect on metabolic alterations induced by diabetes compared to R. officinalis. These results warrant further exploration of these plant extracts for their potential in managing diabetes-related metabolic disturbances.

Farmer perceptions, knowledge, and management of fall armyworm in maize production in Uganda

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), fall armyworm (FAW), a polyphagous Noctuid pest, was first reported in Uganda in 2016. Farmers were trained to identify and manage the pest, but there was a lack of information on farmer knowledge, perceptions and practices deployed to control it. Therefore, we conducted a survey to assess maize farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management of the pest during the invasion. We interviewed 1,289 maize farmers from 10 maize-growing agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Uganda using well-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using R version 4.2.3. The respondents faced many constraints, including pests, drought, poor soils and labor constraints. Among the pests, FAW was ranked by most (85%) of the respondents as the number one pest problem in maize, and some farmers reported having noticed it way back in 2014. By 2018, more than 90% of the farmers had seen or heard about FAW, and about 80% saw FAW in their fields. The most common FAW symptoms reported by maize farmers were windowing, near tunnel damage, and holes on the cobs. The developmental stages of FAW identified by farmers included eggs (10%), young larvae (78.7%), mature larvae (73.5%) and adult moths (6.7%). Insecticides were the major control tactic, although some farmers used plant extracts, hand-picking, sand, and ash. Farmers sourced information on FAW from various sources, including fellow farmers, radio/TV, extension agents, input dealers, print media, research and NGO extension. There is a need to package clear and uniform information for the farmers and to develop and promote a sustainable solution for FAW management, including harnessing biological control and cultural practices.

Bio Inspired CdO Nanoparticles: A Robust and Recyclable Catalyst Towards the Synthesis of Dihydropyrimidone Derivatives via One Pot Three‐Component Coupling Reaction

AbstractAn innovative and environmentally sustainable approach is presented for the synthesis of cadmium oxide nanoparticles (CdONPs), leveraging the leaf extract of the pigeon pea plant (Cajanus cajan) as both reductive and capping agents. This environmentally friendly heterogeneous CdONPs was meticulously characterized through FT‐IR, PXRD, HR‐TEM, SEM‐EDAX, XPS and UV‐Vis spectroscopic analyses. These NPs were subsequently applied to facilitate the three‐component Biginelli reaction using ethyl acetoacetate, urea, and substituted benzaldehydes for producing dihydropyrimidone derivatives in good to excellent yield. The methodology was tested for different aldehydes containing electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating groups. The catalyst demonstrated consistent performance over approximately five cycles, exhibiting negligible loss in yield and catalytic potential. The proposed mechanistic pathway of the reaction was elucidated through intermediate mass analysis and further validated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and catalytic surface adsorption studies.

Optimizing Tomato Health: Holistic Approach to Early Blight Disease Management

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of fungicide (mancozeb) and botanicals against early blight of tomato caused by Alternaria solani at the experimental field and glasshouse of Plant Pathology department, College of Agriculture, Pune, Maharashtra, during Kharif season (2019-2020). Six treatments including control with four replications were taken up using Randomized Block Design RBD. Growth inhibition of fungus Alternaria solani causing early leaf blight of tomato was studied in vivo for determining the efficacy of one fungicide and eight botanicals. Exploring possibility of managing A. solani by use of botanicals revealed that the clove extract of garlic was the best followed by neem leaf and ginger rhizome extract showing highest growth inhibition of the fungus. Among the plant leaf extracts, garlic clove extract @10% was found effective to inhibit the growth of pathogen i.e. 64.60% Per cent disease control PDC (glasshouse trial) and 51.85% PDC (open Field trial). The contact fungicide Mancozeb@0.25% showed disease control of 75.52% (Glasshouse trial) and PDC of 70.34% (Field trial) in in vivo condition. Presently many farmers are using chemicals for control of early blight of tomato however, they cause health hazards. Therefore, this investigation provides valuable insights for farmers in selecting suitable plant extracts to control early blight of tomatoes.

Plant-mediated synthesis of Mn3O4 nanoparticles: challenges and applications.

This review focuses on the green synthesis methods, challenges, and applications of manganese oxide (Mn3O4) nanoparticles investigated in the past five years. Mn3O4 nanoparticles offer some unique properties that are attributed in part to the presence of mixed oxidation states of manganese (i.e., +2 and +3) in the particle, which can be utilized in a wide range of redox-sensitive applications, such as in developing supercapacitive energy storage materials. In addition, the green synthesis of Mn3O4 nanoparticles through plant extracts has potential uses in sustainable nanotechnology. Various plant extract-mediated synthesis techniques for Mn3O4 nanoparticles have been investigated and presented. By comparing the size and structure of the synthesized Mn3O4 nanoparticles, we have observed a consistent pattern of obtaining spherical particles with a size ranging from 16 to 50 nm. The morphology of the generated Mn3O4 nanoparticles can be influenced by the annealing temperature and the composition of the plant extract used during the nanoparticle synthesis. Additionally, numerous applications for the greenly produced Mn3O4 nanoparticles have been demonstrated. Mn3O4 nanoparticles derived from plant extracts have been found to possess antimicrobial properties, supercapacitive and electrochemical capabilities, and excellent pollutant degradation efficiency. However, the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles synthesized by plant extracts are yet to be explored for potential biomedical applications. Finally, challenges to existing synthetic methods and future perspectives on the potential applications of these green synthesized Mn3O4 nanoparticles are highlighted.

Evaluating the effects of various ethanolic medicinal plant extracts on metastatic breast cancer proliferation, invasion, and expression of a novel potential drug target; CD82 metastatic suppressor protein, and on in vivo angiogenesis using the ex ovo yolk sac membrane (YSM) assay.

Breast cancer metastasis relies on cellular invasion and angiogenesis facilitated by the downregulation of metastatic suppressor proteins like Cluster of Differentiation 82 (CD82). Currently, no medicines target multiple systems to prevent metastatic progression through CD82 upregulation. This study screened for plant extracts displaying effects on cell proliferation, invasion, and CD82 expression in breast cancer cells, and in vivo angiogenesis, and further correlated between the biological activities and effect on CD82 expression. Seventeen ethanolic plant extracts were screened for their effect on cell proliferation (against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer and Hek293 kidney cells), cell invasion and effect on CD82 expression in metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells. Selected extracts were further evaluated for in vivo anti-angiogenesis. Extracts displayed varying antiproliferative activity against the different cell lines, and those that showed selectivity indexes (SI) > 0.5 against MDA-MB-231 were selected for anti-invasion evaluation. Buddleja saligna Willd. (BS), Combretum apiculatum Sond. (CA), Foeniculum vulgare, Greyia radlkoferi, Gunnera perpensa and Persicaria senegalensis (Meisn.) Soják (PS) displayed 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 44.46 ± 3.46, 74.00 ± 4.48, 180.43 ± 4.51, 96.97 ± 2.29, 55.29 ± 9.88 and 243.60 ± 2.69µg/mL, respectively against MDA-MB-231, and compared to Hek293 showed SI of 0.9, 0.7, 1.4, 1.1, 2.2 and 0.5. Significant invasion inhibition was observed at both 20 and 40µg/mL for BS (94.10 ± 0.74 and 96.73 ± 0.95%) and CA (87.42 ± 6.54 and 98.24 ± 0.63%), whereas GR (14.91 ± 1.62 and 41 ± 1.78%) and PS (36.58 ± 0.54 and 51.51 ± 0.83%), only showed significant inhibition at 40µg/mL, and FV (< 5% inhibition) and GP (10 ± 1.03 and 22 ± 1.31%) did not show significant inhibition at both concentrations. Due to the significant anti-invasive activity of BS, CA and PS at 40µg/mL, these extracts were further evaluated for their potential to stimulate CD82. BS showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in CD82 at 20 and 40µg/mL (13.2 ± 2.2% and 20.3 ± 1.5% decrease, respectively), whereas both CA and PS at 20µg/mL increased (p < 0.05) CD82 expression (16.4 ± 0.8% and 5.4 ± 0.6% increase, respectively), and at 40µg/mL significantly reduced CD82 expression (23.4 ± 3.1% and 11.2 ± 2.9% decrease, respectively). Using the yolk sac membrane assay, BS (59.52 ± 4.12 and 56.72 ± 3.13% newly formed vessels) and CA (83.33 ± 3.17 and 74.00 ± 2.12%) at both 20 and 40µg/egg showed significant (p < 0.001) angiogenesis inhibition, with BS showing statistical similar activity to the positive control, combretastatin A4 (10nmol/egg), whereas PS only displayed significant (p < 0.001) angiogenesis stimulation at 40µg/egg (120.81 ± 3.34% newly formed vessels). BS exhibits antiproliferative, anti-invasive, and anti-angiogenic activity despite inhibiting CD82, suggesting an alternative mode of action. CA at 20µg/mL shows moderate anti-invasive and anti-angiogenic potential by stimulating CD82, while at 40µg/mL it still displays these properties but inhibits CD82, suggesting an additional mode of action. PS, with the least antiproliferative activity, stimulates CD82 and inhibits angiogenesis at 20µg/mL but inhibits CD82 and increases angiogenesis at 40µg/mL, indicating CD82 targeting as a major mode of action. Future studies should explore breast cancer xenograft models to assess the extracts' impact on CD82 expression and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment, along with isolating bioactive compounds from the extracts.

Phloroglucinol Derivatives Exert Anti-inflammatory Effects and Attenuate Cognitive Impairment in LPS-induced Mouse Model.

Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory immune response that arises in the central nervous system. It is one of the primary causes of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Phloroglucinol (PG) is a natural product contained in extracts of plant, algae and microbe and has been reported to haveantioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we synthesized PG derivatives to enhance their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Among PG derivatives, 6a suppressed pro-oxidative and inflammatory molecule nitric oxide (NO) production more effectively than PG. Moreover, 6a dose-dependently reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NO producing enzyme iNOS in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. Additionally, we confirmed that 6a alleviated cognitive impairment and glial activation in mouse model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. These findings suggest that novel PG derivative, 6a, is a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.