Extraction Of Plant Material Research Articles

Оценка эффективности противоопухолевого воздействия и индукции апоптоза в клетках карциномы почки человека биологически активными добавками, содержащими ресвератрол, индол-3-карбинол и кордицепин, флуоресцентными методами визуализации

We compared the effectiveness of antitumor effects and apoptosis induction on human renal cell carcinoma A498 extracts of cruciferous plant material (indole-3-carbinol), Chinese mushroom (cordycepin), French red wine (resveratrol) at low concentrations after 24 and 48 h using fluorescent methods of imaging apoptosis and necrosis in human tumor cells in vitro . Propidium iodide and acridine orange were used as dyes in the "alive and dead" test, which allowed us to detect the number of dead cells and cells in which apoptosis had started. It was found that indole-3-carbinol at low concentrations (0.0288 and 0.1152 mg/ml) has a pronounced cytotoxic and cytostatic activity against human kidney cancer cells, significantly exceeding the action of resveratrol at the same concentrations. At the same time, cordycepin has no cytotoxic and cytostatic activity at these concentrations. Indole-3-carbinol also has the most pronounced apoptotic activity at concentrations of 0.0144-0.1152 mg/ml, after 48 h the number of kidney cancer cells in apoptosis increases by 6.8-10 times compared to control. It is concluded that indole-3-carbinol is a promising antitumor agent for use in the complex therapy of patients with kidney cancer.

The application of amino acid ionic liquids as additives in the ultrasound-assisted extraction of plant material.

The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts from Lycopodium clavatum, Cetraria islandica and Dipsacus fullonum obtained using aqueous solutions of ionic liquids by the ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) method. Triethanolammonium salts [TEAH]+[AA]− of four amino acids of different hydrophobicity – isoleucine – Ile, methionine – Met, threonine – Thr and arginine – Arg, were chosen as ionic liquids, because they are based on natural, bio-renewable raw materials, such as amino acids and contain a pharmaceutically and cosmetically acceptable counterion of triethanolamine. Triethanolammonium salts were synthesized, identified by spectroscopic methods (NMR and FT-IR) and characterized by thermal methods (DSC and TGA). The 2.5% w/v aqueous solutions of triethanolammonium amino acid salts were used as the solvents in combination with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). The estimation of antioxidant properties was carried out using the DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC assays. Total polyphenol content was measured using the reagent Folin–Ciocalteu. The results showed that the use of [TEAH]+[Thr]− or [TEAH]+[Met]− aqueous solutions increased the antioxidant activity of extracts in comparison to that achieved for extracts with pure water. The use of [TEAH]+[Thr]− as an additive for ultrasound-assisted extraction was characterized by obtaining plant extracts with the highest antioxidant potential, even 2.4-fold. The use of the AAIL-UAE method allowed obtaining higher amounts of polyphenols compared to pure water extracts, even 5.5-fold. The used method allowed the extraction of thermosensitive natural compounds, shortened the extraction time and lowered energy consumption.

Development of biotechnology for cultivating Potentilla L. plant material with antivirus and antibacterial activity

The reported paper presents a biotechnology developed to produce phytomass of Potentilla L. species (P. alba, P. fragarioides, P. fruticosa, P. chrisantha, P. longifolia). Regenerative Potentilla plants are good at extracting bio-friendly elements (Pb, Cu, and Zn) from the Murashige and Skoog growth medium and accumulating them.Water extracts of plant material P. alba, P. fragarioides, P. fruticosa, P. chrisantha, P. longifolia have shown a good biological activity against herpes simplex virus type II. Extracts of bio-technologically produced Potentilla alba plants have demonstrated an antibacterial activity against E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, St. aureus taken in a minimal dose of 37.5 μg/ml.

180 Using condensed tannins in plant materials more effectively with livestock

Abstract A large variety of plant species contain condensed tannins and a few of these have been developed as improved varieties for grazing or for feeding as long-stem, chopped or pelleted hay or as silage. Extracts of tannin-containing plant materials (e.g. quebracho tannin) and tannin-containing by-products of plant materials (e.g. grape marc) have also been fed to livestock. Interactions between livestock and condensed tannins and associated phenolic compounds are complicated and we have much to learn to understand and manage them better. Although many studies have been done on tannin-livestock interactions, many more are needed and especially studies done in conjunction with tannin chemists. Research to date suggests that very few plant materials have ideal condensed tannins for improving the long-term productivity of ruminant livestock (beyond productivity gains from reduction of internal parasites). Moreover, we know little about nutritional consequences relative to micronutrients such as copper and iron from long-term and frequent intake of condensed tannins. Given that grapes contain condensed tannin and associated phenolic compounds that are important to the wine industry, there is research on these compounds in grapes and wine that may be very useful to livestock scientists and producers who are interested in applying some of their concepts and knowledge to livestock. Some of this information will be discussed in my presentation.

The influence of extraction parameters on the output of flavonoids from littlewale (<i>Lithospermum officinale</i> L.)

Littlewale (Lithospermum officinale L.) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used in folk medicine since ancient times as a diuretic, laxative, analgesic, anti-cold and anti-inflammatory agent. One of the most common classes of biologically active substances of plant origin are flavonoids. The leaves of the littlewale contain isoquercitrin, a flavonoid that has a regenerating effect. This article presents the results of a study of the influence of extraction parameters (ethanol concentration, temperature, ratio of the mass of plant materials to the volume of extractant, duration, multiplicity) on the output of flavonoids from the leaves of the littlewale. Using the orthogonal central compositional planning, a dependence is obtained that describes the influence of temperature and the duration of the extraction process on the efficiency of extracting flavonoids from the leaves of the littlewale. It was found that the maximum yield of the target components, which is more than 2 %, is achieved with the following parameters of the extraction process: extractant - 50 % ethyl alcohol, the ratio of the mass of raw materials to the volume of extractant is 1:20, temperature - 65-70 ° С , duration - 35-45 minutes. It is enough to conduct a single extraction of plant materials.

Effect of high-temperature extracted plant material fume against southern cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) as a non-chemical novel fumigation technique

BackgroundFumes from high-temperature heated plant leaves containing volatile phytochemicals generated from Lantana camara, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Azadirachta indica and Ocimum sanctum were tested for their insecticidal activity against adult southern cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus chinensis L.) and their F1 progeny production/emergence. Volatile phytochemicals containing fume was generated using a flameless dry heat extraction method similar to pyrolysis combustion without air supplement at 180 ± 5 °C. Insect mortalities were assessed up to 72 h after exposure to the different treatments of fumigation by plant-fume and control.ResultsAll volatile plant-fume samples contained average of 16.3 ± 1.5% O2 and 5.8 ± 0.5% CO2 in the test jars. The F1 progeny emergence was estimated 30 days after treatment. After 36 h of exposure, L. camara showed the highest toxicity against C. chinensis, followed by O. sanctum, A. indica and C. zeylanicum, with LT50 values of 7.3, 9.4, 14.7 and 20.6 h, respectively. The volatile phytochemical containing plant-fume generated by A. indica and C. zeylanicum produced LT99 values that were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other. The F1 adult emergence from treated mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) samples was significantly inhibited by L. camara and A. indica volatile plant-fume compared to C. zeylanicum fume. However, plant-fume generated from all four plants exhibited effective direct toxicity and F1 progeny inhibition of more than 86%.ConclusionFrom the study, it can be concluded that volatile plant-fume treatment was highly lethal to C. chinensis and significantly reduced F1 progeny emergence. Therefore, phytochemicals obtained from thermal extraction technique can be used as an alternative technique to chemical fumigation of stored mungbean.

INFLUENCE OF EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGY ON THE CONTENT OF PHENOLS, FLAVONOIDS AND ANTIOXI-DANT ACTIVITY FOR HIPS (ROSA L.), OAK BARK (QUERCUS ROBUR L.), ROOT RHENA (RHEUM OFFICINALE), GINSENG ROOT (PANAX L.), KIDNEY BIRCH (BETULA L.)

Plant materials have huge untapped potential in Russia. It has potential antioxidant properties, contains a large number of biologically active substances. As a result of a comparative study of the content of phenols, flavonoids, anti-radical ability according to the method with 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagent, restoring forces according to FRAP method with 2,4,6-tri (2-pyridyl)-1,3 reagent, 5-triazine in extracts obtained by three different extraction technologies (maceration 37 °C for 2 hours, microwave irradiation 800 W 1 min, ultrasonic treatment 37 °C, 37 kHz 90 min) from plant materials: rosehips (Rosa L.), oak bark (Quercus robur L.), rhubarb root (Rheum officinale), ginseng root (Panax L.), birch buds (Betula L.) on the advantage in the level of the studied indicators for the technology of extracts using innovative effects – ultrasonic irradiation. Extracts of plant materials are potential sources of antioxidant substances and can be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic industry and as components of food systems. A general trend is observed, which was observed in the study of various indicators: concentrated extracts, in which phenolic compounds and flavonoids are preserved after concentration (rhubarb root extract and birch bud extract), exhibit the best antiradical activity and restoring power; then, as with their destruction, other indicators fall.

The Bioassay-Guided Fractionation and Identification of Potent Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors from Narcissus c.v. 'Hawera' Using Optimized Vacuum Liquid Chromatography, High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Bioautography.

Bioassay-guided isolation of bioactive compound is a modern and efficient technique in metabolites screening. It may shorten the total time of the entire process and reduce some costs of it. The aim of this paper was to fractionate and isolate alkaloids by developing an innovative vacuum liquid chromatography method for a species of Narcissus c.v. ‘Hawera’ rarely investigated so far and establishing the inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The studies consisted of the extraction of plant material by modern pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), followed by the isolation of alkaloidal fractions. For this purpose, the pioneering gradient vacuum liquid chromatography (gVLC) technique was employed by using two sorbents in various proportions packed in polypropylene cartridges for the first time. This step was performed in order to pre-clean the samples but also to establish the best combination of sorbents which permits obtaining potentially strong AChE inhibitors. The collected fractions were examined by HPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS in order to compare which combination of sorbents would allow us to obtain the highest concentration of alkaloids. The combination of these techniques confirmed the presence of the alkaloids and enabled the development of a modern method for the fractionation and isolation of the compounds with strong anti-AChE activity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil Does Not Display an Entourage Effect in Reducing Cancer Cell Viability in vitro

Introduction: Several studies have found that cannabinoids, particularly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD), have the ability to reduce cancer cell viability. An ongoing debate regarding the use of medical Cannabis revolves around the effectiveness of pure compounds versus intact plant material for treatment. Proponents for the use of intact plant material or botanical extracts argue that there is a synergistic effect between the different cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids; this is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect.” Our study was designed to test the validity of the proposed entourage effect in a narrow application using a cancer cell viability model. Materials and Methods: Six cancer cell lines, from 3 different types of human cancer were treated with 10 μM pure CBD or 10 μM CBD from hemp (Cannabis sativa) oil (obtained from 3 different commercial sources) for 48 h, and cell viability was measured with the MTS assay. Dose-response curves were then performed to compare the potencies of pure CBD to CBD oils. CBD concentrations were independently confirmed in the commercial oils, and cannabinoid and terpene composition were also compared. Results: CBD (10 μM) was able to reduce cell viability in 3 of the 6 cell lines tested, and this was found to be cell line specific and not specific to select cancers. None of the CBD oils tested were able to reduce viability to a greater extent than that of pure CBD. Additionally, dose-response curves found lower IC₅₀ values for pure CBD compared to the most potent CBD oil tested. Interestingly, some oils actually appeared to protect cancer cells from the effects of CBD. Conclusions: We found that pure CBD was as potent or more potent at reducing cancer cell viability as the most potent oil tested, suggesting that there is no “entourage” effect under these specific in vitro conditions.

Green and cost-effective synthesis of copper nanoparticles by extracts of non-edible and waste plant materials from Vaccinium species: Characterization and antimicrobial activity

The aim of this work was the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) using aqueous extracts of (i) bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) waste residues from the production of fruit juices and (ii) non-edible “false bilberry” fruits (Vaccinium uliginosum L. subsp. gaultherioides). Different cupric salts (CuCl2, Cu(CH3COO)2 and Cu(NO3)2) were used for the synthesis. The formation of stable nanoparticles (CuNPs) was assessed by transmission electron microscopy and the oxidation state of copper in these aggregates was followed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The polyphenol composition of the extracts was characterized, before and after the synthesis, using spectrophotometric methods (i.e. total soluble polyphenols and total monomeric anthocyanins) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (i.e. individual anthocyanins). Polyphenol concentration in the extracts was found to decrease after the synthesis, indicating their active participation to the processes, which led to the formation of Cu-NPs. The antimicrobial activity of Cu-NPs, berry extracts, and cupric ion solutions were analysed by broth microdilution and time-kill assays, on prokaryotic and eukaryotic models. The antimicrobial activity of Cu-NPs, especially those derived from bilberry waste residues, appeared to be higher for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and for fungi, compared to the ones of its single components (cupric salts and berry extracts). Therefore, Cu-NPs from the green synthesis here proposed can be considered as a cost-effective sanitization tool with a wide spectrum of action.

Extraction of essential oil from the aerial parts of Artemisia frigida Willd by way of hydrodistillation

This study aims to determine the optimum conditions for extraction of essential oil compounds in the aerial parts of Artemisia frigida Willd. Method: the considered extraction method is hydro-distillation, using a Clevenger apparatus. The effect of particle size of raw material, soaking time, liquid to plant material ratio and extraction time on essential oil yield were investigated through both single factor and multi-factor experiments. Results: In the single factor experiment, the influences of the following factors on essential oil extraction were studied; particle size 0.825 mm, soaking time 2 h, and liquid to plant material ratio 12:1. Under the multi-factor experiment, the influences of multiple factors of extraction conditions on essential oil were considered, particularly, extraction time (C)>soaking time (A)>liquid to plant material ratio. Conclusion: For extraction of essential oil from the aerial parts of Artemisia frigida Willd, the following optimum extraction parameters were identified: 2h of soaking time, 10:1 liquid to solid ratio, and 8h of extraction time.

“Pharmaco-chemical Characterization and Evaluation of In Vitro Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Flower Extract of Clerodendrum paniculatum”

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of different components and antioxidant and activities of the extract of flower (CPF) were analyzed in . identification of of flower was also identified by GC-MS analysis. assess the biochemical features of CPF. solvent extraction of CPF was performed using solvents in increasing order of polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water) and solvent with maximum profile was standardized for further analysis. Quantitative analysis of selected secondary metabolites like tannin, , alkaloids, and of the flower extract was done by UV . In antioxidant assays and in efficacy of the flower extract were analyzed by respective in assays. identification of in CPF was identified by using GC-MS analysis revealed secondary metabolites in the extract, and further analysis of the extract was performed. Quantitative estimation revealed an accountable amount of secondary metabolites like (47.66mg/g acid equivalent), (24mg/g equivalent), (41mg/g equivalent), and alkaloids (1.79mg/g of extracted plant material). analysis (GC-MS) also confirmed convincing compounds in the extract. From in antioxidant and assay, the IC50 value of the extract of CPF was measured and compared with standard, and from the results, it was evident that the extract had significant in antioxidant and activity. the above results, it can be confirmed thatCPF has got significant and therapeutically active ingredients, as evident in analysis. This is further supported by considerable antioxidant and properties observed in respective assays.

Phytochemical and chromatographic characterization of Mimosa diplotricha Wright ex. Sauvalle ethanolic leaf extract and assessment of antioxidant potential and anti-proliferative effect on colorectal cancer (HCT-116) cell lines

Present study aims to evaluate phytochemical and chromatographic profile, along with antioxidant and anti proliferative properties of Mimosa diplotricha ethanolic leaf extract. Qualitative screening of phytoconstituents by consecutive solvent extraction in increased polarity basis and standardization of potential extract based on phytochemical elution profile was done. Selected secondary metabolites like phenols, flavanoids, tannins and alkaloids were quantified in ethanolic extract. Chromatographic profile was determined by HPTLC and GC-MS analysis. In vitro antioxidant potential was assessed by DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP) and reducing potential of the respective extract were also determined. Anticancer potential was confirmed by cytotoxic screening in colorectal (HCT-116) cancer cell lines by MTT assay. Qualitative phytochemical analysis and chromatographic profile reveal a phytoconstituent rich profile for the ethanolic leaf extract. The amount of, phenols (56 ± 0.57 mg/g), flavanoids (27 ± 0.76 mg/g), tannins (33 ± 0.15 mg/g) were quantified as equivalent of gallic acid, quercetin and tannic acid standards respectively and alkaloids (2.51 ± 0.47 mg/g of extracted plant material) were expressed based on respective analysis. Results also reveal convincing antioxidant potential for respective extract. In vitro cytotoxicity confirmed by MTT assay represents an IC50 value of 97.82 µg/ml. From the above results it can be concluded that M.diplotricha has got pharmacologically significant phytoconstituents and therapeutic active ingredients as evident in HPTLC and GC-MS analysis. This is further supported by considerable antioxidant and anti proliferative properties observed in respective assays.

Solubility of Calcium Phosphate Crystallization In vitro in Presence of Basella rubra Deproteinized Concoction used in Non-codified Medicine for Urinary Stone

The solubility of calcium phosphate crystallization in vitro by an deproteinized concoction of Basella rubra plant was investigated by weight reduction assay. Soluble oxalate of the plant are partially removed prior to extraction of plant material. The weight variation and dissolution results reveals that the concoction showed considerable increased activity at the highest concentration used. The results indicate that the calcium phosphate crystal inhibition activity exhibited by the plant material may be due to their calcium phosphate solubilising capacity of phytoconstituents present in them. Regular consumption of an concoction of our plant would be helpful in calculi prophylaxis.

A NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE FOR PREVENTION AND COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT OF POST-TRAUMATIC OSTEOARTHRITIS IN PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR SPORT

Aim. The article aims to develop a non-alcoholic beverage for post-traumatic recovery of the structure and functions of cartilage tissue in professional and amateur athletes. Materials and methods. The materials used were a premix containing aquamin soluble (a natural source of calcium), glucosamine sulfate (a chondroprotector) and herbal components, as well as laboratory and industrial samples of a sports beverage. To assess the quality of the flavor syrup and the finished drink, generally accepted and special research methods were used including spectrophotometry, high performance liquid chromatography, and inverse voltammetry. Results. Beverage composition is scientifically substantiated based on the characteristics and functional properties of the ingredient composition. The main components of the formulation are premix 124-19, “Eleutherococcus” flavor and “Ginseng with herbs” flavor concentrated bases along with extracts of plant materials with synergistic properties for correcting metabolic processes in post-traumatic osteoarthritis. The novelty of the formulation is confirmed by the patent of the Russian Federation. There are evidence-based medical studies on the effectiveness and functional orientation of calcium and glucosamine in dietary supplements. A technology was developed for the extraction of plant materials, the innovativeness of which is the use of high pressure (100–200 MPA) for a short period of time (60–600 s). The formulation and technology of the beverage are tested in production conditions and are recommended for implementation. Conclusion. Sports beverages based on natural biological complexes can be effective for correcting metabolic disorders and maintaining health in post-traumatic osteoarthritis in professional and amateur sports.

Bhallatakadi Ghrita: Development and evaluation with reference to Murcchana and Shata-Dhauta process

BackgroundAyurveda is primarily based upon use of herbs either singly or in combination (polyherbal). The cow ghee (clarified butterfat) is considered as a precious base for preparing medicines in Ayurveda. Processing of ghee with plant ingredients is renowned for enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. ObjectiveIn present research work, the attempt was made to develop cow ghee based Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita formulations and evaluate them with reference to ‘Murcchana’ and ‘Shata-Dhauta’ process. Materials and methodsThe research plants were identified, procured, authenticated and processed. The extracts of plant materials were prepared and used for development of Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita (PHBG), Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Murcchita Ghrita and Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Shata-Dhauta Ghrita formulations as per Ayurvedic procedures. The prepared ghrita formulations were subjected to organoleptic (colour, odour, taste, appearance and touch), physicochemical (pH, viscosity, moisture content, specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, saponification value, iodine value, peroxide value, Rechert Meissl value and Polenske value) evaluation, in-vitro antioxidant and GC-MS analysis. The accelerated and real time stability studies were carried out to determine shelf life of ghrita formulations. ResultsThe results of evaluations indicate that, developed PHBG formulations retained the organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of ghee. The shelf life of formulations was found to be in the range of 1.6 to 3.3 years at accelerated and 2.2 to 3.8 years at real time stability conditions. All ghrita formulations exhibited antioxidant activity in dose dependent manner. ConclusionThe standardization or evaluation of Polyherbal Bhallatakadi Ghrita formulations was found to be crucial for the establishment of a steady biological, chemical or simply a quality assurance profile of the drugs.

In vitro anti-cancer efficacy and phyto-chemical screening of solvent extracts of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth

Background and objectivesKigelia africana is a medicinal plant growing naturally in many parts of Africa. In Kenya, a water concoction of the plant is used to treat breast and prostate cancers. Laboratory data on its anti-cancer activity and active principles is limited, hence no scientific rationale for its medicinal use. This study reports on in-vitro toxic activities of dichloromethane and methanol extracts of the plant against human breast cancer cells and phytochemical screening of the two extracts. MethodologyPlant extracts were obtained by sequential solvent extraction of dry plant material (stem bark) using analytical grade dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) and methanol (Sigma Aldrich). In-vitro anti-cancer activities of the extracts were determined using the suphorhodamine (SRB) assay against a human breast cancer cell line (HCC 1937). Preliminary Thin layer chromatography of plant extracts was done using POLYGRAM® SIL G/UV254 plates (Merck) to establish presence of different classes of secondary metabolites. ResultsIn-vitro cytotoxic activities of the two extracts were significantly different (P = 0.05). The methanol extract exhibited higher activity (IC50 = 26.02 μg/ml) compared to that of dichloromethane: methanol (1:1) (IC50 = 55.01 μg/ml). Phyto-chemical screening of the two extracts revealed the presence of terpenoids, phenols, steroids and flavonoids. ConclusionThe high in-vitro anti-cancer activities of solvent extracts of Kigelia africana justify its use in traditional medicine to manage breast cancer. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts reveal similar profiles hence the differences in their anti-cancer activities can be attributed to quantitative variations of various classes of secondary metabolites.

Determination of flavan-3-ols by high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity, and pharmacognostic evaluation of Maytenus obtusifolia (Mart.) leaves

Background: Maytenus obtusifolia Mart. (Syn. Monteverdia obtusifolia Mart. Biral), Celastraceae, is a species located on the coast of Brazil, which is commonly used as anti-inflammatory and on the treatment of gastric ulcers. Objectives: The aim of this study consists of the determination of quality control parameters of the plant material, as well as to develop, validate high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array methodology for the quantification of its analytical markers and evaluate the antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of the extract. Materials and Methods: The plant material and ethanolic crude extract (ECE) were evaluated through pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial methods. Anti-oxidant assay was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Minimum inhibitory concentration was used to evaluate antimicrobial activity assay. Results: The assays have provided the following results: granulometry (d50 0.82 mm), moisture content (6.41%–9.03%), pH of aqueous solution (5.41), apparent bulk density (0.41 mg/mL), heavy metals (

Evaluation of Phytochemical Contents, Proximate Nutritional Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of the Leaves and Rhizome Extracts of Cyperus rotundus Linn. in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Background: The leaves and rhizome extracts of Cyperus rotundus Linn. popularly called “Nut grass” in many Nigerian communities have been extensively used in local food preparation and in treatment purposes.
 Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents, proximate nutritional composition and antimicrobial activity of the leaves and rhizome extracts of C. rotundus.
 Methodology: The disease-free plant materials were collected from a farm in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Preparation of the plant material, methanolic and aqueous extracts; bacterial culture, isolation, microscopy and biochemical identification; phytochemical screening and proximate nutritional analysis were done according to standard methods, while screening for antimicrobial activity was done by agar well diffusion technique.
 Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the plant extracts showed the presence of bioactive compounds at varying amounts such as glycosides, tannins, reducing sugars, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins and phlobatannins. The proximate nutritional and elemental analysis of C. rotundus extracts showed high presence of B-carotene (164.3 ± 0.02), Vitamin A (109.25 ± 0.01) and carbohydrate (59.0 ± 0.01) with moderate content of lipid (24.25 ± 0.02) and moisture (9.10 ± 0.01) as well as contents of some mineral elements such as Ca, K and P occurring in the range literature values in mg per 100 g dry weight of the plant sample. The methanol and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus showed varying diameter of zones of inhibition on the test organism. The observable inhibitory effect of the plant extracts on the test organism was more pronounced with methanol extracts as indicated by the diameter of zones of inhibition in mm in the order of 22.0>14.0>13.0 for P. mirabilis, E. coli and S. aureus, respectively compared to the aqueous extract.
 Conclusion: The results of this study have shown the antimicrobial, therapeutic and nutritional potential of the leaves and rhizome extracts of C. rotundus. It could possibly find application as a good alternative antibacterial agent, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

Effects of Some Ethno Medicinal Plant Extracts on Botryodiplodia theobromae the Causal Organism of Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) Rot

Post-harvest deterioration and rot caused by diverse microorganisms is the single most important factor militating against yam production in Nigeria. In an approach towards the development of ecofriendly antifungal compound in controlling yam rot, ethanol and aqueous extracts of six commonly available plants: Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum, Azadirachta indica, Cymbopogon citratus, Carica papaya and Citrus sinensis were tested in combination for their synergistic effect against Botryodiplodia theobromae. Four different extract concentrations (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%) were obtained from each extract mixture. Cold solvent extraction method was used for the extraction of plant materials while food poisoning technique was used for in vitro screening of plant extracts against rot inducing fungal organism. Botryodiplodia theobromae was tested to be pathogenic on healthy yam tubers with rot incidence of 80 mm. The synergistic effects of the combined extract varied with the plants combined, solvent of extraction, concentration of extract and test fungi. Ethanol extract showed greater effect in the inhibition of the entire organism than aqueous. All the extract combinations that had Neem as a component did better than other combinations in aqueous extracts. Inhibition of fungal growth was best observed at 7.5% and 10% extract concentrations. The highest inhibitory effect on the test organism (Botryodiplodia theobromae) was by the combination of Neem/Bitter leaf and Orange/Scent leaf, with values of 98.40±0.095% and 94.24±0.583% respectively for aqueous while the highest inhibition for ethanol extract was observed from Scent leaf/Bitter leaf and Pawpaw/Lemon, with values of 99.80±0.000% and 98.83±0.619% respectively these were significantly (P<0.05) better than other combinations. With respect to the synergistic activity between the plants materials combined in this study, all the combinations showed great synergism against the test organisms. This is likely to be a means of achieving pragmatic, effective control and prevention of food spoilage, since the development of new classes of antifungal agents is of paramount importance. The crude aqueous and ethanolic extracts of all the six plant extracts showed potential synergy on organisms responsible for yam rot, hence they are recommended for the control of rot inducing microbial organisms.