Root Extracts Of Plants Research Articles

Biogenic Synthesis, Optimization, and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract for antioxidant and antibacterial activities

Nanoparticles may be synthesized through chemical, physical, and biological strategies, but the former strategies contain critical troubles, including environmental toxicity and cost-effectiveness. This work addresses adopting a green synthesis method for ZnO NPs using Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract for antibacterial and antioxidant programs. A UV–vis spectrophotometer optimized various factors, including temperature, pH, time, zinc acetate dihydrate attention, and the volume ratio of zinc acetate dihydrate to plant root extract. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs had been examined using exclusive characterization instrunments. ZnO NPs and Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract confirmed enormous inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacterial lines, inclusive of the gram-negative bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus typhi and the gram-positive bacterial pressure Staphylococcus aureus. ZnO NPs and Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract exhibited the best antioxidant sports. consequently, this has a look at confirmed that Rumex abyssinicus Jacq root extract is an effective decreasing agent for the synthesis of ZnO NPs, which exhibit antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

“Evaluation of surface interaction of plant root extract components on mild steel surface in HCl medium: Electrochemical, and surface characterization approaches”

Mild steel materials are extensively used in various industrial operations in acidic conditions, but it susceptible to corrosion and lose its service life. Decalepis hamiltonii root extract (DHRE) containing several phytochemicals are readily interact on mild steel surface and prevent it from corrosion. The weight loss method, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that, DHRE inhibited maximum 97.19%, 97.35%, and 96.73%, respectively for corrosion of MS in 1 M HCl. Activation energy in the absence of the inhibitor was found to 80.89 kJ/mol, which increased to 140.55 kJ/mol with 200 ppm of DHRE concentration, indicating a higher energy requirement to undergo corrosion Scanning electron microscopy images of MS surface in presence of DHRE constituents, serving as a safeguard for MS corrosion. Atomic force microscopic images shows the corroded MS surface roughness in presence of DHRE reduced from 1048 nm to 682 nm. The variation of MS surface hydrophilic character was evaluated by contact angle measurements.

Characterization and anticancer evaluation of zirconia nanoparticles synthesized via green route using sophora flavescens roots extract

The emergence of drug resistance in cancer cells has impeded recent progress in cancer therapy, leading to the investigation of novel anticancer drugs. The fabrication of metal and ZrO2 nanoparticles is a promising path with prospective applications across diverse technological domains. The present study investigates the potential anticancer effects of ZrO2 NPs obtained from the root extract of Sophora flavescens on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The structural and chemical features of these nanoparticles are analyzed using several techniques such as flow cytometry, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The examination of XRD and TEM images demonstrates the significant contribution of plant root extract in enhancing the efficiency of nanoparticles, leading to the formation of nearly tetragonal crystal structures with an average size of 8 nm. The MTT experiment verifies the nanoparticles' anticancer activity, which depends on the dosage. The IC50 value of 253 μg/mL indicates the half-maximal inhibitory concentration. The optical microscope reveals an unusual sight: MCF-7 cells appear more spherical and less dense at higher concentrations. This research also investigates the antibacterial properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles against harmful bacteria, particularly those resistant to multiple drugs. The diffusion disk assay indicates that the nanoparticles are active against drug-resistant isolates, with zones of inhibition ranging from 31 to 55 millimeters. Additionally, the researchers noted a positive correlation between nanoparticle concentration and the size of the inhibition zone. Overall, the data indicates the potential of ZrO2 NPs to aid in cancer therapy as well as in combating infections.

Photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes and biological potentials of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized using the polar extract of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. (Cyperaceae)

Abstract In this study, the polar root extract of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. was used for the biogenic synthesis of ZnO NPs. The results of this study show that ZnO NPs have a spherical structure with an average size of 85.4 nm. The synthesized catalysts were tested for their photocatalytic activity by degrading methyl orange and methylene blue under sunlight. Improved degradation efficiencies of 79.44% and 84.92% were achieved within 120 min. ZnO NPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes (18 mm) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (20 mm) and Gram-negative strains of Escherichia coli (16 mm) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (14 mm), as shown by the inhibition zones, which were comparable to the positive control (ceftriaxone) but larger than the plant root extract. ZnO NPs showed high antioxidant activity, as a ferric-reducing antioxidant power assay value of 66.29 µg (AAE µg·mL−1) and a DPPH value of 57.44 µg (AAE µg·mL−1) were obtained at a concentration of 500 µL, which was higher than those of the C. scariosus root extract. Quantification of the total phenolic and flavonoid content yielded values of 57.63 µg (GAE µg·mL−1) and 70.59 µg (QCE µg·mL−1), respectively. At a concentration of 500 μL (1 mg·mL−1), the tested nanoparticles (NPs) showed a greater anti-inflammatory effect (84.12%) compared to the root extract of C. scariosus (34.39%). Overall, our findings highlight the versatile properties of green synthesized ZnO NPs and demonstrate their potential for environmental remediation and antimicrobial formulations, as well as promising candidates for further investigation in biomedical fields such as drug delivery and therapy.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING, ANTIMICROBIAL, AND ANTIOXIDANT ANALYSIS OF BERBERIS LYCIUM ROYLE CRUDE ROOT EXTRACTS

Objective: This particular study was designed to evaluate the qualitative, quantitative, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial potential of Berberis lycium root extracts. Methods: The plant root extracts were prepared using a sequential extraction method using different solvents with increasing polarity. Further extracts were evaluated qualitatively for the presence of different phytochemicals and quantitatively for the presence of total phenols and flavonoid, antioxidant potential using DPPH, ferric reducing anti-oxidant power, and H2O2 radical scavenging assay. Biological potential of these extracts was established for antibacterial effect against different Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and antifungal potential against fungal strains. Results: Qualitative analysis of the root extracts showed the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids. Among all the evaluated extracts in quantitative analysis, methanolic extracts showed the highest content of phenolic with 39.75 mg gallic acid equivalence/g and flavanoid with 456 mg QE/g, highest antioxidant potential with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 10.96 μg/mL in DPPH assay. Similarly, the highest antibacterial effect against Bacillus cereus (20±0.86 mm) and antifungal against Aspergillus niger (IC50 399.64 μg/mL) was observed. Conclusion: The plant root extracts of B. lycium have shown substantial content of phytochemicals with appreciable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities comparable to the currently prescribed modern drugs tested. Accordingly, further studies on clinical efficacy trial, safety, and toxicity analyses have to be instigated promptly, so as to head to the final step to synthesize precursor molecules for new effective antimicrobials.

Phytochemical property and antimicrobial activity of Ficifolius A. Rich root extract: Advancing Ethiopian indigenous wart curing medicinal plant

Although there may be a number of disadvantages, many patients prefer the traditional medication over surgical wart therapy since it may permanently remove the abscess from the body. The roots of the Ficifolius A. Rich plant are one of the native plants used in Ethiopia for traditional wart treatment. Therefore, the main goal of the research was to examine the phytochemical characteristics, identify the chemical compounds, and assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of the previously described plant root extract against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli pathogenic bacteria. Consequently, phytochemical characteristics such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and saponin were perceived, which inferred the therapeutic implications of root extracts. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry investigations identified a number of chemical components, including the particular antiviral substance Squalene. Moreover, antibacterial test results showed that the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was inhibited with the application of crude extract. Generally, Ficifolius A. rich root extract could be effectively utilized for the treatment of anal warts.

Antimicrobial Antioxidant Polymer Films with Green Silver Nanoparticles from Symphyti radix.

Antimicrobial natural polymer film with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using aqueous plant root extracts as reducing capping agents and for film formatting show extensive applicability for pathogenic microorganism problems. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. The antimicrobial activity of biofilm with green AgNPs was analysed by inhibiting the growth of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria culture using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. Total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were slightly higher in aqueous extracts of Sym. Radix than in Sym. Radix/AgNPs. The antimicrobial effect of polymer film/AgNPs against selected test bacteria cultures was substantially more robust than with pure film. Pictures of AgNPs obtained by TEM revealed the presence of spherical-shaped nano-objects with an average size 27.45 nm. SEM-EDS studies confirmed the uniform distribution of metal nanoparticles throughout the biopolymeric matrix. Morphological studies of the surface showed that the obtained surface of the films was even, without holes or other relief irregularities. These apparent Symphyti radix polymer film/AgNPs' biological functions could provide a platform for fighting pathogenic bacteria in the era of multi-drug resistance.

Bone indices and body weight changes of ovariectomized rats treated with<i> Marantodes pumilum</i> var. <i>Alata</i>

Marantodes pumilim var. alata (MPva) is a popular female aphrodisiac and known source of phytoestrogens. It is traditionally used to manage postmenopausal crisis and preserve bone health in women. The study aims to investigate the effects of MPva on bone indices and bodyweight of post-menopausal rats. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups (n=6): Healthy control (Sham); ovariectomized control (OVXC); Estrogen treatment (ERT); plant leaf extract treatment (MPr) and plant root extract treatment (MPv) groups. All rats (except the Sham-operated group) were ovariectomized. After 2-weeks healing period, the ERT group was treated with 64.5 μg/kg estrogen while MPv and MPr groups received pre-determined optimal daily dose of MPva leaf and root extracts, respectively. Changes in bodyweight of rats were monitored through an eight-weeks treatment period after which rats were euthanized for testing of bone parameters. Both leaves and roots of MPva (20 mg/kg) were found to show optimal preservation of bone mineral density and mechanical strength. Untreated estrogen-deficient rats (OVXC) showed significant weight-gain when compared with the healthy control (Sham) (p<0.05). Treatment with MPva leaf and root extracts, similar to treatment with estrogen, significantly suppressed weight-gain observed in the estrogen-deficient (OVXC) group (p<0.05). In conclusion, treatment with MPva leaf and root extracts preserved bone strength. In addition, it suppressed weight gain in postmenopausal rats, an outcome that makes MPva more beneficial to postmenopausal women that may experience weight gain.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Copper Nanoparticles from the Roots Extract of Piliostigma Reticulata Fabaceae

Nanotechnology is a fast-growing area in science which is an interdisciplinary field of both science and technology. In this study, the Roots extracts of Piliostigma reticulata were used for the green synthesis of Copper (Cu) nanoparticles (NPs) from copper Sulphate solution. Green synthesized metallic nanoparticles were characterized by UV– visible spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Using the Debye Scherrer formula, the average crystalline size of CuNPs was calculated as 51.0nm respectively. The UV–Vis spectroscopy results showed Surface Plasmon Resonance peaks at 500nm respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was measured to identify the possible functional group of the biomolecules in the extract that act as reducing and capping agents of the nanoparticles. SEM analysis describes surface morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles which were roughly spherical in shape. The synthesized Nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) and the highest antibacterial activity was found in Cu-NPS compared plant root extract.

The Power of Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) to Improve Oral Health: A Comprehensive Review of Its Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Implications.

Licorice (Radix glycyrrhizae) is a plant root extract widely used in various applications, including cosmetics, food supplements, and traditional medicine. It has a long history of medicinal use in different cultures due to its diverse pharmacological properties. Licorice has traditionally been used for treating gastrointestinal problems, respiratory infections, cough, bronchitis, arthritis, and skin conditions. In recent years, the potential therapeutic benefits of licorice for oral health have gained significant interest. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of licorice extracts and their bioactive components on common oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, halitosis, candidiasis, and recurrent aphthous ulcers. The chemical composition of licorice has shown the presence of several bioactive compounds such as glycyrrhizin, glabridin, isoliquiritigenin (ISL), and licochalcone exhibiting various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory effects. Interestingly, in certain patients, licorice has shown a promising potential to inhibit the spread of viruses, prevent biofilm formation, reduce inflammation, boost immune responses, alleviate pain, and exert antioxidative effects. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the current understanding of licorice's therapeutic benefits in the treatment of oral ailments, emphasising its potential as an alternative treatment option for oral diseases. Further research is warranted to explore its efficacy, safety, and clinical applications using placebo-controlled clinical trials.

A validated green UPLC method for the quantification of synthetic pharmaceutical adulterants in the extract of the aphrodisiac herbal plant ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and in spiked human plasma

In this work, an ultra-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and subjected to bioanalytical method validation for screening the root extract of Ashwagandha. The method was also extended for simultaneous determination of Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Avanafil in plant root extract and in human plasma samples to detect the possible counterfeiting of the plant's pharmaceutical products with other synthetic drugs that might endanger the life of their consumers, particularly elderly people, and those with chronic diseases. The method was developed using BDS Hypersil TM C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm and 3 μm particle size) as a stationary phase and a mobile phase consisting of acidified water and acetonitrile in a gradient elution program with a flow rate of 1.00 mL min 1. In the plant extract, the proposed method was found to be linear in the range 1.00–200.0 μg mL−1 for the Vardenafil and Avanafil and 5.00–200.0 μg mL−1 for Sildenafil with a recovery percentage in range of 98.18–101.07 % for the three drugs. Intra-day and inter-day precision ranges were 0.088–1.219 and 0.151–1.313, respectively. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification for Vardenafil and Avanafil were 0.166 μg mL−1 and 0.500 μg mL−1, respectively. Whereas, for Sildenafil 0.333 μg mL−1 and 1.000 μg mL−1. The ICH validation parameters were also demonstrated. Bioanalytical method validation was established following US-FDA recommendations and the method showed good linearity in the range 1.00–200.00 μg mL −1 for Vardenafil and Avanafil, and 5.00–200.00 μg mL −1 for Sildenafil. The results revealed high accuracy with % recovery ranging from 91.05 to 98.91 % for the three drugs. The intra-day and inter-day precision were also conducted, in terms of % relative standard deviation, and ranged from 0.119 to 4.037 % and from 0.223 to 5.062 %, respectively. Furthermore, other validation parameters were evaluated including extraction recovery and stability of the analytes throughout samples preparation and storage for both short- and long-term. The method greenness was evaluated using NEMI, GAPI, AGREE and analytical eco-scale.

Exploring the Antibacterial Potential of Green-Synthesized MgO and ZnO Nanoparticles from Two Plant Root Extracts.

The green approach-based nanoparticle synthesis is considered a more cost-effective and ecologically responsible method of producing nanoparticles than other standard techniques. A major accomplishment in resolving these issues is the use of nanoparticles for environmental pollution remediation. This article describes a simple method for producing MgO and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using aqueous extracts of Zingiber officinale and Glycyrrhiza roots as the stabilizing and reducing agents, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersed X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy methods were used to characterize the biologically synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles (MO NPs). The XRD results showed that the mean crystallite sizes of synthesized ZnO and MgO NPs, which have excellent purity, are 12.35 nm and 4.83 nm, respectively. The spherical or elliptical shape of the synthesized NPs was confirmed by the SEM analysis. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized NPs against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria was thoroughly investigated. With a medium zone of inhibition of 7 to 10 mm, the as-synthesized MgO NPs and ZnO NPs demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity towards various bacterial strains.

Efektivitas Esktrak Akar Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) dan Pepaya (Carica papaya L) dalam Menekan Terbentuknya Puru Akar Nematoda pada Tanaman Seledri (Apium graveolensL)

This study aims to test the effectiveness of root extracts of kenikir and papaya plants in suppressing the rate of root-knots formation, as well as the number of root-knots formed on celery plants. The method used was a factorial experiment in a randomized block design with two factors, namely the type of antagonist plant root and the dosage, with five replications. The results showed that the treatment of papaya root extract (Carica papaya L.) had a significant effect on all parameters, but the HSD test was only significantly different on the number of root knots. The highest average number of root knots in control plants was 67.2 (A1B0), and the lowest was 4.6 (A1B5). The treatment of kenikir root extract (Cosmos caudatus Kunth.) significantly affected all parameters, but the HSD test was only significantly different on plant height and number of root knots. The average plant height in the control was 31.4 cm (A2B0), and in the treatment 40.6 cm (A2B5). The highest average number of root knoots was 50.8 (A2B0), and the lowest was 1.0 (A2B5). Carpain secondary metabolites in papaya root extract, and phenylpropanoids in kenikir root extract played a role in suppressing the growth of root-knot nematodes. Coniferyl alcohol in kenikir root extract is thought to play a role in increasing the height of celery plants. Kenikir root extract was better than papaya root extract in suppressing the growth of root-knot nematodes.

Aquatic plant root exudates: A source of disinfection byproduct precursors in constructed wetlands

Aquatic plant-derived dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water bodies is an important source of disinfection byproduct (DBP) precursors. It is therefore very important to investigate DBP formation, and the main DBP precursors that enter drinking water during treatment processes. In this study, Lythrum salicaria root extract (LSRE) and Acorus calamus root extract (ACRE) were analyzed. The LSRE and ACRE were chlorinated and disinfected to generate trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, haloketones, and haloacetaldehydes. The DBP formation potential of LSRE, dominated by humus, was higher than that of Suwannee River natural organic matter (SRNOM), and trichloroacetic acid was the main DBP. It was calculated that 2.09 % of the increased DOC brought by the surface flow wetland planted with emergent aquatic plants, and the contribution rates of TCMFP, DCAAFP and TCAAFP in effluent were 3.34 %, 3.23 % and 3.05 %, respectively. A total of 706 chlorinated-formula were detected by FTICR-MS, among which mono- and di-chlorinated formulae were the most abundant. Macromolecular hydrophobic organics and tannins were the main precursors for LSRE. Unlike LSRE, the DOM composition of ACRE was dominated by protein or aliphatic compounds; therefore, the risk of DBP formation was not as high as that for LSRE. This study is the first to determine the risk of DBP formation associated with aquatic plant root extracts, and confirmed that tannins in plant-derived DOM are more important DBP precursors than lignins.

Development and Optimization of Culture Medium for the Production of Glabridin by Aspergillus eucalypticola: An Endophytic Fungus Isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Fabaceae)

Glabridin is a well-known active isoflavone found in the root of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) that possess a wide range of biological activity. Plant cells, hairy roots, and fungal endophytes cultures are the most important alternative methods for plant resources conservation and sustainable production of natural compounds, which has received much attention in recent decades. In the present study, an efficient culture condition was optimized for the biomass accumulation and glabridin production from fungal endophyte Aspergillus eucalypticola SBU-11AE isolated from licorice root. Type of culture medium, range of pH, and licorice root extract (as an elicitor) were tested. The results showed that the highest and lowest biomass production was observed on PCB medium (6.43 ± 0.32 g/l) and peptone malt (5.85 + 0.11 g/l), respectively. The medium culture PCB was produced the highest level of glabridin (7.26 ± 0.44 mg/l), while the lowest level (4.47 ± 0.02 mg/l) was obtained from the medium peptone malt. The highest biomass (8.51 ± 0.43 g/l) and glabridin (8.30 ± 0.51 mg/l) production were observed from the PCB medium adjusted with pH = 6, while the lowest value of both traits was obtained from the same medium with pH = 7. The highest production of total glabridin (10.85 ± 0.84 mg/l) was also obtained from the culture medium treated with 100 mg/l of the plant root extract. This information can be interestingly used for the commercialization of glabridin production for further industrial applications.

Comparison of Antioxidant Properties and Flavonoid of Natural and in vitro Cultivated Nardostachys jatamansi

Background: India has very rich diversity of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants are thought to be a rich source of ingredients that can be used in the development of pharmaceutical or synthetic drugs. Aside from that, these plants play an important role in the development of human drug all over the world. Whether in modern or traditional medicine, medicinal plants are used to maintain health, to treat a specific condition, or both. Nardostachys is one of the most important medicinal plant having several therapeutic properties. It is threatened in its natural habitat due to over exploitation for therapeutic purposes and high demand in the traditional medicine system. Keeping these points in mind, we attempted to investigate alternative uses of in vitro grown plants in place of wild plants without disrupting plant-based therapeutics and market demand. And then compare the root extract of the Nardostachys jatamansi plant’s antioxidant and flavonoid levels under in vitro and natural growth conditions. Methods: Nardostachys jatamansi is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine systems. Because of its wide spread use in traditional medicine, this plant is considered endemic. In our study, we compare of antioxidant quality and Flavonoid amount of Natural and in vitro propagated Nardostachys jatamansi. Firstly we cultivated in vitro plants from Nardostachys jatamansi nodal explants for comparative analysis. The methanol extract of in vitro grown and wild-type plant root extract was then prepared using the maceration method. The extract was subjected to a comparative DPPH method to determine the presence of antioxidant potential in natural and in vitro grown plants. Furthermore, the HPLC analysis was used to detect and quantify the amount of Quercetin in both natural and in vitro propagated plants. Result: When grown in vitro at a higher concentration, the roots of Nardostachys jatamansi have greater antioxidant potential than when they are grown naturally. They demonstrated antioxidant DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 29.55 µg/ml for in vitro generated plants and 24.18 µg/ml for naturally grown plants. The concentration of Quercetin (mg/ml) for natural plant species is 1.95 and for in vitro propagate plant is 1.83. The HPLC analysis presents distinct peaks, with the main peaks having retention time for standard Quercetin (10.38) in the natural plant (10.34) and in vitro grown plants (10.32). In the end, natural-type species that had been produced in vitro were used to obtain the potential of micro propagated plants. The DPPH test and flavonoid were tested on the root extract of natural and in vitro plants. Both plants displayed promising antioxidant activity and an HPLC study identified the Quercetin component.

Effect of Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Origanum vulgare L. Leaf, Flower, Stem, and Root Extracts on the Survival of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most antibiotic multi-resistant bacteria, causing chronic pulmonary disease and leading to respiratory failure and even mortality. Thus, there has been an ever-increasing search for novel and preferably natural antimicrobial compounds. Agrimonia eupatoria L. and Origanum vulgare L. shoots are commonly used as teas or alcoholic tinctures for their human health-promoting and antibacterial properties. Here, we explored the antimicrobial effects of all plant parts, i.e., leaf, flower, stem, and root extracts, prepared in water or in 60% ethanol, against P. aeruginosa. The impact of these extracts on bacterial survival was determined using a luminescent strain of P. aeruginosa, which emits light when alive. In addition, the antimicrobial effects were compared with the antioxidant properties and content of phenolic compounds of plant extracts. Ethanolic extracts of O. vulgare roots and flowers showed the highest antimicrobial activity, followed by A. eupatoria roots. In particular, chlorogenic acid, the ethanolic extract of O. vulgare roots contained high levels of protocatechuic acid, hesperidin, shikimic acid, rutin, quercetin, and morin. The synergistic effects of these phenolic compounds and flavonoids may play a key role in the antibacterial activity of teas and tinctures.

Phytochemical Screening and Acute oral Toxicity Study of Root Extracts of Combretum hereroense Schinz and Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Traditionally Used to Treat Female Infertility in Baringo County, Kenya

Aims: To carry out phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity test to validate their safety and efficacy.
 Study Design: Standard phytochemical screening tests were used to highlight phytochemical compounds of roots of the plants. The evaluation of acute toxicity of the root extracts of the plants followed the model of Acute Toxicity Class based on OECD 423 Guideline, 2001.
 Place and Duration of the Study: The study was undertaken at the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry for the extraction for samples extraction and phytochemical screening. Acute oral toxicity studies were done at the Department of Biological Sciences for acute toxicity study, University of Eldoret, Between June and September 2022.
 Methodology: Phytochemical screening for presence of Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthocyanin, terpenoids, steroids, coumarins, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates were carried out. Acute oral toxicity studies were done using the fixed dose method at a dose of 2000mg/kg body weights of rats. Three groups were used: control and test groups for each of the respective plant root extracts. Signs of toxicity and/or mortality were monitored daily for 14 days. Weekly fasting body weights were also recorded.
 Results: The phytochemical screening results showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, anthocyanin, terpenoids, steroids, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates present in the root extract of Combretum hereroense. Tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, steroids, and carbohydrates were present in root extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca. Following the acute oral toxicity study, there were no abnormalities observed in physiological parameters. In addition, no deaths were recorded during the study period. The LD50 was therefore greater than 2000 mg/kg. The fasting body weights of extract treated rats increased stably compared to the control [p = .05].
 Conclusion: The results showed C. hereroense and B. aegyptiaca methanol root extracts were considered safe in acute oral exposure. Long-term toxicity studies are needed for further toxicological profile elicitation of the plant, and a possible reinforcement of clinical relevance of the results of laboratory studies.

Phytochemical profiling of the Methanolic root extract of Lavatera` cashmeriana using GC- MS and Evaluation of its Potential Antimicrobial Activity

Medicinal plants found worldwide are vast repositories of diverse bioactive phytoconstituents that owe their broad range of medicinal applicability in the treatment, prevention, and diagnostics of diseases. Researchers in the past have successfully tried and are determined in the extraction and purification of phytocompounds which are active agents in treating various alarming to simple diseases and serve as lead compounds in the manufacturing or formulation of novel drugs. The present aim of the research was to conduct the GC-MS analysis of the methanolic root extract of the medically significant plant Lavatera cashmeriana. Through this research analysis, arctigenin is a new compound identified to be present in Lavatera cashmeriana, which was earlier reported and considered to be present in some plant families (Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae and Oleaceae). Meanwhile, the present research was further aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial properties of root extract of this plant on some pathogenic micro-organisms like Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The results obtained revealed significant antimicrobial activity of the plant's root extract.

Determination Effects of Rheum ribes L. against High Calorie Diet-induced Obesity: Investigation of Changes in Immunologic and Neurologic Enzymes Activities

This study was carried out to investigate the immunotoxic and neurotoxic effects of Rheum ribes L. (Rr) plant extract on liver, brain and heart tissues in rats with an experimental obesity model. Wistar albino male rats were used in the study. In this study, 4 groups were formed, one of which was the control group, and each group consisted of 6 rats. The groups were the ''control (CG)'', ''high calorie diet (HCD) control (HCDG)'', 'HCD + Rr (200 mg/kg) (HCDRHE1)'' and ''HCD + Rr (400 mg/kg) (HCDRHE2)''. At the end of the study, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), adenosineaminase (ADA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) biomarkers were evaluated in tissues. According to the study findings, the ADA and MPO activity levels of the obese group increased significantly compared to the control group, and these enzyme levels in the groups administered Rr plant extract approached the control group levels. On the other hand, the AChE and BChE activity levels of the obese group decreased compared to the control group, and there was a statistically significant increase in the groups administered plant extracts compared to the control group. In conclusion, Rr plant root extract suppresses neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity in rats with obesity induced by a high-calorie diet (HCD).