Power Of Test Research Articles

Comprehensive analysis of heavy metals and antioxidant properties in various spices and propolis

ABSTRACT In this research, various spices, including curry, fenugreek, allspice, ginseng, abaza herb, nutmeg, mahaleb, coriander, cajun spice, propolis, marjoram, star anise, cardamom, poppy, lavender, tarragon, plantago, vitex seed, French lavender, and yarrow were examined for their trace elements and antioxidant contents. Ethanol extractions were used for DPPH, ABTS, reducing power, and total phenolic content tests, revealing that propolis and plantago exhibited the highest antioxidant and phenolic contents, while fenugreek and cardamom showed the lowest. In the heavy metal analysis, samples were dissolved using a microwave, and trace elements were analysed by ICP-OES. Method accuracy was confirmed with NIST-SRM 1515-Apple Leaves certified reference material. Elemental concentrations ranged from 0.013–27 µg/g for Cu, 29–802 µg/g for Fe, 2.13–430 µg/g for Mn, 0.37–5.00 µg/g for Ni, and 3.13–66 µg/g for Zn. These results were compared with existing literature values. This study highlights the balance needed between the beneficial antioxidant properties and potential risks from trace metals in spices and propolis, emphasising the importance of safety in food consumption.

Measurements of microwave transmission mode in HL-3 tokamak relevant ECH corrugated waveguides transmission line

The transmission modes of high-power millimeter wave in corrugated waveguides transmission line (TL) are crucial, especially for the long-pulse operation for long-distance TL. The microwave transmission mode in the TL on HL-3 tokamak relevant the electron cyclotron heating system are studied for the purpose according to the phase retrieval method based on intensity distribution measured by an infrared camera at several different locations away from the outlet of TL. A specific high power test platform with about 40-meter TL is established and the mode contents in the middle and the end of the TL are analyzed. In the middle of the TL, the proportion of main transmission mode LP01 mode is about 97% and other high-order modes contents are less than 3%. In the end of the TL, the main mode purity is about 94%, and the high-order mode, LP11 even mode is excited about 4.6%. These mode analysis results indicate that the high-power and long-pulse millimeter wave corrugated waveguides TL are designed and machined well, and the alignment method for long distance transmission line installation is highly useful for high-purity wave mode transmission.

Determination of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Value of Lotion Preparation of Ethanol Extract of Akway Bark (Drymis Piperita Hook F.) of West Papua

Akway bark (Drymis piperita Hook f.) has antioxidant activity. It contains secondary metabolite compounds, one of which is flovonid so that it can be utilized as protection against UV rays and developed into pharmaceutical preparations, namely lotions. The aim of the study was to test the physical stability and determine the SPF value of lotion preparations of ethanol extract of akway bark analyzed in vitro. The test includes the determination of SPF value by UV-vis spectrophotometry method. The absorbance was measured at the wavelength of UV B light (290-320 nm) with an interval of 5 nm; the Mansur formula calculated the results obtained. The test results showed that The results of the stability test showed that the lotion preparation of akway bark extract was stable in organoleptic testing, elution type test, homogeneity test, the stickiness test, spreadability test, pH test, protective power test and the SPF value of lotions with concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% obtained an average SPF value of 5.20 ± 0.00 in the medium protection category that protected the skin for 52 minutes; 11.52 ± 0.00 maximum protection that protected the skin for 115 minutes; and 5.20 ± 0.00 in the maximum protection category that protected the skin for 115 minutes. 16.00 ± 0.03 ultra protection will protect the skin for 160 minutes from UV B exposure. Thus, it can be concluded that the variation in concentration of akway bark extract affects the SPF value and can potentially be a sunscreen with moderate to ultra protection category.

Into the spongy-verse: structural differences between leaf and flower mesophyll.

As the site of almost all terrestrial carbon fixation, the mesophyll tissue is critical to leaf function. However, mesophyll tissue is not restricted only to leaves but also occurs in the laminar, heterotrophic organs of the floral perianth, providing a powerful test of how metabolic differences are linked to differences in tissue structure. Here, we compared mesophyll tissues of leaves and flower perianths of six species using high-resolution X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) imaging. Consistent with previous studies, stomata were nearly absent from flowers, and flowers had a significantly lower vein density compared to leaves. However, mesophyll porosity was significantly higher in flowers than in leaves, and higher mesophyll porosity was associated with more aspherical mesophyll cells. Despite these differences in cell and tissue structure between leaf and flower mesophyll, modeled intercellular airspace conductance did not differ significantly between organs, regardless of differences in stomatal density between organs. These results suggest that in addition to differences between leaves and flowers in vein and stomatal densities, the mesophyll cells and tissues inside these organs also exhibit marked differences that may allow for flowers to be relatively cheaper in terms of biomass investment per unit of flower surface area.

Peak Lower-Extremity Power Unadjusted for Body Mass Predicts Fastball Velocity in Collegiate Baseball Pitchers.

King, BW, Snow, TK, and Millard-Stafford, M. Peak lower-extremity power unadjusted for body mass predicts fastball velocity in collegiate baseball pitchers. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The relationship between lower-extremity power production and fastball velocity in collegiate pitchers remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between lower-extremity power and throwing velocity in 33 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball pitchers. Lower-extremity power was quantified using countermovement jump (CMJ) testing on force plates and the Wingate anaerobic cycling test. In-game fastball velocities were collected using TrackMan technology. Pearson correlations and linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between lower-body power and fastball velocity. The strongest predictor of peak fastball velocity was body mass ( r = 0.58, p = 0.0004), followed by lean mass ( r = 0.52, p = 0.002). Peak power (W) produced on the Wingate and CMJ tests were each statistically significant predictors of peak velocity ( r = 0.44, p = 0.011; r = 0.43, p = 0.014, respectively), but CMJ power relative to body mass ( r = 0.19), jump height ( r = 0.07), and Sparta Scores ( r = -0.06) were not ( p > 0.05). Linear regression indicated Wingate and CMJ absolute peak power tests each independently explained 19% of the variance in fastball velocity but added little to the model when combined with body mass (∼34 vs. 32% of total variance). Because total body mass and lower-body power are important predictors of pitching velocity, absolute power output is a more relevant predictor of baseball pitching velocity than lower-body power variables influenced by body mass (e.g., jump height and Sparta Score).

Chemical Profiling and Pharmaceutical and Biological Activities of Methanolic Extract of Citrullus colocynthis L. Seeds Collected from the Arid Zone of Qassim, Saudi Arabia against Aphis craccivora

Background: Citrullus colocynthis L. (C. colocynthis) is a medicinal plant with a long history of traditional usage in Saudi Arabia, particularly for the treatment of digestive issues such as indigestion and stomach pain.Methods: C. colocynthis seeds were examined using qualitative and quantitative phytochemical methods. Antioxidant testing was conducted using DPPH assay and the reducing power test. Antibacterial properties were evaluated using the well-diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test, and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) test. The effectiveness of the extract against Aphis craccivora (A. craccivora) was assessed using a leaf-dip bioassay, measuring generation time (GT), net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), doubling time (DT), and finite rate of growth (λ).Results: The methanolic extract of C. colocynthis seeds included diverse bioactive compounds, a good quantity of phenolic content (60.45 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (46.66 mg/g). The antibacterial tests showed that the extract was effective only against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis. The extract recorded inhibition zones of 14.5 ± 0.7 mm and 10.5 ± 0.5 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus mirabilis, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus showed the greatest sensitivity, with MIC of 6.25 mg/mL and MBC of 25.0 mg/mL. The extract was found to have a fatal concentration (LC50) of 9.02% and a lethal concentration (LC95) of 20.50% against A. craccivora aphid.Conclusions: The current vitro study on C. colocynthis reported that the seeds are effective as antioxidants, antibacterial agents (only against Gram-positive bacteria), and aphicidal agents against aphids. More investigations are recommended to examine the possible toxicity and biochemical interactions in vivo.Keywords: Plants; Biological activity; In vitro study; Citrullus colocynthis; Aphis craccivora; Aphicidal

Phytochemical composition analysis, antioxidant, antimitotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of leaf and stem extracts of Pistacia lentiscus L

ABSTRACT This study explored the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties, anti-germinative effects, and anti-inflammatory actions of methanolic leaf extracts (MLE) and methanolic stem extracts (MSE) derived from Pistacia lentiscus L. species native to the eastern region of Morocco. Using Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC),16 and 17 components were discovered inMLE and MSE, respectively, with Epigallocatechin being the most prevalent in both extracts. Polyphenols and flavonoids were found to be more abundant in MLE. Furthermore, DPPH assays revealed that it had a higher free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 37.5 mg/L) compared to ascorbic acid while ferric-reducing power tests showed that MSE had a greater potency (IC50 = 86.14 mg/L) than MLE. Both MLE and MSE inhibited sorghum seed germination in a dose-dependent manner, with MSE being slightly more effective. Mitotic index determination revealed that both extracts had concentration-dependent antimitotic effects, with MSE showing similarity to colchicine, indicating its potential as an antimitotic agent. In vitro, anti-inflammatory assays showed that it had similar properties to indomethacin in protein denaturation and membrane stabilization, while MLE displayed distinct characteristics. Furthermore, in a carrageenan-induced rat model, both extracts demonstrated anti-inflammatory potential, with MSE showing a trend of slightly better efficacy. These results highlight the importance of further investigation into MSE’s potential as an anti-inflammatory and antimitotic agent.

Weighted joint LRTs for cooperative spectrum sensing using K-means clustering

In this paper, a blind centralized cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) with soft decision fusion is considered. The fusion center (FC) constructs the energy vector from the collaborating secondary nodes. The energy feature is assumed to be an efficient measure, as it is widely used and directly correlates with the strength of the received signal. The K-means clustering algorithm is employed to extract descriptive statistical features about the distributions of the absence and presence of the primary user (PU) signal, such as the mean and non-centrality parameter. In the framework of this statistical analysis, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at each node is easily estimated and examined. Equal, selective, and weighted combining techniques are applied to develop three joint likelihood ratio test (JLRT)-based algorithms. These algorithms are implemented in the context of simple hypothesis testing, where the distribution of the data is fully specified. Furthermore, they are justified by the Neyman-Pearson theorem, which constructs the most powerful test for a given significance level. The proposed selective and weighted JLRT approaches are based on the estimated SNRs at each sensor, reflecting their reliability. Several comparison scenarios between the proposed algorithms, K-means, fuzzy c-means (FCM), and OR-rule are simulated over Rayleigh fading channel with low average SNR and few samples. The simulation results reveal that the proposed tests outperform other CSS techniques. Additionally, asymptotic theoretical expressions for probability of detection and the probability of false alarm are derived, which show high agreement with the simulated results.

Evaluation of wind-induced response of high-rise structure with TMD system by real-time hybrid simulation test with motor-driven shaking table

Due to the difficulty in constructing the small-scaled model of tuned mass damper (TMD) system to meet the requirement of dynamic similarity law, it is hard to evaluate the vibration control effect of passive TMD system on the wind-induced response of high-rise structure by wind tunnel test. The Real-Time Hybrid Simulation (RTHS) test could provide a suitable solution to this problem by increasing the size of the scaled TMD model to overcome the limitation in dynamic similarity law. A RTHS test system with a linear electric motor-driven shaking table was developed by the interface with model interface toolkit in general real time system operating environment. Taking the Guangzhou New TV Tower with a passive TMD system as an example, the Finite Element (FE) model of Guangzhou New TV Tower was selected as the numerical substructure and TMD system was selected as the experimental substructure, the RTHS test was conducted at a sampling frequency of 250 Hz to estimate the wind-induced response of this high-rise structure with a TMD system in various dynamic wind loading cases. To reduce the time delay effect generated by the nonlinear interaction between motion control system and experimental substructure, the adaptive time series (ATS) compensator for time delay compensation was proposed in the RTHS test. The RTHS results were also compared with the numerical simulation results using the FE model of the investigated object. The RTHS test with additional ATS time delay compensator can obtain more accurate experimental results. The effectiveness of the proposed RTHS test system was testified to be powerful test system to evaluate the wind-induced response of high-rise structures with complex passive TMD system.

The Role of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator in Skeletal Muscle Contractile Function

Purpose: Genetic mutations in cystic fibrosis (CF) result in CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction. CFTR is expressed in human skeletal muscle; its effect on skeletal muscle abnormalities is unknown. The study objective is to investigate the role of CFTR in skeletal muscle contractile function. Methods: We conducted a prospective, cross-sectional study comparing 34 adults with minimal and 18 with residual function CFTR mutations, recruited from Toronto Adult CF Centre, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. Quadriceps, biceps brachii, and handgrip strength was measured with dynamometers; leg muscle power with the stair climb power test. Quadriceps muscle contractility was determined by quadriceps muscle strength normalized to quadriceps muscle size, measured with ultrasound images. Multivariable regression was used for analysis. Results: People with residual function CFTR mutations had higher quadriceps muscle torque normalized to quadriceps layer thickness and to rectus femoris cross-sectional area by 27.5 Nm/cm [95% CI (2.2, 52.8) Nm/cm, P = .034] and 5.6 Nm/cm2 [95% CI (0.3, 10.9) Nm/cm2, P = .041], respectively, compared with those with minimal function CFTR mutations. There were no differences in quadriceps muscle torque (P = .58), leg muscle power (P = .47), biceps brachii muscle force (P = .14), or handgrip force (P = .12) between the 2 mutation groups. Conclusions: CFTR protein may play a role in muscle contractility, implying a limited capacity to exert muscle force per unit of muscle size in people with CF. This suggests that building a greater muscle mass through resistance exercises focusing on muscle hypertrophy in exercise prescription may improve muscle strength in people with CF.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-giardia properties of the essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract, and green synthesis of the silver nanoparticles of Salvia mirzayanii plant

In this study, an environmentally-friendly, simple, and low-cost approach was developed for the production of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) accelerated by Salvia mirzayanii plant. The identification process involved ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV–Vis spectrum exhibited a peak at 450 nm which is a characteristic surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs. The XRD and EDS analyses confirmed the crystalline nature and the presence of silver element, while the SEM analysis displayed the production of almost spherical nanoparticles. The FTIR spectrum exhibited that the Ag NPs were functionalized with biomolecules found in the extract, which are involved in the production and stabilization of the NPs. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil, the hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs was examined against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The anti-Giardia activity was tested on Giardia lamblia cysts at different time intervals. The results exhibited that the MIC values for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs against S. aureus were 1.65 µL/mL, 75 mg/mL, and 0.125 mg/mL respectively. The MBC was attained 6.25 µL/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 0.25 mg/mL, for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs, respectively. The MIC values for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and NPs against E. coli were 3.12 µL/mL, 150 mg/mL, and 0.06 mg/mL, respectively. The MBC was determined to be 50 µL/mL, 300 mg/mL, and 0.25 mg/mL for essential oil, hydroalcoholic extract and Ag NPs, respectively. In addition, the antioxidant activity was determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test. The results indicated that the essential oil of this plant exhibited the highest antibacterial and anti-giardial properties, whereas its extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant properties.

The use of pairwise comparisons for decision making may lead to grossly inaccurate results

Pairwise comparison matrices (also known as Saaty matrices) in conjunction with a finite discrete scale for their quantification, are considered by many as efficient and effective means for eliciting personal preferences from decision makers. This study demonstrates that under a highly optimistic assumption, called the ultra-accurate decision maker (UADM) assumption, the results obtained from such matrices may be grossly inaccurate. The true ranking of the compared entities may be altered and / or an abnormal rank grouping may occur when processing pairwise comparison matrices. The rates that such effects take place are exceptionally dramatic. Given that this occurs under the deliberately highly optimistic conditions of the UADM assumption, the implication is that under real-life circumstances these rates can be even more dramatic. The results are supported with theoretical and extensive computational investigations. The computational investigations are based on three novel and powerful tests introduced for the first time in this study. This is the first needed step to better understand the potential and limitations of pairwise comparisons before one attempts to remedy this problem.

Examining The Test-retest Reliability Of A Sit To Stand Power Test In Individuals With Cancer

Examining The Test-retest Reliability Of A Sit To Stand Power Test In Individuals With Cancer

Sex Differences in Neuromuscular Adaptations Following 12 Weeks of Kettlebell Swing Training.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are sex differences in strength, power, and muscular endurance gains following a 12-week kettlebell swing protocol. Twenty-eight men (29.4 ± 7.3 years; 176.4 ± 6.2 cm; 80.1 ± 11.0 kg; 146.0 ± 22.3 kg in deadlift; 1.8 ± 0.2 kg/body mass deadlift relative strength) and 25 women (32.3 ± 5.5 years; 162.5 ± 7.5 cm; 66.2 ± 9.7 kg; 92.4 ± 17.3 kg in deadlift; 1.4 ± 0.2 kg/body mass deadlift relative strength) participated in this study. Measures of strength in the deadlift, power in the countermovement jump, muscular endurance in the deadlift, and workout of the day (WOD) were obtained before and following six and 12-week time points. Both sexes showed pre- to post-test differences in strength (p < 0.001; one repetition maximum (1RM) improvement of 12.6% for men and 11.7% for women), power (p < 0.001; jump height improvement of 12.9% for men and 6.8% for women), and muscular endurance deadlift test (p < 0.001; improvement in deadlift repetitions of 24.5% for men and 29.2 for women), and only men improved performance in DT WOD (p < 0.001; WOD improvement of 21.3% for men and 1.3% for women). Furthermore, men had greater gains in the power test (p = 0.02) and in the DT WOD endurance test (p = 0.04). Kettlebell training appears to be an effective strategy for increasing strength, power, and endurance in both men and women, but considering the lower responses in power and DT WOD, other strategies should also be considered to optimize women's results in these tests.

Study of the Use of Oxygenated Water as a Non-Toxic Molecule Model for Catalytic Testing of Pozzolana-PN and Iron-Based NOx Reducing Catalysts

During previous catalytic tests on the reducing power of NOx catalysts based on pozzolana and PN-black citric acid polymer, it was found that the use of the NO&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; model molecule poses a significant health and environmental risk. Thus, a project was launched to find another, much less harmful model molecule. Hydrogen peroxide H&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;O&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; was chosen, a molecule naturally secreted by the body to prevent pigment synthesis, with disinfectant, antiseptic and whitening properties widely used in various activities, including cosmetics. Consequently, catalytic tests of NOx-reducing power using hydrogen peroxide H&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;O&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; as a model molecule were carried out on two catalysts based on pozzolana and PN-black polymer of citric acid, PNP-Fe-water-15% and PNP-Fe-ethanol-15%, differing in the solvent used during their syntheses according to a procedure detailed in the bibliography and this manuscript. Pozzolana is a volcanic rock widespread in the volcanic mountains in the Vakinankaratra region of Madagascar. Its use as a support for catalysts based on PN-black polymer of citric acid and Iron-Fe enabled us to synthesize various catalysts, the characteristics and synthesis methods of which are detailed in this manuscript. In short, the catalytic test with hydrogen peroxide was conclusive, enabling a pragmatic comparison of the two catalysts tested, with the result that the catalyst synthesized with water PNP-Fe-water-15% is more active than the catalyst synthesized with ethanol PNP-Fe-ethanol-15%. This is due to the quality and difference in dispersion of the PN-black polymer molecules depending on the solvent used, which can have an impact on the nature of the catalyst surfaces and certain characteristics such as porosity. This dispersion is confirmed and viewed using an optical microscope to visualize the surface of a catalyst grain. Kinetic results from two proposed mechanisms for the reduction of H&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;O&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;2&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; hydrogen peroxide molecules using PNP-Fe catalysts also confirmed not only the proposed mechanisms, but also the higher activity of PNP-Fe catalysts synthesized with water, whose kinetic constants are much higher than those synthesized with ethanol.

Multifunctional Ammonium Sulfide Enables Highest Efficiency Lead–Tin Perovskite Solar Cells

AbstractThe commonly used hole transport layer (HTL) Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) still has some shortcomings that will limit the development of Pb–Sn perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this work, multifunctional ammonium sulfide (AS) is attempted to modify PEDOT:PSS/perovskite interface. AS has multiple effects on different functional layers and the device as a whole: a) optimize the perovskite crystallization by the formation of PbS nucleation sites; b) neutralize the acidity of PEDOT:PSS by reaction with PSS; c) promote carrier transport at HTL/perovskite interface by tuning the energy level of PEDOT:PSS. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 24.23% is obtained in the reverse scanning direction and 23.84% in the steady‐state output power test for the single‐junction Pb–Sn PSCs, and 27.48% for all‐perovskite tandem solar cells. These results show that AS modification can be an effective way to boost the development of Pb–Sn PSCs.

Improving lower body muscle power indicators for non-athlete university students through plyometric exercise

Muscle power (FxV, explosive strength or explosive power) is an element of fitness level that influences the quality and efficiency of movements. Most of the studies that address plyometrics identify the effectiveness of this method at the level of performance athletes with different specializations and muscle power requirements. We considered that we can also study the possibility of using plyometrics in physical education lessons. The research identifies the benefits of implementing plyometric exercises for non-athlete university students on lower body muscle power indicators in curricular physical activities. The group of analyzed students (327 subjects/undergraduate level, of which 143 female and 184 male) participated in physical education lessons during one academic year (1 activity per week). The plyometric exercises used were jumping variants, diversified and adapted in dosage to the motor possibilities of the non-athlete students (on one or both legs, lateral, on ladder rungs or boxes, over hurdles, over cones, vertical and horizontal jumps). Their usefulness and effectiveness were verified by 3 successive tests: at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic year, through a battery of 7 lower body muscle power tests. The statistical calculation identifies significant increases in performance for both genders for all tests applied, both between the initial and final tests (T1-T3) and over the shorter time intervals/T1-T2 and T2-T3 (p &lt;0.05). For males, we found greater progress in the second semester of the year (T2-T3) for 5 of the 7 tests, so their adaptation is better and they respond to plyometric training better in the second part of the academic year. For females better progress in semester 2 (T2-T3) for 3 of the tests, respectively greater differences at the end of semester 1 (T1-T2) for 3 tests, especially for endurance power and 10 m acceleration. The research results confirm the effectiveness of plyometric exercises in increasing muscle power indicators for the studied student groups and are a useful option for improving fitness levels. The attractiveness and diversity of the used exercises ensured good student engagement in the lessons. Although the improvements are statistically significant, the results do not indicate spectacular increases and are still weaker than the values recorded in most other research. This is because the students involved in our study are not at all concerned about engaging in leisure time physical activities, except for curricular physical education activities, sedentarism being a major problem among young people.

Bioactive potential of Algerian Citrullus colocynthis resin: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

This study explored the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties of Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin from Algeria. A range of assays were conducted to assess these bioactivities, including DPPH• radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ABTS+, haemolysis, and anti-inflammatory tests. The resin extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with an IC50 of 0.674 ± 0.016 mg/mL for DPPH scavenging, a TAC value of 0.064 ± 0.004 mg E A as/mg Ex, and an FRAP EC50 of 0.476 ± 0.09 mg/mL. The ABTS+ assay revealed an IC50 of 0.067 ± 0.009 mg/mL. In the haemolysis test, the IC50 was 0.413 ± 0.005 mg/mL, while albumin denaturation assays indicated significant anti-inflammatory effects, with values of 1.37 mg E Dc/mg Ex for human serum albumin and an IC50 of 0.472 ± 0.037 mg/mL for egg albumin. Photoprotective activity was also demonstrated, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 14.6196. Phenolic compounds such as vanillic acid and naringin were identified in the extracts, contributing to the bioactive properties. These findings suggest that Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin is a promising source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics.

Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Irritative Potential of Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus) Associated with Phenethyl Ester of Caffeic Acid (CAPE)

The present study aimed to analyze the antifungal, antioxidant, and irritant potential of citronella oil, both isolated and combined with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), for topical oral candidiasis. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using two methods, the DPPH test and the reducing power test (FRAP), while the irritant potential of the solutions was assessed through the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM). The DPPH test (IC50) values for the CITRO III + CAPE III combination were 32 ± 9 mg/mL, and for isolated CAPE, 13 ± 3 mg/mL. The results from the FRAP method revealed a low iron-reducing power for the combination of 1.25 mg/mL of citronella and 0.0775 mg/mL of CAPE (CITRO III + CAPE III), showing no significant difference compared to the isolated solution of 0.15 mg/mL of CAPE. The antibacterial activity of CAPE and isolated citronella in vitro against microorganisms was evaluated using two methods: microdilution and biofilm assay. The results showed that the MIC and MFC values were 0.5 mg/mL for citronella at both tested times (24 h and 48 h). For CAPE, the MFC values were 0.031 mg/mL. For the biofilm assay, the isolated compounds and combinations at 1 min and 6 h showed significantly different results from the controls (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the HET-CAM results demonstrated the absence of irritability. Based on these premises, the antifungal and antioxidant actions, and absence of irritability were proven. Moreover, this work presents a natural antifungal of interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

FORMULATION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY EMULGEL SENGGANI LEAF (Melastoma malabathricum L.) WATER FRACTIONS WITH VARIATIONS OF GELLING AGENT USING DPPH METHOD

The senggani plant is reported to have antioxidant activity owing to its flavonoid content, which is a free radical scavenger. The water fraction of senggani leaves needs to be prepared for use, one of which is the emulgel. An important additional ingredient in emulgels is the gelling agent, and the most commonly used is carbopol 940. This study aimed to determine the formulation of emulgel preparations with the most stable variation in carbopol 940 and to test the antioxidant activity of water fraction emulgel preparations from senggani leaves (Melastoma malabatricum L.). The preparations were made by varying the concentrations of Carbopol 940 to 0.5% (F1), 1.25% (F2), and 2% (F3). Physical stability evaluations included organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, adhesive power, viscosity, and antioxidant tests for 28 days. The results of the research showed that the emulgel that tested the physical stability of emulgel preparations with each concentration produced the best emulgel, F3 with an emulgel concentration of 2%, with a pH of 5.32-5.19, spreadability of 4.47-5.53 cm, adhesive power of 31. 21 -25.64 seconds, and viscosity of 47520-34853 cP. The IC50 value of the emulgel preparation is 17870.83-14851.28 ppm, with statistical test results of sig. (p-value) &gt; 0.05, which means that storage has no effect on the emulgel preparation. The conclusion of this research is the best concentration of Carbopol as gelling agent of emulgel is 2% with the antioxidant activity is very weak Keywords: emulgel; senggani leaf water fraction; carbopol 940; IC­50