Root Extract Research Articles

Comparative phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of ethanol extracts of three parts of <i>Dracaena arborea</i> (Willd.) link

Dracaena arborea is a known boundary plant which grows in arid semi-desert areas and used by the indigenous people of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, for the management of edematous diseases that come with pain. The ethanol extracts of D. arborea were analyzed to study their secondary metabolites. Antioxidant effect was studied using 2,2–diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, ferric reducingantioxidant power (FRAP) assay and their total phenolic and flavonoid contents also determined. Result of phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, saponins and tannins in the studied parts of D. arborea except that, stem was devoid of flavonoids. Also, the result of DPPH assay revealed the percentage inhibition of 58% for the leaf extract, 33% for the stem extract and 17% for the root extract at 100 µg/mL when compared with the blank and the result was comparable to ascorbic acid with a percentage inhibition of 62%. For the FRAP assay, the leaf extract (0.445 nm) showed a better activity than the stem extract (0.399 nm) and root extract (0.427nm) when compared to ascorbic acid (0.913nm), a standard antioxidant agent at 100 µg/mL. Extracts revealed total flavonoid contents of 52 mgRTE/g for leaf extract while the stem and root had 5 mgRTE/g and 50mgRTE/g, respectively. This study supports the use of these parts of D. arborea for its folkloric applications in ethnomedicine.

Anti-dengue viral activity of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots in Vero cells

Despite being a global public health problem, there are no antiviral agents for dengue. Plants are the sources of most approved drugs and many phytochemicals have exhibited in vitro antiviral activity. We explored the antiviral potential of the aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots (GGaq) on dengue viruses. Plaque reduction antiviral assay for half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) was done in Vero cells infected with dengue serotypes 1–4 and exposed to varying concentrations of GGaq. Half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the GGaq was 651.9 µg/mL. The IC50 of the four dengue serotypes (10–50 µg/mL) indicated moderate inhibition by GGaq. 98–100% inhibition of all dengue serotypes was seen with GGaq at the maximum nontoxic dose. Preparative thin layer chromatography of GGaq, isolated sub fractions E and F which had low to moderate antiviral activity (IC50 12.65–85.95 and IC50 13.14–69.27 respectively). They exhibited good therapeutic potential only for dengue serotype-4. Virus adsorption to cells was significantly inhibited by GG (50%) and sub fraction E (24.9%). Chloroquine diphosphate was used as the positive control in all assays. The aqueous extract of GG was non-toxic and had better antiviral activity than sub fractions E and F.

EFFECT OF SIDA CORDIFOLIA LINN. LEAF AND ROOT ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACTS ON THE GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE OF PANICUM REPENS AND PANICUM MAXIMUM

Due to the incessant application of synthetic herbicides in the agricultural system coupled with a rapid increase in herbicide-resistant weed species across the globe, much attention has been focused on alternative weed management, including allelopathy, which is eco-friendly and reduces reliance on synthetic herbicides. The effect of Sida cordifolia root and leaf ethyl acetate extract was evaluated under field conditions to determine its effects on growth, physiological response, stomatal index and density, and biochemical activity on weed species (Panicum maximum, Panicum repens, and Andropogon gayanus), as well as its effects on soil micronutrients. S. cordifolia root and leaf were collected from the wild in Nigeria and prepared into powder, which was dissolved to obtain the following concentrations 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80%, and distilled water served as the control. The percentage inhibition seems to be correlated with different growth indices as proven by an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione transferase (GST), and peroxidase (POD). Physiological growth indices such as plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, dry weight, stomatal density, and stomatal index were inhibited in both weed species while biochemical parameters such as Chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and chlorophyll stability index were slightly reduced, increase in MDA, GST, ROS and POD were also noticed. In general, Andropogon gayanus showed a high inhibition rate compared to tomato. It is therefore recommended that concentrations of the Sida cordifolia extracts be increased to have a robust effect on the physiological processes of the weed species.

Ecophysiological Trade-Off Strategies of Three Gramineous Crops in Response to Root Extracts of Phytolacca americana

The invasive Phytolacca americana L. poses a significant threat to local agroforestry ecosystems due to its allelopathic toxicity. However, the ecophysiological response mechanisms of crops to allelochemicals remain unclear. This study investigated the seedling growth, physiological, and biochemical responses of three gramineous crops to the root extracts of P. americana and identified potential allelochemicals of the invader. The germination and seedling growth of three crops were inhibited by extracts differently, with high-concentration extracts causing more severe inhibition on seedling roots in hydroponic (>57%) than soil culture experiments (>18%). This inhibition may be related to representative secondary metabolites such as fatty acyls, alkaloids, and phenols. Despite the significant inhibition of high-concentration extracts on seedling growth, the levels of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and antioxidant enzymes increased synergistically. Under allelopathic stress, three species enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and metabolite contents at the cost of reducing their shoot, root biomass, and root/shoot ratio. This may be an ecophysiological growth-defense strategy to bolster their resistance to allelopathy. Interestingly, transgenic rice exhibited greater sensitivity to allelochemicals than wild-type rice, resulting in more pronounced growth inhibition and increased levels of most metabolites and antioxidant enzymes. This study highlights the adaptive strategies of three gramineous crops to the allelopathy of invasive P. americana.

Polygala tenuifolia root extract attenuates ischemic stroke by inhibiting HMGB1 trigger neuroinflammation

Polygala tenuifolia Willd., a famous traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely applied to treat central nervous system diseases. In this study, P. tenuifolia root extract exhibited a moderate anti-ischemic effect on in-vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. In transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rats, P. tenuifolia root extract significantly attenuated brain infarction and neurological deficits in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the sham group, the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs)-HMGB1 in the ischemic brain was significantly higher, which was inhibited by P. tenuifolia root extract. To further explore such neuroprotective effects whether associated with aseptic inflammation, HMGB1-activated BV2 microglial cells model was established. The extract of P. tenuifolia was found to inhibit the downstream inflammatory response driven by HMGB1, with an IC50 value of 49.46 μg/mL. In addition, the extract was also found to be able to directly interact with HMGB1 in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiment. Phytochemical studies showed that the extract of P. tenuifolia root contains a large number of terpenoids, oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds, which likely contribute to the above observed biological activities. Our results not only provide some data support for the clinical application of P. tenuifolia against cerebral ischemia, but also clarify the potential target of P tenuifolia's anti-inflammatory properties.

Effective Use of Euphorbia milii DCM Root Extract Encapsulated by Thermosensitive Immunoliposomes for Targeted Drug Delivery in Prostate Cancer Cells

The delivery of anticancer drugs using nanotechnology is a promising approach aimed at improving the therapeutic efficacy and reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Liposomes were prepared using HSPC: DSPE–PEG–2000: DSPE–PEG2000–maleimide in the ratio of 4:1:0.2 and conjugated with a PSA antibody. Euphorbia milii extract (EME), doxorubicin (Dox), and docetaxel (Doc) encapsulated in temperature–sensitive immunoliposomes were investigated for their activities against the prostate cancer LNCap and DU145 cell lines. Organic extracts of EME leaves, roots, and stems were screened against both cell lines, inhibiting more than 50% of cell culture at concentrations of 10 μg/mL. The immunoliposomes incorporating the EME and docetaxel were active against the LNCap cells when exposed to heat at 39–40 °C. The liposomes not exposed to heat were inactive against the LNCap cells. The developed heat-sensitive immunoliposomes used for the delivery of both the EME and chemotherapeutic agents was able to successfully release the entrapped contents upon heat exposure above the phase transition temperature of the liposome membrane. The heat-sensitive immunoliposomes conjugated with a PSA antibody encapsulated the extract successfully and showed better cell antiproliferation efficacy against the prostate cancer cell lines in the presence of heat.

Atractylenolide I inhibits angiogenesis and reverses sunitinib resistance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma through ATP6V0D2-mediated autophagic degradation of EPAS1/HIF2α

ABSTRACT Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is tightly associated with VHL (von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor) mutation and dysregulated angiogenesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that antiangiogenic treatment abolishing tumor angiogenesis can achieve longer disease-free survival in patients with ccRCC. Atractylenolide I (ATL-I) is one of the main active compounds in Atractylodes macrocephala root extract and exhibits various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. In this study, we revealed the potent antitumor activity of ATL-I in ccRCC. ATL-I exhibited robust antiangiogenic capacity by inhibiting EPAS1/HIF2α-mediated VEGFA production in VHL-deficient ccRCC, and it promoted autophagic degradation of EPAS1 by upregulating the ATPase subunit ATP6V0D2 (ATPase H+ transporting V0 subunit d2) to increase lysosomal function and facilitated fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes. Mechanistically, ATP6V0D2 directly bound to RAB7 and VPS41 and promoted the RAB7-HOPS interaction, facilitating SNARE complex assembly and autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Moreover, ATP6V0D2 promoted autolysosome degradation by increasing the acidification and activity of lysosomes during the later stages of macroautophagy/autophagy. Additionally, we found that ATL-I could decrease the level of EPAS1, which was upregulated in sunitinib-resistant cells, thus reversing sunitinib resistance. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ATL-I is a robust antiangiogenic and antitumor lead compound with potential clinical application for ccRCC therapy.

Revisiting the Cyclocephagenols via Astragalus condensatus: Structural Insights and Configurational Revision.

The phytochemical investigation of the MeOH extract of Astragalus condensatus roots led to the discovery of a new tetrahydropyran cycloartane-type triterpenoid, astracondensatol A (1), alongside six known cyclocephagenol derivatives (2, 3, 20, 32, 35, and 36). Elucidation of their structures involved 1D and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and mass data analysis. Upon comparing NMR spectroscopic data with prior literature, several carbon shift anomalies, particularly at C-24, prompted a reevaluation using quantum chemical calculations, resulting in the revision of the 24S to 24R absolute configuration for compound 2 and 38 other reported cyclocephagenol-type triterpenoids. X-ray crystallography data further supported the analysis in establishing the absolute configuration of compound 2. Ambiguous NOE correlations and publication bias could have played a significant role in miss-assigning the C-24 absolute configuration in tetrahydropyran cycloartane-type triterpenoids.

Evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of phytochemicals from Gymnostachyum febrifugum-an in vitro study

Gymnostachyum febrifugum an ethnomedicinal plant of Acanthaceae family is used to treat fever, ulcer and metrorrhagia. The current study aimed to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of phytochemicals from methanolic leaf and root extracts of G. febrifugum. In addition, a preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The study revealed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extracts of G. febrifugum roots compared to that of leaves. Also, a moderate in vitro cytotoxic effect of the root methanolic extracts was observed against human lung cancer cells. LC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract of root revealed the presence of 11 phytochemicals belonging to classes of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and sugars, of which esculin, 6,7,10-trihydroxy-8-octadecenoic acid, piperlongumine, ardisiacrispin B and berbamine were detected in high abundance. Probably, these phytochemicals were responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential of G. febrifugum. However further research on isolation and identification of active compounds is necessary to confirm these results.

Phytochemical and volatile components evaluation of antimicrobial root extracts of <i>Dichrostachys cinerea</i> (sickle bush)(<i>Fabaceae</i>) (L) Wight & Arn

The crude ethanolic extract of the root of Dichrostachys cinerea (Fabaceae) was screened for phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans using agar-well diffusion method. The phytochemical screening of the root extract results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, phenols, terpenes, tannins, unsaturated sterols, and saponins. However, coumarins, and anthocyanins were absent. The crude extract was subjected to column chromatographic fractionation to give nine fractions of which two, DCR1 and DCR2, were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The crude extract and column chromatographic fractions DCR1 and DCR2 gave MIC of 1 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, but were not active against the other test organisms. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the antibacterial fractions, DCR1 and DCR2, based on standard MS library data revealed the presence of caryophellene, phthalates, a phenol and fatty acids and their ester derivatives. These phytoconstituents could account for the biological properties of the extracts of the plant. The results of this work therefore support its use in ethno-medicinal preparations, particularly against infections.

Toxicity and Repellency of (E/Z)-3-Butylidenephthalide: A Natural Compound Isolated from Ligusticum porteri Root Extract Evaluated Against Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Imported fire ants are pests of significant importance, especially in the southern United States. We tested (E/Z)-3-butylidenephthalide, a natural compound that was isolated from the ethanolic extract of Ligusticum porteri roots, as a repellent and toxicant against workers of imported fire ants. A series of serial concentrations, starting from 156 µg/g until failure, were tested using digging bioassays. Workers removed significantly less sand from the vials treated with (E/Z)-3-butylidenephthalide as compared to the ethanol control. Based on sand removal data, (E/Z)-3-butylidenephthalide treatment resulted in a more significant digging suppression against red imported fire ant workers at concentrations ranging between 19.5 and 0.6 µg/g than the solvent control whereas sand removal at 0.3 µg/g was similar with the solvent control. Black imported fire ants showed repellency at serial concentrations ranging between 19.5 and 0.15 µg/g whereas the hybrid imported fire ants showed repellency between 19.5 and 4.9 µg/g. In DEET treatments, red and black imported fire ants showed repellency at dosages of 125 to 62.5 µg/g, whereas the treatment failed at the dose of 15.6 µg/g in hybrid fire ants. (E/Z)-3-butylidenephthalide with LC50 values of 11 and 16.4 µg/g was toxic against red and black imported fire ants, respectively, followed by hybrid imported fire ants (LC50 = 104.7 µg/g). Fipronil with LC50 values of 0.49, 0.33, and 0.53 µg/g against red, black, and hybrid fire ants, respectively, was more toxic than (E/Z)-3-butylidenephthalide. In residual bioassay, toxic activity lasted for 3 weeks at dosages of 250 and 500 μg/g against HIFA. In residual bioassay, toxic activity lasted for 3 weeks at dosages of 250 and 500 μg/g against HIFA. The high repellency and toxicity of (E/Z)-3-butylidenephthalide against imported fire ants makes it a natural compound of interest for further evaluation under natural field conditions.

Antibacterial activity and GC–MS profiling of Stephania glandulifera Miers root extract

Antibacterial activity and GC–MS profiling of Stephania glandulifera Miers root extract

Mitochondrial resilience and antioxidant defence against HIV-1: unveiling the power of Asparagus racemosus extracts and Shatavarin IV.

Asparagus racemosus (AR), an Ayurvedic botanical, possesses various biological characteristics, yet its impact on HIV-1 replication remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of AR root extracts and its principal bioactive molecule, Shatavarin IV (Shatavarin), on HIV-1 replication and their role in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction during HIV-1 infection, utilizing both in vitro and in silico methodologies. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated using MTT and ATPlite assays. In vitro anti-HIV-1 activity was assessed in TZM-bl cells against X4 and R5 subtypes, and confirmed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using HIV-1 p24 antigen capture ELISA and viral copy number assessment. Mechanistic insights were obtained through enzymatic assays targeting HIV-1 Integrase, Protease and Reverse Transcriptase. Shatavarin's activity was also validated via viral copy number and p24 antigen capture assays, along with molecular interaction studies against key HIV-1 replication enzymes. HIV-1 induced mitochondrial dysfunction was evaluated by detecting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium accumulation, mitochondrial potential, and caspase activity within the infected cells. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts derived from Asparagus racemosus roots displayed dose-dependent inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Notably, the hydroalcoholic extract exhibited superior Reverse Transcriptase activity, complemented by moderate activity observed in the Protease assay. Molecular interaction studies revealed that Shatavarin IV, the key bioactive constituent of AR, formed hydrogen bonds within the active binding pocket site residues crucial for HIV replication enzyme catalysis, suggesting its potential in attenuating HIV-1 infection. Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by HIV-1 infection, marked by increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial calcium overload, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated caspase activity, was effectively mitigated by treatment with AR extracts and Shatavarin IV. These findings underscore the potential of AR extracts and Shatavarin IV as antiviral agents, while enhancing mitochondrial function during HIV-1 infection. In conclusion, Asparagus racemosus extracts, particularly Shatavarin IV, demonstrate promising inhibitory effects against HIV-1 replication while concurrently ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the virus. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of AR extracts and Shatavarin in combating HIV-1 infection and improving mitochondrial health.

Antioxidant and Chemopreventive Potential of Uraria picta Root Extracts against DMBA/croton Oil Induced Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice

Antioxidant and Chemopreventive Potential of Uraria picta Root Extracts against DMBA/croton Oil Induced Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice

Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of aqueous and methanol root extract of Tetracera alnifolia in male albino rats

The aim of this study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous and methanol extracts of the root of Tetracera alnifolia as well as the effects on some biochemical parameters in albino rats as many plants used in traditional medicine lack scientific and clinical evidence to support a better understanding of their safety and efficacy. Phytochemical screening and proximate analysis of the pulverised root of Tetracera alnifolia was carried out using previously reported protocol. Sub-acute toxicity study of each extract was done for 28 days followed by organs function tests and histopathology studies of the liver, kidney and heart. Evaluation of lipid profile and oxidative stress marker to ascertain the effect of each extract on lipid peroxidation and their antioxidant property was done after administration of 200 mg/Kg body weight of each extract for a period of thirty-five days. Acute toxicity study of each extract gave oral LD50 (rat) of greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight with no signs of toxicity. Sub-acute toxicity study showed both extracts were non-toxic to the liver, kidney, heart and blood at doses between 200 and 3000 mg/Kg body weight assessed by the respective organ function tests, hematological parameters, and histopathology study. However, higher doses seem toxic to the liver particularly at 5000 mg/kg B. W due to increase in plasma AST, ALT and ALP activities accompanied with reduced protein and albumin concentrations. Effects of each extracts at 200 mg/Kg body weight on some biochemical parameters revealed no significant difference in lipid profile parameters and no lipid peroxidation. Each extract may possess antioxidant property due to increase in catalase activity. The result from this research may help validate the safety of the oral use of this plant in traditional medicine.

Allelopathic Effects of Vachellia nubica, Vachellia tortilis and Hyphaene compressa on Germination and Seedling Growth of Prosopis juliflora

Background: Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC is an invasive species negatively impacting plant ecology and livelihoods in introduced areas. Native tree species may produce allelochemicals that can inhibit growth of invasive species, resulting in a natural management technique. Aim: This study aimed to determine allelopathic effect of three native tree species (V. tortilis, V. nubica, and H. compressa) on seed germination and early seedling growth of P. juliflora to identify the tree species that can be used to suppress P. juliflora invasion as part of its management strategy. Methodology: Crude Leaf and root extracts of the native trees at 0%, 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% concentrations were prepared. P. juliflora seeds were subjected to 24 crude extract treatments and a control in a completely randomized design in Petri dishes. The seeds were uniformly moistened with 10 ml extracts daily in a germination chamber for 14 days, and germination counts were done after every 2 days. Shoot and root length and wet weight were measured after 14 days. The data were subjected to three-way ANOVA and means separated by Tukey. Results: Prosopis seed coats treated with V. tortilis and V. nubica leaf extracts turned darkish before germination while germination of seeds in 10% leaf extracts of V. nubica aborted. Seed germination percentage in 10% leaf extracts of V. tortilis (30%) and V. nubica (23%) were the lowest compared to control (90%). P. juliflora seedlings under 5% V. nubica and 10% V. tortilis died before the experiment period. Depending on crude extract concentrations, percent inhibition on germination characteristics were; percent germination (21-74%), wet weight (6-49%), plumule length (10-47%), and radicle length (7-86%) of germinating P. juliflora. Conclusion: The native tree species studied have allelopathic effects on the germination of P. juliflora and thus can be promoted to suppress invasiveness of P. juliflora.

Beneficial Effects of Ginger Root Extract on Pain Behaviors, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial Function in the Colon and Different Brain Regions of Male and Female Neuropathic Rats: A Gut-Brain Axis Study.

Neuroinflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction have been implicated in the progression of neuropathic pain (NP) but can be mitigated by supplementation with gingerol-enriched ginger (GEG). However, the exact benefits of GEG for each sex in treating neuroinflammation and mitochondrial homeostasis in different brain regions and the colon remain to be determined. Evaluate the effects of GEG on emotional/affective pain and spontaneous pain behaviors, neuroinflammation, as well as mitochondria homeostasis in the amygdala, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and colon of male and female rats in the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) NP model. One hundred rats (fifty males and fifty females) were randomly assigned to five groups: sham + vehicle, SNL + vehicle, and SNL with three different GEG doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg BW) for 5 weeks. A rat grimace scale and vocalizations were used to assess spontaneous and emotional/affective pain behaviors, respectively. mRNA gene and protein expression levels for tight junction protein, neuroinflammation, mitochondria homeostasis, and oxidative stress were measured in the amygdala, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and colon using qRT-PCR and Western blot (colon). GEG supplementation mitigated spontaneous pain in both male and female rats with NP while decreasing emotional/affective responses only in male NP rats. GEG supplementation increased intestinal integrity (claudin 3) and suppressed neuroinflammation [glial activation (GFAP, CD11b, IBA1) and inflammation (TNFα, NFκB, IL1β)] in the selected brain regions and colon of male and female NP rats. GEG supplementation improved mitochondrial homeostasis [increased biogenesis (TFAM, PGC1α), increased fission (FIS, DRP1), decreased fusion (MFN2, MFN1) and mitophagy (PINK1), and increased Complex III] in the selected brain regions and colon in both sexes. Some GEG dose-response effects in gene expression were observed in NP rats of both sexes. GEG supplementation decreased emotional/affective pain behaviors of males and females via improving gut integrity, suppressing neuroinflammation, and improving mitochondrial homeostasis in the amygdala, frontal cortex, hippocampus, and colon in both male and female SNL rats in an NP model, implicating the gut-brain axis in NP. Sex differences observed in the vocalizations assay may suggest different mechanisms of evoked NP responses in females.

Biochar addition enhances remediation efficiency and rapeseed yield in copper-contaminated soil.

Soil contamination with copper (Cu) threatens ecological security and human health. Rapeseed demonstrates potential in remediating copper-contaminated soil, and biochar-assisted phytoremediation is increasingly being employed to improve remediation efficiency. However, the combined application of them has not been thoroughly studied in terms of the synergistic effects and the mechanisms of their interaction. In this regard, this study conducted a pot experiment to evaluate biochar-assisted remediation under Cu-contaminated soil with varying biochar application rates; Furthermore, the plant physiological mechanism and soil physicochemical properties involved in the biocharrapeseed system was explored. Our results showed that the exchangeable pool of copper in soil decreased by 10.0% and 12.3% with adding 5% biochar (BC1) and 10% biochar (BC2) relative to control (BC0), respectively, prior to rapeseed cultivation. The rapeseed cultivation for one season further reclaimed 4.9%, 9.0%, and 13.6% of the available copper in this soil by root extraction under the BC0, BC1, and BC2 treatments, respectively. The overall copper concentration in plants decreased by 23.7% under BC2 and 13.3% under BC1 compared to BC0. However, the plant's dry biomass at BC1 and BC2 treatments increased by 1.7-fold and 2.7-fold relative to BC0, which offset the negative impact of the decreased copper concentration on phytoremediation. Physiological analysis showed adding 10% biochar decreased the MDA content by 36% in the leaf and 49% in the root, compared to BC0. The transmission electron microscopy for cell wall ultrastructure in root tips showed that biochar addition in Cu-contaminated soil increased the mechanical strength of the celL wall, explicitly increasing the thickness of the secondary cell wall. Further cell wall components analysis revealed a remarkable increment of the pectin content in BC2 relative to BC0, increased by 56% in the leaf and 99% in the root, respectively. Additionally, 10% biochar application led to a roughly 2-fold increase in seed yield via ameliorating the soil physicochemical properties and increasing the rapeseed growth. These findings offer insights into synergistic rapeseed-biochar use for Cu-contaminated soil remediation.

Antibacterial Activity of Ocimum Basilicum L. and Thymus Vulgaris L. Extracts against Escherichia coli as a future method for decontamination and deodorization of compost-like mixtures

Ocimum basilicum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. are natural plant sources of antimicrobial activity, which is essential to determine their qualities as biological agents against pathogenic microorganisms. The aim of the study is the analysis of the antibacterial activity of plant extracts of basil and thyme against Escherichia coli for their subsequent application in agricultural practice as additives for decontamination and deodorization of compost-like mixtures. Plant extracts from roots, stems, leaves and whole plants of basil and thyme were obtained by various methods: decoction, tincture, medicinal vinegar, medicinal wine and medicinal oil. Agar diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts against Escherichia coli. The analyzed essential oil cultures increase the microbiological and enzymatic activity of soils. Basil extracts showed stronger antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli than thyme extracts, differing for individual plant parts - roots variants showed higher antimicrobial activity compared to variants with leaves, stems and whole plant. In general, a lower antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts was found in the medicated wine and tincture variants (except for roots tincture), compared to the decoction, medicated vinegar and medicated oil variants. The antibacterial activity of the stem extracts depended significantly, and that of the root, leaf and whole plant extracts moderately, on the biogenicity of the soils. The analyzed essential oil cultures can be applied for decontamination (against Escherichia coli) and deodorization of compost-like mixtures. The use of basil and thyme extracts decontaminated composts from E. coli content in a repeated 4-month application.

Mitigating Hyperglycaemic Oxidative Stress in HepG2 Cells: The Role of Carica papaya Leaf and Root Extracts in Promoting Glucose Uptake and Antioxidant Defence

Background/Objectives: Diabetes often goes undiagnosed, with 60% of people in Africa unaware of their condition. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with insulin resistance and is treated with metformin, despite the undesirable side effects. Medicinal plants with therapeutic potential, such as Carica papaya, have shown promising anti-diabetic properties. This study explored the role of C. papaya leaf and root extracts compared to metformin in reducing hyperglycaemia-induced oxidative stress and their impact on liver function using HepG2 as a reference. Methods: The cytotoxicity was assessed through the MTT assay. At the same time, glucose uptake and metabolism (ATP and ∆Ψm) in HepG2 cells treated with C. papaya aqueous leaf and root extract were evaluated using a luminometry assay. Additionally, antioxidant properties (SOD2, GPx1, GSH, and Nrf2) were measured using qPCR and Western blot following the detection of MDA, NO, and iNOS, indicators of free radicals. Results: The MTT assay showed that C. papaya extracts did not exhibit toxicity in HepG2 cells and enhanced glucose uptake compared to the hyperglycaemic control (HGC) and metformin. The glucose levels in C. papaya-treated cells increased ATP production (p < 0.05), while the ∆Ψm was significantly increased in HGR1000-treated cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, C. papaya leaf extract upregulated GPx1 (p < 0.05), GSH, and Nrf2 gene (p < 0.05), while SOD2 and Nrf2 proteins were reduced (p > 0.05), ultimately lowering ROS (p > 0.05). Contrarily, the root extract stimulated SOD2 (p > 0.05), GPx1 (p < 0.05), and GSH levels (p < 0.05), reducing Nrf2 gene and protein expression (p < 0.05) and resulting in high MDA levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, the extracts elevated NO levels and iNOS expression (p < 0.05), suggesting potential RNS activation. Conclusion: Taken together, the leaf extract stimulated glucose metabolism and triggered ROS production, producing a strong antioxidant response that was more effective than the root extract and metformin. However, the root extract, particularly at high concentrations, was less effective at neutralising free radicals as it did not stimulate Nrf2 production, but it did maintain elevated levels of SOD2, GSH, and GPx1 antioxidants.