Sapota Research Articles

Synthesis of Polyaniline Coated Magnesium and Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles through Eco-Friendly Approach and Their Application as Antifungal Agents.

Plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles exhibits great potential to minimize the generation of chemical waste through the utilization of non-toxic precursors. In this research work, we report the synthesis of magnesium oxide (MgO) and cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles through a green approach using Manilkara zapota leaves extract, their surface modification by polyaniline (PANI), and antifungal properties against Aspergillus niger. Textural and structural characterization of modified and unmodified metal oxide nanoparticles were evaluated using FT-IR, SEM, and XRD. The optimal conditions for inhibition of Aspergillus niger were achieved by varying nanoparticles’ concentration and time exposure. Results demonstrate that PANI/MgO nanoparticles were superior in function relative to PANI/Co3O4 nanoparticles to control the growth rate of Aspergillus niger at optimal conditions (time exposure of 72 h and nanoparticles concentration of 24 mM). A percentage decrease of 73.2% and 65.1% in fungal growth was observed using PANI/MgO and PANI/Co3O4 nanoparticles, respectively, which was higher than the unmodified metal oxide nanoparticles (67.5% and 63.2%).

Optimization of extraction conditions and evaluation of Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen fruit peel extract for in vitro \u03b1-glucosidase enzyme inhibition and free radical scavenging potential

BackgroundMost of the edible portions like peel and skin of some fruits is discarded while consuming it, though they are rich in several health beneficial phytochemicals or nutrients. Many reports from literature are about fruit pulp of (Sapota) Manilkara zapota (L) P. Royen having high radical scavenging and antioxidant potential, but the studies relating to peel extracts are scanty. Regardless of its commendable phytoconstituents which could have free radical scavenging potential, this fruit peel is as yet still needed to be assessed for in vitro antidiabetic prospects. Hence, the present study aims at evaluating in vitro free radical scavenging and α-glucosidase enzyme hindrance abilities of this fruit peel.ResultsWith a maximum considerable % extractive yield (18.90%) in 70% ethanol, this study has demonstrated that 70% ethanolic extract of Manilkara Zapota (L.) P. Royen Fruit Peel (MZFP) has the highest in vitro free radical scavenging potential as compared to extracts of other solvents viz. n-hexane, chloroform, acetone, absolute ethanol, and water by DPPH and H2O2 assays. In order to optimize the extraction condition parameters, MZFP sample evaluated with three different concentrations of ethanol (40%, 70%, 100%), extraction times (6 h, 9 h, 12 h), and temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C) to get the highest radical scavenging potential. The MZFP when extracted with 70% ethanol, at 50 °C for 12 h, showed higher DPPH (IC50 = 0.34 and 88.42% inhibition at 1 mg/ml) and H2O2 (IC50 = 32.69 and 65.78% inhibition at 50 μg/ml) radical scavenging potential than absolute and 40% ethanolic extracts, when ascorbic acid was used as a reference standard. While further evaluation for in vitro α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition, 70% ethanolic MZFP extract demonstrated high inhibition activity (IC50 = 104.23 ± 1.75 μg/ml) than absolute ethanolic extract (IC50 = 111.65 ± 1.57 μg/ml) with a significant difference (p < 0.05), when acarbose was taken as reference inhibitor (IC50 = 86.93 ± 0.74 μg/ml).ConclusionsOverall results indicated that MZFP 70% ethanolic extract exhibited promising in vitro radical scavenging and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition potential. Thus, suggesting further studies with isolated phytochemicals from peel to explore its potentials for antidiabetic activity through in vitro α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition.

Gallic acid content in sapodilla fruit and seed (Manilkara zapota) and the correlation with germination control in recalcitrant seed

Abstract. Putri KF, Solichatun, Pitoyo A. 2021. Gallic acid content in sapodilla fruit and seed (Manilkara zapota) and the correlation with germination control in recalcitrant seed. Cell Biol Dev 5: 7-16. Sawo or sapodilla (Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen) is a tropical fruit with many benefits. Sapodilla seed is classified as a recalcitrant but has a low storage capacity. The storability of seeds is influenced by moisture content and accumulation of germination inhibitor compounds present in the seeds. One of the inhibitor compounds is gallic acid. This study aims to determine the content of gallic acid in sapodilla fruit and seeds and its relation to the control of seed germination. There were two parts to the research; the first was to assess the level of gallic acid at different stages of sapodilla fruit development. The second part examined the effect of sapodilla seeds' ripening and storing period on gallic acid content and seed viability. The data were taken from the morphological characteristics of sapodilla fruit and seeds during the development period. The preparation of seed anatomy, measurement of seed moisture content, tetrazolium test, germination test, and analysis of gallic acid content in sapodilla fruit and seeds were also carried out. The content of gallic acid was measured using UV-vis spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed with the One Way ANOVA test, and if there was a significant difference, the DMRT test (Duncan Multiple Range Test) was continued with a test level of 5%. The Independent Sample T-Test analyzed data from seed germination and viability tests. This research revealed that the fruit parts, seed coats, cotyledons, and sapodilla seed embryos all contain gallic acid inhibitor compounds. The highest gallic acid content in sapodilla seeds was in the fruit, while the lowest was in the cotyledons and embryos. The gallic acid content in sapodilla fruit and seeds decreased during the development process and storage treatment. The seed storage treatment decreased the germination percentage of sapodilla seeds. That indicates that gallic acid plays a role in controlling sapodilla seed germination.

Optimization of enzymatic clarification of sapota (Achras sapota L.) juice using response surface methodology

Aim: The present study aimed to develop enzymatic clarified sapota (Achras sapota L.) juice beverage under optimized conditions for future scale up. Methodology: In this study, the ripened sapota fruits PKM 1 variety were ground to pulp and pulp was mixed with 0.05-0.15% pectinase enzyme and incubated at 35oC-45oC for 30-120 min. After incubation period the enzyme was deactivated by placing the pulp in warm water bath at 90oC for 3 min. Optimal enzymatic clarified juice was produced by pectinase enzyme by response surface methodology. Results: The absorbance values decreased with increasing incubation time at fixed temperature. Incubation time showed a significant and p&lt;0.05 negative effect on L* value at linear terms. At fixed temperature, the L* value increased with increasing enzyme concentration. Significant regression models proved that the changes in clarity, juice yield and colour (L*values) when compared to the independent variables demonstrated, coefficient of determination, R2 greater than 0.8. Interpretation: Optimization conditions like minimum clarity, maximum juice yield and maximum color (L* value) can be applied in the production of sapota juice for commercial use.

Determination of Polyphenol Content in Sawo Fruit (Manilkara zapota) Based on Geographical Location

Background: Sawo fruit (Manilkara zapota (L.) P.Royen) is rich in antioxidant compounds like polyphenols, and has long been used to treat diarrhea and thypoid by natives of Toari and Langori villages of Kolaka district of Southeast Sulawesi Province. Both villages located at different geographical location according to their altitudes from the sea level. The polyphenols content of sawo fruit from these villages that has a correlation with its antioxidant activity has yet investigated and thus need more research. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the content of polyphenols in sawo fruit based on geographical growth difference, that are Toari and Langori villages. Material and Methods: The fruits were collected from two locations of the Kolaka district that are Langori and Toari villages. The polyphenols content in the methanol extract of Sawo fruit was determined qualitatively using FeCl3 and quantitatively using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent measured by UV-Visible spectrophotometry. Gallic acid was used as the standard polyphenol of the assay. Results: The polyphenols content of sawo fruit from Langori found to be 1.48113 mg/g, while fruits from Toari contained 1.55747 mg/g of polyphenolics. Conclusion: The study showed that there was an influence of the geographical growth on the content of polyphenolics of sawo fruits.

Fatty acid ethyl ester from Manilkara zapota seed oil: a completely renewable biofuel for sustainable development.

This article reports the deliverables of the experimental study on the production of a completely renewable biofuel from Manilkara zapota fruit and seed oil. It was attempted to synthesis ethyl ester from Manilkara zapota seed oil using bioethanol synthesized from decayed Manilkara zapota fruit. Bioethanol was produced through fermentation of decayed Manilkara zapota fruit, waste skin, and pulp with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and then distilled at 72°C. The bioethanol yield was noted as 10.45% (v/w). The 95.09% pure bioethanol and 4.9% water molecules were present in the distilled sample. Mechanically extracted raw Manilkara zapota seed oil was used for ethyl ester conversion. The molar ratio of bioethanol to oil, the quantity of KOH, and process temperature were investigated for the maximum yield of Manilkara zapota ethyl ester. A 9:1 molar ratio of bioethanol to oil, 1.5% (w/w) KOH, and 70°C process temperature were identified as enhanced ethanolysis process parameters. The maximum yield of ethyl ester was identified as 93.1%. Physicochemical characteristics of Manilkara zapota oil, bioethanol, and ethyl ester were measured as per the corresponding ASTM standards. It was found that both Manilkara Zapota ethyl ester and bioethanol synthesized from decayed Manilkara zapota fruit could be promising substitutes for fossil diesel and gasoline.

Latex mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its antibacterial evaluation

A functional role of plant latex extract in the growth and nucleation of silver nanoparticles synthesized by green method has been discussed. By varying the biological species as capping and reducing agents, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of different morphologies under similar reaction conditions were produced. The synthetic protocol involves the preparation of AgNPs derived from two plant latex extract i.e. plumeria obtusa and manilkara zapota. Synthesized AgNPs generate the surface plasmonic resonance peak at 435 nm in UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis shows the major role of active phenolic constituents and protein in reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. Size and shape of AgNPs were characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) which shows that the AgNPs are of spherical form and relatively uniform. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of AgNPs corresponding to (111), (200), (220) and (311) planes reveals that the generated nanoparticles were face centered cubic crystalline in nature. The average crystalline size was found to be 32.97 and 35.15 nm for plumeria obtusa and manilkara zapota respectively. The role of capping agents in controlling the size and properties of silver nanoparticles has been studied. Phyto-fabricated AgNPs exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aures and Escherichia coli.

Determination of sun protection factor and physical remanence of dermocosmetic emulgels formulated with Manilkara zapota (L.) fruit extract

Purpose: To develop a stable emulgel formulation from Manilkara zapota fruit extract (MZFE) and evaluate its sun-protective factor (SPF) and its physical retention on facial skin.&#x0D; Methods: Active test formulations containing MZFE and placebo (containing no active ingredients) were prepared by dispersing the primary emulsion into a gel phase. Both test and placebo emulgel formulations were subjected to physicochemical evaluation, stability studies, and assessment of possible photo-protective properties. The sun-protective factor (SPF) was determined in vitro by spectrophotometric analysis. Non-invasive in vivo skin bioengineering technique was used to assess the UV-quenching effects of the test and placebo emulgel formulations.&#x0D; Results: A stable and cosmetically acceptable emulgel formulation loaded with MZFE was obtained. The formulation and control exhibited optimum physicochemical stability in stress stability tests. The formulation exhibited promising photo-protective effects both in vitro (SPF = 14.215 ± 0.140) and in vivo (lasted for approximately 120 min).&#x0D; Conclusion: The developed MZFE-loaded test emulgel formulation possesses suitable photoprotection capability in vitro, and displays quenching effects against specific wavelengths of UV light, indicating a UV-filtering property

Production Process Optimization study on the synthesis of Manilkara zapota seed bio-oil and its characterization

In this study, Manilkara zapota seed oil was used for biodiesel production. The free fatty acid content of the oil was determined as 5.91 mg KOH/g and hence a two-step acid-base transesterification reaction was followed to convert M. zapota seed oil into biodiesel. The performance variables such as reaction temperature, alcohol to oil ratio, experimental duration, and catalyst weight were optimized using Taguchi orthogonal array. The study revealed a 40°C reaction temperature, 6:1 alcohol-to-oil ratio, 150 min experimental duration, and 1 wt.% NaOH catalyst that were optimal performance variables to obtain maximum conversion efficiency of 97.08%. Among the four performance variables, the alcohol-to-oil ratio was found to be the most effective variable with 84.36% of the contribution. The synthesized Manilkara zapota methyl ester (MZME) procured from seed oil with optimized performance variables matches with the standards of ASME D 6751.

Traditional Medicinal Plants in Bima Communities: A Bacterial Activities Test and Phytochemicals

The use of medicinal plants in Bima communities has been widely practiced for a long time by parents and ancestors, however, this was usually not based on scientific understanding of the chemical contents in those medical plants. Consequently, in determining the standard amount of dosage relies on experience and hereditary habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial and phytochemical activity test of traditional medicinal plants in Bima community. Samples of medicinal plants used were Muntingia calabura, Phyllanthus urinaria, Ageratum conyzoides, Manilkara zapota and Momordica charantia. The results indicate that Muntingia calabura and Ageratum conyzoides contain alkaloid compounds, flavonoids, trpenoids, saponins and tannins with concentrations of 20.40 and 60 ml which have the ability to inhibit the activity of Staphylococcus aureus by producing an inhibitory zone that is classified as a very well with an average radius of the inhibition zone 14.47 ± 0.40 mm. Whilst, the phytochemical test result of medicinal plant extracts show that 4 plant samples contain flavonoid compounds, 1 sample does not contain flavonoids, 4 samples contain alkaloid compounds, 5 samples contain steroid compounds and terpenoids, 4 samples contain saponin compounds, and 1 sample does not contain saponins.

Value Added Bioethanol Fuel from Waste Decayed Manilkara Zapota Fruit

In this research work, it was attempted to give value addition to the waste decayed Manilkara Zapota fruit by producing bioethanol from it. Manilkara Zapota fruit wastes were taken as a substrate for the microorganism (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to grow under a controlled environment in order to facilitate the fermentation process. The temperature of fermentation process was maintained at 37°C with the help of biological oxygen demand incubator for 72 hrs. Once the fermentation process was over the bio-ethanol was extracted by distillation process at the temperature of 72°C. The purity of the produced ethanol was identified using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The physicochemical properties such as density, pH, molecular weight, octane number, flash point, freezing point and autoignition temperature were measured. The yield of bio-ethanol from decayed Manilkara Zapota fruits was found to be 10.45% (w/v). The GC-MS results infer that the purity of ethanol obtained in the sample is 99.09%.

Screening of Plant Extracts Against a Vector of Arboviruses, Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti is a vector mosquito of dengue haemorrhagic fever, chikungunya, yellow fever, zika, filariasis and other viral infectious disease-causing pathogens. We tested ethanol extracts of the six plant species viz., Cassia fistula, Curcuma amada, Manilkara zapota, Momordica charantia, Sansevieria trifasciata and Solanum indicum at dosages of 25, 50, 75 and 100% for their larvicidal effect against the third instar larva of A. aegypti. We observed maximum larval mortality and minimum LC50, LC90, and LC99 in C. amada (LC50 = 0.14, LC90 = 9.28 and LC99 = 277.97) among the tested plant extracts. All the extracts caused moderate to high larval mortality, and hence, these plant extracts could be a substitute source for A. aegypti control as they comprise a potential source of bioactive chemicals and generally free from toxicants. Applications of these natural derivatives in A. aegypti control could reduce the cost of control methods and environmental contamination.

Physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of ciku fruit (Manilkara zapota) pastilles

Ciku fruit (Manilkara zapota), also known as sapodilla is an exotic tropical fruit commonly eaten by Malaysians but not as popular as durians, rambutans, and bananas. Due to the short period of storage of ripened ciku fruits, making or converting it to a new end product such as pastille may promote the utilization and promote this tropical climate fruit and provide a wide range of products. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop ciku pastille and determine the physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of ciku pastilles. A total of six formulations of ciku pastille were developed based on the different amounts of ciku purée (10%, 12%, 14%, 16%, 18% and 20% of ciku purée) added. The pastilles were analysed for their texture profile analysis (TPA), water activity (Aw), total soluble solids (TSS), colour analysis, pH, moisture content, ash, fibre and antioxidative activity. Results showed that formulation F (20% ciku purée) illustrated the highest value for moisture (18.59%), ash (2.43%), fibre (2.65%) and scavenging activity (36.58%). The production of this product is highly likely to be commercialised as no synthetic preservatives and artificial colouring were used. The ciku pastille was successfully developed with brownish-orange colour, round-shaped with a diameter of 1.0-1.2 cm, weighing approximately 1.2-1.5 g. Formulation B (12% ciku purée) has 62.7⁰ Brix with pH 4.3, which had an acidic aftertaste and a water activity of 0.54. For colour analysis, L* value (59.76), a* value (23.71) and b* value (34.33) brought the brownish-orange colour for ciku pastille. Formulation B (12% ciku purée) was highly accepted by the panellists and retained its good texture and colour after being kept in the chiller for 2 months at below 18°C. The analysis, therefore, revealed that the physicochemical properties of the ciku pastille produced were enhanced and found to be rich in antioxidants and accepted by the panellists. Ciku fruit may consequently be a possible natural ingredient for pastille production, thus promoting its use in the food sector.

New genetic markers for Sapotaceae phylogenomics: More than 600 nuclear genes applicable from family to population levels

Some tropical plant families, such as the Sapotaceae, have a complex taxonomy, which can be resolved using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). For most groups however, methodological protocols are still missing. Here we identified 531 monocopy genes and 227 Short Tandem Repeats (STR) markers and tested them on Sapotaceae using target capture and NGS. The probes were designed using two genome skimming samples from Capurodendron delphinense and Bemangidia lowryi, both from the Tseboneae tribe, as well as the published Manilkara zapota transcriptome from the Sapotoideae tribe. We combined our probes with 261 additional ones previously published and designed for the entire angiosperm group. On a total of 792 low-copy genes, 638 showed no signs of paralogy and were used to build a phylogeny of the family with 231 individuals from all main lineages. A highly supported topology was obtained at high taxonomic ranks but also at the species level. This phylogeny revealed the existence of more than 20 putative new species. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) extracted from the 638 genes were able to distinguish lineages within a species complex and to highlight geographical structuration. STR were recovered efficiently for the species used as reference (C. delphinense) but the recovery rate decreased dramatically with the phylogenetic distance to the focal species. Altogether, the new loci will help reaching a sound taxonomic understanding of the family Sapotaceae for which many circumscriptions and relationships are still debated, at the species, genus and tribe levels.

Enzyme inactivation and its kinetics in a reduced-calorie sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.) jam processed by thermal-assisted high hydrostatic pressure

The effect of high-pressure processing parameters within the domain of 300−600 MPa/25−65 °C/0−30 min was evaluated on polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) inactivation in a reduced-calorie sapodilla jam. The residual activity of PPO and POD enzymes was significantly reduced (up to 57% for PPO and 43% for POD) by temperature followed by pressure and time, and all the process parameters showed a synergistic effect represented by contour plots. However, POD was more baroresistant than PPO. The rate constants obtained from the first-order kinetics applied to enzyme inactivation during isobaric-isothermal phase varied from 2.1 × 10−3 min−1 to 1.36 × 10−2 min−1 for PPO, and 2.0 × 10−3 min−1 to 7.8 × 10−3 min−1 for POD. Various other kinetic parameters viz. D value, DP, ND, zT, zP, activation energy, and activation volume were also obtained to compare the results. Also, the HPP jam samples were microbiologically safe.

Antimicrobial and anthelmintic activities of the ethanolic extract, fractions and isolated compounds from Manilkara zapota L. P. Royen (Sapotaceae).

To evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal and anthelmintic activities of the ethanolic extract (EEMz), fractions (LPFMz and HPFMz) and compounds isolated from the leaves of Manilkara zapota L. P. Royen. Extract and fractions were produced by turbolization. LPFMz fraction was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The isolated compounds from HPFMz were purified by flash and preparative chromatographic methods, and chemically characterised by UPLC-ESITOFMS, optical rotation, and one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR techniques. Anthelmintic against Strongyloides venezuelensis and antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated. EEMz showed mainly phenolic compounds and pentacyclic triterpenes from Δ12-oleane/Δ12-ursane series. Chlorogenic acid, myricetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, mearnsitrin, germanicol and germanicol acetate were reported to M. zapota leaves for the first time in this work. EEMz, HPFMz, LPFMz showed significative activity against C. albicans (16 µg/mL), while isolated flavonoids were active against S. aureus (<32 µg/mL). EEMz, phenolic-rich compounds (F2), and chlorogenic acid were potentially active against S. venezuelensis at 24 h. M. zapota and its bioactive compound can be eligible such as a potential phytomedicine for the treatment of microbial and strongyloidiasis drug-resistant infections.

UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis and antibacterial activity of the Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen against Escherichia coli and other MDR bacteria.

With the spread of bacterial resistance against clinically used antibiotics, natural plant-derived products are being studied as new sources of antibacterial molecules. Manilkara zapota is a common plant species in the American continent that is used as a food source. Studies show the M. zapota extract is rich in phenolic substances that can serve as basic molecules for the pharmaceutical industry. An extract from fresh M. zapota leaves was produced and tested to identify the compounds present, as well as its direct antibacterial and clinical antibiotic modulatory activities. To analyze the results, a new statistical methodology based on the Shannon-Wiener index was tested, capable of correcting distortions in heterogeneous environments. The Hydroethanolic Extract of Manilkara zapota leaves (HEMzL) presented a wide variety of phenolic products, as well as tannins, in the UPLC analysis. The extract showed direct antibacterial activity against the standard Staphylococcus aureus strain, however, it either acted antagonistically when associated with the tested antibiotics, or it did not present statistical significance when compared to the control. This demonstrates a need to be cautious when associating natural products with antibiotics for clinical use, as a hindrance to infectious treatments may occur. As for the statistical analysis mechanism tested, this proved to be effective, reducing false negatives at low antibiotic concentrations and false positives at high concentrations in the microdilution plate.

Microencapsulación mediante secado por aspersión de pulpa de Manilkara zapota y probióticos (Lactobacillus fermentum A15): Evaluación de vida de anaquel en una matriz alimentaria

In the interest of getting a functional and non-dairy food product which improves human health, this research was conducted to obtain an edible gel containing probiotic Lactobacillus fermentum A15, and bioactive compounds from an autochthonous Mexican fruit known as chicozapote (Manilkara zapota). Probiotic and fruit pulp were encapsulated separately by means of the spray-drying process and later incorporated into the food matrix. Water activity, hygroscopicity, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids and antioxidant capacity were determined on the pulp fruit microcapsules. Meanwhile viability was measured on the microencapsulated probiotic. Both microparticles were incorporated in a food gel and its shelf-life stability was evaluated by measuring the evolution of the afore-mentioned parameters with time. The viability of probiotics (1x107 CFU/mL) was highlighted. The results suggest that this new non-dairy product could be of particular interest for lactose-intolerant consumers and attractive to the new food market demands.

Response surface modelling and optimisation of biodiesel production from Manilkara Zapota L. seed oil

Biodiesel production from non-edible oils is one of the prominent research avenues being exploited in recent times to achieve energy and environmental sustainability. The aim of this study is to model and optimise the production of biodiesel from the reaction of ethanol with Sapota (Manilkara Zapota L.) seed oil using potassium hydroxide (KOH) as catalyst. A quadratic response surface model has been developed and validated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals that the model is significant. The standard deviation is 3.76% and the coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.8438. Numerical optimisation reveal that the optimal biodiesel yield of 89.57% can be achieved at an ethanol to oil molar ratio is 6.58, catalyst amount of 1.07 wt% and temperature of 64.77C. Parametric studies reveal that the yield of biodiesel initially increases with increasing ethanol-oil ratio and catalyst amount but drops off gradually beyond the region of optimality. Temperature has a slight positive effect on the process.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Manilkara zapota L. extract and the evaluation of its intrinsic in vivo antiarthritic potential.

The plant Manilkara zapota belongs to the family Sapotaceae and is commonly known as Chiku in Pakistan. Traditionally, M. zapota is used in pulmonary diseases, diarrhea, rheumatism, hemorrhage, and ulcers. There is no study available on the in vivo antiarthritic activity of M. zapota and its gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vivo acute and sub-acute antiarthritic activity of aqueous extract of M. zapota and its biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Plant-induced reduction method was used for the synthesis of AuNPs. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized via UV, FTIR, SEM, and zeta potential measurements and were optimized by screening various parameters including time, temperature, pH, and salt concentration. Arthritis in rats was induced by Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) injection in hind paw. The antiarthritic effect was evaluated by the determination of paw volume, joint diameter, latency time, hematological, biochemical parameters, antioxidant biomarkers, TNF-α level, and radiological evaluation. The aqueous extract and nanoparticles significantly decreased the paw volume, joint diameter, and significantly increased latency time as compared to the FCA-induced arthritic group. They significantly normalized the hematological, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress biomarkers in comparison to the arthritic group. They also significantly decreased the TNF-α level when assessed against the arthritic group. Radiological evaluation confirmed the antiarthritic effect of the aqueous extract and nanoparticles of M. zapota leaf extract. It is concluded that the aqueous extract and nanoparticles of M. zapota possess significant analgesic, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory activity. However, nanoparticles possess more pronounced antiarthritic activity as compared to the aqueous extract. Moreover, free radical scavenging action and TNF-α reduction showed a prominent role in their antiarthritic activity. Further, investigation is underway to identify the active phytochemical constituent responsible for the antiarthritic activity.