Sativa Leaf Extract Research Articles

Plant extract-mediated biosynthesis of sulphur nanoparticles and their antibacterial and plant growth-promoting activity

This study reports green synthesis of sulphur nanoparticles using sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate (Na2S2O35H2O) and Cannabis sativa leaf extracts. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the crystallinity of the particles and morphological characteristics, proved both spherical and rod-shaped morphology of the S NPs having porous nature. The FTIR spectra revealed the interaction of the synthesized SNPs with the biomolecules present in the leaf extract. UV–VIS spectral investigations confirmed the production of SNPs from C. sativa leaf extract and that these SNPs can be used for visible region photocatalysis for the removal of pollutants from wastewater. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrum of the SNP shows a single peak around 2.4 keV, confirmed S NPs purity. TEM image revealed the formation of mainly nanorods having a width of ∼20–25 nm and a length of 50–100 nm. Furthermore, some spherical particles (∼20–30 nm) were also formed. HRTEM image of the rod-shaped particles clearly shows the crystal fringe spacing of 0.38 nm. Further, disc diffusion method (DDM) was used to check the antibacterial activity of S NPs against gram-positive S. aureus (MTCC737) 18 ± 0.12 mm and gram-negative bacteria against E. coli (MTCC443) 21.5 ± 0.12 mm, A. salmonicida (MTCC1522) 19.1 ± 0.12 mm, K. pneumoniae (MTCC3384) 17.8 ± 0.10 mm. Among all the strains of bacteria, E. coli (MTCC443) showed a maximum zone of inhibition of 21.5 ± 0.12 mm and its antibacterial activity is somewhat like streptomycin sulfate. These SNPs also promote growth of C. sativa in pot experiment, resulting in a 30 % increase in biomass, 90 cm in shoot length and 28 cm in root length and higher fresh and dry weight (50g and 20g, respectively) with 1.0 mg mL−1 NPs treatment. In addition, SEM-EDX confirmed the accumulation of nanomaterial in plant leaves. This environmentally friendly approach to SNP synthesis using C. sativa extracts demonstrates both potent antibacterial properties and plant growth-promoting effects, making it a promising solution for agriculture and biomedicine.

Castanea sativa Mill. By-Products: Investigation of Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells.

Castanea sativa Mill. (C. sativa) processing and pruning generate several by-products, including leaves, burs, and shells (inner and outer teguments), which are considered an important source of high-value phytochemicals. Ellagitannins from C. sativa leaf extracts have been described to impair H. pylori viability and inflammation in gastric cells. Furthermore, chestnut shells showed an important anti-inflammatory effect in gastric epithelial cells. Dietary polyphenols, including tannins, have been reported to interfere with targets of inflammation, including the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). A promising role as a further therapeutical target for gut disorders has been recently proposed for the regulatory subunit of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), as a potential stabilizer of intestinal barrier integrity. Therefore, the main objective of this work is the chemical characterization of several chestnut by-products (bud, spiny bur, wood, pericarp and episperm), together with the exploitation of their anti-inflammatory properties in intestinal cells, scavenging capacity, and stability following gastrointestinal digestion. The chemical characterization confirmed the presence of bioactive polyphenols in the extracts, including ellagitannins. In CaCo-2 cells stimulated by an IL-1β-IFN-γ cocktail, nearly all chestnut by-products (50 µg/mL) inhibited the release of proinflammatory mediators (CXCL-10, IL-8, MCP-1, ICAM), along with the NF-κB-driven transcription, and induced the HRE-driven transcription. The stability of the most promising extracts, identified through PCA and cluster analysis, was addressed by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Despite the significant reduction in total polyphenol index of chestnut bud and wood after gastric and intestinal digestion, the activity of these extracts on both scavenging and anti-inflammatory parameters remained promising. These data contribute to exploit the potential of chestnut by-products as sources of dietary polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties at the intestinal level. Moreover, this study could represent an important step to encourage the recycling and valorization of chestnut by-products, promoting the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact related to the management of agriculture waste.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of Castanea sativa leaf extracts against aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of Castanea sativa leaf extracts against aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A

Evaluation of Eruca Sativa and Capsicum annuum alcoholic extracts as pesticide against aphid and whitefly pests

The aphid (Aphidoidea family) and the whitefly (Aleyrodidae family) are closely related, quickly breeding insects that, when infected, render plants susceptible to diseases since they suck the juices of these plants. They damage the aerial parts of plants and even their roots. Their control is of high concern to limit the damage and minimize the loss of the crops with the use of the safest pesticides. The present study was conducted to assess the perished effect of the Eruca sativa (local name: arugula) leaves and the Capsicum annuum (local name: hot pepper) fruits on aphids and on the eggs and nymphs of whitefly by spraying their alcoholic extracts on tested species. Three pesticide concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) of either extract were prepared and tested. Adhesives, propellants and other materials were added to the extracts to enhance their effectiveness. The results indicated that the pesticide prepared from these extracts has a concentration- and time-dependent impact on the growth of all tested species; the highest mortality rate was achieved at 1.5% concentrations. The time required for that highest effect was 72 hours for Eruca sativa leaf extract on aphids (100%); and on the eggs (89%) and nymphs (94.1%) of whiteflies. Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates achieved by 1.5% Capsicum annuum fruit extract were after 48 hours on aphids (100%), on the nymphs of whiteflies (100%), and 72 hours on whitefly eggs (96.4%). These effects may be related to the presence of many bioactive substances that were detected in the extracts of these two plants, including tannins, glycosides, phenols, resins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, coumarin, steroids and terpenes.

Investigation into the Anti-Acne Effects of Castanea sativa Mill Leaf and Its Pure Ellagitannin Castalagin in HaCaT Cells Infected with Cutibacterium acnes.

Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin disorder affecting many young individuals, marked by keratinization, inflammation, seborrhea, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Ellagitannins, known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, have not been widely studied for their anti-acne effects. Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill., C. sativa), a rich ellagitannin source, including castalagin whose acne-related bioactivity was previously unexplored, was investigated in this study. The research assessed the effect of C. sativa leaf extract and castalagin on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) infected with C. acnes, finding that both inhibited IL-8 and IL-6 release at concentrations below 25 μg/mL. The action mechanism was linked to NF-κB inhibition, without AP-1 involvement. Furthermore, the extract displayed anti-biofilm properties and reduced CK-10 expression, indicating a potential role in mitigating inflammation, bacterial colonization, and keratosis. Castalagin's bioactivity mirrored the extract's effects, notably in IL-8 inhibition, NF-κB inhibition, and biofilm formation at low μM levels. Other polyphenols, such as flavonol glycosides identified via LC-MS, might also contribute to the extract's biological activities. This study is the first to explore ellagitannins' potential in treating acne, offering insights for developing chestnut-based anti-acne treatments pending future in vivo studies.

Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla can Protect the Development of Cancer: An in Vivo Study using Mouse Painting Assay.

The aim of this study is to examine the protective properties of Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla against the development of skin cancer. The skin cancer balb/c mouse model was utilized in the study. Plant extracts were administered to animals using oral gavage. In addition, skin cancer was induced using 7,12-dimethylbenz( a) anthracene (DMBA). The study found that A. triphylla extract reduced both tumor incidence (P&#60;0.01) and papilloma frequency (P&#60;0.001) and delayed the onset of tumor development (P&#60;0.001). The A. triphylla extract did not affect tumor size in animals. C. sativum leaf extract reduced the number of tumors per animal, the incidence of tumors, and the frequency of papilloma (P&#60;0.05). In addition, it delayed (P&#60;0.01) the onset of tumors. Treatment of animals with C. sativum seed extract reduced the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05) and delayed the onset of tumors (P&#60;0.05). However, the examined plant extracts did not impact the size of tumors induced by DMBA (P>0.05). The findings of this study revealed that C. sativum and A. triphylla could protect against cancer development as indicated using the animal model of skin painting assay.

Evaluation of Medicago sativa ethanol leaf extract for antidiarrheal activity in Wistar rats

Aim: Medicago sativa leaf is traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in Nigeria. This research investigates the in vivo antidiarrheal activity of M. sativa (Alfalfa) leaf extract in Wistar rats. Method: The study employed three models: castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility (charcoal meal), and castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation. The phytochemical analysis as well acute toxicity tests were carried out in the leaf extract. Results: The results demonstrate a dose-dependent and significant antidiarrheal effect of M. sativa leaf extract. In the castor oil-induced diarrhea model, the extract reduced fecal frequency, delayed onset, and lowered severity, with the highest effect at 600 mg/kg compared to a positive control (Loperamide). Gastrointestinal motility was inhibited by the extract in a dose-dependent manner, achieving maximum effect at 600 mg/kg, comparable to atropine sulfate. The castor oil-induced intestinal fluid accumulation model revealed a significant decrease in fluid volume at 600 mg/kg, exhibiting a potent inhibitory effect. The oral LD50 values obtained were greater than 5000 mg/kg in rats Conclusion: This study provides compelling evidence of Medicago sativa leaf extract's potential as an antidiarrheal agent in Wistar rats. Further investigations could explore its mechanism of action and safety profile, contributing valuable insights to the development of novel antidiarrheal therapies.

Anti-Aging Properties of Cannabis sativa Leaf Extract against UVA Irradiation

Hemp extract has garnered interest as a potential cosmeceutical agent with multifunctional activities, particularly in protecting against UV-induced skin cell aberrations and restoring aged skin cells. The ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa leaves was prepared into an aqueous solution (CLES) to investigate its anti-photoaging ability. HPLC analysis revealed that the CLES contained 1.64 ± 0.01% w/w of cannabidiol and 0.11% w/w of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Additionally, the total phenolic content was found to be 4.08 ± 0.30 mg gallic acid equivalent per g of solution using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The CLES exhibited potent scavenging activity using a DPPH assay, with an EC50 value of 277.9 ± 2.41 μg/mL, comparable to L-ascorbic acid, with 2.19 ± 0.28 μg/mL. The anti-photoaging potential of the CLES was evaluated using UVA-irradiated and in vitro-aged fibroblasts as a model. Pre-treatment with 20 μg/mL CLES for 24 h significantly alleviated the reduction in type I procollagen and suppressed the overproduction of MMP-1 and IL-6 induced by UVA. Moreover, the percentage of senescence-associated β-galactosidase-expressing cells decreased significantly to 11.9 ± 0.5% in the aged cells treated with CLES compared with untreated cells (18.8 ± 3.8%). These results strongly indicate the cosmeceutical potential of the CLES as an effective active agent for the anti-photoaging prevention and/or treatment.

In vitro application of Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa leaf extracts and associated metabolites reduces the growth of Oomycota species involved in Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome.

This study aimed to determine whether leaf extracts from seven Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa cultivars and their biochemically active compounds (glucosinolates and downstream-derived products) inhibit mycelia growth of three well-known pathogenic oomycetes, Phytopythium chamaehyphon, Phytopythium vexans and Phytophthora citrophthora; being the most significant in the development of Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome (KVDS). Leaf extract quantity of 10, 20 and 30 mg were inoculated in Petri dish (90 mm Ø, each 22 mL of liquid medium - Potato Dextrose Agar), for in vitro bioassays. A pathogen plug was placed in the centre of each plate and the Oomycota colony perimeter was marked 5 days after inoculation. Radial colony growth was measured from 4 marks per plate 5, 10, and 15 days after inoculation, further elaborated with Image J software image analysis. Growth rates for all strains were inhibited by around 67% after 15 days. This was most pronounced when applying the highest concentration of leaf extract. By using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), fifteen glucosinolate compounds, of which glucosativin was found in the highest quantity, were identified. Concentrations of hydrolysis products produced by leaves (erucin and sativin) were also investigated, and were significantly associated with colony radial growth, especially towards Pp. chamaehyphon and Pp. vexans. Three downstream products of glucosinolates (two pure isothiocyanates, AITC and PEITC; and one indole I3C; all commonly present in Brassicaceae) were also tested, and a statistically significant inhibition of growth was observed at the highest concentration (0.6 µL).

Flavonoid Glycosides in Leaves of Plants of the Genus Nigella L.

Phenolic compounds in plants of the genus Nigella are represented by various groups of flavonoids, gallocatechins, and derivatives of cinnamic and caffeic acids. The content of flavonoid glycosides in the leaves of Nigella damascena L., N. sativa L., and N. orientalis L. was established by the HPLC-MS method. Species-specific dependence of accumulation of flavonoid glycosides has been established. It was shown that the main flavonoids in the leaves of the studied objects were glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, while quercetin glycosides were 1.40–1.97 times more than kaempferol in the studied extracts. N. sativa leaves had an increased composition of flavonoid glycosides compared to other studied species. The qualitative composition of N. damascena flavonoid glycosides was like N. sativa, whereas it is close to N. orientalis in terms of the total content of this group of compounds. Total amount of flavonoid glycosides in N. sativa leaf extracts was four times higher than in extracts of other types of Nigella. It is worth noting that the types N. sativa and N. damascena have the greatest phenotypic similarity and are more resistant to growing conditions in Belarus, while the species N. orientalis is different in appearance and more demanding on cultivation conditions. It was found that the variety of flavonoids glycosides in N. orientalis leaves is less in the absence of high molecular weight and acylated forms. The possible absence of acylated derivatives and less variety of flavonoids glycosides affects the low stability N. orientalis to abiotic factors and reduces its adaptive potential.

Determination of Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of C. Sativa Leaf Extracts on MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of Castanea sativa Mill. (chestnut) leaf extract and their anti-proliferative effect on MCF 7 cell line. Materials and Methods: It determined antioxidant capacities by using DPPH assay, total phenolic content by using Folin-Ciocaltaeu method and Total flavonoid content by aluminum chloride colorimetric method in the ethanolic extracts of Chesnut leaf. In addition, the anti-proliferative effect of chestnut leaf extract was determined by XTT method in MCF7 breast cell line. The leaf extract used was applied at different concentrations for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours and the results were evaluated with the Graphpad Prism software program. Results: In this study, it was revealed that the total phenolic contents of ethanolic extracts of chestnut leaf 58,22 mg GAE/g. Total flavonoid content was 64,62 mg QE/g. The DPPH activity of the leaf extract of chestnut was 80.06%. Moreover, findings showed that Chestnut leaf extract had cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cells depends on concentration and time. The 24h, 48h and 72h most effective IC50 dose were 100.1 μL ,193 μL 15.23 μL, respectively. Conclusion: Chestnut has potential antiproliferative and antioxidant activities in conjunction with its high phenolic and flavonoid content on the MCF-7 cell line. However, more studies are needed.

Cannabis sativa mediated palladium nanoparticles as an effective nanodrug against multi-drug resistant bacteria and A549 lung cancer cells

The present paper reports a biogenic synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) involving Cannabis sativa leaf extract. The physicochemical characterisations of biogenic synthesised PdNPs were carried out to determine size, shape, morphology, atomic composition, and crystal structure via different techniques involving Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The standard particle size of the synthesized PdNPs was found to be 3.49 ± 0.5 nm from the TEM analysis, while XRD analysis showed a crystal size of 4.6 nm with a face-centred-cubic (fcc) structure. FT-IR study of the green synthesis confirmed the presence of phytochemicals which act as reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesised biogenic PdNPs were subjected to antimicrobial analysis for isolated strains of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella abony where minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was found in the range of 52.04–68.3 μg/mL. Moreover, for the cytotoxic effects of biogenic PdNPs, A549 lung cell lines were used, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value was evaluated as 22.17 µg/mL. The present investigation suggests the possible role of C. sativa extract capped PdNPs in the clinical management of lung cancer cells and MDR pathogens.

Screening the possible effect of a phytofabricated nanoselenium-composite from Eruca sativa extract in reducing infertility in males

The antifertility effects of ketoconazole can be avoided or diminished by administering nano-selenium-based-antioxidant plant extract simultaneously or sequentially. Using selenium as nanoparticles (SeNPs) is one of the essential methods for enhancing its therapeutic effects and lowering toxicities. This study aimed to analyze the changes made to the parameters of androgens, such as testosterone and gonadotropin hormones: luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormones together with sperm indexes after administration of antioxidant phytofabricated nanoselenium to mitigate oxidative damage brought on by ketoconazole. In brief, 1% weight-per-volume of the extract was loaded into a solution of 10 mM sodium selenite in various ratios on a magnetic stirrer (50 °C, PH 9) in the dark for 12 hours, left for 48 hours and then sent for characterization, which was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis spectra), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Then after the selection of the solution containing the optimal fabricated selenium nanoparticles it was administered to three groups out of seven groups of albino rats with eight animals in each one as follows: Gr. A negative control (no treatment), Gr. B oral ketoconazole 50 mg/kg for fourteen days, Gr. BC, BD, BE1, BE2 and BE3; each one received oral ketoconazole 50 mg/kg for fourteen days followed by: 200 mg/kg Eruca sativa (Gr. BC), 0.5 mg/kg oral sodium selenite (Gr. BD), 0.5 mg/kg/cm2 skin area local nanoselenium (Gr. BE1), 0.25 mg/kg oral nanoselenium (Gr. BE2) and 0.5 mg/kg oral nano selenium (Gr. BE3) respectively for 28 days. After this period, the animals were anesthetized, and plasma testosterone, luteinizing, and follicle stimulating hormones were assessed using Elisa Kit; after that, they were euthanized, and the epididymis of the right testis was carefully removed for evaluation of sperm indices (count, viability, abnormality, and motility). The reduction of selenium ions into PF-SeNPs induced by Eruca sativa extracts at a ratio of (1:2) (Na2SeO3: Eruca sativa) solution was confirmed by the gradual conversion of colour from dark brown to light yellow and then to reddish-orange after the addition of acidic sodium selenite solution and reacting for 12 h. The final reddish-orange colour is the most significant property of nanoparticles. In UV-vis spectroscopy, a strong absorption peak appeared between 268–964 nm with maxima at 268 nm, confirming the formation of nanoselenium. The optimal phytofabricated nanoselenium particles were obtained with a spherical shape, highly stable, and the smallest in size (39.4 nm in diameter) as proved by DLS with Poly Dispersity Index of 0.242 and zeta potential value of –56.57 mV. In the current study, testicles were damaged by administering ketoconazole at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days. This testicular damage was linked to significant reductions in testosterone levels, elevated levels of LH and FSH, and significant decreases in sperm count, motility, and viability, which in turn affected spermatogenesis. Concurrently, the administration of Eruca sativa extract, sodium selenite and nanoselenium solution (in different doses and routes) following ketoconazole was shown to significantly improve biochemical parameters. These improvements included an increase in testosterone levels with little to no impact on LH and FSH levels as well as improved sperm indices. Additionally, the oral nanoselenium groups in 0.25 and 0.50 mg/kg produced the best outcomes with only minor differences between them. In conclusion, the antioxidant effects of the phytofabricated nanoselenium-based Eruca sativa leaf extract considerably improved testicular tissues.

Genome-Scale Metabolic Reconstruction, Non-Targeted LC-QTOF-MS Based Metabolomics Data, and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Cannabis sativa Leaf Extracts.

Over the past decades, Colombia has suffered complex social problems related to illicit crops, including forced displacement, violence, and environmental damage, among other consequences for vulnerable populations. Considerable effort has been made in the regulation of illicit crops, predominantly Cannabis sativa, leading to advances such as the legalization of medical cannabis and its derivatives, the improvement of crops, and leaving an open window to the development of scientific knowledge to explore alternative uses. It is estimated that C. sativa can produce approximately 750 specialized secondary metabolites. Some of the most relevant due to their anticancer properties, besides cannabinoids, are monoterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, essential oils, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. However, despite the increase in scientific research on the subject, it is necessary to study the primary and secondary metabolism of the plant and to identify key pathways that explore its great metabolic potential. For this purpose, a genome-scale metabolic reconstruction of C. sativa is described and contextualized using LC-QTOF-MS metabolic data obtained from the leaf extract from plants grown in the region of Pesca-Boyaca, Colombia under greenhouse conditions at the Clever Leaves facility. A compartmentalized model with 2101 reactions and 1314 metabolites highlights pathways associated with fatty acid biosynthesis, steroids, and amino acids, along with the metabolism of purine, pyrimidine, glucose, starch, and sucrose. Key metabolites were identified through metabolomic data, such as neurine, cannabisativine, cannflavin A, palmitoleic acid, cannabinoids, geranylhydroquinone, and steroids. They were analyzed and integrated into the reconstruction, and their potential applications are discussed. Cytotoxicity assays revealed high anticancer activity against gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), melanoma cells (A375), and lung carcinoma cells (A549), combined with negligible impact against healthy human skin cells.

Successive Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue by ZnO, CuO and ZnO/CuO Synthesized from Coriandrum sativum Plant Extract via Green Synthesis Technique

In this study, successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs), CuO NPs, and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite through an eco-friendly method using Corriandrum sativum leaf extract as a capping agent is reported. Using XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, and SEM techniques, the synthesized materials were characterized for structural analysis, functional groups identification, spectroscopic measurements, and morphological analysis. The percentage composition and purity of the samples were determined by using Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), which showed the synthesis of materials. Morphological analysis was done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) which reflected that the CuO NPs, ZnO NPs and ZnO/CuO nanocomposite were spherical, and the average size calculated by using Image J software was around 25 nm, 55 nm, and 11 nm, respectively. FTIR and UV-Vis analyses were used for synthetic confirmation through characteristic peaks of materials. The synthesized (ZnO, CuO, and CuO/ZnO) nanomaterials were evaluated for photocatalytic activity using methylene blue (MB) dye. Among all three photocatalysts, the composite showed maximum photodegradation compared to the other two materials. The present work could lead to a pathway for the decontamination of harmful dyes of wastewater released from different industries.

Photocatalytic Removal of Dyes from Aqueous Medium by Fe, Mn and Fe-Mn Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Cannabis sativa Leaf Extract

Current work describes green synthesis of Fe, Mn (monometallic) and Fe-Mn (bimetallic) nanoparticles using Cannabis sativa leaf extract as stabilizing and capping agent. In order to assess the formation of nanoparticles UV/Vis and FTIR analysis was carried out. In addition, Scanning electron microscopy and XRD studies confirmed synthesis as well as morphology of the nanoparticles. All the nanoparticles were found having particle size 20–80 nm and crystallite 3–20 nm. Photocatalytic activity of synthesized nanoparticles has been evaluated by carrying out degradation of two dyes methyl orange (MO) and Congo red (CR) in the presence of nanocatalysts. Degradation of both the dyes was carried out separately using Fe, Mn and Fe-Mn nanoparticles to compare the efficiency of monometallic with bimetallic nanoparticles. Iron and manganese monometallic particles have completely degraded MO in 18 min and 20 min and CR in 24 min and 18 min respectively. However, due to increased synergistic effect Fe-Mn BNPs completely degraded MO dye in just 12 min and CR in 14 min. In nutshell, this work is actually a step towards the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles using a plant extract with improved synergistic photocatalytic activities which impart various properties to the designed nanomaterial.

Computational prediction of potential drug-like compounds from Cannabis sativa leaf extracts targeted towards Alzheimer therapy

• Phytochemicals isolated from Cannabis sativa can improve behavioral symptoms associated with neurological diseases including AD. • Morphinan-6-one demonstrated inhibitory actions against AChE and DDC, suggesting that it might have dual functions in AD. • Morphinan-6-one is hypothesized to be a modulatory molecule for acetylcholinesterase. This study was aimed at evaluating the inhibitory effects of the phytochemicals from the Cannabis sativa (Cannabis) leaf extracts against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) protein targets. Twelve compounds derived from the Cannabis sativa leaf extracts were evaluated as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), dopa decarboxylase (DDC), serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) and monoamine oxidase (MAO). Ligand-based and receptor-ligand complex were used to derive the pharmacophore hypothesis. In silico study through molecular docking simulation method was adopted to analyze the inhibitory activity of the compounds in question. Molecular dynamic simulation (MDs) was performed to assess the stability of the top-ranked phytochemicals. The binding energies of these compounds to the four targets were investigated by the Molecular Mechanics for the Generalized Born Model and Solvent Accessibility method (MM-GBSA). The binding-free energy suggests that cannabinol, cannabichromene, linoelaidic acid and morphinan-6-one can be utilized as lead compounds in drug discovery and development of AD to inhibit activity of AChE, DCC gene, MAO and HTR2C. The MDs indicated that AChE-Cannabinol, DCC-Cannabicoumaronone, MAO-Linoelaidic acid, and HTR2C-morphinan-6-one were stable over the entire course of 100 ns suggesting their role in the regulation of the diseases in which their respective receptors are implicated.

Green Synthesis of CS-TiO2 NPs for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye.

The development of a non-malignant and sustainable treatment approach for eradicating mephitic organic dyes from freshwater resources is a daunting task. In a similar vein, the current work investigates the mitigation of methylene blue (MB) dye utilizing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (CS-TiO2 NPs) synthesized using cannabis sativa (bhang) leaf extract via a greener approach. The CS-TiO2 NPs are well characterized through XRD, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and EDS spectroscopy. Microscopic studies confirm that the average particle size distribution of the individual particles was found to be in the range of 12.5 ± 1.5 nm, whereas the average size of the CS-TiO2 NPs aggregates is 24.5 ± 11.5 nm. Additionally, the synthesized CS-TiO2 NPs manifested remarkable photocatalytic degradation potential against methylene blue dye with a degradation efficiency of 98.2% and an apparent rate constant of 0.0398 min−1. As a result, this research offers a green/sustainable alternative for water purification.

α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol and standardized cannabinoid extracts from Cannabissativa

Two major cannabinoids of cannabis, namely cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been reportedly used as alternative medicine for diabetes treatment in both pre-clinical and clinical research. However, their mechanisms of action still remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of THC, CBD and the standardized cannabinoid extracts. Based on in silico studies, THC generated hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals interactions, while CBD exhibited only Van der Waals interactions with functional residues of target α-glucosidase protein, with good binding energies of −7.5 and −6.9 kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, both of them showed excellent pharmacokinetic profiles with minor toxicity in terms of tumorigenic and reproductive effects. In addition, the enzyme based in vitro assay on α-glucosidase revealed that THC and CBD exhibited good inhibitory activity, with the IC50 values of 3.0 ± 0.37 and 5.5 ± 0.28 μg/ml, respectively. These were better than the standard drug, acarbose (IC50 of 488.6 ± 10.23 μg/ml). Furthermore, two standardized cannabinoid extracts, SCE-I (C. sativa leaf extract) and SCE-II (C. sativa inflorescence extract) exhibited stronger inhibitory activity than THC and CBD, with the IC50 values of 1.2 ± 0.62 and 0.16 ± 0.01 μg/ml, respectively. The present study provides the first evidence that the standardized cannabinoid extracts containing THC and CBD have greater potential than CBD and THC in application as an α-glucosidase inhibitor.

VISIBLE LIGHT ASSISTED PHOTOCATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF CARCINOGENIC CONGO RED DYE USING GREEN SYNTHESIZED YTTRIUM AND ZINC DOPED NICKEL OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FROM CORIANDER LEAF EXTRACT

The growth of effective green chemistry approaches for the production of metal nanoparticles has gained importance to discover an environmentally friendly method for the preparation of well-characterized nanoparticles. The NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by doping Yttrium and Zinc using Nickel (II) Chloride hexahydrate as a precursor using the Coriandrum sativum leaf extract as a reducing agent at room temperature under ordinary conditions. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FT-IR, HRTEM, HRSEM, and EDAX studies. The degradation rate of Congo red dye was also studied with and without catalysts under visible light irradiation. From the kinetics study, the rate was found to be higher in the presence of 0.1 mol% yttrium doped NiO nanoparticles when compared to other photocatalysts proving its catalytic activity and found to follow first order