Phytochemical Screening Research Articles

Medicinal Properties of Crotalaria burhia: A Review

Background: Natural products have a crucial role in the discovery and development of drug molecules. The secondary metabolites derived from the plant have potential therapeutic value and reveal many pharmacological effects. Crotalaria burhia Buchham, a Leguminaceae herb, is mostly present in arid parts of India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan. Shinio, Bhip, Bhata, Ghugato, and Ban Sutra are just a few of the names it goes by. It is used to cure gout, eczema, hydrophobia, and inflammation. Plant root porridge is used for typhoid, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, flatulence, earaches, nasal bleeding, and stone problems. The powder form of the plant is used for digestive disorders. The plant has potent pharmacological activity and is also carcinogenic and anticarcinogenic in nature. Various phytoconstituents are present, like tannins, amino acids, alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, mucilage, flavonoids, gum, polyphenols, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, glycosides, and saponins. Croburhine is a novel pyrrolizidine alkaloid obtained from it. This review focuses on the existing knowledge of the phytochemistry and pharmacological action of C. burhia, which will provide broad information for a proper assessment of the plant as a medicinal agent. Methods: The experimental analysis and data reported on the species of Crotalaria were reviewed from 2005 to 2022. Various databases were used as article sources, like Medline and Pubmed, and a literature review was done using the keywords Crotalaria burhia, habitat, species, pharmacological action, and traditional uses. Result: On the basis of our perception, we have stated that the species Crotalaria burhia is a golden herb that possesses potent pharmacological activities. It is widely used as a conventional drug for the cure of various diseases, but its active constituents need to be evaluated more for future drug development and pharmacological action. Conclusion: There were a total of 21 research articles about the phytochemical screening of herbs, which showed the presence of different active constituents like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, mucilage, gum, polyphenols, carbohydrates, terpenoids, etc., which are responsible for different pharmacological activities like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antihypertensive, antitumor, and analgesic activity.

Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase, and α-amylase inhibitors from extract.

To investigate the effects of Hippeastrum hybridum (HH) as a free radical scavenger, and an inhibitor of the two enzymes i-e Alpha-amylase (α-amylase) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). In this study, HH plant was preliminary analyzed for phytochemical screening and then tested for its antioxidant, anti-α-amylase, and anti-AChE efficiency via standard procedures. Phytochemical analysis shows the existence of different compounds; while Coumarins and quinones were absent. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannins content were found to be (78.52 ± 0.69) mg GAE/g, (2.01 ± 0.04) mg RUE/g, and (58.12 ± 0.23) mg TAE/g of plant extract respectively. 28.02% ± 0.02% alkaloid and 2.02% ± 0.05% saponins were present in the HH extract. The HH extract showed the anti-oxidant property with IC50 (50% inhibition) of (151.01 ± 0.13) (HH), (79.01 ± 0.04) (Ascorbic acid) for ferric reducing, (91.48 ± 0.13) (HH), (48.02 ± 0.11) (Ascorbic acid) against Ammonium molybdenum, (156.02 ± 0.31) (HH), (52.38 ± 0.21) (Ascorbic acid) against DPPH, 136.01 ± 0.21 (HH), 52.02± 0.31 (Ascorbic acid) against H2O2, and 154.12 ± 0.03 (HH), (40.05 ± 0.15) (Ascorbic acid) μg/mL against ABTS respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that HH caused a competitive type of inhibition of α-amylase (Vmax remained constant and Km increases from 10.65 to 84.37%) while Glucophage caused the un-competitive type of inhibition i-e both Km and Vmax decreased from 40.49 to 69.15% and 38.86 to 69.61% respectively. The Ki, (inhibition constant); KI, (dissociation constant), Km, (Michaelis-Menten constant), and IC50 were found to be 62, 364, 68.1, and 38.08 ± 0.22 for HH and 12, 101.05, 195, 34.01 ± 0.21 for Glucophage. Similarly, HH causes an anon-competitive type of inhibition of AChE i-e Km remains constant while Vmax decreases from 60.5% to 74.1%. The calculated Ki, KI, Km, and IC50 were found to be 32, 36.2, 0.05, and 18.117 ± 0.018. From the current results, it is concluded that HH extract contains bioactive compounds, and could be a good alternative to controlling oxidants, Alzheimer's and Type-II diabetic diseases.

A comprehensive review on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of 8 potent species of southeast Asia.

Genus Prunus comprising around 430 species is a vast important genus of family Rosaceae, subfamily amygdalaoidae. Among all 430 species, around 19 important species are commonly found in Indian sub-continent due to their broad nutritional and economic importance. Some most common species of genus Prunus are Prunus amygdalus, Prunus persica, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus avium, Prunus cerasus, Prunus cerasoides, Prunus domestica, Prunus mahaleb, etc. A newly introduced species of Prunus i.e Prunus sunhangii is recently discovered which is morphologically very similar to Prunus cerasoides. Plants of Prunus species are short to medium-sized deciduous trees mainly found in the northern hemisphere. In India and its subcontinent, it extends from the Himalayas to Sikkim, Meghalaya, Bhutan, Myanmar etc. Different Prunus species have been extensively studied for their morphological, microscopic, pharmacological and phytoconstituents characteristics. Total phenolic content of Prunus species explains the presence of phenols in high quantity and pharmacological activity due to phenols. Phytochemical screening of species of genus Prunus shows the presence of wide phytoconstituents which contributes in their pharmacological significance and reveals the therapeutic potential and traditional medicinal significance of this genus. Genus Prunus showed a potent antioxidant activity analyzed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical assay. Plant species belonging to the genus Prunus is widely used traditionally for the treatment of various disorders. Some specific Prunus species possess potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic etc. activity which makes the genus more interesting for further research and findings. This review is an attempt to summarize the comprehensive study of Prunus.

Phytochemical screening and in vitro antibacterial activity of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) leaf extract

The study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. belonging to family Moringaceae. Moringa oleifera is an interesting plant for its use in bioactive compounds. Ethanol and Distilled water were used as a solvent to extract and to detect the phytochemical constituent’s and to screen its antibacterial activity from the leaves of Moringa oleifera. The phytochemical constituents were screened by qualitative analysis method. The phytochemical screening finds out the presence of terpenoids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, etc. in leaf extract of Moringa oleifera. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera was examined against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). Antibacterial Activity were carried out with ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera using agar well diffusion method. The present study showed that ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera showed more potent antibacterial activity against S. Aureus and E. coli.

Conyza canadensis from Jordan: Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity Evaluation

In this investigation, the chemical composition of the hydro-distilled essential oil (HD-EO), obtained from the fresh aerial parts (inflorescence heads (Inf), leaves (L), and stems (St)) of Conyza canadensis growing wild in Jordan was determined by GC/MS. Additionally, the methanolic extract obtained from the whole aerial parts of C. canadensis (CCM) was examined for its total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, iron chelating activity and was then analyzed with LC-MS/MS for the presence of certain selected phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The GC/MS analysis of CCHD-EOs obtained from the different aerial parts revealed the presence of (2E, 8Z)-matricaria ester as the main component, amounting to 15.4% (Inf), 60.7% (L), and 31.6% (St) of the total content. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the main class of volatile compounds detected in the Inf-CCHD-EO. However, oils obtained from the leaves and stems were rich in polyacetylene derivatives. The evaluation of the CCM extract showed a richness in phenolic content (95.59 ± 0.40 mg GAE/g extract), flavonoids contents (467.0 ± 10.5 mg QE/ g extract), moderate DPPH radical scavenging power (IC50 of 23.75 ± 0.86 µg/mL) and low iron chelating activity (IC50 = 5396.07 ± 15.05 µg/mL). The LC-MS/MS profiling of the CCM extract allowed for the detection of twenty-five phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Results revealed that the CCM extract contained high concentration levels of rosmarinic acid (1441.1 mg/kg plant), in addition to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (231.8 mg/kg plant). An antimicrobial activity assessment of the CCM extract against a set of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, in addition to two other fungal species including Candida and Cryptococcus, showed significant antibacterial activity of the extract against S. aureus with MIC value of 3.125 µg/mL. The current study is the first phytochemical screening for the essential oil and methanolic extract composition of C. canadensis growing in Jordan, its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

GC-MS profiling and biological investigations of Cissampelos pareira L. & Lantana camara L.

The objectives of the study were to conduct phytochemical screening of crude extracts of Cissampelos pareira L. and Lantana camara L. and assessing their biological potentials against protein kinase enzymes, followed by the evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities. The n-hexane (A-І, B-І) and ethyl extracts (A-ІІ, B-ІІ) displayed moderate to good antioxidant activity, while the methanol fractions (A-ІІІ, B-ІІІ) showed significant antioxidant activity. Among all the three crude extracts, the ethyl acetate extract (B-II) of L. camara exhibited significant protein kinase inhibitions with remarkable antioxidant potential and was therefore purified through column chromatography. Fraction B-ІІ-2 showed the highest flavonoid contents (735.43), with the most promising protein kinase inhibition exerted by the subtractions B-ІІ-2, B-ІІ-3, B-ІІ-4, and B-ІІ-7. Hence, active fractions were examined through GC-MS for the identification of active constituents, revealing 17 active compounds. In the case of Lantana camara, the ethyl acetate crude extract along with fractions led to the identification of more than thirty compounds, which may be further explored to find a potential lead for drug development.

Antioxidant Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract from Endohytic Bacteria of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Roots

Aims: This study aims to obtain isolates of endophytic bacteria found in mangosteen roots, determine information regarding the chemical contents of secondary metabolites from endophytic bacteria, and obtain antioxidant activity data using the DPPH (1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl) method. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted from June to September 2019 at the Microbiology Laboratory of Universitas Perintis and the Higher Education Coordinating Board Region X, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Methodology: Isolation of endophytic bacteria, secondary metabolite production by endophytic bacteria, phytochemical screening, and antioxidant activity testing using the DPPH method. Results: The results of measuring the antioxidant activity of secondary metabolite extracts from endophytic bacteria of mangosteen rootsusing the DPPH method yielded an IC50 of 14,047.912 g/ml and gallic acid solution of 2,498 g/ml. Furthermore, the T-test analysis between the % inhibition of secondary metabolites from endophytic bacteria of mangosteen roots and gallic acid yielded a significant value of 0.013. Conclusion: The antioxidant activity of secondary metabolites from endophytic bacteria of mangosteen roots is considered weak and cannot be an alternative or solution for antioxidant production.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS IN ACACIA CATECHU BARK EXTRACTS FROM GUNA DISTRICT, MADHYA PRADESH

Objective: Current study aims to discover novel sources of physiologically active natural chemicals with diverse applications. In this study, four types of specific phytochemical in different extracts of Acacia catechu bark samples were investigated, which were collected from. Additionally, bibliographic analysis was conducted using dimensions research database. Methods: For this phytochemical screening, some common and standard test methods were done. Qualitative test for Phenols was done using Lead acetate test method; proteins were quantified by biuret and ninhydrin method, carbohydrates by Molish test, benedict’s test and Fehling’s test, and starch by using Iodine test method. Results: Phytochemical screening showed the phenolic compounds (different colour intensity in different samples) and soluble carbohydrates (almost same colour intensity in all test samples) are present and both proteins and insoluble carbohydrate (starch) are completely absent in all test extracts. Conclusion: The bibliographic analysis indicated the therapeutic values as well as the unavailability of published studies with these special parameters. This preliminary study provide base to find out the possible medicinal significance of Acacia catechu of Guna district and also serve as the base for further investigations.

PHYTOCHEMICALS SCREENING, ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACTS

Objective: The objective of the present study aimed at investigating the phytochemical antioxidant and anti-microbial properties of Carica papaya leaf extracts. Methods: As phytochemicals are biologically active compounds and a powerful group of plant chemicals believed to stimulate the immune system along with antioxidants, the molecules which hinder oxidation of other molecules by the process of inhibiting or by generating the oxidizing chain reactions and preventing diseases. The anti-microbial activity on various gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were determined using zone of inhibition and antioxidant by the 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method. Results: Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and antibacterial potential were determined using different aqueous and organic solvents in addition to the determination of trace element in leaves of C. papaya. Antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay indicated leaves extracts leaves showed inhibition of per oxidation. The result showed that the ethanolic extract of C. papaya possessed a significant antioxidant activity as compared to methanol and aqueous extract. The antibacterial study showed leaves extract is the best to cope infectious action of bacteria. Conclusion: This study was conducted to test the medicinal profile of C. papaya by extracting secondary metabolites with organic and aqueous solvents. Ethanol was found to be the best solvents of choice to extract natural products to get maximum medicinal benefits and could be used to medicinal formulation against different infectious diseases.

Experimental and theoretical insights into Artemisia Stems aqueous extract as a sustainable and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in 1M HCl environment.

The present research demonstrates an innovative investigation of environmentally friendly mild steel (M-steel) corrosion inhibition using the artemisia stems aqueous extract (ASAEx) as an inhibitor in hydrochloric acid 1M. The standard extraction technique of hydrodistillation was used for producing the aqueous solutions of ASAEx. To assess the ratios of the chemical components, phytochemical screening was used to identify the stems of this plant. We used a variety of methods and techniques in our research on corrosion inhibition, including weight loss measures, surface analysis methods like XPS and SEM/EDS, electrochemical testing like PDP and EIS, as well as computational lead compound evaluation. Maximum inhibitory efficacy was achieved with 400mg/L ASAEx in 1M HCl at 303K, i.e. 90%. The PDP investigation verified the mixed-kind inhibitor status of the ASAEx extract. To describe the surface of M-steel, fitting and synthetic data were used to identify a constant phase element (CPE). SEM surface analysis was also used to detect the ASAEx effect on the surface of M-steel. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows the presence of trace molecules of ASAEx on M-steel surface characterizing the bands in Maj-ASAEx (major compound of ASAEx). Density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulations (MDs) were used in computational chemistry to clarify the adsorption mechanism and inhibitory impact.

Molecular insights into the antioxidant and anticancer properties: A comprehensive analysis through molecular modeling, docking, and dynamics studies.

Plants are rich sources of therapeutic compounds that often lack the side effects commonly found in synthetic chemicals. Researchers have effectively synthesized pharmaceuticals from natural sources, taking inspiration from traditional medicine, in their pursuit of modern drugs. This study aims to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoid content of Solanum virginianum seeds using different solvent extracts, enzymatic assays including 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazylactivity, reducing power, and superoxide activity. Our phytochemical screening identified active compounds, such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. The methanol extract notably possesses higher levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content in comparison to the other extracts. The results highlight the superior antioxidant activity of methanol-extracted leaves, demonstrated by their exceptional IC50 values, which surpass the established standard. In this study, molecular docking techniques were used to assess the binding affinity and to predict the binding conformation of the compounds. Quercetin 3-O beta- d-galactopyranoside displayed a binding energy of -8.35 kcal/mol with several important amino acid residues, PHE222, TRP440, ILE184, LEU192, VAL221, LEU218, SER185, and ALA188. Kaempferol 3-O-beta- l-glucopyranoside exhibited a binding energy of -8.33 kcal/mol, interacting with specific amino acid residues including ALA 441, VAL318, VAL322, MET307, ILI409, GLY442, and PHE439. The results indicate that the methanol extract has a distinct composition of biologically active constituents compared to the other extracts. Overall, seeds exhibit promise as natural antioxidants and potential agents for combating cancer. This study highlights the significance of utilizing the therapeutic capabilities of natural compounds and enhancing our comprehension of their pharmacological characteristics.

Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic Efficacy of Balanites aegyptiaca Seed Extract and Their Silver Nanoparticles on Muscle and Pancreatic Cell Lines

Phytochemical Screening and Antidiabetic Efficacy of <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i> Seed Extract and Their Silver Nanoparticles on Muscle and Pancreatic Cell Lines

Antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of &lt;i&gt;Jatropha tanjorensis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Adansonia digitata&lt;/i&gt; against selected clinical bacteria pathogens

The powdered plant parts (bark, stem, and leaf) were extracted with methanol, and cold and hot water using the maceration method. A modified agar well diffusion technique was used for the assessment of the antibacterial activities of the aqueous and methanol extracts of J. tanjorensis and A. digitata. The methanol extract of A. digitata bark gave the highest yield of 75 % while the lowest yield was observed with the cold water extract of A. digitata bark of 33 %. The phytochemical screening showed an abundance of alkaloids, terpernoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannin, glycoside, and phenol. The bark, leaf, and stem of J. tanjorensis and A. digitata showed varying degrees of antibacterial activities. against the Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp, and Klebsiella spp) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumonia). The bark, stem, and leaf extract of J. tanjorenis significantly (p &lt; 0.05) inhibited all the pathogens except P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.The result of the minimum bactericidal concentration MBC for the combined extracts of A. digitata and J. tanjorenis subfractions showed that the extracts have greater antibacterial activities at concentrations not lesser than 100 mg/ml. Thus, J. tanjorensis and A. digitata could be used as potent herbal remedies to mitigate the adverse effects of Gram-negative and positive clinical pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanol extracts of Jatropha tanjorensis and Adansonia digitata against selected Clinical bacteria pathogens.

Phytochemical Screening, Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Green Tea Available in Nepal

Green tea has gained popularity among consumers in recent years due to its several health benefits. It exhibits antioxidant properties, antidiabetic effects, and helpful to reduce cholesterol, stress, and anxiety. This study aims to identify the phytochemicals and assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic capacity of methanol extracts of green tea common in Nepal. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric methods. The antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging technique, while the starch-iodine method was employed to measure the α-amylase inhibition capability. Phytochemical screening showed the abundance of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, and carbohydrates in the tea. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 54.20 ± 1.41mg GAE/g and 91.0.50 mg QE/g respectively. The tea extract was found to show significant antioxidant and α-amylase inhibition capacities with half-maximal concentration (IC50) values of 53.79 ± 3.93 and 66.47 ± 1.94 μg/mL respectively. The outcomes of this study ratify the advantages of green tea in the management of various health issues associated to free radicals and hyperglycemia.

Efficacy of herbal extracts in the management of cactus pest, Dactylopius opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) in Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a drought-resistant plant and the source of food and income for many farmers during the rainy season, and the only option to feed livestock during the dry seasons, especially in the southern part of the Tigray region of Ethiopia. The region is currently suffering from a damaging parasitoid of cactus called Dactylopius opuntiae- ficus biotype. An experimental study was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 to investigate the efficacy of herbal extracts against cochineal insects. The experiment was conducted on the insecticidal property of methanol extracts of Solanum linnaenum, Euphorbia tirucalli, Nerium oleander, Tephrosia vogelii, Calpurnia aurea, Argemone Mexicana, Datura stramonium and Ricinus communis. Herbs were extracted, and their efficacy and LC50 were determined. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites was performed. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean mortality of insects across the levels of the herbs (F (8, 71) = 57.812, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.867) and the experimental extract concentrations (F (1, 71) = 4198.3, p = 0.0001, ƞ2 = 0.983). The individual extracts of S. linnaenum and N. oleander caused average mortality rates of 99.3% and 97.4%, respectively, at 5% extract concentration. Tannins and saponins were the major metabolites found in the extracts. The present study demonstrated the promising insecticidal efficacy of herbal extracts against the damaging cacti pest D. opuntia-ficus biotype, providing insights into sustainable pest control strategies for protecting vital cactus resources in the Tigray region.

Study the hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Plumbago auriculata Lam. against CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage in mice

The liver is an important organ in the body; its diseases are considered the major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Hepatotoxic chemicals cause damage to liver cells. Medicinal plants have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. This study has been aimed to assess the potential hepatoprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Plumbago auriculata Lam. against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- induced hepatocyte damage in albino mice. The methanolic extract of the plant was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis to determine the presence of secondary metabolites according to standard protocols. The acute toxicity study was carried out to measure the LD50. Swiss albino mice were divided into 4 groups treated intraperitoneally (IP) once daily for 7 days; the first group was a negative control, while the second group, considered as a CCl4 model, received a single dose of carbon tetrachloride during the last day. The third group received 500 mg/kg of body weight of methanolic extract of P. auriculata, and the last group received 100 mg/kg of body weight of standard silymarin, after 2 h of treatment, on the last day, all animals (except negative control group) have received CCl4 at a dose of 1 mL/kg of body weight. Biochemical analysis of collected blood and histopathological examination were performed. Results revealed that the preliminary phytochemical screening of the methanolic extract of the plant confirmed the presence of many biologically active secondary metabolites like flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, glycosides and phenols and LD50 of the extract was 2.5 g/kg. The CCl4- intoxicated mice showed an increase in biochemical enzyme levels (ALT and AST) compared with the negative control group. The extract of 500 mg/kg revealed a significant reduction (p ? 0.05) in enzyme activities. The histopathological analysis of plant extract and silymarin-treated groups revealed a decrease in the pathological features compared with the CCl4-intoxicated group. It was concluded that the extract of P. auriculata has a significant effect on hepatoprotection against CCl4-induced hepatocyte damage and this may be because of the combined effects of the bioactive compositions of plant extract.

A comparative analysis of phytochemical constituents and bioactivity of two wild medicinal herbs of the Amaranthaceae family

Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera paronychioides are 2 common herbaceous plants in the North Eastern region of India. The 2 species are known traditionally for edibility and medicinal use. The objectives are to qualitatively screen phytochemicals and test for antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity between the 2 species– Alternanthera sessilis and Alternanthera paronychioides. The samples for analysis were collected from aerial leaves and air-dried for phytochemical screening and biological activity tests. Antioxidant assays used are DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-1picrylhydrazyl), H2O2, and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assay. For antimicrobial tests, 2 different strains of microbes were used to test the bioactivity of the plants. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of several antioxidant potential groups of phytochemicals like phenols, flavonoids, etc. Phytochemical constituents of Alternanthera sessilis showed more antioxidant potential than Alternanthera paronychioides in DPPH and H2O2 assays but Alternanthera paronychioides showed more potential than Alternanthera sessilis in FRAP assay. The phytochemicals also showed positive tests for antimicrobial activity against 2 bacterial strains, i.e., Escherichia coli (MTCC 443) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 737). This study reveals the presence of phytonutrients which suggest the antioxidant and antibacterial activities exhibited by the 2 species of the family. Further exploration of phytochemicals in different aspects could lead to better-performing drugs for various ailments.

Flaxseeds Composition And Phytochemical Screening Methods

Flaxseed, often known as linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), is derived from the annual flax plant. The human nutrition industry is the primary application for flaxseed, as it is becoming recognized as a significant functional food component because to the active ingredient content, which is shown to have health advantages. Flaxseed can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as ground, as oil, or combined with baked goods. Flaxseed consumption is supported by scientific evidence due to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 rich oil, lignans, α-linolenic acid, high-quality proteins, and fibers. These compounds are biologically active and can prevent various chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular stroke, and many types of cancer. Additionally, benefits from flaxseed diet have been demonstrated in the field of animal nutrition, and as a result in healthier food from animal origin. In fact, the fatty acid profile of the meat and fat is directly affected by the source of fat in diet in swine and poultry, feeding omega-3 enriched diets by the addition of flaxseed would increase the omega-3 content in eggs and meat and thus enrich the products.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Properties of Morula (Sclerocarya birrea), Moretologa (Ximenia americana), Mowana (Adansonia digitata L.) and Mogose (Bauhinia petersiana): Indigenous Plants in Botswana

Sub-Saharan Africa continues to struggle with food insecurity, which has been made worse by issues like the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. In the African continent, plants have been used for food and medicine for many generations. Morula (Sclerocarya birrea), Moretologa (Ximenia americana), Mowana (Adansonia digitata L.), and Mogose (Bauhinia petersiana) are among the most consumed indigenous plants in Botswana. The objective of this study was to analyse nutritional and phytochemical profiles of these indigenous plants. The results showed that protein content ranged between 1.80% (Morula) and 25.54% (Mogose). The highest fat content of 14.29% was observed in Mogose seeds. Mowana proved to be rich in calcium compared to other plants. Manganese was detected only in Mogose samples. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytochemicals. Moretologa proved to be a good source of beta carotene (419.33 μg/100 g). The plants contained different amounts of ascorbic acid; 163.83, 141.59, 24.78, and 3.00 mg/100 g were recorded in Mowana, morula, Moretologa, and Mogose, respectively. Total phenols ranged between 7.98 mg/100 g (Moretologa) to 14.3 mg/100 g (Mowana). The four indigenous plants proved to have good nutritional qualities and their increased consumption may contribute positively towards efforts to attain food security in Botswana. Additionally, the plants are good sources of phytochemicals, and they may aid in the discovery of novel drugs and medicines and be useful in formulation of functional foods.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of &lt;i&gt;Cassia alata&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Roxb. Leaves

Cassia alata is a plant of Caesalpiniaceae family used for the treatment of management infectious diseases. This work aimed at evaluating antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of hydroethanolic extract of Cassia alata leaves. The extract was obtained by the maceration of crude leaf powder (hydroethanolic 30:70). The phytochemical screening was focused on the detection of major chemical groups. The total flavonoids contents were studied using the aluminum chloride colorimetry method. The antioxidant capacity was carried out by the phosphomolybdate reduction method and by FRAP method. The antimicrobial activity of the extract was carried out by the diffusion method and the micro dilution. The extract showed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and reducing compounds. The concentration of total flavonoids of Cassia alata leaves was 70.91± 5.66 mg RE/g. The antioxidant activity by the phosphomolybdate reduction method and by the FRAP method were respectively 69.57 ± 4.83 mg AAE/g and 225.5 ± 17.32 mg FSE/g. The extract of Cassia alata has bactericidal action on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus aureus SARM, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Cutibacterium acnes ATCC 6919 and fungicidal action on Candida albicans ATCC 10231. This study shows that Cassia alata could be a source of a new antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.