Various non-crop plants are recognised as alternative hosts for cassava mosaic begomoviruses; examples of these include Datura stramonium, Solanum incanum, Senna occidentalis, Solanum melongena, Ricinus communis and Sida acuta. These non-crop species, particularly the perennial ones, could provide a steady source of inoculum that facilitates the spread of CMBs to newly cultivated cassava, even if the planting materials are free from these viruses. The objective of this study was to determine the infectivity of CMBs extracted from S. incanum and S. acuta on CMD-susceptible cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars in Tanzania. The particle bombardment method was used with RCA-amplified CMBs. Up to six non-crop hosts (Senna occidentalis, Sida acuta, Datura stramonium, Ricinus communis, Solanum melongena and Solanum incanum) were identified as possible hosts for CMBs. Of all these, S. incanum and S. acuta have not been previously documented as reservoirs for the African Cassava Mosaic Virus (ACMV) and East African Cassava Mosaic Virus (EACMV), respectively. The Chereko cassava plants inoculated with ACMV from the no-host plants, had disease severity scores between 2 and 3, with an average score of 2.7. TMS60444 showed scores from 2 to 3, averaging 2.3. It is, therefore, clear that CMBs originating from S. incanum and S. acuta can cause disease on cassava plants. Further studies should focus on the effects of cassava disease signs on cassava productivity.

The accurate authentication of medicinal plants is critical for ensuring the safety and efficacy of herbal products. This study provides a comprehensive morphoanatomical characterization of six medicinally important Solanaceae species from Sudan: Datura innoxia, Physalis angulata, Solanum dubium, Solanum incanum, Solanum nigrum, and Withania somnifera. Fresh leaf samples were collected from their natural habitats in Khartoum and eastern Sudan. Transverse sections and epidermal peels were examined using light microscopy with digital imaging. Distinct anatomical markers were identified, including epidermal cell wall patterns, stomatal types (anisocytic, paracytic, anomocytic), trichome morphology (glandular, non-glandular, stellate), calcium oxalate crystal forms (druses, crystal sand), and mesophyll organization. A diagnostic dichotomous key was developed based on these micromorphological traits. Notably, P.angulata displayed undifferentiated mesophyll with sinuous anticlinal walls, while W.somnifera exhibited stellate trichomes and two types of calcium oxalate crystals. S. nigrum showed paracytic stomata and unicellular trichomes, whereas D. innoxia presented glandular trichomes and druse crystals. These findings provide reliable, microscopy-based tools for authenticating fragmented or powdered herbal material, combating adulteration in the traditional medicine trade. The study bridges a significant gap in the botanical documentation of Sudanese medicinal flora and supports quality control in pharmacognosy, conservation planning, and ethnobotanical research.

Abstract BACKGROUND: This study is about pharmaceutically important medicinal plants from Madhya Pradesh’s Alirajpur Forest Division. During the month of December 2017, Alirajpur Forest Division was explored. The study was carried out to compile a list of medicinal plants found in the study areas. METHODS: During exploration, records of pharmaceutically important medicinal plants were made, along with their geographical location and potential in the field. The voucher specimens were prepared and deposited in the Herbarium of Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi, after identification and confirmation of the identity of plants with the authentic samples of the herbarium. RESULTS: The important medicinal plants such as Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link, Aegle marmelos (L.) Korea, Boswellia serrata Roxb., Celastrus paniculata Willd., Pleurolobus gangeticus (L.) J.St.-Hil. ex H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi, Helicteres isora Planch., Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don, Justicea adhatoda L., Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz., Ougeinia oojeinensis (Roxb.) Hochr., Solanum incanum L., S . nigrum L., Telosma pallida (Roxb.) Craib, Terminalia alata Roth, and Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. were recorded, which can be undertaken for mass cultivation by the farmers by adding some other medicinal plants having commercial value viz. Celastrus paniculatus Willd., Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. CONCLUSION: The study area is extensively occupied by plants of Boerhaavia diffusa L., Boswellia serrata Roxb., Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don, and Vitex negundo L. for commercialization, whereas plants of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz., etc. need conservation in the habitat.

This study was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2023-24 and 2024-25 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Centre for Protected Cultivation Technology, Banda University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh. The objective was to evaluate the impact of brinjal rootstocks on fruit weight and root morphology in tomato under Bundelkhand’s stress-prone agro-climatic conditions. Two improved tomato cultivars, Kashi Aman and Kashi Adarsh, were grafted onto five brinjal rootstocks including two wild types (Solanum torvum and Solanum incanum) and three cultivated lines (IC-111056, Surya and Zippy). The experiment was laid out in a RBD with three replications under open-field conditions. Grafting significantly influenced fruit weight and root traits such as surface area, volume, root length density and diameter. The highest fruit weight was recorded in Kashi Aman grafted onto IC111056 (64.30 g), showing a 25.4% increase over its ungrafted Kashi Aman (51.27 g). Root length density was 29.91% higher in IC111056/Kashi Aman (6268.65 cm³/m³) compared to ungrafted Kashi Aman (4823.89 cm³/m³). Surface area increased by 27.4% in Zippy/Kashi Aman (1526.62 cm²) over the control (1197.97 cm²). Root diameter was 47.9% higher in IC111056/Kashi Aman (1.218 mm) than in ungrafted Kashi Aman (0.824 mm). Root volume showed a 33.2% improvement in Surya/Kashi Aman (17.47 cm³) compared to the control (13.11 cm³). These results indicate that IC111056, Surya and Zippy rootstocks effectively enhance fruit weight and root architecture in grafted tomato, offering a promising strategy for improving productivity in the Bundelkhand region.

Wounds on the skin are a common health issue affecting working equines. This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial properties of crude methanolic extracts from selected medicinal plants against pathogens isolated from equine skin wounds in Merti district. Agar well and disc diffusion tests were used to determine the mean zone of inhibition, while broth dilution methods were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), further confirming the potent antibacterial effects of the selected medicinal plant extracts. One way analysis of variance was used to compute the mean zone of inhibition (mm ± SEM) using SPSS version 20. The results showed that Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterial pathogen. The medicinal plants Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Croton macrostachyus, and Solanum incanum exhibited significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. On agar well diffusion method, the highest and lowest zone of inhibition was recorded in C. macrostachyus (28.0 ± 1.2 mm for S. aureus standard strain) and Z. officinale (12.7 ± 0.7 mm for K. pneumoniae wound isolate), respectively at 780 mg/mL concentration. Similarly, C. macrostachyus showed the highest (28.3 ± 0.9) zone of inhibition using the disc diffusion test for S. aureus standard strain. In combined extracts, the highest zone of inhibition was found against standard strain of S. aureus with Croton macrostachyus + Zingiber officinale (33.0 ± 0.6), followed by both Allium sativum + Zingiber officinale and Allium sativum + Croton macrostachyus at 32 ± 1.2 mm at 780 mg/mL concentration. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 12.18 mg/mL for A. sativum (against standard S. aureus) to 390 mg/mL for S. incanum (against P. aeruginosa), while MBC ranged from 24.38 mg/mL for A. sativum (against S. aureus and E. coli) to > 390 mg/mL for S. incanum against K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. The findings demonstrate the potential of these natural resources as alternative or complementary treatments for managing bacterial infections associated with equine skin wounds, which is particularly relevant in the context of the growing global challenge of antibiotic resistance, and provide valuable baseline information for future in-vivo investigations and the potential development of herbal-based wound management strategies in equine veterinary practice, warranting further in-vivo studies.

Vegetable tannins (VTs) are natural polyphenolic compounds widely used in leather tanning as sustainable alternatives to chrome-based processes. Traditionally, only a limited number of commercially available tannins, such as mimosa, quebracho, and chestnut, are employed globally, often requiring long-distance transportation with associated environmental and economic costs. This review systematically explores recent advances (2015-2025) in the identification and evaluation of alternative VT sources derived from underutilized plant species in Africa and Asia. Chemical composition, extraction efficiency, and tanning performance, including hydrothermal stability, tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB%), and tear strength (Ts), are critically analyzed and compared with conventional agents. Particular focus is given to the tannin/non-tannin ratio (T/N), a key indicator of tanning potential. Promising results were found for extracts from Acacia xanthophloea, Cassia singueana, Solanum incanum, Pontederia crassipes, and Xylocarpus granatum. Preliminary environmental assessments (COD, BOD, TDS) also suggest comparable impacts to standard tannins. However, performance variability due to species, plant part, seasonality, and extraction conditions remains a challenge. This review underscores the potential of regionally sourced VTs to support proximity-based economies and reduce the environmental footprint of the leather industry, while highlighting the need for further studies to optimize extraction protocols and scale industrial application.

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is one of the widely known vegetables of the Solanaceae family, and is derived from the wild African species, Solanum incanum. They were domesticated in Southeast Asia, particularly in Northeast India and Southeast China, more than 2000 years ago. The study aims to influence of post-emergence herbicides and rates on the growth and yield of eggplant in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A field experiment was conducted at Akwa Ibom State University Teaching and Research Farm, Obio Akpa Campus in 2023 to assess the influence of post-emergence herbicides and rates on the growth and yield of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) in Obio Akpa. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with split plot arrangement and replicated four times. The main treatments were 2 types of herbicides Starforce 150 EC (fluazifop-P-butyl) and Bentazone-3(1-methlethyl)-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one-2,2-dioxide), while the sub-treatments were 4 rates of application (1,2,3 kg a.i/ha and a control plot of no herbicide application). Data were taken on plant height(cm), number of branches, leaf area index, number of fruits per plant, length of fruit per plant(cm), fruit girth(cm), weight of fruits per plant(kg) and fruit yield (t/ha). Bentazone recorded stunted growth and the lowest fruit yield, with more yield reduction as the rate of application was increased, while Starforce showed the best growth and yield attributes. Similarly, application of 2.0 kga.i/ha favoured the growth and yield of eggplant across herbicides. To improve yield in eggplant production, proper selection of post-emergence herbicides should be one of the criteria for effective weed control despite other constraints facing its production. However, the interaction of herbicide type and rates showed Starforce at 2.0 kga.i/ha with the best growth and yield of 15.68t/ha and it is therefore recommended for weed control in eggplant production in the study area.

Solanum incanum, a medicinal plant from the Solanaceae family, thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in arid environments. It has been widely used in traditional medicine, mainly for treating infections, inflammation, and wound healing. Despite its extensive use, there is limited scientific validation of its medicinal properties which therefore necessitates the exploration of its bioactivity and safety profile for modern therapeutic applications. This study investigated the pharmacological potential and safety of hydro-methanolic lyophilised S. incanum extract. Classical metabolomic test methods were used to determine the phytoconstituents of S. incanum, as well as its activity as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, phenolics and flavonoids and the hydro-methanolic extract yielded the highest phenolic content. Antioxidant evaluation using DPPH and FRAP assays demonstrated notable radical scavenging activity of 93.4% at 150 µg/mL comparable to ascorbic acid. The extract also displayed strong antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as antifungal activity. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory properties were assessed and confirmed using the egg albumin model. The anti inflammatory inhibition was 729±3.54 % at 8000 µg/ml comparable to 2000 µg/ml Diclofenac. Acute oral toxicity testing was done using OECD TG 425 (the up and down method) in Sprague Dawley rats. The results confirmed its safety as no mortality or adverse behavoural effects were observed at dosages up to 2000 mg/kg. The strong bioactivity observed in S. incanum due its high phenolic content supports its traditional use in wound care and healing. These findings suggest that S. incanum is a safe and effective natural medicine for wound management, warranting further investigation into its clinical applications.

The MEGGIC (Magic EGGplant InCanum) population here presented is the first highly inbred eggplant (Solanum melongena) multiparent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population developed so far, derived from seven cultivated accessions and one wild Solanum incanum from arid regions. The final 325 S5 lines were high-throughput genotyped using low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (lcWGS) at 3X, yielding 293 783 high-quality SNPs after stringent filtering. Principal component analysis (PCA) and neighbor-joining clustering revealed extensive genetic diversity driven by the unique genetic profile of the wild founder, and lack of genetic structure, suggesting a well-mixed population with a high degree of recombination. The eight founders and a core subset of 212 lines were phenotyped for above- and belowground traits, revealing wide phenotypic diversity. Root morphology traits displayed moderate heritability values, and strong correlation were found between root and aerial traits, suggesting that a well-developed root system supports greater aboveground growth. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified a genomic region on chromosome 6 associated with root biomass (RB), total root length (RL), and root surface area (SA). Within this region, SmLBD13, an LOB-domain protein involved in lateral root development, was identified as a candidate gene. The S. incanum haplotype in this region was linked to reduced lateral root branching density, a trait that may enhance deeper soil exploration and resource uptake. These findings provide key insights into root genetics in eggplant, demonstrating MEGGIC potential for high-resolution trait mapping. Furthermore, they highlight the role of exotic wild germplasm in breeding more resilient cultivars and rootstocks with improved root architecture and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency.

Utilizing salt-tolerant varieties in affected lands is the most prominent environmentally friendly solution. Wild relatives of eggplant have tolerance to some abiotic stresses. The aim of the study was to assess salinity tolerance in the third filial segregating population of eggplant lines that were previously associated with salt tolerance, then they could be used in breeding programs. The 50 F3 families resulting from crossings of the inbred line BATEMTDC47 (Solanum melongena L.) and Solanum incanum L. were screened under 150 mM NACl stress. A total of fourteen seedlings at the four-five leaves stage from each of the 50 F3 lines, accompanied by seedlings of two parents, were examined beside, four seedlings per line served as controls. All stressed seedlings were assessed comparatively with their controls by 0-5 visual scale, on the 12th day following the final salt treatment. Additionally, malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline levels in stressed fresh leaf samples were analyzed. The most tolerant four plantlets from each line were selected and transferred to the greenhouse to generate F4 seeds. During the greenhouse cultivation period, 13 morphological traits including plant and fruit features, such as plant height, stem diameter, anthocyanin presence, fruit color, and fruit shape etc., were studied. Following the observations, F3 plants were self-pollinated to produce F4 generation. Except for a few outliers, the visual scale and proline accumulations showed concurrent increases and reductions. Overall, the results also demonstrate that enhancement of salt tolerance of Solanum melongena can be improved using Solanum incanum as a donor of alleles.

Introgressed eggplant lines with the wild Solanum incanum evaluated under drought stress conditions1

BackgroundCancer cases have been on the rise globally and several treatment strategies have been developed but mortality rates remain high. Zimbabwe, like many other countries, has also experienced a surge in cancer cases. In Zimbabwe, medicinal plants have been widely used to treat cancer for centuries. However, there has been limited research on the effectiveness, safety, and chemical composition of these plants. The current study assessed antiproliferative, cytotoxic and phytochemical properties of selected Zimbabwean medicinal plants.MethodCytotoxic activity of Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Dombeya rotundifolia, Flacourtia indica, Lannea discolor, Leonotis ocymifolia, Leucas martinicensis, Plicosepalus kalachariensis, Pseudolachnostylis maproneifolia, Solanum incanum, Strychnos cocculoides, Strychnos spinosa and Viscum verrucosum extracts were evaluated on normal murine peritoneal cells and sheep erythrocytes while antiproliferative activity was assessed on Jurkat T and HL60 cell lines. Cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion and sulforhodamine B assay. Additionally, the effect of reduced glutathione on cytotoxic extracts was examined. The phytochemicals of the methanolic extracts were qualitatively determined using standard methods.ResultsAgelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Flacourtia indica, Strychnos cocculoides, Strychnos spinosa and Viscum verrucosum were cytotoxic to normal murine peritoneal cells. Flacourtia indica and Viscum verruscosum caused haemolysis of sheep erythrocytes at a concentration of 250 µg/mL for both plant extracts and 125 µg/mL for Viscum verrucosum. Cell viability increased on addition of 25 µg/mL of reduced glutathione to the extracts considered the most cytotoxic extracts, Agelenthus pungu and Viscum verrucosum. Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Leonotis ocymifolia, Leucas martinicensis and Viscum verrucosum significantly inhibited Jurkat T and HL60 cell proliferation. Viscum verrucosum was the most potent with the lowest half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 33 and 34 µg/mL on Jurkat T and HL60 cell lines respectively. The most dominant phytochemical classes were alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that Agelenthus pungu, Carissa edulis, Leonotis ocymifolia, Leucas martinicensis and Viscum verrucosum have antiproliferative activity against Jurkat T and HL60 cell lines. Viscum verrucosum was the most potent. These findings emphasise the importance of medicinal plants as well as their potential use as sources of novel compounds in anticancer drug discovery.

Abstract Despite continuous efforts to control mosquito populations and disease vectors, they remain prevalent globally and pose significant health risks. Botanicals have garnered increasing attention as alternatives to synthetic insecticides due to their broad‐spectrum insecticidal properties, biodegradability, and environmental compatibility. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of Solanum incanum Soxhlet extracts using various solvents. Additionally, we conducted a phytochemical analysis of the methanol extracts using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and performed molecular docking studies. The methanol extract of S. incanum demonstrated significant larvicidal activity, with LC50 values of 266.75, 214.52, and 90.15 μg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 hours post‐treatment, respectively. GC–MS analysis identified several compounds in the methanol extract, with trans‐9‐Octadecenoic acid, pentyl ester (17.99%) and propanoic acid, 2‐(3‐acetoxy‐4,4,14‐trimethylandrost‐8‐en‐17‐yl) (14.42%) being the most abundant. The methanol extract exhibited the highest phenolic content, with 1.44 mg GAE/g. The IC50 values for the DPPH assay were 1.69 mg/mL for the ethyl acetate extract and 6.7 mg/mL for the methanol extract. Furthermore, molecular docking supported the findings, with propanoic acid, 2‐(3‐acetoxy‐4,4,14‐trimethylandrost‐8‐en‐17‐yl) emerging as the top compound for all targets tested, including AChE (−9.4 kcal/mol), GABA‐T (−8 kcal/mol), and ATPase (−7.9 kcal/mol). These results provide valuable insights into the potential application and development of bioinsecticides.

Solanum incanum is a bushy perennial herb which is used for treatment of various ailments in East Africa including stomach pain, toothaches, ulcers, and cardiovascular diseases. However, there is scarcity of data on its safety, and its effect on the physiology of the cardiovascular system. Hence, this study envisaged evaluating the effect of methanol extract of the herb on myocardial action atherosclerotic tendency and safety. Myocardial activity assay involved determination of the heart rate and force of contraction using an isolated rabbit heart in an organ bath and kymograph, while antiatherosclerotic effects were assayed on blood obtained from white Wistar rats fed on high lipid diet where the levels of low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol were determined. Assays of the toxic effects of the extract were carried out on Swiss albino mice while qualitative phytochemical analyses were carried out using one-way Anova and Tukey as the post hoc test, a value of (p < 0.05) was taken as the limit of significance. The plant extracts exhibited an increase in the force of contraction of the heart and decrease in heart rate. It also caused significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol as well as elevation of HDL but no effect on hematological parameters. Phytochemical analyses showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and phenolics. Hence, the S. incanum root extract may contain compounds with antiatherosclerotic effects that are cardioprotective and therefore a potential source of novel remedies for the ailment.

Background: The main components of eggplant skin extract are anthocyanins, which play a vital role in determining the skin's color. Cultivated eggplants can potentially increase their anthocyanin content by crossing with various forms that synthesize different types of anthocyanins. This strategy could lead to eggplants with even higher antioxidant properties. Consuming products rich in anthocyanins is beneficial for preventing the development of serious diseases. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the selection of eggplants due to their high content of these biologically active substances. Objective: The study focuses on the effectiveness of various eggplant genetic resources conserved at the National Eggplant Collection in Armenia, specifically examining the anthocyanin content in eggplant fruits. Methods: Experiments were conducted at the experimental station of the Scientific Centre of Vegetable and Industrial Crops in Darakert, Ararat Marz of Armenia during 2022-2023. For these experiments, several genetic resources from the Armenian National Eggplant collection were utilized, including the brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) varieties Mini Miss and Tavush, and wild relatives of eggplant, introduced from Taiwan and species from The World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), namely Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum incanum. The quantitative determination of the total anthocyanins was carried out using pH differential spectrophotometry. The experimental data was subjected to two statistical processing methods. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Hierarchial Cluster Analysis. Results: The total anthocyanins content in eggplant fruits is 0,34-6,19(mass%), with a standard deviation of ±0.06 ±0.42 respectively. The moisture content in the eggplant fruits is 89,35-92,3 (mass%), with a standard deviation ±0,96 ±1,7. They have several promising anthocyanin-rich varieties such as Solanum melongena L. (Mini Miss and Tavush), and wild relatives from the deceased Tawan and species from the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), namely Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum incanum, Conclusion: Several genetic resources of the national eggplant collection, including Armenian varieties such as Solanum melongena L. (Mini Miss and Tavush), as well as wild relatives from the deceased Tawan and species from the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC), namely Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum incanum, exhibited high anthocyanin content. These valuable resources can play a crucial role in breeding new eggplant varieties and hybrids, as well as in creating innovative forms of functional food. Keywords: eggplant, anthocyanins, genetic resources

Solanum incanum L. is one of the Solanaceae family plants that grows in tropical African climates. The fruit and root sap extract of S. incanum is widely used as a pesticide, but little is known about pesticidal effectiveness and its pesticide-bioactive phytochemicals. The investigation included isolating and characterising secondary metabolites using a combination of the TLC, VC, CC, and HPTLC chromatography and spectroscopic techniques that included a combination of HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and FTIR and testing the efficacy of the isolated compounds against cabbage aphids using the aphid leaf dip assay. Phytochemical investigation of the fruit and root of S. incanum resulted in the isolation of nine compounds, which included two saponins 1 (a novel compound) and 4, phenyl ether 2, benzaldehyde 3, two alkaloids 5-6, two phenolics 7-8, and an enediol 9. Compounds 2 and 3 were reported for the first time from this plant. Compounds 6-9 showed different activity levels against the cabbage aphids with 6 exhibiting the highest efficacy exhibiting an LD50 value of 32.7 ± 6.10 µg·mL−1. The isolated compounds are potential targets for developing lead compounds in controlling cabbage aphids.

Milk coagulation, traditionally relied on Calf rennet, is a crucial enzymatic process in cheese production. Ethical and practical constraints in using Calf rennet have led to the exploration of alternative sources. This study aimed to identify plant-based substitutes for calf rennet by investigating the coagulating potential of extracts from three plants: Calotropis procera, lemon, and Solanum incanum. Each plant tested with three extract levels (15, 20, and 25 ml), and replicated three times. Juices were extracted from lemon and Solanum incanum fruits through incision and squeezing. Meanwhile, Calotropis procera aqueous filtrates were separated from its polymeric gum using centrifugation. Then after, all extracts were further purified through muslin cloth and Whatman filter paper. Extracts were added to a beaker containing 500 ml of milk heated at 50 °C, and allowed to coagulate, resulting in the separation of cheese, curds and whey. Then after whey production, fresh and dry weights of cheese, and cheese yield percentage were measured and recorded. Statistical analysis using SAS Studio showed that there is highly significant differences with P < 0.0001 among plant extracts in their effects on the cheese-making potential. For all extract levels, the highest cheese-dry weight and percentage of cheese yield were observed in Calotropis procera and the lowest cheese formation starting times observed from lemon juice. These findings offer insights into optimizing cheese-making processes using natural sources and suggest that Calotropis procera, along with lemon juice and Solanum incanum, could serve as alternative sources of rennet.

Acanthamoeba species are the major cause of Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) of eyes, Acanthamoeba meningoencephalitis of the central nervous system, and fatal Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE) of the brain in humans. These diseases are difficult to treat due to their resistance to extreme temperatures, pH, alcohol, and pressure. This research aimed to determine the anti-amoebic effects of some selected plant extracts against Acanthamoeba species isolated from borehole water samples from Budiriro District, Harare, Zimbabwe. Acanthamoeba castellannii species were isolated and confirmed present in Budiriro borehole water samples using non-nutrient agar, microscope, real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and gel electrophoresis. The selected plant samples, Murumanyama (Xeroderris stuhlmannii) bark extract, Munhundurwa (Solanum incanum) fruit extract and Mufandichimuka (Myrothamnus flabellifolius) stem and leaf extracts were then investigated for their anti-amoebic effects against the isolated Acanthamoeba castellannii, using agar well diffusion method. Chlorhexidine gluconate antibiotic was used as a control. The results show that Acanthamoeba castellannii is the most common Acanthamoeba species in borehole water in Budiriro District in Harare and all the tested plant samples had no anti-amoebic effects against this isolated Acanthamoeba castellannii.

Background: Oral candidiasis is caused by Candida albicans, which is most prevalent in immunocompromised patients.Aim: The study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of plant species used for oral candidiasis against C. albicans.Setting: The study was conducted in Aganang Local Municipality, Capricorn District, Limpopo province, South Africa.Methods: A survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire supplemented with guided field walks with traditional health practitioners to gather information on medicinal plants used to treat oral candidiasis. Nine plant species (Artemisia afra Jacq. ex Willd., Blepharis subvolubilis subsp. subvolubilis C.B. Clarke, Enicostemma axillare [Lam.], Helichrysum caespititium [DC.] Harv., Solanum incanum L., Waltheria indica L., Ximenia caffra Sond. var. caffra, Ximenia caffra Sond. var. natalensis and Ziziphus mucronata Willd.) were investigated for antifungal activity. The plant material were extracted with solvents of varying polarities: acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, hexane, methanol, and water. The Micro-dilution and bioautography assays were used to determine the antifungal activity of the plant extracts.Results: Leaf extracts of A. afra and S. incanum were more active against C. albicans with MIC values of 0.02 mg/mL. Bioautography assay demonstrated active compounds in S. incanum, W. indica and X. caffra var. caffra extracts developed in Benzene: Ethanol: Ammonia hydroxide (BEA).Conclusion: An ethnobotanical survey is a worthy starting point in selecting potential plant species for ethnopharmacological studies.Contribution: The effectiveness of oral administrations of the medicinal plants was confirmed by the excellent antifungal activity of the aqueous extracts.

Abstract This study aimed to comprehensively assess the phytochemical composition, employing gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) analyses, molecular docking, ADMET analysis, and antioxidant activity evaluation, of three Solanum species (Solanum forsskalii [SF], Solanum villosum [SV], and Solanum incanum [SI]) from the diverse flora of Saudi Arabia. Two solvents, hydro-methanolic (HME) and hydro-acetonic extract, were utilized for extraction, finding HME more efficient, especially for SV. GC–MS analysis identified diverse compounds, with palmitic acid, linoleic acid, methyl palmitate, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, and oleic acid as the main constituents. RP-HPLC quantified 12 phenolic compounds, identifying chlorogenic acid, rutin, and p-coumaric acid as abundant. Antioxidant assays showed HME extracts to be more effective in both diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl and ABTS assays, with SV exhibiting the strongest antioxidant effect, followed by SF and SI. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between phenolic content and antioxidant activity (r = 0.6067–0.8927). Molecular docking simulations demonstrated robust binding energies between predominant compounds and Cyt-c, underscoring their potential as effective antioxidants. ADMET analysis showcased varied profiles, suggesting promising pharmaceutical prospects. This study explores the phytochemical profiles of these Solanum species, emphasizing their strong antioxidant capacity as natural sources of phenolic compounds, advancing our understanding of their promising medicinal applicability.