Soxhlet Extraction Procedure Research Articles

Assessment of the anticancer potential of certain phenolic and flavonoid components in ginger capsules using colorectal cancer cell lines coupled with quantitative analysis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of malignant tumor death. The development of novel, more effective drugs is desperately needed to treat CRC. Zingiber officinale is believed to possess anticancer properties due to its flavonoids and phenols. Using Soxhlet (SOXT) and maceration (MACR) techniques, the present study aimed to evaluate the amounts of quercetin, gallic acid, rutin, naringin, and caffeic acid in ginger capsules of Z. officinale. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)/ultraviolet was used for separation and quantitation. In vitro toxicity evaluation of ginger capsules on the CRC cell line HT-29 was also conducted to assess the anticancer activity of the supplement. The cell line HT-29 (HTB-38) colorectal adenocarcinoma was utilized for the antiproliferative effect of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide. Ginger herbal supplement extract at dosages of 200 and 100 μg had strong cytotoxic effects (IC50 < 50 μg/mL) on HT-29 CRC cells via MACR. This extract is comparable to the SOXT extract, which has an IC50 of less than 50 μg/mL. The anticancer effect of ginger herbal supplement formulations against CRC lines was investigated, and the results obtained from both the MACR and SOXT extraction procedures were noteworthy. The quercetin content was the highest of all the extracts according to the HPLC data.

Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Composition of Allium sativum Bulb Extracts against Selected Gram-Negative Bacteria

As a result of increasing antibiotics resistance due to multidrug resistance leads to the use of the medicinal plants as alternative antimicrobial agents. The study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of Allium sativum bulb extracts against some selected gram-negative bacteria isolates. Allium sativum oil was extracted using Soxhlet extraction procedures; Clinical bacterial isolates were collected from pathology department of General Hospital Potiskum in Yobe state. Isolates were identified using standard methods. Antibacterial activity of different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100) % of oil extract of Allium sativum bulb were investigated against five clinical bacterial isolates including, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Shigella boydii and Klebsiella oxytoca.. The oil extract of the bulbs showed antimicrobial activity against all five clinical isolates. MICs and MBCs were evaluated by broth dilution method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for all the three oil extracts ranged between 0.5 and 1.0%, while the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) values ranged between 1.0 and 1.5%. Important bioactive constituents were present in the different oil extraction method; alkaloids (for ethanol extracts, 19.04±0.04, for hexane extracts, 20.04±0.14 and for chloroform extracts, 20.04±0.07) and 0.51±0.01were detected for sterols in all the three oil extraction methods while others such as flavonoids, saponins, tannins and phenols were not detected. The yield extracts of the oil extract of the bulbs, for hexane were 12.6%, chloroform, 15.2% and ethanol, 16.2%, indicating that ethanol was the better of the three solvents used. The potential applications of Allium sativum oil extracts as natural antimicrobial agents call for the importance of further investigation into their nutritional potential.

Identification, validation and quantification of thymoquinone in conjunction with assessment of bioactive possessions and GC-MS profiling of pharmaceutically valuable crop Nigella (Nigella sativa L.) varieties.

Plants have been pivotal in traditional and modern medicine globally, with historical evidence supporting their therapeutic applications. Nigella (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family and is cultivated in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western and Central Asia. The medicinal use of plants dates back thousands of years, documented in ancient writings from various civilizations. Alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and tannins found in plants exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities. This study specifically examines the pharmacological potential of Nigella sativa L., emphasizing thymoquinone-a compound with diverse nutraceutical benefits. The extraction, characterization, and quantification of thymoquinone, alongside other physicochemical parameters, were carried out using ethanol through Soxhlet extraction procedures on five nigella varieties. HPLC analysis was performed to determine the maximum accumulation of thymoquinone in the released variety of the plant and the chemical composition of the seed oil isolated from Nigella sativa L., varieties utilized in the study was determined through GC-MS analysis. The research revealed that the Ajmer nigella-20 variety stands out, exhibiting elevated levels of thymoquinone (0.20 ± 0.07%), antioxidants (76.18 ± 1.78%), and substantial quantities of total phenols (31.85 ± 0.97 mg GAEg-1 seed) and flavonoids (8.150 ± 0.360 mg QE 100 g-1 seed) compared to other varieties. The GC-MS profiling showed the presence of 11 major compounds in the studied varieties, with p-cymene, longifolene, and myristic acid identified as the major chemical compounds present in the oil. The observed variations among Nigella varieties indicate the Ajmer nigella-20 variety as particularly promising for thymoquinone and bioactive compound extraction. This study underscores Nigella's potential as a source of pharmacologically active compounds, highlighting the need for further exploration in therapeutic applications.

FORMULATION AND ASSESSMENT OF HERBAL EMULGELS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ACNE: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO INVESTIGATIONS

Objective: The main objective of the current research was to prepare herbal emulgel and analyze the effect of herbal formulation in the treatment of acne. Methods: The plants Tabernaemontana coronaria and Thunbergia alata were selected for the study because of folklore for their medicinal values. The T. coronaria and T. alata test extracts were prepared by soxhlet extraction procedure and subjected to physico-chemical evaluation. The formulated herbal emulgels prepared by dispersion technique were investigated for anti-acne properties by in vitro and in vivo methods. The prepared emulgel formulations were assessed for parameters like viscosity, spreadability, pH, content uniformity, stickiness, zeta potential, particle size, surface morphology, and in vitro diffusion studies. Results: The physico-chemical evaluation of herbal gel revealed that emulgel appeared light green in colour, opaque, and odourless with smooth texture. The emulgels of both the test extracts showed no stickiness, and revealed pH ranging from 5.467±0.13 to 5.889±0.1. When the shear rate was increased, there was a decrease in the viscosity of the test emulgels, with good extrudability. The content uniformity of F5 emulgel for T. coronaria and T. alatawas 99%, and spreadibilty was more with F7 formulation of T. coronaria and F6 formulation of T. alata, respectively. In the stability testing studies, amongst all the formulations prepared, F5 was found to be stable upon storage for six months. In vitro studies, F5 formulation of both the test extracts had a remarkable zone of inhibition; whereas F5 formulation treated histopathological sections in in vivo investigation displayed a decline in the overall damage induced by Propionibacterium acnes. The results showed no statistical significant difference for measurement of zone of inhibition and histopthological studies between the test formulations and standard drug. Conclusion: The study concludes that both herbal formulations were promising agents for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Microscopic characterization, TLC fingerprinting and optimization of total lipid content from Euphorbia neriifolia (L.) using response surface methodology.

Euphorbia neriifolia (EN) is a medicinal plant used to treat a variety of ailments in traditional systems. Despite numerous studies on pharmacological activities, no information was available on the microscopic study of this plant. This is the first study that has been attempted to fill this need by performing the light and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of leaf, stem, and latex. The powder microscopy of several organs (leaves, stem, and bark) and exudate (latex) of EN was carried out using safranine, fast green, phloroglucinol, and other standard solutions at different magnifications. The chemical fingerprinting of petroleum ether extract was accomplished by using thin layer chromatography. The optimization of total lipid content from the EN leaf under ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and soxhlet extraction (SE) procedure was determined using response surface methodology (RSM). The studied factors that affect the lipid content were: solvent ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time. Several notable characteristics observed in the leaf of EN are amphistomatic leaves with anticlinical cell walls, anomocytic stomata, spongy mesophyll cells, elongated palisade cells, angular collenchyma, and U-shaped vascular bundle. The plano-convex midrib is covered by polygonal to oval-shaped cuticles and contains anomocytic stomata. The circular petiole has no trichomes and contains laticifers, crystals, and idioblasts. The circular stem was observed with trichomes, hypodermis, collenchyma, parenchymatous cells, central pith, pentagonal stellar region, cambium, and 2-4 times more xylem that of phloem. All of the powdered plant parts and exudate under study contained trichomes, xylem vessels, wood fibers, cork cells, starch grains, calcium oxalate crystals, idioblasts, lignified cork, tannin content, stone cells, and oil globules. The blackish-green colored petroleum ether extract with semi-solid consistency showed the greatest percent (%) yield of 4% in the latex of EN. The thin layer chromatography (TLC) examination of petroleum ether extract of EN leaf produced a maximum 6 spots with Rf values of 0.16, 0.58, 0.62, 0.73, and 0.96 in the mobile phase of petroleum ether-acetone (8:2). In terms of optimization, the dark green colored UAE extract with semi-sticky consistency showed highest % yield of 4.5% whereas the yellowish green colored SE extract of sticky consistency showed the highest % yield of 4.9%. The findings showed that there were not many differences in the total lipid content between UAE (0.16%) and SE (0.11%). However, the best optimum condition for lipid content extraction analysis was obtained as follows: solvent ratio (PE:HE) 50:50, extraction temperature 50°C, extraction time 45 min for UAE, and solvent ratio (PE:HE) 60:40, extraction temperature 45°C, and extraction time of 24 h for SE. Hence, this study signifies the various noteworthy microscopic features along with the presence of different phytocompounds through TLC and best optimized condition for the extraction of lipids from different parts of EN. As no previous study has been reported, the outcomes obtained from the current study prove to be beneficial in the identification of species, quality control, and detection of any adulteration from the laboratory and commercial samples of EN. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The percent yield was found to be maximum in latex extract (4%). The leaf pet ether extract was separated into 6 bands with different Rf values. The extracted compounds from Euphorbia neriifolia leaves were categorized into non-polar heat tolerant. The highest total lipid yield (0.1119) was obtained at solvent ratios 60:40 of PE:HE (petroleum ether: petroleum hexane).

Evaluation of Dioxin/Furan and Elements in Poultry from Zarqa Governorate, Jordan.

This study is the first to determine the concentration for 17 congeners of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and element contamination in poultry that is close to petroleum refinery at Al-Hashemiya Municipality, Zarqa Governorate, Jordan. Ten different samples (chicken) were collected to cover ten different locations of poultry farms in Al-Hashemiya Municipality. These locations are considered polluted areas as a result of exhaust gases produced from the refinery. The 17 PCDD/Fs congeners and elements of Pb, Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Se, Hg, Cr, and Ni were determined for three parts of each sample (liver, muscle, and gizzard). All samples were analyzed for PCDD/Fs after a Soxhlet extraction procedure and cleanup by column chromatography; then, all compounds were identified and determined using GC-MS techniques. The elements were analyzed after digestion and measured using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) and validated with the Lab Mix24 RM NCS ZC73016 reference material. The highest total sum concentration of PCDD/Fs was found in liver samples to be 214.07 ng/kg (dry weight), while the highest sum of toxicity equivalent to PCDD/Fs of 22.54 ng TEQ/kg was found in gizzard samples. For element concentrations, the highest total sum of 16.89 mg/kg (dry weight) was found in liver samples. The concentration level of the elements of Se, Hg, Cr, and Ni for all parts of the chicken was within an acceptable range according to Jordanian standards and therefore the measured level of heavy and trace elements in the poultry samples (chicken) does not pose a danger to public health. The chickens found in poultry farms near the refinery are more likely to contain a higher concentration of PCDD/Fs congeners due to exhaust gas exposure.

VALORIZATION OF ROASTED HAZELNUT CUTICLES SUPPORTED BY LABORATORY TECHNIQUES

this paper reports the experimental results of an on-going project running at lab-scale and aimed at the valorization of roasted hazelnut cuticles through both chemical (i.e., solvent extraction) and thermochemical treatment (i.e., torrefaction) routes. In particular, the potential of using water as a green solvent for the extraction of bioactive compounds (i.e., substances of chemical-food-pharmaceutical interest, such as the polyphenols) contained in residues originated by industrial processing of hazelnuts has been investigated, applying the conventional laboratory Soxhlet extraction procedure. A subsequent valorization stage has been explored for the spent post-extraction residues versus the “as collected” ones; they lend themselves to become “renewable” solid fuels thanks to torrefaction, which is a “mild” thermochemical conversion process. The obtained results are first presented in terms of theoretical yields of the bioactive compounds of interest with respect to the original mass of hazelnut residue; in addition, the findings on torrefaction are discussed in terms of performance indexes with respect to the torrefied fuel and quantitatively expressed as correlations as a function of temperature.

Proximate, Minerals, and Vitamin C Contents of Selected Wild Edible Plants in Lasta District, Northeastern Ethiopia

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are the natural food source that can help to mitigate food insecurity and improve starvation in low income countries including Ethiopia. Despite the widespread use of WEPs in Ethiopia, studies on the nutritional contents of Ethiopian WEPs are limited. The objective of the current study is to evaluate the nutritional value (proximate, mineral, and vitamin C contents) of the most consumed seven wild edible plants collected from Lasta District, Northeastern Ethiopia. The nutritional parameters including proximate, macro and micronutrients, and also vitamin C contents of the selected seven wild edible plants were evaluated using standard food analysis methods (moisture by dry-oven method, ash by high-temperature incineration in an electric muffle furnace, fat by Soxhlet extraction procedure, protein by Kjeldahl process, minerals by Atomic absorption spectrometer and atomic emission spectrometry and vitamin C by using a spectrophotometer). One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the nutritional content variations of selected WEPs. The proximate composition of the 7 WEPs came in the respective ranges of moisture (6.50–9.77 g/100 g); ash (6.99–26.35 g/100 g); crude protein (13.1–33.63 g/100 g); crude fat (1.08–9.83 g/100 g); crude fiber (6.21–43.77 g/100 g); utilizable carbohydrate (30.11–66.25 g/100 g) and gross energy (213.05–414.80 Kcal/100 g). The mineral composition of WEPs (mg/100 g dry weight) for macronutrients ranged from 25.53–37.99 Na, 56.65–72.79 Mg, 14.40–43.57 K, 44.35–60.14 Ca, and for micronutrients it ranged from 10.51–27.96 Fe, 8.35–23.87 Zn, 14.08–23.20 Cu, and 7.99–19.08 Mn. The vitamin C contents of WEPs (mg/100 g dry weight) ranged from 2.16–70.42 except in Haplocarpha rueppelii leaves in which its vitamin C content is below the detection limit. The outcome of the investigation indicates that the proximate, mineral and vitamin C contents of the WEPs included in the analysis were higher than those of some common crops (sorghum, rice, wheat, barley and maize), indicating their nutritional contribution to the human diet in the studied area. These wild food sources make up a good part of the traditional subsistence system of the people of Lasta District alongside their common food crops and other food sources.

Studies on Hypoglycaemic activity of the different extracts of Solanum torvum root

The objective of the study was to Studies on the hypoglycaemic activity of the different extracts of Solanum torvum (Solanaceae) root extracts on Wister albino rats. Solanum torvum roots were shade dried, powdered, and extracted by the Soxhlet extraction procedure using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and water. Swiss albino mice were chosen for the acute toxicity studies and follow the OECD guidelines 423. The hypoglycemic activity on adult Wistar albino rats at dose levels of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg p.o. respectively each using normoglycaemic, glucose loaded, and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats. For activity comparison standard drug Metformin (150mg/kg) was used. Promising results were produced by the ethanol extract among all the tested extracts that are comparable to the reference standard metformin. The study entrenched the scientific foundation of the benefits of this plant in the medication of diabetes and asserts the use of the root of the plant for treating diabetes as demonstrate in folklore remedies.

VALORIZATION OF DATE KERNELS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL

This work is part of the diversification of renewable energy sources, such as biomass for example. This research focuses on the recovery of date seeds which cannot be consumed by humans and are considered as waste. For this, the physicochemical and biochemical properties of these seeds were studied and determined. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that this waste product can be valorized for the production of biodiesel. Besides, the techniques adopted to achieve the best results in terms of quality were investigated as well. In addition, the process of extracting oils from date seeds was determined using the Soxhlet extraction procedure with a volatile solvent. The results obtained showed that the oil content of date seeds was estimated at around 4% to 5%, with a very high acid number (8.9776). This was achieved by means of the esterification and transesterification reactions, which allowed producing biodiesel. This method makes it possible to produce up to 91% of biodiesel with characteristics close to those reported in previous studies and recognized by international standards.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) stems extracts

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) stems in the form of infusions and decoctions are traditionally consumed for diuretic and anti-inflammatory purposes. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of ethanolic and methanolic extract made from sweet cherry stems. Extracts are obtained by the Soxhlet extraction and maceration procedures. For the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration, the broth microdilution method is employed, and the assessment of the microbiocidal activity of the extracts is conducted. The antibiofilm activity was tested through the tissue culture plate method, which also allowed the determination of the biofilm-forming categories of investigated strains. The final step involved the calculation of the biofilm inhibition percentage. Examined extracts with the balanced activity inhibited the growth of all microorganisms, with Gram-negative bacteria being more sensitive in comparison to Gram-positive. The values of the minimum inhibitory concentration were 125 µg/ml, and 250 µg/ml, respectfully. Candida albicans was the most susceptible and the minimum inhibitory concentration of both extracts was 62.50 µg/ml. The microbiocidal activity of the extracts was not recorded. Extracts exhibited different impacts on the biofilm-forming capacity of the investigated microbes, and both inhibition and stimulation effects are noted. The percentage of the biofilm inhibition was from 14.27% to 84.78%, with the highest inhibition recorded for the multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli, treated with the ethanolic extract. Sweet cherry stems are a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, but their usage in the treatment of microbial infections should be correctly and carefully implemented.

Effect of Extraction Techniques and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Argemone mexicana L. Leaves and Roots Extracts in Different Solvents

Aim: The main objective of the study is to estimate the effect of extraction techniques and antimicrobial activity of different solvent extract of A. mexicana leaves and roots.&#x0D; Study Design: The research is experimental in nature.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry and Microbiology at CCSHAU, Hisar, between late 2020 and January 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: The leaves and roots of A. mexicana were harvested for this study. Shade dried roots and leaves were cut into small pieces of 2-3 inches and processed into powder using a mixer grinder. Soxhlet extraction and microwave-assisted extraction procedures were used to extract leaves and roots in solvents such as acetone, methanol, and water. The antimicrobial activity of the roots and leaves extracts were evaluated against Gram +ve bacteria (Xanthomonas campesteris, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus) and fungal species (Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina and Candida albicans) and their zones of inhibition in mm are measured by Agar well diffusion method.&#x0D; Results: Soxhlet extraction technique gave better extract yield 12.19 g /100 g and 8.54 g / 100 g while microwave-assisted extraction gave 8.88 g / 100 g and 6.94 g / 100 g for leaves and roots respectively. The methanoilc root and leaves extracts exhibited higher antimicrobial activity followed by acetone and water extracts.&#x0D; Conclusion: The result of the investigation showed that extraction techniques considerably affected extraction yield and antimicrobial activity. Soxhlet extraction is better one extraction method among these two and methanolic extract of leaves was found to be good antimicrobial followed by acetone and aqueous.

Physico-chemical and Gc-Ms Analysis of Gossypium hirsutum (Cotton Seed) Oil

Introduction and Objectives: The fatty acid profile of cotton seed oil, can be used to assess its nutritional value as ell the industrial applications of the oil as well. The significant amino acids such as Lipase, phytase, and lecithin were confirmed to found in cotton seed oil .Additionally, cotton seed oil is made to contained substantial natural antioxidants and α-tocopherols which give it shelf life longer than other related edible oils. The aim of this study is evaluate the physicochemical properties and characterized the Gossypium hirsutum oil using GC-MS analysis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The cotton seed oil was extracted using soxhlet extraction procedure. The physicochemical parameters such as Acid value, Free Fatty acids content, Iodine value, Saponification value, Peroxide value, Viscosity(40°C), Refractive Index, Moisture content, Specific gravity (30°C), and colour index were determined by standard procedures described by AOAC , while the ester value was determined by baltes method. The oil was characterized using gas chromatography mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis.&#x0D; Results: The physicochemical parameters showed that the acid value, free fatty acids content, iodine value, Saponification value, ester value, Peroxide value, viscosity, refractive index, moisture content, Specific gravity of the oil were 0.94±0.020 (mgKOH/gOil), 0.34±0.016%, 75.70±0.150gI/100g, 210.9±0.023millieqv/g, 209.4±0.027mgKOH/gOil, 8.82±0.010meq/kg, 4.41±0.113cSt, 1.383±0.003, 0.22±0.010%, 0.915±0.001 respectively. While the the oil was found to be Dark red in color. The GC-MS analysis of cotton seed oil shows the presence of twenty five (25) chemical compound ,in which six (6) where found to have biological activity related to Antibacterial activity, Anticancer Drug, Antiseborrhoeic , Anti-inflammatory, Hypocholesterolemic, Cancer Preventive, Insectifuge, Antiarthritic, Antieczemic Hepatoprotective, Antiandrogenic, Nematicide, Antihistaminic, Cytoprotective activity and Anti-inflammatory this includes 4,8-Diaza-2,9-dibenzoyl-5, 6-diphenyl-2,8-decadienedioic acid tridecan-7-ol, Undecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid(Z,Z)-, (E)-hexadec-7-enal and (Z)-7-Hexadecenoic acid respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cotton seed oil's physicochemical parameters were found to be within the NAFDAC and Cordex standards, liquids in nature, unsaturated, and slow to oxidation and rancidity and it is suitable for consumption . The GC-MS analysis of cotton seed oil reveals the presence of twenty-five (25) chemical compounds, six (6) of which exhibit biological activity and can be used in industrial, food, additive, and pharmacological formulations.

Evaluation of Nootropic Potential of Leucaena leucocephala on Wister Rats

Introduction: Leucaena leucocephala is a commonly used plant in the Ayurveda system of medicine to alleviate several ailments. Different parts of Leucaena leucocephala are used for the treatment of ailments such as diabetes, ascariasis, intestinal parasitism and trichinosis. It is also used as an emmenagogue, emollient and as nutritious forage for cattle. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the plant extract's effect on memory and learning using in-vivo models and ex-vivo models. Methods: The plant extract was prepared by using the Soxhlet extraction procedure. The effect of the extract on nootropic activity was assessed against scopolamine-induced amnesia using different exteroceptive models such as Elevated plus maze, Y maze and Hebb William's maze. Acetylcholinesterase activity of the rat brain homogenate was estimated using Ellman's method. The activity of the extract was compared with the standard drug piracetam. Results: On pre-treatment with ethanolic extract of L. leucocephala, in-vivo studies showed significantly improved spatial learning and memory against scopolamine-induced amnesia in Wistar rat models in a dose-dependent manner. Ex-vivo studies of rat whole brain homogenate showed a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity in extract-treated animals. Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of the leaves of L. leucocephala showed significant nootropic potential against animals induced by amnesia using scopolamine.

Proximate Analysis and Antinutritional Factors of Water Melon Seeds (Citrullus lenatus)

Water melon (citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is- rich in an amino - acid called citrulline and may help move blood through the body and widely used as flavouring agent and also contributes substantially towards obtaining a balanced diet. This research was aimed to evaluate the proximate and anti nutritional factors of the plant to ensure human and animal food security. The proximate composition was done by soxhlet extraction, AOAC, Kjeldhal and other standard procedures while anti nutrients were analysed using standard procedures. The results of the research revealed the proximate composition of the water melon seeds such as moisture content, crude protein, lipids, ash content, crude fibre and carbohydrate. Low moisture content (5.20±0.003) high proteins (17.844±0.012) and lipids (18.208± 0.004) with others detected in moderate amount was obtained. Anti - nutritional factors such as oxalate, phytate, cyanide, nitrate, and tannin were also analyzed which revealed low oxalate content (0.005± 0.003) with moderate amount of phytate (4.366±0141), nitrate (47.309±0.539) and cyanide (41.510±0.138). Therefore water melon seeds might be vital in maintaining an optimum nutritional status to avoid malnutrition, morbidity or mortality.

Screening of in vitro free radical scavenging activities of the fruit extracts of Psidium guajava L.

The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the in vitro free radical scavenging properties of fruit extracts of two varieties of Psidium guajava L. (PG) i.e., Lalit (LA) and Allahabad safeda (AS). The ethanolic fruit extracts of LA and AS of PG were obtained from the soxhlet extraction procedure and the same was used for in vitro antioxidant assays. Total phenols, flavonoid contents and free radical scavenging assays viz., ABTS, DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide were analysed at 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 µg/mL concentrations. Phytochemical investigation exhibited higher phenols, flavonoid contents in fruit extracts of LA compared to AS. The fruit extracts of PG showed remarkable ABTS, DPPH, nitric oxide and superoxide free radical scavenging activity in a dose dependent manner. The fruit extracts of LA exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity in contrast to AS. The present investigation revealed, a high in vitro antioxidant property of LA due to its higher phenolic content. Hence, the fruit extract of Psidium guajava L. can be used in therapeutics for the treatment of pathologic conditions involving free radicals.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial study of Schefflera vinosa leaves crude extracts against rice pathogens

Abstract Plant extracts are one of the best possible sources of bioactive molecules, and are being used globally as an antioxidants and natural antimicrobial compounds. In current study, Schefflera vinosa leaves extract was prepared through Soxhlet extraction procedure using methanol and chloroform as solvents. The extract was investigated for total antioxidant, phenolic and flavonoid contents, free radical scavenging and antimicrobial activities. The free radical scavenging activities were evaluated through 2,2- diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzotiazolin-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and Ferric-reducing/ antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The antimicrobial activity of extract was determined through poisoned food method. The methanolic extract has exhibited high antioxidant, phenolic, and flavonoid activities compared to chloroform extract. Similarly, free radical scavenging activities (ABTS, DPPH and FRAP) were higher in methanolic extract. Further, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) used to determine the functional group and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to elucidate volatile composition of the crude extract. Different functional group like N-H, O-H, C-O, C-N, C-H, C=O, C≡C and C-O-H presence indicate the existence of many metabolites in the extracts. GC-MS study identified 61 compounds and later these molecules were screened virtually using DockThor. Furthermore, antimicrobial study was confirmed against rice pathogens like Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). Molecular docking study further suggested that phytomolecules (3-Isopropoxy-1,1,1,7,7,7-hexamethyl-3,5,5-tris (trimethylsiloxy) tetrasiloxane, 5H-Cyclopenta[b]pyridine and 2-Methoxy-5-methylthiophene) targets Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) of M. oryzae and Peptide Deformylase (PDF) of Xoo, which could inhibit their growth. Hence, this study indicated that Schefflera vinosa extracts could be an important ingredient in as an antioxidant as well as antimicrobial agent against rice pathogens.

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activities of Depside Compound Isolated from the Mycobiont Culture of Parmotrema austrosinense (Zahlbr.) Hale

Substances which are normally secondary metabolites in a lichen are known to possess various medicinal properties but little is known about the biological activities of compounds present in these mycobiont culture extract. The objectives of the present study were isolation and optimization of growth conditions of the mycelia from Parmotrema austrosinense and assess the antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of acetone extracts. The extraction of bioactive compound from mycobiont culture was achieved by using acetone and standard Soxhlet extraction procedures. The culture extract was subjected to silica gel column chromatography and detection of compound in thin layer chromatography. HPLC, UV vis, IR spectra, microcrystallization and NMR were done for the purified compound. The antimicrobial activity in the extracts were assayed using the standard disc diffusion and broth microdilution protocol against microbial strains. The lecanoric acid in the extracts was purified and MTT method was applied to assess antiproliferative activity against DLA cancer cells. The culture extract containing lecanoric acid exhibited antimicrobial activity against the test strains with the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations varied between 0.83±0.28 and 2.3±1.5 mg mL−1. The lecanoric acid inhibited the growth of DLA cancer cells with inhibitory concentration (IC50) of about 42±1.5 µg mL−1. Conclusion: The result of the present study suggests that this compound might possess potent antitumor property and should be further analysed using appropriate animal model and clinical trials.

STUDIES ON GLUCOSE-LOWERING EFFICACY OF THE ACACIA SUMA ROXB. ROOT

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the glucose-lowering efficacy of the Acacia suma Roxb. (Family: Fabaceae) root extracts on Wister albino rats.&#x0D; Methods: A. suma roots were shade dried, powdered, and extracted by Soxhlet extraction procedure using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, and water. The acute toxicity studies were conducted on Swiss albino mice as per the OECD guidelines 423. The antidiabetic activity of extracts was evaluated on adult Wistar rats at dose levels of 100,200, and 400 mg/kg P.O, respectively each using normoglycemic,glucose-loaded and Streptozotocin-induced rats. Metformin (50 mg/kg) was used as a reference standard for activity comparison.&#x0D; Results: Among the tested extracts, the ethanol extract was found to produce promising results that are comparable to that of the reference standard metformin.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study established the scientific basis for the utility of this plant in the treatment of diabetes and justifies the use of the root of the plant for treating diabetes as suggested in folklore remedies.

Potential Fatty Acid Composition of Hermetia illucens Oil Reared on Different Substrates

Hermetia illucens larvae (HiL) has been studied because of its capability to break down organic waste. HiL can convert waste biomass efficiently, that can be used as future feedstuffs. This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acids composition from HiL oil (HiLO) which reared on the different substrates. The experimental was compared of (1) HiL reared on palm kernel meal and (2) HiL reared on 80% industrial waste mix with 20% organic waste. The chemical composition of HiL measured base on the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The Hermetia illucens larvae oil (HiLO) was extracted according to the modification of the Soxhlet extraction procedure. Fatty acid compositions were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC). The data collected and analyzed as descriptive. The results of this study ether extract content of HiL (1) 51.46% higher than HiL (2), this is due to substrate types. Fatty acids of both are almost the same and the most dominant are lauric acid 40.54% and 46.72%, oleic acid 17.48% and 15.98%, palmitic acid 14.55% and 12.12% and myristic acid 15.57 and 11.13 %, respectively for each HiLO (1) and (2). The conclusion of this study is the HiL reared on different substrates affect lipid content but the fatty acid composition is similar.