Soxhlet Research Articles

Using Fractal Theory to Study the Influence of Movable Oil on the Pore Structure of Different Types of Shale: A Case Study of the Fengcheng Formation Shale in Well X of Mahu Sag, Junggar Basin, China

This study investigated the influence of movable oil on the pore structure of various shale types, analyzing 19 shale samples from Well X in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin. Initially, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis classified the shale samples. Subsequently, the geochemical properties and pore structures of the samples, both pre and post oil Soxhlet extraction, were comparatively analyzed through Total Organic Carbon (TOC) content measurement, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and nitrogen adsorption experiments. Additionally, fractal theory quantitatively described the impact of movable oil on the pore structure of different shale types. Results indicated higher movable oil content in siliceous shale compared to calcareous shale. Oil extraction led to a significant increase in specific surface area and pore volume in all samples, particularly in siliceous shale. Calcareous shale predominantly displays H2–H3 type hysteresis loops, indicating a uniform pore structure with ink-bottle-shaped pores. Conversely, siliceous shale exhibited diverse hysteresis loops, reflecting its complex pore structure. The fractal dimension in calcareous shale correlated primarily with pore structure, exhibiting no significant correlation with TOC content before or after oil extraction. Conversely, the fractal dimension changes in siliceous shale samples do not have a clear correlation with either TOC content or pore structure, suggesting variations may result from both TOC and pore structure.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Screening and In Vitro Pharmacological Activity of Artemisia vestita Leaf Extract.

Artemisia vestita Wall. Ex Besser is a folklore medicinal plant that belongs to Asteraceae family and a treasure trove of drugs. The aim of this research study was to investigate the phytoconstituents, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and wound healing potential of A. vestita leaf extract (ALE). Phytochemical analysis of the ALE was carried out by Soxhlet extraction and GCMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. Antimicrobial activity was performed by the agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Free radical scavenging potential was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by enzyme inhibition assay-COXII. The cytotoxicity of ALE on HaCaT cells was studied via MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. An in vitro scratch assay was performed for the evaluation of the wound healing property of ALE. It showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (14.2 ± 0.28 mm), Escherichia coli (17.6 ± 0.52 mm), Bacillus subtilis (13.1 ± 0.37 mm), Streptococcus pyogenes (17.3 ± 0.64 mm), Proteus mirabilis (9.4 ± 0.56 mm), Aspergillus niger (12.7 ± 0.53 mm), Aspergilus flavus (15.3 ± 0.25 mm) and Candida albicans (17.6 ± 0.11 mm). In ALE, 36 phytochemicals were detected by GCMS analysis, but 22 were dominant. Moreover, the ALE was effective in scavenging free radicals with different assays and exhibited reasonable anti-inflammatory activity. The MTT assay revealed that ALE had a cytotoxic effect on the HaCaT cells. The scratch assay showed 94.6% wound closure (after 24 h incubation) compared to the positive control Cipladine, which is remarkable wound healing activity. This is the first report on the wound healing property of A. vestita, which can serve as a potential agent for wound healing and extends knowledge on its therapeutic potential.

Medicinal Properties of Cobalt and Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Limonia acidissima Leaf Extract

Aim: The present investigation was undertaken to synthesize Cobalt and copper nanoparticles (NPs) using Limonia acidissima L. leaf extract and to test their few medicinal properties like antimicrobial antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. Methodology: Limonia acidissima plant leaves were collected from the vicinity of the College and the study was completed in 11 months. The hot aqueous leaf extract and soxhlet extract using ethyl acetate as solvent were prepared. Phytochemical analysis of the leaf extract showed the presence of Tannins, Flavonoids, Alkaloids and absence of Phenols. The leaf extract was then used to make Cobalt and copper nanoparticles (NPs) using Cobalt acetate and Copper sulphate respectively. Results: The formation of NPs was checked by color change and confirmed with UV–visible spectrophotometry. The typical peaks of Co-NPs were detected in the range of maximum wavelength between 380-520 nm and that for Cu NPs was detected between 260-580 nm. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized NPs of both metal oxides was then tested against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and also against two Candida sps. Cobalt NPs exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all tested organisms but Copper NPs showed no antimicrobial activity. The both NPs were also tested for antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Comparatively the Copper NPs possessed higher antioxidant and anti-diabetic activity than the cobalt nanoparticles. Conclusion: Thus, this underutilized plant from India can be further exploited for more medicinal properties and bring it into pharmaceutical usage.

Ethanol-Based Extraction of Annatto (Bixa Orellana L.) and Characterization of the Bixin and Norbixin.

Bixa orellana dye was extracted from the seeds by the method of Soxhlet extraction using ethanol where a percentage yield of 31.4 was obtained. Recrystallization of the dye was performed using chloroform and ethanol to increase the degree of purity. Thin layer chromatography was used to separate the dye into Bixin and Norbixin with Rf values of 0.56 and 0.42, respectively. The extracted dye was pH sensitive, insoluble in water but soluble in some organic solvents like ethanol and acetic acid. Characterization by UV-vis spectroscopy showed maximum absorption for Bixin and Norbixin at 457 and 453 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectra of Bixin and Norbixin showed bands confirming similar functional groups for both Bixin and Norbixin except for -CO- stretching and methylene vibration which was absent in Norbixin. With the yield, purity level, and other properties of the extracted dye, the comparative advantages of ethanol-based Soxhlet extraction of the dye were well established.

The Oncolytic Effect of Aerva lanata on Osteosarcoma Cell Lines via the Apoptotic Signaling Pathway.

Introduction Osteosarcoma, a malignant bone tumor, poses significant treatment challenges, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Aerva lanata (A. lanata), a medicinal plant with traditional use in various healthcare systems, has anti-cancer properties. This study looks at the oncolytic effect of A. lanata extract on osteosarcoma cell lines (sarcoma osteogenic-Saos2). Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the oncolytic effect of Aerva lanata on Saos2 cell lines through the apoptotic signaling pathway. Materials and methods A. lanata extract was prepared using Soxhlet extraction, and its cytotoxic effects on Saos2 cells were assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of gene activity was used to assess the extract's effect on apoptotic signaling pathways. Results The MTT assay demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in Saos2 proliferation following treatment with A. lanata extract at concentrations ranging from 50 μg to 200 μg. The standard deviations observed ranged from 1.414 to 7.071. Gene expression analysis revealed that the extract led to a reduction in the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels of the anti-apoptotic marker B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), with standard deviations ranging from 1 to 0.535. Conversely, it induced an increase in the mRNA levels of the tumor suppressor protein p53, with standard deviations ranging from 1 to 1.835. These findings suggest that the extract modulates the apoptotic pathways of the Bcl2 and p53 genes. Conclusion A. lanata extract exhibits promising anti-cancer activity against Saos2 osteosarcoma cell lines, inducing apoptosis by downregulating Bcl2 and increasing p53. The study's findings suggest that A. lanata may be useful as a natural treatment for osteosarcoma.

Comparative study on the extraction strength of solvents on tar sand from Okitipupa, Ondo State

Tar sand, an aggregate of sand, clay, water and bitumen was sampled from Okitipupa area of Ondo State, Nigeria, extracted and optimized using n-hexane and toluene in a soxhlet extractor todetermine solvent effectiveness in extracting the bitumen content and their environmental effect. The experiment was carried out by heating the solvent at and above their boiling temperatures solely to get an optimum yield at a temperature and time of extraction of oil from the tar sand. The analysis gave an optimal yield of 9.07 % at 75oC in 4 h when n-hexane was used and an optimal yield of 21.27 % at 120oC in 4 h when toluene was used. A drastic change in colour was also notice in the sand residue to almost sandy soil nature when toluene was used as solvent compare to when n-hexane was used which shows a slight change from its blackish nature. The change in colour of the black tar sand is an indication of high extraction efficiency. Hence, owing to high demand for conventional oil supply in the country and the urgent need for an alternative source of oil, the bitumen extract can serve as an alternative source of unconventionaloil supply in Nigeria and feedstock in refineries.

Fatty Acid Composition and Physicochemical Properties of <i>Ricinus communis </i>Seed Oil Grown from Jabi Tehinan Woreda, Ethiopia

Castor seed oil is well known for its diverse medicinal and industrial uses. It is widely utilized as an additive in foods, medicine, personal care goods, lubricant and biodiesel. Nonetheless, the oil content and physicochemical properties of castor seeds depend on their genotypic varieties and geographical location. Fortunately, Ethiopia is endowed with varieties of castor seeds. However, there is a limited research on the total oil content and quality of castor seeds oil. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the total oil content, the physicochemical characteristics and fatty acid composition of castor seeds oil grown in Jabi Tehinan Woreda, Ethiopia. The three most populous genotype castor beans were collected and subjected to soxhlet extraction using hexane solvent. The outcome showed that their genotypes determine both the amount and quality of the oil extracted. Genotype 01 (GT-01) has exceptionally the highest oil content (69.8%) while the Genotype 02 (GT-02) (47.305) and Genotype 03 (GT-03) (43.21%) have high oil contents. GT-01 has the highest (87.49%), GT-02 the second (85.17) and GT-01 (84.01) the third ricinoleic acid component. This high ricinoleic acid composition is reflected on their chemical and physical properties which are in the range of ASTM standards, making them valuable for various industrial applications.

Analysis of the Glycoside Composition of Calendula Extract

Purpose of research. The aim of the article is to comparatively analyse the glycoside (flavonoid) composition of liquid dosage forms containing calendula medicinalis as an initial raw material.Methods. To achieve this goal, methods for extracting medicinal plant materials were studied, scientific literature on the research topic was analyzed, qualitative and quantitative analysis was carried out, and the obtained UV spectra were examined. Obtaining liquid dosage forms from Calendula officinalis flowers was carried out using a Soxhlet extractor and the maceration method. The optimal conditions for the extraction of glycosides were determined by varying the ratio of raw materials and extractant, as well as the concentration of the extractant. For quantitative assessment, the content of extractive substances in the resulting dosage forms was calculated. Confirmation of the presence of flavonoid compounds was carried out using UV spectroscopy. A comparative analysis of the content of flavonoids in liquid dosage forms based on calendula officinalis was carried out.Results. As a result, liquid dosage forms were obtained from calendula officinalis flowers by two different methods, using different formulations, extraction was carried out by maceration and circulating extraction in a Soxlet apparatus, in ratios of 1:5 and 1:10, different concentrations of ethyl alcohol were also used (40%, 70%, 96%). Optimal extraction conditions were determined – for this raw material, the best indicators were achieved when obtaining the dosage form using the Soxlet extractor, in addition, according to the experiment, the concentration of ethyl alcohol, which extracts more target components, is 70%, the most effective ratio is 1:5.Conclusion. The study examined changes in the glycosidic (flavonoid) composition in dosage forms prepared independently according to various recipes and drugs obtained in pharmaceutical production. The use of flavonoid extraction methods provides a great opportunity for further scientific research into the extraction of dietary supplements for the purpose of their production.

FT-IR Characterization and Determination of Mycotoxins (Aflatoxins) (AF’s) from Branded & Unbranded Mixed Spice Samples

Background: The global spice market is essential to food industry and public health due to the widespread use of spices as flavor enhancers, preservatives, and medicinal components. However, the quality of spices can be compromised by the presence of mycotoxins, specifically aflatoxins, which pose significant health risks. Ensuring the quality and safety of spices, both branded and unbranded, is of paramount concern, especially in regions with high humidity and temperature that can facilitate fungal growth and mycotoxin production. Objective: This study aimed to assess the quality of branded and unbranded spice samples from Sindh, Pakistan, by determining their ash content, moisture level, oil composition, and mycotoxin (aflatoxin) content to ensure their suitability for consumption and adherence to food safety standards. Methods: A total of ten spice samples (five branded and five unbranded) were collected from different cities in Sindh province, Pakistan. Ash content was measured by high-temperature oxidation, while moisture content was quantified through oven drying. Oil was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus, and its quality parameters, including free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide, iodine, and saponification values, were determined using standard AOCS methods. Aflatoxins were quantified by employing an official AOAC method. Additionally, FT-IR spectroscopy was utilized for qualitative analysis of the spice oils. Results: The ash content varied widely, with the highest in unbranded samples at 18.33% and the lowest in branded at 5.67%. Moisture content across all samples was within the safe limit of 5-10%, with the highest at 4.46% and the lowest at 2.22%. The oil content ranged from 5.96% to 14.56%, with unbranded samples showing higher values. FFA values exceeded the standard 0.1% in all samples, indicating a potential quality concern. Peroxide values were higher than the standard 2 meq/mol in most samples, raising concerns about oxidative stability. Aflatoxin levels were within the EU regulatory limits, suggesting acceptable levels for consumption. FT-IR analysis corroborated these findings, revealing no significant differences in the spectral profiles between branded and unbranded samples. Conclusion: The study concluded that while moisture content and aflatoxin levels in the spice samples complied with safety standards, there were notable concerns regarding the ash content, oil quality, and peroxide values. These findings highlight the necessity for regular quality control measures and adherence to food safety regulations to ensure the safety of spice consumption.

Enhanced recovery of rare ginsenosides and bioactive compounds from red ginseng marc using CO2-Assisted subcritical water

Subcritical water extraction (SWE) is a high-efficiency and environmentally sustainable technique for extracting bioactive compounds from red ginseng marc (RGM). In this study, CO2 was introduced into the SWE system as a green catalyst to enhance the extraction efficiency of biologically active compounds from RGM. A wide range of parameters, such as temperature (140–180 °C), pressure (10–20 MPa), and time (10–60 min), were optimized using response surface methodology to maximize the recovery of highly valuable bioactive components, including rare ginsenosides (RGs), total phenolic contents (TPCs), and Maillard reaction products (MRPs), as well as the antioxidant activity of the RGM extract. The extract obtained using CO2-assisted SWE (CO2-SWE) under the optimal conditions (172 °C, 10 MPa, and 10 min) was enriched in RGs (1.02–2.16 times), TPCs (0.98–4.68 times), and MRPs (1.08–2.20 times) and exhibited enhanced antioxidant activities (1.07–3.50 times) compared with the extracts produced by conventional SWE (N2 environment) and Soxhlet extraction with H2O or 80 vol% ethanol. Thus, CO2-SWE is an environmentally friendly and nontoxic technique with considerable potential for use in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and functional food sectors.

Supercritical fluid extraction of ginger herbal dust bioactives with an estimation of pharmacological potential using in silico and in vitro analysis

Extensive filter tea production in the last decade has increased the amount of generated waste. Due to the particle size (less than 0.315 mm), this material, also known as herbal dust, cannot be packed into the filter tea bags. According to previous studies, valuable bioactive compounds have been recovered from herbal dusts. Therefore, this study is focused on the valorization of ginger (Zingiber officinale) herbal dust, which is commonly used for the treatment of digestive disorders, colds, and various health issues. To obtain highly valuable extracts rich in non-polar and low-polar bioactive compounds novel Supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2) extraction was applied. As a reference technique, Soxhlet extraction (methylene chloride) was employed. The chemical profiles of all extracts were determined by GC-MS. The most dominant compounds, according to the results, were hydrocarbon sesquiterpene zingiberene (7.51%–14.28%), sesquiterpenes β-sesquiphellandrene (3.70%–7.34%), β-bisabolene (3.54%–6.93%), ar-curcumene (3.02%–6.19%) and non-volatile phenolic compounds 6-gingerol (25.33%–31.11%), 6- shogaol (12.21%–14.91%). Based on the chemical profile of the extracts, the in silico study was carried out where the effects of ginger compounds with a focus on diabetes were specified. Besides, the most potential SFE-CO2 extract was selected for the investigation of effects on short- and long-term cell viability on liver cancer cells.

Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products: an updated review.

Rosa spp., commonly known as rosehips, are wild plants that have traditionally been employed as herbal remedies for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. Rosehip is a storehouse of vitamins, including A, B complex, C, and E. Among phytonutrients, vitamin C is found in the highest amount. As rosehips contain significant levels of vitamin C, they are perfect candidates for the development of skincare formulations that can be effectively used in the treatment of different skin disorders (i.e., scarring, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, melasma, and atopic dermatitis). This research focuses on the vitamin C content of several Rosa sp. by their botanical and geographic origins, which according to research studies are in the following order: R. rugosa > R. montana > R. canina > R. dumalis, with lower levels in R. villosa and R. arvensis, respectively. Among rosehip species, R. canina is the most extensively studied species which also displays significant amounts of bioactive compounds, but also antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities (e.g., against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, S, epidermis, and S. haemolyticus). The investigation also highlights the use of rosehip extracts and oils to minimise the harmful effects of acne, which primarily affects teenagers in terms of their physical appearance (e.g., scarring, hyperpigmentation, imperfections), as well as their moral character (e.g., low self-confidence, bullying). Additionally, for higher vitamin C content from various rosehip species, the traditional (i.e., infusion, maceration, Soxhlet extraction) and contemporary extraction methods (i.e., supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, and enzyme-assisted extractions) are highlighted, finally choosing the best extraction method for increased bioactive compounds, with emphasis on vitamin C content. Consequently, the current research focuses on assessing the potential of rosehip extracts as medicinal agents against various skin conditions, and the use of rosehip concentrations in skincare formulations (such as toner, serum, lotion, and sunscreen). Up-to-date studies have revealed that rosehip extracts are perfect candidates as topical application products in the form of nanoemulsions. Extensive in vivo studies have revealed that rosehip extracts also exhibit specific activities against multiple skin disorders (i.e., wound healing, collagen synthesis, atopic dermatitis, melasma, and anti-aging effects). Overall, with multiple dermatological actions and efficacies, rosehip extracts and oils are promising agents that require a thorough investigation of their functioning processes to enable their safe use in the skincare industry.

Efficient extraction methods and callus culture of quercetin from Indian white radish: yield analysis via HPLC quantification and assessment of cytotoxic activity

SummaryIndian white radish Co. 1 (Raphanus sativus L.) contains medicinal quercetin, and its commercial value supports large‐scale quercetin isolation. Various extraction methods, including ultra‐assisted extraction (UAE), maceration extraction (ME), Soxhlet extraction (SE), conventional extraction (CSE) and serial maceration extraction (SME), were employed to extract quercetin from radish leaf sections. RP‐HPLC‐optimising key experimental parameters yielded a linear response for the individual target compounds in the concentration range, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2.2 μg mL−1 (r2 = 0.9995), a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.2 μg per 1.0 g of crushed leaves and repeatability within the relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.23–0.37%. For in vitro callus cultures, 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), 6‐benzylaminopurine (BAP) and zeatin were used for callus induction from in vitro leaf segments of radish. MS medium enriched with 2,4‐D (0.5 mg) induced the highest percentage of callus at 4 weeks. Among the extraction methods, the SME method yielded the highest recovery of quercetin (96.9%; 1.92 mg g−1 DW), phenolic (26.07 mg g−1 DW) and flavonoid (34.03 mg g−1 DW), compared to other methods and solvents. The callus extract included 0.5 mg of 2,4‐D, 32.07 mg of phenolic, 42.03 mg of flavonoid and 6.46 mg of quercetin. The presence of phytocompounds and quercetin was confirmed by GC–MS/MS and RP‐HPLC. The isolated quercetin (57.9 μg) also showed lethal effects on HT‐29 human colon cancer cells. This method may be effective for evaluating quercetin in radish extracts.

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.

Potential Repellency and Toxicity of Hexane Extracts from <i>Cyperus rotundus</i> to <i>Tetranychus urticae</i> Koch. (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the acaricidal and repellency effect of Cyperus rotundus extract, an important weed plant, on Tetranychus urticae adults. Randomized complete block with 4 replicates was adopted. The hexane C. rotundus extract was obtained from tubers using the Soxhlet apparatus, then diluted to 5 concentrations (C1-100%, C2-50%, C3-25%, C4-10% and C5-1%), and a control (distillate water). Results showed that five concentrations caused significant mortality of T. urticae adults 24, 48 and 72 hr after treatment. The higher mortality was observed with C1 concentration of C. rotundus extract 72 hr after treatment (97%). Three concentrations C1, C2 and C3 showed a repellent effect on T. urticae adults. The repellence index ranged from 25 to 55% for C3 and C1, respectively. The present study demonstrated that the C. rotundus extracts could be an effective acaricide on T. urticae adults since the LC50 obtained was 30.95%.

Ambient-condition curable high internal phase emulsion as a 3D-printable and scalable porous template

High internal phase emulsion (HIPE) presents an attractive approach for fabricating porous materials, however, most of which require external energy input (e.g., heat, UV) to solidify soft colloid templates into robust polymeric skeleton structures. Herein, a ketone-group-containing ambient-condition curable (ACC) copolymer was prepared in order to create a polyHIPE system based on the keto-hydrazide chemistry. Tailored design is made possible by the adaptable construction feature of ACC copolymer, and its amphiphilic properties significantly expand the selection of water-in-oil (W/O) HIPE stabilizers. By utilizing the unmodified ZnO nanoparticles as stabilizers and anti-shrinkage agents based on ionic crosslinking, and employing the ACC copolymer solution as the continuous phase, we streamlined the stabilization modification step, removed the need for purifying polyHIPE, and established a rapid, straightforward, and cost-effective polyHIPE preparation protocol. Results demonstrated that the obtained polyHIPEs exhibit ideal pore structures, with densities as low as 0.046 g/cm³ and porosities exceeding 90%, exhibiting remarkable stability, 3D printing feasibility, and the capacity for crosslinking under ambient circumstances. By using Soxhlet extraction, the gel content of polyHIPEs was found to be 65.5%, and mechanical characteristics were assessed up to 1.9 MPa. The technique’s successful 20-fold scaled-up HIPE production further confirms it as a promising and straightforward approach for large-scale, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly manufacture of self-curable HIPEs.

Fractionation and identification of bioactive compounds from a salt marsh plant Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) and its antioxidant activity

Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial and halophyte belonging to the family Aizoaceae. Bioactive compound identification from halophytes is more helpful for the drug development process. The present investigation was to fractionate and identify the bioactive compounds of leaf extracts from Sesuvium potrucastrulam and evaluate their antioxidant potential. The Soxhlet extraction method was used in this study, and column chromatography was done for the partial purification. The bactericidal activity of the fraction was determined using the agar-well diffusion technique, and the effective fraction was analysed by GC-MS. A hydrogen peroxide-reducing assay was carried out on the antioxidant activity of the elite fraction. Five active fractions were collected from the crude extract. Fraction (F3) exhibited promising antibacterial and antioxidant activity. GS-MS analysis suggested the active compounds of the elite fraction are n-Hexadecanoic acid (29.70%), oleic acid (8.08%), octadecatrienoic acid (8.01%), 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (6.65%), tertracosamethyl-cyclododecasiloxane (6.55%), and lineolic acid (4.68%).

UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, cytotoxic, enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant properties of Lantana camara L. extracts obtained by conventional and nonconventional methods.

Lantana camara is widely known as a garden plant, but its use for various medicinal purposes is widespread in traditional medicine. In the frame of this study, L. camara was subjected to several different extraction techniques, including supercritical carbon dioxide extraction, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), homogenizer-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, maceration, and Soxhlet extraction. The investigation encompasses the analysis of the chemical composition alongside assessments of biological activities, such as antioxidant and enzyme-inhibition potential and cytotoxicity of the obtained extracts. The obtained results showed that the extract obtained by accelerated-solvent extraction was the richest in the content of total phenols and of individual compounds. Of the 17 components identified in total, hispidulin was detected in the highest concentration (5.43-475.97 mg/kg). In the antioxidant assays, the extracts obtained by accelerated-solvent and microwave extraction possessed the highest level of antioxidant and antiradical protection. All obtained extracts showed enzyme-inhibitory action on amylase, glucosidase, tyrosinase, and cholinesterase, showing a high potential for application against diseases induced by excessive activity of these enzymes. Cytotoxic analysis was performed on normal and tumor cells, whereby the obtained IC50 values were in the range of 7.685-79.26 µg/mL, showing the high cytotoxicity of the obtained extracts. Using Z score analysis, ASE resulted in an optimal combination of tested quality characteristics of the L. camara extracts.

Systematic Evaluation of Aegle marmelos-Derived Compounds: Potential Therapeutic Agents Against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress.

Aim This study aimed to evaluate the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Aegle marmelos active compoundsthrough a multifaceted approach. The investigation encompasses molecular docking studies, computational pharmacokinetic predictions, and in vitro assessments, with a focus on understanding their physiochemical properties, pharmacokinetics, and molecular interactions. Materials and methods This study was conducted in the Research Departmentof Biochemistry, Saveetha Medical College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Tamilnadu, India. The study employed Soxhlet and methanol extraction techniques to obtain Aegle marmelos extracts, which were then subjected to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the H2O2 assay, while anti-inflammatory potential was determined via the egg albumin denaturation assay. Molecular docking studies were conducted with human heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and human zanthine oxidoreductase (XO) proteins to elucidate potential therapeutic interactions. Furthermore, computational tools like SwissADME, pkCSM, and ADMETlab 2.0 were utilized to predict physiochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, providing insights into the compoundabsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles. This integrated approach aimed to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos-derived compounds against inflammation and oxidative stress-related disorders, paving the way for future drug development endeavors. Results In the antioxidant assay, Aegle marmelos methanolic tuber extracts showed exceptional absorption of 87.4%, surpassing the reference standard. In the anti-inflammatory assay, the extracts displayed an absorption of approximately 79%, indicating significant anti-inflammatory potential. Auraptene, imperatorin, luvangetin, and psoralen exhibited favorable pharmacokinetic properties and adherence to the Lipinski rule of 5, suggesting promising drug development potential. In molecular docking, imperatorin demonstrated the highest binding affinity to HHO-1 and XO. Conclusion The study on Aegle marmelos highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Phytochemical constituents, such as auraptene, imperatorin, luvangetin, and psoralen, show promising pharmacokinetic profiles, suggesting their suitability for drug development. Molecular docking analysis reveals imperatorin as the most effective binder to key enzymes, emphasizing its therapeutic potential against inflammation and oxidative stress-related disorders.

Evaluation of the chemical composition and quantification of capsaicin in oleoresin from peppers of the genus Capsicum spp.

Capsaicinoids are natural compounds characteristic of peppers that condition their spicy flavor. The fruits are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries as they have anticancer, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Extracts are normally obtained using organic solvents as they are efficient in transporting bioactives such as capsaicin. Therefore, the present work aimed to extract and quantify the capsaicinoids found in fruits and seeds of pepper accessions of the genus Capsicum from the active germplasm bank of the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo. The extraction process was carried out using 99.8% P.A. ethanol as solvent using Soxhlet equipment, and for quantification of capsaicin a UV-Vis spectrophotometer was used at 280 nm. The oleoresin yield was 33% in relation to the dry pepper mass. To determine the amount of capsaicin in the sample, a calibration curve was constructed with the standard ~95%. The concentrations of capsaicins in the extracts were found in the ranges of 97.81 and 419.79 mg. g-1. The analysis of variance presented a coefficient of variance of 0.3%, which means that no difference occurred at 5% significance using the Tukey test. The samples of the Ifes 100 and Ifes 71 accessions, of the species Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum and Capsicum frutescens, respectively, with the highest amounts of capsaicins per mass of extract and the accessions Ifes 56 and Ifes 62 presented the lowest amounts of capsaicin, both corresponding to the species Capsicum chinense. The Soxhlet extraction method, with organic solvent ethanol, was efficient in transporting capsaicinoid compounds, presenting a yield of around 33% in the formation of oleoresin. The process of quantifying capsaicinoid compounds proved to be efficient, identifying the presence of the active capsaicin in the accesses analyzed, identifying genotypes of interest to be explored in crop improvement.