Total Ash Research Articles

Enhancing the oil extraction process and exploring phytochemical composition and bioactivities of bitter melon seeds (Momordica charantia L.)

This study was conducted to determine the phytochemical composition of bitter melon seeds (Momordica charantia L.) grown in Long An province (Vietnam), to investigate optimal conditions for lipid extraction, and to evaluate the extracted lipid’s quality. The seeds had a moisture content of 5.27%, total ash of 1.85%, total flavonoid content of 91.10 mg/100 g, and total polyphenol content of 478.95 mg/100 g. The seeds were also free of highly toxic metals such as lead and cadmium. Using the Soxhlet method, optimal lipid extraction was achieved with a material-to-solvent ratio of 1:80 (w/v) over 4 hours, resulting in a lipid extraction efficiency of 13.74%. The acid, saponification, ester, and peroxide values were 1.01 mg KOH/g, 355.60 mg KOH/g, 354.59 mg KOH/g, and 3.82 meq O2/kg, respectively, in compliance with the quality requirements of Vietnam and Codex standards. The extracted lipids had antioxidant activity at an IC50 value of 119 mg/mL and inhibited the growth of two microbial strains Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis subsp. spizizenii. These findings suggest that bitter melon oil has potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

The effect of fermentation temperature and duration on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of kocho

Although Kocho is a traditional fermented food widely consumed in Ethiopia, improper fermentation conditions continue to pose a significant challenge. This study aimed to examine the impact of fermentation temperature and duration on kocho quality, utilizing a completely randomized design (CRD). Standard methodologies were employed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, microbial composition, and sensory characteristics of kocho. Data analysis was conducted using Minitab software version 19.2. The fermentation conditions had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory attributes of kocho. Across all fermentation conditions, crude protein content ranged from 3.82 to 4.98%, crude fat content ranged from 0.76 to 1.18%, crude fiber content ranged from 1.71 to 3.18%, total ash content ranged from 1.86 to 2.32%, and carbohydrate content was between 85.74 and 87.86%. The recorded pH values were between 4.10 and 5.88, with titratable acidity (TA) ranging from 0.16 to 0.49%. Microbial analysis revealed varying levels of total mesophilic bacteria (TMB), yeast and mold, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which ranged from 4.96 to 8.48 log cfu/g, 2.43–6.05 log cfu/g, and 4.54–8.85 log cfu/g, respectively. The kocho sample fermented for 12 days at 32 °C achieved the highest mean scores in sensory attributes, including color (4.2), odor (4.1), taste (4.3), appearance (4.4), and overall acceptance (4.3). The optimal sensory quality of kocho was attained using a 2% fermented kocho starter culture at a fermentation temperature of 32 °C for 12 days.

Nutritional profiles of some preferred food grasses of the greater one-horned rhinoceros before and after grassland burning in Manas National Park, India

The nutritional variations of food plants play a significant role in the health and population dynamics of wildlife. The body conditions of vulnerable greater one-horned (GOH) rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Manas National Park, Assam, India deteriorate noticeably during the late monsoon to winter, and improve after routine grassland burning, when rhinos feed on the newly emerged leaves and young shoots of grasses. To investigate this, we analysed the nutritional parameters of the leaves of five grass species preferred by rhinos, including three tall (Saccharum spontaneum, S.narenga and Imperata cylindrica) and two short grasses (Cynodon dactylon and Axonopus compressus), before and after grassland burning. Leaf samples were collected in triplicate from five different sites in MNP before (September) and after (March) grassland burning. Biochemical analyses showed the highest crude protein content in S. narenga before and after grassland burning. S. spontaneum and S. narenga had the highest and second highest fat contents, respectively, after grassland burning. Crude fibre content in S. narenga increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) after grassland burning, but not in the other two tall grasses. The total ash content and the acid-insoluble ash content increased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) in post-burning samples of all five grasses. The short grasses A. compressus and C. dactylon showed the highest calcium and phosphorus contents, respectively, after grassland burning, highlighting their significance in the diets of GOH rhinos along with tall grasses with higher proximate nutrient contents, and their contribution to the improved health status of rhinos after grassland burning. This study will be helpful for improved management of rhino health and their habitats, essential to maintaining the progress made in MNP since the 2008 to 2012 GOH rhino reintroductions under the Rhino Vision 2020 initiative.

Physicochemical and functional properties of yogurt enriched with ultrafiltered juice of Red Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) as a functional ingredient

Yogurt has long been recognized as a health-promoting food for its bioavailability of protein, energy, probiotics and calcium, increasing digestibility, as well as preventing potential diseases beyond basic nutritional function. Recently, yogurt has become one of those foods whose functional properties are developed by adding functional substances with a potential positive effect on health. The objective was to evaluate the effect of ultrafiltered juice of red fruits of O. ficus-indica as a functional ingredient in yogurt. A completely randomized block design (CRBD) was used. The treatments were: yogurt with 0 % ultrafiltered red prickly pear juice (Y0) as a control; yogurt with 10 % ultrafiltered red prickly pear juice (Y1); yogurt with 20 % ultrafiltered red prickly pear (Y2); and yogurt with 30 % ultrafiltered red prickly pear juice (Y3). The variables to measure in each yogurt treatment were pH during lactic fermentation and the final product, syneresis, energy content, colorimetry, composition (total solids, protein, fat and ash), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP), phenol content and sensory evaluation. The incorporation of red prickly pear ultrafiltrates accelerated antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents. Finally, the sensory panel satisfactorily accepted the incorporation of red prickly pear ultrafiltered in yogurt. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54167/tch.v18i4.1614

Evaluation of the pod yield and quality of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) varieties cultivated on mulching materials in northwestern Ethiopia

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is a versatile warm-season vegetable cultivated year-round in Ethiopia. Moreover, the demand of okra pod is very high however; its yield and quality is hindered by limited adoption of improved varieties and soil moisture stress. To address these issues, a dry season experiment was conducted at Gorgora Horticultural Research Site, University of Gondar, Ethiopia from February to May 2023 to assess the pod yield and quality of okra varieties on different mulching materials. The study involved three okra varieties (Beles, Qenqes, and Wayka) and three mulching materials (rice straw, sawdust, and water hyacinth), plus a control, in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Statistical analysis was employed using SAS software version 9.4 and significance were determined using least significant difference tests at a 5% probability level. The results revealed both varieties and mulches had significant influence on yield and quality of okra pod. Variety Wayka cultivated with water hyacinth or rice straw mulch showed more number of pod harvests; on the other hand Qenqes cultivated with water hyacinth had greater (22.21 g/100 g) fiber content. Variety Qenqes recorded early (52.43 days) pod setting with maximum (32.31 g) pod weight, (15.28 cm) pod length, (2.54 cm) pod diameter, (9.85%) total ash and minimum (89.80%) moisture content, whereas Wayka had the greatest pod yield (13.40 t/ha). In case of mulching materials, water hyacinth mulch achieved maximum pod weight and pod length, in addition to this it improved early pod setting, pod diameter and pod yield at par with rice straw mulch. This study tentatively suggested the use of variety Qenqes for early quality pods and variety Wayka for more pod yields production. Moreover, water hyacinth or rice straw mulches improved earliness, pod yield and quality. For the future, it is better to repeate the study in different location and season with incorporation of other varieties.

Antibacterial Activity Test of Malacca Leaf Extract (Phyllanthus emblica) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis Bacteria

Antibacterials are substances that can interfere with the growth or even kill bacteria and have the side effect of antibacterial resistance. One effort to reduce resistance is choosing to use natural bacterial ingredients. One plant that can potentially contain antibacterial activity is malacca leaves (Phyllanthus emblica). The contents of this plant include flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids/triterpenoids. This research aimed to prove the antibacterial activity test of malacca leaf extract. The stages in this research included phytochemical screening and testing the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from Malacca leaves for Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria using the diffusion method using paper discs. The characteristics of malacca leaf simplicia obtained were water content of 4.6%, water-soluble content of 28%, ethanol-soluble essence content of 23.33%, total ash content of 2.00%, and insoluble ash content of 0.5%. The results of phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, and steroids/triterpenoids. The antibacterial test results of malacca leaf extract at concentrations of 500 mg/ml, 400 mg/ml, 300 mg/ml, and 200 mg/ml have an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and there is no difference in the effectiveness of the inhibitor against gram-positive and negative grams.

Effect of kefir grain concentration on rheological, microbiological, and physicochemical characteristics of bovine colostrum kefir

Bovine colostrum has high nutrition content such as protein, fat, peptide, micro-nutrients, antimicrobial components and bioactive compounds that benefit the body. Kefir is one way of diversifying food products as fermented beverage products to increase the utilization and functional properties of bovine colostrum, which has a unique taste. Production of colostrum kefir requires the right concentration of kefir grains to obtain high-quality characteristics. Evaluating the effect of kefir grain concentration on the rheological, microbiological, and physicochemical characteristics of bovine colostrum kefir was the purpose of this research. This study used one factorial design with the variation of kefir grain concentrations 10% (T1), 20% (T2), and 30% (T3) (w/v) with seven replications. Rheological analysis was conducted, followed by total lactic acid bacteria, yeast, microbes, protein, fat, ash, water content, carbohydrate, pH, total dissolved solids and alcohol content. Based on the result, different kefir grain concentrations significantly decreased total LAB, yeast, microbes, protein, ash, pH, and total dissolved solids but increased carbohydrate and water content with the addition of kefir grain concentration. Rheology behavior, fats, and alcohol content had no significant difference. Treatment of 10% of kefir grain concentration is the most suitable as it contains the highest total LAB and yeast.

Formation and Preparation of Herbal Hair Tonic

Today, people are keenly interested in hair preparations and conditioner materials that includes shampoos, hair tonic, and conditioner formulation with herbal extracts. Hair tonic is the product which is used in styling hair. The objective of the present study involved the preparation of herbal hair tonic through the use of jojoba, tulsi, and coconut oil and its evaluation for antifungal and antibacterial activity. The final preparation of these ingredients is formulated in batches with change in concentration. Each formulation is tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity. The formulation of different concentrations was characterized for proximate analysis including moisture content, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, water insoluble ash, sulphated ash. It means for antifungal and antibacterial activity the formulation gives good results, the formulation having good consistency, good spread ability, homogeneity, appearance, and pH.

&lt;i&gt;Grewia asiatica&lt;/i&gt;: An In-depth Analysis of its Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Potency, and Implications in Cancer Therapeutics

Background: Cancer is a global health issue, and natural medicinal plants like Grewia asiatica, also known as ‘Phalsa’, offer a promising alternative to synthetic medications due to their antipyretic, antidiabetic, analgesic, antibiotic, and antimicrobial properties. G. asiatica leaves possess a wide range of therapeutic actions like antipyretic, antidiabetic, antibiotic, and anticancer properties. Aim: This study aimed to explore the pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant activity, and anticancer potential of G. asiatica leaves. Methods: G. asiatica leaves, pharmacognostical, phytochemical and proximal analysis were carried out by standard qualitative and quantitative methods. The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay whereas anticancer activity was determined using five different human cancer cell line (DU-145, MDA-MB-231, HT-29, SK-OV-3, A-549) by SRB assay. Results: The micromorphological evaluation of G. asiatica leaves revealed unique characteristics, aiding in species identification. Physicochemical parameters, including total ash and extractive values, assessed quality control. Preliminary phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a total phenolic content of 20.19 ± 1.34 mg gallic acid equivalent/g in EEGA, emphasizing its potential antioxidant properties. The total flavonoid content was 7.59 ± 0.71 mg rutin equivalent/g, further supporting the antioxidant potential. In vitro antioxidant assays, including DPPH and FRAP, confirmed EEGA’s strong scavenging activity and reducing power. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using five human cancer cell lines revealed minimal cytotoxic effects, with GI50 values exceeding 80 μg/mL. Conclusion: The study provides comprehensive insights into the micromorphological, phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties of G. asiatica leaves. While exhibiting promising antioxidant activity, further research is warranted to explore its anticancer potential at higher concentrations. The findings underscore the importance of G. asiatica leaves as a potential source of natural antioxidants and warrant further investigation for its role in cancer prevention and treatment.

Formulation of aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) meat toothpaste and antibacterial activity tests on Streptococcus mutans bacteria

Introduction: Aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) is a plant that contains 95% water. The rest is in the form of other active ingredients (essential oils, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins). The type of aloe vera used to make herbal aloe vera is the Barbadensis type, which contains substances for human needs, such as Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. This plant can also cure diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. Aloe vera can be formulated into toothpaste preparations because it can improve hygiene and reduce plaque in the mouth. Objective: This study aimed to make a new formulation of (aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) as a toothpaste preparation and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Methods: This study uses an experimental method. In this study, aloe vera was formulated as toothpaste. The physical evaluation carried out included tests for water content, total ash content, water-soluble extract content, ethanol-soluble extract content, acid-insoluble extract content, organoleptic test, oh test, homogeneity test, spreadability test, adhesion test, test viscosity, and foam formation test. Results: Based on the research results, it can be seen that aloe vera flesh has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Conclusion: This research concludes to make a new formulation of (aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) as a toothpaste preparation and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Antioxidant Activity of Murici Pulps (Byrsonima spp., Malpighiaceae) Sold in the Municipality of Santarém-PA, Brazil

Introduction: Murici is valued by the local population for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which are attributed to its phenolic compounds and ca-rotenoids, although its quality and properties are not well-known. Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the quality of murici pulp (Byrsonima spp.) commercialized in some places of Santarém, Pará, Brazil. Methods: Murici pulp samples were collected in Santarém and Curuá, PA, between October 2022 and January 2023. The samples were packed in plastic containers and stored in a refriger-ated laboratory. Physicochemical analyses included pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ash content, moisture, phenolic compounds, proteins, and sugars, following standard methods. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Results: Murici pulp pH ranged from 3.2 to 3.6, all within legal limits, indicating higher acidity suitable for consumption. Titratable acidity ranged from 15.89 to 63.57 meq kg⁻¹, meeting regu-latory standards. Ash content varied from 0.15% to 0.86%, moisture from 75.11% to 83.58%, and phenolic compounds from 2.73 to 3.64 mg GA g⁻¹. Significant statistical differences were observed in all analyses, highlighting the nutritional and antioxidant potential of the pulp. Conclusion: Murici pulp samples showed low sugar and starch concentrations but high total acidity and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). pH levels met legal standards, with significant variations due to ripeness and environmental factors. The study underscores murici's health benefits and quality variations influenced by environmental conditions and processing factors. conclusion: There were high values for antioxidant activity, all samples presented a pH value above the minimum value established by the equivalent legislation. In relation to soluble solids, only four samples obtained relatively low results, sugar analyzes demonstrated reduced values.

Microscopic, Micromeritic and Phytochemical Analysis of the Leaves of Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G. Lodd.) I. M. Turner, A Plant with Potential Pharmacognistic Uses

Background: Pseuderanthemum maculatum, Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G.Lodd.) I.M.Turner [previously Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.) Guillaumin var. carruthersii] is an ornamental plant with potential pharmacognostic uses in the management of hypertension and cancers. There hadn’t been much work done on this plant previously hence making the current research work very much significant. Methods: The leaves were collected, identified, air dried, pulverized, weighed and subjected to evaluation parameters using standard procedures. GC-MS analysis was also carried out on the dichloromethane extract of the leaf. Results: The results showed that the stomatal distribution was hypostomatic with diacytic stomatal type. Stomatal index was 23.12% and the stomatal number was 60 (69.9 ± 2.65)86. Flow rate of the leaf was poor with the bulk volume of 32.30 ± 1.04, tapped volume of 21.8 ± 0.76, bulk density of 0.32 ± 0.02, tapped density of 0.46 ± 0.02, angle of repose 42.65°, Carr's index of 31.06% and Hausner's ratio of 1.45 ± 0.03. The chemomicroscopy and fluorescence analyses revealed characteristic features for the drug. The water-soluble, methanol-soluble, ethanol-soluble extractive values were 20.67 %w/w, 11.67 %w/w and 11.33 %w/w respectively. The moisture content of the leaf powder was 9.84%w/w. The total ash, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 6.72%w/w, 1.34%w/w and 16.17%w/w respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 11 chemical constituents with phytochemicals such as hexanoic acid, benzoic acid, undecenoic acid, heptanoic acid and Eicosane which are of useful pharmaceutical importance. Conclusion: These data obtained from the pharmacognostic studies provides information about the identity, purity and quality of Pseuderanthemum maculatum.

Assessment of proximate composition, mineral element profile and antioxidant properties of the edible oyster mushroom grown in Bangladesh

Mushrooms have been considered as a therapeutic and nutrient-rich foods in numerous countries for years due to their significant levels of nutritional components, vitamins and antioxidants. This study aimed to assess the nutrient content, mineral profile and antioxidant properties of eight different kinds of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus sp.) cultivated in Bangladesh. The mushrooms were analyzed for their moisture content, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibers, ash, vitamin A, and vitamin C. The mineral profile included sodium, potassium, calcium, and iron, as well as heavy metals. Antioxidant activities were evaluated through various methods, including phenolic, flavonoid and tannin content, total antioxidant activity, and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl) scavenging capacity. The findings revealed that the mushrooms under investigation were high in carbohydrate (ranges between 45.25 and 63.22 g/100 g), protein (23.48–33.16 g/100 g) and dietary fiber (42.87–52.31 g/100 g). The total ash content was ranged from 7.28 to 9.41 g/100 g and vitamin C content was 0.020–0.416 mg/100 g. Interestingly, all of the mushrooms had a lower fat content (0.91–2.6%). The mineral profile indicated the presence of varying concentrations of essential elements. Hazardous heavy metals, such as Cd and Cr were not detected in the mushroom sample, while As and Pb were detected but lower than the tolerance levels. The oyster mushrooms exhibited high levels of phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, as well as significant antioxidant capacity. A methanol extract of the oyster mushrooms exhibited scavenging activity against DPPH in a dose dependent manner with the highest capacity (75.4%) obtained at a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Our result suggests that these studied oyster mushrooms could be a good source of nutrition and antioxidants, which could be used as functional foods.

Quality attributes and antioxidant activity of stirred yoghurt fortified with some nano-fruit waste powders

Agro-industrial wastes have emerged as a significant source of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using nano-powders of some fruit wastes, namely; apricot (Prunus sp.) and peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) kernels, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind and banana (Musa spp.) peel as functional ingredients (0.5%) in stirred yoghurt, as well as their effect on the antioxidant activity, quality characteristics, viability of yoghurt starter culture and sensory attributes. Results revealed that the fortification process significantly (P < 0.05) elevated the total solids, fat, protein and ash contents, especially with apricot and peach kernels (AK and PK), which distinctly increased fat by average values of 3.46 and 3.40%, and protein by 3.70 and 3.68% during storage compared to control (3.12 and 3.57%), respectively. The addition of watermelon rind (WMR) increased the titratable acidity (0.97%) and viscosity (463.59 cP) with a significant reduction of syneresis (16.38%), increased the total viable count of starter culture, acetaldehyde and diacetyl contents (167.10 and 18.82 mg/100 g) in yoghurt, followed by banana peel (BP). Stirred yoghurt fortified with BP nano-powder had the highest total phenolic content (20.96 mg gallic acid/g) and DPPH scavenging activity (31.93%) as average values during storage compared to the other nano-fruit wastes. Sensory attributes of stirred yoghurt were improved with the addition of WMR and BP during storage periods, compared to those fortified with AK and PK. All the nano-powders of the studied fruit wastes constitute excellent raw materials for the development of novel functional stirred yoghurt.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL EVALUATION OF CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM (BLUME.) BARK: A WIDELY USED TRADITIONAL INDIAN MEDICINE WITH PROMISING THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, commonly known as Dalchini or cinnamon, is a revered botanical species in Indian traditional medicine owing to its diverse therapeutic properties. This study presents a comprehensive botanical and pharmacognostic evaluation of zeylanicum bark aimed at understanding its medicinal potential and ensuring quality control measures. Botanical evaluation involved morphological characterization, including macroscopic and microscopic features, to identify the distinctive traits of zeylanicum bark. Additionally, physicochemical characteristics include total ash and acid-insoluble ash, moisture content, and water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extractive values were determined according to standard procedures. Pharmacognostic evaluation encompassed the determination of phytochemical constituents using various chemical tests. Primary and secondary metabolites, including tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoids, are present and investigated, providing insights into the chemical composition of zeylanicum bark. The research's conclusions add to establishing quality control parameters for zeylanicum bark, ensuring its authenticity, purity, and efficacy in traditional medicine formulations. Moreover, the detailed pharmacognostic analysis provides valuable information for further exploration of its therapeutic potential and pharmacological applications in modern healthcare practices.

Effect of fruit pulp and sugar concentration on the physicochemical, phytochemical and sensory characteristics of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) leather

Starfruit is an underutilized fruit and is rich in vitamin C. Fruit leather from starfruit was prepared in this study and analyses of its physicochemical, phytochemical, and sensory characteristics were performed. Five samples named A, B, C, D and E were prepared with different proportions of fruit pulp:sugar of 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15 and 90:10, respectively. All the prepared samples were subjected to analyses. Phytochemical contents were found to increase with increasing fruit pulp proportion, thus sample E (90:10) was found to be the best in terms of phytochemical content. Similarly, product sample C (80:20) was scored the highest by the panelist in terms of sensory aspect. The best product sample C had total soluble solids (TSS) of 31 ± 2 °Bx, total ash content of 2.482 ± 0.001 %, acid insoluble ash of 1.0013 ± 0.002 %, crude protein of 0.5902 ± 0.004 %, crude fat of 0.3514 ± 0.003 %, crude fiber of 0.8991 ± 0.003 %, carbohydrate of 95.67 ± 0.04 %, vitamin C of 24.24 ± 0.1 mg/100g, total energy of 338.11 ± 0.04 Kcal/100 g, total phenolic content (TPC) of 6.105 ± 0.001 mg GAE/g of dry extract, total flavonoid content (TFC) of 1.125 ± 0.002 mg QE/g of dry extract and DPPH scavenging activity of 27.268 ± 0.001 %. Panelists responded favorably to the prepared product samples.

Stability characterizations of feed-based bivalent vaccine containing inactivated Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas hydrophila against streptococcosis and Aeromonas infections in red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.).

Feed-based bivalent vaccine (FBBV) containing killed whole organism (KWO) of Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas hydrophila with 10% palm oil was previously proved to improve red hybrid tilapia's (Oreochromis sp.) immunity against streptococcosis and Aeromonas infections. This study characterized the FBBV's stability following the preparatory process and storage. The FBBV was prepared, and the KWO's stability was determined microscopically and molecularly. The efficacy of FBBV stored at room temperature (25 ± 2°C) for 0, 30 and 60 days was investigated in red hybrid tilapia. The results indicated the addition of palm oil was not affecting the KWO's structure and helping in the FBBV's pelletization. In 1g of FBBV contained 1.5 × 109 CFU/g of S. agalactiae and 4.9 × 109 CFU/g of A. hydrophila, respectively, even after 60 days of storage at room temperature. The KWO's structure in FBBV was not affected following in vitro acidic tolerance analysis, as noted from light and electron microscopies. The FBBV's carbohydrate, energy, moisture, total protein and total ash contents remained stable at 95% after 60 days of storage at room temperature, while the KWO's concentration was slightly reduced to 83.3% for S. agalactiae (1.25 × 109 CFU/g) and 80.6% for A. hydrophila (3.85 × 109 CFU/g), respectively. Fish vaccinated with FBBV that was stored for 0, 30 and 60 days did not show any significant differences (p ≥ 0.05) in the relative percent survival when challenged with pathogenic Streptococcus spp. and Aeromonas spp. These findings suggested that the FBBV is a stable vaccine, which underscores its potential application as aquatic vaccines in aquaculture.

Assessment of Quality parameters and Safety in Indigofera tinctoria L. (Avuri) Rootbark extract

Avuri (Indigofera tinctoria Linn) has widely been used for the treatment of poisonous bites, epilepsy, nervous disorders, bronchitis, dermatological disorders, and liver ailments in Indian traditional medicine. Extensive research has been made into the aerial extracts of this plant for medicine preparation. Despite being used in medicinal formulations, especially in the treatment of poisonous bites the root bark has been less studied. This study is the physiochemical and safety of methanolic extract of Avuri verpattai. Roots were excised from mature plants collected from the Hills of Palani, then the root bark was peeled and air-dried. Extraction was done in a Soxhlet apparatus using a methanolic extraction procedure. Further, the extracts were used for preliminary phytochemical, physiochemical analysis, and safety analysis like aflatoxin, pesticide residue, Microbial contamination, and heavy metals. The phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, steroids, triterpenoids, coumarin, phenol, tannin, saponin, sugar and betacyanin. The physiochemical tests conducted on the root bark extract unveiled specific parameters: pH(4.73), Total ash (3.59% w/w), acid insoluble ash (0.4751% w/w), loss on drying at 105°C(3.45% w/w), water-soluble extractive (8.74%w/w), and alcohol soluble extractive (1.91% w/w). The bulk density was 0.2496g/ml, while the tapped density was determined as 0.4940g/ml for the extracts. Safety assessment conducted via aflatoxin analysis, microbial contamination, and pesticide residues, indicated the absence of such toxins in the extract. Additionally, trace amounts of heavy metals mercury and arsenic were detected at levels of 0.334 and 1.970ppm, respectively. The study reveals that the Methanolic extract of Avuri verpattai has significant quality and safety. Consequently, these parameters can serve in the study of Avuri verpattai Extract, as an important Siddha medicinal preparation.

Macroscale properties and atomic-scale mechanisms of ash removal in low-temperature hydrothermal carbonization

Biogenic ash is a significant impediment to the utilization of agricultural residues in biofuel production. Such challenge can be addressed by various treatments, as demonstrated in this study on the experimental and computational mechanisms involved in the hydrothermal treatment (HT) of wheat straw. A combination of classical (all-atom) molecular dynamics simulations of cellulose carrying silica and calcium species, along with first principles quantum chemical calculations, indicates the dissociation of inorganics from the cellulose with increased HT temperature. This observation is confirmed by experimental evidence of effective ash removal by HT, showing at least 50% removal of sulfur, chlorine, potassium, and calcium, and 12.5% of silica, leading to a reduced total ash content (from 6.7% to 4.2%).Changes in structural features upon HT, such as surface cellular structure and porosity, were revealed, accompanied by an increased specific surface area (from 1.17 to 6.34 m2/g). Our simulations suggest that silica binds tightly to the hydrophobic face of cellulose at room temperature, but HT significantly reduces the binding free energy of association with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. Most significantly, ash removal leads to an increased calorific value, rising from approximately 16 MJ/kg to about 19 MJ/kg, along with improved thermal behavior. The improved integration combustion index parameter S indicates that the combustion properties improve with ash removal efficiency. The proposed atomic-level mechanism for the observed removal of inorganics during mild HT underscores the potential of such treatment in producing energy-dense wheat straw, a widely available agricultural residue.

Pharmacognostic standardization and phytochemical evaluation of Ficus rumphii blume leaves in Thailand

BackgroundFicus rumphii Blume has long been used in ethnomedicinal practices and is regarded as one of the medicinal plants in Thai traditional herbal formulas for diabetes treatment. At present, published data on pharmacognostic study of this plant for its identity, quality, and purity is still limited. ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish the pharmacognostic standardization parameters of Ficus rumphii leaves in Thailand. MethodsThe pharmacognostic study of F. rumphii leaves collected from 12 different sources throughout Thailand was conducted according to the methods described in WHO guidelines including macroscopic, microscopic, physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening, and TLC fingerprint. ResultsMacroscopic and microscopic characteristics of F. rumphii leaves were reported in this study. Physicochemical parameters showed the value of loss on drying (6.87 ± 0.79 %), total ash (16.28 ± 5.76 %), acid insoluble ash (7.54 ± 4.53 %), water content (9.58 ± 2.49 %), water extractive matters (4.71 ± 1.75 %) and ethanol extractive matters (1.30 ± 0.52 %). Preliminary phytochemical screening of hexane, ethanol, and aqueous extracted revealed the presence of phenolic, flavonoid, diterpene, triterpene, steroid, saponin, and cardiac glycoside which were confirmed by TLC fingerprint profiles of ethanolic extract of this plant. ConclusionThis study is the first report on the pharmacognostic specification of F. rumphii leaves in Thailand, which could be used as a reference for quality control and the species identification of this plant material.