Unexplored Plant Research Articles

Exploring various extracts and compounds of Grewia velutina as potential anticancer agents: An in vitro and in silico investigations

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the potential anticancer properties and chemical constituents of an unexplored plant (Grewia velutina) extracts. Three distinct extracts of hexane (GVH), chloroform (GVC) and methanol(GVM) of the plant were used to check their anticancer activity against four prominent cancer cell lines (HepG2, DU145, Hela, A549), and the results were compared with the standard chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Anticancer assays revealed that the GVC extract exhibited highest activity than others, with IC50 values of 61.06 µg/mL, 47.87 µg/mL, 88.76 µg/mL, and 87.99 µg/mL against HepG2, DU145, Hela, and A549 cell lines, respectively and reflected a comparable activity to doxorubicin, highlighting its potential as an effective anticancer agent. With the help of chemical profiling data, molecular docking studies were performed and this study suggested that ionol, present in GVC extract is the most active compound against all the cancerous cells.

Unveiling the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, acute toxicity insight and analgesic effect of Retama dasycarpa stems: An unexplored endemic plant from Morocco

Retama dasycarpa is an endemic shrubby leguminous plant of Morocco used in traditional folk medicine. The plant has never been studied for either its phytochemical or pharmacological properties. This study represents the first investigation of the phytochemical profile as well as the antioxidant, the antibacterial, the analgesic effects and the oral acute toxicity of Retama dasycarpa. Watery and hydromethanolic stems plant macerates have been investigated. Secondary metabolites quantitative analysis was achieved through spectrophotometric techniques. Antioxidant effect was explored through DPPH, ABTS and FRAP trials. Antibacterial activity was investigated using a micro-plates dilution assay. Analgesic activity was explored through acetic acid-induced writhing and tail-flick methods. Acute oral toxicity was investigated on mice. Phytochemical analysis was achieved through UHPLC connected to diode array and mass spectrometry detectors.The obtained results showed significant contents in total phenolics, flavonoids and tannins in both extracts especially the hydromethanolic extract whose contents were slighlty higher than the aqueous one resulting in a remarkable antioxidant activity. Compared to the aqueous extract, the H2O:MeOH (1:1) one showed notable antibacterial activity against the tested strains. The acute toxicity in mice revealed the non-toxicity of the extracts along with a promised starting material of central and peripheral analgesics. The UHPLC analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive phytochemicals pertaining to phenolic acids, flavonols, flavones and isoflavones.The obtained results demonstrate the richness of this endemic and unexplored plant in terms of bioactive compounds and their associated activities, making it a promising source of pharmacological ingredients.

The Application of Probiotic Bacteria from Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa × Duch.) in the Fermentation of Strawberry Tree Fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) Extract.

The search for unexplored plant resources that would provide a good basis for the development of novel probiotic functional foods is rapidly increasing. In this context, the strawberry tree fruit (Arbutus unedo L.) is particularly interesting, as it is rich in numerous antioxidant bioactive compounds that have been shown to be beneficial to health, but have not yet found industrial applications. In this work, the probiotic characterization of lactic acid bacteria strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DB2, isolated from strawberries (Fragaria ananassa × Duch.), was performed. The tested strain proved to be safe to use, displaying no antibiotic resistance or hemolytic activity. Due to its proven probiotic potential during simulated gastrointestinal transit, its antimicrobial activity, and its coaggregation with pathogens, it was selected for fermentation of an aqueous Arbutus unedo L. extract, which was subsequently microencapsulated and freeze-dried to extend its shelf life and preserve its functional properties. The antioxidant activity of the ferment obtained was maintained (80%), while after microencapsulation and freeze-drying, about 50% and 20% of the antioxidant activity was retained, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time the application of probiotics isolated from strawberries in the fermentation of strawberry tree extract and monitors the antioxidant activity during post-fermentation formulation, paving the way for a potential industrial application of this underutilized plant.

Phenolic Compounds of Six Unexplored Asteraceae Species from Asia: Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Plants

The Asteraceae family in Siberian Asia exhibits remarkable biodiversity and has long served as a valuable resource for domesticating various beneficial plants with medicinal, therapeutic, and industrial significance to humanity. In this work, we studied for the first time the chemical composition of six understudied or previously unexplored plant species, Artemisia jacutica (AJ), Carduus nutans subsp. leiophyllus (CL), Cirsium heterophyllum (CH), Echinops davuricus (ED), Ixeris chinensis subsp. versicolor (IV), and Lactuca sibirica (LS), which were successfully cultivated under open-field conditions as biennial or perennial crops. We profiled these species, employing a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry approach, identifying over 100 phenolic compounds. Among these compounds were hydroxybenzoic acid glucosides, hydroxybenzoyl/p-coumaroyl/feruloyl quinic acids, hydroxycoumarin O-glucosides, caffeoyl/p-coumaroyl/feruloyl glucaric/tartaric acids, O- and C-glucosides of apigenin, acacetin, luteolin, chrysoeriol, 6-hydroxyluteolin, pectolinarigenin, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, and tri-/tetra-O-p-coumaroyl spermines and spermidines. All examined species exhibited a significant accumulation of phenolic compounds throughout the experimental period, reaching levels comparable to or exceeding those found in wild samples (WSs), with the best total phenolic content for AJ at 26.68 mg/g (vs. 26.68 mg/g in WS; second year), CL at 50.23 mg/g (vs. 38.32 mg/g in WS; second year), CH at 51.14 mg/g (vs. 40.86 mg/g in WS; sixth year), ED at 86.12 mg/g (vs. 78.08 mg/g in WS; seventh year), IV at 102.49 mg/g (vs. 88.58 mg/g in WS; fourth year), and LS at 127.34 mg/g (vs. 110.64 mg/g in WS; fifth year). Notably, in the first year of cultivation, approximately 40–60% of the wild-level target compounds accumulated in the plants, with even higher levels detected in subsequent years, particularly in the second and third years. This study highlights the potential of cultivation to produce new Asteraceae plants rich in bioactive phenolics.

Molecular identification and characterization of endophytic bacteria from root of chamaecrista rotundifolia growing on the nigerian air force shooting range, kaduna.

Chamaecrista rotundifolia is one of the few plant species growing on heavy metal-contaminated Nigerian Air Force shooting range, Kaduna. This microbially unexplored plant species can have microbial association with endophytes. This study was aimed at isolating, identifying and characterizing endophytic bacteria associated with the roots of Chamaecrista rotundifolia growing on the Nigerian Air Force shooting range, Kaduna. The identification of the endophytic bacteria was done using standard biochemical methods and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The isolates were then screened for antibiotic resistance, plant growth promoting properties and heavy metal tolerance using standard techniques. Varied concentrations of heavy metal salts (Pb2+, Cr3+, Ni2+ and Mn2+) were used to test the isolates for their heavy metal tolerance. Four endophytic bacteria isolated from the roots of C. rotundifolia were Aerococcus viridans, Peribacillus simplex, Staphylococcus simplex and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results on antibiotic sensitivity test revealed that the four isolates were resistant to most of the antibiotics. The isolates possessed plant growth promoting properties by showing positive results for Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic (ACC) deaminase activity and phosphate solubilizing. Results also revealed that the isolates showed some degree of tolerance to the heavy metals. The tolerance of both A. viridans and P. simplex to chromium and manganese showed significant difference (p<0.05) across all the concentration levels of the metal salts. It is therefore concluded that Chamaecrista rotundifolia growing on Nigerian Air Force shooting range, Kaduna, is associated with endophytic bacteria which could be the reason the plant species thrive in heavy metal-contaminated site.
 

Effect of chemical treatment on physio-mechanical properties of lignocellulose natural fiber extracted from the bark of careya arborea tree

For the first time, the current work has carried out a chemical treatment of a novel ligno-cellulose fiber that is extracted from the bark of an unexplored plant of Careya arborea. Careya arborea (CA), a flowering tree known for its green berries, thrives in the Indian subcontinent and Afghanistan. This research was focused on extracting fibers from the bark of the Cary tree for the first time to corroborate the influence of chemical treatment on its different characteristics. These CA fibers have a high proportion of cellulose, consisting of 71.17 wt percent, together with 27.86 wt percent of hemicellulose, and a reduced density of 1140 kg/m3, making them a suitable candidate for creating lightweight applications in a variety of industries. Chemical treatment has done on the cay fiber with the concentrations of NaOH 5 (wt%), 10 (wt%), and 15 (wt%) solution mixture to improve their characteristics. Estimated the difference between Chemically processed and non-processed Cary fibers and corroborated in results. We performed a number of experiments, including FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDAX, AFM, and TGA, to fully comprehend the changing properties. Chemical testing showed that cellulose changed from its non-crystalline state to cellulose, proving that the treatment was successful in changing the fibre structure. Additionally, the thermo-gravimetric examination showed higher thermal stability 248 °C–325 °C and a rise in the crystallinity index, indicating the treated fibers’ improved potential for high-temperature applications. The treated Cary fibers exhibited excellent surface properties, promising improved adhesion, mechanical performance, offering lightweight and sustainable solutions for diverse applications.

Biotechnological approaches for sustainable production of astragaloside I, II and IV from endemic species of Astracantha aitosensis (Ivan.) and Astragalus membranaceus (fisch.) by in vitro cultures

This study investigates the bioproduction of astragalosides I, II and IV from endemic Astracantha aitosensis (arnacantha) and Astragalus membranaceus species, and the biotechnological methods for increased efficiency. The extracts from established in vitro cultures, including A. aitosensis callus, shoots and roots and A. membranaceus hairy roots, showed higher astragaloside concentrations than native roots. Specifically, in vitroA. aitosensis cultures produced astragaloside I and II at 0.06 and 0.10 mg/g DW, which were absent in native roots. The production of A. membranaceuss hairy roots exceeds 8 to 15 times astragaloside I and II (0.80 and 0.90 mg/g DW) production when compared to native roots (0.10 and 0.05 mg/g DW), and around 3 times high amount related to astragaloside IV. Addressing astragaloside production challenges, this research also reveals biotechnology approaches as an alternative for sustainable production of this rare cycloartane saponins, conserving the natural habitats. A pilot reproducible in vitro cellular platform has been created, and protocol for specific, unconventional induction of the biosynthesis of the desired target compounds, exploiting the enzymatic system of plant cells from the unexplored plant species A. aitosensis has been established. Our findings clearly show the possibility of using in vitro cultures of A. aitosensis and A. membranaceus for biotechnology production of cycloartane type saponins.

Discovery of Anti-NRLP3 Inflammasome, Immunomodulatory Phytochemicals from the Extract of Habenaria intermediaD. Don: An Unexplored Plant Species.

The present study describes the isolation, identification, and quantification of biomarker compounds in plant extracts of Habenaria intermedia D. Don (Orchidaceae). The isolation of the compounds was carried out from H. intermedia D. Don by repeated column chromatography of petroleum ether and ethanol fractions of extract of tubers. These compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and mass spectral data. A new quantitative method was established by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-PDA. As a result, seven compounds were isolated and characterized. This is the first report of isolation of these compounds from this plant species H. intermedia D.Don. Out of seven isolated compounds, five were used for the quantitative study. A reliable and suitable HPLC method was developed for the well-resolved chromatogram of compounds. The proposed method was applied successfully to the detection and quantification of compounds. This study also represents the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammasome biological studies of isolated natural products. Loroglossol (HBR-4) has been reported to possess immunomodulatory activity. The immunostimulating assay indicated that HBR-4 could significantly promote the cell proliferation, especially via IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ secretion from spleen cells. These results suggested the potential utilization of HBR-4 as an attractive functional health supplement candidate for hypoimmunity population. Additionally, cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression was counteracted by treatment with HBR-4, revealing significant increase in hemagglutinating antibody responses and hemolytic antibody responses. The current work revealed the potential anti-inflammasome and immunomodulatory activities of H. intermedia D. Don compounds and validates the usage of this prominent Rasayna plant.

Macroscopical, Microscopical and Histochemical Analysis of Eryngium karatavicum Iljin Growing on the Territory of South Kazakhstan.

Carrying out macroscopical and microscopical analyses of plants allows determining the species and identifying diagnostic signs of the plant that distinguish the studied object from other related species. Endemic plant species are a specific component of the flora, whose representatives grow in a relatively limited area, represented by a small geographical area. Their diagnostic morphological and anatomical data are insufficiently studied. Such endemic unexplored plant species include Eryngium karatavicum Iljin, which grows in the territory of South Kazakhstan. This article presents the results of macroscopical, microscopical and histochemical analyses of leaves, flowers and stems of Eryngium karatavicum. The results of morphological analysis of Eryngium karatavicum showed that the plant has distinctive features of macroscopical, microscopical and histochemical signs on the upper and lower sides of the leaf, stem, inflorescence, leaves of the wrapper and flower. These results can be used to confirm the authenticity, identification, and standardization of aerial parts of the endemic plant Eryngium karatavicum Iljin.

A note on Yamazakia pusilla (Willd.) from Jamtara Forest Division, Jamtara, Jharkhand, India

Yamazakia pusilla has been collected from Jamtara Forest Division, Jamtara, Jharkhand. Earlier, it was known as Lindernia pusilla. Very less studies and reports are available on it from Jharkhand state. In the initial observation and literature review, it appeared that it might be a new addition from the genus Lindernia to the floral wealth of Jharkhand state, but the e-flora of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has listed its synonyms. It is an unexplored plant of Jharkhand state and less idea about its identification, habitat, ecological significance and uses. Therefore, keeping this in mind, a taxonomic note, habitat and uses are presented here along with photographs for easy identification in the field. Plant is identified using flowers and published literature. The communication highlights the importance of exploration works for highlighting the unexplored species of Jharkhand state from Jamtara Forest Division, Jamtara.

Bioactivity Screening of Thirty Black Turmeric (Curcuma caesia Roxb.) Essential Oils Against Free Radicals and MDR Isolates

Background Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Black turmeric) is a perennial medicinal herb belonging to the Zingiberaceae family that is endangered in Southeast Asia. It is treasured for its high-quality essential oil with tremendous medicinal and aromatic properties. In the present scenario, C. caesia Roxb. is an unexplored plant for drug discovery. Objectives The present study was undertaken to compare the bioactivities of Thirty C. caesia rhizomes and leaf oils collected from various eco-regions of Eastern India. Materials and Methods The comparative antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of leaf and rhizome essential oils from different eco-regions of Eastern India were assessed. The antioxidant activities were evaluated against standards like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Moreover, the essential oils were also evaluated for their antimicrobial activity using the broth micro-dilution assay for minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against multidrug resistant strains. Results Leaf essential oils exhibited a considerable level of antioxidant potential as compared to rhizome essential oils and standard BHT. Furthermore, the essential oils also possessed a significant level of inhibitory activity against three multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The rhizome essential oils had shown the most effective antimicrobial activity against A. baumannii (MIC: 0.09 to 6.25 µg/mL) when compared with the positive control, ampicillin (MIC: 25 µg/mL). Conclusion The variability in bioactivities was greatly influenced by geographical origin. The identified accessions of C. caesia, that is, Cc 26 with better bioactivity potential, might be useful for formulating drugs in the future.

Characterization of a new natural novel lignocellulose fiber resource from the stem of Cyperus platystylis R.Br.

This study deals with the characterization of a natural fiber which is extracted from the stem of an unexplored plant of Cyperus platystylis R.Br. (CPS) with an aim to establish it as a potent alternative fiber for the plant fiber-based industries. CPS fiber has been investigated for its physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and morphological characteristics. The presence of different functional groups in CPS fiber i.e., cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin which was ensured by Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) Spectrophotometer analysis. X-ray diffraction and chemical constituent analysis revealed high cellulose content and crystallinity i.e., 66.1% and 41.12% respectively, which is comparatively moderate in the case of CPS fiber. Scherrer's equation has been used to determine crystallite size i.e., 2.28 nm. The mean length and diameter of the CPS fiber were 382.0 and 23.36 μm, respectively. The maximum tensile strength was obtained at 657 ± 58.8 MPa for 50 mm fiber and young’s modulus 88.76 ± 30.42 MPa for 50 mm fiber. The required energy to break has been recorded at 346.16 J. Thermal analysis revealed that CPS fibers have thermal stability up to 279 °C. The unique Cyperus platystylis stem fibers could therefore be a suitable reinforcement material for the bio-composites used in semi-structural applications since they have higher functional qualities.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of crude extracts of culturally dissimilar endophytic fungi

Endophytes from an unexplored plant such as Spatterdock (SD) Nuphar lutea variegata could be a dependable producer of novel secondary metabolites active against drug resistance organisms. This study explored the diversity of fungal endophytes from mid-rib (MR) and leaf blade (LB) of Nuphar lutea variegata as well as the antimicrobial and antioxidant potentials of their secondary metabolites. Morphological features observed showed four species were isolated. A broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity observed to be concentration-dependent was observed for all the fungal crude extracts 1 mg/mL. Crude extract of SD-LB3 showed the best antibacterial activities against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.5 and 0.25 µg/mL respectively. The antioxidant capacities of the fungal crude extracts showed a better neutralizing effect of free radicals compared to the standard Quercitin. Effective inhibition of free radicals was observed for all the fungal extracts from 20 to 100 mg/mL (96.7 – 99.3 %). The highest antioxidant activity was shown by the extracts of fungi isolated from the leaf blade with an average of 98 to 99.2 % at the tested concentrations of 20 to 100 mg/mL. Our study provides evidence of diverse endophytic fungi associated with Nuphar lutea variegata, and the antibacterial and antioxidant activities observed confirm their capacities as producers of bioactive secondary metabolites. This study is the first to isolate endophytic fungi form Nuphar lutea variegata and screen the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of their secondary metabolites.

The Physicochemical and Nutritional Value of Fresh and Processed Portulacaria afra (Spekboom) Leaves

Wild-growing edible flora should be investigated to improve human food sustainability and security. Portulacaria afra (spekboom) is an undervalued edible succulent plant that thrives in harsh conditions in Southern Africa. This study determined whether the indigenous edible spekboom can be harnessed as a sustainable, nutritious food source and ingredient. Physicochemical and nutritional analyses were conducted on fresh and processed leaves (preserves, chutney, pickles, and spice). The physicochemical characteristics included morphology, color, texture, °Brix, pH, water activity, moisture content, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid. Nutritional value determinants included crude protein, crude fiber, gross energy, and total fat content. The small, dark green fresh leaves had a soft texture and a very low sugar and fat content. Although the water content was high, water activity was low. The pH and titratable acidity showed high acidity. Leaves were high in ascorbic acid and low in protein, energy, insoluble fiber, and total fats. The leaves were successfully processed into preserved products providing possible applications in the food industry other than fresh leaves. The high acidity could be researched for application as a functional ingredient. This study provided basic information on an unexplored plant that may have potential in the food industry.

Phytochemical profiling, in vitro biological activity, docking studies, and cytotoxicity assessments of Rondeletia odorata Jacquin: An unexplored plant of the coffee family

Rondeletia odorata Jacquin is a flowering plant that belongs to the coffee family. As a rich source of polyphenols with significant antioxidant potential, R. odorata may have health benefits. Therefore, in the current work, ethanolic extract of aerial parts and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol soluble fractions were analyzed for their antioxidant potential and various enzyme inhibition properties. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the crude ethanol extract (ROE) and its n-hexane (ROH), ethyl acetate (ROEA), and n-butanol (ROB) fractions were determined spectrophotometrically, while metabolic profiling was established through UHPLC-MS analysis, which revealed the presence of 58 phytochemicals. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of ROE extract were measured as 51.92mg GA.Eq./g of dry extract and 52.35mg Qu.Eq./g of the dry extract, respectively. In the DPPH radical scavenging activity assay, ROE and ROEA showed the highest potential with values of 62.13 ± 0.62 and 76.31% ± 1.86%, respectively, comparable to quercetin (80.89% ± 0.54%). Similarly, in the FRAP assay, the same pattern of the activity was observed with ROE and ROEA, which displayed absorbance values of 1.32 ± 0.01 and 0.80 ± 0.02 at 700nm, respectively, which are comparable (1.76 ± 0.02) with the reference compound quercetin, whereas the ROH showed maximum metal-chelating capacity (62.61% ± 1.01%) among all extracts and fractions. Antibacterial activity assay indicated that the ROEA fraction was the most active against Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus, while the rest of the fractions showed good to moderate activity. Enzyme inhibition assays showed that ROEA fraction exhibited the highest activity with IC50 values of 2.78 ± 0.42 and 3.95 ± 0.13mg/mL against urease and carbonic anhydrase (CA), respectively. Furthermore, the docking studies of some of the major compounds identified in the extract revealed a strong correlation with their inhibitory activity. All extracts and fractions were also tested for their thrombolytic activity, and the ROB fraction showed a notable potential. Antiviral assay led to remarkable outcomes. Thus, it can be inferred that aerial parts of R. odorata are potential sources of bioactive components with several significant pharmacological activities.

In Vitro Multiplication of Lophostemon suaveolens (Sol.ex Gaertn.) Peter G.Wilson & J.T. Waterh): Peatland Tree Species for Rehabilitation

Peatlands in Indonesia are one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, helping to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change. Lophostemon suaveolens is a relatively unexplored plant found in Papua’s endemic peat ecosystem that grows well in wet areas with low fertility. It is geographically dispersed and has the potential for peatland rehabilitation. Seed is one of materials for the reproduction of L. suaveolens. However, the difficulty in seed collection and the limitation in seed production has become a current problem for its cultivation. Seed multiplication by using an in vitro method would be one of the mechanisms to overcome the problem. We present an efficient and reproducible protocol for in vitro multiplication of plantlets using nodal segments and shoot apices collected from plantlets. After 3 months of the culture initiation stage, the elongated axillary shoots were separated from the clumps and further multiplied using Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with (1) BAP (0.5 mL/L) as single PGR, (2) NAA (0.1 mL/L) as a single PGR, and (3) a combination of two types of PGR BAP (0.5 mL/L) and NAA (0.1 mL/L). Up to an incubation period of 6 months, the efficiency of leaf axillary shoot propagation was determined by counting the number of nodule multiplication coefficient (NMC), shoot length, root length, and number of leaves (six consecutive subcultures). The higher the NMC, the higher the plantlets obtained, increasing shoot regeneration from nodules physiologically increasing evapotranspiration in vitro. The highest of NMC (8.4) was observed in MS medium with a combination of 0.5 mL/L BAP and 0.1 mL/L NAA (double PGRs), with the longest shoots (5.91 cm), the longest root length (8.83 cm), and the most leaves (32). When a combination of BAP and NAA were used simultaneously, the plantlets during acclimatization were the highest survived. It was concluded that MS in combination with 0.5 mL/L BAP and 0.1 mL/L NAA is the most appropriate protocol for the success of in vitro multiplication of L. suaveolens. This is the first report of L. suaveolens in vitro multiplication, and the protocol could be used to propagate this peatland species on a large scale. The authors acknowledge the limitations of the experimental work and recommend further work to increase the sample size and complete the field-testing phase to help verify the initial findings presented in this paper.

Plant derived antimicrobial peptides: Mechanism of target, isolation techniques, sources and pharmaceutical applications.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health and development threat which is caused by the excess and prolonged usage of antimicrobial compounds in agriculture and pharmaceutical industries. Resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to the already existing drugs represent a serious risk to public health. Plant sources such as cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables are potential substrates for the isolation of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi and viruses with novel immunomodulatory activities. Thus, in the quest of new antimicrobial agents, AMPs have recently gained interest. Therefore, AMP can be used in agriculture, pharmaceutical and food industries. This review focuses on various explored and unexplored plant based food sources of AMPs, their isolation techniques and antimicrobial mechanism of peptides. Therefore, the literature discussed in this review paper will prove beneficial the research purposes for agriculture, pharmaceutical and food industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Isolation of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be done on industrial scale. AMP isolated from food sources can be used in pharmaceutical and agriculture industries. AMP from natural sources mitigate the problem of antimicrobial resistance. AMP isolated from food products can be used as nutraceutical.

Eco-friendly degumming of natural fibers for textile applications: A comprehensive review

Global fiber production contributes 107 million MT in 2018 and is expected to grow 145 million MT by 2030. Fiber production can be plant-based, animal-based, man-made, and synthetic fibers. Plant-based fibers include jute, ramie, and hemp, have a market share of 5.7% in textile industries. The emerging interest in plant-based fibers, agricultural residues could be addressed by adopting unexplored plant fibers. Textile processing of natural fiber necessitates the removal of the hemicellulosic substance. The major concern of this investigation is the degumming of natural fibers by an eco-friendly method. The ideology is focused on producing hemicellulose degrading enzymes through solid substrate fermentation and utilization of hemicellulose degrading enzymes in natural fiber degumming. Degumming of fiber can be performed by hemicellulose degrading enzymes such as Pectinase, Xylanase, and Laccases. The neglection of the non-cellulosic layer corresponds to an increase in tensile strength, crystallinity, fineness, removal of non-cellulosic substances. The degummed fiber has remarkable applications in fabrication, cutlery application, and textile industries. Our investigation enclosed consolidated reports on the agricultural residues for hemicellulose degrading enzyme production and application of enzymes for natural fiber degumming proclaimed in recent years. The practical difficulties in adopting degummed fibers in textile industries have also been discussed. • Plant-based fiber in textile contributes market share of 5.7% • Textile processing of fiber necessitates degumming Process • Hemicellulose enzymes production by solid state fermentation • Implementation of enzymes for natural fiber degumming • Degummed fiber has remarkable application

Evaluation of p-Nitrophenyl butyrate based bioautographic method for the identification of lipase inhibitors from the unexplored plant sources

Evaluation of p-Nitrophenyl butyrate based bioautographic method for the identification of lipase inhibitors from the unexplored plant sources

In vitro Evaluation of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory and Neuroprotective Activity in Commiphora species: A Comparative Study

Introduction: Herbal medicines are widely used in the therapeutic intervention that could delay the onset of Neurodegenerative diseases like, Alzheimer’s disease. Despite intensive advancements in the field of research currently available therapeutic strategies are often limited due to their adverse effects. Hence there is a need for the search for novel compounds for effective medications to treat neurocognitive deficits. Objective: The present study focused on acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and neuroprotective activity of Commiphora species plant for their possible use in Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Phytochemical screening, TLC bioautographic and colourimetric assay was performed to quantify their acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of ethanolic extracts of the Commiphora species. The MTT assay was carried to evaluate the neuroprotective effect against the Aβ-induced cytotoxicity in SHSY5Y cell lines. Results: The bark of Commiphora berryi, leaves of Commiphora caudata and Commiphora pubescens were found abundant in flavonoids, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids. Further, the ethanol extract of Commiphora berryi (65.48% ± 0.10) showed the highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The Aβ25-35 induced cell damage was as evidenced at a concentration of 20μM. The neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extracts was examined in neurodegenerative cells induced by Aβ25-35. On pretreatment with plant extracts, significant improvement in cell viability was observed as 63.42 ± 2.02% (25μg/ml) for Commiphora berryi. The maximum percentage of in-vitro AChE inhibition and neuroprotective effect was effective in the ethanol bark extract of Commiphora berryi. Conclusion: The results are very rousing to continue the screening of more unexplored plant species could be used for the development of novel bioactive compounds to treat the many diseases, especially for Alzheimer's disease.