Use Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

The Utilisation of Fucus vesiculosus Algae Extracts in the Production of Microgreens Hordeum vulgare L. with an Increased Content of Selected Bioactive Compounds.

Algae extracts may be a promising alternative to harmful chemicals and pesticides used commercially in the cultivation of plants with higher nutritional and health-promoting values. The cultivation of barley microgreens (Hordeum vulgare L.) was facilitated by the use of aqueous extracts from Fucus vesiculosus algae, which served as a biostimulant. Seeds for experiments were produced in accordance with EU standards, certified as organic and used to grow plants in a controlled pot experiment. A qualitative analysis of the extract, which was used to irrigate the plants, was also performed in this study, as well as stimulating properties by activating the system protecting against oxidative stress. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFV) and enzymes involved in their formation such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), as well as enzymes involved in the removal of reactive oxygen species such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in the obtained microgreen samples. Antioxidant activity against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) was also evaluated. A noticeable increase in SOD content and antioxidant activity against DPPH was observed in barley microgreen samples after extract treatment. These results suggest that the use of extracts of this beneficial alga can enhance the antioxidant activity of the barley microgreens.

Hallazgos histopatológicos en nematodos Anisakidae, expuestos a extractos acuosos vegetales con capacidad nematicida <i>in vitro</i>

Objetive. Expose nematodes of the Anisakidae family to different aqueous extracts and identify the aqueous extracts with nematicidal capacity. Material and methods. The concentrations of the bioactive compounds of the aqueous extracts of epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides), onion (Allium cepa), siempre viva (Kalanchoe pinnata) and xoconostle (Opuntia oligacantha) were identified. Live parasites of the Anisakidae family were obtained from Lisa fish (Mugilidae), to be exposed to different concentrations of aqueous extracts. Results. K. pinnata and O. oligocantha presented a higher concentration of bioactive components of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins; as well as in the antioxidant activity of DPPH and ABTS. Parasite mortality occurred at a concentration of 855 mg/mL for K. pinnata of 100% at 48 hours, and in pulp and whole fruit of O. oligacantha, with mortality of 66% at 72 hours. The main histopathological changes caused by K. pinnata were muscle vacuoles; the whole fruit of O. oligocantha degeneration of the intestinal epithelium and vacuolization; the seed caused edema, intestinal degeneration, and vacuolization. Conclusions. The results indicate that the use of aqueous extracts of K. pinnata and O. oligacantha on nematodes of the Anisakidae family are an option for their use as nematicidal agents.

Subacute Use of Aqueous Extract of Water Melon (Citrullus lanatus) Seeds Mitigates against Pyramidal Neuronal Toxicity of Lead Acetate in Adult Wistar Rats

Introduction: Lead exposure remains a significant public health burden across the globe, impacting millions of individuals and posing a major threat to nervous system development and function As a reported bio-toxic environmental and industrial pollutant, Lead (Pb) do accumulates in almost all body tissues to cause health complications with the cerebellar region of the central nervous system reported to be more susceptible to cellular distortions. As a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is associated with numerous medicinal properties. Aim: This study aim to investigate the possible neuroprotective potential of aqueous extract of citrulus lanatus seed on lead acetates-induced neurotoxicity in the Cerebral cortex of adult Wistar rats. Place of Study: Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Twenty (20) healthy adult female wistar rats weighing 150±50g were randomly assigned into 4 groups (n=5). The Control group received 2mls/kg of distilled water, Treatment group (T1) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate, Treatment group (T2) was administered 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus and Treatment group (T3) was administered 7.5 mg/kg of lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of aqueous extract of citrullus lanatus concomitantly orally for fourteen (14) days. H&E and Cresyl violet histological stains and Biochemical assays for SOD, CAT activities and MDA concentration was determined. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and subjected to Turkeys post hoc test from the multiple comparison. Results: Revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in body weight and brain weight changes across groups relatives to the control group while SOD and Catalase activities were increased significantly in the Treatment groups compared to control group. Histological findings in control group and T2 showed normal histoarchitectural appearance of cerebral cortex Pyramidal neurons while the lead exposed group (T1) revealed features of neurodegenerative changes evident by nuclear shrinkage with pyknosis and karryorrhexis. while T3 revealed near normal presentations. Conclusion: In summary, Citrullus lanatus mitigates against pyramidal neuronal cells distortions following lead acetate induced toxicity in Wistar Rats and also further affirms its antioxidative potential.

PRODUCTION OF BIOELECTRICITY FOR THE AQUEOUS EXTRACTS OF SOME PLANTS

Annual climate conferences draw public attention to the urgent need to ecologize CO2-neutral fuel systems and recognize that global temperature increases must be limited to less than 2 °C to avoid dangerous climate change. Based on the projections of the International Panel on Climate Change, it is now widely accepted that in order to stay within this temperature range, CO2 emissions need to be reduced by 80% by 2050. Furthermore, developing countries most affected by climate change are pushing for a reduction (as opposed to stabilization) of atmospheric CO2 equivalent levels from ~450 ppm to 350 ppm in order to stabilize at a 1.5 °C temperature rise. Electricity plays an important role in our everyday life, and its consumption is constantly increasing. Its traditional production based on fossil fuels has huge environmental problems, such as pollution of the atmosphere with greenhouse gases with further global consequences - the greenhouse effect. To overcome these effects, technologies based on non-conventional energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, biofuels, etc. are being implemented. While solar photovoltaic and thermal energy are attractive, the need for bioenergy is becoming inevitable to replace fossil fuels. Natural photosynthesis offers the means for this, primarily through the use of plants. Land plants have already been used as a source of bioenergy, and this use will increase in the future, despite a number of associated problems. This study concerns a new technology of electricity production, namely, biotechnology, that is, the use of aqueous extracts of various plant resources. Some plants in nature have the ability to accumulate in their cells biologically active compounds capable of creating an electrolytic environment, in fact they are suitable for the production of electricity, which can be amplified.

Use of Aqueous Extract of Matcha Tea as an Antioxidant in Poultry Meat Storage

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of matcha tea on the oxidation of fats, and some traits of poultry breast meat kept in cool storage. The study included six treatments: T1 control, T2 distilled water, T3 matcha tea 0.5%, T4 macha tea 1.0%, T5 macha tea 1.5% and T6 industrial antioxidant BHA. Pieces (2 × 3 cm) of the breasts were fleshed with the aforementioned solutions and stored by refrigeration, and some physiochemical, and chemical tests were conducted every 3 days. The results of GC-MS examination of the aqueous extract of matcha tea showed the presence of some active compounds in large amounts, and caffeine represented 81.78% of them. The results of pH values and water holding capacity showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in submerged breast meat cuttings in aqueous extract of matcha tea at concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5%) with a clear superiority for treatment T4 (1%) in the pH values and water holding capacity, as compared with the control sample. Treatments with aqueous extract of macha tea (T3, T4, T5) showed significant decreases (P ≤ 0.05) in the oxidation indicators, and a superiority in TBA and peroxide values were observed for treatment T4 upon all treatments except the industrial antioxidant (T6), as well as the values of free fatty acids which were decreased. Values of volatile nitrogen in the cold stored chicken breast meat showed that the values of T4 treatment were the closest to the results of the industrial antioxidant treatment.

Role of Polyphenols from the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin considered a potent carcinogen for humans that contaminates a wide range of crops. Various strategies have been established to reduce or block the synthesis of AFB1 in food and feed. The use of aqueous extracts derived from plants with high antioxidant activity has been a subject of study in recent years due to their efficacy in inhibiting AFB1. In this study, we assessed the effect of Aloysia citrodora aqueous extract on Aspergillus flavus growth and on AFB1 production. A bio-guided fractionation followed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass spectrometry analysis of the active fraction were applied to identify the candidate molecules responsible for the dose-effect inhibition of AFB1 synthesis. Our results revealed that polyphenols are the molecules implicated in AFB1 inhibition, achieving almost a total inhibition of the toxin production (99%). We identified luteolin-7-diglucuronide as one of the main constituents in A. citrodora extract, and demonstrated that it is able to inhibit, by itself, AFB1 production by 57%. This is the first study demonstrating the anti-Aflatoxin B1 effect of this molecule, while other polyphenols surely intervene in A. citrodora anti-AFB1 activity.

Propolis in the diet of broiler chickens as a natural source of biologically active substance complexes

Purpose. To investigate the effect of feeding broiler chickens with propolis, in dry form as part of compound feed and in liquid form in ethanolic and aqueous extracts, on their growth intensity, feed spending and poultry stock survival; to carry out a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of different ways of using propolis in the diets of broiler chickens. Methods. Analytical methods of research, observation, comparison, analysis, zootechnical experiment were used in the research. Results. A number of studies conducted by various authors testify to the harmlessness of the water extract and water-alcohol emulsion of propolis for farm animals and poultry. Due to the significant amount of propolis biologically active substances that enter the body with food or water cause a specific effect that is manifested in strengthening the immune system, and therefore, the poultry stock survival and increased growth intensity. Our research has established that the water extract of propolis contributes to the average daily gains growth by 16.8%, but bird survival when drinking it with water was by 6.7% lower than when using the ethanol extract. As a part of compound feed, dry propolis did not have positive effect on the survival rate of chickens, which was 20% lower than with the use of propolis ethanol extract, but 6.7% higher than under the control diet. Conclusions. The use of propolis in the diets of broiler chickens in the form of ethanol extract, water extract when drinking with water and feeding in dry form as part of compound feed was evaluated. It was established that the use of aqueous extract of propolis contributes to the increase in average daily gains by 16.8%, but provides a lower survival rate of birds by 6.7% than when using the ethanolic extract of propolis.

Ovicidal Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of some Spontaneous Plants Extracts Against Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) Lepidoptera: Pyralidae

The use of aqueous extracts as alternative solutions that significantly reduce to the damage caused by pests like Ectomyelois ceratoniae. This work presents in-vitro tests that are successfully applied to evaluate the ovicidal activity of four spontaneous plants aqueous extracts, as, Rosmarinus officinalis, Peganum harmala, Thymus vulgaris and Artemisia herba-alba againt the moth eggs. The results showed a highly significant effect for T. vulgaris and A. herba-alba, sometimes reaching 100%, followed by R. officinalis, then P. harmala which was not present any effect on this pest eggs. T. vulgaris and A. herba-alba showed a strong inhibition of egg hatching. It exceeds 93 % mortality for a concentration of 0.12 mL/mL. For R. officinalis at 0.18 mL/mL concentration present a 72% mortality. While at 0.12 mL/mL, the mortality was 40%.The lethal doses to inhibit 50 and 90 % of the eggs were estimated to confirm the efficiency of the aqueous extracts , stronger results shows, respectively (0.014 mL and 0.062 mL) from T. vulgaris and (0.019 mL and 0.069 mL) from A. herba-alba. This work originally explores the benefits of some kinds of plants that are largely available and inexpensive for the biotreatment of carob motheggs.

Mixotrophy of Algae: More Algal Biomass and More Biofertilization for Plants

Background: The use of algae as biofertilizers is fast-spreading in order to meet the excessive demands for agricultural products. To achieve this, enough algal biomass needs to be supplied year-round. Hence, algal nutritional components must be optimized through mixotrophic conditions. Materials and methods: Two algal isolates, namely, Phormidium sp. and Synechocystis sp. were tested for their ability to produce mixotrophic growth using different supplementations including molasses, aqueous Lepidium sativum, Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract and liquorice root extract, as well as acetate salt solution. The algae that showed highest growth under optimized mixotrophic conditions was further used in cantaloupe seed growth experiments. GC-MS was also carried out on the biomass of Phormidium on one of the fractions of extract using solvent system to reveal some dominant novel bioactive compounds in algal biomass. Results: The sugarcane molasses significantly enhanced the growth of the two algal strains, followed by Lepidium sativum extract only in case of Phormidium sp. Therefore, it was used in subsequent experiments. All growth parameters for that algae were significantly enhanced by the addition of these nutritional sources with molasses being the best supplement. The Phormidium sp. was rich in its content of chlorophyll, proteins, sugars as well as some novel bioactive compounds as revealed by GC–MS. The germination percentage of seeds treated with Phormidium sp. showed a significant increase over that of control. The different growth-related metabolites of total soluble proteins, total soluble sugars and all photosynthetic pigment contents of the seedlings were all significantly increased using this algal treatment. Discussion: The sugarcane molasses was superior in enhancing the algal growth due to its rich content not only of sugars but also of minerals and nitrogenous compounds. The use of aqueous extracts of seeds of Lepidium sativum enhanced growth significantly more than that of the control set as seeds are rich in proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, phytochemicals and other essential nutrients. In growth experiments carried out on cantaloupe seeds, there was a significant increase in germination percentage as well as all growth parameters due to the rich nutritional content of Phormidium sp. Conclusion: Mixotrophic growth achieved better algal biomass production than autotrophy in the case of Phormidium sp. The use of cheap resources such as sugarcane molasses, which is the waste from the sugar industry, as well as the common herb extract of Lepidium sativum, is a cost-effective approach. The use of this mixotrophically grown blue-green alga as a biofertilizer significantly enhanced plant growth and seed germination, indicating the usefulness of this eco-friendly agricultural strategy for achieving both food security and environmental sustainability.

A Green Synthesis Method to Tune the Morphology of CuO and ZnO Nanostructures

Background: Green synthesis of nanomaterials has gained interest over the years as it has many benefits compared to conventional methods. Green methods are non-toxic and economic due to the use of aqueous extracts as reducing agents. Yerba mate is a widely used herb in South America, showing an available and economical alternative to conventional methods Methods: Different copper and zinc nanostructures were obtained using yerba mate extract (Ilex paraguariensis) as a reducing and capping agent. Furthermore, adjusting NaCl concentration and temperature, it was possible to successfully tune and examine the morphology of the resulting nanostructures by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Phenolic oxidation was evaluated by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to assess the role of yerba mate extract in the reaction. Moreover, antimicrobial activity versus Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assayed, and antioxidant activity was performed by the DPPH method. Results and Conclusion: The present study reveals a powerful method to obtain zinc and copper nanostructures, showing a logarithmic reduction of Pseudomonas aeruginosa of 2.14 and 5.92 CFU/mL at 96 hours respectively and scavenger activity of 42% and 22%, respectively. These properties highlight the potential of the nanomaterials for applications in catalysis, textile, biomedical and agricultural fields.

EXTRATOS VEGETAIS COMO PROMOTOR DE CRESCIMENTO EM LARVAS DO PEIXE ORNAMENTAL AMAZÔNICO Pyrrhulina brevis

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of three herbal plants, Terminallia catappa, Camellia sinensis and Mentha piperita on the productive performance of Pyrrhulina brevis larvae. For the tests, a random design was used with five concentrations of aqueous extract of each plant (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1g L-1 ) and density of 10 larvae L-1 , with 4 replications, during 20 days of larviculture. The results showed that the use of the aqueous extract of T. catappa does not influence the increase in the zootechnical performance of the larvae, however, its use promotes better survival and uniformity of the batch. The use of aqueous extract of C. sinensis improves zootechnical performance at concentrations of 0.5 and 0.75g L-1 with an increase in weight and length, but does not influence the other parameters evaluated. And the use of M. piperita, in addition to promoting weight and length increment, improves uniformity and survival rates when used in concentrations equal to or greater than 5g L-1.

Improvement of Soil Biology and Rice Yield in Peat Land Ecology Using Aqueous Extract of Costus Afer: Soil Regenerative Agriculture under Rice Cropping

Conventional chemical fertilizer is harmfulness for the ecology and agriculture sustainability especially, in marginal agroecosystem of peat land (Histosol) which requires safeguarding for its’ potential of carbon sequestration however. Aqueous extract of Costus Afer was proposed as alternative input for rice production on peat land in South Côte d’Ivoire: a first trial was laid out with five (5) rates incrementing by 166.66liters/ha up to 666.66 applied in three splits (T4) and once (T5). Rice variety named VA6 was transplanted (20 cm × 20 cm) for three cropping cycles. A second trial was conducted during single cropping cycle adding the conventional fertilizer practice (T6) for the profitability assessment. Treatment induced high variability of rice grain yield (9.36 – 2.21 tha-1) during the Trial 1 and across both while, the yield was almost stable by treatment across cropping seasons (1-3) with significant effect for T4 and T5. Grand mean of rice yield recorded for both trials revealed lowest value for T6 (2.32 tha-1) while Costus solutions have induced more than 3.00 tha-1 and highest profit (293500 FCFA/ha) accounted for T5 with a net gain of 130 000 FCFA/ha/cycle according to Trial 2. There was a significant effect of the treatment on soil structural stability index recording a slight increase under Costus practice while soil pH (6.3 – 6.4) was favorable to bacteria, fungi, spore and endogenic cast of lumbric. Hence, the study supported the use of aqueous extract of Costus Afer as alternative input for regenerative agriculture especially, for rice cropping on peat land. However, the optimum rate should be more explored by further study

Extraction of lutein dye from Tagetes erecta garland waste for green dyeing of hemp fabric using response surface methodology

Large quantities of discarded flowers from religious observances are left at temples and other places of worship, causing global disposal and environmental issues. Recycling and transforming such organic waste into value-added products is one of the most effective and beneficial solutions to the problem. The main goal of this study is to convert the most abundant temple wastes of marigold (Tagetes erecta) flowers into an eco-friendly dyestuff for the textile industry. Our study assessed the suitability of dye extract from garland waste for dyeing hemp fabric and valuated indicators including color strength (K/S) and fastness properties using tannic acid as a bio-mordant. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of the dyeing process and evaluation of the interaction effects of various operating parameters. The optimal conditions were determined to be pH of 4.23, dyeing temperature of 99.98°C, and dyeing time of 82.64 min. To validate the optimal conditions identified by RSM, performance evaluations were conducted, including color fastness properties of the dyed hemp fabrics as well as the total color difference after repeated standard washing. These results demonstrate the use of aqueous extract from temple garland waste combined with bio-mordant represents a promising approach for textile dyeing.

The effect of aquous extract of johar leaves (Senna siamea) injection on survival rate and blood profile of snakehead fish (Channa striata)

Aqueous extract of johar leaf contains metabolite compounds such as flavonoids, sponins, tannins, phenols, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, and cardiac glycosides which can be used to substitute commercial antibiotics. The use of aqueous extract of johar leaf has been known to have antibacterial activity in vitro. This study aims to determine the effect of aqueous extract of johar leaves (Senna siamea) injection on survival and blood profile of snakehead fish (Channa striata) in vivo. This research was a laboratory study using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 3 replications with a total sample of 75 snakehead fish. The fish in KA, KB, KC and KD groups were injected with aqueous extract of johar leaves with concentrations of 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% respectively, while in KE group the fish was injected with distilled water (control). The parameters of this study were the survival rate and blood profile of snakehead fish. Blood hematology examination included calculation of erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit percentage, leukocyte count, and thrombocyte count. The research data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and followed by Duncan's Multiple Distance test. Injection of aqueous extract of johar leaf did not affect the survival rate of snakehead fish. However, hemoglobin and platelet levels significant decrease in the group given 60% concentration of aqueous extract of johar leaf. It can be concluded that aqueous extract of johar leaf at a concentration of 10%, 20%, 40% is safe to use in snakehead fish.Keywords:Johar leaves extractSnakehead fishBlood profileSurvival rate

EXPLORING THE PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF Glycyrrhiza glabra L. ON EMERGENCE AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF Pisum sativum L.

Chemical weed control method may cause environmental hazards and residual effects in crops and soil. Alternate approach to control weeds is getting attentions in sustainable production system. Use of aqueous extracts of crops is getting scientific attention as eco-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides especially under scenario of fast increasing herbicide resistance in weeds. Therefore, the present study was conducted at Weed Science Laboratory, Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during winter 2018 to determine the phytotoxic effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra on winter vegetable crop Pisum sativum. The experiments were laid out under a completely randomized design (CRD), having three replicates. The experiments comprised of seven treatments with different concentrations of extract. The wood of G. glabra extracts comprised 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 10%, 20%, 40%, and 80% concentration applied on Pisum sativum. Data on seed germination, root length, shoot length, and fresh weight of weed and pea was recorded following standard procedures. Data were analyzed using Fishers Analysis of Variance. The differences among treatments were separated using a least significant difference test (LSD). Results revealed that aqueous extracts were possessed phytotoxic chemicals that cause phytotoxic effect to P. sativum and result in maximum germination percentage (%), Mean Germination time (Days), Time to 50% germination and minimum, root length (mm), shoot length (mm), root fresh weight (mg), shoot fresh weight was recorded at 80 % concentration of G. glabra. It is concluded that there are phenolic compounds in the wood extract of G. glabra which cause allelopathic effects on P. sativum.

Trial of the use of aqueous extracts based on Artemisia annua L in the protection of soilless tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum L. 1753) in Daloa (Central-Western Côte d'Ivoire)

Tomato (Solanum lycopercicum L) is one of the most cultivated crops in Côte d'Ivoire. However, its production is confronted with enormous constraints, especially the damage caused by pathogens and vectors of certain diseases. Faced with this damage, most growers resort to chemical products that are harmful to the environment, the user and consumers. Therefore, it becomes necessary to use the extract of Artemisia annua as a biopesticide in the control of diseases and pests of tomato crop in the field. The trial consisted in setting up an above ground tomato crop and then formulating a biopesticide based on Artemisia annua L at different doses (100% pure filtrate; 75% diluted filtrate; 50% and 25%) and applying it on the crop. It appears from this test that the biological extract based on Artemisia annua L , proved to be an insecticide or an insect repellent and biostimulator. Moreover, the dose of 100% of the pure extract of Artemisia annua L was the best on the agromorphological parameters and on the pathogenicity parameters.

Contribution of edible flowers on the aroma profile of dealcoholized pinot noir rose wine

The study examined the use of aqueous extracts of rose, peach and lily flowers (AFEs) as a new oenological tool for compensating for the loss of aroma compounds in dealcoholized rose wine (DW). Three reconstituted dealcoholized wines (RDWs) were prepared using the AFEs denoted L-RDW (for lily), P-RDW (for peach), and R-RDW (for rose) and compared with 2 controls: original rose wine (OW) and dealcoholized rose wine (DW). The chemical properties, aroma compounds, and sensory properties of the samples were investigated. The chemical properties of RDWs did not differ significantly from those of DW. Adding AFEs significantly improved the content of esters, alcohols, terpenes and C13-norisoprenoids in RDWs compared with DW. RDWs wines had better sensory properties (fruity and floral, red fruits, aroma intensity, and overall acceptability) than DW, and with almost similar sensory properties (overall acceptability) compared to OW. Rose, peach and lily AFEs can be used for the aroma enhancement of dealcoholized pinot noir rose wine.

Fadogia agrestis (Schweinf. Ex Hiern) Stem Extract Restores Selected Biomolecules of Erectile Dysfunction in the Testicular and Penile Tissues of Paroxetine-Treated Wistar Rats.

Inadequate release of nitric oxide (NO) by the penile tissue impacts negatively on penile erection causing erectile dysfunction (ED). Fadogia agrestis has been implicated in the management of ED without information on key biomolecules associated with ED in male rats. Therefore, this study evaluated the influence of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem (AEFAS) on key biomolecules associated with ED in the penile and testicular tissues of male Wistar rats induced with ED by paroxetine. Thirty male rats were assigned into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V and VI) of 5. Group I (sham control, without ED) was administered distilled water orally. Paroxetine-induced ED rats in groups II (negative control), III (positive control), IV, V and VI received distilled water, sildenafil citrate (SC, 50mg/kg body weight) and AEFAS at 18, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight respectively. Paroxetine lowered/reduced (p < 0.05) the MF, IF, EF, NO, cGMP, catalase, SOD, T-SH, GSH and GST whilst it prolonged/increased ML, IL, EL, PEI, AChE, PDE5, arginase, ACE, TBARS and H2O2. Contrastingly, AEFAS like sildenafil citrate increased (p < 0.05) the penile and testicular NO, cGMP, catalase, SOD, T-SH, GSH and GST and reduced AChE, PDE5, arginase, ACE, TBARS and H2O2 to levels that compared favourably (p > 0.05) with those of sham control. The study concluded that AEFAS restored the NO/cGMP pathway and ED-associated key enzymes in the penile and testicular tissues of male rats via antioxidant means. The study recommended the use of aqueous extract of Fadogia agrestis stem in managing ED after clinical trials.

An Endemic Plant of the Mediterranean Area: Phytochemical Characterization of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo L.) Fruits Extracts at Different Ripening Stages.

This work focused on the extraction, quantification, and characterization of bioactive compounds of Arbutus unedo L. fruits, comparing the results obtained from the different ripening states. Extractions were performed by different methods (such as maceration extraction and ultrasonic extraction) and food grade solvents (aqueous and hydroalcoholic solvents) in each of the all ripening states (four states considered, associated with four different colors, i.e., green, yellow, orange, and red). The presence of (poly)phenols was quantified and characterized, and scavenging activity was determined by the Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent and the DPPH method, respectively. The content of bioactive compounds was characterized by LC-MS/MS, such as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) performed better than maceration extraction; ethanol–water mixture extracts showed a more positive effect than the use of aqueous extracts regarding the content of total phenolic compounds. Overall, the total phenolic compounds in the EtOH:H2O mixture at a ratio of 7:3 (v:v) were higher than that of the other solvents for both extraction methods. Some bioactive molecules were characterized for the first time in the extracts of A. unedo. The chemical profile of the strawberry tree extracts depended on the degree of fruit ripeness. The results suggest that A. unedo fruits may be of great interest for food and nutraceutical applications.

Potential use of waste cinnamon leaves in stirred yogurt fortification

Cinnamon leaf essential oil has wide applications due to its prominent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. However, abundant cinnamon leaves are discarded as by-product after essential oil extraction. This study aims to investigate the potential use of aqueous extract (CLE) produced from waste cinnamon leaves as a bioactive additive in stirred yogurt. The effects of CLE fortification and encapsulation on the chemical, antioxidant and anti-inflammation activity of yogurt were determined. Besides, the stability of bioactivity of CLE in yogurt toward digestion was also investigated. Results suggest that CLE produced via 1 h extraction contains the highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH scavenging activity (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and albumin denaturation inhibition (ADI) activity. Fortification of yogurt with CLE (both unencapsulated and encapsulated form) significantly increased TPC, TFC, DPPH and FRAP of yogurt. Moreover, addition of encapsulated-CLE significantly reduced the syneresis of yogurt without affecting its viscosity. However, ADI activity was not detected in CLE-fortified yogurt, even though CLE was proven to contain high ADI activity. Nonetheless, the highest ADI activity (89.71 ± 1.62%) was detected in yogurt containing unencapsulated CLE after digestion. Contrarily, digestion caused substantial reduction of DPPH and FRAP in yogurt. Among the sample, yogurt containing encapsulated-CLE exhibited the highest DPPH (25.31 ± 1.67%) and FRAP (63.0 ± 0.5 μg Fe2+ ml-1) after intestinal digestion. Encapsulation using agar was proven to effectively protect antioxidants from lost during digestion. This study provides new insight into the potential use of waste cinnamon leaves as functional additive in stirred yogurt.