Water Extracts Of Plants Research Articles

Burn Wound Healing Activity of Hydroxyethylcellulose Gels with Different Water Extracts Obtained from Various Medicinal Plants in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Infected Rabbits.

Burn injuries represent a significant problem in clinical practice due to the high risk of infection and the prolonged healing process. Recently, more attention has been given to natural remedies such as water extracts of various medicinal plants, which possess anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Satureja montana L. and other water extracts in a burn wound model. The study involved male Californian rabbits (n = 52) divided into eight groups. Burn wounds were modeled on the animals and subsequently treated with gels based on Satureja montana L. and other water extracts. The reparative potential of the epidermis (assessed by Ki-67 expression), the state of local immunity (measured by the number of CD-45 cells), and the anti-inflammatory role of mast cells (measured by tryptase levels) were evaluated. Bacteriological and morphological studies were conducted. The most pronounced bactericidal, reparative, and immunostimulatory effects were observed after the treatment using a gel mixture of water extracts from Satureja montana L., Salvia sclarea, Coriandrum sativum L., and Lavandula angustifolia in equal proportions (1:1:1:1). The other gels also demonstrated high efficacy in treating burn wounds, especially when using a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to several antibiotics. Immunohistochemical studies showed a significant increase in the number of Ki-67-positive cells in the basal layer of the epidermis and a decrease in the number of CD-45-positive cells, indicating improved proliferative activity and reduced inflammation. This study confirms the hypothesis that the use of water extract mixtures significantly enhances the reparative potential, improves the immune response in the treatment of burns, and promotes wound healing. These findings pave the way for further research and the application of complex phytotherapeutic agents, specifically water extracts of medicinal plants containing phenols and antioxidants in burn wound therapy.

Antimicrobial Activity against Cronobacter of Plant Extracts and Essential Oils in a Matrix of Bacterial Cellulose.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biodegradable polymer resembling paper after being dried. It finds a growing number of applications in many branches of industry and in medicine. In the present study, BC was produced after Gluconacetobacter hansenii ATCC 23769 strain culture and used as a matrix for plant extracts (tulsi, brahmi, lemon, blackberry, nettle root, and nettle leave) and essential oils (cinnamon, sage, clove, mint, thyme, lemongrass, rosemary, lemon, anise, tea tree, lime, grapefruit, and tangerine), and the antimicrobial properties of these biomaterials was determined. The growth-inhibiting effects of plant extracts and essential oils combined with BC were analyzed against five Cronobacter species isolated from food matrix and two reference strains from the ATCC (513229 and 29544). Additional analyses were conducted for BC water activity and for its capability to absorb biologically active plant compounds. The cellulose matrix with a 50% extract from brahmi was found to effectively inhibit the growth of the selected Cronobacter strains. The other plant water extracts did not show any antimicrobial activity against the tested strains. It was demonstrated that BC soaked with thyme essential oil was characterized with the strongest antimicrobial activity in comparison to the other tested EOs. These study results indicate the feasibility of deploying BC impregnated with natural plant components as an active and environmentally-friendly packaging material.

Determination of Antifungal Activities on Some Plant Extracts on Alternaria alternata

To increase yield and quality in agricultural production, it is necessary to perform management against diseases and pests. Alternaria, which causes several diseases in many economically important plants, is the most common species and widely distributed in nature. One of the important species reported in sweet cherry in recent years is Alternaria alternata. Many studies have emphasized the necessity of effective control with Alternaria species and examined the use of environmentally friendly methods against fungal diseases. In recent years, the use of plant extracts has increased due to their antimicrobial properties. Antifungal effects of Datura stramonium L., Vitex agnus-castus L., Xanthium strumarium L., Capsella bursa-pastoris L., Convolvulus arvensis L., Viscum album L., Echinophora tenuifolia L. subsp. sibthorpiana (Guss.) Tutin, Amaranthus retroflexus L., Chenopodium album L., Tribulus terrestris L., Solanum nigrum L., Nerium oleander L., Circium arvense (L.) Scop. and Brassica oleracea L. aqueous extracts were determined against Alternaria alternata. At the end of the 7-day incubation period, the mycelial growth of the fungi was measured and the antifungal effect of plant extracts was determined. As a result, the extracts were determined to inhibit mycelial growth compared to control. The plant water extracts used in the study were determined to inhibit the mycelial development of the pathogen by 20.20% to 77.12%. It is considered that different solvents and concentrations should be addressed to guide further studies. It was also concluded that potential plant species that may show anti-fungal properties should be evaluated.

Protective Effect of Prunella vulgaris L. Whole Plant or Spicas Water Extracts on Hyperthyroidism with Liver-yang Hyperactivity Syndrome

Background: Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial medicinal plant commonly used to treat thyroid dysfunction, infectious hepatitis, and mastitis in north-east Asia and Europe. In China, there has been a historical change in the medicinal use of P. vulgaris from the use of whole plants to the use of the spicas. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of whole plant P. vulgaris water extracts and spicas on hyperthyroidism with liver-yang hyperactivity syndrome and to preliminarily explain the mechanism of action of these water extracts. Methods: Rats were induced with aconite decoction and levothyroxine and treated with P. vulgaris whole plant and spicas water extract for 28 days at the same time. Body weight, food intake, and rectal temperature were monitored. The serum thyroid function indicators thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormone-free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4), liver function index alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), oxidative damage index malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected. Liver and thyroid tissues were taken for sectioning and observation. The liver inflammatory factors human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of the apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) were detected. Results: Both P. vulgaris whole plant and spica water extract groups exhibited markedly reduced FT3 and FT4 contents, increased the TSH content, and decreased ALT and AST activities. Furthermore, these agents improve thyroid and liver lesion tissue; reduce MDA content; increase SOD activity; reduce IL-6, TNF-α, and caspase-3 expression; and increase Bcl-2 expression. Conclusion: The whole plant and spicas water extracts of P. vulgaris have obvious protective effects on hyperthyroidism and hyperactivity in liver yang, and the protective effect of the water extract of spicas is greater than that of the whole plant water extract.

Antifungal Activity of Selected Indigenous Medicinal Plants in Sri Lanka Against Candida Infections

Candida infections have been recorded as an emerging health concern among immune- compromised patients, infants and pregnant women in Asia, Africa and Europe. Skin diseases, genital infections, candidiasis and candidemia caused by overgrowth of symbiotic Candida species in the human body are treated by antifungal drugs. The common drugs viz., fluconazole, flucytosine, amphotericin B, nystatin, etc. are responsible for more side effects in the human body while Candida species are indicating a resistance towards them. Therefore, the continuous discovery of antifungal compounds against Candida infections is an essential process. Thus, the current study focused on the determination of the antifungal activity of water extracts of selected indigenous medicinal plants in Sri Lanka towards Candida infections. Three common indigenous medicinal plants; Cyperus rotundus (roots, tubers, leaves and flowers), Acalipha indica (roots, stem, leaves and flowers) and Aloe barbadensis Miller (gel and leaves) were collected and their water extracts (10 g/25 mL) were screened for the antifungal activity against two common Candida species; Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis using disk diffusion method. Briefly, the pathogenic bacterial lawns were prepared by spreading equalized solutions of C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis on Muller Hinton Agar supplemented with 2% glucose. Sterile paper disks soaked with 30 µL of water extracts of each plant part were placed on pathogen lawns. Sterile distilled water was used as the negative control. The plates were incubated at 37° C overnight and observed for clear zone formation. According to the results, the water extract of C. rotundus tubers indicated an inhibitory action by giving clear inhibition zones against both tested Candida species. All other water extracts of medicinal plants indicated negative inhibitory actions against tested Candida species. The results revealed that C. rotundus tubers consist of antifungal activity against C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. Hence, C. rotundus tubers can be used as an effective treatment for infections caused by the tested Candida species.
 
 Keywords: Antifungal activity, Candida infections, Indigenous medicinal plants, Cyperusrotundus, Water extracts

Antioxidant Activity of Plant Extracts at Chattogram Hill Tracts, Chattogram, Bangladesh

In recent years, researchers have focused on natural antioxidants because they are good for human health. Most scientists believe that around two-thirds of the plants in the world have medicinal value and good antioxidant activity. The goal of this work was to estimate antioxidant activities of plant extracts, collected from Chattogram Hill Tracts, Chattogram. Different types of Plant leaves were extracted with different solvents like water, ethanol, methanol, and Pet ether. These extracts were then tested to see if they have any antioxidant properties using a method called DPPH radical scavenging. The present study found that all plant extracts exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity among them water extract of plants had the highest level of antioxidants followed by ethanol followed by methanol then Petroleum ether extracts. The high antioxidant activity of these might be due to the presence of hydroxyl groups containing substance in polar solvent extract and these hydroxyl groups can damage free radicals and possess the necessary resources for radical scavenging. This study confirms that many plant extracts have very strong antioxidant activity, which can help treat diseases caused by free radicals in the body.

Effect of some certain plant water extracts on the infection with Fusarium solani the causal pathogen of faba bean root-ro

Effect of some certain plant water extracts on the infection with Fusarium solani the causal pathogen of faba bean root-ro

Study of Dittrichia Graveolens Extracts Effect against Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections and Burns

the current study was aimed to estimate the activity of D. graveolens extract against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from urinary tract infection and burns . In this study, 150 samples were collected from urine and burns from patients attending and lying in hospitals (Azadi General - Kirkuk General - Public Health Laboratory) after consulting the specialist doctor and referring the patient to the laboratory, taking information for each sample and recording it in the special questionnaire form for different ages and genders for the period from December 2021. Until March 2022. The effect of different concentrations of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the D. graveolens plant on the growth of microorganisms (bacteria) was studied. The results showed The current study showed that the number of positive samples containing various bacterial growths was 102 (68%), while the number of negative samples that did not show bacterial growth was 48 (38%). the total of S. aureus isolates was 31(30.39 %) as 20(64.5%) of the isolates were isolated from urine, while 11(35.5%) were isolated from burns. The results of the study demonstrated the effect of cold water and ethanol alcohol plant extracts from the Dittrichia graveolens plant on the growth of S.aureus isolates which isolated from urinary tract and burns infections using extraction devices. These isolates are known to be pathogenic and have high resistance to antibiotics under study. The ethanol extracts showed significant results, with the highest inhibition value reaching 14.44 at a concentration of 200 mg/mL, while the cold water extracts did not show any significant results.

Study of Dittrichia Graveolens Extracts Effect against Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated from Urinary Tract Infections and Burns

the current study was aimed to estimate the activity of D. graveolens extract against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from urinary tract infection and burns . In this study, 150 samples were collected from urine and burns from patients attending and lying in hospitals (Azadi General - Kirkuk General - Public Health Laboratory) after consulting the specialist doctor and referring the patient to the laboratory, taking information for each sample and recording it in the special questionnaire form for different ages and genders for the period from December 2021. Until March 2022. The effect of different concentrations of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the D. graveolens plant on the growth of microorganisms (bacteria) was studied. The results showed The current study showed that the number of positive samples containing various bacterial growths was 102 (68%), while the number of negative samples that did not show bacterial growth was 48 (38%). the total of S. aureus isolates was 31(30.39 %) as 20(64.5%) of the isolates were isolated from urine, while 11(35.5%) were isolated from burns. The results of the study demonstrated the effect of cold water and ethanol alcohol plant extracts from the Dittrichia graveolens plant on the growth of S.aureus isolates which isolated from urinary tract and burns infections using extraction devices. These isolates are known to be pathogenic and have high resistance to antibiotics under study. The ethanol extracts showed significant results, with the highest inhibition value reaching 14.44 at a concentration of 200 mg/mL, while the cold water extracts did not show any significant results.

Modulatory Effects of Mangiferin Isolated from Aquilaria Plants on Human Cytochrome P450 Enzyme (CYP) Activities In vitro and In silico Studies

Background: Mangiferin has been identified as one of the major active constituents of Aquilaria plants. It was reported to have several promising chemotherapeutic potentials. Our preliminary data suggested that Aquilaria plant water extracts inhibited several cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes in vitro. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the modulatory effects of mangiferin on six major drug metabolizing CYP enzymes including CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5. Methods: The enzyme activities were measured using fluorescence-based assays and enzyme kinetic such as IC50 parameters and Ki values were calculated to evaluate inhibitory potencies and mechanisms. Moreover, for potent inhibitions, molecular docking studies were carried out to explore potential interactions of residues between mangiferin and CYP enzymes. Results: Our findings suggested that mangiferin could inhibit CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 in vitro with IC50 values of 9.2, 8.7, and 4.3 μM, and Ki values of 3.8, 10.8, and 9.6 μM, in a non-competitive inhibition pattern. Molecular docking studies using AutoDock 4.2 identified potential residues contained in mangiferin that interacted with CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5, resulting in the observed inhibitory effects. Conclusion: Mangiferin should be used carefully, in particular, with conventional drugs metabolized mainly by CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5. Further in vivo studies are recommended to evaluate the clinical relevance of these inhibitions.

Biosensor-guided detection of outer membrane-specific antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa from fungal cultures and medicinal plant extracts.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa responds to sub-lethal antimicrobial exposure by inducing the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) surface modifications that mask antibiotic binding sites and contribute to repair and resistance of the outer membrane (OM). We exploit these membrane damage-responsive operons in a biosensor approach used to discover new antimicrobials that specifically target the OM. Chromosomal transcriptional luxCDABE reporters from the pmr (polymyxin resistance; aminoarabinose LPS modification) and speD2E2 (spermidine synthesis) operons are induced by validated outer membrane-acting agents including cationic antimicrobial peptides, cation chelators, ascorbic acid, detergents, and cell wall synthesis inhibitors cycloserine and bacitracin. To identify novel sources of OM-disrupting antimicrobials, we used these OM damage-responsive biosensors to screen a panel of fungal culture supernatants for novel antimicrobial and biosensor activity. Biosensor activity was used to determine the optimal time point of antimicrobial production from fungal supernatants and to guide the purification of active fractions after size-exclusion chromatography. Water and ethanol extracts of Chinese medicinal plants also proved to be a source of biosensor activity. The pathogen box is a 400-member drug library of potential antimicrobials, but none of these compounds induced our OM damage biosensors. This novel, sensitive, cell-based screening assay has potential for future discovery of lead compounds that specifically target the outer membrane, which is a significant barrier to antibiotic entry into Gram-negative bacteria.IMPORTANCENew approaches are needed to discover novel antimicrobials, particularly antibiotics that target the Gram-negative outer membrane. By exploiting bacterial sensing and responses to outer membrane (OM) damage, we used a biosensor approach consisting of polymyxin resistance gene transcriptional reporters to screen natural products and a small drug library for biosensor activity that indicates damage to the OM. The diverse antimicrobial compounds that cause induction of the polymyxin resistance genes, which correlates with outer membrane damage, suggest that these LPS and surface modifications also function in short-term repair to sublethal exposure and are required against broad membrane stress conditions.

Potential of plant extracts to inhibit egg hatching and migration of Haemonchus contortus larvae

Gastrointestinal parasitosis constitutes important health problems, aggravating throughout the years, due to inadequate use of drugs for its control, causing anthelmintic resistance. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of Azadirachta indica (AZA) and Moringa oleifera (MOR) extracts in inhibiting egg hatching and in vitro migration of Haemonchus contortus larvae. A completely randomized design of experiment was carried out, where 15 treatments and a dimethyl sulfoxide negative control were evaluated: MOR-75, MOR-50, MOR-25, MOR-12.5, and MOR-6.25 mg/mL; AZA-75, AZA-50, AZA-25, AZA-12.5, and AZA-6.25 mg/mL; and thiabendazole (TBZ) TBZ-200, TBZ-100, TBZ-40, TBZ-20, TBZ-10 µg/mL. The extracts did not inhibit egg hatching capacity; however, we observed a motility decrease of up to 100% in L1 larvae. The extracts affected larval migration (P < 0.0020) compared with controls (dimethyl sulfoxide and TBZ), with migration rate inhibition above 65 %. Probit analysis showed that the median effective concentrations were 60.41 and 65.69 mg/mL for M. oleifera and A. indica, respectively. The in vitro results suggest that the water extract of both plants has an anthelmintic action against gastrointestinal nematode larvae.

Effect of using different types of Origanum majarona Extracts on Quality traits of thigh meat broiler in frozen storage

The present Experiment aimed to study the effect of the use of different types and concentrations of Origanum majarona extracts on some qualitative traits of frozen broiler The preservation experiment was carried out at a temperature of (-18) cº for a period of (3) months. The water extracts of Origanum majarona plant used concentrations (0.1% , 0.2%) And alcoholic extracts concentrations (0.01% , 0.05%) On the broiler. Chemical tests included: the peroxide number, free fatty acids percent, cholesterol Level. Microbial tests, included: the total bacteria count. Results showed a significant decrease for the peroxide number, the free fatty acids percent and cholesterol Level in the thigh meat in all periods of freezing storage. The samples treatment the alcoholic extract of Origanum majarona had lowest values which are (0.11 meq/g meat, 0.16%, 64.42 mg/100 g meat) respectively compared with the other experimental treatments. A significant decrease for the total bacteria number in frozen thigh meat was recorded with alcohol extract treatment of the lowest total bacteria count (3.47×106) cfu/g compared with other experimental treatments. The longer storage period increased significantly the total bacteria count in the meat for different experimental treatments.

Nutritional and toxicological aspects of selected wild edible plants and significance for this society

Consumption of wild edible plants has played a significant role in supplying food and nutritional requirements and increasing the health status of underprivileged communities in many rural parts of the world. The present investigation was to evaluate the nutritive value, mineral content, vitamin content, and toxicological status of ten wild edible plants viz. Phlogocanthus thrysiflorus, Lasia spinosa, Eriosema chinense, Polygonum microcephalum, Nasturtium indicum, Spinacia oleracea, Malva parviflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Elsholtzia blanda, and Sonchus oleraceus, consumed by the tribal people of Meghalaya State in India, as their nourishment. All investigated plants were collected from different areas of Meghalaya state, and their nutraceutical potential was evaluated following the standard food analysis methods described in the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Protein contents were very high in several species, especially in N. indicum (24.75%). Carbohydrate content ranged from 5.86% (S. oleracea) to 21.28% (E. chinense). All plants contained significant amounts of minerals (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg), and water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C (0.24–5.79 mg/100 g of dry plant material), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Antinutrients such as oxalate, phytate, saponin and heavy metal (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg) levels in all plants were estimated below fatal levels. The consequences of haemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of water extracts of wild edible plants ensure safety for human consumption. Therefore, this study focuses on the utilization of wild edible plants as a source of dietary supplements, which may result in the commercialization of the produce; hence, it assesses consumer perceptions towards wild edible plants in India.

Integrated agroecological practices for sustaining weed management and improving faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) productivity under low-input farming

Bearing in mind the negative impacts of intensive farming systems based on monoculture and heavy chemical usage, there is a need to find sustainable agroecological practices (AP). The introduction of legume crops through intercropping practices, mulching, and plant water extracts are among the non-chemical strategies for agroecological weed management. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different agroecological practices on weeds, soil microbial load, soil nutrients, and faba bean yield. The results showed that agroecological practices, especially the treatment including the combination of the three AP, significantly reduced weed density and biomass. The treatments improved the soil microbial load at the harvest stage, land equivalent ratio, faba bean yield, and yield components compared to the sole faba bean. However, no significant differences were recorded in the parameters related to the soil macronutrients. These findings suggest that the integration of intercropping, plant extracts and mulching practices could be an important ecological alternative for weed management associated with faba bean crops under low-input farming in the Meknes region, Morocco.

Agroecological management of fall armyworm using soil and botanical treatments reduces crop damage and increases maize yield

IntroductionFall armyworm continues to disrupt smallholder farming systems across sub-Saharan Africa, with sporadic outbreaks and chronic cereal crop losses. Smallholders have been adapting to the pest by increasing crop surveillance for targeted control measures and developing low-cost solutions. For example, some report placing soil or ash in maize whorls where the mechanism of pest control may be suffocation, abrasion leading to desiccation, or through the introduction of soil-borne entomopathogens.MethodsTo verify the efficacy of this approach we evaluated different soil types on maize infested with fall armyworm to assess their efficacy. We also evaluated the efficacy of pesticidal plant species, powdered and placed in leaf whorls to control fall armyworm. Results and discussionDifferent United States Department of Agriculture-characterised soil types (sand, loam, clay) and wood ash were effective in reducing the number of larvae and maize leaf damage by approximately 50%. Maize yield with the synthetic control (chlorpyriphos) was 13,700 kg/ha, which was 42% higher than the untreated control (7,900 kg/ha). Soil and ash treatments yields between 10,400 to 12,400 kg/ha were 24-36% higher than the untreated control. Dry soil applied after watering was most effective regardless of soil type. However, wet soil treatments applied before watering were also highly effective in reducing the number of fall armyworm larvae and reducing insect damage to maize leaves. Botanical powders from Azadirachta indica, Nicotiana tabacum, Cymbopogon citratus and Lippia javanica were also effective when applied to maize leaf whorls. Plant powder treatments and water extracts were significantly effective in reducing the number of larvae and leaf damage. The highest yield obtained with botanicals was observed with A. indica powder (5,600 kg/ha), C. citratus extract (5,800 kg/ha) and N. tabacum extract (5,800 kg/ha), where the synthetic treatment yield was 6,900 kg/ha and the untreated yield was 1,700 kg/ha. We conclude that smallholder farmer innovations in managing fall armyworm are effective low-cost options. Scientific validation of soil treatments and botanicals should help increase the confidence of policy makers and allow knowledge extension services to recommend their use to smallholder farmers, which in turn may reduce reliance on imported synthetic pesticides and improve farmer resilience, circular economies and human and environmental health.

Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis associated with post-harvest storage of cocoyam (Colocasia esculentus L) corms rot: Occurrence and in vitro response to leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina

Cocoyam is a root crop that is produced in regions of the tropical or sub-tropical developing countries. In certain countries like Ghana, cocoyam production is surplus but post-harvest losses are high due to mechanical damage of corms during harvest which predisposes the corms to microbial attack in storage. Antibacterial activities of the test plant were determined using agar diffusion method. Five bacteria strains were isolated from rotten cocoyam corm viz: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. Cold aqueous extract of 20% of the test plant mostly inhibited Staphylococcus aureus (0.66) followed by Bacillus cereus (0.65). The least inhibited organisms being Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0.36) and Proteus mirabilis (0.38). Hot water extract (20%) of the test plant mostly inhibited Bacillus cereus (0.52) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (0.49). The results showed that higher concentrations of V. amygdalina extracts inhibited the growth of organisms more than lower concentrations. The use of plant based biocide against bacterial isolates proves efficacious as they are effective, affordable and are less harmful to man and the environment.

Investigation of antimicrobial activities of some sideritis species

This research has been conducted on tea grown in the western Mediterranean region and also on the consumption of Sideritis stricta and Sideritis condensate species, in order to investigate their antimicrobial activity against 6 pathogenic bacteria. The plants were collected and dried at room temperature in the flowering stage. The essential oil of the plants was obtained with a Clevenger apparatus by the hydrodistillation method. Antibacterial activities of the extracts were determined with the disc diffusion method. In this method, MIC of the extracts which showed antibacterial activity were determined with the microdilution method. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella enteretidis RSK 95046, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700613 were used as test bacteria. The results were evaluated according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. Ampicillin and penicillin were used as the positive control antibiotics. It was determined that hot water extracts of both plants did not have antibacterial activity. The results of the statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) between the antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Sideritis stricta and Sideritis condensate. It was found that there was no significant difference between the antimicrobial activity of Sideritis stricta and ampicillin used as a control antibiotic. On the other hand, the antimicrobial activity of Sideritis condensata was lower when compared to the control antibiotic.

New insights of the application of water or ethanol-water plant extract rich in active compounds in food.

Plants are recognized as natural sources of antioxidants (e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and other active compounds) that can be extracted by green solvents like water, ethanol, or their binary mixtures. Plant extracts are becoming more used as food additives in various food systems due to their antioxidant abilities. Their application in food increases the shelf life of products by preventing undesirable changes in nutritional and sensory properties, such as the formation off-flavors in lipid-rich food. This review summarizes the most recent literature about water or ethanol-water plant extracts used as flavors, colorings, and preservatives to fortify food and beverages. This study is performed with particular attention to describing the benefits of plant extract-fortified products such as meat, vegetable oils, biscuits, pastries, some beverages, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products. Antioxidant-rich plant extracts can positively affect food safety by partially or fully replacing synthetic antioxidants, which have lately been linked to safety and health issues such as toxicological and carcinogenic consequences. On the other hand, the limitations and challenges of using the extract in food should be considered, like stability, level of purity, compatibility with matrix, price, sensory aspects like distinct taste, and others. In the future, continuous development and a tendency to use these natural extracts as food ingredients are expected, as indicated by the number of published works in this area, particularly in the past decade.

In-vitro anti-bacterial activity of medicinal plants against Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) causing bacteria along with their synergistic effects with commercially available antibiotics

BackgroundPlants contain a variety of bioactive compounds that provide them antimicrobial properties, which can be used to develop novel antibiotics. The current research evaluated the antibacterial activity of 6 medicinal plants Sphagneticola calendulacea (Chinese wedelia), Enydra fluctuans (Buffalo spinach), Chenopodium album (Goosefoot), Mentha arvensis (Wild mint), Mimosa diplotricha (Nila grass), and Averrhoa bilimbi (Cucumber tree) against Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)- causing pathogens (Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Pseudmonas spp., Escherichia coli and Enterobacter spp.). MethodsThe bacterial contamination of these plants was evaluated by using their surface-washed water. The combined effects of commercially available antibiotics along with these medicinal plants were also tested. We used the solvent extraction method, conventional cell culture technique, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, and disc diffusion method for our analysis. ResultsThe surface-washed water was contaminated with variable bacteria. The plants displayed notable antibacterial activity against most of the tested bacteria. Ethanol and hot water extract of plants exhibited minimum inhibitory effects, while the methanol extract of plants showed very potent antibacterial activity against most of the bacteria with inhibitory zone diameter up to 14 mm. In the case of combined effects, the zone diameter increased up to 26 mm, which is a significant improvement compared to the individual plant extracts. InterpretationThis data suggested that the combination of two antibacterial agents, one natural and the other synthetic, would be more efficient in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria than a single monotherapy of either of the antibacterial agents.