Ethanolic Extract of Moringa stenopetala Leaves Enhances the Quality Characteristics and Shelf-Life of Vacuum-Packed Pork Patty during Refrigeration Storage

Studies reported that the moringa plant provides various bioactive compounds. The present study investigated the effect of an ethanolic extract of Moringa stenopetala leaves (MLE) on the storage consistency of vacuum-packed pork patty during refrigeration storage (4°C). Four treatments prepared were: control (without any preservative) and patties blended with 0.1% MLE (MLE1), 0.05% MLE (MLE2), and 0.2% potassium sorbate (PS). Patties incorporated with 0.05 and 0.1% MLE scored significantly lower (P<0.05) pH values compared with the control at the final storage time and thiobarbituric acid reactive values as compared to both the control and PS treated patties throughout the study period. Moreover, patties added with MLE had a significantly lower (P<0.05) total plate count than the control and the count decreased concomitantly with an increase in MLE concentration. The addition of MLE (0.1 and 0.05%) presented significantly higher (P<0.05) redness (a*) values than the control across storage time. Sensory attributes of samples did not vary significantly (P>0.05), and all treatments had similar overall acceptability scores during storage. In conclusion, incorporation of 0.1% and 0.05% MLE suppressed microbial growth and delayed the onset of oxidative rancidity in pork patties during storage without any effect on the sensorial properties and overall acceptability. As an organic preservative, MLE can help in extending the shelf life of pork patties to satisfy the demands of modern consumers for organic, healthy, and safe food ingredients.

Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.) leaves

OBJECTIVES

The sugarcane leaf is rich inphytochemical content. It is rarely used because it is a waste although it has potential activity as antimutation, anti inflammation, and antioxidation. There is no study about its hepatoprotective activity yet. This study was conducted to determine the hepatoprotection of sugarcane leaves in tested animals with liver acute injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄).

METHODS

Twenty-four Wistar strain rats were divided into three groups of experimental animals (dose 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg) and three control groups (normal, positive, and negative). The ethanol extract of sugarcane leaves obtained from Panti, Jember, was made using the maceration method. The animals were treated for 14 days by giving the extract to the treatment group. One hour after treatment on the last day, the test animals were given CCl₄ intraperitoneally except for the normal group. On the 15th day, the blood of the test animal was taken to be tested for the biochemical value of the liver (aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin) and examined for its liver to be made histological preparations.

RESULTS

The results showed that the treatment with a dose of 500 mg/kg was able to decrease AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin parameters compared to the negative control. The extract also provided improvements in liver tissue histology compared to the negative control.

CONCLUSIONS

Sugarcane leaf ethanol extract (SCLE) has a potential hepatoprotective effect.

The Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic and Antimicrobial Properties of <i>Verbascum thapsus </i> L

BACKGROUND

The antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, and antimicrobial activities of Verbascum Thapsus L., known as great mullein, (an important medicinal plant containing different biochemical compounds including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, saponins and lignins) were determined. There is not much data, to our knowledge, in this respect.

METHODS

The antioxidant activities of V. Thapsus were investigated by the DPPH (2, 2- diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl) method. Using GC-MS, the presence of different anticarcinogenic products including 1-hexzanol (2.11%), 2-hexene (1.95%), etc. was determined in the ethanolic extract of V. Thapsus. The antimicrobial activities of V. Thapsus were determined by the minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods using the Grampositive and -negative bacterial strains.

RESULTS

The least concentration of V. Thapsus L. ethanolic extract (50 mg/l) resulted in only 21.26% inhibition of DPPH free radicals, however, the concentrations of 300 mg/l resulted in almost the highest inhibition (91.31%) of DPPH free radicals. The antioxidant activities of synthesized antioxidant BHT at the concentration of 300 mg/l or higher were similar to the antioxidant activities of V. Thapsus L. ethanolic extract. Both the isolated and the standard Gram-negative bacterial strains were more tolerant to the V. Thapsus ethanolic extract, compared with the Grampositive bacterial strains. Bacillus cereus was the most sensitive bacterial strain among the tested bacterial strains.

CONCLUSION

The medicinal plant V. Thapsus L. can be used for the treatment of different diseases, such as cancer and infectious diseases.

Elaeocarpus floribundus Bl. seeds as a new source of bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

The fruits of Elaeocarpus floribundus Bl. (Elaeocarpaceae) are edible and are normally prescribed for treatment of diseases. The medicinal uses of the fruit create considerable quantities of seeds as wastes. In an attempt to valorise this biomass, we studied the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic seed extract. The extract inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens and was also a very strong scavenger of DPPH free radicals. Consequently, the extract was phytochemically investigated and this study reports the initial isolation of five phenolic compounds from this source. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectra analyses including HR-ESI-MS, 1D and 2D NMR experiments. The isolated compounds exhibited a wide range of antimicrobial activities against the tested pathogens. Gallic acid (4) showed the most activity against Bacillus subtilis with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 30 µg/mL, while the MIC values of the antimicrobial standards range between 10 and 35 µg/mL. Compound 4, crude ethanolic extract, and the ethyl acetate fraction were more a potent free radical scavenger of DPPH compared to ascorbic acid. Hence, the seeds of E. floribundus could be considered as a new source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and food-related industries.

Wild Italian Hyssopus officinalis subsp. aristatus (Godr.) Nyman: From Morphological and Phytochemical Evidences to Biological Activities

Three specimens of H. officinalis subsp. aristatus were collected in three areas of the Abruzzo region (Italy) and subjected to macroscopic and microscopic observation to support their botanical identification. The essential oils (EOs) obtained from the aerial parts of the samples were characterized with the object to define their phytochemical and pharmaceutical biology profile. They highlight three different chemotypes, including one never seen in previous literature (CIV17-EO, distilled from sample harvested in 2017 at Civitaretenga), that showed a fingerprinting with the predominance of (-)-limonen-10-yl-acetate (67.9%). In 2017 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reported the genotoxicity of similar compounds, therefore, to dismiss any safety concern for the CIV17-EO use as flavouring substance, the Ames test was performed with no evidence of mutagenic activity. Safety of use coupled with chemical characterization of this new chemotype set the stage for a better standardization of H. officinalis EOs. The ethanolic extracts, on the other hand, with qualitatively similar chemical profiles in which caftaric, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid were the main molecules, showed interesting antioxidant activity and a slight cytotoxicity towards the A549 cell line that could indicate a starting point for the evaluation of an additional preventive tool for maintaining health status.

Antitumor Effect of the Ethanolic Extract from Seeds of Euphorbia lathyris in Colorectal Cancer

The seeds of Euphorbia lathyris have been used in traditional medicine to treat various medical conditions. However, neither all of their active biocompounds nor the molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects have been described. A new ethanolic extract of defatted flour from mature seeds of Euphorbia lathyris showed a high total polyphenol content and significant antioxidant activity. Chromatographic analysis showed that esculetin, euphorbetin, gaultherin, and kaempferol-3-rutinoside were the most abundant polyphenolic bioactive compounds. Antiproliferative assays showed a high and selective antitumor activity against colon cancer cell lines (T84 and HCT-15). In addition, a significant antiproliferative activity against glioblastoma multiforme cells was also demonstrated. Its mechanism of action to induce cell death was mediated by the overexpression of caspases 9, 3, and 8, and by activation of autophagy. Interestingly, a reduction in the migration capacity of colon cancer cells and a significant antiangiogenic effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells were also demonstrated. Finally, the extract significantly reduced the subpopulations of cancer stem cells. This extract could be the basis to develop new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of colon cancer, although further experiments will be necessary to determine its in vivo effects.

Antimicrobial Potential of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles by Aaronsohnia factorovskyi Extract

The green biosynthesis of nanoparticles by plant extracts is an attractive and promising technique for medicinal applications. In the current study, we chose one of the daisy plants, Aaronsohnia factorovskyi (which grows in the Najd region, Saudi Arabia), to investigate its anti-microbial efficacy, in combination with silver nanoparticles. The biosynthesized nanoparticles were evaluated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillussubtilis (Gram-positive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, (Gram-negative) using the disc diffusion method, while the antifungal activity was assessed against Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Helminthosporiumrostratum, and Alternariaalternata. The potential phytoconstituents of the plant extracts were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques, the Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques, and Zeta potential analysis. The current study revealed the ability of the tested plant extract to convert silver ions to silver nanoparticles with an average diameter of 104–140 nm. Biogenic Aaronsohnia factorovskyi-silver nanoparticles (AF-AgNPs) showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone diameter to 19.00 ± 2.94 mm, and antifungal activity against Fusarium solani, which reduced the growth of fungal yarn to 1.5 mm. The innovation of the present study is that the green synthesis of NPs, which is simple, cost-effective, provides stable nano-materials, and can be an alternative for the large-scale synthesis of silver nanoparticles.

The flavonoid-rich ethanolic extract from the green cocoon shell of silkworm has excellent antioxidation, glucosidase inhibition, and cell protective effects in vitro

The green cocoon shell of a novel variety of silkworm, Bombyx mori, is rich in two types of quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids. The aim of this study was to identify these flavonoids in the ethanolic extract (EE) from green cocoons and develop EE applications in healthy foods. The experimental results indicated that the amount of total amino acids in EE was 27.06%. The flavonoids in EE are presented in quercetin and kaempferol glycosides. The total amount of the two aglycones was 33.42 ± 0.08 mg/g. The IC50 values of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 1,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonicacid) (ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities were 296.95 ± 13.24 μg/mL, 94.31 ± 9.13 μg/mL, and 9.21 ± 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values of the inhibitory activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were 37.57 ± 6.45 μg/mL and 212.69 ± 22.94 μg/mL, respectively. EE also reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in L02 cells induced by high glucose levels. It also effectively decreased the content of 8-hydroxyl deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in cells with a good dose effect. These results clearly indicated that the flavonoid-rich EE with excellent antioxidant and glucosidase inhibition abilities significantly reduced the damage to cells caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. It is suggested that EE might serve as useful functional foods for the treatment of related diseases induced by oxidative stress such as diabetes mellitus.

The effect of alcoholic extract from Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves on HTLV-1 Tax activities

HTLV-1 is a human retrovirus responsible for adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and certain other clinical disorders. The viral Tax oncoprotein plays a central role in HTLV-1 pathogenicity, mainly due to its capacity of inducing the transcriptional activity of various transcriptional factors like NFқB. Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Ec) is considered as a traditional medicinal plant with valuable therapeutic effects. Here we evaluated the activity of its ethanolic leave extract on different Tax activities by testing its influence on Tax-induced activity of NFқB and HTLV-1 LTR in Jurkat cells. Our results showed that Ec inhibited Tax induced activation of NFқB -, SRF- dependent promoters and HTLV-1 LTR. Ec extract has no effect on the binding of Tax to NFқB while it strongly prevented the degradation of IҝBα induced by Tax probably as a result of preventing the link between Tax and IKKγ. In addition, increasing the cellular level of P-TEFb-cyclinT1 significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of Ec on Tax activities, probably by preventing the interaction between Tax and P-TEFb-cyclin T1. The 40%-MeOH fraction of this extract, which is rich with polyphenols, offered the highest inhibitory effect against Tax activities. Further studies are required for the isolation and identification of active component/s in this extract which may be developed in the future as preventive/curing drugs for HTLV-1 related diseases.

Freeze-Drying Technique for Microencapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata Ethanolic Extract Using Different Coating Materials

The present study reports on the encapsulation of Elsholtzia ciliata ethanolic extract by freeze-drying method using skim milk, sodium caseinate, gum Arabic, maltodextrin, beta-maltodextrin, and resistant-maltodextrin alone or in mixtures of two or four encapsulants. The encapsulation ability of the final mixtures was evaluated based on their microencapsulating efficiency (EE) of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and the physicochemical properties of freeze-dried powders. Results showed that the freeze-dried powders produced using two encapsulants have a lower moisture content, but higher solubility, Carr index, and Hausner ratio than freeze-dried powders produced using only one encapsulant in the formulation. The microencapsulating efficiency of TPC also varied depending on encapsulants used. The lowest EE% of TPC was determined with maltodextrin (21.17%), and the highest with sodium caseinate (83.02%). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that freeze-drying resulted in the formation of different size, irregular shape glassy particles. This study demonstrated good mucoadhesive properties of freeze-dried powders, which could be incorporated in buccal or oral delivery dosage forms. In conclusion, the microencapsulation of E. ciliata ethanolic extract by freeze-drying is an effective method to produce new value-added pharmaceutical or food formulations with polyphenols.

In Vitro Effect of the Common Culinary Herb Winter Savory (Satureja montana) against the Infamous Food Pathogen Campylobacter jejuni

The culinary herb Satureja montana, known as winter savory, is an ingredient of traditional dishes known in different parts of the world. As an ingredient of foods it has the potential to improve their safety. In this study, the herb's activity was investigated against Campylobacter jejuni, the leading cause of the most prevalent bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide. The ethanolic extract and essential oil of the herb were chemically characterized and six pure compounds-carvacrol, thymol, thymoquinone, p-cymene, γ-terpinene, and rosmarinic acid-were chosen for further analysis. The antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract (MIC 250 mg/L) was 4-fold higher compared to the essential oil. Carvacrol, thymol and thymoquinone had the strongest antimicrobial effect (MIC 31.25 mg/L) and a strong synergistic activity between carvacrol and thymol was determined (FICi 0.2). Strong inhibitory effect on C. jejuni efflux pumps (2-fold inhibition) and disruption of membrane integrity (> 80% disruption) of the herb were determined as modes of action. For resistance against the herb, C. jejuni need efflux pumps, although increased resistance against this herb does not co-occur with increased efflux pump activity, as for antibiotics. This study shows the potential of a common culinary herb for the reduction of the food pathogen C. jejuni without increasing resistance.

Black bone syndrome in broilers fed ethanolic extract of mango seeds

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of black bone syndrome (BBS) in broiler chickens fed with ethanolic extract of mango seed (EEMS). A total of 504 one-day-old male broilers were used in a completely randomised design assigned with 7 experimental diets and 6 replicates of 12 broilers per experimental plot. The experimental diets consisted of: diet without addition of synthetic antioxidant; diet with addition of synthetic antioxidant (200 ppm); and 5 levels of EEMS: 200 ppm, 400 ppm, 600 ppm, 800 ppm, and 1,000 ppm. Two methods of cooking (roasted and boiled) were used to prepare thigh samples. According to the results, the diets did not significantly influence the performance of the broilers. BBS incidence was higher in broilers fed a diet without antioxidants and was reduced with EEMS dietary inclusion, with the lowest incidence occurring with the inclusion of 1,000 ppm. The synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene in the diet promoted a significantly higher BBS incidence than that obtained with 800 and 1,000 ppm EEMS and did not differ from the other diets. Of the cooking methods, a higher BBS incidence was observed for the boiled method. For the meat coloration and bone parameters, there were no significant interactions between the factors, diets and cooking methods. There was a linear reduction in the darkening score and linear increase in the luminosity (L∗) of the meat with increasing EEMS in the diet. With regard to the cooking method, the boiled thighs had lower luminosity (L∗), higher parameter a∗, and lower parameter b∗ values because of more pronounced meat darkening. The roasted bones were less heavy, dense, and flexible. A negative correlation was observed between the degree of darkening of the meat that characterizes the BBS with the luminosity (L∗) and intensity of yellow. We concluded that the addition of EEMS contributes to a reduced darkening of meat that characterises the BBS and recommend the dietary inclusion of 1,000-ppm EEMS.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Woodfordia fructicosa Leaves Ethanolic Extract on Adjuvant and Carragenan Treated Rats

BACKGROUND

Woodfordia fructicosa is used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation associated with arthritis.

METHODS

In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of W. fructicosa (WFE) leaves ethanolic extract was assessed in Sprague Dawley rats by giving 200 mg/kg dose orally. Inflammation was studied by using carrageenan induced paw edema, Freund's adjuvant (FA) and monosodium iodo acetate (MIA) induced arthritis as animal models. Serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was estimated in blood sample of animals treated with FA. The one way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

WFE significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.001) paw thickness in carrageenan induced paw edema and FA induced arthritis. The significant decrease in knee diameter (P<0.001) in MIA induced arthritis as well as inhibitory effect (P<0.001) on elevated TNF- α was observed.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that the WFEexerted an inhibitory effect on TNF-α and carrageenan paw edema which may justify its traditional use in inflammatory conditions. Thus, the study shows that leaves of W. fruticose afford anti-inflammatory activity by preventing the inflammation in different animal models.

Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Composition of Ethanolic Extract of Jordanian Silvia officinalis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Salvia officinalis (Sage) is a plant native to the Middle East and Mediterranean areas. It is from the family of Labiatae used for the treatment of different kinds of disorders. In the present study, ethanolic extracts of Salvia officinalis screened for its chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract obtained from Silvia officinalis growing wild in Al-Karak, Jordan, investigated for its photo components for the first time. The extract analyzed by GC-MS and HPLC instruments. The aerial part of the plant collected at the beginning of spring 2018.

RESULTS

Results show that the ethanolic extract has 28 natural compounds with 95.30% of the total identified components. Two peaks with 4.70% of total composition could not be identified. This analysis revealed that the compounds are mainly composed of aromatics and oxygenated hydrocarbons. Such as; L-Ascorbic acid, Silane, D-Glucuronic acid, Phenobarbital and Undecanedioic acid.

CONCLUSION

Overall this study highlights the identification of several oxygenated hydrocarbons of phytochemical compounds with two unknown components. Further investigation is needed for structural elucidation directed with pharmacological activity.

Screening and GC-MS profiling of ethanolic extract of Tylophora pauciflora

Medicinal plants are boundless source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical. Identification of natural compounds from medicinal plant is helpful in the discovery of novel therapeutic agents. Tylophora pauciflora is a medicinal plant, which possess many biological activities such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity and anti cancer activity. There is no GC-MS analysis reported on this plant. Thus, the present study is aimed to identify the present of phyto-chemical compounds from ethanolic extract of Tylophora pauciflora using GC-MS analysis. Results, the extract possess totally 14 bioactive compounds among that natural compound of n-hexadecanoic acid has highest % peak area and it have the variety of biological activities such as; anti-oxidant, 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitor, anti-fibrinolytic, hemolytic, antimicrobial activity, hypo-cholesterolemic, nematicide, pesticide, anti-androgenic flavor and hemolytic. It is concluded that the ethanolic extract of Tylophora pauciflora have biologically active compounds. In future by isolating and identifying, these compounds can be considered to treat the human disorders.

Evaluation of the phytochemical content, in vitro antioxidant capacity, biochemical and histological effects of Dennettia tripetala fruits in healthy rats

We estimated the content of specific phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant properties of the powder, aqueous, and ethanolic extracts of ripe Dennettia tripetala fruits. We also tested the biochemical and histological effects of these fruit extracts on healthy rats. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared from the powder of ripe D. tripetala fruits, and standard phytochemical methods were used to evaluate its phytochemical content and antioxidant properties. Eighteen rats were randomized into three groups, one of which served as control, while the second and third groups received the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of D. tripetala fruits, respectively, at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg bw daily for 28 days. Our results show that the powder as well as the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of ripe D. tripetala fruits contains phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. The plant powder as well as both extracts scavenged DPPH and hydrogen peroxide as well as reduced ferric ions. The extracts of D. tripetala fruits did not alter liver marker enzymes or serum protein profile of the rats. The extracts also did not alter the serum concentration of urea and creatinine and the antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid peroxidation levels in the liver but altered that of the kidney. The extracts altered the serum and liver lipid profile but not to any significant extents. Also, the extracts caused minimal congestion to the centrioles of the liver but were not in any other way toxic to the liver, kidney, or heart of the rats. Our results point to the fact that the fruits of D. tripetala possess phytochemicals with medicinal properties and are well tolerated by rats.

Acalypha Wilkesiana 'Java White': Identification of Some Bioactive Compounds by Gc-Ms and Their Effects on Key Enzymes Linked to Type 2 Diabete

In this study, we identified bioactive compounds from the ethanolic extracts of the leaves, stem bark and root bark of Acalypha wilkesiana through GC-MS analysis and investigated the effects of these extracts on some of the enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. Plant parts were extracted sequentially with ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of long-chain alkyl acids, esters, ketones and alcohols including phytol and phytol acetate along with some secondary metabolites such as xanthone, vitamin E and various types of sterols including stigmasterol, campesterol and sitosterol. Ethanolic extracts of all the parts showed a dose- -dependent inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase activity. The extracts also demonstrated anti-lipase activity. The ethanolic extract of root bark showed the highest inhibition of enzymes compared to other extracts. The EC50 values (concentrations for 50 % inhibition) of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase inhibition were 35.75 ± 1.95, 6.25 ± 1.05 and 101.33 ± 5.21 μg mL-1, resp. The study suggests that A. wilkesiana ethanolic extracts have the ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes. Further studies are needed to confirm the responsible bioactive compounds in this regard.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using flower extract of Malva sylvestris and investigation of their antibacterial activity

High-quality colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesised via a green approach by using hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris. Silver nitrate was used as a substrate ion while the plant extract successfully played the role of reducing and stabilising agents. The synthesised nanoparticles were carefully characterised by using transmission electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV-vis spectroscopy. The maximum absorption wavelengths of the colloidal solutions synthesised using 70 and 96% ethanol and 100% methanol, as extraction solvents, were 430, 485 and 504 nm, respectively. Interestingly, the size distribution of nanoparticles depended on the used solvent. The best particle size distribution belonged to the nanoparticles synthesised by 70% ethanol extract, which was 20-40 nm. The antibacterial activity of the synthesised nanoparticles was studied on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations assays. The best antibacterial activity obtained for the AgNPs produced by using 96% ethanolic extract.

Growth Inhibitory Effects of Adhatoda vasica and Its Potential at Reducing Listeria monocytogenes in Chicken Meat

The inhibitory effects of Adhatoda vasica ethanolic leaf extract (AVELE) against Listeria monocytogenes were examined to assess its potential to preserve minimally processed meat products safely. The total phenolic, flavonoid, and alkaloid levels in AVELE were 10.09 ± 4.52 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, 22.43 ± 1.62 mg of quercetin equivalents/g, and 19.43 ± 3.90 mg/g, respectively. AVELE (1, 5, 10, or 20%) had considerable antibacterial effects against L. monocytogenes NCIM 24563 in terms of the inhibitory zones (7.4-13.6 mm), MIC (100 mg/mL or 10% formulated solution), reduced cell viability, potassium ion efflux, and the release of 260-nm absorbing materials and extracellular ATP. AVELE was used as a rinse solution (5, 10, and 20%) for raw chicken breast meat. A 20% rinsing solution applied for 60 min inhibited the L. monocytogenes NCIM 24563 counts significantly on raw chicken breast meat. Moreover, L. monocytogenes NCIM 24563 did not grow in the meat sample when the rinse time was increased to 90 min at the same concentration. L. monocytogenes showed a greater reduction to ~3 CFU/g after rinsing with a 10 and 20% AVELE solution for 30 min than with a 5% AVELE solution. The rinsing processes with AVELE produced the final cooked chicken products with higher sensory attribute scores, such as taste, juiciness, and tenderness, compared to the control group along with a decrease in microbial contamination. Chicken meat rinsed with AVELE (rinsing time of 90 min) showed better sensory attribute scores of juiciness and tenderness, as well as the overall sensory quality compared to the untreated group. This research highlights the effectiveness of AVELE against L. monocytogenes NCIM 24563, suggesting that AVELE can be used as an effective antimicrobial marinade and/or a rinse for meat preservation.

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIALS OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF HOLARRHENA FLORIBUNDA (G. DON) DUR. AND SCHINZ (APOCYNACEAE)

BACKGROUND

Holarrhena floribunda is a plant of wide usage in the Togolese folk medicine. A previous ethnobotanical survey on the latex plants of the Maritime region of the country revealed that this plant was included in several recipes curing malaria and microbial infections. Therefore, this study aimed to seek for the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract of the plant in the treatment of these diseases.

METHODS

The antimicrobial test was performed using the agar well-diffusion and the NCCLS broth microdilution methods, while the in vivo antimalarial activity was evaluated following the four-day suppressive test of Peters. The acute toxic effects of the extract were monitored after a single oral dose (5,000 mg/kg body weight) administration in NMRI mice.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the ethanolic extract of leaves of H. floribunda was active on Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae with MICs ranging from 0.62 to 1.25 mg/mL. The extract also showed significant parasitaemia suppression in a dose-dependent manner. In the acute toxicity assay, the oral administration of the extract to the mice did not affect the relative weight of vital organs, and there were no signs of toxicity or death during the study period. The LD50 of the tested extract was found to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg, indicating its safety.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the antibacterial and antimalarial activities of leaves of H. floribunda and then, supports its medicinal use in the treatment of microbial infections.

Preparation of Water and Ethanolic Extracts of Propolis and Evaluation of the Preparations

Propolis was extracted using water and various concentrations of ethanol as solvents. The extracts were investigated by measurement of absorption spectrum with a UV spectrophotometer, reversed phase-high pressure thin-layer chromatography and reversed phase-HPLC. Maximum absorption of all extracts was 290 nm, resembling flavonoid compounds, and the 80% ethanolic extract showed highest absorption at 290 nm. The most isosakuranetin, quercetin, and kaempferol were extracted from mixtures of propolis and 60% ethanol, while 70% ethanol extracted the most pinocembrin and sakuranetin, but 80% ethanol extracted more kaempferide, acacetin, and isorhamnetin from propolis. The 60 to 80% ethanolic extracts of propolis strongly inhibited microbial growth and 70 and 80% ethanolic extracts had the greatest antioxidant activity and 80% ethanolic extract strongly inhibited hyaluronidase activity.

In vitro larvicidal effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa Linn. on Haemonchus larval stage

Aim:

Gastrointestinal helminthosis is a global problem in small ruminant production. Most parasites have developed resistance to commonly available anthelminthic compounds, and there is currently an increasing need for new compounds with more efficacies. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa (EECL) as a biological nematicide against third stage Haemonchus larvae (L3) isolated from sheep.

Materials and Methods:

Haemonchus L3 were cultured and harvested from the feces of naturally infected sheep. EECL was prepared and three concentrations; 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL were tested for their efficacies on Haemonchus L3. Levamisole at concentration 1.5 and 3 mg/mL were used as positive controls.

Results:

EECL showed anthelmintic activity in a dose-dependent manner with 78% worm mortality within 24 h of exposure at the highest dose rate of 200 mg/mL. There was a 100% worm mortality rate after 2 h of levamisole (3 mg/mL) admisntration. However, there was a comparable larvicidal effect between when levamisole (1.5 mg/mL) and EECL (200 mg) were administered.

Conclusion:

The study shows that EECL does exhibit good anthelmintic properties at 200 mg/mL which is comparable with levamisole at 1.5 mg/mL.

Effects of extracts of Salvadora persica on proliferation and viability of human dental pulp stem cells

OBJECTIVES

Efficacy of an ideal antimicrobial agent depends on its ability to eliminate microorganisms while causing minimal toxicity to host cells. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of ethanolic and water extracts of Salvadora persica (SP) on proliferation and viability of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this in-vitro study, the effects of seven concentrations of ethanolic and water extracts of SP (ranging from 5.75 mg/ml to 0.08 mg/ml) on hDPSCs were evaluated using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Water extract of SP only had cytotoxic effect at 5.75 mg/ml concentration; and caused significant cell proliferation at 1.43-0.08 mg/ml concentrations at 24 h (P < 0.05). At 48 h, only 0.17 and 0.08 mg/ml concentrations caused significant cell proliferation (P < 0.05). Ethanolic extract of SP at 5.75-1.43 mg/ml concentrations showed severe cytotoxic effects at 24 and 48 h. Other concentrations had no significant effects on cells (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The highest concentrations of both water and ethanolic extracts of SP had cytotoxic effects on hDPSCs. Water extract of SP has favorable effects on cell proliferation at specific concentrations in a time-dependent manner.

A Study of the Protective Effect of Triticum aestivum L. in an Experimental Animal Model of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress plays a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Keeping in view the proven antioxidant activity of Triticum aestivum L., this study has been undertaken to explore the potential therapeutic benefit of this plant in the treatment of CFS.

OBJECTIVE

To study the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Triticum aestivum (EETA) in an experimental mice model of CFS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of albino mice (20-25 g) were selected for the study, with five animals in each group. Group A served as the naïve control and Group B served as the stressed control. Groups C and D received EETA (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w.). Group E received imipramine (20 mg/kg b.w.). Except for Group A, mice in each group were forced to swim 6 min each for 7 days to induce a state of chronic fatigue. Duration of immobility was measured on every alternate day. After 7 days, various behavioral tests (mirror chamber and elevated plus maize test for anxiety, open field test for locomotor activity) and biochemical estimations (malondialdehyde [MDA] and catalase activity) in mice brain were performed.

RESULTS

Forced swimming in the stressed group resulted in a significant increase in immobility period, decrease in locomotor activity and elevated anxiety level. The brain homogenate showed significantly increased MDA and decreased catalase levels. The extract-treated groups showed significantly (P < 0.05) improved locomotor activity, decreased anxiety level, elevated catalase levels and reduction of MDA.

CONCLUSION

The study confirms the protective effects of EETA in CFS.