Composition of the coagulant polysaccharide fraction from Strychnos potatorum seeds

Novel, Biosynthesis of Palladium Nanoparticles using Strychnos Potatorum Polysaccharide as a Green sustainable approach; and their effective Catalytic Hydrogenation of 4-Nitrophenol

In the current study, we successfully used strychnos potatorum polysaccharide through autoclaving to synthesize palladium nanoparticles in a green, sustainable process. These polysaccharide act as a stabilizing, capping, and reducing agent. It also used various analytical characterizations, including UV-Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), EDAX, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), TEM and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) are used to analyze biosynthesized pallidum nanoparticles (PdNPs). The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 276 nm and UV-visible spectroscopy revealed the presence of the generated PdNPs. The XRD data show that PdNPs have crystalline behavior and a pristine face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. The PdNPs were successfully developed by catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). The catalytic activity and reusability of the environmentally friendly PdNPs catalyst were demonstrated by achieving a remarkable transformation of 95 % nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol after five cycles. The reaction rate constant (k) for the degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) using SP-PdNPs as a catalyst is 0.1201 min-1 and R2 0.9867, with a normalized rate constant of (Knor = K/m) of 7.206 s-1 mM-1. These findings provide fundamental knowledge of the catalytic process governing the hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol, which will help designers of effective catalysts. An innovative and affordable technique for creating PdNPs that are environmentally acceptable and can be utilized as effective catalysts in environmental applications is the use of strychnos potatorum gum polysaccharide. The green-synthesized PdNPs can be used for pollutant remediation, including pharmaceutical, domestic, heavy metal, industrial, and pesticide pollutants.

Strychnos Potatorum L. Seed Polysaccharide-Based Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels and Their Silver Nanocomposites for the Controlled Release of Chemotherapeutics and Antimicrobial Applications

Natural Strychnos potatorum L. (SPL) polysaccharide-based dual-responsive semi-IPN-type (SPL-DMA) hydrogels have been fabricated using dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate by simple free radical polymerization. Furthermore, a facial and eco-friendly method has been developed for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles on SPL-DMA hydrogel templates (SPL-DMA-Ag) using an aqueous leaf extract of Carissa spinarum (as a bioreducing agent). SPL-DMA and SPL-DMA-Ag were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and evaluated network parameters. 5-Fluorouracil and doxorubicin were successfully encapsulated, and in vitro drug release studies were performed at pH values of 1.2 and 7.4 and at 25 and 37 °C. To understand the drug release mechanism of SPL-DMA hydrogels, various kinetic parameters were calculated. Biocompatibility and anticancer activities of SPL-DMA hydrogels were proved by an antioxidant activity study and in vitro cell viability studies against HeLa and 3T3-L1 cell lines. SPL-DMA-Ag hydrogels were used for antibacterial application.

Coagulation-Flocculation of Aquaculture Wastewater Using Green Coagulant from Garcinia kola Seeds: Parametric Studies, Kinetic Modelling and Cost Analysis

To achieve sustainability, it is necessary to use proper treatment methods to reduce the pollutant loads of receiving waters. This study investigates the coagulative reduction of turbidity, COD, BOD and colour from aquaculture wastewater (AW) using a novel Garcinia kola seeds coagulant (GKC). This coagulant was obtained from extraction of Garcinia kola seeds and analysed for its spectral and morphological characteristics through FTIR and SEM. The kinetics of coagulation-flocculation were also investigated in terms of total dissolved and suspended solids (TDSP). The seeds had 11.27% protein and 68.33% carbohydrate, showing usability in adsorption/charges neutralisation as a coagulant to reduce particles. Maximal turbidity reduction = 81.93%, COD = 75.03%, BOD = 72.84% and colour = 56.69% at 0.3 g GKC/L, pH 2, 60 min and 303 K were achieved. Von Smoluchowski’s second-order peri-kinetics theory was used to fit the results, giving R2 > 0.9. At a coagulation order (α) of 2, the reaction rate (KC) and half-life (τS1/2) were 0.0003 L/g·min and 25.3 min at the optimal conditions. The sorption data better fit the Lagergren compared to the Ho adsorption model. Furthermore, the net cost of using GKC to handle 1 L of AW (including electricity and material costs) was calculated to be 1.57 EUR, and the costs of 0.3 g/L GKC preparation and energy were 0.27 and 1.30 EUR, respectively. In summary, these seeds can be used to pre-treat AW.

A pilot case-control study using a one health approach to evaluate behavioral, environmental, and occupational risk factors for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology in Sri Lanka

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) was first recognized in Sri Lanka in the early 1990s, and since then it has reached epidemic levels in the North Central Province of the country. The prevalence of CKDu is reportedly highest among communities that engage in chena and paddy farming, which is most often practiced in the dry zone including the North Central and East Central Provinces of Sri Lanka. Previous studies have suggested varied hypotheses for the etiology of CKDu; however, there is not yet a consensus on the primary risk factors, possibly due to disparate study designs, sample populations, and methodologies.

METHODS

The goal of this pilot case-control study was to evaluate the relationships between key demographic, cultural, and occupational variables as risk factors for CKDu, with a primary interest in pesticide exposure both occupationally and through its potential use as an ingredient in brewed kasippu alcohol. An extensive one health focused survey was developed with in cooperation with the Centre for Research, Education, and Training on Kidney Diseases of Sri Lanka.

RESULTS

A total of 56 CKDu cases and 54 control individuals were surveyed using a proctored, self-reported questionnaire. Occupational pesticide exposure and alcohol consumption were not found to be significant risk factors for CKDu. However, a statistically significant association with CKDu was observed with chewing betel (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93, 19.35), age (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.13), owning a pet dog (aOR: 3.74, 95% CI: 1.38, 10.11), water treatment (aOR: 3.68, 95% CI: 1.09, 12.43) and pests in the house (aOR: 5.81, 95% CI: 1.56, 21.60).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest future research should focus on practices associated with chewing betel, potential animal interactions including pests in the home and pets, and risk factors associated with water.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42522-020-00034-3.

Assessment of antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic activities of methanolic crude extracts of Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers. whole plants

In this study, methanolic crude extracts of Stephania japonica (Thunb.) Miers. (MESJ) whole plants were examined for possible antidepressant and sedative-hypnotic activities. Herein, the forced swimming test and tail suspension test were conducted to explore the antidepressant activity. In addition, the open field test and hole-board test were performed to evaluate the sedative-hypnotic activities. In the acute toxicity test, the MESJ ensured safety up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg, p.o. The experimental doses were 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. In both the forced swimming test and tail suspension test, the extract significantly (p<0.01 and p<0.05) inhibited immobility time in a dose dependent manner compared to the control. These results (13.56-26.46% inhibition) indicate the mild antidepressant activity of MESJ compared to nortriptyline (60.4-64.6% inhibition). The open field test and hole-board test demonstrated the dose dependent significant (p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.05) and moderate sedative-hypnotic activities of the extract compared to diazepam. However, these activities were found to gradually decrease after 60 min in the open field test and must be considered as short-term activities, compared to diazepam. It can be claimed that the methanolic crude extract of Stephania japonica possesses mild antidepressant and moderate but short-term sedative-hypnotic activities.

Antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of loganic acid isolated from seeds of Strychnos potatorum L. against heavy metal induced toxicity in PBMC model

Present work carried out with the objectives to isolate active component of S. potatorum and also to evaluate its free radical scavenging activity and preventing capacity against heavy metal toxicity. Solvents of different polarity were used to prepare crude extracts of S. potatorum seeds and screened for antioxidant activity. Among the crude extracts, methanolic extract was found to exhibit higher antioxidant activity (81.22%) which was fractionated by liquid-liquid partitioning method. Among the different fractions (LF1-LF4), LF-2 showed higher antioxidant activity (98.24%) as compared to other three liquid fractions and hence LF-2 was further purified by column chromatography. Among nine column fractions (CF1-CF9), fraction CF-7 was found to have higher antioxidant activity (92.14%), which was further analyzed using LC-MS and NMR and identified as loganic acid. In vitro radical scavenging assays showed remarkable antioxidant activity of loganic acid in terms of DPPH scavenging (IC₅₀ 149 µg/ml), superoxide radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 632.43 µg/ml) and hydroxyl radical scavenging (IC₅₀ 29.78 µg/ml). Loganic acid exhibited 81% prevention of heavy metal toxicity through the mechanism of inhibiting ROS generation (2046 AU vs. 5264 AU in control) and lipid peroxidation (95.01%). Thus, the active compound (loganic acid) isolated from S. potatorum has strong free radical scavenging activity and remarkable cyto-protective effect against heavy metal mediated toxicity.

Isolation of active coagulant protein from the seeds of Strychnos potatorum - a potential water treatment agent

The application of natural coagulants for decentralized water treatment is gaining importance as a part of global sustainable initiative. This study focuses on the isolation of active coagulation components responsible for water clarification with respect to Strychnos potatorum seeds. The active coagulant components, protein and polysaccharide, were successfully isolated, dialysed and subjected to gel permeation chromatography. The polysaccharide was isolated with the saline extraction method and characterized using FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Protein was precipitated with 80% ammonium sulphate solution combined with dialysis and gel permeation chromatography using Sephadex G-50. SDS-PAGE revealed that the isolated protein has a molecular weight of 12 kDa. The small-scale coagulation assay suggests that the protein fraction has superior coagulation activity than the isolated polysaccharide residue. The active coagulant fractions reported in this study would be helpful in deploying cheaper and simple methods in scaling up the coagulant fraction from these seeds acting as a potential water treatment agent.

Moringa oleifera-mediated coagulation of textile wastewater and its biodegradation using novel consortium-BBA grown on agricultural waste substratum

Generation of secondary sludge is a major concern of textile dye removal by coagulation process. Combinatorial coagulation-biodegradation treatment system has been found efficient in degradation of coagulated textile dye sludge. Moringa oleifera seed powder (700 mg L^-1) was able to coagulate textile dyestuff from real textile wastewater with 98 % color removal. Novel consortium-BBA was found to decolorize coagulated dye sludge. Parameters that significantly affect coagulation process were optimized using response surface methodology. The bench-scale stirred tank reactor (50-L capacity) designed with optimized parameters for coagulation process could efficiently remove 98, 89, 78, and 67 % of American Dye Manufacturer's Institute (ADMI) in four repetitive cycles, respectively. Solid-state fermentation composting reactor designed to treat coagulated dye sludge showed 96 % removal of dye within 10 days. Coagulation of dyes from textile wastewater and degradation of coagulated dye sludge were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Cell morphology assay, comet assay, and phytotoxicity confirmed the formation of less toxic products after coagulation and degradation mechanism.

Natural Polysaccharides as Treatment Agents for Wastewater

This chapter gives an account of recent developments in biopolymers with an emphasis on natural polysaccharides as treatment agents in wastewater remediation. Almost all sources of water around the world are polluted to some degree, owing to a heavy influx of industrial effluents, domestic and agricultural wastes. These discharges vary from simple nutrients to highly toxic hazardous chemicals. Numerous approaches have been studied for the development of cheaper and more effective water remediation agents containing natural polymers. Among these, natural polysaccharides deserve particular attention. These materials have proved to be better treatment alternatives compared to their synthetic counterparts because of their particular structure, physicochemical characteristics, chemical stability, high reactivity and excellent selectivity towards aromatic compounds, metals and other contaminants that cause water pollution.

Binding of cadmium to Strychnos potatorum seed proteins in aqueous solution: adsorption kinetics and relevance to water purification

Strychnos potatorum seeds (cleaning nuts or nirmali) are extensively used by remote village tribals in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India for clarification of turbid and metal contaminated water. In the present study the ability of seed proteins to bind aqueous cadmium has been investigated. Biochemical characterization of the seed powder revealed the presence of coagulant proteins. These proteins were isolated from the soluble extracts of the seeds by ammonium sulfate fractionation. The (30-70%) fraction containing the bulk of proteins were separated by gel filtration into two peaks A and B. The (30-70%) ammonium sulfate precipitated proteins, as well as those from Peak A and B were separately immobilized to affigel-10. The Cd(II) biosorption efficiency by these proteins have been investigated. Different experiments have been conducted (i) over a range of pH (2.0-7.0), (ii) contact time (5-600 min), (iii) temperatures (4-40°C) and (iv) metal ion concentrations (80-110 mg L(-1)). The results showed that the optimum conditions for Cd(II) adsorption are almost same for the three proteins used in the study. Cd(II) removal is pH dependent and the maximum removal was at pH 5.0 in a time span of 360 min. The equilibrium data fit into Langmuir isotherm than Freundlich model. The correlation coefficient for the pseudo second order is high (~0.996-1.00) where as the correlation coefficient of the pseudo first order model is too low so the adsorption is better described by pseudo second order model.

A review on chemical coagulation/flocculation technologies for removal of colour from textile wastewaters

Textile industry is one of the most chemically intensive industries on the earth and the major polluter of potable water. It generates huge quantities of complex chemical substances as a part of unused materials including dyes in the form of wastewater during various stages of textile processing. The direct discharge of this wastewater into environment affects its ecological status by causing various undesirable changes. As environmental protection becomes a global concern, industries are finding novel solutions for developing technologies that can diminish the environmental damage. However, colour removal from textile wastewater by means of cheaper and environmental friendly technologies is still a major challenge. In this manuscript, several options of decolourisation of textile wastewater by chemical means have been reviewed. Based on the present review, some novel pre-hydrolysed coagulants such as Polyaluminium chloride (PACl), Polyaluminium ferric chloride (PAFCl), Polyferrous sulphate (PFS) and Polyferric chloride (PFCl) have been found to be more effective and suggested for decolourisation of the textile wastewater. Moreover, use of natural coagulants for textile wastewater treatment has also been emphasised and encouraged as the viable alternative because of their eco-friendly nature.

Evaluation of antiarthritic activity of Strychnos potatorum Linn seeds in Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rat model

BACKGROUND

Strychnos potatorum Linn (Loganiaceae) is a moderate sized tree found in southern and central parts of India, Sri Lanka and Burma. In traditional system of medicine, Strychnos potatorum Linn seeds were used for various ailments including inflammation, diabetes etc. To investigate the folkloric use of the seeds the present study was carried out on Freund's adjuvant induced arthritic rats.

METHODS

The present study states the effect of the aqueous extract (SPE) and the whole seed powder (SPP) of Strychnos potatorum Linn seeds on the Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic rat paw edema, body weight changes and alterations in haematological and biochemical parameters in both developing and developed phases of arthritis. Histopathology of proximal interphalangeal joints and radiology of hind legs were studied.

RESULTS

In FCA induced arthritic rats, there was significant increase in rat paw volume and decrease in body weight increment, whereas SPP and SPE treated groups, showed significant reduction in paw volume and normal gain in body weight. The altered haematological parameters (Hb, RBC, WBC and ESR) and biochemical parameters (blood urea, serum creatinine, total proteins and acute phase proteins) in the arthritic rats were significantly brought back to near normal by the SPP and SPE treatment at the dose of 200 mg/kg/p.o in both developing and developed phases of arthritis. Further the histopathological and radiological studies revealed the antiarthritic activity of SPP and SPE by indicating fewer abnormalities in these groups when compared to the arthritic control group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, both SPP and SPE at the specified dose level of 200 mg/kg, p.o. showed reduction in rat paw edema volume and it could significantly normalize the haematological and biochemical abnormalities in adjuvant induced arthritic rats in both developing and developed phases of FCA induced arthritis. Further the histopathological and radiological studies confirmed the antiarthritic activity of SPP and SPE.

Studies on hepatoprotective and antioxidant actions of Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury in experimental rats

Strychnos potatorum Linn. seeds are used in the Indian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of hepatopathy, nephropathy, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, gastropathy, bronchitis, chronic diarrhoea, strangury, renal and vesicle calculi, diabetes and eye diseases. The present study describes the hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the seed powder (SPP) and aqueous extract (SPE) of Strychnos potatorum seeds against CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury. Hepatic injury was achieved by injecting 3 ml/kg, s.c. of CCl4 in equal proportion with olive oil. Both SPP and SPE at the doses 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. offered significant (p < 0.001) hepatoprotective action by reducing the serum marker enzymes like serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT). They also reduced the elevated levels of ALP and serum bilirubin. Reduced enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidant levels and elevated lipid peroxide levels were restored to normal by administration of SPP and SPE. Histopathological studies further confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of SPP and SPE when compared with the CCl4 treated control groups. The results obtained were compared with Silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.), the standard drug. In conclusion, SPE (200 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant hepatoprotective activity similar to that of the standard drug, Silymarin (50 mg/kg, p.o.).

Polysaccharides from seeds of Strychnos species

The chemical composition of polysaccharide fractions from Strychnos nux-vomica and S. innocua seeds and comparison with those from S. potatorum seeds are reported. The structural features of the galactomannans from the three Strychnos species are also discussed.