Evaluation of bioherbicidal potential of Carica papaya leaves

Phytochemistry, allelopathy and anticancer potentiality of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae)

Abstract Withania somnifera is a wild plant that shows great activity and safety against several human diseases. The current research explored the plant's chemical composition and allelopathic effects on Rumex dentatus (recipient plant). Moreover, anticancer activity is also tested against four types of human cancer cell lines. Chemical analysis of W. somnifera showed a high percentage of saponins and tannins, while glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids occurred in the second order. Results of the allelopathic experiments revealed significant inhibition of the R. dentatus plumule and radicle lengths as well as their relative dry weights. In addition, significant reductions in some primary metabolites of R. dentatus, like non-reducing and total sugar as well as soluble proteins, were determined. Cytotoxic potentiality of W. somnifera was also proved against four different cancer lines, namely; human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2), human non-small cell lung cancer cell line (A549), human breast cancer cell line (MCF7), and colon cancer cell line (CaCo2) with IC50 value of about 38, 19, 27, and 24 ��g/ml, respectively.

Chemical composition and allelopathic potential of Schinus molle L. (Anacardiaceae) essential oils against common weeds of wheat crop

This study aims to determine the chemical composition of essential oil (EO) extracted from the aerial parts of Schinus molle L., as well as its phytotoxicity on germination and seedling growth against some invasive weed species of cereal crops and wheat (Triticum durum, cultivar Chen'S). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified 51 components (representing 95.26% of the total EO composition). Shyobunone (10.14%), 1-phellandrene (9.63%), α-cadinol (7.46%), δ-cadinene (7.45%), and germacrene D (7.09%) were the most abundant compounds. The effect of EO on weed species germination, root and shoot growth was moderate to strong. When 0.02% and 0.03% of the oil were applied, EO had a strong phytotoxic effect, resulting in 100% failure of Bromus rigidus germination. In addition to determining the responsible compound, the observed phytotoxicity suggestedthat S. molle essential oil could be used as an environmentally friendly biopesticide.

Phytotoxicity of organic extracts of five medicinal plants of the Neotropical savanna

Medicinal plants produce a high diversity of secondary metabolites with different biological activities, which are commonly evaluated when prospecting for bioherbicides. We analyzed the phytotoxic activity of organic extracts from the leaves of five medicinal species, Byrsonima intermedia, Moquiniastrum polymorphum, Luehea candicans, Miconia chamissois, and Qualea cordata. Phytotoxicity was evaluated on the initial growth of cucumber seedlings through tests with different concentrations of hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts. The results showed that all organic extracts and all concentrations affected cucumber development, with methanol extracts generally showing the greatest negative effect on the initial growth of the target species. The only exception was for M. chamissois extracts, in which the hexane extract had the greatest phytotoxicity. Furthermore, the organic extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis, revealing the widespread presence of alkaloids along with other chemical classes. All the study species are thus potential candidates for use as natural herbicides.

The Future of Carica papaya Leaf Extract as an Herbal Medicine Product

Carica papaya (papaya) leaf extract has been used for a long time in a traditional medicine to treat fever in some infectious diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. The development of science and technology has subsequently made it possible to provide evidence that this plant is not only beneficial as an informal medication, but also that it has scientifically proven pharmacological and toxicological activities, which have led to its formal usage in professional health care systems. The development of formulations for use in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals has caused this product to be more valuable nowadays. The use of good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards, along with the ease of registering this product facilitated by policies of the national government, will absolutely increase the value of papaya leaf extract as a vital nutraceutical and cosmeceutical products in the near future. In this article, we review the potential of papaya leaf extract to be a high-value commodity in terms of its health effects as well as its industrial benefits.