Antibacterial,antioxidant and antiproliferation activities of essential oils and ethanolic extracts from Chinese mugwort(Artemisia vulgaris L.)leaf in Shanxi

Background:Artemisia vulgaris,a medicinal aromatic plant,is widely used as a food item,tonic pharmaceutical,and cosmetic industry additive owing to its antibacterial,antihypertensive,hepatoprotective,antioxidant,and antispasmodic properties.But the effect of different geographic locations on the chemical composition and bioactivities of its extracts is unclear.Methods:Biological activities of essential oils and ethanol extracts of three varieties of Artemisia vulgaris leaves,which are grown in Shanxi province China,were studied.Results:Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the main components of essential oils were terpenes and ketones.Essential oils and ethanol extract of Artemisia vulgaris leaves possessed good antioxidant activities,and their half maximal inhibitory concentrations determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate)assays were 57.0 and 22.9μg/mL,respectively.The essential oils also exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against three foodborne pathogenic bacterial strains.The ethanol extract presented a high anticancer activity against the MGC-803 human gastric cancer cell line.Conclusion:These biological activities were well correlated with the composition of the extract and EOs,which in turn is affected by the genetic composition of Artemisia vulgaris and geographic location and diverse climatic condition under which it is grown.These findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of Artemisia vulgaris as a valuable source of antioxidant,antibacterial,and anticancer agents.

Antimicrobial Activities of Plant Extracts against Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolated from Pediatric Patients at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Antibiotic-resistant genes have become a threat to synthetic or conventional medications and because of this much work has been done on using plants and plants part to treat disease caused by bacteria, Herbal medicine has served as effective treatment against various diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria and multi drug-resistant strains of bacteria which made it advantageous over synthetic medications. This study aimed to reveal the sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae from clinical isolate and perform antibacterial assay on the organism using plants leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Sida acuta, Newbouldia laevia and Mimosa pudica. Gram staining and various biochemical test were used for the identification of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The plants leaves were aseptically washed, dried and ground into fine powder and diluted in varying concentration and agar well diffusion method was used to test for the antimicrobial properties of this plants on Streptococcus pneumoniae at various concentrations as follows 0.1 g/ml, 0.4 g/ml, 0.6 g/ml and 1 g/ml. The plants extract of Ocimum gratissimum showed a greater antibacterial effects on Streptococcus pneumoniae in high concentration more than other plant extracts while Sida acuta and Newbouldia laevia plant extract showed weak antibacterial properties to the organism. This proves that Ocimum gratissimum and Mimosa pudica leaves have good and strong antibacterial properties against Streptococcus pneumoniae than Sida acuta and Newbouldia laevia and can be used as antibacterial agent at adequate concentrations.

Effects of Plant Extracts Replacing Anticoccidial Drugs on Broiler Performance and Fecal Coccidia Count

[Objective]The paper was to investigate the impact of plant extracts replacing anticoccidial drugs on growth performance and fecal coccidia count in broilers.[Method]A total of 234 one-day-old healthy yellow-feathered broilers were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups,with 6 replicates in each group and 13 broilers in each replicate.The test lasted for a total of 55 d,The control group was fed the basic diet,the anticoccidial group was fed the basic diet+500 g/t dinitolmide,and the plant extract group was fed the basic diet+500 g/t plant extract.[Result]The daily gain of the plant extract group from 1 to 21 days of age was significantly higher than that of the anticoccidial drug group(P<0.05),and the feed/gain ratio was significantly lower than that of the anticoccidial drug group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in daily gain and feed intake between the plant extract group and the anticoccidial drug group from 1 to 55 days of age(P>0.05),and the feed/gain ratio was reduced by 6.30%and the mortality and culling rate was reduced by 10.26%.The number of fecal coccidia at 33 days of age in the plant extract group was found to be significantly lower than that observed in the anticoccidial group and the control group(P<0.05).In conclusion,the administration of plant extracts resulted in a notable enhancement in the growth performance of chicks aged 1-21 days,when compared with the use of anticoccidial drugs.No significant difference was observed in growth performance between the plant extract and the anticoccidial drugs from 1 to 55 days of age.The administration of plant extracts resulted in a notable reduction in the fecal coccidia count.[Conclusion]Plant extracts may serve as viable alternatives to anticoccidial drugs and show promise for application in animal husbandry.

Assessing the Efficacy of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and Sambong (Blumea balsamifera) Extracts in Combating Black Pod Disease: Sustainable Solutions for Controlling Phytophthora megakarya in Cameroon’s Cocoa Plantations

The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Blumea balsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthora megakarya. We assessed the efficacy of the most promising combination (75% B. balsamifera, 25% C. citratus) after storage at room temperature for up to 9 days. Agar microdilution and in vivo bioassays were conducted to determine antifungal susceptibility and effectiveness. Blumea extract exhibited the highest overall inhibitory activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (117 µl mL−1) while C. citratus had a narrower range of MIC (146 to 233 µl mL−1). The combination of C. citratus and B. balsamifera demonstrated a synergistic effect against P. megakarya, achieving growth inhibition on V8 media (92.72 ± 4.20% to 100%) and on artificially infected detached pod cortex (92.24 ± 4.53% to 98.75 ± 1.25%), which was not significantly different from the positive control (Ridomil). Furthermore, this combination maintained its effectiveness for up to 9 days at room temperature. These findings suggest that combining plant extracts can enhance their antifungal properties.

Management of Strawberry Grey Mold Disease Using Biocontrol Agents and Plant Extracts

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a significant global soft fruit crop, prized for its nutrient content and pleasant flavor. However, diseases, particularly grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. poses major constraints to strawberry production and productivity. Grey mold severely impacts fruit quality and quantity, diminishing market value. This study evaluated five B. cinerea isolates from various locations in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. All isolates were pathogenic, with isolate SGM 2 identified as highly virulent. Host range studies showed the pathogen-producing symptoms in the fava bean pods, marigold, gerbera, and chrysanthemum flowers and in the fava bean, gerbera, and lettuce leaves. In vitro tests revealed that neem extract (15% w/v) achieved the highest mycelial growth inhibition at 76.66%, while black turmeric extract (5% w/v) had the lowest inhibition at 9.62%. Dual culture methods with bio-control agents indicated that Bacillus subtilis recorded the highest mean inhibition at 77.03%, while Pseudomonas fluorescens had the lowest at 20.36% against the two virulent isolates. Pot evaluations demonstrated that B. subtilis resulted in the lowest percent disease index at 20.59%, followed by neem extract at 23.31%, with the highest disease index in the control group at 42.51%. Additionally, B. subtilis significantly improved plant growth, yielding an average of 0.32 kg compared to 0.14 kg in the control. The promising results of B. subtilis and neem leaf extract from this study suggest their potential for eco-friendly managing grey mold in strawberries under field conditions.

Antimicrobial Activities of Extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla against Gram-Positive Oral Biofilm-Formers from School Children in Southwestern Nigeria and Toxicity Studies Using Brine Shrimps

The world will benefit from more effective antimicrobial agents against oral conditions arising from the actions of biofilm forming bacteria. Also, information is lacking on the oral biofilm-forming bacterial diversity in Southwestern Nigeria. In this study, we isolate and characterize oral biofilm producing bacteria in the oral cavities of schoolchildren in Southwestern Nigeria. We also investigate the antimicrobial properties of Macrosphyra longistyla extracts against the biofilm-formers and the toxicity of potent extracts. Samples were obtained from 109 schoolchildren aged 4 - 14 years from Lagos, Oyo and Osun States. Agar well diffusion technique was used in the antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Toxicity testing was done using brine shrimps (Artemia salina). Biofilm-formers in this study are Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp., and Micrococcus sp. Ethanol leaf extracts had the highest activity against all biofilm-producing bacteria. Ethanol stem bark extract, which elicited activity against Klebsiella only, was found to be less toxic than the ethanol leaf extract. Staphylococcus showed >10 mm susceptibility to the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla. Streptococcus and Micrococcus were susceptible to the antimicrobial actions of the ethanolic leaf extracts. Although the ethanol extracts of the leaves had lower minimum inhibitory concentrations than the ethanol extracts of the stem bark, toxicity studies showed ethanol extracts of the stem-bark to be more toxic than the ethanol extracts of the leaves. In conclusion, ethanolic extracts of Macrosphyra longistyla show potential as sources of antimicrobials against gram-positive, oral biofilm-forming bacteria.

The efficacy of a novel tomato extracts formulation on skin aging and pigmentation:A randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial

Background:Oxidative stress is a significant factor in skin aging and pigmentation,which can be precipitated by various circumstances.Antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors,such as carotenoids,yeast extract(glutathione),sodium hyaluronate,astaxanthin,and niacin,can individually protect the skin against aging through distinct mechanisms.These mechanisms potentially enhance the skin barrier and improve signs of aging and pigmentation.However,the synergistic effects of these compounds,as found in a golden tomato extract formulation,have been scarcely explored.Objective:To evaluate the effects of an orally administered formulation on the skin aging and pigmentation.Material and Methods:In this study,a randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial was conducted,utilizing the WONDERLAB?Tomato Niacinamide beverage.Out of all participants,62 volunteers completed the experiment and were included in the statistical analysis.Results:The results indicated that after eight weeks of consuming the research product,there were no significant changes in the skin indicators within the placebo group.In contrast,the treatment group receiving the sample formulation exhibited a 35.63%increase in stratum corneum hydration and a 29.39%reduction in transepidermal water loss(TEWL),suggesting enhanced skin hydration.Visual assessments revealed improvements in skin color and gloss index by 15.03%and 11.41%,respectively,in the treatment group.Furthermore,the skin gloss and individual typology angle(ITA)value increased by 18.59%and 6.36%,respectively,leading to a lighter skin tone.Significant enhancements were also observed in skin pigmentation,color uniformity,and redness.After eight weeks of intervention with the sample,blood levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)increased,while malondialdehyde(MDA)levels decreased.Conclusion:These findings confirm that continuous intake of the tomato extract formulation over eight weeks effectively improved the volunteers'skin whitening and hydration,and visibly brightened skin tone through an antioxidant mechanism.

Advancements in the application of natural extracts for atopic dermatitis treatment

Atopic dermatitis,a common chronic inflammatory skin disease,has an unclear etiology and may involve multiple factors such as genetic predisposition,immune abnormalities,and impaired skin barrier function.Currently,there is no specific medication available for the complete cure of atopic dermatitis.The current treatment approaches mainly focus on symptom relief and control rather than curative treatment.Some commonly used medications for atopic dermatitis,such as topical corticosteroids and immunosuppressants,may have certain adverse reactions and side effects.This review summarizes the research progress on natural extracts in the treatment of atopic dermatitis,aiming to provide a foundation for the development of safe and side-effectfree medications.

Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis and Origanum majorana extracts on stability of sunflower oil during storage and repeated heating

Both rosemary(Rosmarinus officinalis)and marjoram(Origanum majorana)are abundant in phenolic compounds,exhibiting exceptional antioxidant activity.This study aims to assess the impact of rosemary and marjoram extracts on the stability of sunflower oil during storage and repeated heating.Sunflower oil supplemented with herbal extracts or butylated hydroxytoluene(BHA)at a concentration of 200 ppm was stored for six months under light and dark conditions at room temperature.Peroxide value(PV),p-anisidine value(An-V),and total oxidation(TOTOX)value were measured to monitor lipid oxidation progression.A significant difference(P<0.05)was observed between light and dark storage for all studied samples regarding oxidation parameters.The ethanolic extract of rosemary exhibited higher antioxidant activity compared to BHA and other extracts.Furthermore,sunflower oil supplemented with the ethanolic extract of rosemary underwent weekly treatment at 100℃for 30 min over four consecutive weeks.Although all oxidation indicators increased during repeated heating,the addition of rosemary and marjoram extracts as well as BHA significantly reduced these indicators.These findings demonstrate that both rosemary extracts and marjoram extracts can serve as natural antioxidants in edible oils.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts from Three Anticancerous Fabaceae of Northern Cameroon Pharmacopoeia

Background: Cancer continues to pose a significant threat to our society, representing one of the most pressing health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and the antioxidant activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Acacia nilotica (An), Bauhinia reticulate (Br), and Tamarindus indica (Ti) of Fabaceae family, traditionally used in Northern Cameroon for cancer treatment. Methods: The phytochemical screening of the three plants was conducted using conventional colorimetric methods, followed by the measurement of total phenol content, flavonoids, and tannins. The antiradical and antioxidant activities of both plant extracts were assessed through FRAP, ABTS, and DPPH methods. A principal components analysis was employed to correlate the quantities of the evaluated secondary metabolites with the activities. Results: Both types of extracts from the three plants contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, coumarins, anthocyanins, and anthraquinones. The aqueous extracts of Br and An are significantly richer (p Conclusion: The three Fabaceae plants from northern Cameroon, prepared in different solvents, can be utilized for their antiradical properties in cancer treatment.

Advances in the Study of Anoectochilus Roxburghii Extracts and Prospects for Cosmetic Application Potentials

Cosmetics made from natural ingredients are becoming more and more common because they contain bioactive compounds that provide many health benefits,are more environmentally friendly and sustainable.Anoectochilus roxburghii(AR)is a precious Chinese herb in China,possessing bioactive components including flavonoids,polysaccharides,volatile oils,kinsenoside,etc.Due to its unique bioactivity and high safety,the prospect of development and utilization is very broad.In this paper,the extraction,separation and purification techniques of AR’s flavonoid,polysaccharides,volatile oils and kinsenoside are briefly summarized.Meanwhile,we discusses their conformational relationships in cosmetics with antioxidant,whitening,antibacterial and soothing effect,and looks forward to the study of Anoectochilus roxburghii in the field of cosmetics,with a view to providing references to the development and utilization of this resource in the field of cosmetics.

Mori fructus aqueous extracts attenuates liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway

Background Liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinogenesis secondary to liver fibrosis are serious liver diseases with no effective treatments.Mori fructus aqueous extracts(MFAEs)have served as successful treatments for many types of liver injury including fibrosis although the molecular mechanisms are unknown at present.Purpose To investigate the effect of MFAEs in alleviating acute and chronic liver injury and tried to decipher the underlying mechanism.Methods and results Mice were divided into 5 groups(n ps:contro=8)for acute(groups:control,0.3%CCl_(4),bifendate(BD),100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs,7 d)and chronic(groul,10%CCl_(4),BD,100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs,4 weeks)liver injury study.Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 10μL/g corn oil containing CCl_(4)expect the control group.HepG2 cells were used in vitro study.Eighteen communal components were identified by UPLC-LTQOrbitrap-MS.We utilized a mouse model for acute and chronic liver injury using CCl_(4)and MFAEs administration effectively blocked fibrosis and significantly inhibited inflammation in the liver.MFAEs activated the nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 like 2/heme oxygenase 1(Nrf2/HO-1)pathway and promoted the synthesis of the antioxidants glutathione(GSH),superoxidedismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)that resulted in reduced levels of CCl_(4)-induced oxidative stress molecules including reactive oxygen species.These extracts administered to mice also inhibited ferroptosis in the liver by regulating the expression of Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4),solute carrier family 7 member 11(SLC7A11)and glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),thus reducing the occurrence of liver fibrosis.Both in vivo and in vitro tests indicated that the mechanism of MFAEs protection against liver fibrosis was linked to activation of Nrf2 signaling.These effects were blocked in vitro by the addition of a specific Nrf2 inhibitor.Conclusion MFAEs inhibited oxidative stress,ferroptosis and inflammation of the liver by activating Nrf2 signal pathway and provided a significant protective effect against CCl_(4)-induced liver fibrosis.

Lid scrubbing with a gel combining natural extracts for dry eye treatment

AIM:To evaluate the effect of lid scrubbing using a gel combining different natural extracts on ocular signs and symptoms of dry eye patients.METHODS:A retrospective study was performed on 19 dry eye patients(51.1±16.0y).Non-invasive tear break-up time,tear meniscus height,meibomian gland loss,lipid layer thickness,conjunctival redness,corneal staining,ocular surface disease index(OSDI),and ocular pain intensity were measured before(baseline),1wk,and 2mo after lid scrubbing with a gel containing different natural extracts(okra extract,aloe vera leaf juice,hydrolysed soy protein,caffeine,citrus unshiu peel extract,and raspberry seed oil).RESULTS:Compared with the baseline,there was a statistically significant improvement in both first(P=0.048)and average(P=0.026)non-invasive tear break-up time 2mo after treatment,as well as in corneal staining(P=0.043,0.012),OSDI(P<0.001),and ocular pain intensity(P<0.001)after 1wk and 2mo.In addition,there was no correlation between ocular signs and symptoms.CONCLUSION:The lid scrubbing with a gel combining different natural extracts show beneficial effects on tear film stability,corneal damage,and ocular symptoms,which is the reason why this therapeutic procedure is proposed as an alternative for dry eye management.However,it is not possible to attribute this beneficial effect solely to the presence of the natural extracts in the gel,primarily due to the absence of a negative control group.

Natural products and extracts from plants as natural UV filters for sunscreens:A review

Although solar exposure is necessary for human health,phototoxicology induced by excessive UVB and UVA radiation,which involves sunburns,skin aging and even tu-morigenesis,has been widely researched.Sunscreen is one of the most important ways to protect skin from UV phototoxic damage.As well as inorganic and organic UV filters,some natural products or plant extracts with aromatic rings in their structures,such as flavonoids or polyphenols,can absorb UV to reduce sunburn,acting as a natu-ral UV filter;they also show antioxidant or/and anti-inflammatory activity.This could explain why,although there are no officially approval natural commercial sun-filters,more and more commercial sunscreen products containing plant extracts are avail-able on the market.Here we summarize articles focusing on natural UV filters from plant published in the last 6 years,selecting the most significant data in order to better understand the photoprotective activity of natural products and extracts from plants,including their major constituents and main biological effects,methods for evaluating UV radiation resistance,anti-UV radiation experimental models and anti-UV radiation mechanisms.

In Vitro Efficacy Assessment of Botanical Extracts against Botrytis gladiolorum Causing Gladiolus Leaf Blight

An experiment was conducted at the Mycology laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to find out the efficacy of selected botanical extracts against Botrytis gladiolorum (Bg) causing gladiolus leaf blight. Infected leaves samples were collected from gladiolus farmers’ field and brought to the laboratory for study. Ten selected botanicals were used against the colony growth of (Bg). The botanicals were Mehendi, Chrysanthemum, Basil (Tulsi), Onion, Neem, Bael, Arjuna, Garlic, Aloevera (Ghritkumary) and Turmeric. Botanical extracts were applied at the rate of 5%, 10% and 20%. The radial mycelia growth was found minimum (11.60 mm) in garlic extract treated plate at the dose of 5% at 5 DAI, which was statistically similar with turmeric extract treated (14.00 mm) plate and the inhibition of growth was 60% and 51.72%, respectively. Similar trend was found at 10 DAI and 15 DAI. At 15 DAI, garlic and turmeric extract gave the best result against Bg, which was statistically similar with onion (50.07% inhibition) and mehendi (49.93%). All botanicals showed significantly different results over control and found effective in reducing the mycelial growth at the dose of 10%. At 5 DAI, no radial mycelia growth was found in garlic treated plate, which was statistically similar with onion treated plate, means that the inhibition of growth was 100%. Similar trend was also found at 10 DAI, and 15 DAI but at 15 DAI, onion (30.20 mm) gave the statistically similar results with Garlic (30.10 mm) and the mycelia growth inhibition was (57.70%) and (57.84%), respectively. In case of 20% dose, garlic extract showed the best result at 5 DAI and the radial mycelia growth was found minimum (00.00 mm) which was statistically similar with onion extract treated (00.00 mm) plate and turmeric extract treated plate. The inhibition of growth was 100%. At 15 DAI, the inhibition of fungal growth was found (73.74%), (71.23%) and (66.90%), respectively with treated by turmeric (18.80 mm), garlic (20.60 mm) and onion (23.70 mm).

Allelopathic Effects of Water Extracts of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) on Seed Germination of Ageratum conyzoides

Sustainable weed management strategies are essential to reduce chemical and labor inputs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water extracts from sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck] on seed germination of Ageratum conyzoides L. under controlled conditions. The aqueous was produced from plant parts i.e., roots, stems, and leaves of sweet potato at concentrations of 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 g·mL-1. The results showed that the plant parts of sweet potato all contained allelopathic substances, which showed high-concentration inhibition and low-concentration promotion of seed germination of A. conyzoides. When the aqueous extract concentrations were 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 g·mL-1, the germination of A. conyzoides seeds was inhibited, while the germination was promoted at a concentration of 0.025 g·mL-1. This shows that when the planting density of sweet potato is large, it can form an obvious prevention and control effect on A. conyzoides, and thus improve herbicide resistance management.

Green Hydrothermal Synthesis and Applications of Sorbus pohuashanensis/Aronia melanocarpa Extracts Functionalized-Au/Ag/AuAg Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles(NPs)have already been widely used in catalysis,antibacterial and coating fields.Compared with the traditional toxic and harmful reducing reagents,green synthesis of NPs by using plant extracts is not only environmental-friendly and cost-effective but also conducive to the multi-level and efficient utilization of wild plant resources.In this study,the aqueous extracts from Sorbus pohuashanensis(SP)and Aronia melanocarpa(AM)fruits were used as the reducing and protective reagents for synthesizing Au/AgNPs,with the characteristics of originality operation and high repeatability.The SP/AM fruit extracts functionalized Au/AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy(UV-vis),transmission electron microscopy(TEM),energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),scanning electron microscope(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD)and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR).UV-vis spectrums showed the NPs peaks verified by the presence between 400–550 nm;TEM and SEM demonstrated NPs displayed approximately spherical structures;EDS confirmed the existence of Au/Ag elements;XRD measurements confirmed that the obtained NPs showed highly crystalline structures;FTIR demonstrated the fruits extracts were adsorbed on the surface of NPs.Primary experiments indicated that SP/AM fruit extracts functionalized-NPs could be used as the reagents for removing the organic dyes efficiently;Zone of inhibition tests(ZOI)explained that NPs have slow-release antibacterial activity.

Evaluation of Medicinal Plant Extracts for Rice Blast Disease Control

The potential of medicinal plant extracts to control rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae was investigated. We screened 48 extracts prepared from 8 medicinal plant species and identified 20 extracts with ≥ 10% inhibitory activity against M. oryzae. Among them, ethanol extract of Paris polyphylla, ethyl acetate extract of Phellodendron chinense, and n-butanol extract of Menispermum dauricum plants exhibited 100%, 70% and 50% inhibition of M.

Inventory and Management of Fungi Associated with Banana Plant through the Use of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus Extracts

Despite the nutritional, economic and medicinal values of banana plant, independent of the region and production system is confronted with some diseases such as the fungi disease. These fungal diseases are responsible for the low yields. The objective of this study was to improve the sanitary state of banana plant. To achieve this objective, fungi associated with banana leaves were isolated on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) culture medium and their identification was done on the basis of morphological and microscopic characteristics using reference documents. Antifungal activity of Allium ampeloprasum and Cymbopogon citratus extracts were evaluated in vitro on agar medium on the development of Pseudocercospora fijiensis, P. musicola and Pestalopsis sp. The results showed that banana plant harbours a diversity of fungal species, the most frequent being P. fijiensis (51.58%), Pestalopsis sp. (15.47%) and P. musicola (12.03%). Aqueous extracts of C. citratus at the concentration of 15 mg/ml, inhibited 100% of the radial growth of P. fijiensis and Pestalopsis sp with a fungitoxic activity. Similarly, ethanolic extract A. ampeloprasum inhibited at 100% the radial growth of Pestalopsis sp. This antifungal activity was fungistatic. These results suggest that the aqueous and ethanol extracts of the tested plants could be used as alternatives to chemical products in the fight against banana diseases especially Sigatoka. Hence further studies need to be undertaken to isolate the active compounds from these extracts with fungicidal potential.

Chemical Composition and Use of Momordica charantia L. and Hyptis spicigera Lam. Extracts as Mosquito Larvicides and Insect Growth Regulators against Malarial Vector, Anopheles gambiae Giles

Background: Mosquitoes are responsible of numerous vector-borne diseases and among these diseases is malaria which takes away lives of thousands of people, especially children of under five, particularly in Africa. To reduce the mortality and economic burdens of this deadly disease, synthetic insecticide has been of use to control its main vector, Anopheles gambiae. Due to adverse effects caused by these conventional products on non-target organisms and the environment, plants have been of first choice as they proved their effectiveness against mosquitoes and are said to be eco-friendly and relatively safer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen the phytochemicals and determine the larvicidal and adult emergence exhibitory activities of Momordica charantia and Hyptis spicigera leaves extracts against Anopheles gambiae larvae. Methods: The WHO standard protocol for larvicidal activity and IGRs was followed up and concentrations from 500 - 2000 ppm for larvicidal and 500 - 1500 ppm for IGRs were set up. Results: There was the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids, terpenoids and oils in Momordica charantia against alkaloids, taponins, tannins, phenols, steroids, terpenoids and oils in Hyptis spicigera. Methanol crude extract registered the lowest LC50 value of 270.6 ppm followed by ethyl acetate and hexane fractions recorded the LC50 of 742.1 and 756 ppm, respectively for larvicidal activity of Momordica charantia against LC50 of 760 and 867.5 ppm for hexane fraction and methanol crude extract, respectively for Hyptis spicigera. Methanol crude extract and hexane fraction of both plants as well as the ethyl acetate fraction of M. charantia registered greater emergence inhibition with IE50 values of 590.2, 842.3 and 982 ppm for methanol crude extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of M. charantia, respectively against 901.7 and 873.2 for methanol crude extract and hexane fraction of H. spicigera, respectively. Conclusion: The toxicity and adult emergence inhibition may be associated with constituents in both plants that interfere with the normal neuronal, respiratory and endocrine systems functions.