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.

Influence of the Extraction Process on the Characteristics of Romanian Mountain Walnut Oil

The objective of this work is to extract walnut oil using various processes in order to compare the influence on the nature of the components extracted, and thus identify the areas of potential use. We carried out the extractions by mechanical process, thanks to a press in reduced model provided with a worm. We obtained cold extracted oil whose characteristics slightly diverge from extra virgin oil found in shops in Romania, but its composition is similar. We were also able to extract by chemical process using two methods, Folch and Soxhlet. Commercially available table walnut oils are only cold extracted to avoid the presence of solvents. Those are difficult to remove and strongly oxidize the oil. Currently, consumers appreciate walnut oil for its taste and nutritional qualities. In nutrition, this oil is put forward for its composition rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are needed for human body. Food supplements made from walnut oil are available today. For the moment, this is the only use of walnut oil. Indeed, there are some studies on other fields of application, but they remain in the field of research and nothing has yet been commercialized. In this present study, we compared the chemical and physical properties of cold-extracted oil with the solvent extraction of walnut kernel originating from the mountain region of Rumania. The cold extracted oil has a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (63%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (30%), a very low level of saturated fatty acid (7%) and no content of linolenic acid. The Soxhlet and Folch methods produced slightly different oils with increased amounts of minor components, which changes their characteristic. Even when solvent-extracted oils do not meet the standard criteria imposed by the Codex Alimentarius, they offer a possible use in the fields of food, cosmetics industries and biomedicine.

Development of a Simple Extraction Method for Tetracycline Analogues from Bovine Milk

Tetracycline and analogues are among the most used antibiotics in the dairy industry. Besides the therapeutic uses, tetracyclines are often incorporated into livestock feed as growth promoters. A considerable amount of antibiotics is released unaltered through milk from dairy animals. The presence of antibiotic residues in milk and their subsequent consumption can lead to potential health impacts, including cancer, hypersensitivity reactions, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Thus, it is important to monitor residual levels of tetracyclines in milk. The purpose of this study is to develop a quick and simple method for simultaneously extracting five tetracycline analogues from bovine milk. Specifically, five tetracycline analogues: Chlortetracycline (CTC), demeclocycline (DEM), doxycycline (DC), minocycline (MC), and tetracycline (TC) were simultaneously extracted from milk using trifluoroacetic acid. Subsequently, the extracted analogues were separated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and detected at 355 nm using UV/Vis. Calibration curves for all five tetracycline analogues show excellent linearity (r2 value > 0.99). Percent recovery for MC, TC, DEM, CTC, and DC were: 31.88%, 96.91%, 151.29, 99.20%, and 85.58% respectively. The developed extraction method has good precision (RSD < 9.9% for 4 of the 5 analogues). The developed method with minimal sample preparation and pretreatment has the potential to serve as an initial screening test.

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.

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.

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.

A Case of Vasovagal Syncope Induced by Tooth Extraction

Background: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a neurogenic reflex-mediated fainting episode characterized by sudden, transient, and self-limiting symptoms. While VVS accounts for a significant portion (around 60%) of emergent medical events in dental practice, it remains an underrecognized condition among dental professionals, often misdiagnosed as hypoglycemia, conversion disorder, or epilepsy. This case report describes a VVS episode induced by tooth extraction, aiming to improve dental clinicians’ awareness and diagnostic approach to VVS. Case Presentation: A 35-year-old female visited the dental department in April 2022 with a two-year history of food impaction in the upper right molar. Examination revealed an elongated, discolored, and tender tooth 18, lacking proper occlusion with the opposing tooth. After confirming no contraindications, the tooth was extracted using a minimally invasive technique. Following the procedure, the patient experienced dizziness upon standing;her blood pressure was 69/47 mmHg, and her heart rate was 65 bpm. The nursing staff assisted her to sit as she showed limb weakness, closed eyes, and briefly lost consciousness. Oxygen was administered, and her blood glucose was 6.5. Blood pressure later improved to 124/78 mmHg, with a pulse of 62 bpm. Oral glucose was given, which she vomited, and emergency services were called. Upon arrival, the patient was alert and cooperative. Neurology consultation and imaging (MRI, MRA, and DWI) ruled out cerebral infarction, initially diagnosing a conversion disorder. A subsequent tilt-table test, including sublingual nitroglycerin, induced a marked blood pressure drop and symptoms confirming a diagnosis of vasovagal syncope (VVS). Conclusions: This case shows that preoperative anxiety, fear, and prolonged waiting can trigger vasovagal reflex during tooth extraction, especially in patients with anxiety or cardiac arrhythmias. For such patients, preoperative precautions and intraoperative cardiac monitoring are advised. In cases of VVS, quick actions like monitoring blood pressure, placing the patient in a supine position, providing oxygen, and administering IV fluids or medications like atropine, if necessary, can help stabilize the patient.

Development of Extraction and Detection Method for a Chemotherapeutic Drug with Phenytoin in Biological Samples

Dexamethasone is classified as a corticosteroid and is commonly used among cancer patients to decrease the amount of swelling around the tumor. Among patients with cancer, in particular brain tumors, seizures can become a daily routine in their everyday lives. To counteract the seizures, an antiepileptic drug such as phenytoin is administered to act as an anticonvulsant. Phenytoin and dexamethasone are frequently administrated concurrently to brain cancer patients. A previous study has shown that phenytoin serum concentration decreases when administrated concurrently with dexamethasone. Thus, it is important to monitor the concentration of these two drugs in biological samples to ensure that the proper dosages are administrated to the patients. This study aims to develop an effective extraction and detection method for dexamethasone and phenytoin. A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with UV/Vis detection has been developed to separate phenytoin and dexamethasone at 219 nm and 241 nm respectively from urine samples. The mobile phase consists of a mixture of 0.01 M KH2PO4, acetonitrile, and methanol adjusted to pH 5.6 (48:32:20) and is pumped at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Calibration curves were prepared for phenytoin and dexamethasone (r2 > 0.99). An efficient solid-phase extraction (SPE) method for the extraction of dexamethasone and phenytoin from urine samples was developed with the use of C-18 cartridges. The percent recovery for phenytoin and dexamethasone is 95.4% (RSD = 1.15%) and 81.1% (RSD = 3.56%) respectively.

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.

Antinociceptive Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Codiaeum variegatum Leaves in Mice

Background: Codiaeum variegatum, sometimes called garden croton, is a tropical plant in the Euphorbiaceae family. Historically used to cure various conditions, including intestinal infections, fever, ulcers, wounds, and gonorrhea. This work aimed to investigate the antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract of Codiaeum variegatum leaves (EECV) in animal models. Methods: Five different pain models—the hot plate, tail immersion, acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and glutamate-induced nociception tests—were utilized to assess the antinociceptive activity in mice. The traditional drugs such as diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and morphine sulphate (5 mg/kg). EECV was administered orally at varying doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg (0.1 mL/mouse), while the control group was given deionized water. Results: The current study found that all mouse models of heat- and chemical-induced pain had robust EECV reflections of their antinociceptive properties (*p Conclusions: The current finding offers a fresh perspective on the ethanolic extract of Codiaeum variegatum leaves’ antinociceptive properties in mice. This plant’s phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of triterpenoids, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and general glycosides, all of which may have antinociceptive properties. More research on the mechanism of action and associated pharmacological studies, such as in vivo analysis, medication formulation, and clinical trials, is strongly advised.

Phytochemical Studies, Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Hydroethanolic Extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. from Togolese Flora

Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. is known as a plant that has many special benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. The present study was carried out to perform a phytochemicals study and evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroethanolic extract of Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers. leaves. After phytochemicals screening, the content of phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidol and flavonoids in the extract of this plant was determined spectrophotometrically. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the micro-dilution technique on 96-well plates in liquid medium, combined with agar spreading. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the 1% carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, triterpenes and sterols, phenols and flavonoids in the plant extract in varying proportions. The extract contained (0.049 ± 0.03 µg EAG/mg extract) total polyphenols, (0.215 ± 0.025 µg CE/mg extract) proanthocyanidins and (385.435 ± 0.0328 µg ER/mg ES) flavonoids. The hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of this plant inhibited the in vitro growth of the microbial strains studied to varying degrees. The MIC of the extract varied from 12.5 to 25 mg/mL and the BMC from 12.5 to 50 mg/mL. The plant did not show any activity on 1% carrageenan-induced rat paw edema.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Orange and Lemon Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of orange and lemon peels, as a reducing agent, and silver nitrate salts as a source of silver ions is a promising field of research due to the versatility of biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles. In this paper, AgNPs were synthetized at different reaction parameters such as the type and concentration of the extracts, metal salt concentration, temperature, speed stirring, and pH. The antibacterial properties of the obtained silver nanoparticles against E. coli, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles, were investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. In addition to green biogenic synthesis, chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles was also carried out. The optimal temperature for extraction was 65˚C, while for the synthesis of AgNPs was 35˚C. The synthesis is carried out in an acidic environment (pH = 4.7 orange and pH = 3.8 lemon), neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (pH = 10), then for different concentrations of silver nitrate solution (0.5 mM - 1 mM), optimal time duration of the reaction was 60 min and optimal stirring speed rotation was 250 rpm on the magnetic stirrer. The physical properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (conductivity, density and refractive index) were also studied, and the passage of laser light through the obtained solution and distilled water was compared. Positive inhibitory effect on the growth of new Escherichia coli colonies have shown AgNPs synthesized at a basic pH value and at a 0.1 mM AgNO3 using orange or lemon peel extract, while for a 0.5 mM AgNO3 using lemon peel extract.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Positivity of Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Patterns, Native Anti-DNA and Extractable Nuclear Antigens (ENA) Antibodies: Experience from a Laboratory in Dakar

Background: Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (AID) is challenging, due to overlapping features with other non-immune disorders. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) are sensitive screening tests but anti-deoxyribonucleic acid-antibody (anti-DNA), and anti-extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA) are specific for AIDs. We aimed to look at ANA patterns in our patients and correlated them with anti-ENA for proper interpretation and better patient management cost-effectively. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted over 1 year from January to December 2022 who were tested for ANA at biology medical laboratory of Pasteur Institute of Dakar. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA results were also analyzed for ANA-positive patients. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14.0, p Results: 216 patients were analyzed. Women predominated at 79.2% and mean age was 48 years [CI 95%, 46 - 50], with extremes of 10 and 89. Most represented age group was [41 - 60] with 38%. ANA was positive in 27 (12.5%) of patients, 59.2% of whom were strongly positive (titer of 1/1000, 1/3200 or 1/6400). The most common pattern was nuclear speckled, which was found in 77.8% of samples. Anti-ENA and anti-DNA positivity in ANA-positive patients was found respectively in 63% (17/27) and 1.4% (3/27) of the samples analyzed. Most commonly identified anti-ENA was anti-Sm 29.6%, anti-SSA 29.6%, anti-Ro-52 25.9%, anti-RNP 18.5% and anti-SSB 14.8% which was associated with speckled pattern. Association results indicated a significant relationship between both tests and between ANA titer in the anti-ENA- and ANA-positive patients (p 0.001). Conclusions: ANA, Anti-ENA and anti-DNA antibodies are essential for AIDS diagnosis. However, the testing repertoire should follow an algorithm comprising of clinical features, followed by ANA results with nuclear, mitotic, and cytoplasmic patterns, anti-ENA, and anti-DNA for a more meaningful, and cost-effective diagnostic approach.

Optimization and Characterization of Cellulose Extraction from Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak) Leaves by Soda-Anthraquinone Pulping Using Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite design (CCD) was applied to examine the impact of soda-anthraquinone pulping conditions on Grevillea robusta fall leaves. The pulping factors studied were: NaOH charge 5% to 20% w/v, pulping time 30 to 180 minutes, and the anthraquinone charge 0.1 to 0.5% w/w based on the oven-dried leaves. The responses evaluated were the pulp yield, cellulose content, and the degree of delignification. Various regression models were used to evaluate the effects of varying the pulping conditions. The optimum conditions attained were;NaOH charge of 14.63%, 0.1% anthraquinone, and a pulping period of 154 minutes, corresponding to 20.68% pulp yield, 80.56% cellulose content, and 70.34% lignin removal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), was used to determine the most important variables that improve the extraction process of cellulose. The experiment outcomes matched those predicted by the model (Predicted R2 = 0.9980, Adjusted R2 = 0.9994), demonstrating the adequacy of the model used. FTIR analysis confirmed the elimination of the non-cellulosic fiber constituents. The lignin and hemicellulose-related bands (around 1514 cm−1, 1604 cm−1, 1239 cm−1, and 1734 cm−1) decreased with chemical treatment, indicating effective cellulose extraction by the soda-anthraquinone method. Similar results were obtained by XRD, SEM and thermogravimetric analysis of the extracted cellulose. Therefore, Grevillea robusta fall leaves are suitable renewable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly non-wood biomass for cellulose extraction.

Roles of Aqueous Extract of Marigold on Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Damage in Pancreatic Islet β-Cells

Roles of Marigold extracts (ME) on arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced oxidative damage to pancreatic β-cells need to be further elucidated. In this study, NIT-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of and/or ATO, following by the cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. Then, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxide (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured with a fluorescence probe method and colorimetric assay, respectively. The apoptosis rate and morphology was detected and observed with hoechst 33,258 staining assay. The mRNA levels and protein expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein immunoblotting assay, respectively. Our results indicated that Co-treatment with ME and ATO exacerbated the cell viability decreasing reduced by ATO, while the addition of ME after ATO treatment effectively promote the recovery of ATO reduced survival rates. The ATO group increased apoptosis (P P β-cells by modulating the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Preventive Effect of an Extract of Terminalia avicennioides on Acetylcholine-Induced Tracheoconstriction in Wistar Strain Rats

Asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory pathologies worldwide. The cost of its treatment, particularly for populations in developing countries like Senegal, requires an alternative which consists of developing research into new therapeutic approaches with the use of plants from traditional pharmacopoeia. The objective of this study was to determine whether the hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia avicennioides leaves has a preventive effect on the constriction of tracheal smooth muscle induced by Acetylcholine in Wistar strain rats. Methods: The species used in our experiments were male Wistar rats aged between 12 and 14 weeks. Rings of rat trachea were suspended in isolated organ chambers connected to tension sensors. Two pharmacological agents were used: acetylcholine, for its constrictor effect and adrenaline, for its dilating effect on the pulmonary trachea. Our plant material consisted of a hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia avicennioides leaves. The experimental protocol was that of the preventive model which consisted of impregnating these rings with the extract at a defined concentration then testing its contractility in the presence of Acetylcholine which was the contractile agonist used in this study. The preventive effect of the extract was studied with an Acetylcholine contraction range on rings pre-incubated with Terminalia avicennioides extract. Results: The results showed that Acetylcholine contracts the trachea and the increase in its contractility was dependent on the dose of Ach added cumulatively (10−5 to 4 × 10−5 mol/l). The administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia avicennioides leaves led to a modification of the contractile response to Acetylcholine. Indeed, this extract induced a significant attenuation of the contractile responses of the treated tracheal rings compared to those untreated. Conclusion: Terminalia avicennioides had a relaxing effect on tracheal smooth muscle and this effect could play an important role in the prevention of bronchial hyperreactivity in certain respiratory diseases, particularly asthmatic disease.

Extraction, Production and Quality Evaluation of Margarine from Oil Extracted from Waste Biomass Peels of Avocado and Virgin Coconut Oil, Using Chitosan from Reared Shells as Preservative

The production and consumption of avocado pears generates tons of wastes, mainly the pear peels which are usually discarded, although they have been reported to contain important phyto-chemicals with biological activities. The adverse health effect associated with the consumption of saturated lipid based foods has ignited research on reformulation of lipid based foods to eliminate Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs). This study was thus aimed at the extraction and characterization of oil from Avocado Peels (APO) and evaluation of the quality of margarine produced from it. Five verities of pear were used for oil extraction by soxhlet method and physiochemical, oxidative, functional and antioxidant characterization was done. Margarines were formulated using a central composite design using oil blends of APO and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with an oil ratio of 10:90, 40:60, 70:30 respectively, varied blending speed, blending time, and chitosan concentration. Samples were characterized and the effect of process parameters on the physiochemical and functional properties of the margarine studied. Optimized conditions were used to produce samples for sensory evaluation. Color, spreadability, aroma, taste and general acceptability was evaluated using ranking difference test. The results showed that the yield, density, and iodine values of APOs oils ranged from 14.91 ± 0.18 to 11.76 ± 0.46;0.93 ± 0.001 to 0.99 ± 0.1;46.63 ± 1.70 to 52.4 ± 0.63, their acid values, TBA and PV values ranged from 1.42 ± 0.39 to 1.97 ± 0.5;0.11 ± 0.002 to 0.18 ± 0.04;and 2.72 ± 0.14 to 4.43 ± 0.36 respectively, with Brogdon avocado peel variety having the overall best properties prepared blends of trans-free APO margarines showed that increase in APO ratio decreased melting point, increased oxidative stability and reduced moisture content of margarine samples. Chitosan addition leads to decrease moisture content and increase functional properties. VCO lead to increase in phenolic and flavonoid content of the margarines. Samples were spreadable and palatable with R20 being most palatable and the most accepted being R26 with a mean score of 7.07 ± 0.70. Decrease in color intensity increased acceptability. This study therefore demonstrated that avocado peel waste biomass can be valorized by using it as raw material for oil extraction, which can serve as good material for the production of trans-free margarines with good oxidative stability, functional and antioxidant properties.

Influence of Solvent onto Chemical Extraction of America-Type Coconut (Coco nucifera L.) Fbers: Analysis of Physicochemical, Mechanical and Morphological Properties

In this study, the natural fibers from Coconuts of the species Coco nucifera L. were Chemically extracted in different solvents such as sodium hydroxide (SH), acetone (AC) and sodium hydroxide-acetone (SHA) for their applications in the textile industries. Structural, morphological and physico-mechanical characterizations such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanned electron microscopy (SEM), measurements of density, Young’s modulus, water absorption rate and humidity were evaluated. The XRD and FTIR results show that Coco nucifera L. fibers contains type I cellulose. Mechanical characterizations were also carried out. These results show that by varying the different solvents used, the physico-chemical, mechanical and morphological properties of the fibers change, which implies that the solvent has an influence on the properties of these fibers. The fibers extracted by the sodium hydroxide-acetone mixture have a linear density of 1.636, the percentage of water absorption is 62.428%, the percentage of moisture absorption 9.605% compared to other values in the literature shows that this solvent mixture improves the properties of coconut fibers which contain type I cellulose. The tensile stress is 0.013 GPa, the percentage strain is 49.836% and the Young’s modulus is 0.114 GPa as well as the percentage elongation show that these fibers are elasto-plastic. The values obtained mean that these fibers are suitable for use in textiles.

The Effect of a Novel Complex, Composed of Ceramide, Energizing Peptide and Camu Camu Extract, on Epidermal Barrier Function and Dermal Antiaging Properties in Ex Vivo Human Skin Small Live Cohort

The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERATTM complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERATTM complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERATTM complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .

Application of Pomegranate Rind Extract for Improvement of Functional Properties of Various Materials—A Critical Review

Pomegranate rind is abundantly available as a waste material. Pomegranate Rind Extract (PRE) can be applied to cotton fabrics for its natural colours, as a mordanting agent and also for imparting certain functional properties such as fire retardancy and antimicrobial properties. This paper reviews the feasibility of Pomegranate Rind Extract to improve the functional properties of cellulosic fabrics. Studies show that varying concentrations and higher temperatures that were used to apply the extract on the fabric, resulted in enhanced functional properties. At a particular concentration, the treated fabric showed a 15 times lower burning rate in comparison with the control fabric. Also, antimicrobial efficacy has been observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Due to the natural colouring material, it can be used as a natural dye on cotton material. The fire retardancy of pomegranate rind extract was tested on jute material under varying alkalinity. Research has indicated that pomegranate rind extract could be used to dye polyamide as well. The rubbing and wash fastness of the finished fabrics is good. The light fastness was fair, and its antibacterial efficiency against tested bacteria was good.