Prevelance of Bovine Cysticercosis in Egypt and the Cysticidal Effect of Two Extracts Obtained from Balanites aegyptiaca and Moringa oleifera on Mice Model Affected with T. saginata Cysticerci

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in both cattle and buffloas, in Egypt and to assess the cysticidal efficacy of Balanites aegyptiaca fruits (B. aegyptiaca) and Moringa oleifera seeds (M. oleifera) extracts in experimentally infected mice. The study detected the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) to monitor the immune and inflammatory responses of experimentally infected mice. Through meat inspection, a total number of 2125 male bovine, 2 to 5 years old, (1125 cattle and 1000 buffloes) were examined under the authority of Albsatine and Alwaraq official abattoirs in Cairo Governorate, Egypt covering the period extended from March 2022 to April 2023. The overall prevalence of the disease among bovine was 7.8% (6.31% of cattle and 9.5% of buffloes). Besides, B. aegyptiaca and M. oleifera extracts showed cysticidal activity in experimentally infected mice. A decrease in the numbers of cysticerci was found in all treated mice groups, and up to 88% reduction was achieved in the B. aegyptiaca-treated group;higher than that was recorded in both M. oleifera (72.23%) and albendazole-treated ones (80.56%). Postmortem findings proved that M. oleifera and B. aegyptiaca reduced cysticerci numbers comparable to a commercial anthelmintic. The study showed a significant decrease (P 0.001) in TNF-α levels after treatment with Balanites and Moringa extracts, compared with the untreated control and the albendazole-treated groups.

不同大豆(Glycine max)品种对根寄生杂草瓜列当(Orobanche aegyptiaca)种子萌发的诱导作用

以10个东北大面积推广的大豆品种(北豆18、绥农10、丰豆3、黑农28、东豆339、中黄13、合丰55、垦鉴豆35、黑农44和垦丰16)为材料,采用盆栽试验探索大豆在不同生育时期(V1、V3、V5、R2和R4)的根际土、根、茎和叶的甲醇提取液对瓜列当种子萌发的刺激效果。结果表明:不同大豆品种的甲醇提取液对瓜列当的诱导效果存在显著差异;中黄13的根际土对瓜列当的刺激作用显著高于其它品种;大豆V3和V5期的植株提取液对瓜列当的诱导作用最强;大豆的根、茎和叶对瓜列当的诱导效果为根>茎>叶。在瓜列当危害区,大豆可以作为瓜列当的"诱捕"作物。

Protective effects of Balanites aegyptiaca extract, melatonin and ursodeoxycholic acid against hepatotoxicity induced by methotrexate in male rats

Objective: To compare the degree of ameliorative effects of Melatonin(MEL), Ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) and Balanites aegyptiaca(BA) against hepatotoxicity induced by MTX for one month. Methods: Eighty adult male rats(Sprague Dawely) weighing(190±10g), were randomly divided into eight equal groups: Control, MTX, MEL, BA, UDCA, MTX+MEL, MTX+BA, MTX+UDCA. Liver function biomarker enzymes, liver tissue oxidative stress parameters, together with total antioxidant capacity and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α) were determined. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry examinations for TNF-α were also done. Results: MTX showed significant increase in alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), alkaline phosphatase(ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT), total and direct bilirubin, as well as TNF-α levels, oxidized glutathione(GSSG), malodialdehyde(MDA) and nitric oxide(NO). whereas, total protein, albumin, total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione(GSH), glutathione peroxidase(GPx), glutathione reductase(GR), glutathione S-transferase(GST), superoxide dismutase(SOD) and catalase(CAT) levels were significantly decreased in MTX treated group. These alterations were improved by MEL and BA treatment, whereas no improvement was noticed in UDCA treatment. Conclusions: BA may be as promising as MEL in the hepatoprotection against MTX toxicity through their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. In addition, it is not recommended to co-administer UDCA with MTX as it enhanced inflammation and damage to the liver.

The Effect of Herbicides on the Egyptian Broomrape (<i>Orobanche aegyptiaca</i>) in Tomato Fields

The Egyptian broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.) is an obligate holoparasitic weed that causes severe damage to many important vegetable and field crops. In this investigation, three herbicides;chlorsulfuron, triasulfuron and imazaquin were tested to evaluate their efficiency in controlling the tomato broomrape. The herbicides significantly reduced the broomrape parasitizing tomato plants growing in pots, irrigated open field and under greenhouse conditions as foliar spray at the concentrations (0.5 - 10 μg·ml-1) without visible injury effect on the plants. In the pot experiments, triasulfuron increased the dead spikes from 77% to 84%;chlorsulfuron from 51% to 84% and imazaquin from 52% to 84% at the concentrations (0.5 - 5 μg·ml-1) compared with the control. In the irrigated open field experiment, the herbicides were less efficient in controlling the broomrape. The dead spikes increased from 10.5% to 29.1% at the concentrations (1 - 5 μg·ml-1) compared with the control. In the greenhouse experiment, the herbicides were more effective than open field and the dead spikes were increased from 30 to 68% at the concentrations 5 and 10 μg·ml-1. In conclusion, the foliar application of herbicides were able to increase the broomrape dead spikes attached to the tomato plants at the concentrations (3 - 5 μg·ml-1) without visible negative effect on tomato plants.

Laboratory assessment of the molluscicidal and cercariacidal activities of Balanites aegyptiaca

Objective:To assess the molluscicidal and cercariacidal activities of aqueous extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca(B.aegyptiaca)against EthiopianBiomphalaria pfeifferi(B.pfeifferi),Lymnaea natalensis(L.natalensis)and Schistosoma mansoni(S.mansoni)cercariae.Methods:Extracts of seeds,endocarp,mesocarp,and fruit of B.aegyptiacawere tested for their activities against adultB.pfeifferiandL.natalensis.The cercariacidal activity of the seeds of the plant was also evaluated againstS.mansoni.Bioassays were carried out following the methods recommended by WHO.Snail mortalities were compared between each plant part and snail species,and LC50and LC90values for the plant parts tested were computed.The cercariacidal activity of the plant was assessed by exposing the mice to the cercariae pre-exposed to aqueous extract of B.aegyptiacaseeds.Results:For the molluscicidal activities of seeds,endocarp,mesocarp and whole fruit,the LC50values againstB.pfeifferiwere 56.32,77.53,65.51 and 66.63 mg/L,respectively,while the respective LC90values were 77.70,120.04,89.50 and 97.55 mg/L.Similarly,the LC50values for the seeds,endocarp,mesocarp and whole fruit againstL.natalensiswere 80.33,92.61,83.52 and 87.84mg/L,respectively,while the respective LC90values were 102.30,138.21,115.42 and 127.69 mg/L.B.pfeifferiwere found to be more susceptible toB.aegyptiacathanL.natalensis.S.mansoni cercariae exposed to 15 mg/L of extract of seeds were incapable of infecting mice.The mean egg load of tissue was reduced in mice infected with the cercariae exposed to 5 and 10 mg/L of the extract.Conclusions:The aqueous extracts of different parts ofB.aegyptiacaexhibited reasonable molluscicidal activity againstB.pfeifferiandL.natalensis,as well as cercariacidal activity againstS.mansonicercariae.However,comprehensive laboratory evaluation is recommended prior to field tests of the plant parts since their impact on other aquatic biota is not known.

Effect of rooting media and hormone concentrations on vegetative propagation of Balanites aegyptiaca

Vegetative propagation is widely used as a means of genotype preservation in clone banks and seed orchards but despite this, the possibility of vegetative propagation using hormones is not clear for many indigenous tree species, including Balanites aegyptiaca. This research is on the vegetative propagation of B. aegyptiaca as influenced by rooting media and growth hormones.Juvenile stem cuttings were obtained from 4 months old seedlings. Nodal stem cuttings 4–5 cm long from 3–5 mm diameter stems were treated with indole-3-butyric acid or indole-3-acetic acid at 50, 100 and 150 mg/L and sown in three different rooting media: top soil, river sand, and sawdust. The results reveal a significant effect(p \ 0.05)of rooting media and growth hormones on B. aegyptiaca cuttings. B. aegyptiaca can be propagated vegitatively without the use of hormones. The control was recommended for vegetative propagation of B. aegyptiaca.

Enzymatic Characterisation of Lignin Peroxidase from Luffa aegyptiaca Fruit Juice

Luffa aegyptiaca fruit has been assayed for the presence of lignin peroxidase activity using veratryl alcohol as the substrate. The fruit juice contained activity of 3.14 U/ml which was much higher than 0.075 U/ml reported in the culture filtrate of Phanarochaete chrysosporium ATCC-24725. The Km value of the lignin peroxidase using veratryl alcohol as the variable substrate in 50mM phosphate buffer pH 2.5 at 25°C was found to be 50 μM respectively. The pH and temperature optima of the lignin peroxidase were 2.4 and 22°C, respectively. The present article reports viable method to explore rich sources of lignin peroxidase from plants which can be used as a mediator in oxidative organic transformations within green chemistry domain ensuring ecofriendly synthesis of bioorganic molecules of pharmaceutical value.

Phytochemical, anti nutrient, invitro-protein digestibility and functional properties of (Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile) Aduwa protein meals, Protein Concentrate and Isolate

Background:Protein meals,Concentrate and Isolates are widely use as bioactive ingredients in functional food.In this study,the effect of toasting of Aduwa(Balanites aegyptiaca)seed on the phytochemicals,Anti nutrient,in vitro protein digestibility and functional properties of Aduwa Protein Meals,Protein Concentrate and Isolate were investigated.Methods:Aduwa seeds toasted at 70°C to make Aduwa protein meal(APM)yield extensive resolved biomaterials.The meal were resolved into DAPM,APC and API.Results:Phytochemicals analysis revealed reduction as APM sample is being resolved to protein concentrate and isolate.Similar trend was also observed in Anti-nutrients content significant reduction as material meal are resolved into protein concentrate and isolate.The in-vitro protein digestibility showed that APM(59.81%)and API(76.41%)had high percentage protein digestibility.Functional properties declined as meals materials were been resolved into protein concentrate and isolate.Swelling capacity revealed that resolved and unresolved samples leached biomolecules.Conclusion:The results obtained showed nutritional potential,and safety of biomaterials from Aduwa meals,an alternative food ingredient for protein supplementation.

Phelipanche aegyptiaca Management with Glyphosate in Potato

Two years field and greenhouse studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate (Round upR), ammonia gas, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid against Phelipanche aegyptiaca in potato. Results showed that sequential application of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate at all tested rates significantly reduced P. aegyptiaca shoot number and shoot dry weight. While, the use of ammonia gas, phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid had no significant effect on the total level of P. aegyptiaca infection as compared to the control. The best results considering both P. aegyptiaca control and selectivity in potato were obtained by sequential application of sub-lethal doses of glyphosate at 60 and 80 g·ai·ha-1. Sequential application of glyphosate at 60 g·ai·ha-1 reduced P. aegyptiaca infection by 100% after 100 days after potato emergence (DAPE). Except for sequential application of glyphosate at 60 and 80 g·ai·ha-1, all tested rates enhanced the maturity rate of potato plants and decreased the number of marketable potato tubers.

Identification of Potential Species <i>Croton bonplandianum</i>, Sedges and <i>Balanitis aegyptiaca</i>for the Application of Phytoremediation

Heavy metal contamination to the environment is a serious problem in the developing countries due to anthropogenic activities, a threat needs to remediate to sustain the life on earth, technology includes use of microorganisms and different plant species. In consideration of biomass, phytoremediation is a very useful techniques above all, can be exploit by identification of hyperaccumulator, which accumulates the heavy metal under metal stress condition. In view of constraints of efficient plant species in present study thirty seven different plant species were screened for the identification of heavy metal accumulators. Croton bonplandianum, sedges and Balanites aegyptiaca amongst the all exhibit superior potential of heavy metal accumulation. This is the first report to unravel the heavy metal accumulation property of three different plant species which can be exploited for the bioremediation of heavy metals.

Physicochemical and Biochemical Composition of Balanites aegyptiaca Seed and Seed Oil from Burkina Faso

In Burkina Faso, the seeds of Balanites aegyptiaca have been considered to be potentially high lipid, protein and mineral sources but seem to be neglected and sometimes unknown by communities. This study aims to complete data on seed oil and detail on amino acids and minerals composition of the seed of B. aegyptiaca for better use. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture and ash content, saponification index, iodine, acid value, peroxide value and the melting point were determined. Seed oil triglycerides, fatty acids and amino acids have been estimated throughout this study. The moisture and ash content were 3.70% ± 0.1% and 2.90% ± 0.2%, respectively. The saponification and iodine values were respectively 181.96 ± 0.4 mg KOH/g of oil and 104.86 ± 0.6 g of iodine/100 g of oil. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content (50.94%) was the most important. Triglyceride (LLO, 22.4%) was the major triglyceride. 9 essential amino acids and 9 non-essential amino acids were identified. Phenylalanine (11697.82 ± 0.00 mg/kg) was the most important essential amino acid. The content of 21 minerals was determined and the most important was potassium (9323.13 ± 0.01 mg/kg). Ca/P, Ca/Mg, Ca/Mg and Na/K ratios were 0.34;1.18;0.04 and 0.19 respectively. B. aegyptiaca seed oil is a source of multiple nutritional values and can be used by the population for multipurpose.

Application of Desert Date (<i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i>) Seed Oil as Potential Raw Material in the Formulation of Soap and Lotion

Balanites aegyptiaca has multiplicity of uses and almost every part of the plant is useful including its flowers, leaves, bark, root and fruit. In this study, oil from Desert date (Balanites aegyptiaca) kernel seed was extracted, analyzed and used in the formulation of soap and lotion. The physical parameters determined were oil content, specific gravity, refractive index and moisture content. These were found to be 45.32% ± 0.0026%, 0.90 ± 0.03, 1.45% and 0.114% ± 0.04%, respectively. The chemical parameters evaluated include saponification value (200.02 ± 0.12 mg KOH/g), acid value (2.14 ± 0.28 mg KOH/g), iodine value (104.39 ± 0.00 100/g), peroxide value (2.95 ± 0.00 mEq/kg) and free fatty acid (0.82% ± 0.01%). The oil quality assessments test indicates %FFA content of 0.84% and the fatty acids composition of the oil was evaluated using GC-MS as FAME;the oil contains about 47.52% unsaturated fatty acids. The seed kernel of Balanites aegyptiaca is a good source of vegetable oil. Soap formulated from the oil is considered a good soap based on the soap quality parameters determined. Lotion formulated has a good stability when subjected to lotion stability test.

Fluridone： An Effective Approach to Control Phelipanche aegyptiaca in Potato Crop

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fluridone （PestanalR） for Phelipanche aegyptiaca control and the tolerance of potato cultivar to single or repeated foliar application of fluridone during 2012 and 2013 growing seasons. Fluridone was sprayed on potato leaves at rates of l, 5, 10, 20 and 30 μM/ha. Each rate was tested for single and sequential application at 20 d and 35 d after potato emergence. Results indicated that fluridone at all the tested rates （single or sequential applications） significantly reduced Phelipanche infestation and shoot number compared to the control. Fluridone at 10 μM/ha reduced Phelipanche infestation by 99% when applied twice （20 d and 35 d after potato emergence）. All tested rates except for fluridone at 30μM/ha （single or two applications） were selective in potato and had no negative effect on potato growth and yield as compared to the control.

Physico-Mechanical Properties of Luffa aegyptiaca Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite

This paper presents the study of moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural characteristics of composite properties of Luffa aegyptiaca fiber. Luffa aegyptiaca reinforced epoxy composites have been developed by hand lay-up method with Luffa fiber untreated and treated conditions for 12 Hrs and 24 Hrs in different filler loading as in 2:1 ratio (5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%). The effects of filler loading on the moisture content, hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, tensile and flexural properties were studied. In general, the treated Luffa fibre composite for 24 Hrs showed better improvement properties via addition of modified Luffa fibre as reinforcement. However, tensile and flexural properties improved continuously with increasing filler loading up to 20% but decreasing at 25% due to weak interfacial bonding for both untreated and treated composite. The favourable results were obtained at 20% for treated composite at 24 Hrs especially at tensile and flexural characteristics and are suitable for mechanical applications.

Chemical Composition, Larvicidal and Adult Emergence Inhibition Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca Del. Seed and Aristolochia albida Duch. Root Extracts against Malaria Vector, Anopheles gambiae Giles

Background: Anopheles gambiae is enemy number one of mankind in Africa and particularly in Cameroon due to its ability of transmitting malaria which is the deadliest disease in this part of the world. Synthetic insecticides have been used to control malaria vectors but they have negative effects on non-target organisms and are environmentally unfriendly. Control of mosquitoes at larval stages using phytochemicals is currently the leading tool to reduce the mosquito population and so the reduction of malaria transmission rates. Therefore, the present study was to evaluate the phytochemical contents, larvicidal and adult emergence inhibition activities of Balanites aegyptiaca seed and Aristolochia albida root solvents extracts against Anopheles gambiae larvae. Methods: The World Health Organization standard protocols were followed for the different bioassays. Concentrations ranging from 500 - 2000 ppm for larvicidal and 500 - 1500 ppm for IGRs were used. Results: Both plants showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids and oils except the absence of phenols in Aristolochia albida. The larvicidal activity of Aristolochia albida extracts showed that hexane and methanol fractions were the most active killing relatively all exposed larvae with the LC50 values of 420.1 and 453 ppm, respectively. The same observation was made in hexane fraction from Balanites aegyptiaca (LC50 = 588 ppm). The insect growth inhibitory activity of Aristolochia albida extracts proved that hexane and methanol fractions relatively caused a 100% inhibition in the mosquito development, recording the EI50 values of 482.4 and 555.6 ppm, respectively. The same trend was observed with Balanites aegyptiaca hexane fraction registering better EI50 of 623.9 ppm. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that Balanites aegyptiaca seed and Aristolochia albida seed extracts are rich in phytochemicals capable of killing mosquito larvae and disrupting mosquito larval development. This could contribute to the control of mosquito populations and improved management of malaria.

Impact of Water Deterioration on Growth Indices and Meat Quality of Tilapia zillii and Solea aegyptiaca Fish Inhabiting Lake Qaroun, Egypt

The present work studies water deterioration, fish survival and production as a result of effluents discharged directly without prior treatments into lake Qaroun at Fayoum governorate, Egypt. Lake Qaroun represents heavily polluted wild habitat for both studied fish species, Tilapia zillii and Solea aegyptiaca, the most abundant species. Results revealed deterioration in water quality (low dissolved oxygen but high ammonia, nitrite, copper, lead and cadmium) of Northeastern sector where El-Bats drain discharge its effluents without prior treatment followed by that of eastern sector at four km from the point of El-Bats discharge. Water salinity and dissolved oxygen values were in the following order: Western lake Qaroun sector > Eastern lake Qaroun sector > Northeastern lake Qaroun sector. However, Ammonia and nitrite readings were in the following order: Northeastern sector of Lake Qaroun is followed by the Eastern sector, then the Western sector. Moreover, results of the present field study revealed a decrease in fish production with the lowest condition factor and a deterioration in meat quality (an increase in muscle water content and ash but a decrease total protein and total lipids) in case of fish collected from the polluted sites along the lake (Northeastern and eastern sectors). However, fish collected from the unpolluted western sector of the lake showed condition factor and chemical muscle composition more or less similar to normal healthy fish.

分枝列当寄生甜瓜时吸器形成过程中内源激素的动态变化

本研究采用石蜡切片和显微观察分析分枝列当寄生甜瓜时的吸器形成过程,利用液相色谱-质谱联用(LC-MS)检测吸器形成过程中24种植物内源激素变化。结果表明:分枝列当种子在接种甜瓜根部第3天开始萌发,接种第7天分枝列当吸器顶端稳固地附着在寄主根部,吸器侵入甜瓜根皮层,并在甜瓜根皮层细胞内扩展,扩展过程中形成大量的爪状结构,接种第11天时分枝列当吸器细胞与寄主根维管束连接。共有17种植物激素参与了吸器形成过程,其中生长素类吲哚-3-甲醛含量在列当吸器形成过程中降低了83.36%,细胞分裂素类反式玉米素核苷的含量在增长了5.02倍;油菜素内酯含量增长了481.95倍,推测这3类植物激素在分枝列当吸器形成过程中可能起到重要的调控作用。

基于防御酶与代谢组学分析贝莱斯芽孢杆菌JTB8-2诱导番茄拮抗瓜列当机制

【目的】瓜列当是全寄生恶性杂草,贝莱斯芽孢杆菌JTB8-2能够有效防除瓜列当,探明其作用机制可以为该菌株的田间应用提供理论依据。【方法】采用盆栽、酶活测定及超高效液相色谱-质谱联合(UHPLC-MRM-MS/MS)技术,分析贝莱斯芽孢杆菌JTB8-2诱导番茄抗瓜列当机制。【结果】贝莱斯芽孢杆菌JTB8-2发酵液处理在番茄移栽后20、30和40 d时,寄生的瓜列当结节数量分别为0.33、0.17和0.33个/株,较NB培养基处理分别减少了50.75%、79.52%和50.75%,较清水对照分别减少了81.67%、96.96%和95.54%。菌株发酵液浇灌番茄植株3、20和30 d后,番茄根部过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均高于NB培养基处理和清水对照;番茄根系中28种植物激素类代谢物中11种代谢物含量具有差异,菌株JTB8-2处理的番茄根系中细胞分裂素类与生长素类化合物含量高于清水对照。【结论】菌株JTB8-2处理的番茄根系中过氧化氢酶活性、细胞分裂素与生长素相关激素的增加诱导了番茄系统抗性,减少了瓜列当寄生量。

瓜列当对新疆甜瓜的危害及化学防治初探

调查瓜列当对新疆甜瓜的危害,探索瓜列当化学防控方法,为瓜列当防治措施制定及实施提供技术支撑。以新疆伽师县4个甜瓜主产乡镇为代表,调查瓜列当对甜瓜的危害程度及规律。结合新疆甜瓜栽培模式,进行2种除草剂各2种浓度对瓜列当的防治试验。调查的4个乡镇瓜列当都有不同程度的发生。甜瓜播种后50 d直到收获,都有瓜列当寄生危害。75%磺酰磺隆和甲基咪草烟都可用于对甜瓜列当的防治,磺酰磺隆效果优于甲基咪草烟。结合浇水冲施37.5 g a.i.·hm-275%磺酰磺隆,是最有效的新疆甜瓜瓜列当化学防治的施用方式和浓度。

外源钙对丝瓜植株形态建成、光合色素、光合能力及根系活力的影响

为探究外源钙对丝瓜生长与生理特性的影响机理,探寻适宜丝瓜生长的外源钙浓度,本试验借助无土栽培的方式,设置不同外源钙浓度,研究其对丝瓜植株形态建成、光合色素、光合能力及根系活力的影响。结果表明,适宜浓度的外源钙对丝瓜株高、茎粗、叶面积和根长有正向促进作用,且外源钙浓度在12 mmol/L时最佳,较对照组CK分别增加19.47%、25.15%、19.60%和17.85%,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。叶片叶绿素含量随着外源钙浓度增加表现出先升高后降低的趋势。外源钙对叶片净光合速率和根系活力的影响均表现出低浓度促进、高浓度抑制的调节特点,且以外源钙浓度12 mmol/L时值相对较大,较对照组分别提高11.22%、19.01%。综合来看,12mmol/L的外源钙浓度有利于丝瓜植株的形态建成、光合能力的增强和根系活力的提升。