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.

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.

Application of Plant-Based Coagulants and Their Mechanisms in Water Treatment:A Review

This review describes the mechanisms of natural coagulants.It provides a good understanding of the two key processes of coagulation-flocculation:adsorption and charge neutralization,as well as adsorption and bridging.Various factors have influence the coagulation/flocculation process,including the effect of pH,coagulant dosage,coagulant type,temperature,initial turbidity,coagulation speed,flocculation speed,coagulation and flocculation time,settling time,colloidal particles,zeta potential,the effects of humic acids,and extraction density are explained.The bio-coagulants derived from plants are outlined.The impact of organic coagulants on water quality,focusing on their effects on the physicochemical parameters of water,heavy metals removal,and bacteriological water quality,is examined.The methods of extraction and purification of plant-based coagulants,highlighting techniques such as solvent extraction and ultrasonic extraction,are discussed.It also examines the parameters that influence these processes.The methods and principles of purification of coagulating agents,including dialysis,freeze-drying,ion exchange,electrophoresis,filtration,and centrifugation,are listed.Finally,it evaluates the sustainability of natural coagulants,focusing on the environmental,technical,and economic aspects of their use.At the end of this review,the readers should have a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms,selection,extraction,purification,and sustainability of plant-based natural coagulants in water treatment.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Metabolic enzyme inhibitory abilities, in vivo hypoglycemic ability of palmleaf raspberry fruits extracts and identification of hypoglycemic compounds

The unripe palmleaf raspberry,namely Fupenzi(FPZ),is an important medicinal and edible food.This study aims to evaluate the potential of FPZ extracts prepared with different approaches in attenuating hyperglycemia,gout,Alzheimer’s disease,and pigmentation,to obtain the enriching fraction and to identify the major active compounds.Results indicated that FPZ extracts showed weak activity against acetylcholinesterase,considerable ability against tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase,but excellent inhibition onα-glucosidase.Ultrasound-assisted 40%ethanol extract(40EUS)gave the highest phenolics content,and the bestα-glucosidase inhibition(IC_(50)=0.08μg/mL),which is 877-fold higher than that of positive control acarbose.The 40%ethanol eluting fraction of 40EUS showed the strongestα-glucosidase inhibition with the IC_(50) value of 37.79 ng/mL,it could also effectively attenuate the fasting blood glucose level and oral glucose tolerance of C57BL/6 mice.Twenty-six compounds were identified from 40%ethanol fraction by using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS,hydrolysable tannins(including 11 ellagitannins and 4 gallotannins)were the major compounds,phenolic acids came to the second.Above results could provide important technical supporting for the further application and research of FPZ in health foods and drugs against diabetes.

Gut microbiota axis:potential target of phytochemicals from plant-based foods

Food-microbiota-host interactions provide an overarching framework for understanding the function of the gut microbiota axis.Diet is a major modulator of gut microbiota.Plant-based foods are rich in phytochemicals;therefore,it is essential to assess such foods and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their action.In this review,we summarize the role of gut microbiota in the communication between the gut and the brain,liver,lung,kidney,and joints,as well as the role of the gut microbiota axis in diseases involving these organs.In addition,we assess the effects of phytochemicals from plant-based foods on the gut microbiota axis via different pathways.

Consumers’experiences and preferences for plant-based meat food:Evidence from a choice experiment in four cities of China

This paper examined consumers’experiences in and preferences for plant-based meat(PBM)food and their respective correlates,based on data from an online survey of 579 consumers in four major cities in China in early 2021.We first described consumers’experiences in consuming and purchasing PBM food and their correlates,and then analyzed consumer preferences using hypothetical choice experiment.The experiment offered consumers various options to purchase burgers made from PBM or animal-based meat(ABM),combined with different countries of origin(COO),taste labels,and prices.Our data showed that respondents hold overall positive attitudes toward PBM food;85 and 82%of respondents reported experience in eating and purchasing PBM food,respectively.More than half of them ate PBM food because they wanted to try new food(58%),or were interested in healthy food(56%).Income,religion,and dietary restrictions were significantly correlated with consumers’experiences in PBM food consumption.Results from the Random Parameter Logit Model based on the hypothetical choice experiment data showed that 79%of respondents chose PBM burgers and were willing to pay an average of 88 CNY for a PBM burger.We also found that 99.8 and 83%of respondents are willing to buy burgers made in China and those with a taste label,with a willingness to pay(WTP)of 208 and 120 CNY,respectively.The heterogeneity test revealed that females and those with at least a bachelor’s degree,higher income,religious beliefs,and dietary restrictions are more likely to buy PBM burgers than their counterparts.

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.

Plant-based diet and its effect on coronary artery disease:A narrative review

Coronary artery disease(CAD),a primary component of cardiovascular diseases,is one of the top contributors to mortality rates worldwide.In 2021,dietary risk was estimated to be attributed to 6.58 million cardiovascular deaths.Plant-based diets(PBDs),which encourage higher consumption of plant foods and lower intake of animal-based foods,have been shown to reduce the risk of CAD by up to 29% when compared to non-vegetarian diets in a meta-analysis.This article aims to summarize the array of PBDs and compare them with conventional Western diets that include meat.We review the various proposed mechanisms for how the bioactive nutrients of PBDs aid in preventing atherosclerosis and CAD events,as well as other cardiac diseases.We conducted a detailed search of PubMed using our exclusive search strategy using the keywords plant-based diet,vegan diet,phytosterols,CAD,myocardial ischemia,and atherosclerosis.A total of 162 pertinent articles published within the past decade were identified for qualitative synthesis.To ensure the accuracy and reliability of our review,we included a total of 55 full-text,peer-reviewed articles that demonstrated the effects of plant-based diets on CAD and were written in English.We excluded animal studies,in vitro or molecular studies,and non-original data like editorials,letters,protocols,and conference abstracts.In this article,we emphasize the importance of dietary interventions,such as PBDs,to prevent CAD and their benefits on environmental sustainability.Integrating plant foods and whole grains into one's daily eating habits leads to an increase in the intake of nutrient-rich foods while reducing the consumption of processed food could not only prevent millions of premature deaths but also provide prevention against many chronic gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases.

Effects of Methanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Griffonia simplicifolia (Fabaceae) on the Inhibition of Falciformation of Human Hb SS Erythrocytes

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and transportation of red blood cells (RBCs) in blood vessels, leading to various clinical complications. Sickle cell disease is a widespread genetic disease in Black Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sickling inhibition activity of Griffonia simplicifolia. Quantitative and qualitative tests were used to determine the major groups of secondary metabolites present in the Griffonia simplicifolia leaves extracts and the modified Emmel test was used to perform the study of sickling inhibition activity. The OECD 423 toxicity study showed that at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg bw, Griffonia simplicifolia leaves extracts are not toxic. All tested substances inhibit erythrocyte falciformation in a dose-dependent manner. The percentages of inhibition were 50.35%, 73% and 94.23% for aqueous extract, hydromethanolic extract and phenylalanine respectively at the concentration of 15 mg/mL. The methanolic extract (70%) had higher activity compared to the aqueous extract. These results suggest that the Griffonia simplicifolia extracts have some potential to be used as alternative antisickling therapy in SCD management.

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.

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.

Evaluation of the intracellular lipid-lowering effect of polyphenols extract from highland barley in HepG2 cells

Active ingredients from highland barley have received considerable attention as natural products for developing treatments and dietary supplements against obesity.In practical application,the research of food combinations is more significant than a specific food component.This study investigated the lipid-lowering effect of highland barley polyphenols via lipase assay in vitro and HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid(OA).Five indexes,triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(T-CHO),low density lipoprotein-cholesterol(LDL-C),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and alanine aminotransferase(ALT),were used to evaluate the lipidlowering effect of highland barley extract.We also preliminary studied the lipid-lowering mechanism by Realtime fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(q PCR).The results indicated that highland barley extract contains many components with lipid-lowering effects,such as hyperoside and scoparone.In vitro,the lipase assay showed an 18.4%lipase inhibition rate when the additive contents of highland barley extract were 100μg/m L.The intracellular lipid-lowering effect of highland barley extract was examined using 0.25 mmol/L OA-induced HepG2 cells.The results showed that intracellular TG,LDL-C,and T-CHO content decreased by 34.4%,51.2%,and 18.4%,respectively.ALT and AST decreased by 51.6%and 20.7%compared with the untreated hyperlipidemic HepG2 cells.q PCR results showed that highland barley polyphenols could up-regulation the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes such as PPARγand Fabp4.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of the Aqueous Extracts of the Leaves of Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae)

Opilia amentacea (Opiliaceae) is a woody plant with multiple medicinal claimed effects. The present study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the decoction and macerate extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Moreover, acute toxicity and phytochemical analysis were performed. The acute toxicity was evaluated on NMRI mice at 2000 mg/kg bw. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema and the lipoxygenase inhibition assay. The radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assays were used to measure the antioxidant capacity of the extracts. Qualitative and quantitative methods served for identifying and quantifying the extract’s phytoconstituents. The decoction demonstrated low acute toxicity;the lethal dose was therefore estimated to be superior to 2000 mg/kg bw. The extracts significantly reduced the mouse paw’s thickness at 600 mg/kg bw. The extracts developed weak radical scavenging and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. However, the macerate showed a high ability (664.90 ± 0.71 mol Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g dry extract) to reduce the ferric ions. Saponins, sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids were qualitatively detected in the two extracts. Total phenolics (TP) and total flavonoids (TF) were found abundant in the extracts, especially the decoction (TP content (TPC) = 94.03 ± 2.66 mg GAE/g;TF content (TFC) = 35.05 ± 0.32 mg QE/g). Strong positive correlations existed between ferric-reducing capacity and TPC (r = 0.959) for the macerate, while TFC was mainly involved in the DPPH radical scavenging of the two extracts. Instead, most correlations were negative between the polyphenol compounds and the anti-inflammatory assays. The results indicate potent in vivo anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant effects of the aqueous extracts from the leaves of Opilia amentacea. Further studies are needed to find the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects mechanism.

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.

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.