Cytotoxic and Anti-Tumour Promoting Activities of Carbazole Alkaloids from Malayan <i>Murraya koenigii</i>(L.) Spreng

Murraya koenigii (L.) (Rutaceae) is an indigenous medicinally important herb of Indian origin and now is widely distributed throughout southern Asia. The stem bark, leaves and roots of Malayan Murraya koenigii were selected for phytochemical investigation. Eight carbazole alkaloids was isolated and identified using spectroscopic methods including NMR, IR, UV, MS spectra data. Crude extract and isolated compounds from the roots of this plant were screened for cytotoxic activity and antitumor promoting activity. All crude extracts of the roots including the isolated compounds, mahanimbine, mahanine and murrayafoline-A exhibited significant cytotoxic activity against CEM-SS cell line with IC50 3mg/mL. Girinimbine inhibited EBV-activation in the antitumor promoting assay.

Nephroprotective effect of Murraya koenigii on Cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective effect of defatted mehtanolic extract and aqueous extract of Murraya koenigii against Cyclophosphamide drug. Methods: Nephrotoxicity was induced by Cyclophosphamide in 7 d at 150 mg/kg body weight through intraperitoneal route in rat model. Nephroprotective activity of Murraya koenigii(M. koenigii) extract(100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg in intraperitoneal route) was measured, including nephrological source, oxidative stress parameters like superoxide dismutase, glutathione, the lipid peroxide and in vivo assay like blood urea nitrogen, creatinine were determined and analyzed by One way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. Results: The study result showed that important phytochemicals such as carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannin, alkaloids, glycosides, protein and steroids were found to be present in the extract of M. koenigii. The renal function markers like blood urea nitrogen and ceatinine level were found to be decreased significantly by M. koenigii extract treatment. A significant difference was found to be at P<0.01. Conclusions: The present study reveals the protective role of M. koenigii extract against Cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity.

A New Binary Carbazole Alkaloid from Murraya koenigii

A new binary carbazole alkaloid, 8, 8-biskoenigine (1), along with its monomer, koenigine, was isolated from the dried leaves of Murraya koenigii collected in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province. The structure of 1 was established by spectroscopic methods.

Processing Effects on Selected Antioxidant Activities and Metabolizing Enzyme Inhibition of M. Koneigii (Curry Leaves) Extracts

Curry leaves, scientifically termed Murraya koenigii, are renowned in South Asian cuisine for their flavor enhancement and potential health benefits, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thermal processing methods on curry leaves by analysing Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC), antioxidant activity, and metabolizing enzyme inhibition. Fresh curry leaves were subjected to thermal treatments: Oven-dried at 60˚C and Air-dried at 25˚C for 2 weeks. Extracts were prepared using Ethanol and water solvents. Results indicated that Air-dried leaves exhibited significantly higher TPC (5132.65 mg GAE/100 g) and TFC (243.13 mg CE/100 g) compared to Fresh and Oven-dried leaves. Antioxidant assays show that oven-dried curry leaves at 60˚C displayed higher results in NORS, FRAP, and TEAC assays compared to Fresh and Air-dried leaves. Ethanol extracts showed better extraction of bioactive compounds than aqueous extracts. Moreover, Lipase inhibition activity was notably high, indicating potential health benefits. This study provides valuable insights into the effects of processing methods on curry leaf extracts, emphasizing the importance of solvent selection for optimal extraction of bioactive compounds.

丝茅草根浸提液对三种草坪草的化感作用

针对恶性杂草丝茅草(Imperata koenigii)对冷季型草坪造成严重危害的问题,通过室内生物检测的方法,测定不同浓度丝茅草根浸提液对多年生黑麦草(Lolium perenne)、草地早熟禾(Poa pratensis)和高羊茅(Festuca arundinacea)3种草坪草种子的发芽势、发芽率、发芽指数、苗高、根长、幼苗和根鲜重、干重指标的影响。结果表明,不同浓度浸提液对3种草坪草种子的萌发指数、幼苗生长及生物量结构均有显著的化感效应,高浓度的浸提液显著抑制草坪草的生长与发育,浓度越高抑制作用越大。丝茅草根浸提液对3种草坪草表现出不同的化感作用,由强到弱依次为草地早熟禾、高羊茅、多年生黑麦草。

丝茅侵入量对3种冷季型草坪草竞争力及生长潜力影响的差异

通过复合取代试验设计,设置5个侵入梯度,模拟丝茅入侵高羊茅、草地早熟禾、多年生黑麦草3种冷季型草坪幼坪,测定草坪草单株生物量、相对产量、相对产量总和、攻击力和竞争力及株高、分蘖数、茎基和根系性状等指标,研究侵入量对3种草坪草竞争力及生长潜力影响的差异。结果表明,1)丝茅与草坪草为拮抗关系,3种草坪草相对产量、相对产量总和极显著受丝茅入侵的影响(P<0.01),随侵入量增加草坪草的攻击力指数和种间竞争力不断下降,草种是影响草坪草攻击力和竞争力的主要因子,丝茅侵入量次之,受影响顺序为高羊茅>早熟禾>黑麦草;2)丝茅草侵入对3种草坪草分蘖数、茎基性状和根系性状均有显著影响,对分生再生能力的影响顺序为早熟禾>黑麦草>高羊茅,对根长和根生物量影响顺序为黑麦草>早熟禾>高羊茅;3)幼苗期黑麦草的现实攻击力和竞争力显著大于高羊茅和早熟禾(P<0.05),丝茅入侵对黑麦草根系胁迫度显著大于高羊茅和早熟禾(P<0.05),致使其生长潜力降低;高羊茅竞争力和攻击力虽低,而茎基和根系性状受丝茅入侵影响显著低于黑麦草和早熟禾,保持了极高的潜在生长力;4)丝茅入侵对3种草坪草竞争力和生长潜力均有影响,必将导致草坪种群组成与结构的破坏。所以,加强草坪养护、防治丝茅入侵,是提高草坪品质、延长草坪寿命的根本途径。

丝茅入侵对高羊茅根系及土壤性状的影响

针对南方地区丝茅(Imperata koenigii(Retz.)P.Beauv.)入侵对冷季型草坪造成严重危害的实践生产问题,通过模拟高羊茅(Festuca arundiacea L.)草坪建植时丝茅入侵形成的混生群落,连续测定群落中根长密度、根干重密度和根体积密度等根系性状指标,土壤容重、土壤含水量及pH等土壤性状指标,分析丝茅入侵对高羊茅草坪根系及土壤性状影响的动态变化。结果表明:丝茅入侵对高羊茅草坪根长密度、根干重密度和根体积密度均有极显著影响(P<0.01);丝茅入侵60d起影响根长密度,90d起影响根干重密度,150d起影响根体积密度;侵入持续时间对高羊茅根系指标影响排序为根体积密度>根干重密度>根长密度;丝茅对草坪分层土壤的含水量、容重和pH均有极显著影响(P<0.01);入侵60d起首先影响高羊茅根系主要分布的10～20cm层的土壤性状,影响逐渐向上、向下扩展;持续时间对土壤性状的影响排序为土壤含水量>容重>pH;丝茅入侵使高羊茅根系分生和更新能力下降,使其根系分布土壤层的含水量降低、透气性变差、酸度增高,从而降低高羊茅根系活性与吸收能力,使其竞争力降低而逐渐退化。本试验结果将为草坪中丝茅的防治提供基础数据。

干旱对细叶结缕草和入侵杂草丝茅的竞争、生长及抗旱性的影响

针对亚热带地区伏旱频发条件下,丝茅入侵细叶结缕草草坪引起功能退化的问题,通过设置4个干旱梯度(水分充足、轻度、中度和重度干旱),采用取代试验设计了5个不同比例的丝茅入侵细叶结缕草草坪试验,进行60 d干旱处理后,测定丝茅和结缕草地下和地上相对产量、相对产量总和、攻击力、竞争平衡指数等竞争指标,分析两种植物的株高、分蘖数、叶片数、生物量和根冠比等生长指标,比较超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)、可溶性糖(SS)、可溶性蛋白(SP)、脯氨酸(Pro)、丙二醛(MDA)等生理指标,研究干旱对两种植物之间的竞争、生长及抗性系统的影响。结果表明:1)干旱程度和丝茅入侵比例对两种植物的地上和地下竞争指标产生显著影响(P<0.05),轻度干旱且丝茅入侵比例≤30%时,结缕草地下攻击力指数和地下竞争平衡指数为正值,中度和重度干旱使结缕草种间竞争力丧失,当丝茅入侵比例≥20%时,拮抗作用使结缕草易被排挤出群落。2)干旱主要影响结缕草地下竞争力,丝茅入侵主要影响结缕草地上竞争力,干旱和丝茅入侵协同作用对结缕草地下攻击力和地下平衡指数影响大于地上部分,随干旱程度和丝茅入侵比例增加结缕草地上和地下竞争力降为负值。3)轻度干旱利于两种植物生长,中度和重度干旱降低了结缕草的株高、分蘖数、叶片数和单株生物量,对丝茅影响较少;>10%丝茅入侵比例限制了结缕草分蘖数和叶片数,>20%则降低了结缕草单株生物量和根冠比,干旱和丝茅入侵协同作用抑制了结缕草生长与再生能力。4)结缕草SOD、POD和CAT含量随干旱程度增加而显著增加(P<0.05),轻度干旱对丝茅SOD无影响而降低了CAT活性(P<0.05);>10%丝茅入侵比例增加了结缕草SOD活性,>20%增加了CAT活性,>30%增加了POD活性(P<0.05)。干旱对结缕草影响为CAT>SOD>POD,对丝茅为SOD>POD>CAT,丝茅入侵比例对两种植物影响均为SOD>CAT>POD,干旱对结缕草抗氧化酶系统影响大于丝茅入侵。5)轻度干旱增加了结缕草SS和SP的含量(P<0.05),增加了丝茅SP的含量,中、重度干旱使两种植物的SS、SP、Pro和MDA含量增加(P<0.05);>10%丝茅入侵比例增加了结缕草SS、SP和MDA的含量(P<0.05),>20%时增加了Pro的含量(P<0.05),干旱程度和丝茅入侵比例协同作用加剧了两种植物的受伤程度,对生境胁迫时结缕草反映为SS>Pro>SP>MDA,丝茅反映为MDA>Pro>SS>SP。故夏季避免重度干旱和控制丝茅侵入比例≤10%是维持结缕草草坪健康的基本养护要求。

丝茅草侵入量与高羊茅相对竞争力及对幼坪性状影响的分析

通过取代试验设计,模拟丝茅草入侵高羊茅幼坪形成的混生群落,测定丝茅草与高羊茅单株的分蘖数、根系深度、分生能力及生物量,研究两者地上、地下竞争力及对草坪性状的影响。结果表明,丝茅草侵入量对高羊茅地上、地下相对产量、相对产量总和及攻击力指数均有极显著影响(P<0.01);两物种间有拮抗作用,根系存在着对相同资源的直接竞争;丝茅草地上、地下攻击力为正,竞争优势明显;高羊茅分蘖数、根系、株高显著受入侵丝茅草的影响;草坪品质与丝茅草侵入量呈极显著负相关,与株高外的其他指数呈显著正相关。防除杂草、抑制株高、促进分蘖,增加竞争力是提高高羊茅草坪品质的基本要求与必然途径。

3种冷季型草坪草对丝茅入侵生理响应的差异性分析

通过取代试验设计,设置5个丝茅侵入量梯度,模拟入侵高羊茅、草地早熟禾、多年生黑麦草等3种冷季型草坪。70d后,测定草坪草的抗氧化酶活性、细胞膜伤害程度、光合色素含量及生长发育指标,研究3种草坪草对丝茅入侵生理响应的种间差异及侵入量对草坪草危害差异。结果表明:(1)丝茅的入侵极显著提高了3种草的超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性(P<0.01),侵入量间SOD,POD和CAT活性有显著差异,草种间SOD和CAT活性有极显著差异(P<0.01),POD活性差异较小(P>0.05);(2)丝茅入侵伤害了细胞膜透性,极显著提高了3种草的可溶性蛋白(SP)、可溶性糖(SS)、丙二醛(MDA)和游离脯氨酸(Pro)含量(P<0.01),草种间差异为SS>MDA>SP>Pro,侵入量间差异为MDA>SP>SS>Pro;(3)丝茅入侵极显著降低了草坪草的叶绿素a(Chla)、叶绿素b(Chlb)、叶绿素a+b(Chla+b)含量(P<0.01),对Chla/b无显著影响,侵入量间差异为Chla+b>Chla>Chlb>Chla/b,草种间差异为Chla>Chlb>Chla/b>Chla+b;(4)丝茅入侵极显著降低了草坪草的分蘖数与单株生物量(P<0.01);(5)侵入量大于10%时显著提高了SP,SS和Pro含量;>20%显著提高了SOD和POD活性和MDA含量,降低了Chla、Chla+b含量及分蘖数与单株生物量;大于30%显著提高了CAT活性,降低了Chlb含量。3种草坪草对丝茅入侵生理响应差异显著,侵入量越大对草坪草伤害越大,综合防治是解决丝茅危害的根本途径。

丝茅草坪冬季交播小苜蓿的生长规律及草坪质量评价

针对丝茅草坪冬季枯黄及地上茎叶凋零影响坪用价值的问题,通过交播小苜蓿后,从11月到翌年5月,连续测定草坪群落组成、高度、盖度、密度及草坪品质变化,分析补播小苜蓿对丝茅返青、生长及景观价值的影响,探讨补播改良丝茅草坪的可行性。结果表明：丝茅与小苜蓿物候期互补适合交播,小苜蓿自播能力极强,一次播种可多年利用;交播对草坪群落组成、高度、密度和质地均有极显著影响（P〈0.01）;丝茅1~3月几近死亡,小苜蓿发挥建群种作用;4月丝茅返青,小苜蓿开花结果后逐渐死亡;虽密度、颜色、质地、均一性最大值出现的月份不同,交播后草坪在整个冬季维持了较高的品质,实现了草坪四季常绿的景观效果。

不同修剪频次和丝茅入侵量对细叶结缕草竞争力和草坪质量的影响

针对亚热带地区暖季型草坪夏季易受丝茅入侵影响的问题,通过设置4个修剪频次(0~3次·月-1),对取代试验设计形成的5个丝茅侵入量(10%、20%、30%、40%、50%)的细叶结缕草草坪,进行留茬高度7 cm,连续3个月修剪处理后,测定丝茅和结缕草地下和地上相对产量、相对产量和、攻击力、竞争平衡指数等竞争参数,分析丝茅和结缕草的株高、分蘖数、叶数、生物量和根茎比等生长参数,以密度、质地、叶色、均一性、草层高度和生物量等指标对草坪质量进行综合评定,研究修剪频次对不同丝茅侵入量下结缕草竞争力、单株生长及草坪质量的影响。结果表明:1)修剪频次对丝茅和结缕草的地上和地下竞争参数产生显著影响(P<0.05),修剪增加了两种植物地上部分的拮抗作用,2~3次·月-1修剪则降低了地下部分的拮抗作用。2)结缕草地上部分受修剪频次和丝茅比例的影响大于地下部分,1次·月-1修剪可提高结缕草地上竞争力,2次·月-1修剪可提高其地下竞争力,修剪频次和侵入量协同作用增加了丝茅对结缕草的根系攻击力。3)修剪频次和侵入量对丝茅和结缕草的后续生长产生显著影响(P<0.05),1~2次·月-1修剪增加了两种植物的分蘖数和叶片数,2次·月-1修剪下结缕草的分蘖数和叶片数增加约40%,丝茅比例≥10%下结缕草生物量降低,≥20%下结缕草分蘖减少,≥30%下结缕草株高增加而叶数减少,修剪频次是影响结缕草株高、分蘖数、叶片数和根茎比的主要因子,丝茅侵入量主要影响结缕草的单株生物量。4)修剪频次主要影响草坪的密度、高度和生物量,丝茅比例主要影响草坪的质地、叶色和均一性(P<0.05),≤10%丝茅比例和2次·月-1修剪下草坪综合质量高于其他处理,草坪质量主要受修剪频次影响,丝茅比例影响次之。5)1~2次·月-1修剪可显著提高受丝茅入侵的细叶结缕草的地上或地下竞争力,促进结缕草分蘖形成,降低草坪高度,提升草坪密度和质地,但修剪无法改变结缕草相对丝茅地上、地下竞争力弱的特点,故控制丝茅侵入量≤10%和2次·月-1修剪是夏季结缕草草坪养护的基本要求。

高温冲击对受丝茅入侵的细叶结缕草现实和潜在竞争力的影响

针对亚热带地区丝茅入侵造成暖季型草坪退化的问题,模拟了40、42、44℃夏季高温条件,对取代试验设计形成的5个丝茅入侵的细叶结缕草草坪进行连续30d(2h·d^-1)的高温冲击处理,测定丝茅和结缕草的地下和地上相对产量、相对产量总和、攻击力、竞争平衡指数等现实竞争参数,通过株高、分蘖数、叶面积、叶绿素和生理活性物质含量等指标,分析丝茅和结缕草的光合同化、再生能力和抗性生理等后续生长物质基础,研究高温冲击对不同入侵比例的丝茅和结缕草的现实和潜在竞争力影响。结果表明:1)高温冲击引起结缕草地上与地下相对产量的平衡性下降,丝茅表现为地上与地下均衡性降低,高温冲击增加了两种植物地上部分的拮抗作用,丝茅侵入量比高温冲击对结缕草相对产量的影响更大,≥30%侵入量与高温协同作用使结缕草地上与地下相对产量急剧下降。2)42℃时结缕草地上和地下攻击力指数及地上和地下竞争平衡指数最大,>42℃时结缕草攻击力和竞争平衡指数降低(P<0.05),但丝茅的攻击力和竞争平衡指数则增加。仅40和42℃条件下,当侵入量≤20%时,结缕草地上竞争力占优势,其他温度和侵入量条件下,丝茅地上和地下攻击力大于结缕草,从而有利于丝茅入侵和拓展。3)高温冲击增加了丝茅的株高和分蘖数,>42℃高温限制了结缕草的分蘖数,≥30%丝茅侵入量抑制结缕草分蘖而促进株高(P<0.05);高温冲击降低了结缕草叶片数和叶面积,增加了丝茅叶片数和叶面积,≥10%丝茅侵入量降低了结缕草叶面积,≥30%侵入量降低了结缕草叶片厚度和叶片数。4)高温冲击和丝茅入侵对结缕草叶绿素含量、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性和丙二醛(MDA)、脯氨酸(Pro)含量存在显著影响,结缕草生理反应比丝茅更易受到高温冲击的影响。5)高温冲击对结缕草形态、生理、相对产量及攻击力的影响大于丝茅,丝茅入侵对结缕草造成显著危害,高温和丝茅侵入量的协同作用,降低了结缕草的攻击力和竞争平衡指数等现实竞争力,限制了结缕草分蘖、光合及抗性物质等潜在竞争力。因此,控制丝茅侵入量≤20%是夏季结缕草草坪养护的基本要求。

草甘膦和草铵膦对草坪恶性杂草丝茅的防效比较

采用草甘膦(G 0.5,G 1.0和G 1.5)和草铵膦(GA 1.0,GA 1.5和GA 2.0)各3个浓度,对丝茅入侵为建群种的退化型草坪进行处理。通过测定其起效时间、施药10 d和40 d后丝茅的病状,分析鲜重防效、干重防效和株防效,比较不同除草剂种类及浓度对丝茅的防除效果。结果表明:草铵膦的起效时间短于草甘膦;药后10 d,草铵膦的见效率和枯死率大于草甘膦,施草甘膦使丝茅新老叶均为先退绿、再黄化、后枯死,施草铵膦使丝茅幼叶黄化、老叶变紫。施药后40 d,施草甘膦和草铵膦均使丝茅新芽膨大空心、新叶黄化、老叶枯死。施草甘膦的株防效、茎叶和根的鲜重和干重防效及总防效显著大于施草铵膦。株防效和茎叶防效主要受除草剂种类影响,根防效和总防效主要受除草剂浓度影响。1.5%草甘膦对丝茅防除效果较佳,适合在坪床准备除杂时应用。

Antibacterial compounds from Rutaceae with activities against Flavobacterium columnare and Streptococcus iniae

From the ethyl acetate extract of Murraya koenegii (Rutaceae) leaves, isomahanine (1) and mahanine (2) were isolated that showed antibacterial activity towards Flavobacterium columnare and Streptococcus iniae which caused columnaris disease and streptococcosis respectively. Isomahanine was found to have the strongest activity against F. columnare (isolate ALM-00-173) and S. iniae (isolate LA94-426) based on 24-h 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC). Although compound (7), a nicotinamide isolated from Amyris texana had the lowest MIC (2.8 ± 0 mg/L) of any of the test compounds against F. columnare, the 24-h IC50 of 14.8 ± 0.6 mg/L was higher than that of isomahanine and subsequently the 24-h IC50 RDC values for (7) were almost a magnitude of order higher than those obtained for isomahanine. Isomahanine also had the strongest activity against S. iniae, with a 24-h IC50 of 1.3 ± 0.1 mg/L and MIC of 3.5 ± 0 mg/L, respectively.

Green Process for Impregnation of Silver Nanoparticles into Microcrystalline Cellulose and Their Antimicrobial Bionanocomposite Films

A novel greener method to impregnate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) extract mediated biological process is presented. The active reduction of silver ions by curry leaf extract was explored for the in situ impregnation AgNPs into MCC. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses of MCC coated with AgNPs showed the formation of silver particle sizes in the range of 10-25 nm and have a spherical shape. Further the, EDS analysis of MCC/Ag nanocomposite confirms the formation of Ag structure on microcrystalline cellulose. Solvent casting of poly(lactic-acid) was used to produce composite films containing silver impregnated MCC aiming for antimicrobial applications.

An Herbal Formula LI85008F Inhibits Lipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The present study demonstrates a novel herbal formulation LI85008F inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and potentiates lipolysis in 3T3-L1 mouse adipocytes. LI85008F is formulated by combining extracts of three Indian herbs Moringa oleifera, Murraya koenigii and Curcuma longa. Oil red O staining of 3T3-L1 adipocytes reveals that LI85008F is a synergistic formulation that inhibits adipocyte differentiation in a dose dependent manner and concurrently down regulates the key adipogenic transcription factors Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPAR) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α (C/EBP). LI85008F confers significant reductions in intracellular triglyceride content in a dose dependent manner. Evidence suggests that LI85008F antagonizes PPAR through Ser112 phosphorylation via MAPK/ERK activation. Immunoblot analyses reveal that LI85008F treatment also down regulates the protein expressions of key PPAR responsive gene products such as Adipocyte differentiation related protein (ADRP), CD36, Adipocyte specific binding protein 2 (aP2) and perilipin. In differentiated adipocytes culture, LI85008F treatment results in significantly (p = 0.0169) increased lipolysis as measured by the release of glycerol. LI85008F does not exhibit cytotoxic effect on adipocytes. Taken together, the results suggest that LI85008F inhibits lipogenesis in adipocytes and concurrently antagonizes PPAR? and other lipogenic factors and in addition, potentiates triglyceride mobilization from the fat cells or enhances lipolysis.

Leafy Vegetables as Potential Pathways to Heavy Metal Hazards

The effect of anthropogenic activity relating to industrial and economic development has had a detrimental impact on the environment and human health, and hence the need for continued research. Five common African vegetables—Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Amaranthus hybridus, Capsicum annuum and Moringa oleifera were used to study absorption of Lead, Cadmium, Cobalt and Zinc from soils inoculated with metal ions. 0.1 M and 0.5 M solutions of the metal ions were used in the inoculation. Each of the plants was collected in the first instance at 8 weeks, and then at 10 weeks of inoculating. Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the metal ions concentrations absorbed in the plants. Cd2+ was most and Moringa oleifera the least absorbed of the four metal ions, with a highest value of 34.801 ± 0.805 mg/kg occurring in Capsicum annuum. Co2+ was the least absorbed of the four metal ions, Amaranthus hybridus showed highest absorption of Co2+ with mean absorption values of 5.566 ± 0.324 mg/kg and 5.670 ± 0.210 mg/kg for 0.1 M and 0.5 M solution of Co2+ respectively. Ocimum gratissimum absorbed Pb2+ most with the highest mean absorption of 5.290 ± 0.180 mg/kg and 6.354 ± 0.366 mg/kg for 0.1 M and 0.5 M respectively. Absorption increased as the concentration of the inoculant solution increased for all the plants, and decreased on moving from 8 weeks’ to 10 weeks’ for all the plants except Moringa oleifera. This could as a result of Phytovolatilization against the report of Padmavathiamma and Li, 2007 [1] that phytovolatilization occurs in As, Hg and Se. Ocimum gratissimum showed highest absorption with the mean value of 9.334 ± 0.312 mg/kg, when the inoculants concentration increased to 0.5 M, Capsicum annuum showed highest absorption with mean absorption value of 9.916 ± 0.614 mg/kg at 10th week. Also absorption increased as the concentration of the inoculant solution increased, and also on moving from 8 weeks’ to 10 weeks’ for all the plants. From the results obtained, all the vegetables absorbed significant amounts of the metal ions. This raises a lot of health concern about the vegetables consumed in most developing countries like Nigeria where vegetables are grown anywhere, without any consideration of the environment.

Iodine Fortification Study of Some Common African Vegetables

Iodine Deficiency Diseases (IDDs) occupy important positions in the health problems of developing countries. Salt Iodisation has been the common approach to solving these problems. However, apart from the problems of lack of compliance by salt manufacturers, and inculturation of the consumers, health conditions aggravated by high salt intake by humans have become increasingly relevant. These problems can be eliminated if the commonly produced and consumed plants are fortified with Iodine. The prospects are in the inclusion of Iodine-containing compounds in the inorganic fertilizers used by farmers. In this study, Potassium Iodide and Potassium Iodate were used as inoculants. Five different concentrations—0.1 M, 0.2 M, 0.3 M, 0.4 M, and 0.5 M of Potassium Iodide and Potassium Iodate solutions were used to inoculate the soils on which the following edible African plants were planted: Murraya koenigii;Ocimum gratissimum;Cucurbita pepo;Solanum nigrum;Amaranthus hybridus and Abelmoschus esclentus, Corchorous olitoruis, Solanum lycopersicum, Zingiber officinale, Telfairia occidentalis, Talinium triangulare, Solanum melongena. Controls were also planted. After 14 days, alkaline dry ash method was used to determine the Iodine concentrations in the plants. The results showed that Murraya koenigii showed the highest absorption of Iodine 6.90 mg/kg at 0.3 M using KI, followed by Amaranthus hybridus 6.40 mg/kg at 0.1 M. Solanum nigrum, Ocimum gratissimum and Zingiber officinale also showed good absorption. Other plants except Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Solanum nigrum and Zingiber officinale showed very low tolerance to KI absorption. The result also showed that Telfairia occidentalis showed the highest absorption of iodine 8.20 mg/kg at 0.2 M of KIO3 followed by Cucurbita pepo 6.40 mg/kg at also 0.2 M of KIO3. Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Solanum nigrum, Zingiber officinale also showed good absorption of KIO3. Some of the plants were not able to tolerate the absorption at higher concentration for both KI and KIO3. All the plants were poisoned at concentration of 0.5 M for both Ki and KIO3. Murraya koenigii, Ocimum gratissimum, Solanum nigrum, Zingiber officinale can be used in iodine biofortification using KI and KIO3 at concentration < 0.5 M. The overall result may be very significant, when it is considered that Iodine is a micronutrient, with a daily intake requirement of 100 - 150 μg/kg. It can be seen that there is hope in achieving this kind of biofortification.

In vitro and in silico approach for the evaluation of enzyme inhibitory potential of Kadipatta (Murraya koenigii) collected from western Nepal

Background:Murraya koenigii(L.)Spreng.(Rutaceae)is an evergreen shrub distributed over the sub-tropical to lower temperate climatic zone of Nepal which has been used as spice in culinary practice and traditionally being used to treat bites of poisonous animals,dysentery,skin diseases,vomiting,diarrhea,and inflammations.Objective:The main objective of this study is to study the enzyme inhibition potential of different extracts of M.koenigii leaves collected from western Nepal.Methods:Total flavonoid content,total phenolic content,in vitro antioxidant,𝛼α-amylase,lipase,elastase,tyrosinase,and cholinesterase inhibition activities analysis of M.koenigii in ethyl acetate,methanol,and water extract were evaluated.In addition,high-resolution mass spectrometry-based profiling of flavonoid molecules and their docking analysis were performed.Results:Results revealed the noteworthy radical scavenging activity of ethyl acetate extract against ABTS and DPPH.Among the analyzed enzymes,M.koenigii extracts revealed the highest inhibitory potential towards acetylcholinesterase(AChE)and butyrylcholinesterase(BChE)and only water extract showed the inhibition of tyrosinase.The HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis revealed the presence of Rutin,Quercetin,Ferulic acid,Hyperoside,Kaempferol-7-O-glucoside,and Morin in M.koenigii.Further,in silico docking analysis revealed the significant binding energy of these flavonoid molecules;especially Rutin with BChE.Conclusion:The ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of M.koenigii showed paramount flavonoid and phenolic content along with noteworthy potential towardsthe inhibition of neuro-degradative enzymes such as BChE which can be characterized further for pharmacological applications.Further study on the isolation of metabolites and their pharmacological properties from M.koenigii is recommended.