Sustainable application of modified Luffa cylindrica biomass for removal of trimethoprim in water by adsorption with process optimization.

The present study describes a set of methodological procedures (seldom applied together), including (i) development of an alternative adsorbent derived from abundant low-cost plant biomass; (ii) use of simple low-cost biomass modification techniques based on physical processing and chemical activation; (iii) design of experiments (DoE) applied to optimize the removal of a pharmaceutical contaminant from water; (iv) at environmentally relevant concentrations, (v) that due to initial low concentrations required determination by ultra-performance liquid phase chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A central composite rotational design (CCRD) was employed to investigate the performance of vegetable sponge biomass (Luffa cylindrica), physically processed (crushing and sieving) and chemically activated with phosphoric acid, in the adsorption of the antibiotic trimethoprim (TMP) from water. The optimized model identified pH as the most significant variable, with maximum drug removal (91.1 ± 5.7%) achieved at pH 7.5, a temperature of 22.5 °C, and an adsorbent/adsorbate ratio of 18.6 mg µg-1. The adsorption mechanisms and surface properties of the adsorbent were examined through characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), point of zero charge (pHpzc) measurement, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), specific surface area, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The best kinetic fit was obtained by the Avrami fractional-order model. The hypothesis of a hybrid behavior of the adsorbent was suggested by the equilibrium results presented by the Langmuir and Freundlich models and reinforced by the Redlich-Peterson model, which achieved the best fit (R2 = 0.982). The thermodynamic study indicated an exothermic, spontaneous, and favorable process. The maximum adsorption capacity of the material was 2.32 × 102 µg g-1 at an equilibrium time of 120 min. Finally, a sustainable and promising adsorbent for the polishing of aqueous matrices contaminated by contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) at environmentally relevant concentrations is available for future investigations.

An investigation into the sensory properties of luffa (Luffa cylindrica (L.)) seeds and a comparison to other seeds (flax, sunflower, chia, and hemp).

Consumers are interested in new sustainable ingredients but are unwilling to accept undesirable sensory properties in their food products. Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) is mainly harvested and processed for its fibrous network, which is used as an exfoliator, while its seeds are usually discarded. However, the seeds have been found to have various nutritional benefits. As such, this study investigated the sensory properties of luffa seed powder added to yogurt and compared it to other seed powder (flax, sunflower, chia, and hemp). Consumers (n = 107) evaluated their liking of the different seeds added to yogurt using hedonic scales and the sensory properties using check-all-that-apply (CATA). The luffa seeds when mixed with yogurt were associated with off-colour, off-flavour, metallic, strong flavour, bitter, salty, earthy and decreased consumer liking. The flax and sunflower seeds were found to be sweet, nutty, cooked, mild flavour, and to have a smooth texture. The overall liking scores for the flax and sunflower seed samples were significantly higher than the luffa and hemp samples. Future studies should investigate different drying and roasting treatments to improve the sensory properties of the luffa seeds.

Enhancing small-scale acetification processes using adsorbed Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 on κ-carrageenan-coated luffa sponge.

Background: This study explored the utilization of luffa sponge (LS) in enhancing acetification processes. LS is known for having high porosity and specific surface area, and can provide a novel means of supporting the growth of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) to improve biomass yield and acetification rate, and thereby promote more efficient and sustainable vinegar production. Moreover, the promising potential of LS and luffa sponge coated with κ-carrageenan (LSK) means they may represent effective alternatives for the co-production of industrially valuable bioproducts, for example bacterial cellulose (BC) and acetic acid. Methods: LS and LSK were employed as adsorbents for Acetobacter pasteurianus UMCC 2951 in a submerged semi-continuous acetification process. Experiments were conducted under reciprocal shaking at 1 Hz and a temperature of 32 °C. The performance of the two systems (LS-AAB and LSK-AAB respectively) was evaluated based on cell dry weight (CDW), acetification rate, and BC biofilm formation. Results: The use of LS significantly increased the biomass yield during acetification, achieving a CDW of 3.34 mg/L versus the 0.91 mg/L obtained with planktonic cells. Coating LS with κ-carrageenan further enhanced yield, with a CDW of 4.45 mg/L. Acetification rates were also higher in the LSK-AAB system, reaching 3.33 ± 0.05 g/L d as opposed to 2.45 ± 0.05 g/L d for LS-AAB and 1.13 ± 0.05 g/L d for planktonic cells. Additionally, BC biofilm formation during the second operational cycle was more pronounced in the LSK-AAB system (37.0 ± 3.0 mg/L, as opposed to 25.0 ± 2.0 mg/L in LS-AAB). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that LS significantly improves the efficiency of the acetification process, particularly when enhanced with κ-carrageenan. The increased biomass yield, accelerated acetification, and enhanced BC biofilm formation highlight the potential of the LS-AAB system, and especially the LSK-AAB variant, in sustainable and effective vinegar production. These systems offer a promising approach for small-scale, semi-continuous acetification processes that aligns with eco-friendly practices and caters to specialized market needs. Finally, this innovative method facilitates the dual production of acetic acid and bacterial cellulose, with potential applications in biotechnological fields.

In vivo characterization of a luffa-based composite scaffold for subcutaneous implantation in rats.

Recent advancements in tissue engineering have witnessed luffa-derived scaffolds, exhibiting their exceptional potential in cellular proliferation, biocompatibility, appropriate interconnectivity, and biomechanical strength. In vivo studies involved implanting fabricated scaffolds subcutaneously in Wistar rats to evaluate their impact on the heart, liver, and kidneys. This approach provided a safe and minimally invasive means to evaluate scaffold compatibility with surrounding tissues. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four distinct groups, Group A, B, C, and D are referred to as 3% LC implanted scaffolds, 5% LC implanted scaffolds, control (without luffa scaffolds), and Sham (without any scaffold implantation), respectively. Histological analysis in all the groups indicated that the animal models did not exhibit any signs of inflammation or toxicity, suggesting favorable tissue response to the implanted scaffolds. Initial observations revealed elevated levels of enzymes and biomarkers in the experimental groups after a 24 h interval, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and serum creatinine. However, these parameters normalized 3 weeks post-implantation, with no significant increase compared to the control groups, suggesting that the implanted luffa-based scaffolds did not induce adverse effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, the scaffold's significant pore size and porosity enable it to release drugs, including antibacterial medications. This study demonstrates promising results, indicating excellent scaffold porosity, sustained drug release, affirming the in vivo biocompatibility, absence of inflammatory responses, and overall tissue compatibility highlighting the immense potential of these luffa-based scaffolds in various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

An investigation into the sensory properties of luffa [Luffa cylindrica (L.)] sap.

The seeds and sap of luffa [Luffa cylindrica (L.)] are usually discarded as waste. As such, this study aimed to identify the sensory properties of luffa sap (aqueous solution) and if it can be incorporated into a food item (orange juice) for added nutritional benefits and as an alternative sweetener. A sensory trial (n = 94) asked participants to evaluate a luffa sap sample and five different orange juice samples with increasing amounts of luffa sap (control [0%], 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%). The participants evaluated the samples using 9-point hedonic scales, check-all-that-apply, and an open-ended comment question. The luffa sap was described as having a mild flavor as well as woody, earthy, and floral attributes and an aftertaste. The liking scores for the orange juice with the 5% luffa sap did not significantly differ from the control. However, as the amount of luffa sap increased above 5%, the liking scores decreased and were significantly different from the control. The orange juice with luffa sap samples (7.5% and above) was associated with off-flavors, while the orange juice with 5% luffa sap and the control were associated with the attributes (sweet, fruity, orange, tropical, citrus) that increased the participants liking. Future studies should continue to investigate the sensory properties of luffa sap and its incorporation into different food products. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This is one of the first studies to investigate the sensory properties of luffa sap with participants residing in the Western world. The luffa sap was found to be woody, earthy, bitter, and floral. It was acceptable to add luffa sap to orange juice up to 5% by volume. However, it did not increase the sweetness perception of the orange juice. At a 7.5% luffa sap addition and higher levels, off-flavors were observed in the orange juice.

Microorganisms immobilized hydroxyethyl cellulose/luffa composite sponge for selective adsorption and biodegradation of oils in wastewater.

The highly efficient removal of oils such as oils or dyes from wastewater has aroused wide concern and is of great significance for clean production and environmental remediation. The synthesis of a novel aerogel (designated as HEC/LS) is reported herein, achieved through a sol-gel method followed by freeze-drying utilizing loofa and hydroxyethyl cellulose as the raw materials. The new HEC/LS aerogel exhibits excellent porosity and specific surface area, with a porosity of 88.70 %, a total pore area of 0.607 m2 g-1, and a specific surface area of 230 m2 g-1. The prepared HEC/LS aerogel exhibits exceptional hydrophilicity and self-floatability, facilitating its rapid absorption of water up to 21 times its own weight within a mere 3 s. Additionally, it demonstrates good adsorption performance for methylene blue (MB), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 83.30 mg g-1. Subsequently, a new hydrophobic microorganisms-loaded composite aerogel (namely, Bn-HEC/LS) was obtained by doping microorganisms into the as-prepared HEC/LS in multiple enrichment followed by a hydrophobic and oleophilic surface modification. Based on its rich porous structure and oleophilic wettability, the as-synthesized Bn-HEC/LS exhibits excellent selective adsorption and degradation properties for the oil contamination, the diesel oil could be selectively absorbed in the Bn-HEC/LS and degraded by the loaded microorganisms. Among them, B5-HEC/LS displays the highest removal efficiency of 94.50 % within 180 h, while free microorganisms and HEC/LS aerogels show degradation efficiencies of only 21.70 % and 48.10 %, respectively. The fixation of microorganisms in the aerogel increases their number within the material and enhances the relative microorganisms removal capacity. The hydrophobic and lipophilic modifications improve the selective adsorption performance of the aerogel on diesel oil, resulting in a significantly high removal rate of Bn-HEC/LS for diesel oil. The results indicate that the immobilization of microorganisms into aerogel improves the activity of microorganisms, and the hydrophobic and oleophilic modification enhances the selective adsorption performance of aerogel to diesel oil, thus resulting in a very high removal rate of Bn-HEC/LS for diesel oil. This study is expected to provide a now possibility for the green and efficient bioremediation of oils.

Removal of Azo Dyes from Water Using Natural Luffa cylindrica as a Non-Conventional Adsorbent.

Reducing high concentrations of pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, drugs, and dyes from water is an emerging necessity. We evaluated the use of Luffa cylindrica (Lc) as a natural non-conventional adsorbent to remove azo dye mixture (ADM) from water. The capacity of Lc at three different doses (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 g/L) was evaluated using three concentrations of azo dyes (0.125, 0.250, and 0.500 g/L). The removal percent (R%), maximum adsorption capacity (Qm), isotherm and kinetics adsorption models, and pH influence were evaluated, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The maximum R% was 70.8% for 10.0 g L-1Lc and 0.125 g L-1 ADM. The Qm of Lc was 161.29 mg g-1. Adsorption by Lc obeys a Langmuir isotherm and occurs through the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Statistical analysis showed that the adsorbent dose, the azo dye concentration, and contact time significantly influenced R% and the adsorption capacity. These findings indicate that Lc could be used as a natural non-conventional adsorbent to reduce ADM in water, and it has a potential application in the pretreatment of wastewaters.

Green biodegradable dielectric material made from PLA and electron beam irradiated luffa cylindrica fiber: devices for a sustainable future.

The growing prevalence of polymer-based plastics in the environment is an imminent risk to the natural world. As an immediate consequence of this, extensive research has been launched over the course of the past few decades in an effort to reduce the damage that manmade plastics cause to the natural environment. The current study attempts to explore the biodegradability of polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-compatible plastic, by incorporating small amount of electron beam irradiated natural fibers (2 to 10%) derived from luffa cylindrica (LC) at varying irradiation doses (0.5 Gy, 1 Gy, and 2 Gy). Natural fiber surface treatment using electron beam irradiation is effective and environmentally friendly. The biodegradation of composites was studied for 90 days in sand, soil, compost, brackish water, fresh water, salt water, and bacterial and fungal conditions. Maximum decomposition was observed in the composite sample (PLA/10% wt of LC fiber at 2.0 Gy) at 15.42% and 4.73% in bacterial and soil environments. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy validated the fiber and PLAs crystallinity and molecular interaction. The derivative thermo-gravimetric curve (DTGA) showed that electron beam irradiation removed moisture, hemicelluloses, and lignin from hydrophilic fibers. The incorporation of LC fibers into the bio-composites resulted in an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm), and crystallization temperature (Tc). Additionally, after LC fiber reinforcement, the composites' dielectric properties were enhanced.

Novel 3D carbon fibers derived from Luffa wastes for oil/water separation.

In this study, the 3D structure of carbon fibers (CFs) was prepared from Luffa sponge wastes by H3PO4 impregnation with various ratios and a low-temperature carbonization process at 500 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The H3PO4-treated Luffa sponge had higher thermal stability and carbonic yield (∼60-70%) than neat-Luffa (∼21%). Characterization analyses exposed that the synthesized CFs derived from H3PO4-treated Luffa exhibited oleophilic and hydrophobic carbonic nature with 3D sponge skeletal, reflecting an ideal structure for oil sorption. The engine oil sorption properties on the CFs were studied by varying the contact time. The engine oil sorption equilibrium data for 3D CFs samples was explained by the pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The equilibrium oil sorption capacities of 3D CFs were as large as 23.1 ± 0.4 g/g for engine oil, 23.7 ± 1.0 g/g for gasoline, 28.1 ± 1.0 g/g for almond oil, and 29.2 ± 0.8 g/g for pomegranate seed oil in 20 min. Moreover, the optimized 3D CFs can be selectively for oil/water separation applications, such as high capacities for various oils, fast kinetic sorption, and reusability (>6 cycles). This research presented a facile and cost-effective process for the 3D CFs through recycling Luffa sponge wastes for rapid oil sorption.

A SNP of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) enhances an aroma (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline) in sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula).

Luffa is a genus of tropical and subtropical vines belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Sponge gourd (Luffa cylindrica) and ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula) are two important species of the genus Luffa and are good sources of human nutrition and herbal medicines. As a vegetable, aromatic luffa is more preferred by consumers than nonaromatic luffa. While the aroma trait is present in the sponge gourd, the trait is not present in the ridge gourd. In this study, we identified Luffa cylindrica's betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (LcBADH) as a gene associated with aroma in the sponge gourd based on a de novo assembly of public transcriptome data. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP: A > G) was identified in exon 5 of LcBADH, causing an amino acid change from tyrosine to cysteine at position 163, which is important for the formation of the substrate binding pocket of the BADH enzyme. Based on the identified SNP, a TaqMan marker, named AroLuff, was developed and validated in 370 F2 progenies of the sponge gourd. The marker genotypes were perfectly associated with the aroma phenotypes, and the segregation ratios supported Mendelian's simple recessive inheritance. In addition, we demonstrated the use of the AroLuff marker in the introgression of LcBADH from the aromatic sponge gourd to the ridge gourd to improve aroma through interspecific hybridization. The marker proved to be useful in improving the aroma characteristics of both Luffa species.

An in vitro evaluation of luffa cylindrica stem sap in preadipocytes and dermal fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Luffa cylindrica stem sap (LuCS) has been ethnopharmacologically used as a cosmetic ingredients to improve the facial condition in Asians, but there is no scientific proof about the advantages of LuCS as a supplement for skin elasticity inducer. PURPOSE: Presently, we have validated the beneficial effect of LuCS in human preadipocyte and fibroblast. METHODS: In vitro activities of LuCS on expression of cellular elastin and collagen type I were validated using Western blot analysis in human fibroblasts. Effect of LuCS on preadipocyte development was performed using MDI medium containing isobutyl-methylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin and then evaluated using oil red O staining. RESULTS: Treatment of LuCS stimulated the expression of cellular elastin and type I procollagen in human skin fibroblasts. Exposure to LuCS induced lipid accumulation of preadipocytes via activation of CEBP/α signaling pathway in preadipocytes. Expression of collagen I, elastin, or CEBP/α mRNA was decreased by age. 3-bromo-3-methylisoxazol-5-amine enhanced the synthesis of cellular lipid in preadipocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest the rationale of LuCS treatment in enhancing the skin condition.

Preparation of a sustainable bio-copolymer based on Luffa cylindrica cellulose and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) for bioplastic applications.

In this research, a bio-based graft copolymer (LCC-g-PCL) based on the cellulose of Luffa cylindrica (LCC) main chain possessing poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) pendant groups is synthesized through a grafting from approach via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). For this purpose, LCC, extracted from luffa sponges by combined method, is utilized for ROP of ɛ-caprolactone (ɛ-CL) as a macro-initiator in the presence of stannous octoate as a catalyst. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) spectroscopies are utilized to structurally indicate the success of ROP, while the achieved graft copolymer is analyzed in detail by comparing with LCC and neat PCL in terms of wettability, thermal and degradation behaviors by conducting water contact angle (WCA) measurements, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analyses (TGA and DSC) and in vitro both hydrolytic and enzymatic biodegradation tests, respectively. The results of conducted tests show that the incorporation of PCL groups on LCC provide the increasing hydrophobicity. In addition, the degradation behavior of the LCC-g-PCL copolymer is found to be more pronounced under enzymatic medium rather than hydrolytic conditions. It is anticipated from the results that LCC-g-PCL can be a potential eco-friendly material particularly in bioplastic industry.

Development of a biosponge based on Luffa cylindrica and crosslinked chitosan for Allura red AC adsorption.

A new bioadsorbent from Luffa cylindrica and cross-linked chitosan was proposed in the present study. Luffa was used as a natural support medium for chitosan crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (LCsG) and epichlorohydrin (LCsE). Biosponges were applied to remove Allura red from aqueous solutions. LCsG and LCsE were produced using different concentrations of chitosan (1%, 3% and 5% (m v-1)) and crosslinking agents (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% (v v-1)). Based on the FT-IR spectra, functional groups characteristic of chitosan crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and epichlorohydrin confirmed the crosslinking. In addition, the biosorbent revealed highly efficient functional groups and morphology with irregularities favorable for adsorption. It was found that the increase in the percentage of glutaraldehyde and epichlorohydrin increased the sample's swelling degree, and the degree of cross-linking was greater than 80% for all LCsG. The results regarding the degree of swelling and degree of crosslinking corroborated with the evaluation of the biosponge's adsorptive potential. The Sips model predicted the equilibrium isotherms, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 89.05 mg g-1 for LCsG and 60.91 mg g-1 for LCsE. The new procedure was successful. Luffa was excellent support for chitosan, resulting in an attractive, low-cost bioadsorbent, preventing renewable sources.

Evaluating the effect of Luffa cylindrica stem sap on dermal fibroblasts; An invitro study.

Luffa cylindrica stem sap (LuCS) has been traditionally used as a facial cosmetic supplement to enhance the skin condition of Asians. However, LuCS has yet to be described and there is no solid scientific evidence regarding the use of LuCS as an anti-wrinkle agent. In the present study, we have evaluated the functional effect of LuCS and its underlying mechanisms based on scientific evidence. Treatment with LuCS stimulated the growth and migration of human skin fibroblasts. LuCS treatment activated EGFR signaling via the enhanced expression of EGFR and down-regulation of PPARγ in human skin fibroblasts. Exposure to LuCS induced the synthesis of cellular type I procollagen and elastin in consort with the down-regulation of various proteinases including MMP-1, -2 and -9 in human skin fibroblasts. LuCS treatment also reversed the skin damage induced by UV-A irradiation in human skin fibroblasts. 3-bromo-3-methylisoxazol-5-amine was identified as the functional component using UPLC-MS-MS analysis and increased production of cellular type I procollagen. Collectively, these results suggest the efficacy of LuCS supplementation in improving the skin condition via anti-wrinkle effect.

Green Biosynthesis, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anticancer Activities of Silver Nanoparticles of Luffa acutangula Leaf Extract.

Studies on green biosynthesis of newly engineered nanoparticles for their prominent medicinal applications are being the torch-bearing concerns of the state-of-the-art research strategies. In this concern, we have engineered the biosynthesized Luffa acutangula silver nanoparticles of flavonoid O-glycosides in the anisotropic form isolated from aqueous leave extracts of Luffa acutangula, a popular traditional and ayurvedic plant in south-east Asian countries. These were structurally confirmed by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy accessed with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectral analyses followed by the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) crystallographic studies and found them with the face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. Medicinally, we have explored their significant antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS assays), antibacterial (disc diffusion assay on E. coli, S. aureus, B. subtilis, S. fecilis, and S. boydii), and anticancer (MTT assay on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, U87, and DBTRG cell lines) potentialities which augmented the present investigation. The molecular docking analysis of title compounds against 3NM8 (DPPH) and 1DNU (ABTS) proteins for antioxidant activity; 5FGK (Gram-Positive Bacteria) and 1AB4 (Gram-Negative Bacteria) proteins for antibacterial activity; and 4GBD (MCF-7), 5FI2 (MDA-MB-231), 1D5R (U87), and 5TIJ (DBTRG) proteins for anticancer activity has affirmed the promising ligand-protein binding interactions among the hydroxy groups of the title compounds and aspartic acid of the concerned enzymatic proteins. The binding energy varying from -9.1645 to -7.7955 for Cosmosioside (1, Apigenin-7-glucoside) and from -9.2690 to -7.8306 for Cynaroside (2, Luteolin-7-glucoside) implies the isolated compounds as potential bioactive compounds. In addition, the performed studies like QSAR, ADMET, bioactivity properties, drug scores, and toxicity risks confirmed them as potential drug candidates and aspartic acid receptor antagonists. This research auxiliary augmented the existing array of phytological nanomedicines with new drug candidates that are credible with multiple bioactivities.

Luffa operculata at a late period of gestation dysregulates melatonin and cytokines interfering with weight of dams and their male offspring.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The tea made with the fruits of Luffa operculata (L.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae; EBN) is popularly used as abortive. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work aimed at accessing how the exposition of female Wistar rats to 1.0 mg/kg of EBN (experimental group, EG), or distilled water (control group, CG), by gavage, at gestational days (GD) 17-21 interfered with the reproductive performance, and with dams' behavior after weaning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At post-natal day 2 (PND2), the number of male and female pups was evaluated, as well as their weight. After weaning (PND21), dams were euthanized, and their liver and kidneys were removed for histological and biochemical analyses, while the blood was used in the evaluation of cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, corticosterone, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, melatonin, AST, ALT and creatinine levels. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Dams that were treated with EBN showed an anxiety-like behavior, weight loss at the end of gestation and weight gain at weaning, accompanied with a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines and in the melatonin level. No significant histological or biochemical alterations have occurred in the liver or kidneys. The number of female pups was significantly higher in the EG. The male pups showed weight gain at PND60. CONCLUSION: The presence of cucurbitacins is probably involved in the dysregulations that were found, due to their polycyclic steroid triterpene structure.

SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibition by compounds isolated from Luffa cylindrica using molecular docking.

In this study, chemical investigation of methanol extract of the air-dried fruits of Luffa cylindrica led to the identification of a new δ-valerolactone (1), along with sixteen known compounds (2-17). Their chemical structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism analysis, as well as by comparison with those reported in the literature. For the first time in literature, we have examined the binding potential of the isolated compounds to highly conserved protein, Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 using the molecular docking technique. We found that the isolated saponins (14-17) bind to the substrate-binding pocket of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with docking energy scores of -7.13, -7.29, -7.47, and -7.54 kcal.mol-1, respectively, along with binding abilities equivalent to an already claimed N3 protease inhibitor (-7.51 kcal.mol-1).

Influence of chemical treatment and drying method on the properties of cellulose fibers of luffa sponge.

The exploration of modified luffa sponge (LS) cellulose fiber in the field of polymer composite can contribute to the development of high-performance and lightweight composites. In this study, two chemical treatments (10%NaOH-20%CH3COOH (Method 1) and 10%NaOH-5%Na2SO3 (Method 2)) and two drying methods (air drying and freeze-drying) were used to treat LS. The microscopic characteristics and physical properties showed that Methods 1 and 2 caused shrinkage of the LS fibers and increased their fiber density by 30.6% and 15.0%. Meanwhile, freeze-drying kept the cells of modified LS fibers full and decreased their fiber density by 5.0% and 21.0%, respectively. The tensile properties test analyses indicated that freeze-drying further increased the elongation at break values of modified LS fibers by 25.3% and 17.7%, respectively. The moisture absorption analyses showed that freeze-drying could further decrease the moisture absorption ratios of modified LS fibers by 25.8% and 35.8%, respectively, which was useful for improving the dimensional stability of composite materials. Moreover, the thermogravimetric analysis reveals that freeze-drying increased onset degradation temperatures of the modified fibers by 24.0 °C and 6.7 °C, which was beneficial to improve the thermal stability of the composite material.

The Molecular Characterization and Biological Assessment of the Leaves Extracts of Loofah Reveal their Nutraceutical Potential.

BACKGROUND: Luffa cylindrica is a plant that is widely distributed in Africa and Asia and can be grown in regions with tropical or subtropical climates. Few patents dealt with Loofah biological properties, including some functional foods formulated from its leaves. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to structurally and functionally characterize the bioactive compounds of L. cylindrica leaves grown in two different environments. METHODS: The extracts of L. cylindrica leaves collected from two Tunisian locations: Essouasi (LE), a semi-arid region and Medenine (LM), an arid region, were investigated for their phenolic compounds and fatty acids using HPLC/TOF-MS and GC-MS techniques, respectively. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated with DPPH, Chelating effect, Hydroxyl radical and Superoxide anion scavenging activities while the anticancer activity against HeLa cell lines was assessed using xCELLigence real time cell analyzer and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS: The antiproliferative capacity of both extracts was time and dose-dependent, with LE presenting the lowest HeLa cell index (CI = 0.035 ± 0.018, 250 µg/ml). LE also showed the best cytotoxic capacity (56.49 ± 0.8%) and antioxidant potential (IC50 = 54.41 ± 1.12 µg/ml for DPPH and 12.12 ± 0.07 µg/ml for chelating effect). 14 phenolic compounds were detected in LE, with ferulic acid being the major compound (5128.5 ± 4.09 µg Phenols/g), while LM had only 6 phenolics. GCMS analysis showed the presence of omega-3 fatty acids in LE. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that L. cylindrica leaves, especially when collected from semiarid regions, are promising for formulating nutraceuticals of interest.

Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Luffa Cylindrica Leaves Extract against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemic Stem Cells.

BACKGROUND: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive malignancy defined by accumulation of lymphoblasts in the bone marrow. Leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are the major cause of the recurrence and metastasis of ALL. This study aimed to develop an effective anti-cancer agent targeting these LSCs. Luffa Cylindrica (L.C.) leaves extract was selected to evaluate its effect on ALL via eradicating the LSCs as it contains many active anti-cancer flavonoids. METHODS: Thirty-two bone marrow samples of ALL patients were used in this study. LSCs population was identified in the selected samples. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Cell cycle, apoptosis, proliferation marker; ki-67 and colony forming assay were further analyzed. RESULTS: This study revealed the expression of CD34+/CD38+ cells in addition to CD34+/CD38- population and the extract was effective against the two LSCs populations. MTT assay showed that treated leukemic cells exhibited significant reduction in the viable cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50 of 3 µg/µl which was then confirmed by flow cytometry. Cell cycle analysis results showed significant reduction in the percentage of cells treated with L.C. extract in both the S and G0/G1 phases, with concomitant increase in the G2/M phase. Also, L.C. extract could effectively induce apoptosis, inhibit proliferation and suppress colonogenecity of leukemic cells. CONCLUSION: This study validated the medicinal potential of L.C. leaves extract as a promising anti-leukemic agent targeting both LSCs and blasts in ALL patients, which may be explained by the synergy found between its potent flavonoids especially apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol.