Morphometrics and Reproductive Characteristics of the Freshwater Crab Sartoriana spinigera from the Habitat of Ratargul Swamp Forest, Bangladesh: An Approach to Conservation.

A total of 332 freshwater crab Sartoriana spinigera samples were collected for eight consecutive months from the Ratargul freshwater swamp forest, Bangladesh, to examine their general morphometrics and reproductive traits. The length-weight relationships of carapace weight with carapace length, width, and depth indicated negative allometric growth. The logarithmic relationship between carapace weight and carapace length, carapace weight and carapace width, and carapace weight and carapace depth exhibited a correlation value of 0.86, 0.79, and 0.56, respectively. Fulton's condition factor and allometric condition factor were found to be highest in March and lowest in October. The sex ratio was 1.59 : 1 for the male to female, which did not show a considerable divergence from the expected 1 : 1 ratio in the chi-square test (P < 0.05). In July, a maximum of mature individuals was collected and investigated. The fertilization was 1297 ± 629 ova, the ovary weight was 447.22 ± 359.39 mg, and the egg diameter was 375.15 ± 130.18 µm. Histological analysis showed that the male hepatopancreas was well organized and decomposition was reported in the female during the vitellogenic stages of the ovary. Spermatogonium cells were found in the male gonad, and cells from the female gonad were in the vitellogenic mature stage. In conclusion, the research will serve as a foundation for future research work on freshwater crab species as well as the conservation and maintenance of the ecological balance of this species in the Ratargul freshwater swamp forest.

Microplastics pollution in the Surma River, Bangladesh: A rising hazard to upstream water quality and aquatic life.

The ecological health of freshwater rivers is deteriorating globally due to careless human activities, for instance, the emission of plastic garbage into the river. The current research was the first assessment of microplastics (MPs) pollution in water, sediment, and representative organisms (fish, crustacean, and bivalve) from the Surma River. Water, sediment, and organisms were sampled from six river sites (Site 1: Charkhai; Site 2: Golapganj; Site 3: Alampur; Site 4: Kazir Bazar; Site 5: Kanishail and Site 6: Lamakazi), and major water quality parameters were recorded during sampling. Thereafter, MPs in water, sediment, and organism samples were extracted, and then microscopically examined to categorize selected MPs types. The abundance of MPs, as well as size, and color distribution, were estimated. Polymer types were analyzed by ATR-FTIR, the color loss of MPs was recorded, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) was calculated, and the relationship between MPs and water quality parameters was analyzed. Sites 4 and 5 had comparatively poorer water quality than other sites. Microplastic fibers, fragments, and microbeads were consistently observed in water, sediment, and organisms. A substantial range of MPs in water, sediment, and organisms (37.33-686.67 items/L, 0.89-15.12 items/g, and 0.66-48.93 items/g, respectively) was recorded. There was a diverse color range, and MPs of <200 µm were prevalent in sampling areas. Six polymer types were identified by ATR-FTIR, namely Polyethylene (PE), Polyamide (PA), Polypropylene (PP), Cellulose acetate (CA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and Polystyrene (PS), where PE (41%) was recognized as highly abundant. The highest PLI was documented in Site 4 followed by Site 5 both in water and sediment. Likewise, Sites 4 and 5 were substantially different from other study areas according to PCA. Overall, the pervasiveness of MPs was evident in the Surma River, which requires further attention and prompt actions.

Ecological Insights, and Fin Fish Diversity in Carps Spawning Grounds: Case Studies from the Surma River and Tanguar Haor, Bangladesh.

This study aims to provide a thorough ecological understanding of fin fish diversity within carp spawning grounds in the Surma River and Tanguar haor. Over two spawning seasons, this research investigates ecological factors impacting fin fish diversity and abundance in carp spawning grounds of the Surma River and Tanguar haor, emphasizing water quality, habitat features, spawn availability, and environmental influences. Fish spawn samples were collected with eight "Savar nets" at chosen sites and reared in a fiberglass tank at the mini hatchery for species identification. The representative spawn samples were examined under a microscope for preliminary species identification before rearing. The study found that both the Surma River and Tanguar haor offer ideal conditions for carp spawning due to factors such as water quality, natural food availability, habitat suitability, and favorable climatic conditions. The study identified 39 fish species under the 10 fish groups from both locations, with a higher percentage of carp species (31.42%) in the Surma River in 2021 compared to 2022 (22.50%). In Tanguar haor, the percentage of carp species was 7.55% and 6.50% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The Surma River's ecological indices (2021-2022) indicated decreased diversity, likely due to environmental degradation, while Tanguar haor showed lower diversity possibly attributable to multiple environmental stressors. The dominant carp species, Labeo calbasu, Labeo bata, and Labeo gonius, were identified in both the Surma River and Tanguar haor. The spawning distribution varied among different locations, with some sites showing a presence of carp species, such as Hajipur (T1) in the Surma River and Alam Duar (T2) in Tanguar haor. The findings highlight the importance of hydrological and environmental parameters in shaping carp spawning habitat distribution and abundance, contributing to aquatic biodiversity conservation and resource management.

Comparative analysis of heavy metal content of unregulated facial whitening creams and branded facial whitening creams.

The present study was conducted to evaluate potential health risks of Omani cosmetics considering the dangers and adverse effects on health caused by unregulated and unlabelled cosmetic products. Therefore, this current study is to examine the toxic heavy metals of unregulated facial whitening creams that are available in the Omani market and compare them with branded facial whitening creams. A total twenty-two samples were purchased from the Souqs/markets of all eleven governorates of Oman and their heavy metals content was determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The sample was digested by using ultra wave microwave at 180 °C. The percentage of heavy metals present in the unregulated whitening creams were compared with the heavy metals content of two randomly selected and branded whitening creams. The results showed that most of the unregulated samples contain significant amount of chromium, cooper and lead. In comparison, the branded face creams contained only the permissible amount of the heavy metals tested. The maximum arsenic content was found in a sample collected from Al Batinah South region (1.74 ppm). The maximum cadmium content was found in a sample collected from Al Wusta region (2.02 ppm). The maximum cobalt and chromium content were found in the samples collected from Al Buraimi region (0.10 ppm) and Dhofar region (8.04 ppm) respectively. In conclusion, unregulated face creams are not safe for human consumption because they contain significant levels of heavy metals that exceed the permissible limits.

Assessment of dietary polyvinylchloride, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate exposure in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Bioaccumulation, and effects on behaviour, growth, hematology and histology.

Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as emerging aquatic pollutants receiving major concern due to their detrimental effects on aquatic life. Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus is a model species considered in toxicological studies to address the effects of pollutants in freshwater animals. However, comprehensive knowledge comparing the impacts on fish across various MPs polymers is scarce. Therefore, the overarching aim of the current study was to examine the bioconcentration of MPs polymers: polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and their toxic effects on growth, and behavioral responses, hematology, and histology of gills, liver, and intestine in O. niloticus. Fishes were subjected to a 21-day dietary exposure to MPs by assigning them into six treatment groups: T1 (4% of PVC), T2 (4% of PP), T3 (4% of PET), T4 (8% of PVC), T5 (8% of PP), T6 (8% of PET), and control (0% of MPs), to assess the effects on fish across the polymers and dosage. Results showed several abnormalities in anatomical and behavioral parameters, lower growth, and high mortality in MPs-exposed fish, indicating a dose-dependent relationship. The elevated dosage of polymers raised the bioavailability of PVC, PP, and PET in gills and gut tissues. Noteworthy erythrocyte degeneration referred to cytotoxicity and stress imposed by MPs, whereas the alterations in hematological parameters were possibly due to blood cell damage, also indicating mechanisms of defense against MPs toxicity. Histopathological changes in the gills, liver, and intestine confirmed the degree of toxicity and associated dysfunctions in fish. A higher sensitivity of O. niloticus to PET-MPs compared to other polymers is likely due to its chemical properties and species-specific morphological and physiological characteristics. Overall, the present study reveals valuable insights into the emerging threat of MPs toxicity in freshwater species, which could be supportive of future toxicological research.

Assessing the impact of blockchain technology on the overall performance of sustainable supply chains: an analytical perspective.

Supply chain control and sustainability can be significantly improved using distributed ledger technologies such as blockchain. The blockchain has the potential to facilitate responsible sourcing appropriately, compliance with weather requirements, and sustainable delivery chains. The purpose of this study is to address the hassle of managing conservatism when approaching era adoption and to explore the performance enhancements in blockchain-generated implementations. To achieve this goal, we introduce a scientific approach aimed at studying the outcomes of various factors in the adoption process in the blockchain era and verifying their impact on the overall performance of the delivery chain. Furthermore, a team of multidisciplinary professionals will establish causal relationships among these elements through a consensus-based approach. Ultimately, fuzzy reasoning tools can be used to determine the relative weights between identified factors and delivery chain performance goals. We will assemble causal representations of diagnoses using a dense scientific map model and dynamically generate scenarios for each. The study demonstrates that the integration of blockchain power generation can significantly improve the effectiveness of mineral supply chains. It uses smart contracts to promote environmental sustainability, traceability, and transparency.

Circular value creation: business models and supply chain strategies.

This paper aims to advance research on the circular economy, sustainable innovation through adopting a circular business model (CBM), and circular supply chain management (CSCM). The circular economy is gradually acknowledged as promising to attain ecological growth by minimising resource input, waste, emissions and energy loss. This article investigates the environmental efficacy of circular value creation and its implications for business models and supply chain strategies. It intends to incorporate CBM and CSCM for sustainable innovation and ecological growth, relying on a review of the literature and four case analyses. The context identifies five distinct CBM propelling supply chain strategies and sustainable innovation, supply chain loops, which differ in intricacy and worth. The study demonstrates that circular business models (CBM) and circular CSCM models can facilitate organisations in accomplishing ecological objectives. The companies examined in the study have different characteristics, but all face comparable challenges in persuading consumers and suppliers to adopt circular business models and supply chain management. A significant challenge is that customers perceive products made from recycled or remanufactured materials as inferior to traditional products, leading to lower prices despite meeting comparable quality standards. Therefore, we review the current literature on the business model background to technological, organisational and social innovation. Since the existing literature does not provide a general conceptual definition of sustainable innovation and circular business mode for circular supply chain management, we present normative examples of requirements that circular business models should meet to support sustainable innovation. Finally, we outline the research agenda by asking some guiding questions.

Intraspecific phenotypic differences in climbing perch Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) populations may be linked to habitat adaptations.

The climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, is a nutritionally and economically significant food fish. The present study reveals the first comprehensive description of the life-history traits of A. testudineus scooped up through different traditional fishing gears from July 2020 to December 2020. Among the 120 collected specimens, the smallest and largest specimens were 8.5 cm-14.6 cm TL in Nilphamari and Patuakhali, respectively. The estimated b values for LLRs indicated positive allometric growth in all sampling points (b > 1.0). The LWRs of A. testudineus indicated positive allometric growth in the Gazipur and Nilphamari districts (b > 3.00) and negative allometric growth in the Patuakhali and Khulna districts (b < 3.00). A Wilcoxon sign-ranked test for WR showed no significant dissimilarity from 100, signifying the balanced habitat for A. testudineus. The estimated a3.0 was minimum in Khulna (0.0110) and maximum in Nilphamari (0.0825). "The Lm was estimated at 7.4032 (7.4) cm TL in Nilphamari and 8.86 (8.9) cm TL in Patuakhali". Nineteen of twenty morphometric measurements and ten of twelve meristic characters showed substantial variations (p < 0.0001). The principal component analysis indicated shape variation and explained 85.361% of the total variance and showed differences in TL, SL, HL, LBD, LE1, D1D2, A1A2, and VV2. The cluster heatmap demonstrates that the other stocks segregated Gazipur stock. Our findings reveal a significant dataset about intraspecific phenotypic differentiation, which will aid the long-term exploration and management of A. testudineus species in Bangladesh and its neighboring countries.

Impact of Pb Toxicity on the Freshwater Pearl Mussel, Lamellidens marginalis: Growth Metrics, Hemocyto-Immunology, and Histological Alterations in Gill, Kidney, and Muscle Tissue.

Pb is one of the most extensively used harmful heavy metals in Bangladesh, and its occurrence in waters affects aquatic organisms significantly. The tropical pearl mussel, Lamellidens marginalis, was exposed to different concentrations (T1 21.93 mgL-1, T2 43.86 mgL-1, and T3 87.72 mgL-1) of Pb(NO3)2 and was evaluated against a control C 0 mgL-1 of Pb(NO3)2, followed by a 96 h acute toxicity test. The LC50 value was recorded as 219.32 mgL-1. The physicochemical parameters were documented regularly for each treatment unit. The values of % SGR, shell weight, soft tissue wet weight, and weight gain remained statistically higher for the control group in comparison with the treatment. No mortality was noted for control units, while a gradually decreased survival rate was recorded for the different treatment groups. Fulton's condition factor was recorded as highest in the control and lowest in the T3 unit, while the condition indices did not vary between the control and treatment groups. The hemocyte was accounted as maximum in the control and T1, while minimum in T2 and T3. The serum lysosomal parameters also followed a similar pattern, and a significantly low level of lysosomal membrane stability, and serum lysosome activity was noted for T3 and T2 units in comparison to the control group. The histology of the gill, kidney, and muscle was well structured in the control group, while distinct pathologies were observed in the gill, kidney, and muscle tissue of different treatment groups. The quantitative comparison revealed that the intensity of pathological alteration increased as the dosage of Pb increased. The current study, therefore, indicated that intrusion of Pb(NO3)2 in the living medium significantly alters growth performance and hemocyte counts, and chronic toxicity induces histomorphological abnormalities in vital organs.

A novel terpenoid glycoside and other bioactive constituents from the seeds of Cichoriumintybus.

Phytochemical investigation of the seeds of Cichorium intybus L (C. intybus) led to isolate n-hexacosane (CI-1), an aliphatic higher ketone, n-nonacosan-3-one (CI-2), two aliphatic acid esters characterized as n-octacosanyl decanoate (CI-3) and n-tricosanyl hexadecanoate (CI-4), two mixed glycerides identified as as glyceryl-1-(hexadec-7- enoyl)-2- tetradecanoyl-3-hexadecanoate (Cl-5) and glyceryl-1- (eicos-9-enoyl)-2,3, bis-eicosanoate (Cl-6), and three e steroidal constituents and their structures were elucidated as as stigmast-5, 22-dien-3ß -ol-21-oic acids (Cl-7), stigmasterol-3ß-d-glucopyranoside (Cl-8) and stigmast-5, 22-dien-3-ß-ol-3-ß-d-glucuronopyranoside (Cl-9). The dry seeds powder was defatted and finally extracted with ethanol by using a maceration method. The ethanol was evaporated near to dryness and silica gel was added to the extract and a slurry with the help of methanol solvent was prepared. The slurry was loaded to the column by using petroleum ether and was eluted with a mixture of chloroform and methanol. A series of test tubes were collected and each test tube with 2 mL eluents was collected. Based on the thin layer chromatography (TLC) the content of nine test tubes were considered as pure compounds. The solvent was evaporated from the test tube at room temperature. All the nine compounds from the column were characterized by using Infrared (IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Mass spectrometry (MS). Eight compounds were previously isolated from the plant and they showed various biological activities. A new compound was isolated for the first time from the plant kingdoms. Based on the chromatographic and spectroscopic analysis the new compound was characterized as stigmasterol carboxylic acid (CI-9). The isolated new compound could be used to treat liver and cardiac diseases.

Converging concepts of sustainability and supply chain networks: a systematic literature review approach.

In recent years, companies have been under increasing pressure from consumers, grassroots and community organizations, governments, and shareholders to develop and practice sustainable business practices. Academic and corporate interest in sustainable supply chain management has risen considerably in recent years. This can be seen in the number of papers published. This paper aims to systematically investigate the discipline of supply chain management (SCM) within the context of sustainability. The two concepts are increasingly aligned, and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) represents an evolving field where they explicitly interact. The study proposes a conceptual framework to classify various factors along the triple bottom-line pillars of sustainability issues in the context of supply chains. The findings indicate that the existing literature is primarily focused on individual sustainability and supply chain dimensions rather than taking a more integrated approach. Also, the economic benefits of developing a sustainable supply chain for an organization are discussed in addition to specific features of sustainable supply chains and limitations of existing research; this should stimulate further research. Our analysis revealed trends and gaps, allowing us to create a solid agenda for additional SSCM research.

Apoptosis and autophagy-related gene transcription during ovarian follicular atresia in European hake (Merluccius merluccius).

Follicular atresia is an energy-saving oocyte resorption process that can allow the survival of female fish when environmental conditions are unfavourable and at the expense of fecundity. This study investigated the transcription levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related genes during atresia in the European hake that can show episodes of increased follicular atresia throughout the reproductive cycle. 169 female individuals were collected from the Bay of Biscay, and the ovaries were analysed using histological and molecular methods. Different levels of atresia were histologically detected in 73.7% of the ovaries analysed and the TUNEL assay identified apoptotic nuclei in follicles from both previtellogenic and vitellogenic stages. Transcripts of beclin-1 and ptenb were up-regulated in the ovaries containing atretic follicles, whereas p53, caspase-3, cathepsin D and dapk1 were up-regulated only in ovaries presenting vitellogenic atretic follicles. Our results indicate different implications of apoptotic vs autophagic processes leading to atresia during oocyte development, vitellogenesis being the moment of maximal apoptotic and autophagic activity in atretic hakes. The analysed genes could provide early warning biomarkers to identify follicular atresia in fish and evaluate fecundity in fish stocks.

Optimization of 17α-methyltestosterone dose to produce quality mono-sex Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus.

The 17α-methyltestosterone is the most common synthetic hormone used in male mono-sex production of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. The current research aimed at finding out the most effective dose of 17α-methyltestosterone to produce quality Nile tilapia fry. Soon after absorbing the yolk sac, Nile tilapia fry was fed with a mixture of commercial fish feed and 17α-methyltestosterone for 28 days. Five doses of 17α-methyltestosterone, i.e., 0 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg, and 80 mg per kg feed, were used to treat tilapia that has been reared for additional 90 days to compare sex reversal, development, and survival rates. Both gonad histology and Squash test were performed to expose the sex percentage of O. niloticus accurately. The highest male 94.44% was obtained at 60 mg 17α-MT/kg feed dose followed by 91.67%, 88.89%, 86.11%, and 47.22% at 70, 80, 50, and 0 mg 17α-MT/kg feed dose. The groups treated with 17α-methyltestosterone hormone showed superior growth performance in comparison to the control group. The highest weight (14.62 ± 0.59 g) and length (92.18 ± 3.01 mm) were found at 60 mg dose whereas the lowest weight (8.64 ± 0.38 g) and length (70.17 ± 3.75 mm) were in the control group. The group given 60 mg 17α-MT feed represented the highest survival rate (84.10%) among other hormone-treated groups. The study disclosed that 60 mg 17α-MT/kg feed might be treated as the optimal dose for producing quality mono-sex male tilapia in the commercial hatchery.

Assessment of Lead (Pb) Toxicity in Juvenile Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus-Growth, Behaviour, Erythrocytes Abnormalities, and Histological Alterations in Vital Organs.

Lead (Pb) is one of the toxins responsible for the deterioration of ecological health in aquatic environments. The present study investigated the effects of Pb(NO3)2 toxicity on growth, blood cell morphology, and the histopathology of gills, liver, and intestine of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. A 30-day long aquarium trial was conducted by assigning three treatment groups T1 5.20 mg L-1, T2 10.40 mg L-1, and T3 20.80 mg L-1, and a control 0 mg L-1 following the 96 h LC50 of 51.96 mg L-1 from acute toxicity test. Overall growth performance significantly declined in all the Pb(NO3)2 treated groups and the highest mortality was recorded in T3. Behavioural abnormalities were intense in all the treatment groups compared to the control. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) values were reported as higher in treatment groups. Reduced nucleus diameter and nuclei size in erythrocytes were reported for T2 and T3 groups. Dose-dependent histological alterations were visible in the gills, liver, and intestine of all the Pb(NO3)2 treated groups. The width of the intestinal villi was highly extended in T3 showing signs of severe histological alterations. In conclusion, Pb toxicity causes a negative effect on growth performance, erythrocyte morphology, and affected the vital organs histomorphology of juvenile O. niloticus.

Toxic effects of chlorpyrifos on the growth, hematology, and different organs histopathology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus.

Chlorpyrifos is a widely applied insecticide that permeates on most waterways and affects aquatic organisms. The growth performances, hematological and histological impacts on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus following a 60 day of exposure to varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos 20 EC (T1 08 µgL-1, T2 16 µgL-1, and T3 32 µgL-1) were compared to a control Tc 0 µgL-1. The 96-hour LC50 of chlorpyrifos 20 EC was calculated as 46.80 µgL-1. The water quality parameters were recorded regularly. The value of dissolved O2 and NH3 stayed rather steady, although temperature varied considerably. It was revealed that as chlorpyrifos levels go up, the percentage of weight gain (WG %), specific growth rates (SGR), and survival rate decreases. The control group Tc had the highest percentages of SGR weight (1.16 ± 0.58) and the T3 group had the lowest percentages of SGR weight (0.25 ± 0.77). The hematological assessment showed significant differences of hemoglobin concentration, white blood cell counts and red blood cell numbers between chlorpyrifos treatment and control group (P < 0.05). Histological alterations in the liver, gills, and muscle tissues reported to be worse for T3 as compared to others. There were no statistical differences in GSI, HSI values between control and treatment groups. The chlorpyrifos 20 EC was shown to be highly toxic to O. niloticus at sub-lethal dosages.

Isolation, characterization and prediction of biologically active glycoside compounds quercetin-3-rutinoside from the fruits of Ficus sycomorus.

Ficus sycomorus (F. sycomorus) is a medicinal plant which has been used traditionally for its medicinal benefits as metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory remedy. Therefore the present work was designed to isolate and characterize antibacterial compounds from the fruits of F. sycomorus and their antibacterial activity was assayed. The crude extract was prepared by using different polarity solvents. The pure bioactive compounds were isolated and characterized from the ethyl acetate extract by using different chromatographic techniques. The antibacterial activity of the isolated pure compounds and crude extracts was assessed by using disc diffusion method. The crude extract and flavonoids quercetin-3-rutinoside 1 showed significant antibacterial activities against two Gram positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus pneunoniae (S. pneunoniae) and two Gram negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Haemophilus influenza (H. influenza) in the disc diffusion assay. Inhibition zones were in the range of 0-13 mm. The maximum inhibition was shown by compound 1 at concentration 200 µg/ml against S. aureus (IZ = 13 mm) in comparison with the standard levofloxacin. Phytochemical investigation on the ethyl acetate crude extract of fruits resulted in the isolation of one glycoside compound named quercetin-3-rutinoside 1 with several other minor compounds. The structure was deduced on the basis of 1H NMR, 13C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMBC, and MS. The results showed that the isolated pure compound 1 has significant antibacterial activity, which can be used as natural antibiotics for the treatment of different infection diseases.

Extraction, isolation and structural characterization of two triterpenoid glycosides from the fruits of Ficusbengalensis.

Ficus bengalensis (F. bengalensis) is a popular medicinal plant species used extensively in the Ayurveda treatment as hypoglycemic, diuretic, tonic, rheumatism, astringent, and inflammation. The goal of this study is to separate and characterize - compounds from fruits of the selected F. bengalensis. The dried fruits coarse power was defatted with non-polar solvent petroleum ether and then systematically extracted with ethanol by using maceration method for 3 days. The ethanol was evaporated and the prepared extract was separated by several chromatographic methods. After separation, the ethanol extract of F. bengalensis afforded nine compounds including two new triterpenoid glycoside derivatives Compound 1: Bengalensursenyl diglycoside and Compound 2: Ficusbengursenyl diglycoside and other minor known phytochemicals. The chemical structures of these separated phytochemicals were elucidated based on spectroscopic analysis and minor chemical transformations. This paper reports isolation and structure elucidation of compounds 1 and 2. In conclusion, the isolated Compound 1 and Compound 2 could be further investigated for any pharmacological activities. This is the first report in our laboratory on isolation of Compound 1 and Compound 2 from the fruits of F. bengalensis.

Antibacterial and antioxidant potential of Tetraena simplex extracts of various polarities.

Nowadays, infectious and oxidative stress-related diseases are leading to many deaths worldwide. Tetraena simplex, a new species (synonym) that is mainly grown in Oman, has traditionally been used as a medicine for asthma. This study aimed to assess antioxidant and antibacterial activities of T. simplex extracts of various polarities using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and agar gel diffusion assays. Among the six extracts prepared, ethyl acetate extract showed the highest antioxidant activity and hexane extract showed the lowest antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of the extracts decreased in the order of ethyl acetate > dichloromethane > water > butanol > methanol > hexane. Similarly, antibacterial activities, indicated as inhibition zones, of the six extracts at four concentrations were assessed against two gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus) and three gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus bacilli). No extract showed antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria at any concentration. Therefore, the ethyl acetate extract of T. simplex may be used as an antioxidant or a food supplement as an alternative to synthetic drugs.