Removing methylene blue from water: A study of sorption effectiveness onto nanoparticles-doped activated carbon.

In this present study, silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were successfully deposited on coconut shell-derived activated carbon (CSAC), to synthesize a novel nanocomposite (CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs) for the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution. The fabricated CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs nanocomposite was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) detector, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscope (XPS), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The successful deposition of AgNPs and TiO2NPs on CSAC surface was revealed by the TEM/EDX, SEM, and XPS analysis. The mesopore structure of CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs has a BET surface area of 301 m2/g. The batch adsorption studies were conducted and the influence of different parameters, i.e., adsorbent dose, adsorption time, initial dye concentration, pH and temperature were investigated. The nonlinear isotherm and kinetic modelling demonstrated that adsorption data were best fitted by Sips isotherm and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity of MB onto CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs by the Sips model was 184 mg/g. Thermodynamic results revealed that the adsorption was endothermic, spontaneous and physical in nature. CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs revealed that MB absorption by CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was spontaneous and endothermic. The uptake capacity of MB was influenced significantly by the presence of competing ions including, NO3-, HCO3, Ca2+, and Na+. Repeated tests indicated that the CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs can be regenerated and reused six times before being discarded. The primary separation mechanism between MB dye and CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was the electrostatic interaction. Thus, CSAC@AgNPs@TiO2NPs was an outstanding material, which displayed good applicability in real water with ≥ 97% removal of MB dye.

Adsorptive performance of MWCNTs for simultaneous cationic and anionic dyes removal; kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotherm study.

Disposal of contaminated wastewater causes many serious problems especially when it gets mixed with the ground and seawater. It is, therefore, important to apply any remedial action to eradicate dangerous pollutants from the aqueous effluents and to avoid exposure of this wastewater to aquatic life. The research results discussed herein deal with the removal of Rhodamine B (RhB) and Congo Red (CR) dye from wastewater by using multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as an adsorbent. Different factors like solid dosage, initial pH and concentration, time, and temperature were studied to understand the behavior and mechanism of adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity in case of a single component system was found to be 302 mg/g and 300 mg/g for Congo Red and Rhodamine B, respectively. Moreover, the mechanism of adsorption was best described by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of CR and RhB was exothermic when these were removed from a single dye system. However, the overall process became endothermic for concurrent removal of both dyes from the solution. The research results showed that the MWCNTs could successfully be utilized to remove the dye from the industrial wastewater.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of PEO-chitosan nanofibers with potential application in burn infection management.

Chitosan (CS) is a well-known biological macromolecule having numerous applications due to its exceptional properties especially in the form of nanofibers. The antibacterial activity is compromised when co-polymers are added to electrospun CS but, the reproducibility can be enhanced which is key to commercialization. We have tried to enhance the antibacterial activity of chitosan based nanofibers with the addition of Zinc oxide (ZO) nanoparticles and ciprofloxacin (model drug) at very low concentrations. The rheology of solutions was studied along with the process parameters for the optimization of nanofibers using response surface methodology. Nanofibers having diameter of 116 nm with a SD of only 21 nm were optimized. ZO loaded nanofibers showed better thermal stability. Different drug release models were fitted to drug release profile. The release was pH dependent best followed by Zero order and Hixson Crowell release models. Good antibacterial activity and non-toxicity was observed against human dermal fibroblast and keratinocytes cell lines (>82.5%) which justifies its potential to eliminate or prevent infection in burn wounds with less side effects due to low amount of drug.

Synthesis of Femur extracted hydroxyapatite reinforced nanocomposite and its application for Pb(II) ions abatement from aqueous phase.

This research study shows the adsorptive potential of biopolymer based nanocomposite for the removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous phase. The nanocomposite was synthesized by Femur calcined hydroxyapatite and glutaraldehyde cross-linked chitosan. Characterizations like Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed to investigate the structural modifications, mineral composition and the surface texture of prepared nanocomposite. The adsorption of Pb(II) ions over nanocomposite reveals that the synthesized solid sorbent has promising abatement tendency for heavy metal ions. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics and the equilibrium data of lead ions adsorption was best fitted to Sips isotherm model. The uptake capacity of synthesized nanocomposite increased from 209 mg/g to 354 mg/g with rise in temperature from 18 °C to 48 °C. The thermodynamic analysis suggested that the Pb(II) ions adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Additionally, enthalpy of adsorption (~22.07 KJ/mol) indicated that the heavy metal ions were chemisorbed over nanocomposite surface. Adsorption of Pb2+ increased about ~1.6 times in the observed pH range and highest uptake was obtained at pH 5.

Community Participation, Dengue Fever Prevention and Control Practices in Swat, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the role of community participation in prevention of dengue fever in The Swat district located in the Northern area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, which experienced a dengue fever outbreak in August, 2013. A total number of 8,963 dengue cases with 0.4% case fatality ratio were registered during the outbreak. METHODS: A sample size of 354 respondents were proportionally allocated to each residential colony and then randomly selected. The association of independent variable (Community participation) and dependent variable (practices for control) were tested by using Chi Square test. RESULTS: Results regarding perception of practices for dengue control with community participation showed that: practices for control had significant association with organization of people to eradicate dengue mosquitoes (p=0.00), community leaders (p=0.04), community efforts (p≤0.01), use of insecticides by community people (p=0.00) and involvement of community people in awareness campaign (p=0.00). Similarly, significant associations were found between practices for control and community shared information during dengue outbreak (p=0.00), community link with health department, NGO, Other agencies (p=0.02). CONCLUSION AND GLOBAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS: We conclude that the spread of dengue epidemic was aided by the ignorance, laziness of the community people and government agencies. However, the people, religious scholars, leaders and government agencies were not organized to participate in dengue prevention and eradication, hence, the chances of dengue infection increased in community. The study recommends mobilizing local communities and activating local leadership with active participation of Government and non-government organizations for initiation of preventive strategies.

Green Synthesis of Silver and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using Euphorbia prostrata Extract Shows Shift from Apoptosis to G0/G1 Arrest followed by Necrotic Cell Death in Leishmania donovani.

The aim of the present study was to synthesize silver (Ag) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) using green synthesis from aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia prostrata as antileishmanial agents and to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of induced cell death. In vitro antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs was tested against promastigotes of Leishmania donovani by alamarBlue and propidium iodide uptake assays. Antileishmanial activity of synthesized NPs on intracellular amastigotes was assessed by Giemsa staining. The leishmanicidal effect of synthesized Ag NPs was further confirmed by DNA fragmentation assay and by cell cycle progression and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the treated parasites. TEM analysis of the synthesized Ag NPs showed a spherical shape with an average size of 12.82 ± 2.50 nm, and in comparison to synthesized TiO2 NPs, synthesized Ag NPs were found to be most active against Leishmania parasites after 24 h exposure, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 14.94 µg/ml and 3.89 µg/ml in promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes, respectively. A significant increase in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle with a subsequent decrease in S (synthesis) and G2/M phases compared to controls was observed. The growth-inhibitory effect of synthesized Ag NPs was attributed to increased length of S phase. A decreased reactive oxygen species level was also observed, which could be responsible for the caspase-independent shift from apoptosis (G0/G1 arrest) to massive necrosis. High-molecular-weight DNA fragmentation as a positive consequence of necrotic cell death was also visualized. We also report that the unique trypanothione/trypanothione reductase (TR) system of Leishmania cells was significantly inhibited by synthesized Ag NPs. The green-synthesized Ag NPs may provide promising leads for the development of cost-effective and safer alternative treatment against visceral leishmaniasis.

Evaluation of antiplasmodial activity of medicinal plants from North Indian Buchpora and South Indian Eastern Ghats.

BACKGROUND: Development of resistance against the frontline anti-malarial drugs has created an alarming situation, which requires intensive drug discovery to develop new, more effective, affordable and accessible anti-malarial agents. METHODS: Inspired by their ethnobotanical reputation for being effective against febrile diseases, antiplasmodial potential of ethyl acetate extracts (EAE) and methanol extracts (ME) of 17 medicinal plants collected from the Eastern Ghats of South India and Buchpora, North India were explored against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro using the SYBR Green assay. The results were validated both by confirmation that the fall in fluorescence signal was not due to quenching effects mediated by phytochemical extracts and by Giemsa-stained microscopy. RESULTS: Using EAE or ME, promising antiplasmodial activity (IC50 Pf3D7 ≤ 20 µg/ml), was seen in Aerva lanata (Whole aerial parts-EAE), Anisomeles malabarica (Leaf-EAE), Anogeissus latifolia (bark-EAE), Cassia alata (leaves-EAE), Glycyrrhiza glabra (root-EAE), Juglans regia (seed-ME), Psidium guajava (leaf-ME and EAE) and Solanum xanthocarpum (Whole aerial parts-EAE). EAEs from leaves of Couroupita guianensis, Euphorbia hirta, Pergularia daemia, Tinospora cordifolia and Tridax procumbens as also ME from Ricinus communis (leaf and seed) showed good antiplasmodial activity (Pf 3D7 IC50 21 - 40 µg/ml). Moderate activity (Pf 3D7 IC50: 40-60 µg/mL) was shown by the leaf EAEs of Cardiospermum halicacabum, Indigofera tinctoria and Ricinus communis while the remaining extracts showed marginal (Pf 3D7 IC50 60 to >100 µg/ml) activities. The promising extracts showed good resistance indices (0.41 - 1.4) against the chloroquine resistant INDO strain of P. falciparum and good selectivity indices (3 to > 22.2) when tested against the HeLa cell line. CONCLUSION: These results provide validity to the traditional medicinal usage of some of these plants and further make a case for activity-guided purification of new pharmacophores against malaria.

Bioassay-guided isolation and characterization of active antiplasmodial compounds from Murraya koenigii extracts against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei.

Malaria is an overwhelming impact in the poorest countries in the world due to their prevalence, virulence and drug resistance ability. Currently, there is inadequate armoury of drugs for the treatment of malaria. This underscores the continuing need for the discovery and development of new effective and safe antimalarial drugs. To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of the leaf ethyl acetate extract of Murraya koenigii, bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation was employed for the isolation and purification of antimalarial compounds. The in vitro antimalarial activity was assayed by the erythrocytic stages of chloroquine-sensitive strain of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. The in vivo assay was done by administering mice infected with Plasmodium berghei (NK65) four consecutive daily doses of the extracts through oral route following Peter's 4-day curative standard test. The percentage suppression of parasitaemia was calculated for each dose level by comparing the parasitaemia in untreated control with those of treated mice. Cytotoxicity was determined against HeLa cells using MTT assay. Histopathology was studied in kidney, liver and spleen of isolated compound-treated Swiss albino mice. The leaf crude ethyl acetate extract of M. koenigii showed good in vitro antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum. The in vivo test of the leaf crude ethyl acetate extract (600 mg/kg) showed reduced malaria parasitaemia by 86.6% against P. berghei in mice. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the leaf ethyl acetate extract of M. koenigii led to the isolation of two purified fractions C3B2 (2.84 g) and C3B4 (1.97 g). The purified fractions C3B2 and C3B4 were found to be active with IC50 values of 10.5 ± 0.8 and 8.25 ± 0.2 µg/mL against P. falciparum, and in vivo activity significantly reduced parasitaemia by 82.6 and 88.2% at 100 mg/kg/body weight on day 4 against P. berghei, respectively. The isolated fractions C3B2 and C3B4 were monitored by thin-layer chromatography until a single spot was obtained with R f values of 0.36 and 0.52, respectively. The pure compounds obtained in the present investigation were subjected to UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy, 1D and 2D (1)H-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), (13)C NMR, DEPT, COSY and Mass spectral analysis. Based on the spectral analysis, it is concluded that the isolated compounds were myristic acid (C3B2) and ß-caryophyllene (C3B4). The cytotoxic effect of myristic acid and ß-caryophyllene showed the TC50 values of >100 and 80.5 µg/mL, respectively against HeLa cell line. The histopathology study showed that protection against nephrotoxicity of kidney, hepatic damage of liver and splenocytes protection in spleen was achieved with the highest dose tested at 100 mg/kg/body weight. The present study provides evidence of antiplasmodial compounds from M. koenigii and is reported for the first time.

Solanum trilobatum extract-mediated synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to control Pediculus humanus capitis, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and Anopheles subpictus.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used in paints, printing ink, rubber, paper, cosmetics, sunscreens, car materials, cleaning air products, industrial photocatalytic processes, and decomposing organic matters in wastewater due to their unique physical, chemical, and biological properties. The present study was conducted to assess the antiparasitic efficacies of synthesized TiO2 NPs utilizing leaf aqueous extract of Solanum trilobatum against the adult head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae); larvae of cattle tick Hyalomma anatolicum (a.) anatolicum Koch (Acari: Ixodidae), and fourth instar larvae of malaria vector Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). The green synthesized TiO2 NPs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDX), and Atomic force microscopy (AFM). XRD analysis of synthesized TiO2 NPs revealed that the particles were in the form of nanocrystals as evidenced by the major peaks at 2θ values of 27.52°, 36.21°, and 54.43° identified as 110, 101, and 211 reflections, respectively. FTIR spectra exhibited a prominent peak at 3,466 cm(-1) and showed OH stretching due to the alcoholic group, and the OH group may act as a capping agent. SEM images displayed NPs that were spherical, oval in shape, individual, and some in aggregates with an average size of 70 nm. Characterization of the synthesized TiO2 NPs using AFM offered a three-dimensional visualization and uneven surface morphology. The pediculocidal and acaricidal activities of synthesized TiO2 NPs showed the percent mortality of 31, 42, 63, 82, 100; 36, 44, 67, 89, and 100 at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg/L, respectively, against P. h. capitis and H. a. anatolicum. The average larval percent mortality of synthesized TiO2 NPs was 38, 47, 66, 79, and 100 at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mg/L, respectively, against A. subpictus. The maximum activity was observed in the aqueous leaf extract of S. trilobatum, TiO(OH)2 solutions (bulk), and synthesized TiO2 NPs with LC50 values of 35.14, 25.85, and 4.34 mg/L; 47.15, 29.78, and 4.11 mg/L; and 28.80, 24.01, and 1.94 mg/L, and r (2) values of 0.982, 0.991, and 0.992; 0.947, 0.987, and 0.997; and 0.965, 0.998 and 0.985, respectively, against P. h. capitis, H. a. anatolicum, and A. subpictus. This study provides the first report on the pediculocidal, acaricidal, and larvicidal activity of synthesized TiO2 NPs. This is an ideal eco-friendly, novel, low-cost, and simple approach to satisfy the requirement of large-scale industrial production bearing the advantage for the control of P. h. capitis, H. a. anatolicum, and A. subpictus.

Antiplasmodial potential of selected medicinal plants from eastern Ghats of South India.

Malaria caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, is a major health problem of the developing world. In the present study medicinal plants from Eastern Ghats of South India have been extracted with ethyl acetate and assayed for growth inhibition of asexual erythrocytic stages of chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive (3D7) and (CQ)-resistant (INDO) strains of P. falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. Studied extracts showed a spectrum of antiplasmodial activities ranging from (a) very good (IC(50)<10-10 µg/mL: Cyperus rotundus and Zingiber officinale); (b) good (IC(50), >10-15 µg/mL: Ficus religiosa and Murraya koenigii); (c) moderate (IC(50)>15-25 µg/mL: Ficus benghalensis); (d) poor activity (IC(50)>25-60 µg/mL) and (e) inactive (IC(50)>60 µg/mL). Resistance indices ranging from 0.78 to 1.28 suggest that some of these extracts had equal promise against the CQ resistant INDO strain of P. falciparum. Cytotoxicity assessment of the extracts against HeLa cell line using MTT assay revealed that the selectivity indices in the range of 3-15 suggesting a good margin of safety.

Novel and simple approach using synthesized nickel nanoparticles to control blood-sucking parasites.

The present study was on assessment of the anti-parasitic activities of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) against the larvae of cattle ticks Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum (a.) anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae), fourth instar larvae of Anopheles subpictus, Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex gelidus (Diptera: Culicidae). The metallic Ni NPs were synthesized by polyol process from Ni-hydrazine as precursor and Tween 80 as both the medium and the stabilizing reagent. The synthesized Ni NPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis which indicated the presence of Ni NPs. Synthesized Ni NPs showed the X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks at 42.76°, 53.40°, and 76.44°, identified as 111, 220, and 200 reflections, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the synthesized Ni NPs clearly showed that the Ni NPs were spherical in shape with an average size of 150 nm. The Ni NPs showed maximum activity against the larvae of R. (B.) microplus, H. a. anatolicum, A. subpictus, C. quinquefasciatus and C. gelidus with LC(50) values of 10.17, 10.81, 4.93, 5.56 and 4.94 mg/L; r(2) values of 0.990, 0.993, 0.992, 0.950 and 0.988 and the efficacy of Ni-hydrazine complexes showed the LC(50) values of 20.35, 22.72, 8.29, 9.69 and 7.83 mg/L; r(2) values of 0.988, 0.986, 0.989, 0.944 and 0.978, respectively. The findings revealed that synthesized Ni NPs possess excellent larvicidal parasitic activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on larvicidal activity of blood feeding parasites using synthesized Ni NPs.

Larvicidal activity of isolated compound 5-(2,4-dimethylbenzyl) pyrrolidin-2-one from marine Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus.

The aim of the present study was to assess the larvicidal property of marine actinobacterial compound 5-(2,4-dimethylbenzyl) pyrrolidin-2-one (DMBPO) extracted and isolated from Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. tested against the larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini (Acari: Ixodidae), Anopheles stephensi Liston, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae). The isolate bacteria was taxonomically characterized, identified, and designated as Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. The crude extract was loaded on silica gel column and eluted with chloroform:methanol. The isolated pure compound was analyzed by thin layer chromatography using chloroform and methanol as the solvent system and confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The structure of the purified compound was established from infrared, ultraviolet, (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), (13)C-NMR, and mass spectral data. The chemical shift assignments obtained for the aliphatic compound from (1)H-NMR corresponding to the molecular formula C(13)H(17)NO. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of compound which was identified as DMBPO. In the present study, Streptomyces VITSVK5 sp. crude extract and different fractions were tested against the larvae of parasites at the concentration of 1,000 ppm. Those fractions showing 100% mortality in 24 h alone was selected for further column chromatographic separation. The purified compound, C(13)H(17)NO, was tested in the concentrations of 500, 250, 125, 62.5, and 31.25 ppm and observed the percent larval mortality of 100, 70, 64, 40, and 28 against R. microplus; 100, 79, 63, 36, and 22 against A. stephensi; and 100, 84, 67, 42, and 27 against C. tritaeniorhynchus, respectively. The crude extract showed parasitic effects after 24 h of exposure at 1,000 ppm, and parasite mortality was observed against the larvae of R. microplus (LC(50) = 210.39 ppm, r (2) = 0.873); A. stephensi (LC(50) = 169.38 ppm, r (2) = 0.840); and C. tritaeniorhynchus (LC(50) = 198.75 ppm, r (2) = 0.887). The maximum efficacy was observed in purified marine actinobacterial compound DMBPO with LC(50) and r (2) values against the larvae of R. microplus (84.31 ppm, 0.889); A. stephensi (88.97 ppm, 0.817), and C. tritaeniorhynchus (74.95 ppm, 0.781), respectively. The control (distilled water) showed nil mortality in the concurrent assay.

Evaluation of antileishmanial activity of South Indian medicinal plants against Leishmania donovani.

Infections due to protozoa of the genus Leishmania are a major worldwide health problem, with high endemicity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antileishmanial activity of the acetone and methanol leaf extracts of Anisomeles malabarica, flower of Gloriosa superba, leaf of Ocimum basilicum, leaf and seed of Ricinus communis against promastigotes form of Leishmania donovani. Antiparasitic evaluations of different plant crude extracts were performed on 96 well plates at 37°C for 24-48 h. Out of the 10 experimental plant extracts tested, the leaf methanol extracts of A. malabarica, and R. communis showed good antileishmanial activity (IC(50)=126±19.70 and 184±39.33 µg/mL), respectively against promastigotes. Effective antileishmanial activity was observed making these plants as good candidates for isolation of antiprotozoal compounds which could serve as new lead structures for drug development.

Evaluation of stem aqueous extract and synthesized silver nanoparticles using Cissus quadrangularis against Hippobosca maculata and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

The present study was to determine the efficacies of anti-parasitic activities of synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using stem aqueous extract of Cissus quadrangularis against the adult of hematophagous fly, Hippobosca maculata (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), and the larvae of cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Contact toxicity method was followed to determine the potential of parasitic activity. Twelve milliliters of stem aqueous extract of C. quadrangularis was treated with 88 ml of 1mM silver nitrate (AgNO(3)) solution at room temperature for 30 min and the resulting solution was yellow-brown color indicating the formation extracellular synthesis of Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The synthesized Ag NPs were recorded by UV-visible spectrum at 420 nm and XRD patterns showed the nanoparticles crystalline in nature. FTIR analysis confirmed that the bioreduction of Ag((+)) ions to Ag NPs were due to the reduction by capping material of plant extract. FESEM image of Ag NPs showed spherical and oval in shape. By using the Bragg's Law and Scherrer's constant, the average mean size of synthesized Ag NPs was 42.46 nm. The spot EDX analysis showed the complete chemical composition of the synthesized Ag NPs. The mortality obtained by the synthesized Ag NPs from the C. quadrangularis was more effective than the aqueous extract of C. quadrangularis and AgNO(3) solution (1 mM). The adulticidal activity was observed in the aqueous extract, AgNO(3) solution and synthesized Ag NPs against the adult of H. maculata with LC(50) values of 37.08, 40.35 and 6.30 mg/L; LC(90) values of 175.46, 192.17 and 18.14 mg/L and r(2) values of 0.970, 0.992 and 0.969, respectively. The maximum efficacy showed in the aqueous extract, AgNO(3) solution and synthesized Ag NPs against the larvae of R. (B.) microplus with LC(50) values of 50.00, 21.72 and 7.61 mg/L; LC(90) values of 205.12, 82.99 and 22.68 mg/L and r(2) values of 0.968, 0.945 and 0.994, respectively. The present study is the first report on antiparasitic activity of the experimental plant extract and synthesized Ag NPs. This is an ideal eco-friendly and inexpensive approach for the control of H. maculata and R. (B.) microplus.

Antimalarial activities of medicinal plants traditionally used in the villages of Dharmapuri regions of South India.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: An ethnopharmacological investigation of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diseases associated with fevers in Dharmapuri region of South India was undertaken. Twenty four plants were identified and evaluated for their in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum and assessed for cytotoxicity against HeLa cell line. AIM OF THE STUDY: This antimalarial in vitro study was planned to correlate and validate the traditional usage of medicinal plants against malaria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ethnobotanical survey was made in Dharmapuri region, Tamil Nadu, India to identify plants used in traditional medicine against fevers. Selected plants were extracted with ethyl acetate and methanol and evaluated for antimalarial activity against erythrocytic stages of chloroquine (CQ)-sensitive 3D7 and CQ-resistant INDO strains of Plasmodium falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. Cytotoxicity was determined against HeLa cells using MTT assay. RESULTS: Promising antiplasmodial activity was found in Aegle marmelos [leaf methanol extract (ME) (IC(50)=7 µg/mL] and good activities were found in Lantana camara [leaf ethyl acetate extract (EAE) IC(50)=19 µg/mL], Leucas aspera (flower EAE IC(50)=12.5 µg/mL), Momordica charantia (leaf EAE IC(50)=17.5 µg/mL), Phyllanthus amarus (leaf ME IC(50)=15 µg/mL) and Piper nigrum (seed EAE IC(50)=12.5 µg/mL). The leaf ME of Aegle marmelos which showed the highest activity against Plasmodium falciparum elicited low cytotoxicity (therapeutic index>13). CONCLUSION: These results provide validation for the traditional usage of some medicinal plants against malaria in Dharmapuri region, Tamil Nadu, India.

Lousicidal activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Lawsonia inermis leaf aqueous extract against Pediculus humanus capitis and Bovicola ovis.

In the present work, we describe inexpensive, nontoxic, unreported and simple procedure for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using leaf aqueous extract of Lawsonia inermis as eco-friendly reducing and capping agent. The aim of the present study was to assess the lousicidal activity of synthesized Ag NPs against human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae), and sheep body louse, Bovicola ovis Schrank (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae). Direct contact method was conducted to determine the potential of pediculocidal activity and impregnated method was used with slight modifications to improve practicality and efficiency of tested materials of synthesized Ag NPs against B. ovis. The synthesized Ag NPs characterized with the UV showing peak at 426 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra clearly shows that the diffraction peaks in the pattern indexed as the silver with lattice constants. XRD analysis showed intense peaks at 2θ values of 38.34°, 44.59°, 65.04°, and 77.77° corresponding to (111), (200), (220), and (311) Bragg's reflection based on the fcc structure of Ag NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of Ag NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 3,422.13, 2,924.12, 2,851.76, 1,631.41, 1,381.60, 1,087.11, and 789.55 cm(-1). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph showed mean size of 59.52 nm and aggregates of spherical shape Ag NPs. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) showed the complete chemical composition of the synthesized Ag NPs. In pediculocidal activity, the results showed that the optimal times for measuring percent mortality effects of synthesized Ag NPs were 26, 61, 84, and 100 at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min, respectively. The average percent mortality for synthesized Ag NPs was 33, 84, 91, and 100 at 10, 15, 20, and 35 min, respectively against B. ovis. The maximum activity was observed in the aqueous leaf extract of L. inermis, 1 mM AgNO(3) solution, and synthesized Ag NPs against P. humanus capitis with LC(50) values of 18.26, 7.77, and 1.33 mg l(-1) and r (2) values of 0.863, 0.900, and 0.803 and against B. ovis showed with LC(50) values of 21.19, 8.49, and 1.41 mg l(-1) and r (2) values of 0.920, 0.938 and 0.870, respectively. The findings revealed that synthesized Ag NPs possess excellent anti-lousicidal activity.

Evaluation of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract-mediated biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles against Hippobosca maculata and Bovicola ovis.

The purpose of the present study was based on assessments of the antiparasitic activities of synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2) NPs) utilizing leaf aqueous extract of Catharanthus roseus against the adults of hematophagous fly, Hippobosca maculata Leach (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), and sheep-biting louse, Bovicola ovis Schrank (Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae). The synthesized TiO(2) NPs were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of the TiO(2) NPs synthesized from the XRD spectrum compared with the standard confirmed spectrum of titanium particles formed in the present experiments were in the form of nanocrystals, as evidenced by the peaks at 2θ values of 27.43°, 36.03°, and 54.32°. The FTIR spectra of TiO(2) NPs exhibited prominent peaks at 714 (Ti-O-O bond), 1,076 (C-N stretch aliphatic amines), 1,172 (C-O stretching vibrations in alcoholic groups), 1,642 (N-H bend bond), and 3,426 (O-H stretching due to alcoholic group). SEM analysis of the synthesized TiO(2) NPs clearly showed the clustered and irregular shapes, mostly aggregated and having the size of 25-110 nm. By Bragg's law and Scherrer's constant, it is proved that the mean size of synthesized TiO(2) NPs was 65 nm. The AFM obviously depicts the formation of the rutile and anatase forms in the TiO(2) NPs and also, the surface morphology of the particles is uneven due to the presence of some of the aggregates and individual particles. Adulticidal parasitic activity was observed in varying concentrations of aqueous leaf extract of C. roseus, TiO(2) solution, and synthesized TiO(2) NPs for 24 h. The maximum parasitic activity was observed in aqueous crude leaf extracts of C. roseus against the adults of H. maculata and B. ovis with LD(50) values of 36.17 and 30.35 mg/L, and r (2) values of 0.948 and 0.908, respectively. The highest efficacy was reported in 5 mM TiO(2) solution against H. maculata and B. ovis (LD(50) = 33.40 and 34.74 mg/L; r (2) = 0.786 and 0.873), respectively, and the maximum activity was observed in the synthesized TiO(2) NPs against H. maculata and B. ovis with LD(50) values of LD(50) = 7.09 and 6.56 mg/L, and r (2) values of 0.880 and 0.913, respectively. This method is considered as an innovative alternative approach to control the hematophagous fly and sheep-biting louse.

Feeding deterrent activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles using Manilkara zapota leaf extract against the house fly, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

With a greater awareness of the hazards associated with the use of synthetic organic insecticides, there has been an urgent need to explore suitable alternative products for pest control. Musca domestica is ubiquitous insect that has the potential to spread a variety of pathogens to humans and livestock. They are mechanical carriers of more than hundred human and animal intestinal diseases and are responsible for protozoan, bacterial, helminthic, and viral infections. The present work aimed to investigate the feeding deterrent activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using leaf aqueous extract of Manilkara zapota against M. domestica. The synthesized Ag NPs were recorded from UV-vis spectrum at 421 nm and scanning electron microscopy confirm the biosynthesis and characterization of Ag NPs with spherical and oval in shape and size of 70-140 nm. The FTIR analysis of the purified nanoparticles showed the presence of bands 1,079, 1,383, 1,627, 2,353, and 2,648 cm(-1), which were complete synthesis of AgNPs; the XRD pattern of AgNPs showed diffraction peaks at 2θ values of 38.06°, 44.37°, 64.51°, and 77.31° sets of lattice planes were observed (111), (200), (220), and (311) facts of silver, respectively. Adult flies were exposed to different concentrations of the aqueous extract of synthesized Ag NPs, 1 mM silver nitrate (AgNO(3)) solution and aqueous extract of M. zapota for 1, 2, and 3 h; however, AgNPs showed 72% mortality in 1 h, 89% mortality was found in 2 h, and 100% mortality was found in 3 h exposure at the concentration of 10 mg/mL and the leaf aqueous extract showed 32% mortality in 1 h, 48% mortality was found in 2 h, and 83% mortality was found in 3 h exposure at concentration of 50 mg/mL. The most efficient activity was observed in synthesized Ag NPs against M. domestica (LD(50) = 3.64 mg/mL; LD(90) = 7.74 mg/mL), the moderate activity reported in the aqueous extract of M. zapota (LD(50) = 28.35 mg/mL; LD(90) = 89.19 mg/mL) and nil activity were observed in AgNO(3) solution at 3 h exposure time at 10 mg/mL. Dimethyl 2, 2-dichlorovinyl phosphate (DDVP) was used as a positive control and showed the LD(50) value of 3.38 mL/L. These results suggest that the synthesized Ag NPs have the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of the adult of M. domestica. This method is considered as a new approach to control sanitary pest. Therefore, this study provides first report on the feeding deterrent activity of synthesized Ag NPs against housefly.

Efficacy of plant-mediated synthesized silver nanoparticles against hematophagous parasites.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the acaricidal and larvicidal activity against the larvae of Haemaphysalis bispinosa Neumann (Acarina: Ixodidae) and larvae of hematophagous fly Hippobosca maculata Leach (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) and against the fourth-instar larvae of malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi Liston, Japanese encephalitis vector, Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing aqueous leaf extract from Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae). The color of the extract changed to light brown within an hour, and later it changed to dark brown during the 30-min incubation period. AgNPs results were recorded from UV-vis spectrum at 426 nm; Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed that the bioreduction of Ag(+) ions to silver nanoparticles are due to the reduction by capping material of plant extract, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns clearly illustrates that the nanoparticles formed in the present synthesis are crystalline in nature and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) support the biosynthesis and characterization of AgNPs with rod in shape and size of 60-150 nm. After reaction, the XRD pattern of AgNPs showed diffraction peaks at 2θ = 34.37°, 38.01°, 44.17°, 66.34° and 77.29° assigned to the (100), (111), (102), (110) and (120) planes, respectively, of a faced centre cubic (fcc) lattice of silver were obtained. For electron microscopic studies, a 25 µl sample was sputter-coated on copper stub, and the images of nanoparticles were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The spot EDX analysis showed the complete chemical composition of the synthesized AgNPs. The parasite larvae were exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extract of M. paradisiaca and synthesized AgNPs for 24 h. In the present study, the percent mortality of aqueous extract of M. paradisiaca were 82, 71, 46, 29, 11 and 78, 66, 38, 31and 16 observed in the concentrations of 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 mg/l for 24 h against the larvae of H. bispinosa and Hip. maculata, respectively. The maximum efficacy was observed in the aqueous extract of M. paradisiaca against the H. bispinosa, Hip. maculata, and the larvae of A. stephensi, C. tritaeniorhynchus with LC(50) values of 28.96, 31.02, 26.32, and 20.10 mg/lm, respectively (r (2) = 0.990, 0.968, 0.974, and 0.979, respectively). The synthesized AgNPs of M. paradisiaca showed the LC(50) and r (2) values against H. bispinosa, (1.87 mg/l; 0.963), Hip. maculata (2.02 mg/l; 0.976), and larvae of A. stephensi (1.39; 0.900 mg/l), against C. tritaeniorhynchus (1.63 mg/l; 0.951), respectively. The χ (2) values were significant at p < 0.05 level.

Antiplasmodial potential of medicinal plant extracts from Malaiyur and Javadhu hills of South India.

The emergence and spread of Plasmodium falciparum with resistance to chloroquine (CQ), the safest and cheapest anti-malarial drug, coupled with the increasing cost of alternative drugs especially in developing countries have necessitated the urgent need to tap the potential of plants for novel anti-malarials. The present study investigates the anti-malarial activity of the methanolic extracts of 13 medicinal plants from the Malaiyur and Javadhu hills of South India against blood stage CQ-sensitive (3D7) and CQ-resistant (INDO) strains of P. falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR Green I assay. Sorbitol-synchronized parasites were incubated under normal culture conditions at 2% hematocrit and 1% parasitemia in the absence or presence of increasing concentrations of plant extracts. CQ and artemisinin were used as positive controls, while 0.4% DMSO was used as the negative control. The cytotoxic effects of extracts on host cells were assessed by functional assay using HeLa cells cultured in RPMI containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 0.21% sodium bicarbonate and 50 µg/mL gentamycin (complete medium). Plant extracts (bark methanol extracts of Annona squamosa (IC(50), 30 µg/mL), leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum (IC(50), 32 µg/mL), Ocimum tenuiflorum (IC(50), 31 µg/mL), Solanum torvum (IC(50), 31 µg/mL) and Justicia procumbens (IC(50), 63 µg/mL), showed moderate activity. The leaf extracts of Aristolochia indica (IC(50), 10 µg/mL), Cassia auriculata (IC(50), 14 µg/mL), Chrysanthemum indicum (IC(50), 20 µg/mL) and Dolichos biflorus (IC(50), 20 µg/mL) showed promising activity and low activity was observed in the flower methanol extracts of A. indica , leaf methanol extract of Catharanthus roseus, and Gymnema sylvestre (IC(50), >100 µg/mL). These four extracts exhibited promising IC(50) (µg/mL) of 17, 24, 19 and 24 respectively also against the CQ resistant INDO strain of P. falciparum. The high TC(50) in mammalian cell cytotoxicity assay and the low IC(50) in anti-malarial P. falciparum assay indicates selectivity and good resistance indices in the range of 0.9-1.7 for leaf extracts of A. indica, C. auriculata, C. indicum and D. biflorus suggests that these may serve as anti-malarial agents even in their crude form. These results indicate a possible explanation of the traditional use of some of these medicinal plants against malaria or malaria-like conditions.