Phytochemical screening and insecticidal activities of some medicinal plants against the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

This study emphasizes the phytochemical study of some locally available botanicals against maize weevils. Nine plant parts were collected from six plant species. The test plant powder (200 g) was suspended sequentially in 600 ml of petroleum ether, chloroform, acetone, methanol, and distilled water for 72 h with frequent agitation. Different concentrations of the crude extracts were applied to maize seeds at rates of 10 ml, 15 ml and 20 ml per 100 g. All treatments with different extracts at different rates of application showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the cumulative mean percentage mortality of the maize weevil. The seed extract of Maesa lanceolata and Croton macrostachyus and the leaf extract of Clausena anisata showed cumulative percent mortality ranged 95.32-98.02% in 28 days after treatment application. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among all treatments for the prevention of F1 progeny emergence. In all extracts, Clausena anisata showed 100% inhibition of F1 progeny emergence. All treatments significantly reduced seed weight loss and damage. The treated maize seeds were germinated with an acceptable germination quality. In conclusion, an increased dosage of the extract resulted in significant mortality in maize weevils. The seed extracts of Maesa lanceolata and Croton macrostachyus and Clausena anisata leaf extract were observed to be the most promising botanical in protecting stored maize against maize weevil.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Anthocyanin-Enriched Black Soybean Seed Coat (BSSC) Crude Extract on LPS-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice.

Soybeans rank among the top five globally produced crops. Black soybeans contain anthocyanins in their seed coat, offering strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This study explores the protective effects of black soybean seed coat (BSSC) against acute liver injury (ALI) in mice. Mice pretreated with BSSC crude extract showed reduced liver damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. High doses (300 mg/kg) of the extract decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-γ) and increased levels of anti-inflammatory ones (IL-4, IL-10), alongside mitigating liver pathological damage. Additionally, it influenced the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and reduced levels of apoptosis-related proteins. In vitro, the compounds delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (D3G) and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) in BSSC were found to modulate cytokine levels, suggesting their role in ALI protection. The study concludes that BSSC extract, particularly due to D3G and C3G, effectively protects against LPS-induced ALI in mice by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Evaluation of Wound Healing Activity of Hydromethanolic Crude Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Root of Verbascum Sinaiticum Benth. (Scrophulariaceae) in Swiss Albino Mice.

Background: The roots of Verbascum sinaiticum have been used traditionally for the management of wound in different regions of Ethiopia. Despite the presence of several claims and in vitro studies regarding its role in wound healing, no scientific studies have been conducted so far. Therefore, this study aims to scientifically evaluate the wound healing activities of the crude extract and solvent fractions of the roots of Verbascum sinaiticum in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The dried root powder of Verbascum sinaiticum was extracted using 80% methanol by maceration technique. This was then fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. These extracts were formulated as ointment at 5% and 10% concentration by using simple base. Acute dermal toxicity was performed on mice. The wound healing potential was evaluated using excision, incision, and burn wound models. Results: In excision wound, 10% and 5% of crude extract ointment provided a significant (P<0.001) percentage of contraction starting from day 4 and day 6 onwards respectively. Moreover, the rate of epithelialization was significantly (P<0.001) improved in 10% crude extract. In burn wound, 10% and 5% crude extract showed significant (P<0.001) wound contraction starting from day 4 and 8 onwards respectively. In both excision and burn wounds, a moderate concentration of fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition was observed on the 10% crude extract. The 5% and 10% aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions produced a significant (P<0.001) percentage of wound contraction and shortening of epithelialization at different time points compared to simple ointment. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the 80% methanolic crude extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of Verbascum sinaiticum root have wound healing potential which assimilates its traditional use.

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Anti-oxidant Activities of Suaeda monoica Extract for Its Potential Application.

BACKGROUND:  An assessment of Suaeda monoica extract's antimicrobial and antioxidant properties was undertaken in light of its possible application as an oral care product. The maintenance of optimal dental health is just as important as overall wellness. Food particles become trapped in the mouth cavity, making it easy for oral bacteria to infect. AIM:  The study sought to ascertain the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of salt marsh Suaeda monoica extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  Leaves of Suaeda monoica, collected, dried and powdered, were dissolved in 70% methanol and the extract of 25-100 µg/ml was analyzed for antioxidant activity through total antioxidant assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and total reducing power. Suaeda monoica antibacterial activity was also performed and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined for 75 µg/ml, 100µg/ml, and 150 µg/ml concentrations and tetracycline in 10mcg/disc as a control against three different oral pathogens: Staphylococcus mutans, Streptococcus aureus, and Klebsiella spp. RESULTS:  At varying concentrations of 75 mg/ml to 150 mg/ml, Suaeda monoica extracts are efficacious with varying concentrations against the investigated bacterial strains. In the present study, in the DPPH assay, total reducing power, and total antioxidant activity assay, there was an increase in inhibitory percentage as the concentration increased from 25-100 µg/ml, showing maximum inhibition at 100 µg/ml concentration. CONCLUSION:  The results of the investigation show that Suaeda monoica has significant antibacterial and antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent manner and can be potentially used as an oral care agent after it is assessed for clinical use.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke extracts on bacterial isolates from Wound samples of patients with "Shimetere".

BACKGROUND: Modern medicine is not the choice of patients with "shimetere" in the Gurage community owing to their perception of 'parenteral medication use severely aggravates the disease'. For this reason, the root part of Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke is commonly utilized as traditional medicine in the management of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke extract on bacterial isolates from wound samples of patients with "Shimetere". METHODS: The agar well diffusion method was used to evaluate antibacterial activity, and the agar dilution method was utilized to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MICs). The crude extract was tested against isolated bacteria at concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/mL in triplicate (3x). The positive controls were azithromycin (15 µg) and cloxacillin disk (5 µg), and the negative control was dimethylsulfoxide (5%). The group mean comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA at a significance level of p < 0.05, and the results are presented as the mean ± standard deviation. The presence of secondary metabolites from crude extract was checked by standard testing procedures. RESULTS: S. aureus and S. pyrogen were the two identified bacteria from 9 (60%) and 3 (20%) wound samples, respectively. All identified bacterial strains were susceptible to the reference antibiotics. Tannins and saponins were the most abundant secondary metabolites found in the crude extracts. The average inhibition zones of the plant extracts with 100, 75, 50 and 25 mg/mL concentrations were 27, 20.33, 15.25, and 11.96 mm (p < 0.000) for S. aureus and 30.02, 24.50, 19.07, and 15.77 mm (p < 0.000) for S. pyrogen bacteria, respectively. The MIC and MBC of the crude extract were 1.67 and 10 mg/mL for S. aureus and 0.98 and 4 mg/mL for S. pyrogen. CONCLUSION: Polygala sadebeckiana Gürke contained significant tannins and saponins as secondary metabolites and had antibacterial activities against isolated bacteria (S. aureus and S. pyrogen) from "Shimetere". The potential mechanism of antibacterial action of the plant extract was cell wall synthesis inhibition.

Rosa roxburghii Tratt Pomace Crude Extract Inactivates Cronobacter sakazakii Isolated from Powdered Infant Formula.

Cronobacter sakazakii is an important foodborne pathogen in powder infant formula (PIF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the inactivation effect of Rosa roxburghii Tratt pomace crude extract (RRPCE) on C. sakazakii isolated from PIF and to reveal the mechanism of action. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were used to evaluate the inhibitory activity of RRPCE against C. sakazakii. The inhibitory mechanism was revealed from the perspective of effects of RRPCE on intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), membrane potential, protein and nucleic acid leakage, and cell morphology of C. sakazakii. The inactivation effects of RRPCE on C. sakazakii in biofilms on stainless steel, tinplate, glass, silica gel, polyethylene terephthalate, and polystyrene to evaluate its potential as a natural disinfectant. The results showed that the MIC and MBC of RRPCE against C. sakazakii were 7.5 and 15 mg/mL, respectively. After treatments with RRPCE, intracellular ATP content decreased significantly while intracellular ROS level increased significantly (p < 0.05). The cell membrane depolarization, large leakage of proteins and nucleic acids, and severely damaged cell morphology also occurred in C. sakazakii treated with RRPCE. In addition, a 20-minute treatment with 2 MIC (15 mg/mL) of RRPCE could inactivate all C. sakazakii (from 6.10 to 6.40 CFU/mL) in biofilms on all six contact surfaces. Our findings suggest that RRPCE is ideal for the inactivation of C. sakazakii and has the potential to be used as a natural disinfectant for the inactivation of PIF packaging materials and containers.

Chromatographic analysis and antioxidant potency of the crude extract of Xanthium spinosum in various fractions.

Pharmacology experts place a high priority on therapeutic plants because the majority of pharmaceutical firms rely on medicinal plants as raw ingredients. Therefore, the potential bioactive components using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and antioxidant effects using DPPH free radical scavenging activity of various crude fractions of Xanthium spinosum were assessed. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of various bioactive compounds including benzenedicarboxylic acid (18.60%), 8-octadecenoic acid (4.86%), 11-octadecenoic acid and 10-octadecenoic acid in the crude methanolic extract, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (14.42%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester (14.42%), 6-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (7.56%), 8-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (7.56%), 10-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (7.56%) and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (6.55%) in the n-hexane extract, ethanal, 2-methyl-2-[4-(1-methylethyl)phenyl]-(3.02%), (+)-3-carene, 4-isopropenyl-(3.02%), 7H-indeno[5,6-b] furan-7-one, 4,4a,5,6,7a,8-hexahydro- (3.02%) and 2-[5-(2,2-dimethyl-6-methylene-cyclohexyl)-3-methyl-pent-2-enyl]-[1,4] benzoquinone (2.79%) in the chloroform extract and 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester (33.005%), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (33.005%) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (33.005%) in the ethyl acetate extract. Significant DPPH radical scavenging activity was exhibited by the chloroform fraction (43.37-88.65%) at all doses followed by the crude methanolic extract (36.02-83.75%) at all doses. In conclusion, different crude fractions of X. spinosum can be considered a rich source of pharmacologically active components that can be scoped for isolation and may be subjected to in-depth pharmacological study.

Bioefficacy of the ethanolic crude extract of the wild leek, Allium ampeloprasum L. (Amaryllidaceae), against the third and fourth larval stages of Aedes aegypti L. (Culicidae).

Insecticide resistance is a threat to vector control worldwide. In the Philippines, dengue burden remains significant, thus prioritizing the need to develop eco-friendly control strategies and tools against mosquito vectors. Various Allium species have been found to possess larvicidal activity against dengue-carrying mosquitoes. In this study, the larvicidal activity of the crude extract of Allium ampeloprasum L. (Asparagales: Amaryllidaceae) was studied in concentrations ranging from 1 to 10,000 mg/L against the third (L3) and fourth (L4) larval instars of Aedes aegypti L. Larval mortality at 48 h were subjected to probit analysis and Kruskal-Wallis H test to estimate lethal concentrations and to determine significant means among the groups, respectively. Results show that the crude extract of A. ampeloprasum L. demonstrated larvicidal activity against the L3 and L4 Ae. aegypti L. Concentrations corresponding to 50% mortality (Lethal Concentration 50 [LC50]) among L3 and L4 larvae were estimated at 2,829.16 and 13,014.06 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, 90% mortality (LC90) in the L3 and L4 larvae were estimated at 9,749.75 and 57,836.58 mg/L, respectively. Only 1,000 and 10,000 mg/L for L3, and the 10,000 mg/L for L4, had comparable larvicidal action to the commercial larvicide used as a positive control. The results support the presence of bioactive compounds with larvicidal properties, thus suggesting A. ampeloprasum L. as a potential source of active ingredients for the development of a plant-based larvicide.

Antidiabetic Activities of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Verbascum Sinaiticum Benth (Scrophulariaceae) Leaves in Mice.

Background: Because of the scarcity, high cost, and severe side effects of current medications, it is necessary to discover novel, safe, and affordable anti-diabetic drugs. The current study was conducted to evaluate the antidiabetic activities of Verbascum sinaiticum Benth leaves in mice. Methods: Leaf coarse powder was extracted with 80% methanol and then fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and distilled water. The glucose-lowering effects of V. sinaiticum at 100, 200, and 400mg/kg were then studied. Glibenclamide was used as a positive control at a dose of 5 mg/kg. For oral glucose tolerance tests and hypoglycemia tests, Tween 2% was used as a negative control, while citrate buffer was used as a negative control for antihyperglycemic investigations. The results from the study were evaluated using one-way ANOVA, and then Tukey's post hoc multiple comparison test was performed. Results: Blood glucose levels were significantly reduced by the V. sinaiticum 80% methanol extract at 400 mg/kg (p<0.05). The blood glucose levels were significantly lowered by the aqueous residue at 400 mg/kg (p<0.05) and the ethyl acetate fractions at 200 mg/kg (p<0.01) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001); however, none of the fraction extracts resulted in hypoglycemic shock in healthy mice. Higher glucose tolerance was seen in orally glucose-loaded mice after exposure to 80% methanol extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p<0.05), the aqueous residual fraction at 200 mg/kg (p<0.01), and the ethyl acetate fraction at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p<0.05). The ethyl acetate fraction at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p<0.01), the 80% methanol extract at 400 mg/kg (p<0.05) and the aqueous residue at 400 mg/kg (p 0.01) significantly lowered blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the 80% methanol extract and solvent fractions of V. sinaiticum Benth leaves are endowed with antidiabetic activity.

Insecticidal Effect of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Lecanicillium araneicola HK-1 in Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is an important pest affecting various crops worldwide. However, only few studies have been conducted on the infection of A. craccivora by Lecanicillium and related insecticidal mechanisms. We investigated the infection process of A. craccivora by Lecanicillium araneicola HK-1 using fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and our results indicated that the conidia of strain HK-1 easily attached to the feet and dorsum of A. craccivora. The activities of chitinase and extracellular protease were induced in the aphid after treatment with HK-1. A bioassay on A. craccivora showed that the median lethal concentration (LC50) of the fungus crude extract was 24.00 mg mL-1 for 24 h of treatment. Additionally, the results showed that the crude extract disrupted the enzyme system of A. craccivora, inducing the inhibition of carboxylesterase (CarE) and the induction of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Combining these results with those of a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, it is suggested that p-cymene, hymecromone, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) methyl ester, and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) may be connected to the insecticidal effects we observed. This study provides a theoretical basis for the use of L. araneicola HK-1 as a potential biological control agent.

Acute and Sub-Acute Toxicity Evaluation of the Crude Methanolic Extract of Justicia schimperiana Leaf in Wistar Albino Rats.

Purpose: This study evaluates the acute and sub-acute toxicity of 80% methanolic extracts of the leaves of Justicia schimperiana in Wistar albino rat models. Methods: Dried powdered leaves of Justicia schimperiana were macerated in 80% methanol. The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline 423 for acute and 407 for sub-acute toxicity testing. A single dose of 5000 mg/kg extract was orally administered to three female rats for the acute toxicity study. The plant extract was administered orally for 28 days in daily dosages of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for the sub-acute study. Animals in a control group were given distilled water. A total of 40 rats (5 rats/group/sex) were used for the sub-acute toxicity testing. Daily food intake and weekly body weight measurements were done. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the 28-day treatment period for hematological, biochemical, and histopathological tests. One-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed for the analysis. Results: The single-dose oral administration of the plant resulted in no deaths or serious morbidity. The median lethal dose was >5000 mg/kg. The 28-day oral treatment of the plant extract had no significant effect on general behavior, food intake, organ weight, biochemical parameters, or the majority of the hematological markers, with the exception of the decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit in the 1000 mg/kg extract-treated groups compared to the controls. Both sexes experienced significant weight increases at all dosage levels. With the exception of minor alterations in a few of the organs, no significant histological change was identified. Conclusion: It is concluded that the single-dose and repeated-dose 28-day oral administration of the methanolic leaf extract of Justicia schimperiana is relatively safe.

Evaluation of Anti-Diarrheal Activities of the 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of Maesa lanceolata Forssk (Myrsinaceae) Leaves in Mice.

Background: Due to the limits of present antidiarrheal medications, it is critical to seek novel, safe, and inexpensive antidiarrheal agents. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the antidiarrheal activity of 80% methanol crude extract and solvent fractions of Maesa lanceolata leaves in mice. Methods: Leaf powder was extracted by 80% methanol and then fractionated with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and distilled water. At 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, the effects of the crude extract on castor oil-induced diarrhea, enteropooling, and gastrointestinal motility tests were investigated. Tween 2% and atropine used as negative and positive controls, respectively. A gastrointestinal motility test was used to explore the anti-motility effects. Data were analyzed with SPSS V. 26, and the significance was established with a one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey's test. Results: The crude extract delayed the onset of diarrhea and significantly reduced the number of fecal drops at 100 (p<0.05), 200 and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). Similarly, the number and weight of wet feces, as well as total fresh feces, were reduced at 200 (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001) compared to Tween 2%. The enteropooling test demonstrated that the extracts significantly reduced the volume and weight of intestine content at 200 (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). The anti-motility activity test revealed that the all extracts decreased gastrointestinal motility significantly (p<0.001). The ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced gastrointestinal transit time at all doses (p<0.001). At 400 mg/kg, the activities of the n-hexane fraction were significant (p<0.01). The efficacy of the residual aqueous fraction on gastrointestinal motility was significant at 200 (p<0.05) and 400 mg/kg (p<0.001). Conclusion: The 80% methanol extract of Maesa lanceolata Forssk leaf and solvent fractions were shown to exhibit potent antidiarrheal activity in the current study.

Toxic Potential of Crude Extract From Cassava Cortex Containing Scopoletin and Cyanide on Wistar Rats and Broilers.

The present work aimed to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity of cortex cassava crude extract containing scopoletin and cyanide. The limit test method of OECD at 2000 mg/kg was used to determine the LD50 of the crude extract in female Wistar rats, and the sub-acute toxicity was conducted in broilers by incorporating their feed with the cortex powder at 2 mg, 4 mg and 8 mg of powder per 100 g of standard food, corresponding to MIC, 2MIC and 4MIC: those concentrations, respectively, corresponded to .07 µg, .14 µg and .28 µg of scopoletin and 2.8 µg, 5.6 µg and 11.2 µg of cyanide. An oral LD50 greater than 2000 mg/kg was obtained, and the effective antifungal dose was non-toxic. No changes were observed in the rate of biochemical parameters and relative weight of the liver, kidneys and brain of broilers. Any damages were not observed after the histopathological exams of these organs regardless the diet considered, compared to the control group. All results ranging from efficacy and safety of cassava cortex extract containing scopoletin and cyanide allowed us to consider it as biopesticide for staple food preservation against post-harvest losses.

Compatibility study of Duddingtonia flagrans conidia and its crude proteolytic extract.

This study aimed to evaluate the concomitant use of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans (AC001) and its protease-rich crude extract for the in vitro control of Panagrellus sp., Haemonchus spp., and Trichostrongylus spp. The nematicidal tests were carried out on larvae of the free-living nematode Panagrellus sp. and infective larvae of the gastrointestinal parasitic nematodes of domestic ruminants (Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp). Five experimental groups were set: (1) one control group (G1) and (4) four treated groups -G2 - active crude extract; G3 - denatured crude extract; G4 - fungus, and G5 - fungus + active extract. Plates were incubated at 28 ºC for 24 h followed by the recovery of the larvae using the Baermann technique. The results showed a lower recovery of Panagrellus sp. larvae in the experimental groups compared to the control group, as follows: 52 % (G2), 16 % (G3), 46 % (G4), and 77 % (G5). An even greater reduction (77 ± 5 %) occurred in the group (G5). In addition, the authors observed lower averages of L3 of Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. in the experimental groups compared to the control group, as follows: 59 % (G2), 0 % (G3), 86 % (G4), and 76 % (G5). In turn, there was a difference (p < 0.01) between (G5) and (G2). The results this study indicate a positive effect from the compatible use of the D. flagrans fungus and its enzymatic crude extract (protease), which has been demonstrated here for the first time and with potential field applications for further designs.

Chemical diversity and antifouling activity of geniculate calcareous algae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) from Brazil.

Marine biofouling is a natural process by which many organisms colonize and grow in submerged structures, causing serious economic consequences for the maritime industry. Geniculate calcareous algae (GCA; Corallinales, Rhodophyta) produce bioactive secondary metabolites and are a promise for new antifouling compounds. Here, we investigated the antifouling activity of four GCA species-Amphiroa beauvoisii, Jania sagittata (formerly Cheilosporum sagittatum), Jania crassa, and Jania prolifera (formerly Amphiroa flabellata)-from the Brazilian coast against macro- and microorganisms. Simultaneously, metabolomic tools were applied to assess the chemical profiles of these seaweeds using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data analysis by principal component and molecular networking analyses used the global natural products social molecular networking platform (GNPS). Our results showed that all extracts were active against different strains of marine bacteria and that the J. sagittata (JsSI) extract showed the highest percentage of bacterial inhibition. The J. sagittata (JsSI) extract was the most active against the mussel Perna perna, showing 100% byssus inhibition. Regarding toxicity, only the J. crassa (JcP) extract showed a 20% mortality rate. The chemical profiles of the evaluated GCA extracts differed qualitatively and quantitatively. Yet, the steroid (3ß)-cholest-5-en-3-ol was the major compound commonly identified in all extracts, with the exception of J. sagittata (JsSI). Moreover, we observed intra- and interspecific chemical variabilities among GCA extracts for the different populations, which could explain their antifouling activity variability. This study contributed new information about the chemical compounds produced by this group of seaweeds and showed its antifouling potential. These GCA species may be the subject of future studies to obtain new bioactive compounds with biotechnological potential in maritime areas.

An efficient strategy for large-scale preparation of low polarity gingerols directly from ginger crude extract by high-speed countercurrent chromatography with different rotation mode.

This study presents an efficient strategy for large-scale preparation of low polarity gingerols directly from ginger crude extract by high-speed countercurrent chromatography with different rotation mode. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology and the results showed the major low polarity gingerols could be well enriched under the optimized extraction conditions. Then the crude extract without any pretreatment was directly separated by high-speed countercurrent chromatography with different rotation mode using n-hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (6:4:6:4, v/v/v/v) as the solvent system. In about 400 min, five major gingerols including 150 mg of [6]-gingerol, 50 mg of [8]-gingerol, 20 mg of [6]-shogaol, 43 mg of [6]-dehydrogingerdione, and 40 mg of [10]-gingerol were obtained from 1.2 g of crude extract in a single run with repeated injection. Their structures were identified by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy.

Control of Listeria monocytogenes in a fresh cheese using aromatic and medicinal plants and enterocin: a comparative study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) or crude extracts (CEs) of eight aromatic and medicinal plants (AMPs) and its association with enterocin OS1 on Listeria monocytogenes and food spoilage bacteria in Moroccan fresh cheese. The cheese batches were treated with EO of Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris, Syzygium aromaticum, Laurus nobilis, Allium sativum, Eucalyptus globulus, or CE of Crocus sativus and Carthamus tinctorius, and/or enterocin OS1, and stored for 15 days at 8°C. The data were subjected to correlations analysis, variance analysis, and principal components analysis. Results clearly showed a positive correlation between L. monocytogenes reduction and storage time. Moreover, reduction on Listeria counts induced by Allium-EO and Eucalyptus-EO reached 2.68 and 1.93 Log CFU/g with respect to untreated samples after 15 days, respectively. Similarly, enterocin OS1 alone has significantly reduced the L. monocytogenes population with 1.46 Log CFU/g. The most promising result was the synergy observed between many AMPs and enterocin. Indeed, treatments with Eucalyptus-EO + OS1 and Crocus-CE + OS1 decreased the Listeria population to undetectable after only 2 days and throughout the storage period. These findings suggest a promising application/use of this natural combination, which preserves the safety and long-lasting conservation of fresh cheese.

In vitro antibacterial activity and synergetic effect of crude extract of the Wohlfahrtia nuba (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) flesh fly larvae.

Multidrug-resistant pathogens have become ubiquitous, and effective treatment alternatives are urgently required. Maggot therapy is a promising agent that is being studied to overcome antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of the larvae extract of the Wohlfahrtia nuba (wiedmann) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) flesh fly on the growth of five pathogenic bacterial species (methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC 29213], methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC BAA-1680], Pseudomonas aeruginosa [ATCC 27853], Escherichia coli [ATCC 25922], and Salmonella typhi [ATCC 19430]) in vitro by using different techniques. Resazurin-based turbidimetric assay demonstrated that the W. nuba maggot exosecretion (ES) was potent against all the bacterial species tested, and according to the determined minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each bacterium, gram-negative bacteria were more sensitive than gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, colony-forming unit assay showed that maggot ES was able to inhibit bacterial growth rate for all bacterial species tested, where the highest bacterial reduction was observed with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) followed by S. typhi. Moreover, maggot ES was shown to be concentration-dependent, where 100 µL of ES at 200 mg/mL was bactericidal towards methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and P. aeruginosa compared with 100 µL at the MIC of the ES. Moreover, based on the result of agar disc diffusion assay, maggot extract was more efficient against P. aeruginosa and E. coli than the remaining reference strains tested. Furthermore, the combination between regular antibiotics with maggot ES at different concentrations indicated that ES acts synergistically with the tested antibiotics against the five bacterial models.

Piper nigrum Extract: Dietary Supplement for Reducing Mammary Tumor Incidence and Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicity.

A low piperine fractional Piper nigrum extract (PFPE) was prepared by mixing cold-pressed coconut oil and honey in distilled water, namely, PFPE-CH. In this study, PFPE-CH was orally administered as a dietary supplement to decrease the risk of tumor formation and reduce the side effects of chemotherapeutic drugs during breast cancer treatment. The toxicity study demonstrated no mortality or adverse effects after administrating PFPE-CH at 5000 mg/kg during a 14-day observation period. Additionally, PFPE-CH at 86 mg/kg BW/day did not cause any harm to the kidney or liver function of the rats for six months. In a cancer prevention study, treatment with PFPE-CH at 100 mg/kg BW for 101 days induced oxidative stress and increased the immune response by altering the levels of cancer-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-g), leading to a reduction in the tumor incidence of up to 71.4% without any adverse effects. In combination with doxorubicin, PFPE-CH did not disrupt the anticancer effects of the drug in rats with mammary tumors. Surprisingly, PFPE-CH reduced chemotherapy-induced toxicity by improving some hematological and biochemical parameters. Therefore, our results suggest that PFPE-CH is safe and effective in reducing breast tumor incidence and toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs during cancer treatment in mammary tumor rats.

Nano magnetic-based ELISA and nano magnetic-based latex agglutination test for diagnosis of experimental trichinellosis.

Human trichinellosis is a worldwide foodborne public health threat. Detecting circulating antigens of Trichinella spiralis "T. spiralis" allows for an early diagnosis before larval encystation develops in skeletal muscles. For the first time, the present study aimed to formulate an effective nanomagnetic beads based-ELISA and -latex agglutination test (NMB-ELISA and NMB-LAT) to recognize T. spiralis adult worm crude extract antigen (AWCEA) in sera of experimentally infected mice. The study included thirty-eight mice classified into 3 groups; T. spiralis-infected group (GI) which was euthanized 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 days post-infection (dpi), other parasitic infections group (GII) and healthy control group (GIII). Rabbit anti-T. spiralis polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) were utilized to detect AWCEA in serum samples by sandwich ELISA, NMB-ELISA, and NMB-LAT. Using NMB-ELISA, AWCEA was detected in sera collected at 6 and 8 dpi, with a sensitivity of 50% and 75%, respectively, and a specificity of 100%. Whereas, sandwich ELISA and NMB-LAT couldn't detect the antigen at the same time intervals. Both ELISA formats were able to detect the antigen in samples collected at 10, 12, and 14 dpi with a sensitivity of 100% for NMB-ELISA and 25%, 75%, and 100% respectively, for sandwich-ELISA. Yet, NMB-LAT couldn't detect AWCEA until 12 dpi with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 75%. In conclusion, NMB-ELISA is a promising sensitive tool for early and specific diagnosis of acute trichinellosis. The use of NMB-LAT could be a helpful screening procedure in field surveys.