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Background: Data pertaining to dual malignancies in the geriatric population are not only sparse but also heterogeneous. The present study evaluated the pattern of care for geriatric dual malignancy patients at a tertiary care center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from all dual malignancy patients of and above the age of 65 years registered in the radiation oncology department of a single tertiary care center. Results: 456 geriatric cancer patients were registered between January 2019 and July 2021,out of which 48 patients had dual malignancy (10.5%). The distribution of index malignancy was six (12.5%) patients each of carcinoma oropharynx and prostate. Thirty-two (66.7%) patients developed metachronous malignancies. The mean difference in the development of the second malignancy was 3.4 years. Eleven (22.9%) patients developed carcinoma lung as a second malignancy. The primary treatment received by 38 (79.2%) patients was radical. Conclusion: Geriatric patients with synchronous malignancies pose a therapeutic challenge and the decision is achieved by a multidisciplinary approach.

The rationale for this work was to investigate the phytoconstituents of the Caesalpinia decapetala species and their possible antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, based on their traditional use in treating conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, purgative, and bronchitis. Analysis of the C. decapetala seed identified phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, glycosides, saponins, proteins, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The quantitative analysis revealed that the phenolic content of C. decapetala seed was greater than that of the seed oil (889 ± 0.35 mg GAE/100g of dry weight). Additionally, the total flavonoid content of the seed was estimated to be higher than that of the seed oil (225.03 ± 7.13mg QE/100g of dry weight). Furthermore, the seed of C. decapetala contained 11.5813% ± 0.242 of the total alkaloid contents. The antioxidant activity of the seed oil was investigated using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing power, and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) techniques. The measured IC50 value for DPPH was 114.86 µg/mL, while for ABTS it was 138.45µg/mL. Seed oil exhibited a more pronounced zone of inhibition in its antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae. Overall, the present investigation validates that the seed and seed oil of C. decapetala have the potential to serve as a valuable reservoir of minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties. This is due to the presence of diverse phytoconstituents, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, di-α-tocopherol, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol, and lupeol, within its fatty acid composition.

Fekade Beshah Tessema,1,2 Yilma Hunde Gonfa,2,3 Tilahun Belayneh Asfaw,4 Mesfin Getachew Tadesse,2,5 Rakesh Kumar Bachheti2,6 1Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia; 2Department of Industrial Chemistry, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 3Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 4Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Computational Science, Gondar University, Gondar, Ethiopia; 5Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Bioprocess, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 6Department of Allied Sciences, Graphic Era Hill University, Society Area, Clement Town, Dehradun, 248002, IndiaCorrespondence: Fekade Beshah Tessema, Tel +251913141754, Email fbms08@gmail.comBackground: Ajuga integrifolia (Armagusa) is used as a decoction to treat high blood pressure and diabetes, widely in Ethiopia. Specific compounds for anti-hypertension activity were not identified so far. This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the therapeutic use of A. integrifolia as an antihypertension agent.Methods: In silico studies were used to evaluate the antihypertensive components of A. integrifolia. Flavonoids identified using HPLC analysis and iridoid glycosides isolated from A. integrifolia in this study and those isolated from synonyms (A. remota and A. bractosa) were considered in the molecular docking study. Interactions were studied by using Autodock vina (1.2) on PyRx 0.8 and visualizing in 2D and 3D using ligPlot+ and Discovery studio software. Activities like vasoprotection and druglikeness properties were predicted using online servers.Results: Flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and rutin were identified and quantified by HPLC analysis from different extracts of A. integrifolia. Reptoside and 8-O-acetylharpgide isolated from the aerial part of A. integrifolia. The binding energies of all 17 candidates considered in this study range from − 10.2 kcal/mol to − 7.5 kcal/mol and are lower than enalapril (reference drug: − 5.9 kcal/mol). The binding energies, in most case, constitute hydrogen bonding. Biological activity predicted using PASS test also showed that the flavonoids have more probability of activity than the iridoid glycosides. Druglikeness properties of the candidate molecules showed that most follow the Lipinski rule of five with few violations.Conclusion: Lower binding energies involving hydrogen bonding and predicted activities concerning hypertension confirm the traditional use of the aerial part of the medicinal plant concerned. Flavonoids: rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol take the leading role in the antihypertensive activity of the aerial part of A. integrifolia. The iridoid glycosides studied are almost similar in their effect on their antihypertensive activity and still better than the reference drug.Keywords: A. integrifolia, antihypertension, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides

Psidium guajava (Family: Myrtaceae) is a well-known fruit in tropical and subtropical areas of nations such as India, South America, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan. This study seeks to provide a thorough overview of the pharmacological characteristics, phytochemistry, nutritional profile, ethnomedical use, and possible applications of P. guajava. Several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, served as the primary data sources for this study. Different parts of this plant, fruit, pulp, peel, seeds, leaves, bark, and oil, are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which are responsible for various biological activities as well as for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The fruit of P. guajava has been used to produce processed food items such as juice, cake, puree, jelly, jam, toffee, pickles, and wine. The leaf extract has also been used to heal wounds with swollen gums, cough, diarrhea, and oral ulcers. Iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, and minerals are abundant in P. guajava fruit. The fruit, seed, leaf, and peel of P. guajava are rich in organic and inorganic elements. Although plant extracts have an outstanding nutritional and phytochemical profile, more in-depth clinical research and effective commercialization of P. guajava-based processed food are still required to confirm their usefulness. In addition, using P. guajava to synthesize nanoparticles for industrial applications has untapped scientific potential that calls for more examination and exploration.

Senna didymobotrya is one of the emerging invasive weeds in East and South Africa. One of the solutions for weed management involves isolating cellulose and converting it into valuable materials. In this research, the isolation of cellulose was optimized by the Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology using Box-Behnken design (BBD), both of which are statistical empirical models. The maximum isolated cellulose yield was 37.5% (w/w) using sulfuric acid 1.75% (w/v), sodium chlorite 3% (w/v) at pH of 3.5, and potassium hydroxide 6% (w/v) treatment. Each chemical treatment was done by heating the mixture at 90°C for 2 hrs. The cellulose yield obtained (37.5% (w/w)) was higher than the preoptimized value of 35.5% (w/w). The dewaxed powder of the weed, isolated cellulose, and commercial cellulose was characterized side by side for comparison using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA/DTA. All the characterizing methods indicated that the isolated material was cellulose. Even though the intensity of FTIR and XRD graphs of the isolated cellulose was higher than the commercial cellulose, the crystallinity index calculated from XRD analysis showed that the commercial cellulose (83%) was higher than the isolated cellulose (78%). The TGA/DTA indicates that the isolated cellulose and commercial cellulose had comparable thermal stability, both stable at up to 360°C. Therefore, using this optimized method, cellulose isolation from S. didymobotrya opens avenues for converting cellulose into valuable materials like carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose hydrogel, and cellulose nanocrystals.

In many parts of the world, wild edible plants (WEPs) constitute an essential component of the global food basket, providing an alternative source of wholesome and nourishing food. Ethiopia is one of countries of the world having largest concentrations of WEPs. In the country, various parts of WEPs, such as fruits, stems, leaves, tubers, roots, or entire plant sections, are frequently consumed and used as food sources for famine relief during seasonal food shortages, as well as for commercial purposes. WEPs have been also used in the country as sources of phytochemicals, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. Approximately 30%–40% of WEPs and over 413 different kinds of WEPs are commonly consumed by Ethiopians regularly. Most plant families utilized as WEPs are Moraceae, Fabaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae. The most widely used plant parts of WEPs were fruits. WEPs can be used as substitutes for traditional plant-based human diets because of their high nutritional value, which includes proteins, vitamins B2 and C, and low moisture content. This review focuses on using edible wild plants for pharmacological purposes, dietary supplements, and alternative medicine. Many obstacles prevent people from consuming WEPs, even when they are easily accessible and available. The use of WEPs must be encouraged by nutrition policies as one of the pillars of food and nutrition security. To increase yield, diversify the revenue streams of small-scale farmers, and protect the diminishing wild edible fruit resources, it is imperative to domesticate and enhance WEPs.

ABSTRACTThe allelopathic effect of Callistemon viminalis’s leaf extracts on seed germination and growth of Triticum aestivum and Cicer arietinum, as well as associated weeds (Anagallis arvensis, Poa annua, Lepidium didymium, and Vicia sativa), was studied. Different concentrations (2–10%) of aqueous extracts were used, and physiological parameters were measured. Higher concentrations (6–10%) significantly inhibited the germination and growth of wheat and chickpea. In pot assay, the extract did not affect shoot length, dry plant mass, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, protein content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic and transpiration rate, and antioxidant enzymes in crop and various parameters of soil properties in comparison to the control. Both crops grew significantly at lower concentrations. This study suggests that extract of C. viminalis can inhibit the growth of A. arvensis and V. sativa without affecting germination, photosynthetic and biochemical properties of C. arietinum and T. aestivum, and soil properties, making it a potential candidate for bioherbicide development.

Psidium guajava (Family: Myrtaceae) is a well‐known fruit in tropical and subtropical areas of nations such as India, South America, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan. This study seeks to provide a thorough overview of the pharmacological characteristics, phytochemistry, nutritional profile, ethnomedical use, and possible applications of P. guajava. Several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, served as the primary data sources for this study. Different parts of this plant, fruit, pulp, peel, seeds, leaves, bark, and oil, are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, which are responsible for various biological activities as well as for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The fruit of P. guajava has been used to produce processed food items such as juice, cake, puree, jelly, jam, toffee, pickles, and wine. The leaf extract has also been used to heal wounds with swollen gums, cough, diarrhea, and oral ulcers. Iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins A and C, and minerals are abundant in P. guajava fruit. The fruit, seed, leaf, and peel of P. guajava are rich in organic and inorganic elements. Although plant extracts have an outstanding nutritional and phytochemical profile, more in‐depth clinical research and effective commercialization of P. guajava‐based processed food are still required to confirm their usefulness. In addition, using P. guajava to synthesize nanoparticles for industrial applications has untapped scientific potential that calls for more examination and exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyptis suaveolens is a widely well-known species of the Lamiaceae family. This plant is regarded as noxious exotic invasive weeds. It has medicinal and insecticidal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses. This review examines the potential utility of the understudied plant species H. suaveolens for future drug development and design, the existence of medicinally significant secondary metabolites, and their potential pharmacological and pharmacognostic importance. Search engines such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Link, PubMed, and Scopus were used to find data and information to write this paper. Alkaloids, essential oils, terpenoids, sterols, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids are only a few of the phytochemicals abundant in H. suaveolens that have therapeutic value. These bioactive compounds possess diaphoretic, analgesic, gastroprotective, antiviral, antimicrobial, anticancer, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer properties. Among the polyphenolic substances found in high concentration in H. suaveolens are methyl rosamarinate, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, prodelphinidins, syringic acid, profisetinidins, protocatechuic acid, gentisic acid, caffeic acid, rosamarinic acid, and proanthocyanidins. In H. suaveolens, some terpenoid bioactive compounds such as ursolic acid, methyl suaveolate, suaveolic acid, beta-sitosterol, and suaveolol are available in different parts of the plant. Some essential compounds, such as Linoleic acid, Palmitic acid, and Oleic acid, are found in the seed oils of H. suaveolens. Pentacyclic triterpenoid and ursolic acid from H. suaveolens have been reported to have effective antiviral response s. The plant extract is used to prepare silver and copper nanoparticles for different biological activities. Due to these characteristics, the plant may be able to treat resistant and recently discovered bacterial and viral infections instead of conventional medications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rationale for this work was to investigate the phytoconstituents of the Caesalpinia decapetala species and their possible antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, based on their traditional use in treating conditions such as inflammation, diabetes, purgative, and bronchitis. Analysis of the C. decapetala seed identified phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, glycosides, saponins, proteins, terpenoids, and triterpenoids. The quantitative analysis revealed that the phenolic content of C. decapetala seed was greater than that of the seed oil (889 ± 0.35 mg GAE/100g of dry weight). Additionally, the total flavonoid content of the seed was estimated to be higher than that of the seed oil (225.03 ± 7.13mg QE/100g of dry weight). Furthermore, the seed of C. decapetala contained 11.5813% ± 0.242 of the total alkaloid contents. The antioxidant activity of the seed oil was investigated using the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing power, and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) techniques. The measured IC50 value for DPPH was 114.86 µg/mL, while for ABTS it was 138.45µg/mL. Seed oil exhibited a more pronounced zone of inhibition in its antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae. Overall, the present investigation validates that the seed and seed oil of C. decapetala have the potential to serve as a valuable reservoir of minerals, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties. This is due to the presence of diverse phytoconstituents, including phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, di-α-tocopherol, stigmasterol, γ-sitosterol, and lupeol, within its fatty acid composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the chemical composition, fiber morphology, and physical properties of Oxytenanthera abyssinica culm to assess its pulping potential. Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and Franklin’s methods have been used for experiments. The statistical analysis showed that the chemical composition of O. abyssinica is influenced by the age of the plant. The amount of cellulose in the culm increases with age, while hand extractive content decreases with age. The average chemical content of the three years aged O. abyssinica was 49.26±0.13 wt%, 21.31±0.15 wt%, and 20.63±0.12 wt% for cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents, respectively. A significant difference exists between 1, 2, and 3-year aged plants (P

One of the medically important opportunistic fungal pathogen for humans is Candida glabrata that causes various types of candidiasis. Its environmental adaptations and antimicrobial resistance is now a great concern for public health. In the present study, the green tea phytocompounds; EGCg, Chlorogenic acid, Coumaroyl quinic acid and Rutin trihydrate along with a known antimycotic Fluconazole were studied for their antimycotic activity against Candida glabrata. The MIC90 for C. glabrata was observed at 125µg/ml for EGC g, 250 µg/mlf or Chlorogenic acid, 500µg/ml for Coumaroyl quinic acid and Rutin trihydrate while 12.5µg/ml for Fluconazole in macro dilution assay while the MFC values were 1000 µg/ml for EGC g, 500 µg/ml for Chlorogenic acid, Coumaroyl quinic acid, Rutin trihydrate and 50 µg/ml for Fluconazole. In microdilution assay, the MIC90 for C. glabrata was observed 125µg/ml for EGC g and chlorogenic acid, 500µg/ml for Coumaroyl quinic acid, Rutin trihydrate and 12.5µg/ml for Fluconazole while the MFC values were 31.25 µg/ml for Fluconazole, 250 µg/ml for chlorogenic acid and 500 µg/ml for EGC g, Coumaroyl quinic acid and Rutin trihydrate. EGCg and Chlorogenic acid was found to be more effective against C. glabrata and therefore these two were used for synergistic study along with Fluconazole. The viability of HeLa cells (in per cent) was observed ≥100% green tea phyto compounds. The viability of treated cells (in per cent) with a combination of Green tea, phytocompounds and fluconazole was observed between ≥98± 0.79 to ≥ 98± 0.87. Green tea phytocompounds mainly EGC g and chlorogenic acid can be used as synergistic molecules having antimycotic activity against C. glabrata.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Murraya koenigii (curry leaf) aqueous extract on the seed germination and growth of two crops and their associated weeds (Anagallis arvensis, Poa annua, Lepidium didymum, and Vicia sativa). Wheat (Triticum aestivum) and Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) seeds were soaked in solutions containing 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% concentrations of aqueous extracts of M. koenigii leaves, while distilled water was used as a control. Higher concentrations of the extract significantly increased the percentage of germination inhibition and decreased the radicle length and plumule length of both crops compared to the control. It was interesting to find that the pot-based experiment had no influence on the shoot length, plant dry mass, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline, or protein content, stomatal conductance, or photosynthetic and transpiration rate in either crop. Similarly, in comparison to the control, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase (PER), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)) had no significant influence. Soil physiochemical parameters and weed shoot growth were also investigated. In a Petri plate experiment, 6, 8, and 10% concentrations inhibited germination of both crops. In comparison, in the pot experiment, the growth of both crops was significant at lower concentrations, and 1% aqueous extract of M. koenigii was reported to be lethal to weeds without affecting the soil physiochemical properties. Based on the results of this study, it can be inferred that the reduced germination rate of the tested species after treatment with the extract could be attributed to damage caused by the extracts to the membrane system of the seed. This study concluded that an aqueous leaf extract of M. koenigii can inhibit the growth of weeds without affecting the germination, growth, photosynthetic, and biochemical properties of C. arietinum and T. aestivum or the physiochemical properties of soil; thus, it may be a potential candidate for the development of new bioherbicides.

Abstract Background Rumex nepalensis, a widely known traditional medicinal plant and is used as the source of medicines and human diet in various communities. Currently, the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological studies of R. nepalensis are of significant research interest. Therefore, the current review is mainly focused on the phytochemical investigation and pharmacological applications of R. nepalensis Main body Various secondary metabolites like emodin, endocrocin, chrysophanol, neopodin, physcion, torachrysone, aloesin, catechin, quercetin, resveratrol, and their derivatives were isolated from root and aerial parts of the plant. Both isolated compounds and extracts from R. nepalensis are reported to have pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, wound healing, and anti-plasmodial activities Conclusions Different parts of R. nepalensis have ethnomedicinal importance. R. nepalensis is one of the potential sources of pharmacologically active extracts and isolated compounds. In future R. nepalensis can play a vital role for the preparation of modern drugs. Graphical abstract

Paris polyphylla Smith (family: Melanthiaceae), a high-value medicinal herb endemic to the Himalayan region, has drawn much attention recently due to its immense use in the traditional healthcare system since ancient times. In the present review, an extensive database on P. polyphylla was systematically searched from databases such as Medline/PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science, and the online service E-library.ru and SCImago (https://www.scimagojr.com/). Information on species, ecology, distribution, trade, ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, biotechnology, and molecular biology was gathered from 1979 to 2023 using 116 research publications. Major steroidal saponins such as Paris saponin I, V, VI, VII, and H have been found substantially effective in anticancer activity, abnormal uterine bleeding, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, and menorrhagia. Traditional breeding and propagation techniques cannot keep up with the world’s growing demand for herbal drugs. Therefore, it is critically necessary to take conservation measures and develop novel techniques for growing and cultivating this economically significant and highly valuable therapeutic herb. The advanced biotechnological approaches like micropropagation and genetic analysis introduced long back are either rare or lacking in the case of P. polyphylla. It contains a wealth of information that will serve as a baseline data source for various stakeholders, researchers working on various research aspects, and policymakers to define appropriate utilization and conservation plans for a high-value commercial medicinal plant called P. polyphylla. The review provides an updated overview and critical assessment of secondary data regarding the past and recent applications and interventions of P. polyphylla.

Background. Dodonaea angustifolia is a known medicinal plant across East Arica. The flower of D. angustifolia is not well investigated in terms of phytochemistry and biological activities. This study aims to investigate the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the flower of D. angustifolia and its antioxidant activity. Methods. Preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out using the standard protocols. Antioxidant activity evaluation using DPPH assay and total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) determinations in the flower extract were compared with the values of the leaf extract. UHPLC-DAD analysis was managed to develop the profile of the flower extract. Prediction of biological activity spectra for substances (PASS) was done using an online server for antioxidant and related activities. Results. Preliminary phytochemical screening and TPC and TFC values confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids. From the HPLC analysis of flavonoids, quercetin, myricetin, rutin, and phenolic acids such as chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and syringic acid were detected and quantified. The biological activity spectrum was predicted for the detected and quantified polyphenols. Conclusions. D. angustifolia flower is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are extractable and can be checked for further biological activity. It was possible to identify and quantify phenolic compounds through HPLC analysis in the methanol extract of D. angustifolia flower. The PASS biological activity prediction results showed that there were stronger antioxidant activities for the identified flavonoids. Future work will emphasize the isolation and characterization of active principles responsible for bioactivity.

“Let food be the medicine” (Hippocrates) is a historic quote that became the basis of food science and nutraceuticals. Due to their possible therapeutic advantages, extracts from food have attracted much interest in the medical community. These extracts are abundant in bioactive compounds, which are natural molecules that may be found in various foods and have been demonstrated to affect health positively. Food components have lots of bioactive components, including primary and secondary metabolites and nutritional components, for example, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolics, and flavonoids. This study’s primary focus is on the make-up and purpose of these bioactive components found in food extracts. This review aims to give readers a thorough grasp of the bioactive substances found in food extracts and their possible physiological uses. These bioactive substances’ functional traits, such as their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer, and neuroprotective actions, are also studied. Further research is required to create new functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements with specific health advantages that can benefit from understanding these molecules’ structure and function.

In many parts of the world, wild edible plants (WEPs) constitute an essential component of the global food basket, providing an alternative source of wholesome and nourishing food. Ethiopia is one of countries of the world having largest concentrations of WEPs. In the country, various parts of WEPs, such as fruits, stems, leaves, tubers, roots, or entire plant sections, are frequently consumed and used as food sources for famine relief during seasonal food shortages, as well as for commercial purposes. WEPs have been also used in the country as sources of phytochemicals, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical applications. Approximately 30%–40% of WEPs and over 413 different kinds of WEPs are commonly consumed by Ethiopians regularly. Most plant families utilized as WEPs are Moraceae, Fabaceae, Flacourtiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and Tiliaceae. The most widely used plant parts of WEPs were fruits. WEPs can be used as substitutes for traditional plant‐based human diets because of their high nutritional value, which includes proteins, vitamins B2 and C, and low moisture content. This review focuses on using edible wild plants for pharmacological purposes, dietary supplements, and alternative medicine. Many obstacles prevent people from consuming WEPs, even when they are easily accessible and available. The use of WEPs must be encouraged by nutrition policies as one of the pillars of food and nutrition security. To increase yield, diversify the revenue streams of small‐scale farmers, and protect the diminishing wild edible fruit resources, it is imperative to domesticate and enhance WEPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senna didymobotrya is one of the emerging invasive weeds in East and South Africa. One of the solutions for weed management involves isolating cellulose and converting it into valuable materials. In this research, the isolation of cellulose was optimized by the Plackett‐Burman design (PBD) and response surface methodology using Box‐Behnken design (BBD), both of which are statistical empirical models. The maximum isolated cellulose yield was 37.5% (w/w) using sulfuric acid 1.75% (w/v), sodium chlorite 3% (w/v) at pH of 3.5, and potassium hydroxide 6% (w/v) treatment. Each chemical treatment was done by heating the mixture at 90°C for 2 hrs. The cellulose yield obtained (37.5% (w/w)) was higher than the preoptimized value of 35.5% (w/w). The dewaxed powder of the weed, isolated cellulose, and commercial cellulose was characterized side by side for comparison using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA/DTA. All the characterizing methods indicated that the isolated material was cellulose. Even though the intensity of FTIR and XRD graphs of the isolated cellulose was higher than the commercial cellulose, the crystallinity index calculated from XRD analysis showed that the commercial cellulose (83%) was higher than the isolated cellulose (78%). The TGA/DTA indicates that the isolated cellulose and commercial cellulose had comparable thermal stability, both stable at up to 360°C. Therefore, using this optimized method, cellulose isolation from S. didymobotrya opens avenues for converting cellulose into valuable materials like carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose hydrogel, and cellulose nanocrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]