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The production of bioenergy and bioproducts from streams of biowaste has ignited interest in fostering a circular economy worldwide. This study investigates the potential of transforming Grewia asiatica L. waste seed oil into sustainable biodiesel using green-synthesized niobium oxide nanoparticle. Niobium oxide nanocatalyst was synthesized using aqueous leaf extract of Fumaria indica L. Advanced characterization techniques were employed to confirm the pure and nano-scale nature of the synthesized niobium oxide nanocatalyst. The synthesized nanocatalyst exhibited an average particle size of 31 nm, resulting in efficient catalytic activity that persited through the fifth cycle of transesterification. An optimum biodiesel yield of 90% was achieved under reaction conditions of a methanol to oil molar ratio of 9:1, a reaction time of 180 min, a temperature of 60 °C and a catalyst load of 0.32 (wt. %). Results of Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of G. asiatica-derived biodiesel revealed 5, 8-Octadecadienoic acid methyl ester as the primary fatty acid methyl ester, with the highest concentration. The fuel properties of G. asiatica-derived biodiesel complied with international standards. The minimal sulphur content of 0.0001% highlights the clean, environmentally benign and cost-effective nature of biodiesel synthesized from G. asiatica waste seed oil. This study contributes to the renewable alternative effort toward transitioning from a linear economy to a circular bioeconomy.

The current study aimed to explore the phytochemicals, estimate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer potentials of polyphenol enriched methanolic bark extract of Grewia asiatica (PEMGa), and perform molecular docking studies with identified phytocompounds. Here, we utilized response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box Behnken design (BBD) to enhance the phenolic content of the methanolic extract from G. asiatica bark by optimizing three crucial parameters like extraction time (h), temperature of extraction (◦C), and solvent ratio (% v/v of methanol: water). Phytochemical quantification of PEMGa illustrated that the bark part contains a good amount of therapeutically potent phytochemical groups like phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. Additionally, through HPLC analysis, eight compounds belonging to the phenolic and flavonoid groups have been quantified from PEMGa. By GC-MS (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) analysis of PEMGa, eleven phytochemicals were identified. Moreover, employing in-vitro bioactivity studies, PEMGa has unveiled its remarkable potential as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer agent. During the insilico molecular docking study, out of eleven phytocompounds identified by the GC-MS study, three compounds, namely, γ-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol, formed the most stable docked complex with antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant target proteins. The present study provides justification for the bark part of G. asiatica as a rich source of potent phytochemicals, and its potential against oxidative stresses, inflammations, cancer, and microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to develop a functional cheese using Grewia asiatica fruit extract as a novel additive and demonstrated its functional value in oxidative-stress-induced [single dose of CCl4 (1 mL/kg) given intraperitoneally] male Wistar rats. The kalari cheese was developed using buffalo milk containing different levels of the fruit extract (0.0, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 %) and an optimum level of 0.7 % was found sensorily. The products (0.0 and 0.7 %) were stored in a refrigerator for 4 weeks and evaluated for storage quality. The extract improved the lipid (TBARS and free-fatty acids) and microbial (total plate and psychrophilic counts) stability and sensory quality of the cheese. The extract-enriched cheese-based diet ameliorated the impact of oxidative stress in the rats during a 4-week feeding trial and significantly (P

Traditionally, fruits of Grewia asiatica L. are edible and the plant has several pharmaceutical efficacies, against various diseases of skin, heart, liver, blood sugar, cancer, diarrhea and fever. The plant contains several phytocompounds, flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and anthocyanins, for use in drug development cascades. Its fruits contain several phytocompounds and the fruit-juice is directly taken as a healthy drink. This review examines ethnobotanical uses, botanical description, nutrient contents, phytochemistry and various known pharmacological activities namely, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory of G. asiatica , the flagship species among the other total 15 Grewia species. The plant had antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antipyretic, analgesic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, gelling-polymeric, radioprotective, immunomodulator and nootropic activities. Its berries are rich in proteins, vitamins, macro-nutrients, fibers and essential amino acids; those can be directly eaten and several natural products could be utilized for the synthesis of druggable phytochemical agents. Indeed, this plant has several well-known phytochemicals with a wide range of biomedical values unlike several other tree species; since the berries of this plant are edible, it has promises of yielding nontoxic druggable agents. [Display omitted] • Traditional uses and phytochemical compounds of curio of the plant are linked. • Pharmacological activities of the plant are related to phytochemistry study. • Providing insightful suggestions for future research on drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The current study was conducted to find out an eco-friendly and cost-efficient way to prepare copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by utilizing Grewia asiatica L. leaf extract, which was found to be a very effective antimicrobial and larvicidal chemical. Methods Characterization of nanoparticles was also carried out by utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscope along with X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The artificially prepared nanoparticles in the laboratory were approximately in the range of 2 µm in size and crystalline in nature. The CuNPs were tested for their antimicrobial activity against different types of fungi and bacteria, also some mosquito and termite. All the results and observations were tested with a one-way analysis of variance keeping the probability level at

Phalsa or falsa (Grewia asiatica L., family Malvaceae) is a promising, yet underutilized berry fruit of tropical regions. It contains a rich source of various bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids. In the present study, morphological and pomological diversity of 48 accessions of this species was evaluated to introduce superior selections. Considerable variability was detected among the accessions studied based on the characteristics recorded. Fruit shape exhibited the highest CV (69.66%), while seed length showed the lowest CV (7.98%). Fruit color showed strong diversity, including red, red‐purple, purple‐cream, purple, and dark purple. Fruit weight ranged from 0.29 to1.14 g, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.90 to 3.91 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 82.64% of the variability observed was explained by the first 13 components. A dendrogram created using cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters. Based on the traits related to fruit quality, such as fruit weight, fruit color, fruit flesh color, and fruit taste, 14 accessions, including Talsar‐6, Talsar‐8, Ganjabad‐31, Talsar‐4, Ganjabad‐18, Ganjabad‐24, Talsar‐5, Ganjabad‐25, Ganjabad‐30, Ganjabad‐17, Talsar‐7, Talsar‐3, Talsar‐2, and Talsar‐1, were superior. It is recommended to use the best accessions selected in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grewia asiatica L. is a potential medicinal plant used for various diseases in traditional medicine. Current study was aimed to evaluate the cardio protective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and CNS depressant activities of Grewia asiatica L. fruit extract. In cardio protective activity myocardial injury was produced by injection of Isoproterenol (200 mg/kg, s.c), G. asiatica 250 and 500mg/kg treated groups significantly (p<0.05) decreased the level of serum AST, ALT, LDH and CKMB, hence produced cardio protective effect. In analgesic activities G. asiatica produced significant (p<0.05) analgesic effects in acetic acid induced writhing, formalin, paw pressure and tail immersion test. G. asiatica at 250 and 500mg/kg oral dose, significantly (p<0.05) reduced the rat paw edema in carrageen an induced rat paw edema test. G. asiatica extract also produced significant CNS depressant effects in open field, hole board and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time. Findings of the current study suggest that G. asiatica fruit extract showed potential pharmacological effects and can be utilized in alternative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study was conducted to find out an eco-friendly and cost-efficient way to prepare copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) by utilizing Grewia asiatica L. leaf extract, which was found to be a very effective antimicrobial and larvicidal chemical. Methods: Characterization of nanoparticles was also carried out by utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, scanning electron microscope along with X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The artificially prepared nanoparticles in the laboratory were approximately in the range of 2 µm in size and crystalline in nature. The CuNPs were tested for their antimicrobial activity against different types of fungi and bacteria, also some mosquito and termite. All the results and observations were tested with a one-way analysis of variance keeping the probability level at < 0.0001. Results: The copper nanoparticles exhibit significant antibacterial and antifungal activities and are also found lethal for many mosquito and termite species. Antibacterial activity was checked against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, their zone of inhibition was 17 nm and 20 nm, respectively. The antifungal potential was checked against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus oryzae and the zone of inhibition was recorded at 20 mm and 23 mm, respectively. CuNPs were also found lethal for many mosquitoes and maximum efficacy of CuNPs against Aedes aegypti larva was observed at 100 mg/ml after 24 h. Termite species such as Heterotermes indicola were exposed to CuNPs and the highest mortality rate in termites was seen at 100 ppm concentration of CuNPs. Current research provides the first investigation of CuNPs of G. asiatica as a larvicidal and as an anti-termite. G. asiatica garden-fresh leaves were collected from Railway colony Mughalpura. Conclusions: This study proves that CuNPs have a toxic effect on insects and can also be utilized as a biological control of insects. By using such a scientific approach, the scientists can lower the costs of chemical usage and a biodegradable alternative could be provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grewia asiatica Linn. is a well-known plant for its nutritional and therapeutic attributes. It has been mentioned in ancient Indian literature as Rasayana due to its stimulant and tonic effects. Thus, present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antiepileptic and anxiolytic action of G. asiatica Linn. leaves using animal models. Methanol extract at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg was capable of providing protection against both pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizures in mice. Extract also showed significant anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze, light/dark box and mirror chamber mice models at same dose levels. Results of this study indicated that the methanol extract of leaves of G. asiatica plant possess significant antiepileptic and anxiolytic effect.

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is extensively used in various industries and induces oxidative stress in humans. Unfortunately, it is one of the neglected potent male reproductive toxicants. Objective: The present research reports the testicular histopathology of CCl4 and ameliorations by four medicinal fruit pulp extracts (FPEs) in mice. Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups (10/group) as per the following: 1. Vehicle control (Vc); 2. CCl4 (C); 3-6. CCl4+Basella alba (CBa), CCl4+Solanum nigrum (CSn), CCl4+Ficus carica (CFc) and CCl4+Grewia asiatica (CGa). Except for the control group, CCl4 (0.1 mL of 0.2 mL kg-1) was given to the animals in corn oil. The four plant extracts (0.1 mL each) were respectively given to the relevant FPE group animals for the next five consecutive days, while the animals in the Vc and CCl4 groups received water instead of FPE. Results: The CCl4 exposure led to various histometric and histological alterations (loss of interstitial tissue and various dislodged tailless spermatids with enlarged heads) that were recovered in all except Solanum nigrum FPE mice post-treatment. The micrometric data of testicular sections also indicated significant decline in the number of spermatogonia, while the cross-sectional area of the sperm heads remained significantly higher in the CSn and C groups. Conclusion: Except for Solanum nigrum, the three FPEs, especially Ficus carica, showed rehabilitative properties against CCl4 exposure-related modifications in testicular histopathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grewia asiatica Linn. is a well-known plant for its nutritional and therapeutic attributes. It has been mentioned in ancient Indian literature as Rasayana due to its stimulant and tonic effects. Thus, present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antiepileptic and anxiolytic action of G. asiatica Linn. leaves using animal models. Methanol extract at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg was capable of providing protection against both pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizures in mice. Extract also showed significant anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze, light/dark box and mirror chamber mice models at same dose levels. Results of this study indicated that the methanol extract of leaves of G. asiatica plant possess significant antiepileptic and anxiolytic effect., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) is extensively used in various industries and induces oxidative stress in humans. Unfortunately, it is one of the neglected potent male reproductive toxicants., Objective: The present research reports the testicular histopathology of CCl 4 and ameliorations by four medicinal fruit pulp extracts (FPEs) in mice., Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups (10/group) as per the following: 1. Vehicle control (Vc); 2. CCl 4 (C); 3-6. CCl 4 + Basella alba (CBa), CCl 4 + Solanum nigrum (CSn), CCl 4 + Ficus carica (CFc) and CCl 4 + Grewia asiatica (CGa). Except for the control group, CCl 4 (0.1 mL of 0.2 mL kg - 1 ) was given to the animals in corn oil. The four plant extracts (0.1 mL each) were respectively given to the relevant FPE group animals for the next five consecutive days, while the animals in the Vc and CCl 4 groups received water instead of FPE., Results: The CCl 4 exposure led to various histometric and histological alterations (loss of interstitial tissue and various dislodged tailless spermatids with enlarged heads) that were recovered in all except Solanum nigrum FPE mice post-treatment. The micrometric data of testicular sections also indicated significant decline in the number of spermatogonia, while the cross-sectional area of the sperm heads remained significantly higher in the CSn and C groups., Conclusion: Except for Solanum nigrum ,the three FPEs, especially Ficus carica ,showed rehabilitative properties against CCl 4 exposure-related modifications in testicular histopathologies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Ahmad et al.)

The World Health Organization predicts a 70% increase in cancer incidents in developing nations over the next decade, and it will be the second leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional plant-based medicine systems play an important role against various diseases and provide health care to a large section of the population in developing countries. Indigenous fruits and their bioactive compounds with beneficial effects like antioxidant, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory are shown to be useful in preventing the incidence of cancer. India is one of the biodiversity regions and is native to numerous flora and fauna in the world. Of the many fruiting trees indigenous to India, Mango (Mangifera indica), Black plum (Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica), kokum (Garcinia indica or Brindonia indica), stone apple or bael (Aegle marmelos), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Karaunda (Carissa carandas) and Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), Monkey Jackfruit (Artocarpus lakoocha) and Elephant apple (Dillenia indica) have been shown to be beneficial in preventing cancer and in the treatment of cancer in validated preclinical models of study. In this review, efforts are also made to collate the fruits' anticancer effects and the important phytochemicals. Efforts are also made to address the underlying mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects of these fruits in cancer prevention and treatment. These fruits have been a part of the diet, are non-toxic, and easily acceptable for human application. The plants and some of their phytochemicals possess diverse medicinal properties. The authors propose that future studies should be directed at detailed studies with various preclinical models of study with both composite fruit extract/juice and the individual phytochemicals. Additionally, translational studies should be planned with the highly beneficial, well-investigated and pharmacologically multifactorial amla to understand its usefulness as a cancer preventive in the high-risk population and as a supportive agent in cancer survivors. The outcome of both preclinical and clinical studies will be useful for patients, the healthcare fraternity, pharmaceutical, and agro-based sectors., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Ionising radiation has been an important modality in cancer treatment and its value is immense when surgical intervention is risky or might debilitate/adversely affect the patient. However, the beneficial effect of radiation modality is negated by the damage to the adjacent healthy tissue in the field of radiation. Under these situations, the use of radioprotective compounds that can selectively protect normal tissues against radiation injury is considered very useful. However, research spanning over half a century has shown that there are no ideal radioprotectors available. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) approved amifostine, or WR-2721 (Walter Reed-2721) [chemically S-2-(3-aminopropyl-amino) ethyl phosphorothioic acid] is toxic at their optimal concentrations. This has necessitated the need for agents that are safe and easily acceptable to humans., Background: Dietary agents with beneficial effects like free radical scavenging, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects are being recognized as useful and have been investigated for their radioprotective properties. Studies in these lines have shown that the fruits of Aegle marmelos (stone apple or bael), Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry/amla), Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana (black plum/jamun), Mangifera indica (mango) and Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa) that are originally reported to be indigenous to India have been investigated for their usefulness as radioprotective agents., Objective: The objective of this review is to summarize the beneficial effects of the Indian indigenous fruits, stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa, in mitigating radiation-induced side effects, emphasize the underlying mechanism of action for the beneficial effects and address aspects that merit detail investigations for these fruits to move towards clinical application in the near future., Methods: The authors data-mined Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1981 up to July 2020. The focus was on the radioprotection and the mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects, and accordingly, the articles were collated and analyzed., Results: This article emphasizes the usefulness of stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa as radioprotective agents. From a mechanistic view, reports are suggestive that the beneficial effects are mediated by triggering free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory effects., Conclusion: For the first time, this review addresses the beneficial effects of mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, stone apple and phalsa as radioprotective agents. The authors suggest that future studies should be directed at understanding the selective radioprotective effects with tumor-bearing laboratory animals to understand their usefulness as radioprotective drug/s during radiotherapy and as a food supplement to protect people from getting exposed to low doses of radiation in occupational settings. Phase I clinical trial studies are also required to ascertain the optimal dose and the schedule to be followed with the standardized extract of these fruits. The most important aspect is that these fruits, being a part of the diet, have been consumed since the beginning of mankind, are non-toxic, possess diverse medicinal properties, have easy acceptability, all of which will help take research forward and be of benefit to patients, occupational workers, agro-based sectors and pharma industries., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)