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Shrimp is a popular commodity due to its fast growth and high economic value. However, stress-related disease outbreaks caused by intensifying agricultural practices and environmental factors have led to significant financial losses globally. Using chemical compounds to combat infectious pathogens has also led to antibiotic resistance and accumulation of residues in tissues and the environment, posing consumer risks. This study investigated the potential benefits of Terminalia catappa leaves (TCL) as a natural plant product-based dietary supplement for Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae against Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. Experimental diets with TCL extract were prepared and the feeding trial was carried out for 28 days with L. vannamei postlarvae (PL10). The growth parameters and digestive enzymes were measured. Vibrio challenge test was conducted for 48 h. Oxidative stress, immunomodulation and histopathology of hepatopancreases were analysed after vibrio challenge in PL given with/without TCL diet. The study revealed that TCL diet has an increased body weight and survival rate of the shrimp than basal diet via increasing digestive enzyme activity. TCL diet also increases the survival of shrimp against the vibrio challenge. It increases antioxidant enzymes and eliminates oxidative stress. TCL acts as an immunostimulant by increasing prophenoloxidase, crustin, lysozyme and penaeid 3a genes. Moreover, the cellular damage caused by oxidative stress to hepatopancreases of the shrimp was reduced. The findings in this study suggest that the TCL diet has a dual property of growth promoter and immunostimulant and can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional aquaculture practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on their high antioxidant capacity and noteworthy phytochemistry, Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit and leaves have attracted considerable recent interest for their therapeutic potential. Whilst those studies have reported a variety of therapeutic properties for the fruit, the anti-inflammatory potential of T. ferdinandiana has been largely neglected and the leaves have been almost completely ignored. This study investigated the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of T. ferdinandiana fruit and leaf extracts by evaluating their inhibition of multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines secretion in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated and unstimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages using multiplex bead immunoassays and ELISA assays. The methanolic extracts were particularly good immune-modulators, significantly inhibiting the secretion of all the cytokines and chemokines tested. Indeed, the methanolic extracts completely inhibited IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, and MIP-2a secretion, and almost completely inhibited the secretion of TNF-α. In addition, the methanolic T. ferdinandiana extracts also significantly inhibited cytosolic COX-2 levels (by 87–95%) and the synthesis of the PGE2 (by ~ 98%). In contrast, the methanolic extracts stimulated LTB4 secretion by ~ 60–90%, whilst the aqueous extracts significantly inhibited LTB4 secretion (by ~ 27% each). Exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to the methanolic T. ferdinandiana extracts also significantly down-regulated the cytosolic levels of NF-κB by 33–44%, indicating that the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts may be regulated via a decrease in NF-κB transcription pathways. Taken together, these results demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties for the extracts and provide insights into their anti-inflammatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the characters of adult's external morphology and terminalia, a new species of the genus Sarcophaga (s. lat.) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is reported from India. Adults of Sarcophaga (Lioproctia) mailansissp. nov. were collected from Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, North India. An adult female was captured from decomposing chicken meat that had been used as bait for flesh fly collection. The female larviposit on chicken liver and are reared in ideal conditions to produce adult specimens. The morphological descriptions and illustrations of male, female and immatures of Sarcophaga (Lioproctia) mailansissp. nov. are provided in this article, that aid in identification of this medically and forensically relevant flesh fly species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infectious diseases remain a major source of death and sickness globally. Their management entails use of antimicrobials. However, emergence of microbial resistance to these agents is on the increase. Inflammation and oxidative stress also accompany disease states. Newer agents to counter microbes, inflammation and oxidative stress are needed. Terminalia avicennioides Guill and Perr. is regularly exploited as a traditional remedy to numerous complaints, comprising infections, inflammation and enhancement of well-being. This study was intended to examine the effects of the root extracts and fractions of T. avicennioides against select bacteria and fungi as well as their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assessments were conducted with broth microdilution technique, lipoxygenase and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. Results: All the bacteria displayed varying susceptibility to the different extracts. The extracts caused good antibacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Stenotrophomonas maltophilis, Enterobacter cloaca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Echinococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, but moderate for Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antifungal action varied from good to moderate against Fusarium spp, moderate against Aspergillus niger but inactive against Candida albicans. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were dose-dependent, recording robust activity at higher concentrations. The n-butanol fraction manifested the highest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, then ethylacetate while methanol extract showed better activities among hot and cold water extracts. Conclusions: The analysis of the biological activities of T. avicennioides root extracts and fractions revealed encouraging antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which were dose reliant. The different extracts and fractions displayed variable grades of activity. The plant showed good antibacterial but weak antifungal action. These activities could be credited to polyphenols and other plant constituents. This report may explain some of the traditional medicinal uses of the plant and could open the door for further studies in search of newer compounds against microbial organisms, inflammation and/or oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic treatment of the native Combretaceae in the Indo-Burmese region, including Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar, is presented in a synoptic way. Four genera, 50 species and seven varieties are recognized and treated with keys to the genera and species, nomenclature, relevant synonymy, typifications, habitat, and distribution. A total of 22 names have been lectotypified, including second-step lectotypes for two names. Neotypes are designated here for 11 names and an epitype for one name. New varietal combinations have also been proposed for three names, namely Terminalia coronata var. parviflora, T. pendula var. fischeri, and T. pendula var. phillyreifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging need for quality control to assess the chemical composition and stability of herbal raw materials has grown significantly along with their demand. The proposed research focuses on phytochemical analysis of hydro-alcoholic bark and fruit extracts from Terminalia (arjuna, bellirica, chebula, and catappa) followed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique. HPTLC fingerprinting carried out on precoated silica gel F254 TLC revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, and antioxidants. The developed RP-HPTLC method was validated to quantify gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid (EA). The calibration plot from linear regression analysis demonstrated a good polynomial regression relationship, with R values of 99.99% for the peak areas of GA and EA, respectively. The calibration range for GA and EA is 100–700 ng per band. Spectro-densitometric scanning verified GA and EA by four-way confirmation via RF, chromatogram, spectra, and visual comparison of chromatograms. The method was developed and validated in accordance with the International Council for Harmonisation guidelines. From the validation results, it can be concluded that this method would prove an excellent alternative to existing costly techniques such as gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia catappa Linn. (Indian almond) leaf epicuticular wax was extracted for the first time and the presence of aliphatic alkane and ester chains was confirmed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The wax crystals had tubular microstructure and displayed excellent thermal stability. Four pectin films were developed from ~ 5% w/v film forming solution by adding wax (5 & 10% w/w) and xylitol (15 & 30% w/w). The resulting films showed a twofold reduction in water vapor permeability and a five to eight orders of magnitude reduction in oxygen permeability than control pectin films. The films showed an enhanced melting point of 160 °C against 95 °C for control pectin. Water contact angle (WCA) of 67° at 40 s after sessile drop indicated significant improvement in hydrophobic properties (WCA of control pectin was 20° at 40 s). The films showed a fivefold increase in elongation at break and toughness compared to control pectin films. Therefore, the present study introduces and demonstrates that the T. catappa leaf wax can act as an efficient hydrophobic agent with some plasticizer properties. The addition of appropriate quantities of T. catappa leaf wax and xylitol (as plasticizer) could produce pectin films with enhanced barrier and tensile properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in quality of fruits and vegetables during processing and storage might impact on the nutritional and economical value of food products. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of blanching on the content of vitamin C and ellagic acid (EA) as the main bioactive compounds present in Kakadu plum (KP) fruits (Terminalia ferdinandiana) during storage at 40oC to mimic typical temperature when wild harvested. Changes in the profile of fatty acids, malondialdehyde (MDA) production, as a biomarker for lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant properties of KP fruits were evaluated. The results revealed that vitamin C decreased between 25 and 52% over the storage period. Statistically significant differences in the concentration of vitamin C were associated with temperature (p < 0.05) and blanching (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences in EA during storage were observed. DPPH radical scavenging capacity and total phenolic content of both blanched and control samples decreased by 80% and 35%, respectively, at the end of the storage period compared to day 0. In addition, the change in DPPH activity is significantly correlated (Pearson R2 = 0.829, p ˂ 0.01) with the breakdown of ellagitannins. Furthermore, KP fruit demonstrated excellent antioxidative properties by reducing MDA production. It was concluded that blanching causes significant vitamin C loss whereas neither blanching nor long-term storage at elevated temperature affect the EA content. The results also indicate that the antioxidant compounds present in the KP fruits provided considerable protection against fatty acid oxidation during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeders and keepers of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) often add Indian almond (Terminalia catappa) leaf extract to the water in the aquarium, but there is little information available about the effects of extract concentration on water quality and fish performance. In the current study, the effects of T. catappa extract on water quality, growth performance, feed utilization, skin coloration, bubble nest formation, digestive enzyme activity, muscle quality, whole-body composition, and hematological parameters of B. splendens were investigated. Seventy-five juvenile male fish (2-month-old, 0.80 − 0.95 g initial weight) were individually reared in 350-mL cylindrical plastic containers (8.3 cm diameter × 12.5 cm height). The fish were reared for 8 weeks in four concentrations of T. catappa leaf extract (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g L−1) and a control group was reared in water without the extract. The fish received an excess of a commercial floating feed (39.4% crude protein) for fighting fish twice daily (08.00 and 17.00 h). A leaf extract concentration of 0.25 g L−1 showed no significant effect on growth (specific growth rate = 1.62% body weight day−1), feed utilization (feed conversion ratio = 1.21 g feed g gain−1), viscerosomatic index, muscle quality, whole-body composition, and hematological parameters of reared fish (P > 0.05), but did show effects on some of the other metrics that were monitored. Water quality significantly improved during the experiment (P < 0.05). Increased skin lightness (L*) was observed in all experimental groups, but only fish reared in 0.125 g L−1 leaf extract increased skin redness/greenness (a*), hue (h*), and chroma (C*) (P < 0.05). Relative to the control, increments in bubble nest formation frequency (1.70-fold on average) and bubble nest size (1.52-fold on average) were correlated with the concentration of T. catappa leaf extract (P < 0.05). Specific activities of protein- and lipid-digesting enzymes were not negatively affected but some modulations were observed in treatments containing leaf extract at 0.125, 0.25, and 1 g L−1. Fish reared in the 0.25 g L−1 treatment exhibited a sparing effect of carbohydrate utilization indicated by decreased amylase specific activity, increased lipase specific activity, and stable amylase/trypsin ratios. The results suggest that 0.25 g L−1 of T. catappa leaf extract is a suitable concentration of the additive during the growing phase of male Siamese fighting fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the Oriental and Afrotropical genus Afrolimnophila is described and illustrated from the North Caucasus. Thus, the genus is recorded from the European part of Russia (Krasnodar Territory, Krasnaya Polyana) for the first time. Afrolimnophila subabludens sp. n. seems to be particularly similar to the endemic Azerbaijan species A. abludens (Savchenko 1971), with which it is compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their low cost, availability, and environmental friendliness, biosorbents derived from renewable sources are appropriate for wastewater treatment. This study proposes the Terminalia catappa fruit kernel shell-Fe3O4 as an effective biosorbent for the removal of Crystal Violet (CV) and Methylene Blue (MB) dyes from environmental fluids. The Box–Behnken design was used in conjunction with the surface response methodology to optimize the CV and MB absorption processes. Under the optimum conditions of pH 6.7, an adsorbent amount of 69 mg, a CV concentration of 30 mg/L, MB concentration of 26 mg/L, and contact time of 6 min, 92.61% and 90.89% of the CV and MB absorption efficiencies were observed. The development of isotherms in binary solution revealed that the Extended Langmuir multicomponent isotherm best described the adsorption process and was also consistent with quasi-quadratic kinetics. The biosorbent capacity does not reduce after five regeneration cycles and is still efficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three effective adsorbents are developed for the de-fluoridation of water based on nano Silica and activated carbon of Terminalia Ivorensis plant (SACTI). Nano-SiO2 particles are synthesized from the sand collected in Krishna River at Vijayawada, India, using Aloe-vera gel as a capping agent. Activated carbon (SACTI), composite of 'nSiO2 + SACTI' and La-alginate beads doped with 'nSiO2 + SACTI' are examined. The adsorbents are characterized. Optimum extraction conditions for the maximum defluoridation capacities are established. Effect of co-anions, thermodynamic and regeneration studies are also investigated. The results show the spontaneity and endothermic nature of sorption with high positive entropy values. Adsorption efficiency is restored even after fifth regeneration cycles. The Freundlich adsorption isotherm and pseudo 2nd order kinetic model describes well the sorption process. Adsorption capacities of adsorbents are: 2.02 mg/g for SACTI, 4.01 mg/g for nSiO2 + SACTI, 5.13 mg/g for nSiO2 + SACTI-La-Ali (beads). The methodologies developed are successfully applied to reduce fluoride concentration in ground water samples of Ananthapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three different natural dyes, such as Terminalia kattapa (Red, fruit), Azadirachia indica (Green, leaf), and Clitoria ternatea (Blue, flower), were extracted to fabricate natural dye-sensitized solar cell (N-DSSC) with standard TiO2 nanoparticles (p25) on the FTO base layer. A comparative study was carried out on the performance of RA, GA, and BA-based DSSCs based on optical and electrical properties. The anatase and rutile phases on bare TiO2 film have been confirmed along with the formation of titanium sub-oxides due to the annealing process confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Significant absorption in the visible region has been attained in photo-anodes, which was confirmed with an optical band gap reported from UV reflectance spectra. For the proper electron injection process, a specific functional group has been identified in extracted sensitizer using Fourier transform infrared spectra to ensure the adsorption capability of dye molecules toward TiO2 particles. Photocatalytic properties of photo-anode have been analyzed using photoluminescence (PL) spectra by investigating the rate of recombination via PL intensity. J-V characteristics of fabricated N-DSSC with extracted natural dyes show that the N-DSSC with GA photo-anode offered the highest efficiency (0.79%) among other dyes used in this investigation, such as RA (0.51%) and BA-based photo-anode (0.29%). DSSCs fabricated using photo-anodes RA, GA, and BA (using water as solvent) show excellent outstanding stability and decent efficiency than the ethanol-based cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) from gas refinery wastewater via copper oxide nanoparticles which loaded on activated carbon supplied from Terminalia catappa (CuO-NPs-TCW-AC), while accordingly understudy process was accelerated by decomposition of organic pollutants in the presence of H2O2 as oxidant. CuO-NPs-TCW-AC as heterogeneous catalyst in the combination of H2O2 lead to generating OH radical as most efficient species degradation of organic pollutants (it is expected that copper ions also exhibited somewhat Fenton-like behaviors). TCW-AC prepared by carbonization at 850 °C for 90 min and subsequently was activated with CO2 at 900 °C for 90 min and TCW-AC as the final product was oxidizing with nitric acid and hydrochloric acid solution. Characterization of adsorbent and investigation of mechanism process were undertaken by FT-IR (before and after COD removal), pHZPC, Boehm's titration method, SEM, XRD, BET, and BJH. Conduction of preliminary experiments reveals that setting experimental condition at their optimum values including 0.06 g of the CuO-NPs-TCW-AC, pH of 4 and 0.1 mol L−1 of H2O2 at 75 °C following 5 min agitation at speed of 400 rpm leads to 61.5% reduction of initial COD (320 ppm) from gas refinery wastewaters. According to the coefficients of determination (R2) for Langmuir (0.985), Freundlich (0.993) and Temkin isotherm (0.981) reveal cooperative mechanism on whole adsorption/decomposition process, while its experimental and calculating maximum adsorbent capacity were 250.1, 263.2 (mg g−1), respectively. Judgment based on correlation coefficients represents an agreement among experimental and predicted adsorption capacity and confirms that understudy COD reduction using CuO-NPs-TCW-AC follows the second-order kinetics. The negative Gibbs free energy strongly support the high tendency of present material for COD through spontaneous while, higher adsorption rate by temperature rising confirm the endothermic nature of the process. As a result, the application of CuO-NPs-TCW-AC in the combination of H2O2 is suggested as a powerful tool for COD reduction from gas refinery wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional medicines prepared using Terminalia species have been used globally to treat inflammation and pathogenic infections. Recent studies have demonstrated that multiple Asian and African Terminalia spp. inhibit bacterial triggers of some autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis. Despite this, the effects of Australian Terminalia spp. on a bacterial trigger of ankylosing spondylitis (K. pneumoniae) remain unexplored. Fifty-five extracts from five Australian Terminalia spp. were investigated for K. pneumoniae growth inhibitory activity. Methanolic, aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of most species and plant parts inhibited K. pneumoniae growth, with varying potencies. Methanolic leaf extracts were generally the most potent bacterial growth inhibitors, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 66 μg/mL (T. ferdinandiana), 128 μg/mL (T. carpenteriae) and 83 μg/mL (T. petiolares). However, the aqueous leaf extract was the most potent T. grandiflora extract (MIC = 87 μg/mL). All T. catappa extracts displayed low growth inhibitory activity. The Terminalia spp. methanolic leaf extracts were examined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). All contained a relative abundance of simple gallotannins (particularly gallic and chebulic acids), the flavonoid luteolin, as well as the monoterpenoids cineole and terpineol. Notably, all Terminalia spp. were non-toxic or of low toxicity in ALA and HDF toxicity assays, highlighting their potential for preventing the onset of ankylosing spondylitis and treating its symptoms once the disease is established, although this needs to be verified in in vivo systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia hadleyana (subsp. carpentariae C. T. White) is native to Northern Australia where fruits of this plant have been used as a traditional food by the Australian Indigenous people. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology, chemical composition, functional (e.g. vitamin C, phenolic content) and antimicrobial properties of T. carpentariae fruits, harvested from the wild at full maturity. Variability has been observed in both fruit morphology (size and weight) and chemical composition. Proximate analysis showed that these fruits have high concentration of dietary fibre (DF) (51.2 g/100 gDW), and minerals such as K (1780 mg/100 g DW), Ca (373 mg/100 g DW) and Mg (150 mg/100 g DW). High levels of total phenolic content (TPC) (11,392 mg GAE/100 g DW) and vitamin C (11,046 mg/100 g DW) were also observed. Fruit extracts also showed inhibitory effects against the growth of foodborne microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Shewanella putrefaciens. Overall, these results contribute to provide with relevant information of the potential of T. carpentariae fruit as a functional ingredient to the Australian Indigenous communities and the emerging Australian native food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The male terminalia of horseflies (Diptera, Tabanidae) of the Hybomitra (s. str.) bimaculata Macq. group, including Hybomitra lurida (Fallén, 1817), H.nitidifrons confiformis (Chvála et Moucha, 1971), H.bimaculata (Macquart, 1826), H.muehlfeldi (Brauer, 1880), H.distinguendadistinguenda (Verrall, 1909), H.lundbecki lundbecki (Lyneborg, 1959), H.ciureai (Séguy, 1937), H.nigricornis (Zetterstedt, 1842) and H.montana montana (Meigen, 1820), are described. The differences in the ratio of linear sizes of the hypandrium, epandrium, and cerci are analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Differences in the structure of male terminalia of the studied species are revealed, and a key to males of Hybomitra (s. str.) bimaculata Macq. group is proposed on the basis of these differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships among lauxaniid genera Calliopum Strand, 1928, Lauxania Latreille, 1804 and related species from genus Sapromyza Fallen, 1820 are not fully understood. In this work, we provide a detailed morphological study of terminalia of selected species along with Bayesian phylogenetical analysis of DNA sequences of 4 gene fragments (16 S rRNA, 28 S rRNA, EF1-alpha and COI). Females of Calliopum have a characteristic structure of their terminalia with the exception of C. geniculatum (Fabricius,1805), which is almost identical to L. siciliana Merz, 2001 and L. bilobata Merz, 2001. Female terminalia of L. cylindricornis are rigid and fairly complex, in L. minor Martinek, 1974 they are simple and rigid and in L. albomaculata Strobl, 1909 they are membranous and retractable. In phylogenetic analysis, L. cylindricornis (Fabricius, 1794) clusters with Calliopum with high support. Lauxania minor appears to be sister to Sapromyza columbi Frey, 1936, an endemic species to the Canary Islands, however, support is very weak. Lauxania albomaculata clusters with S. schnabli Papp, 1987 with low support. S. madeirensis Frey, 1949, endemic to Madeira, falls well within Minettia fasciata species group. Our results support the non-monophyly of Lauxania, with the subgenera Callixania Papp, 1978 and Czernushka Shatalkin, 2000 being divergent in terms of DNA sequences from Lauxania s. str. The affinities of Calliopum geniculatum remain equivocal, yet seem to be closer to Lauxania s. str. Suggested systematic changes: Czernushka albomaculata (Strobl, 1909) comb. n, Callixania minor (Martinek,1974) comb. n, Callixania martineki (Shatalkin, 1999) comb. n, Minettia madeirensis (Frey, 1949) comb. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles with their excellent biocompatibility are extensively used in pharma and biological applications. Terminalia bellerica (TB) dry fruit parts mediated gold nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extracts. The secondary metabolites screening of the aqueous extracts was done using phytochemical analysis. The green synthesized gold nanoparticles show vibrant colours. They were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD analysis and FE-SEM. The analytical characterization methods ensured the formation of nanoparticles and could predict the nanometric size of the nanoparticles. The study also lay to determine the antibacterial potential of the TB fruit parts and TB fruit parts mediated gold nanoparticles. The pathogens chosen for the study were pathogens from clinical species such as Acinetobacter pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, and Enterococcus faecalis which cause common infections. The TB fruit part extracts, as well as TB fruit parts mediated gold nanoparticles were capable enough to destroy clinical pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the diverse nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (AuNps) are utilised for various therapeutic application due to the distinct physical, chemical properties and biocompatibility. Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using plants is the promising route. This method is low cost, eco-friendly and higher biological activities. In this present study, Gold nanoparticles were synthesised from fruit extract of Terminalia bellirica fruit extract. Their anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated against colorectal cancer cell line (HT29) and TNBS-induced zebrafish model. Highly stable tannin capped gold nanoparticles were synthesised from fruit extract broth of Terminalia bellirica rapidly. Structural and functional properties of the synthesised nanoparticles were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy-dispersive atomic X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). All the characterisation studies reveal highly stable, crystalline, phytochemicals, mainly tannin doped, spherical, 28 nm controlled sized gold nanoparticles. The molecular mechanism of anticancer activity was studied by determining cancer markers' expression, which was studied using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Antioxidative enzymes' status and apoptosis changes were also investigated. Synthesised nanoparticles brought a drastic reduction of all the tested cancer markers' expression. Notable changes in antioxidative enzymes' status and a good sign of apoptosis were observed in nanoparticles' treatment. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied against TNBS-induced zebrafish model, which was confirmed by determining inflammatory markers' expression TNF-α, iNOS (induced Nitric Oxide Synthase) and histopathological examination. Nanoparticles' treatment recorded a drastic reduction of inflammatory markers' expression. No marked sign of inflammation was also observed in histopathological analysis of the nanoparticles' treatment group. The present study suggests the possible utilisation of T. bellirica-mediated gold nanoparticles as an effective therapeutic agent against a prolonged inflammatory disease that progressively develops into cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Terminalia avicennioides Guill and Perr (Combretaceae) is an important West African medicinal plant. The plant is used locally against microbes and parasites in both humans and animals and studies have demonstrated its cytotoxicity potential. Thus, this study was carried out to test the cytotoxic effect of the extracts and fractions of the root of the medicinal plant Terminalia avicennioides Guill and Perr (Combretaceae) in two different cell lines. Methods: Methanol, ethanol, 30 % ethanol, hot water and cold water extracts and ethylacetate, hexane, chloroform, butanol and residual water fractions, were evaluated at 1000, 750, 500, 250, 100 and 50 µg/mL concentrations, with doxorubicin as positive control. The cells were incubated with the extracts for 48 h at 37 °C in a 5 % CO2 humidified incubator. The inhibition of cell viability, determined with the methyl blue thiazole tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, was used to assess the anti-proliferative effect of the extracts, in normal Vero Monkey kidney and human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines. Results: There was a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability in both the HepG2 and Vero cell lines. For HepG2 cells, antiproliferative effect was highest for the hexane fraction (viability ranged from 19.63 ± 1.10 % to 70.30 ± 1.78 % for 1000 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. For Vero cells, the highest antiproliferative effect, at 1000 µg/mL, was with hexane fraction (cell viability 21.37 ± 3.50 %), while at 50 µg/mL the chloroform fraction demonstrated the highest effect (viability of 86.10 ± 1.95 %). Conclusions: The extracts and fractions from the root of Terminalia avicennioides have antiproliferative effect on the Vero and HepG2 cell lines tested. However, the extracts and fractions were not more toxic to the HepG2 than to the Vero cells. The cytotoxic effect of stem-bark and leaf extracts could be evaluated in the future to determine its anticancer potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study discloses eco-friendly one pot robust method for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by employing novel bark extract of the medicinal plant Terminalia bellerica Roxb. Synthesized silver nanoparticles (B-AgNPs) were found spherical and crystalline, as confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM and FTIR. Catalytic potential of B-AgNPs was assessed by reductive degradation of various waste water pollutants, such as 4-nitrophenol, methyl orange, methylene blue and eosin yellow that fitted well to pseudo first order kinetics. B-AgNPs were found most efficient towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and removed 88.7% of it in 60 min. An artificial neural networks (ANNs) model based on experimental data was developed to describe the nonlinear behavior of the catalytic process that was found most accurate for the reductive degradation of eosin yellow. Antioxidant activity, evaluated by standard DPPH and ABTS assays, was dose dependent and B-AgNPs were found two fold potent in DPPH radical scavenging than the standard used. These results suggest that B-AgNPs could be a sustainable source of technological innovation in wastewater treatment and management of oxidative stress related health disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The majority of epidemic Vibrio cholerae strains have become resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents for many reasons, including mutations, horizontal gene transfers, etc. Therefore, secondary means of treatment are needed to overcome this impediment in combating cholera. Desmodium triflorum (L.) and Terminalia citrina (Roxb.) are extensively used in traditional medicine. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Desmodium triflorum (L.) whole plant and Terminalia citrina (Roxb.) fruits against V. cholerae isolates. Methods: Initially, different extracts of both plant materials were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening. Anti-V. cholerae activities were assessed by performing MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) test using disc diffusion method with different concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 8.00, 10.00, 12.50, 15.00 mg/ml) where standard discs of gentamycin and meropenem (10 μg/disc) were used. Further, Brine shrimp lethality bioassay was done to evaluate the extracts' cytotoxic activities using different concentrations (800, 400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 μg/ml) against vincristine sulphate. Results: The preliminary screening confirms the presence of convenient phytochemical constituents like flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, etc., and are liable for the emergence of the antibacterial activities in different strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of both methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Terminalia citrina (fruits) and Desmodium triflorum (L.) (whole plant) were found to be 2.50 mg/ml and 5 mg/ml, respectively. Moreover, 100% mortality was observed only in ethanolic extract of Terminalia citrina fruits at the highest concentration (800 μg/ml). In comparison, the rest of the test extracts showed less than 90% mortality at the highest concentration (800 μg/ml). Conclusions: Both plants possess significant phytoconstituents and showed appreciable anti-V. cholerae activities with mild toxicity. Hence, Desmodium triflorum (L.) whole plant and Terminalia citrina (Roxb.) fruits may be recommended as potential phytotherapy against cholera disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the toxic effects from using conventional trypanocidal drugs, there is need for development of safer alternatives to combat trypanosomosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of n-hexane and ethylacetate fractions of Terminalia catappa leaf extract in Wistar rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Forty-five (45) adult Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups (A–I) comprising of 5 rats each after acclimatisation for 7 days. Groups A-H were infected intraperitoneally with T. brucei brucei (day 0), treatment given to groups A–G at day 3 post-infection while group I were uninfected. Groups A, B and C are treated daily with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg n-hexane fraction (HF); D, E and F treated daily with 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg ethylacetate fraction (EAF); and G treated with diminazene aceturate once. Blood was collected for parasitaemia determination and haematology. Results revealed parasitaemia detection by day 2 pi and complete clearance by day 10 pi in groups F and G, and 100% mortality in groups A and G. There was significant decrease in packed cells volume, haemoglobin concentration, red and total white blood cells in all infected groups by day 3 pi. Following treatment at day 10 pi, these haematological parameters significantly increase towards pre-infection values and were significantly higher in groups F and G compared to the other treatment groups. The ethylacetate fraction of Terminalia catappa leaf extract at 300 mg/kg exhibited in vivo trypanocidal activity similar to diminazene aceturate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoterapy has been used in aquaculture for disease control, especially the Terminalia catappa that demonstrated excellent antimicrobial potential. The aquaculture commonly uses the extract obtained at room temperature, but the hot aqueous extract (HAE) and its effects on the fish are still unknown. This study aimed to determine the lethal concentration (LC50) of HAE from Terminalia catappa in juvenile fish Colossoma macropomum as well as to evaluate hematological and histological parameters. Two extracts were obtained in different temperatures and submitted to HPLC. Despite both extracts presented the similar chemical compounds, HAE showed higher levels of compounds and then it was selected. For acute toxicity test, six different extract concentrations (0.00, 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40, and 0.50 g/L) in triplicate was used. At the end of the experiment, all fishes were submitted to hematological and histological analysis. The LC50 was determined using trimmed Spearman-Karber method, and water quality (pH, temperature, DO, electrical conductivity, and ammonia) were measured. The results were submitted to ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The HAE showed LC50 of 0.41 g/L with changes on water parameters, such as pH and conductivity, as well as the fish behavior. HAE also altered hematologic parameters and showed histopathological changes on the gill and liver using high concentration of the extract or longtime exposure in low extract concentrations. Despite HAE showed higher concentration of compounds, it remains considered as a practically non-toxic product. Nonetheless, water quality, hematological, and histological alterations must be considered to determine concentrations and strategies of application in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was led to investigate the defensive role of Terminalia laxiflora extract (TLE) on fipronil (FPN) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male rats. Rats were administered with TLE (100 mg/kg) against the renal toxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by administration of FPN (10.5 mg/kg) for 30 days. At the end of the experimental period, the serum, liver, and kidneys were harvested and assessed for subsequent analysis. FPN administration to rats resulted in a significant elevation of serum transaminases, urea, and creatinine. Also, FPN-treated groups exhibited a marked reduction in total protein and albumin levels. Compared with the control group, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was elevated in groups treated with FPN, whereas superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities, and glutathione levels were distinctly reduced in this group. Significant increases in genomic DNA fragmentation and the expression level of the caspase-3 gene were also recorded. The biochemical result was supported by histopathological findings. Co-administration of TLE along with FPN significantly diminished the liver and kidney function tests decreased the level of lipid peroxidation, and enhanced all the antioxidant enzymes, while also diminishing the expression of caspase-3 and DNA laddering, indicating amelioration of DNA damage. These results indicate that TLE plays a vital role in diminishing FPN-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrients from dehydrated sewage sludge play an essential role in the development of many plants such as Terminalia argentea, in the recovery of degraded areas. The aims were to assess the abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous, pollinators and predators arthropods, as well as the percentage of defoliation of T. argentea trees, fertilized (or not) with dehydrated sewage sludge in a degraded area. The abundance, diversity and species richness of phytophagous Coleoptera and total predators (predator insects + protocooperating ants + spiders); abundance and species richness of Diptera, pollinator insects, spiders, and predators (predator insects + spiders) were higher on trees fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge. The abundance of phytophagous Coleoptera declined with the presence of phytophagous Hemiptera and protocooperating ants; population of phytophagous Orthoptera declined in response to phytophagous Coleoptera and total predators; the numbers of the leafminer Lyriomyza sp. directly increased with the numbers of spiders. The ecological indices of phytophagous, pollinators, and predator arthopods increased on Terminalia argentea trees fertilized with dehydrated sewage sludge; such a better ecological indices in fertilized than in unfertilized trees, show it more suitable for the recovery of degraded areas. We discuss the competition between phytophagous insects groups as well as herbivory reduction by predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared (IR) imaging, chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and plant phenomic approach were used to study physiological mechanism of desiccation tolerance in Azadirachta indica and Terminalia mantaly during the period of November 2018 to February 2019. IR imaging instrument was installed in the field for monitoring the canopy temperature dynamics of different canopy level including stem region of the tree throughout the day. Maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) was measured with chlorophyll fluorescence measuring system for sun exposed leaves of A. indica and T. mantaly over a period of desiccation. In order to reveal complete understanding of physiological mechanism of desiccation tolerance, plant phenomic approach was used for assessing response of these tree species to exposed desiccation. Results indicated that canopy temperature of upper foliage, lower foliage, stem (trunk) region of A. indica were quite higher during the hotter period of the day as compared to T. mantaly and maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) was maintained in A. indica leaves as compared to T. mantaly for same exposed duration of desiccation. Plant phenomic approach also depicted that A. indica twig retained more tissue water and maintained canopy volume area higher than T. mantaly. Thus it provides an indication that A. indica tree is quite desiccation tolerant than T. mantaly by maintaining its canopy temperature, maximum photochemical efficiency, more tissue water and canopy area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Terminalia bellirica methyl ester (TBME)/biodiesel was formed using potassium hydroxide as catalyst. Methyl ester fuel properties were resolved as per ASTM standard. The attribute of compression ignition (CI) engine such as combustion, performance, and released emission qualities of samples, such as diesel and TBME blends (B10, B20, B30, B50, and B100), were deliberated on a single-cylinder CI engine. By varying the load to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, test data were measured. Using AVL DI GAS 444N (five gas) analyzer dissimilarity in the engine emissions were documented. The results of biodiesel test blends show the similar combustion and performance to diesel curves with minor decrement. However, CO and HC emission diminish when engine fueled with TBME test blends whereas NOx amplifies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardiasis, one of the most common causes of diarrhoeal disease, is caused by gastrointestinal protozoal parasites of the genus Giardia. Metronidazole is the most commonly used drug to treat giardiasis. However, metronidazole resistance is increasingly common, making the development of new anti-giardial drugs a high priority. A panel of 11 compounds previously identified in T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were investigated for the ability to inhibit G. duodenalis proliferation. Eight of the 11 compounds inhibited the growth of all three G. duodenalis strains. 2,3-Dihydroxyphenyl B-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (DPGA) was the most potent anti-giardial compound, with IC50 values as low as 126 μM (38 μg/mL). Notably, DPGA inhibited a metronidazole-resistant G. duodenalis strain with similar activity as determined for the metronidazole-sensitive strains. Furthermore, the activity of DPGA was greatly potentiated when it was tested in combination with ascorbic acid, to approximately 17 μM (5 μg/mL) for the metronidazole-sensitive G. duodenalis strains and 40 μM (12 mg/mL) for the resistant strain. The T. ferdinandiana tannins (gallic acid and chebulic acid) were moderate inhibitors of G. duodenalis growth when tested in combination with ascorbic acid, although they had only low levels of activity when tested alone. All of the tested compounds (and their combinations with ascorbic acid) displayed low toxic effects and all compounds are conformed to Lipinski's rules of 5 with few violations, indicating their potential as drug leads and chemotherapies for the treatment and prevention of giardiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The internal female genitalia of 22 species of Aulacigaster are studied, covering all species groups as defined by Rung and Mathis (Smithson. Contrib. Zool., 633, 1–132, 2011). The method of embedding freshly dissected material in polyvinyl lactophenol with an admixture of chlorazol black E is far superior to results achieved by maceration in potassium hydroxide and allows the detection of delicate structures previously unnoticed. A general description of the internal female genitalia introduces all relevant structures and their variation within the genus. Establishing the presence and the multi-chambered condition of the ventral receptacle in Aulacigastridae constitutes a major result. Another important finding pertains to the presence of a ventral sclerotized ring in the posteroventral wall of the vagina, which had not been described in Aulacigastridae before. The variable characters are coded across the studied species and are subjected to a phylogenetic analysis in combination with the character set of Rung and Mathis (Smithson. Contrib. Zool., 633, 1–132, 2011). The resulting topology is used to reconstruct ancestral character states and to discuss intrafamilial character state changes at and above the species group level. Information extracted from the internal female genitalia corroborates and adds resolution to the results of previous analyses that employed characters of the external morphology and the male terminalia. Brief per species descriptions and additional illustrations are placed in the electronic supplementary material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kakadu Plum(Terminalia ferdinandiana) as a Sustainable Indigenous Agribusiness. In northern Australia, commercial use of plant products can provide Aboriginal people with important livelihood opportunities. Kakadu Plum (Terminalia ferdinandiana Exell.) is a species endemic to northern Australia with exceptional phytochemical properties and industry applications. Aboriginal people have a long history of customary use of many parts of this plant, and as scientific research provides evidence for commercial applications, it is under increasing demand. It has the highest level of ascorbic acid of any fruit in the world and also commercially important antioxidants. This paper reviews the unique characteristics of T. ferdinandiana fruit as a commercial plant product, the people and landscapes in which it grows, and the current state of knowledge for building a successful agribusiness based on these factors. It demonstrates the great potential T. ferdinandiana has as a sustainable Indigenous business and identifies the important research and development gaps that need to be addressed. These include improved understanding of taxonomy, floral biology, and drivers of variability in the properties in T. ferdinandiana leaves and fruit; better understanding of aspirations of Aboriginal suppliers for participation in the agribusiness supply chain; and specific supply chain models that suit Aboriginal suppliers of T. ferdinandiana to service a range of potential national and international markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (Family: Combretaceae), known as Bhibhitaki in Sanskrit and locally known as Behera in India, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, a universal system of medicine in India. The dried fruit of T. bellirica is used for the treatment of several disorders. The present study aims to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous acetone extracts isolated from T. bellirica (AATB) in RAW 264.7 cell lines. The AATB was prepared from the fruits of T. bellirica. Different concentrations of AATB (6.25–100 μg/ml) were used for MTT assay. The anti-inflammatory effect of AATB was evaluated by using different assays such as total cyclooxygenase (COX), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) activity, nitrate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The mRNA level expression of COX-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were studied in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AATB treatment significantly diminished the elevated levels of inflammatory markers. Moreover, AATB downregulated the mRNA level expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2 genes. The result of our study suggest the use of AATB and is able to reduce inflammatory conditions associated with various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into solid–liquid-based soxhlet extraction and drying pretreatment was conducted for the oil extraction from almond seed powder. The best possible combination of extraction parameters was obtained with interval type-2 fuzzy logic. Four major parameters: extraction time, temperature, moisture content and solvent-to-sample ratio were taken as input variables, and oil recovery and stability index were taken as output variables to optimize the extraction process based on their selected linguistic nature. Using these four input and two output parameters, eight Mamdani fuzzy inference systems were formed depending on the different membership functions of the variables. Finally, a statistical analysis has been performed using type-2 fuzzy data set to improve the control of process parameters that can be easily determined in type-2 fuzzy environment to get high yield as well as prominent quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dried fruits of Terminalia plant (Combretaceae) called "Samo" have been used as herbal medicine in Thai traditional medicine. Four "Samo" crude drugs, namely, Samo thai, Samo thed, Samo dee-ngu, and Samo phiphek, are used as the main ingredients in Triphala and Trisamo recipes. Their commercial products are available in processed and powdered form, but are difficult to authenticate by conventional methods. In this study, we aimed to discriminate species of genus Terminalia for the identification of their crude drugs by a DNA barcoding technique. A total of 208 closely related nucleotide sequences were obtained from nine Terminalia species collected from Thailand and the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank database. An effective DNA barcode marker was selected from six DNA loci (matK, rbcL, psbA-trnH, ITS, ITS1, and ITS2) and their two-locus combination. All sequences were analyzed by three major methods: (1) BLAST search; (2) the genetic divergence method using Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distance matrices; and (3) tree topology analysis based on the neighbor-joining method. Comparison of the six candidate DNA loci indicated that ITS identified Terminalia with 100% accuracy at the species and genus levels in the BLAST1 method. ITS2 showed the highest K2P variability. The data from the single markers and the two-locus combinations revealed that only the two-locus combinations, namely, the combinations of rbcL, ITS, ITS1, and ITS2 with psbA-trnH, clearly discriminated all the species. From the results of DNA sequence analysis and the three methods, ITS2 is recommended for the identification of Terminalia species to supplement psbA-trnH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia Linn, a genus of mostly medium or large trees in the family Combretaceae with about 250 species in the world, is distributed mainly in southern Asia, Himalayas, Madagascar, Australia, and the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Many species are used widely in many traditional medicinal systems, e.g., traditional Chinese medicine, Tibetan medicine, and Indian Ayurvedic medicine practices. So far, about 39 species have been phytochemically studied, which led to the identification of 368 compounds, including terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, simple phenolics and so on. Some of the isolates showed various bioactivities, in vitro or in vivo, such as antitumor, anti HIV-1, antifungal, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, diarrhea and analgesic. This review covers research articles from 1934 to 2018, retrieved from SciFinder, Wikipedia, Google Scholar, Chinese Knowledge Network and Baidu Scholar by using "Terminalia" as the search term ("all fields") with no specific time frame setting for the search. Thirty-nine important medicinal and edible Terminalia species were selected and summarized on their geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry and related pharmacological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodial resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies emphasizes the need for new drug development to control malaria. This paper describes the antiplasmodial activity of metabolites produced by endophytic fungi of three Cameroonian plants. Ethyl acetate extracts of fungi cultivated on three different media were tested against Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine-sensitive (Pf3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (PfINDO) strains using the SYBR green florescence assay. Selected endophytes were further grown in potato dextrose broth supplemented with small organic elicitors and their extracts tested for activity. The effect of elicitors on de novo metabolite synthesis was assessed by reverse-phase HPLC. Activity screening of 81 extracts indicated that Aspergillus niger 58 (IC50 2.25-6.69 μg/mL, Pf3D7), Fusarium sp. N240 (IC50 1.62-4.38 μg/mL, Pf3D7), Phomopsis sp. N114 (IC50 0.34-7.26 μg/mL, Pf3D7), and Xylaria sp. N120 (IC50 2.69-6.77 μg/mL, Pf3D7) produced potent extracts when grown in all three media. Further culture of these endophytes in potato dextrose broth supplemented with each of the eight small organic elicitors and subsequent extracts screening indicated the extract of Phomopsis sp. N114 grown with 1% 1-butanol to be highly selective and extremely potent (IC50 0.20-0.33 μg/mL; SI > 666). RPHPLC profiles of extracts of Phomopsis sp. N114 grown with or without 1-butanol showed some peaks of enhanced intensities in the former without any qualitative change in the chromatograms. This study showed the ability of selected endophytes to produce potent and selective antiplasmodial metabolites in varied culture conditions. It also showed how the production of desired metabolites can be enhanced by use of small molecular weight elicitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon sequestration in agroforestry systems plays an important role for climate change regulation. Policy makers make use of growth models for carbon estimations of the large scale projects in designing regulation. This study revealed the aboveground carbon sequestration potentials and established allometric growth models of four species in agroforestry. Based on the results, the aboveground carbon storages of Morinda tinctoria Roxb., Terminalia oliveri Brandis., Rhus paniculata Wall. and Emblica officinalis Gaertn. were 6.88, 6.59, 4.34 and 3.53 kg C tree, respectively. In comparison between two types of agroforestry, a mixture of M. tinctoria and E. officinalis had a higher carbon sequestration potential (1331 kg C ha) than a mixture of R. paniculata and T. oliveri (1151.40 kg C ha). A hyperbolic growth model and a basic quadratic model were the best-fit models for R. paniculata and E. officinalis, respectively, while a basic logarithmic model was the best fit for both M. tinctoria and T. oliveri. This study highlighted that both Akaike Information Criterion, Furnival index and coefficient of determination should be taken into consideration for model selection, as opposed to only considering the coefficient of determination. The study also pointed out that a mixture of M. tinctoria and T. oliveri should be considered as a tentative model for agroforestry plantations to enhance the carbon storage in semi-arid area in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five bark powder samples of Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna) having different origins including two commercial brands were analyzed for 8 minor (Al, Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Cl, Fe) and 19 trace (As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Eu, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Th, V, Zn) elements by INAA. Also concentrations of Ni, Cd and Pb were determined by AAS and of Sn by ICP-MS. Arjuna bark powder is enriched in Ca (34.1 ± 10.6 mg/g), Mg (5.41 ± 1.93 mg/g), K (5.87 ± 2.18 mg/g), Cl (4.0 ± 2.2 mg/g) and Fe (2.99 ± 1.77 mg/g) with significant amounts of Cr (6.9 ± 4.0 μg/g), Mn (75.5 ± 24.8 μg/g), Sr (114 ± 69 μg/g) and Zn (11.9 ± 8.9 μg/g). Several toxic elements such as As (78.6 ± 19.9 ng/g), Cd (5.60 ± 9.04 μg/g), Hg (69 ± 41 ng/g) and Pb (5.0 ± 3.5 μg/g) were also detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, microwave-assisted, optimized, instant, Terminalia bellirica fruit extract-mediated green synthesis of colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has been reported. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, Zetasizer, FESEM, EDX and XRD. The characteristic surface plasmon peak of reaction mixture at 406 nm confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. The FTIR studies confirmed phytoconstituents were responsible for the synthesis and stability of AgNPs. The FESEM, EDX and XRD analysis revealed the presence of spherical silver nanoparticles of mean diameter ≤20.6 nm with face-centered cubic crystalline structure. These AgNPs showed notable catalytic activity in reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol in the presence of NaBH. The synthesized AgNPs showed potential antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against bacterial pathogens like Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, these synthesized AgNPs can open avenues for the development of AgNP-based efficient nanocatalyst and potent nanomedicine in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the tropics vast areas of natural forests are being converted into plantations. The magnitude of the resulting loss in arthropod biodiversity and associated ecosystem services represents a significant topic of research. In this study we contrasted the abundance, species richness and faunal turnover of butterflies, resident butterflies (i.e., whose host plants were ascertained to occur in the habitats studied) and termites between small (average 4.3 ha) 20+ year old exotic plantations (teak and Terminalia), native plantations (Cedro espino), and an old growth forest in Panama. We used Pollard walks and manual search to quantify the abundance or occurrence of butterflies and termites, respectively. In 2014 we observed 4610 butterflies representing 266 species and 108 termite encounters (out of 160 quadrats) representing 15 species. Butterflies were more abundant and diverse in plantations than in the forest, whereas this pattern was opposite for resident butterflies and termites. There was marked faunal turnover between plantations and forest. We conclude that (a) the magnitude of faunal changes between forest and plantations is less drastic for termites than for butterflies; (b) resident butterfly species are more impacted by the conversion of forest to plantations than all butterflies, including transient species; and (c) species richness does not necessarily decrease in the series forest > native > exotic plantations. Whereas there are advantages of studying more tractable taxa such as butterflies, the responses of such taxa can be highly unrepresentative of other invertebrate groups responsible for different ecological services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opatrine darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Opatrini) are a worldwide radiation of ~1200 described species, with many more still awaiting discovery. This paper presents results of the first comparative morphological study of the female terminalia of this group. The structure of ovipositor and female genital tubes proved to be extremely useful for delimiting phylogenetic relationships within Opatrini. The following new lineages are recovered: Opatrum (basal parts of paraprocts equipped with claws constituted of baculi) and Sclerum (middle part of coxites soft and extended, apical lobe small and located laterally) generic complexes. Moreover, the analysis revealed that Heterotarsini and Heterocheirini share a unique vagina modification (presence of dual sclerites). Based on this observation, Heterocheirini is placed as a synonym of Heterotarsini. An additional comparative analysis of chosen external characters was performed to test hypotheses mentioned above. This investigation not only supports the conclusions derived from the female reproductive system analysis ( Opatrum and Sclerum generic complexes; homogeneity of Heterotarsini and Heterocheirini), but also leads to the recovery of other presumably monophyletic groups (e.g., Blapsitnus generic complex). Finally, to test the explicitness of the current autapomorphy and determine the status of the whole studied group, a comparative morphological analysis of protrochanters among different tribes of Tenebrioninae was performed. All opatrine genera exhibit a unique protrochanter structure, which is characterized by the elongate base. This feature is unique for Opatrini among Tenebrioninae. Based on the above-mentioned results, the subtribal classification of the Opatrini is revised. Seven following subtribes are recognized: Ammobiina stat. restit., Blapstinina stat. restit., Heterotarsina (=Heterocheirini syn. nov.), Neopachypterina, Opatrina, Sclerina stat. restit. and Stizopina. Additionally, Wolladrus nom. nov. is proposed as a replacement name for Hadrus (Opatrini), which is a junior homonym of a dipteran genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2015, cankers were observed on tree bark of Terminalia mantaly in Taiwan. A fungus with orange mycelium was consistently isolated and was identified as Aurifilum marmelostoma based on the morphological characteristics and two genetic markers: internal transcribed spacer and β-tubulin gene regions. The fungus produced similar canker symptoms after inoculation of T. mantaly and T. catappa seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first record of A. marmelostoma in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distinguishing the relative effects of above- and belowground competition can improve our understanding of the forces shaping community assembly in different ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the impacts of above- and belowground competition on seedling growth and allometry in a tropical monsoon forest (TMF) on Hainan Island, China. Four common dominant canopy tree species from three forest types ( Schima superba in secondary forest, Peltophorum tonkinense and Vatica mangachapoi in lowland rainforest, and Terminalia nigrovenulosa in TMF) were planted in different treatments (understory vegetation removal and trenching to decrease above- and belowground competition, respectively). Three species had greater relative growth rates in height in the vegetation removal, but not in the trenching treatment. Vegetation removal reduced mortality rates for all species and increased biomass in three of the four. Trenching alone did not affect biomass for any species. Vegetation removal affected seedling allometry, resulting in higher leaf mass fraction in the lowland rainforest species P. tonkinense and V. mangachapoi. The secondary forest species, S. superba, did not successfully establish in plots with intact understory because of aboveground competition. The highly drought-adapted traits of T. nigrovenulosa allowed its seedlings to establish successfully in TMF, where it is a canopy dominant. Our results demonstrate that aboveground competition is more important than belowground competition in structuring seedling communities in TMF, because light availability largely limits seedling establishment in this ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease which is increasing, cannot be cured and so must be suffered for whole life. In recent years, research on herbal medicines for the treatment of diabetes has been increasing. Terminalia species have been used as traditional medicines to treat several diseases including diabetic diseases for a great many years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-oxidant and antidiabetic activities of methanol extracts of the trunk-bark of three Terminalia species, T. alata, T. belirica and T. corticosa Pierre ex Laness. The anti-oxidant activity was determined by DPPH radical scavenging and the antidiabetic activity was determined by digestive enzymes inhibition and lowering fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats. The flavonoids and polyphenol contents were also determined by spectroscopic methods. The results indicated that the three trunk-bark extracts of the investigated plants possessed relatively high anti-oxidant activity with IC values of 0.24 mg/ml for T. alata, 1.02 mg/ml for T. belirica and 0.25 mg/ml for T. corticosa and 0.24 mg/ml for the positive control of L-ascorbic acid. In addition, these extracts also exhibited inhibitory activity on α-amylase and α-glucosidase and lowered fasting blood glucose levels in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats but without inducing body weight loss comparing to acarbose. Amongst the extracts, the highest effect on lowering in diabetic rats was found in the extract of T. belirica followed by T. corticosa and T. alata. However, the extracts did not produce any hypoglycemic effect in normal rats at a dose up to 200 mg/kg body weight. The results suggest that the methanol extracts of the investigated plants may prove to be useful in treating type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the effects of Terminalia nigrovenulosa methanol extracts and their isolated compounds on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitory activity in HT1080 cells. HT1080 cells were treated with the extracts and isolated compounds at different concentrations. Intracellular ROS generation was measured using the 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescent probe. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and protein expression were measured by gelatin zymography and Western blot. Luciferase activity was assessed to evaluate the effect of the extracts and compounds on activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. The extracts of the leaves and bark of T. nigrovenulosa suppressed intracellular ROS generation and MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in HT1080 cells. Five compounds were isolated from T. nigrovenulosa, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, catechin, ethyl gallate, and luteolin. Gallic acid decreased HT1080 cell viability at a concentration >12.5 µg/mL. Luteolin, ethyl gallate, and catechin had no effect on cell viability up to 50 µg/mL. All isolated compounds suppressed intracellular ROS generation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, and luteolin reduced the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and protein expression in HT1080 cells. The inhibitory effects of these extracts and isolated compounds on the MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities and protein expression were related to downregulation of gene expression via suppression of the AP-1 transcription binding-factor. These findings may be useful to develop new chemotherapeutic agents for treating malignant cancers using T. nigrovenulosa extracts and the isolated compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, Terminalia chebula (Myrobalan/Harda) natural dye extract was used for the development of eco-friendly shades on woolen yarn with different hues and tones. The effect of dye concentration on color strength ( K/ S) of woolen yarn dyed with T. chebula was assessed. Increasing the concentration of dye decreased lightness ( L*) values of woolen yarn samples, indicating darker shades. Different metal salts such as alum, ferrous sulfate, and stannous chloride were used to enhance the fastness properties (light, wash, dry and wet rubs) of dyed woolen yarn. Pre-treatment of woolen yarn samples with metal salts has shown encouraging results with better fastness properties and enhanced color strength values. Five percent ferrous sulfate mordanted samples show greater saturation with increasing dye concentration from 0.5 to 15 % (o.w.f.). Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of T. chebula dye extract shows presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this present manuscript, ultrasmall copper nanoparticles (UCuNPs) was synthesized by Terminalia bellirica fruit extract as a reducing agent. The method of synthesis is ecofriendly, single step, aqueous and ambient method. As synthesized nanoparticles were in diameter of 2-7 nm. The surface plasmone resonance is observed with UV-visible spectrophotometry, UCuNPs are nonplasmonic. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicates that oxygen-containing functional groups in the T. bellirica fruit extract are involved in the nanoparticle synthesis reaction. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to confirm that the UCuNPs are spherical shape. XRD analysis confirms that the nanoparticles are single crystalline. X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy conducted during HRTEM analysis confirms the presence of pure copper in the sample. The particle size analysis is also confirms that the particles were polydispersed. The stability of UCuNPs characterized by zeta potential. We are also done antimicrobial activity (anti bacterial and anti fungal) of UCuNPs shown good activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants of the genus Terminalia are amongst the most widely used plants for traditional medicinal purposes worldwide. Many species are used for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic, antimalarial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory and anticancer activities. Wound healing and cardiovascular effects have also been credited to some species. Many Terminalia species have multiple beneficial effects for multiple diseases and ailments. Indeed, the Indian species Terminalia chebula is known as the king of plants in Ayurveda due to its broad range of medicinal uses. However, apart from the reported ethnopharmacological uses of many Terminalia species, surprisingly few studies have rigorously examined this important genus for their medical properties/mechanisms and phytochemistry. This is likely due to the high tannin content common to many Terminalia species and the perception that these tannins may be responsible for much of their beneficial properties. As the complexities of tannins make them poor candidates for drug design, most interest in Terminalia species has been for their pharmacognostic and nutraceutical value and they have often been overlooked as potentials for drug discovery. However, recent reports have identified many other interesting phytochemicals and demonstrated that these may be responsible for several of the reported bioactivities of the Terminalia species used in traditional medicinal systems. The last decade has seen a large increase in the number of studies into the use of Terminalia species as therapeutic agents. Several species used in Ayurvedic medicine ( Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia catappa, T. chebula) in particular have received much recent attention. Similarly, recent reports have also highlighted the medicinal potential of species from Africa, Australia and the Americas. The aim of this report is to summarise the recent research into the medicinal properties, phytochemistry and therapeutic mechanisms of Terminalia species and thus to highlight and direct future areas of research into the medicinal activities of this important genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardisis is a debilitating disease caused by gastrointestinal parasites of the genus Giardia. High-antioxidant T. ferdinandiana fruit extracts were investigated for the ability to block Giardia duodenalis growth. Methanolic and aqueous extracts had the most potent growth inhibitory activity (IC50 values of approximately 700 and 140 μg/ml, respectively). Ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts also inhibited G. duodenalis growth, albeit with lower potency. The hexane extract was completely devoid of G. duodenalis growth inhibitory activity. All extracts were nontoxic in the Artemia fransiscana bioassay. Nontargeted HPLC-quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectroscopy (with screening against three compound databases) putatively identified 17 compounds in all of the inhibitory extracts but not in the inactive hexane extract. The low toxicity of the Terminalia ferdinandiana fruit extracts and their potent G. duodenalis growth inhibitory bioactivity indicate their potential as medicinal agents in the treatment and prevention of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]