Search

Carica papaya Linn. is one of the most common plants in almost all tropical countries. Its fruit is widely used as food or an ointment in traditional medicine. It is one of the few tropical fruits to contain glucotropaeolin (benzyl glucosinolate) detected in great quantity, mainly in the seeds of papaya. When cells in plant tissue are damaged, glucotropaeolin is hydrolysed by the enzyme myrosinase to benzyl isothiocyanate. The anticancer activity of this latter compound has been widely evidenced, but the metabolic profile of the papaya seed extracts is not reported in the literature. The objective of this study is to investigate the seed extracts of C. papaya L. by UHPLC-PDA ESI/MS, with and without the inactivation of myrosinase, and compare the recovery of some main components using two different inactivation procedures. The extracts (methanol/water, 60:40, v/v) were studied in negative and positive ionisation modes. Separations were carried out on an Acquity BEH C18 (50 × 2.1 mm i.d.) 1.7 μm analytical column, and 0.02% formic acid in water and acetonitrile was used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.6 mL min−1. Beyond the amino acids and glucotropaeolin already detected in papaya seeds, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, which has never been detected in papaya seeds with this technique before, was identified. Moreover, mono-, di- and tri-glycosides of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were putatively assigned. Glucotropaeolin, 4-hydroxybenzoic and tryptophan were quantified in seeds extracted after myrosinase deactivation. These three components were more effectively recovered using an oven than microwave myrosinase inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research describes the eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles employing Pongamia pinnata seed extracts loaded with nanogel formulations (AgNPs CUD NG) to improve the retention, accumulation, and the penetration of AgNPs into the epidermal layer of psoriasis. AgNPs were synthesized using the Box–Behnken design. Optimized AgNPs and AgNPs CUD NG were physico-chemically evaluated using UV–vis spectroscopy, SEM, FT-IR, PXRD, viscosity, spreadability, and retention studies. It was also functionally assessed using an imiquimod-induced rat model. The entrapment efficiency of AgNPs revealed ~ 79.35%. Physico-chemical parameters announced the formation of AgNPs via surface plasmon resonance and interaction between O–H, C = O, and amide I carbonyl group of protein extract and AgNO3. Optimized AgNPs showed spherical NPs ~ 116 nm with better physical stability and suitability for transdermal applications. AgNPs CUD NG revealed non-Newtonian, higher spreadability, and better extrudability, indicating its suitability for a transdermal route. AgNPs CUD NG enhanced the retention of AgNPs on the psoriatic skin compared to normal skin. Optimized formulations exhibit no irritation by the end of 72 h, indicating formulation safety. AgNPs CUD NG at a dose of 1 FTU showed significant recovery from psoriasis with a PASI score of ~ 0.8 compared to NG base and marketed formulations. Results indicated that seed extract-assisted AgNPs in association with CUD-based NG formulations could be a promising nanocarrier for psoriasis and other skin disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The liver plays a crucial role in the body's metabolic and detoxification processes. Given its importance, compromised liver function can negatively impact the body’s metabolic and physiological function. Liver diseases can result from several factors, including exposure to toxins, alcohol consumption, and viral infections. Therefore, finding natural remedies for liver protection and treatment is important. Moringa oleifera is a tree known for its various medicinal properties, including hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential of M. oleifera seed extract in protecting liver cells. Methods In this study, dried-seed powder of M. oleifera was extracted using extraction solvents, methanol, and ethanol. HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the extracts. The antioxidative activity, cell viability, and antiproliferation were assessed using the total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Additionally, liver enzyme activity was determined through alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activity assays. Results The extracts had varying effects on liver cells depending on the concentration and time of exposure. Lower concentrations (50 mg/l and 100 mg/l) have mild stimulatory effects/minimal impact on metabolic activity, while higher concentrations (200 mg/l and 400 mg/l) tend to decrease metabolic activity, especially at later time points. Moreover, the extracts effectively reduced the levels of the liver enzyme AST, indicating their ability to mitigate liver injury. Conclusion The study concludes that the crude extracts of M. oleifera seeds exhibit potential as a natural remedy for liver diseases. The effects of M. oleifera extract suggest that it has potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for liver damage. This study highlights the importance of exploring natural remedies for liver protection and treatment.

Background: The liver plays a crucial role in the body's metabolic and detoxification processes. Given its importance, compromised liver function can negatively impact the body's metabolic and physiological function. Liver diseases can result from several factors, including exposure to toxins, alcohol consumption, and viral infections. Therefore, finding natural remedies for liver protection and treatment is important. Moringa oleifera is a tree known for its various medicinal properties, including hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the potential of M. oleifera seed extract in protecting liver cells. Methods: In this study, dried-seed powder of M. oleifera was extracted using extraction solvents, methanol, and ethanol. HepG2 cells were cultured and treated with different concentrations of the extracts. The antioxidative activity, cell viability, and antiproliferation were assessed using the total antioxidant capacity assay (TAC) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Additionally, liver enzyme activity was determined through alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activity assays. Results: The extracts had varying effects on liver cells depending on the concentration and time of exposure. Lower concentrations (50 mg/l and 100 mg/l) have mild stimulatory effects/minimal impact on metabolic activity, while higher concentrations (200 mg/l and 400 mg/l) tend to decrease metabolic activity, especially at later time points. Moreover, the extracts effectively reduced the levels of the liver enzyme AST, indicating their ability to mitigate liver injury. Conclusion: The study concludes that the crude extracts of M. oleifera seeds exhibit potential as a natural remedy for liver diseases. The effects of M. oleifera extract suggest that it has potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for liver damage. This study highlights the importance of exploring natural remedies for liver protection and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella sativa, an annual herbaceous flowering plant of the Ranunculaceae family, is considered an important medicinal plant due to the presence of several bioactive compounds in its seeds, including both volatile and non-volatile compounds. The cultivation of numerous genotypes of N. sativa is seen in different parts of the world with varying compositions of such chemical compounds. Since the variation in composition determines the quality grade of the seeds, this study was carried out to explore the compositional variation of twelve different genotypes of N. sativa cultivated in Central Queensland, Australia. The results showed total phenolic content (TPC), FRAP and CUPRAC (antioxidants), and thymoquinone in the range of 291–529 mg GAE/100 g DW, 703–966 mg TE/100 g DW, 2533–3416 mg TE/100 g DW, and 219–349 mg/100 g DW, respectively. The highest values of TPC, thymoquinone, FRAP, and CUPRAC were observed in genotypes AVTKS#E, AVTKS#F, AVTKS#4, and AVTKS#D, respectively. The lowest values of TPC and FRAP were observed in genotype AVTKS#24, and the CUPRAC and thymoquinone were lowest in genotype AVTKS#23 and AVTKS#1, respectively. Monomeric anthocyanins were absent in the methanolic seed extracts of all nigella genotypes. There was a strong positive correlation among the TPC, CUPRAC, and FRAP. However, despite thymoquinone being reported as a strong antioxidant in the literature, there was no significant correlation of thymoquinone with TPC or CUPRAC, and only a weak positive correlation with FRAP. Overall, the genotypes with comparatively higher values of thymoquinone, TPC, and antioxidant capacity (both FRAP and CUPRAC) showed particular potential for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of plant extraction products from Oeneanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae family) seeds were investigated in terms of their use as an insecticide control of packaging materials. The aim was to investigate their insecticidal effects against the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. The Oeneanthe pimpinelloides seeds were extracted with methanol. By using the liquid-liquid extraction method, the hexane extract (II) was separated from the methanol extract (I) and hexane and methanol were evaporated. Then, the chemical composition of each sample was determined via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The methanol extract predominantly contained tetrahydrofuran, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-methoxy, 2-butoxyethanol, 1-phenylethanone, cyclohexene carboxylate derivative, (3-phenyl-2-propynylidene) cyclopropane, diphenyldiazene, and dihydroxypropyl ester components, while the hexane fraction contained nonane, 1-octanol, decane, undecane, tridecane, alkyl benzene, benzene sulfonic acid, benzoxazine, and hexadecanoic acid components, as well as some derivatives of them. Each fraction was dissolved in DMSO for impregnation on filter paper. The insecticide effects of the paper samples were determined against Tribolium castneum. According to the results, the mortality started after 3 d for each fraction. After 4 d, the hexane fraction indicated total mortality in comparison with the methanol fraction, which showed partial mortality (3/5).

The utilization of plant extraction products from Oeneanthe pimpinelloides (Apiaceae family) seeds were investigated in terms of their use as an insecticide control of packaging materials. The aim was to investigate their insecticidal effects against the flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. The Oeneanthe pimpinelloides seeds were extracted with methanol. By using the liquid-liquid extraction method, the hexane extract (II) was separated from the methanol extract (I) and hexane and methanol were evaporated. Then, the chemical composition of each sample was determined via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The methanol extract predominantly contained tetrahydrofuran, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-methoxy, 2-butoxyethanol, 1-phenylethanone, cyclohexene carboxylate derivative, (3-phenyl-2-propynylidene) cyclopropane, diphenyldiazene, and dihydroxypropyl ester components, while the hexane fraction contained nonane, 1-octanol, decane, undecane, tridecane, alkyl benzene, benzene sulfonic acid, benzoxazine, and hexadecanoic acid components, as well as some derivatives of them. Each fraction was dissolved in DMSO for impregnation on filter paper. The insecticide effects of the paper samples were determined against Tribolium castneum. According to the results, the mortality started after 3 d for each fraction. After 4 d, the hexane fraction indicated total mortality in comparison with the methanol fraction, which showed partial mortality (3/5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of fruit shrubs are herbal material of relatively low popularity and a narrow range of applications. The aim of the study was to assess selected quality characteristics of the seeds of two species of flowering quince -- Chaenomeles japonica cv. Nicoline and C. x superba cv. Fascinacion. Determination of the content of selected minerals showed that the seeds of C. japonica contained more potassium, iron, manganese and copper and less calcium than C. x superba. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the seeds were tested in ethanol and ethanol-water extracts. For both species, the total phenolic content in the ethanol extract was statistically significantly higher than in the ethanol-water extract. This was not true of the content of antioxidants measured by the ABTS and DPPH methods. The total phenolic and antioxidant content in the seeds was much higher in C. x superba than in C. japonica. The highest phenolic content in the seeds was 51.49 mg GAE 100 g-1 DW for C. x superba and 8.63 mg GAE 100 g-1 DW for C. japonica. The total antioxidant content measured by the ABTS method in the seeds of C. japonica was 1.69 and 3.38 mmol TE 100 g-1 DW in the E and EW extracts, respectively, while in the seeds of Ch. x superba it was 18.22 and 18.78 mmol TE 100 g-1 DW. Measured by the DPPH method, it ranged from 1.76 to 11.34 mmol TE 100 g-1 DW, depending on the species. The antibacterial properties of the seeds, i.e. the susceptibility of bacterial strains to the seed extracts, were assessed by the disc diffusion method. The ability of extracts of C. x superba seeds to inhibit bacterial growth proved much greater than that of extracts of C. japonica seeds. In the case of both Chaenomeles species, the most susceptible bacteria were Enterobacter aerogenes and Enterococcus faecalis, whereas Salmonella enterica, Serratia marcescens and Escherichia coli were not susceptible to extracts of C. japonica seeds. Higher antibacterial activity against E. aerogenes and E. faecalis was observed for the ethanol extract, in which it surpassed the activity in ethanol-water extract. The study showed that the seeds of both Chaenomeles species contain valuable minerals and phytocompounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: L. sativum, are traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases and thought to have medicinal value. Isolates from many part of the world is now multidrug resistant. Therefore, there is an urgent need to look for and test an alternative herbal drug. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of L. Sativum seed extract against multi drug resistant (MDR) and sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates. Subjects and Methods: An ethanolic and aqueous stock extracts were prepared from L. sativum seed plant then serial dilutions were prepared and the obtained concentrations (50, 25, 12.5 and 6.2 mg/ml) were tested against 30 multidrug-resistant and 35 sensitive clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa using wells diffusion method. Results: It was found that L. sativum seed extracts had antimicrobial activity against MDR and sensitive isolates at different concentrations of 100, 50 and 25 according to the mean ± SD (standard deviation) of the maximum zones of inhibition. The total number of isolates that were sensitive to both extracts were 49/130 (37%) which represented 17/60 (28.3%) MDR and 32/70 (45.7%) sensitive isolates. The aqueous extract exhibited more inhibitory effect than ethanolic extract 43 (66%) vs. 6 (9%) against the examined isolates (n=65). Conclusion: The study concluded that the L. sativum extracts had an antibacterial activity against the susceptible and MDR isolates which may enable it to be used an alternative treatment for medicinal purposes.

Seeds are one of the main parts of the grapes, and they contain important constituents such as polyphenols, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates. In this study, oil contents, fatty acid composition, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, monomeric flavan-3-ols and antioxidant capacities of nine grape seeds from nine cultivars were investigated. The correlations between the analyzed parameters were also examined. The oil contents of seeds ranged from 4.96 to 13.35%. Linoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in the seeds, and it was followed by oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linolenic acid, 11-eicosenoic acid and arachidic acid. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were 646.50-1120.78 mg GAE/g and 336.69-589.85 mg CE/g, respectively. ‘Italia’ seeds had the highest antioxidant capacity for DPPH and CUPRAC assays while ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ seeds had the lowest one. The (-)-epigallocatechin, (+)-catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, (-)-epicatechin and (-)-epicatechin gallate contents in the seeds varied from 1.23 to 6.53 mg/g, 11.61 to 80.20 mg/g, 0.21 to 0.51 mg/g, 2.78 to 48.26 mg/g and 0.08 to 1.50 mg/g, respectively. The (+)-catechin and (-)-epicatechin were the major flavan-3-ol compounds in the grape seeds. Significant correlations were found between total phenolic content, total flavonoid, RSA (DPPH Radical scavenging activity), CUPRAC (Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity) and flavan-3-ols. Consequently, the current study findings support previous information that grape seeds are an important source of antioxidants as well as unsaturated fatty acids, which have positive effects on human health.

Ginkgo biloba seeds are rich in nutrients and functional ingredients; however, the slow progress of research into processing and utilization has caused considerable waste. This research describes the enrichment of the functional ingredients used to prepare Ginkgo biloba seed extracts (GBSE) and aimed to develop a functional beverage formulated from GBSE and orange juice. The changes in the quality and antioxidant capacity of the formulated beverages during 120 days of storage were also investigated. The formulated beverages had good color and sensory acceptance. The addition of GBSE increased the content of vitamin C, the total phenolic content, and the antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) of the formulated beverages. When 2% GBSE was added, the aforementioned indicators of the formulated beverage were the highest, at 90.43 mg/L, 46.62 mg/mL, 145.88 μmol TE/L, 637.41 μmol TE/L, and 2789.02 μmol TE/L, respectively. During storage, the color of the formulated beverage was stable and the titratable acid content significantly increased (from 1.34 to 2.32%). Vitamin C content and total phenolic content in the formulated beverages (2% GBSE) decreased from 90.43 to 36.22 mg/L and 46.62 to 34.05 mg/mL, respectively. As expected, the antioxidant activity decreased after 120 days of storage. The principal component analysis showed that the quality of the formulated beverage was stable during the entire storage period with the addition of 0.5% and 1% GBSE. These results indicate that the beverage formulated with GBSE had better sensory acceptance, functional ingredients, and antioxidant capacities after 120 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rumex vesicarius (RV) is an edible wild annual plant, and it is reported that it contains a good source of minerals, protein, and ascorbic acid. Several studies have indicated the anti-liver damage, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of the RV plant. There are currently no reports regarding the effect of RV on fertility. Therefore, this study focuses on the impact of RV water seed extracts on mice fertility. RV plants were collected, and water seed extracts were prepared; 50 mg/kg body weight (BW) of this was then injected into the mice (male and female) using an oral feeding tube 5 days before mating (group I) or during caging of the females with the males for 1 week to detect their fertility rate. In the different female groups, no significant difference between their BW and their newborn's BW in the treated and control groups was found. Female fertility, pregnancy, and offspring rates showed some variation within each female group and between the different female groups. In comparing the fertility and offspring rate between the different groups, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between groups I and III females and between groups I and IV females, while the other groups showed no significant differences. In contrast, the other groups showed no significant differences. Regarding the impact of the water seed extract on males, the BW was approximately the same in control and treated males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds have been known to possess bioactive components with anti-cancer properties. This study aims to demonstrate the processes by which seed extracts from various sources induce cell death. Several assays have been employed to demonstrate the induction of cell death by the respective seed extracts. This review also underscores the importance of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidins (GSPs) in terms of inducing the aforesaid physiological form of seed extract-induced cell death. Furthermore, this review highlights the critical and pressing need to conduct comparative HTS-based strategies (with a battery of cell lines representing different cancers) to identify the major seed extracts that can reproducibly serve to augment the cell death induction capabilities of the existing battery of chemotherapeutic drugs/ natural alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria is the property of Agrosavia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Viticulture & Enology / Ciência e Técnica Vitivinícola is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Datura stramonium (L.) contains allelochemicals capable of affecting agro-morphological traits in plants. Thus, field experiment was carried out at Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Minna, Nigeria to examine the effects of different concentrations [25%, 50% and 100% and 0% (control)] of D. stramonium aqueous seed extracts on agro-morphological attributes of two soybean varieties (‘TG x 2018-5E’ and ‘TG x 2022-4E’), obtained from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan. Dry seeds of the soybean were pre-soaked in the Datura seed extracts for two hours before planting in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates each. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). At maturity, D. stramonium seed extracts significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant height (38.37 cm) and length of petiole (2.93 cm) for ‘TG x 2018-5E’ at 100% concentration. Significantly highest plant height (29.20 cm) and number of branches (17.00) were enhanced in ‘TG x 2022-4E’ at 50% concentration. Both ‘TG x 2018-5E’ and ‘TG x 2022-4E’ leaf areas were significantly highest (23.11 cm2 and 28.41 cm2, respectively) at 100% concentration. Yield attributes such as number of seeds per plant, weight of fresh and dry pods per plant for both ‘TG x 2018-5E’ (3.33, 1.60 and 1.32, respectively) and ‘TG x 2022-4E’ (3.00, 0.60 and 0.26, respectively) were significantly stimulated in 50% concentration while number of pods per plant was significantly highest for ‘TG x 2018-5E’ and ‘TG x 2022- 4E’ (3.33 and 3.00, respectively) in 100% concentration. On these premises higher concentrations (50% and 100%) of D. stramonium seed extracts support better morphological growth and yield characters in soybean varieties.

Aqueous and ethanolic seed extracts of Annona squamosa L. and Mangifera altissima B. were evaluated in the laboratory on adult coconut leaf beetles, Brontispa longissima G. Direct-spray method was employed in delivering the treatments to the test beetles. On the other hand, dip method was used in exposing parasitized pupae to different treatments. Laboratory results revealed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of M. altissima at 15% w/v and 10% w/v, respectively and A. squamosa at 2%w/v and 10%w/v, correspondingly were comparable to Thiametoxam™. Percentage mortalities observed for all seed extracts used except the aqueous form of M. altissima exhibited a dose-dependent manner. Probit analysis revealed that the trend for LC50 for each seed extracts is M. altissima aqueous extracts (MAAE) >A. squamosa aqueous extracts(ASAE) >M. altissima ethanolic extracts (MAEE) >A. squamosa ethanolic extracts (ASEE). It was also found that based on recorded mean parasitoid emergence, Thiametoxam™ had greater sub-lethal effect than the botanicals on the natural enemy of coconut leaf beetle, Tetrastichus brontispae F. (5.00 ± 3.00). The chemical groups such as phenols, saponins and tannins might be possibly responsible for the observed bioactivities against the hispid beetle. UV-vis analyses of ethanolic fractions further revealed presence of secondary metabolite known to have several biological activities; annonasquacin for A. squamosa and mangiferin for M. altissima. Proper formulation of these materials can be developed as alternative control to B. longissima as they may offer selectivity than conventional insecticide and contain mixture of phytochemicals that can deter development of insect resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigella sativa or black cumin is used as a spice and as a natural remedy against a great variety of illnesses. However, plants growing at different locations, i.e., coping with different environmental stress conditions, may have different contents of specialized compounds include alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Therefore their properties and biological effects may be different. We used the neutral red uptake test, the bacterial Vitotox and Ames assays and the micronucleus and comet tests in human C3A cells to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of aqueous seed extracts of this plant originating from three different regions in Morocco. Nigella sativa seed extracts showed different degrees of cytotoxicity depending on the location where the test samples came from. Overall they were not genotoxic but some indications of both antigenotoxicity and co-genotoxicity were found. In this the results are somewhat in contradiction with previous reports. Actually, our results show that many factors may influence the outcome of an investigation. The location of the samples, but also the applied test system and other experimental conditions are examples of factors that should be taken into account when evaluating the biological properties and potentials for nutritional and medicinal application in humans. This obviously complicates these kind of investigations and assessment and shows that it may be time to develop and agree on common protocols and procedures rather than performing experiments solely based on a laboratory's capacity, availabilities and opportunities. • Nigella sativa seeds were obtained from three different regions in Morocco. • We investigated their cyto-, geno- and antigenotoxic properties. • Their toxicological properties depended on their location of origin. • There were indications of both antigenotoxicity and co-genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allelopathic effect of water extracts of crushed sweet sorghum seeds of hybrids ‘Medovyi’ and ‘Dovista’ and variety ‘Sylosne 42’ and their effect on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) seeds germination of hybrid ‘Ukrainian MS 97’ is presented. Water extracts of various concentrations (from 5 to 50 %) were prepared. The results were compared with the control treatment (distilled water). To est imate the growth rate of plants, the number of buds and leaves, plant height and the general condition of plants were examined. In regard to the chemical interaction of crops in mixed cropping, it was found that water extracts from sorghum seeds have a significant amount of allelopathically active substances revealing both phytotoxic and stimulating effects on the germination and germination vigour of sugar beet seeds. The water extracts of ‘Medovyi’ seeds showed the lowest allelopathic effect compared to other cultivars under study. Water extract of ‘Sylosne 42’ appeared relatively tolerant to germination of sugar beet seeds. The extract of ‘Medovyi’ seeds was filtered and added into the agar medium on which the clones of Beta vulgaris L. were planted. Allelopathically active substances did not affect sugar beet plants on the 7th day after planting. A decrease in the number of buds, leaves and plant height was recorded on the 14th day. On the 21stday, sugar beet plants looked suppressed and eventually died off. Understanding of physical and biochemical mechanisms of plants interaction allows selecting physiologically compatible plants for high-productive phytocoenoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crude seed extracts of four forest tree species, Mora excelsa Benth, Carapa guianensis Aubl., Pentaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze and Clathrotropis brachypetala (Tul.) Kleinhoonte, from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago were screened for their antifeedant activity against third instar larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda. All extracts tested exhibited antifeedant activity. M. excelsa had the highest antifeedant activity while C. guianensis, P. macroloba and C. brachypetala gave significantly lower activity. Maximum antifeedant activity (>75%) was recorded for acetone and ethanol extracts of M. excelsa seeds and intermediate activity (25-75%) for water extract of M. excelsa seeds. Low antifeedant activity (<25%) was recorded for all solvent extracts of C. guianensis, P. macroloba and C. brachypetala seeds which were not significantly different from each other. The overall antifeedant activity for seed extracts of all four tree species was comparable for samples from both Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the potential efficacy of seed extracts of Annona squamosa and Annona muricata used as natural insecticides to control adult and larvae of the vectors Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus under laboratory conditions. Methods: Aqueous and oil extracts of the two plants were prepared from dried seeds. Preliminary identifications of the chemical components of each seed extracts were performed using micro-reactional and GCP techniques. Larvae and adults of Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus were collected from the breeding sites in coastal and highlands regions of Madagascar. WHO standardized tests of susceptibility for larvae and imaginal stage of mosquitoes were realized to determine mortality and LC50 of mosquitoes. Results: Chemical identifications showed that these extracts contain alkaloids and flavonoids compounds that probably confer their biological insecticidal proprieties. CPG analysis showed also the presence of various fatty acids. On adult mosquitoes, significant insecticidal effects were observed with both aqueous and oil extracts of the two plant seeds compared to mortality induced by deltamethrin, an insecticide used as reference. Extracts of Annona muricata induced high mortality rate to both species of mosquito compared to extracts of Annona squamosa at all concentrations tested. The LC50 of seed extracts ranged from 1% to 5% for adults and 0.5% to 1% for larvae. Conclusions: The seed extracts of these two plants may be used as mosquito controlling agents and offer a new approach to a less costly, practical and environmentally friendly control of vector borne diseases.

The presence of total polyphenols (free and bound) of polar fractions and their antioxidant activities was evaluated in twelve commercial poppy cultivars with different colours of seeds (blue, grey, white and ochre). Seeds of blue poppy cultivars with the lowest oil content (432 g.kg-1) had the highest content of total polar polyphenols (~289.9 mg.kg-1 plant material) and highest antioxidant activities determined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods (337.5 mg.kg-1 and 488.5 mg.kg-1 plant material, respectively). White poppy seeds had the lowest polyphenol content (~194.8 mg.kg-1 plant material) and lowest antioxidant activities determined by DPPH and FRAP methods (196.7 mg.kg-1 and 401.0 mg.kg-1 plant material, respectively). Ochre and grey poppy cultivars had comparable contents of above mentioned compounds. Polar and non-polar compounds of homogenized poppy seeds increased oxidative stability of sunflower oil, ranging from 4.7 h to 9.2 h. Our results suggest that oil stabilization is mediated by substances other than non-polar compounds. Thus, the presence of polyphenols with antioxidant activity in poppy residues after oil extraction should be considered for the applications as possible additives for oil stabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among different properties of active constituents of medicinal plants, antioxidant properties are of primary importance which permits them to perform their function as reducing agents. Extracts from medicinal plants are utilised by pharmaceutical companies in the synthesis of allopathic medicines and then these are used against human and animal infections. In the present report, we have conducted a comparative study among seeds of fifteen medicinal plants collected from local market. The antioxidant potential of fifteen medicinal plant seeds was assessed in methanol, ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and aqueous extracts. The antioxidant activities were determined by evaluating reducing power, peroxidation inhibition through linoleic acid system, 2,2-diphenyl-1-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity, total phenolics (TP), total flavonoids (TF) contents and DNA anti-damaging activity. Maximum percentage yield was obtained in ethyl acetate extracts of R. communis seed. The TPC, TFC, reducing power, DPPH (IC50) and percentage inhibited oxidation of linoleic acid values were found to range within 40.22–745.34 μg GAE/g, 20.73– 705.11 μg catechin equivalents (CE)/g, 0.121–2.73, 2.9–89.172 and 9.24–78.54%, respectively. The seed extracts were also found to be active against DNA damage by H2O2. Therefore, medicinal plant seeds under study can be used as a rich source of antioxidants. Irrespective of their antioxidant properties, DNA protective effects of medicinal plant extracts were also considered and highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the antiproliferative and cytotoxic potential against tumor lines of ethanolic seed extracts of 21 plant species belonging to different families from Northeastern Brazil. In addition, some underlying mechanisms involved in this cytotoxicity were also investigated. Among the 21 extracts tested, the MTT assay after 72 h of incubation demonstrated that only the ethanolic extract obtained from Myracrodruon urundeuva seeds (EEMUS), which has steroids, alkaloids and phenols, showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells, being 2-fold more active on leukemia HL-60 line [IC50 value of 12.5 (9.5-16.7) μg/mL] than on glioblastoma SF-295 [IC50 of 25.1 (17.3-36.3) μg/mL] and Sarcoma 180 cells [IC50 of 38.1 (33.5-43.4) μg/mL]. After 72h exposure, flow cytometric and morphological analyses of HL-60-treated cells showed that EEMUS caused decrease in cell number, volume and viability as well as internucleosomal DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent way, suggesting that the EEMUS triggers apoptotic pathways of cell death.Este estudo avaliou o potencial antiproliferativo e citotóxico contra linhagens de células tumorais de extratos etanólicos de sementes de vinte e uma espécies vegetais pertencentes a diferentes famílias do Nordeste brasileiro. Além disso, alguns mecanismos subjacentes envolvidos nesta citotoxidade também foram investigados. Dentre os 21 extratos testados pelo ensaio do MTT após 72 h de incubação, apenas o extrato etanólico obtido a partir de sementes de Myracrodruon urundeuva (EEMUS), o qual apresentou traços de esteróides, alcalóides e fenóis em sua composição, demonstrou atividade citotóxica in vitro contra células tumorais humanas, sendo 2 vezes mais ativo sobre a linhagem leucêmica HL-60 [IC50 valor de 12,5 (9,5-16,7) μg/mL] do que sobre células de glioblastoma SF-295 [IC50 de 25,1 (17,3-36,3) μg/mL] e de sarcoma 180 [IC50 de 38,1 (33,5-43,4) μg/mL]. Após 72 h de exposição, as análises morfológicas e por citometria de fluxo de células HL-60 tratadas com EEMUS mostraram diminuição no número de células, seu volume e viabilidade, assim como fragmentação internucleosomal do DNA de forma dose-dependente, sugerindo que a ação antiproliferativa de EEMUS pode ser ativada por vias apoptóticas.

Aedes aegypti Linn is one of the most important mosquito species. The vectors are responsible for causing deadly diseases like dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Several chemical pesticides used to control these dengue vectors caused severe toxic significances on human health and other non-target beneficial insects. Therefore the current investigation has been made to access the bio-efficacy of the crude seed extracts of T. chebula against the dengue vector Ae. aegypti . The GC-MS analysis of crude seed extracts of T. chebula identified nine chemical compounds with major peak area in the 1,2,3-Benzenetriol (61.96%), followed by Tridecanoic acid (09.55%). Ae. aegypti larvae showed dose dependent mortality rate was observed between the treatments. Prominent protection rate at greater concentrations of 100 ppm and moderate protection at 75 and 50 ppm was observed in the repellent assay. Lethal concentration (LC 50 and LC 90 ) of fourth instar larvae of Ae. aegypti was observed in 138 and 220 ppm concentration respectively. Similarly, the seed extracts showed 100% adulticidal activity at the concentration of 400 ppm at 30 min of exposure time. Phytochemicals present in the seed extracts of T. chebula significantly affects the major portions of the midgut tissues of Ae. aegypti at the concentration of 100 ppm. The toxicological evaluation of seed extracts also proved non-toxic towards the A. bouvieri and Tx. splendens aquatic predatory insects. Hence, the present result suggest that bio-rational plant derived T. chebula could be incorporated in the dengue vector control and have no adverse effects on non-target beneficial insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work was carried out to investigate the possible effects of ethyl acetate seed fraction of Nigella sativa on gastric ulcers and basal gastric secretions using the Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug-induced (NSAID) model. Phytochemical screening according to Trease and Evans, 2002 and acute toxicity tests using the Lorke's Method, 1983 were conducted. For the mucosal integrity study, ulcer and preventive indices were analysed, while volume of gastric juice, titratable acidity, acid output and pepsin concentration were assessed for basal gastric secretion parameters. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, glucocinolates amongst others, while the acute toxicity studies revealed a median lethal dose above 5000mg/kg. The rats were grouped into 9 (n = 5), with the extract fraction administered at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg subcutaneously, followed by pyloric ligation with cimetidine used as the standard drug. Five rats received normal saline 1ml/kg/rat subcutaneously (S.C) as Negative Control, Five rats received indomethacin (20 mg/kg S.C), Ten rats for the study of the effect of two different doses of cimetidine 50 and 100 mg/kg S.C (5 rats for each dose). Ten rats for the study of effect of two different doses of cimetidine (50 mg and 100 mg/kg) S.C, given 30 minutes prior to indomethacin administration (5 rats for each dose). The three experimental doses of the extract at 50,100 and 200mg/kg showed a dose-dependent decrease in both ulcer and preventive indices with the 200mg/kg dose at 0.6mm and 94% respectively. It also showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in volume of gastric juice, titratable acidity, acid output and pepsin concentration in dose-dependent manner with the three experimental doses administered with the highest reduction at the 200mg/kg dose. The results obtained suggest that this fraction down-regulated all those parameters which might be attributed to the presence of the phytoconstituents present in this fraction, particularly the flavonoids. Therefore, the extract fraction of this plant possesses gastroprotective activity further explaining the folkloric use of this plant in the therapy of peptic ulcer disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crops in the Family Malvaceae are attacked by various insect pests especiallyPodagriaspecies (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) at different stages of their development. The emergence of biodegradable pesticides (botanicals) as safe option has reduced the problems that result from the use of synthetic insecticides, thus creating a renewed interest in their development and use in integrated pest management of crops. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to investigate the control capability of water extracts ofPiper guineenseseeds and Cypermethrin on flea beetles (Podagricaspp.) infesting okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench). The experiments were conducted in two locations in the rain forest zone of Nigeria. The first experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of The Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State (2011 Early cropping season), while the second experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State (2011 Late cropping season). A synthetic insecticide (Cypermethrin) was included in the treatments as a standard check alongside the untreated (control). The experimental design was laid out in a randomised complete block design with five treatments replicated three times. The effectiveness of the treatments was determined based on reduction in the population of the adult insects. The results showed that water extract ofP. guineenseseeds and the synthetic insecticide significantly (p?

Objective To evaluate the potential efficacy of seed extracts of Annona squamosa and Annona muricata used as natural insecticides to control adult and larvae of the vectors Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus under laboratory conditions. Methods Aqueous and oil extracts of the two plants were prepared from dried seeds. Preliminary identifications of the chemical components of each seed extracts were performed using micro-reactional and GCP techniques. Larvae and adults of Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus were collected from the breeding sites in coastal and highlands regions of Madagascar. WHO standardized tests of susceptibility for larvae and imaginal stage of mosquitoes were realized to determine mortality and LC 50 of mosquitoes. Results Chemical identifications showed that these extracts contain alkaloids and flavonoids compounds that probably confer their biological insecticidal proprieties. CPG analysis showed also the presence of various fatty acids. On adult mosquitoes, significant insecticidal effects were observed with both aqueous and oil extracts of the two plant seeds compared to mortality induced by deltamethrin, an insecticide used as reference. Extracts of Annona muricata induced high mortality rate to both species of mosquito compared to extracts of Annona squamosa at all concentrations tested. The LC 50 of seed extracts ranged from 1% to 5% for adults and 0.5% to 1% for larvae. Conclusions The seed extracts of these two plants may be used as mosquito controlling agents and offer a new approach to a less costly, practical and environmentally friendly control of vector borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chloroform and methanol extracts of seed and seed coat of Caesalpinia bonduc L., Mucuna pruriens L., Adenanthera pavonina L., Terminalia bellirica Geatn., Syzygium cumini L. and Myristica fragrans Houtt. were tested against 14 pathogenic bacteria. According to the intensity of activity against the selected bacteria the extracts could be arranged in a descending order of M. fragrans > A. pavonina > S. cumini > C. bonduc > M. pruriens > T. dbelerica. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the chloroform extract of seed of Syzygium cumini were 128 µg/ml against Bacillus cereus and 64 µg/ml against S. aureus. For the methanol extract the MIC values were 128 µg/ml against B. cereus, Shigella dysenteriae and 64 µg/ml against B. megaterium, S. aureus and S. sonnei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological activities of different varieties of tomato seed extracts were evaluated to verify the potential antioxidant and/or antiproliferative activity of the bioactive metabolites present in them. Findings demonstrated that among all the varieties investigated (San Marzano Rosso, San Marzano Giallo, Corbarino, Black Tomato and San Marzano/Black Tomato hybrid) San Marzano Rosso seed extract exhibited the highest free radical-scavenging activity with 68% of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical inhibition, and the best cytotoxic activity evaluated by using the brine shrimp test (LD50: 23,198 ppm) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-phenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide assay on A375 cell line (IC50: 137.7 μg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Sunn pest, Eurygaster integriceps Puton (Hemiptera: Scutelleridae), is a significant limiting factor in the production of wheat and barley in many areas of the world. In the current study, the effect of semi-purified proteinaceous extracts of seeds on digestive enzymes, and the growth and development of the Sunn pest were studied. The results showed that the purified α-amylase inhibitor from Triticum aestivum (type І) and rice semi-purified seed extract did not significantly affect the Sunn pest α-amylase activity. However, bean and cowpea seed extracts significantly affected α-amylase activity in vitro. For example, the bean seed extract at concentrations of 0.125 and 2.0mg·mL−1 inhibited α-amylase activity of the pest by 15% and 45%, respectively, while the cowpea seed extract, at the same concentrations, inhibited α-amylase activity of the pest by 9% and 40%, respectively. Further, incorporation of the seed extracts into the insect diet showed that the rice seed extract did not affect insect development time, while bean and cowpea seed extracts at high concentrations (e.g., 3.0%) significantly affected nymphal development time and survivability (P>0.05). These results show that semi-purified seed extracts affect α-amylase activity, developmental time, and survivability but not the adult weight of the Sunn pest. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) is a tropical fruit that is famous for its edible pulp. This edible pulp makes up only 30% of the total fruit, while the remaining pericarp and seed are regarded as waste. Facing the increasing public demand for naturally safe foods and products, our study aimed to elucidate the antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity of different parts of mangosteen, including the pericarp, pulp and seed. Materials and methods. The antioxidant capacities of mangosteen’s pericarp, pulp and seed extracts were determined using the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, whereas antibacterial activity was determined using the disc diffusion method. Results. The pericarp extract exhibited higher antioxidant capacities than those of pulp and seed extracts, with a Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of 122.00 µM·g–1 and ferrous sulphate equivalent antioxidant capacity (FEAC) value of 18.99 mM·g–1. All mangosteen extracts showed strong inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC11632, while only the pericarp extract was effective against Bacillus cereus ATCC10876. No inhibition against Escherichia coli ATCC10536 was observed. Conclusion. The outcomes of our study could facilitate future application of mangosteen waste as a biopreservative in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is an international and serious pest of stored products. So far nothing is known about the activity for each growth stage digestive enzyme regarding this insect species. Thus, the aim of the current study was to get in depth analysis of the stage specific digestion and to investigate the effect of cereal (wheat cultivars including MV17, Aflak, Sivand, Saymon, and Zare) and legume (bean) seed extracts on the two main digestive enzymes i.e. α-amylases and proteases. Therefore, gut enzymes were extracted using distilled water and wheat cultivars and bean seed proteinaceous compounds were extracted using 0.1M NaCl. Results showed that a steady state increase in the number and amount of digestive enzyme activities from first to fourth instar larvae was seen in both enzyme and in gel assays. In the first instar larvae (L1) only one band of α-amylase activity was seen (A1), whereas in the second (L2), third (L3), fourth (L4) and fifth (L5) instar larvae as well as in the adult (A) more than one amylase band (up to 4 isoenzymes) was seen. The same pattern was observed for α and β glucosidases and proteases. Probit analysis showed that bean and MV17 inhibited the amylase activity with an I50 of 9.73 and 7.4μg, respectively. The same cultivar seed extract inhibited protease activity with I50s of 11.54 and 6.5μg proteins. It is concluded that proteinaceous extract of cereals and bean seeds have a strong potential to be used in this pest management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Antioxidant activity (AA) of quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds, as well as of durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum Desf.) and of emmer ( T. turgidum L. ssp. dicoccum Schübler) grains, was evaluated by studying hydrophilic (H), lipophilic (L), free-soluble (FSP) and insoluble-bound (IBP) phenolic extracts using the new lipoxygenase/4-nitroso- N,N-dimethylaniline (LOX/RNO) method, able to simultaneously detect different antioxidant mechanisms, as well as using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) assays, which measure the scavenging activity against peroxyl and ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate)] radicals, respectively. The species under study were compared with respect to the sum of AA values of H, L and FSP extracts (AAH+L+FSP), containing freely solvent-soluble antioxidants, and AA values of IBP extracts (AAIBP), representing the phenolic fraction ester-linked to insoluble cell wall polymers. The LOX/RNO and ORAC methods measured in quinoa flour a remarkable AAH+L+FSP higher than durum wheat, although lower than emmer; according to the same assays, the IBP component of quinoa resulted less active than the durum wheat and emmer ones. The TEAC protocol also revealed a high AAH+L+FSP for quinoa. Interestingly, the ratio AAH+L+FSP/AAH+L+FSP+IBP, as evaluated by the LOX/RNO and ORAC assays, resulted in quinoa higher than that of both durum wheat and emmer, and much higher than durum wheat, according to the TEAC protocol. This may suggest that antioxidants from quinoa seeds may be more readily accessible with respect to that of both the examined wheat species. Practical Applications: Quinoa seeds may represent an excellent source of natural antioxidant compounds and, in particular, of the free-soluble antioxidant fraction. These compounds may improve nutritive and health-beneficial properties of quinoa-based gluten-free products, thus expanding interest for quinoa utilization from celiac patients to the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The strain ICA 8001 from Bradyrhizobium elkanii is broadly used in Cuba for soybean inoculant production. One culture medium designed to multiply this microorganism contains molasses and aqueous soybean extract, which are elements of a variable composition and origin providing considerable amounts of carbonated substrates. Therefore, concentrations of total soluble carbohydrates and reducing carbohydrates as well as N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na contents were determined, to get a partial nutritional characterization of these components. Analyses showed substantial quantities of these bacterium-absorbing elements within cell growth. The influence of molasses and aqueous soybean extract concentrations on the specific strain growth rate μ (h-1) was estimated by varying molasses concentrations in Bradyfact medium from 3 to 20 g.L-1 and aqueous soybean extract from 5 to 20 g.L-1. Growth dynamics were recorded for each variant, besides calculating μ. Results proved that higher than 10 and 12,5 g.L-1 molasses and aqueous soybean extract concentrations, respectively, inhibit Bradyrhizobium elkanii ICA 8001 growth. This phenomenon could be mathematically and physiologically explained through two new kinetic models. This research work contributes to Bradyrhizobium physiological knowledge, since it makes evident the relationship between culture medium composition and microorganism nutritional requirements, also how culture medium design may ensure more effective inoculants containing high cell concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed extracts were determined. The seeds were extracted with water, methanol, 35% acetone and 60% ethanol at room (T R) and at boiling (T B) temperature of solvent. Extracts were analyzed for the contents of caffeine and catechins, epicatechin (EC), catechin (C) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of total phenols (according to the Folin–Ciocalteu procedure) and proanthocyanidins were analysed by UV spectrophotometry. The guarana seed water extract obtained at room temperature contained higher amounts of caffeine and catechins than did alcoholic guarana seed extracts. The antioxidant and radical-scavenging activities of guarana seed extracts were evaluated using the β-carotene–linoleic acid emulsion system and the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·). All tested guarana seed extracts displayed strong antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties. The guarana seed extracts were tested against three food-borne fungi: Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride and Penicillium cyclopium, and three health-damaging bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus cereus by the agar well diffusion and broth dilution assay. The alcoholic guarana seed extracts displayed stronger antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms than did water extracts. Results presented here may suggest that seed extracts of guarana possess strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and they can therefore be used as a natural additive in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The toxicity of seed extracts of three Indian medicinal plants, Azadirachta indica, Momordica charantia and Ricinus communis, was evaluated for their larvicidal efficacy against Anopheles stephensi. The methanol extract of A. indica exhibited potent larvicidal activity with LC50 15.25 and 12.70 ppm and LC90 46.79 and 45.56 ppm after 24 and 48 hrs, respectively, followed by methanol extract of R. communis with LC50 54.95 and 23.06 ppm and LC90 251.03 and 144.54 ppm after 24 and 48 hrs of post treatment, respectively. In case of M. charantia, the carbon tetrachloride extract possess potential larvicidal efficacy with LC50 values 87.00 and 57.53 ppm and LC90 301.20 and 262.21 ppm after 24 and 48 hrs of exposure period. The results indicate that A. indica methanol extract was most potential mosquito larvicide and can be use as alternate potential to synthetic insecticides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of crude seed extracts of Annona squamosa collected from Ambon (Maluku, Indonesia) against larvae of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L., feeding on cabbage. Three greenhouse trials were carried out using aqueous seed extracts and an aqueous emulsion of ethanolic seed extracts. At a concentration of 0.5% (w/v), an aqueous emulsion of an ethanolic seed extract was 2.5 fold more effective than 1% rotenone, a commercial botanical insecticide. Crude aqueous seed extracts showed efficacy comparable to pyrethrum, the most widely used botanical insecticide. Seed extract of A. squamosa is a promising candidate for development as a simple botanical insecticide for local use in rural Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]