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This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of aqueous, methanolic, and ethanolic extracts of Tamarix dioica leaves against paracetamol-induced toxicity. In this study, 36 albino mice were randomly grouped into six groups, each consisting of six mice: Group I (normal control), Group II (paracetamol-toxified), Group III (positive control with Silymarin @ 200 mg/Kg), Group IV (aqueous T. dioica extract @ 400 mg/Kg), Group V (methanolic T. dioica extract @ 400 mg/Kg), and Group VI (ethanolic T. dioica extract @ 400 mg/Kg). Hepatoprotective potential was assessed through liver function indicators (ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, and total protein in blood serums), hepatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx in liver homogenate), and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, COX2), along with other liver biomarkers. Histopathological alterations in the liver were evaluated using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The leaf extracts effectively restored liver function indicators and hepatic antioxidants to normal levels, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the elevated levels observed in the paracetamol control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a reversal of hepatoarchitecture was recorded. The study highlights the pronounced hepatoprotective effects of T. dioica leaf extracts against paracetamol-induced toxicity in albino mice. The extracts not only successfully normalized liver function indicators and hepatic antioxidants but also exhibited a significant reversal of hepatoarchitecture. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic value of T. dioica in mitigating liver disorders, emphasizing its promising role as a natural hepatoprotective agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change-induced drought stress decreases crop productivity, but the application of β-sitosterol (BS) and biochar (BC) boosts crop growth and yield. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effects of the alone and combined application of BS and BC on the growth and yield of Phaseolus vulgaris under drought stress. The synergistic application of BS and BC increased plant height (46.9 cm), shoot dry weight (6.9 g/pot), and root dry weight (2.5 g/pot) of P. vulgaris plants under drought stress. The trend of applied treatments for photosynthetic rate remained as BC (15%) < BS (28%) < BC + BS (32%), compared to drought-stressed control. Similarly, the trend of applied treatments for water use efficiency was BS < BC < BC + BS, compared to drought stress control. The levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide were reduced by the combined application of BS and BC under drought stress, measuring at 22.8 and 66.4 μmol/g fresh weight, respectively. The combined use of BS and BC significantly alleviated drought stress more than when applied individually. Thus, employing BS and BC together as key agents in drought-stressed common bean plants could promote resilience, fostering growth amid ongoing climate change. Co-applying β-sitosterol and biochar improved drought resilience in Phaseolus vulgaris. Nutrient uptake and biochemical metrics increased in P. vulgaris with the combined effect of β-sitosterol and biochar. This approach enhances growth parameters, suggesting resilience to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent advancements in nanotechnology present promising opportunities for enhancing crop resilience in adverse environmental conditions. Methods: In this study, we conducted a factorial experiment to investigate the influence of potassium nanosilicate (PNS) on sorghum plants exposed to varying degrees of drought stress A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed to subject the sorghum plants to different drought conditions. The three levels of stress were designated as non-stress (NS at -0.03 MPa), moderate stress (MD at -0.6 MPa), and severe stress (SD at -1.2 MPa). The plants were administered PNS at concentrations of 0 mM (control), 3.6 mM Si, and 7.2 mM Si. Results and discussion: As drought stress intensified, we observed significant reductions in multiple plant parameters, including height, fresh weight, dry weight, leaf number, stem diameter, cluster length, seed weight, and nutrient uptake, with the most pronounced effects observed under SD conditions. Interestingly, nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) levels exhibited an increase under drought stress and PNS application, peaking at MD, alongside Si concentrations. Notably, PNS application facilitated enhanced nutrient uptake, particularly evident in the significant increase in nitrogen concentration observed at 3.6 mM PNS. Furthermore, the application of PNS significantly enhanced the fresh weight and nutrient concentrations (notably K and Si) in sorghum seeds under drought stress, despite varying statistical significance for other nutrients. These findings shed light on the mechanisms through which PNS exerts beneficial effects on plant performance under drought stress. By elucidating the complex interactions between PNS application, drought stress, and plant physiology, this study contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agricultural practices aimed at bolstering crop resilience and productivity in waterlimited environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxicosis is one of the major issues for the public health. Control of aflatoxins is necessary to avoid the health hazards in human and animals. Present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis as a novel feed additive for control of aflatoxicosis. A total of 40 rats were equally divided into the four groups. The first group (BD) was kept as control, treated with basal diet. In second group (AF), the rats were treated with aflatoxins (28 μg/kg BW). In the third group (AFBL) the rats were treated with aflatoxins (28 µg/g BW) and Bacillus licheniformis (1 × 108 cfu/mL). In the fourth group (BDBL) the rats were treated with only Bacillus licheniformis (1 × 108 cfu/mL). The parameters studied were, phagocytic response by carbon clearance assay system, lymphoproliferative response to PHA-P, antibody response to SRBCs, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status of the rats and interleukin concentrations, along with histopathology of organs. Results of this study confirmed the immunomodulation and antioxidant capacity of Bacillus licheniformis against 28 µg/kg BW of aflatoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]