ABSTRACT This work presents gravimetric study of corrosion inhibition of mild steel in H2SO4 environment using watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) leaf extract as inhibitor. The extract was characterized in terms of phytochemical status and functional groups. Its efficiency in the corrosion inhibition was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). In the RSM, interactive effects of inhibitor concentration, temperature and time on the efficiency of the extract were monitored using central composite design of design expert software. Analysis of the results show that watermelon leaf extract successfully inhibited corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4 environment. Predominant functional groups of watermelon leaf include; C-H stretch (2851.4 cm-1), N-H symmetric and asymmetric stretch (3267.7 cm-1), C=H stretch (2195.4 cm-1), =C-O-C stretch (1241.2 cm-1), C=O symmetric and asymmetric stretch (17722.0 cm-1), C-F (1155.5 cm-1) and =C-H bend (674.0 cm-1). It contains polar atoms of nitrogen and oxygen. Its major phytochemicals are alkaloids (243.14 ±0.03 mg/100g) and tannins (216.32 ±0.02 mg/100g). The extract possesses good inhibitive properties. Weight loss, corrosion rate, inhibition efficiency and degree of surface coverage were influenced by time of immersion of the mild steel, temperature and concentration. The watermelon leaf extract exhibited high inhibition efficiency. Hence, it can be used to inhibit corrosion of mild steel in H2SO4 solution. Quadratic equation reliably connects the inhibition efficiency with the considered factors. Optimum Inhibition efficiency of 92.96% was attained by the watermelon leaf extract.
The antibacterial activity of a PVP-ZrO2 nanocomposite was investigated against pathogenic bacteria S. aureus and K. pneumoniae after antibacterial sensitivity was determined and one isolate was chosen that showed more antibiotic resistance. Herein, the Co-culture technique was used to calculate percent reduction of bacteria. The results that were obtained in this method show that ZrO2 nanoparticles have inhibitory effect against pathogenic bacteria gram negative bacteria and gram positive bacteria - with reduction of growth reaching 100% to both S. aureus and K. pnumoniae at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% ZrO2, compared with control. The resistance patterns of S. aureus and K.pnuemonia isolates show the Moxifloxacin (MXF) is the best antibiotic for both bacteria - with sensitivity at 100%, while resistance to Ceftriaxone (CRO) is at 90% S. aureus, and at 80% K. pnumoniae. The polymer-nanocomposite was prepared by weight percentage wt. % of (PVP) being dissolved in (10) ml of distilled water, with weight percentages 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% of ZrO2 nanoparticles added.
In this review, the research devoted to synthesising chitosan apatites, their biologically active properties, and their application in medical practice is analysed. The data are from articles published between 2001 and 2022 on the formation of calcium- and phosphorus-containing chitosan composites and the mechanism of their interaction
The present study reports on the development of an Eco-friendly, nontoxic, inexpensive and low cost effective method for green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, using Glycosmis cochinchinensis leaf extract. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet spectral studies (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and Energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the TiO2 nanoparticles, while the application of TiO2 nanoparticles was assessed and antimicrobial activity was evaluated photocatalytically. XRD studies indicated that the titanium dioxide nanoparticles were crystalline in nature and in the anatase phase. According to our derived data, TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance peak at 430 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopy and the band gap energy was to be found to be 3.02 eV. FTIR spectral studies confirm that flavonoids and proteins are the stabilizing agents of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The SEM and TEM images indicate that the morphology of the product is spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of 40 ±5 nm with standard deviation. The antibacterial activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was tested against gram positive bacteria (S. saprophyticus and B. subtilis) and gram negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). Accordingly, maximum zone of inhibition was observed against gram negative bacteria. The antifungal activity of the TiO2 nanoparticles was then tested against Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei. Herein, maximum zone of inhibition was found to be 60 mm against T.reesi. Hence, Glycosmis cochinchinensis leaf extract green synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles can be considered to be an effective antimicrobial agent.
Herein, the stem bark extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum Hook (F.) (used in folklore medicine for treating several illnesses), were screened for phytochemicals. The chemical screening revealed the presence of some phytochemicals - saponins, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinones, glycosides and cardiac glycosides. Other phytochemicals - phenols and flavonoids - were absent in the bark extract. Proximate analysis on the bark extract also showed the presence of ash, fat, carbohydrate, moisture content and crude protein. The presence of these phytochemicals lends credence to the medicinal benefits it has been used for in the past years.
The meals we eat every day contain sugar, which is an essential component. It is a soluble carbohydrate with a sweet flavor that imparts sweetness to food. Sugar consumption has been linked to health problems like cavities, weight gain, inflammation, diabetes, obesity, etc. As a result, using artificial sweeteners in place of sugar is now possible. Food additives known as artificial sweeteners work similarly to sugar but have less nutritional value. Saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame-K are a few examples. Artificial sweeteners can help with weight loss, diabetic management, dental decay prevention, cost savings, and other therapeutic and non-therapeutic benefits. However, research has also revealed that some health issues are associated with even these artificial sweeteners. Obesity, allergic reactions including hives and swellings, metabolic acidosis, and cancer are a few of these disorders. Additionally, it could encourage flatulence, nausea, and diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to examine the advantages and health implications of using artificial sugar substitutes as well as substitutions for them. It also supports the need for additional investigation to determine the precise mechanisms of action of these sugar substitutes employing in vitro, animal, and human models.
In this research sawdust samples of Ecalyptus globulus and Cupressus lusitanica were evaluated for bioethanol productions. The sawdust samples were first pretreated with three white rot fungi alone and also by combining the white rot fungi with mild NaOH and steam. Both the fungal and combined pretreated samples were then hydrolyzed with hydrolytic enzymes from three cellulolytic wood rot fungi. Finally, the resulting sugars were fermented into bioethanol using S. cerevisae in anaerobic conditions. Results obtained, in general, indicated that bioethanol amount produced in all cases of sawdust management was significantly higher than the amount obtained from the un-pretreated sawdust samples (p<0.05). In both fungal alone and combined pretreated sawdust samples, higher ethanol yield was obtained from E. globulus than from C. lusitanica. Similarly, combination with NaOH showed better bioethanol yield over combination with steam. The highest alcohol concentration was obtained when pretreated NaOH-006-2G and hydrolyzed with enzymes from 033-1G and followed by results when pretreated with 005-1G and 003-2G, respectively, and hydrolyzed with enzymes from 033-1G.
The research study evaluated the phytochemical constituents of Methanol extracts of Moringa oleifera whole leaf by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR) analysis. The leaves was washed, air dried for 2 weeks, then ground into a fine powder and extracted using methanol by maceration for 24 hours using standard procedures. After the contact time elapsed, the solvent filtered to recover the extract. The functional groups and the chemical constituents of the methanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT/IR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) respectively. The FT/IR analysis confirmed the presence of O-H, C=C, C-H, C-O, CH3 and C=C-H bond stretching functional groups, which indicates that the substance is an aliphatic alcohol, ester, aldehyde and carboxylic acid. However, the fingerprint region had a pattern that is specific for every molecule, the presence of -OH function and N-O stretch; suggest that or alcohols and nitrogen or aromatic or aliphatic phenols containing molecules are major components of the Moringa oleifera leaf studied. GC-MS analysis of the extract reveals the identification of twenty compounds, in which two compounds were identified in each peak. N,N'-Pentamethylenebis[s-3-aminopropyl thiosulfuric acid and 2-Myristynoyl pantetheine (100%), 2-Myristynoyl pantetheine and Deoxyspergualin (92.05%), 5-Octadecenal and 9-Hexadecenoic acid (27.94%). N,N'-Pentamethylenebis[s-3-aminopropyl thiosulfuric acid and Pentetic Acid are the major phytoconstituents. Most of the compounds in the list are bioactive and possess medicinal properties, which further justify the application of Moringa oleifera traditional plant in the discovery of novel therapeutics.
Aims: To evaluate the phytoconstituent and antitrypanosomal effects of aqueous extracts of Ginger and Garlic bulbs in mice experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Design: A total of 30 adult male mice (weighing 25-40 g) were randomly grouped into six groups (I, II, III, IV, V, and VI) of 5 animals each. Five Groups (II-VI) were intraperitoneally injected with T. brucei brucei (5×105 cells/ml). Methods and Material: Aqueous extract of ginger and garlic bulbs were obtained using the procedure described by Wabo Pone and the extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening using the standard screening method of Silva. Also, each mice was inoculated with 0.1 ml of blood containing approximately 5×105 cells/ml as described by Herbert and Lumsden. Finally, the aqueous extracts were tested on the inoculated mice. Statistical analysis used: Data obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM), and subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), SPSS 17.0 statistical software. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The aqueous extracts increased the survival time, packed cell volume, rectal temperature, and body weight (Ginger extract only) of mice infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Phytochemical analysis revealed alkaloids, steroids, cardiac glycosides, phenol, and saponins in both Ginger and Garlic. Conclusions: Aqueous extracts of Ginger and Garlic bulbs do not have an anti-trypanosomal effect on Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Consequently, geographical location and time of collection of plants are factors that accept therapeutic on ginger and garlic on tryps and should be considered when testing the plants' efficacy on Trypanosoma brucei brucei.
A causal association between inflammation and cancer has long been suspected. Multiple lines of compelling evidence from clinical, epidemiologic and laboratory studies support that inflammation plays a critical role in the promotion and progression stages of carcinogenesis. Recent progress in our understanding of the molecular biology of cancer highlights the intracellular signal transduction network, including that involved in mediating the inflammatory response, which often functions abnormally during carcinogenesis. One of the key players in inflammatory signaling is cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Aberrant upregulation of COX-2 is frequently observed in various precancerous and malignant tissues. This seminar write-up highlights the cancer preventive effects of some anti-inflammatory phytochemicals derived from edible plants, and their underlying molecular mechanisms with a focus on representative transcription factors and upstream kinases responsible for COX-2 induction.
In this work, synthesis of three pyrazoline derivatives (6-8) is described. (E)-1,3-(phenylsubstituted)-prop-2-en-1-one (3-5) is prepared by the reaction of substituted benzaldehyde with 4-methylacetophenone, whereas condensation cyclization of the same chalcones (3-5) with phenylhydrazine hydrate in ethanol yielded 6-8. The structures of the title compounds (6-8) were characterized by chemical reactions, elemental analysis, and spectral methods such as IR spectra. The synthesized chalcone and pyrazolines were evaluated for in-vitro antibacterial and antioxidant activities against standard. The zone of inhibition for some of the newly synthesized compounds showed notable antibacterial activity against selected bacterial strains when compared with ampicillin. Significant antioxidant activities were also shown by chalcone and pyrazolines.
Herein, a proximate analysis of processed Parkia biglobosa (PB) was undertaken. The properties determined for the sample were Moisture content, Ash, Crude fibre, Protein, Fat, and Carbohydrate. Triplicate analysis were carried out for each parameter. The result of the study shows that processed PB seed contains appreciable quantities of nutrients required for the body, allied with low levels of inorganic impurities.
Biota and associated sediment samples were collected from the Ibeno river catchment and analyzed using the standard methods for investigation of the sources and the distribution of heterocyclic compounds in the area. The lipid content values of the biota varied from 10-29% dry weight (dw; mean = 15.8 + 7.79) in Large crab (LC) and ranged from 5-10% dw (mean = 7.6 + 1.82) in small crab (SC). Also, it ranged from 6-10% dw (mean= 7.6 + 1.52) in small shrimp (SS) and varied from 7-40% dw (mean = 23.6 + 1.47) in large shrimp (LS). High TOC (4.5%) and TIC (2.53%) were found for the associated sediment, and this was because of the silty nature of the sediment, having high adsorption capacity for organic matter. The high extractible organic matter (EOM) value recorded for the associated sediment may be linked to petroleum hydrocarbon discharge into the environment by Exxon Mobil. The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) values ranged from 0.0029-0.0059 (mean = 0.0047 + 0.00128) for LC and 0.0059-0.0085 (mean = 0.00724+0.001276) for SC. On the other hand, the values ranged from 0.0060-0.0160 (mean = 0.0037 + 0.002787) and 0.0018-0.0084 (mean = 0.0096 + 0.004079) for LS and SS respectively. This low result reviews that the contaminant uptake from the associated sediment by the biota was negligible, hence, the consumers exposed to this biota might not have experienced any serious health risk associated with the consumption of heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The aromatic fractions from column chromatography would subsequently be subjected to gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis to identify and quantify the individual heterocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Talipariti elatum (Sw.) Malvaceae, also known as Blue Mahoe or Mountain Mahoe, commonly named as Majagua azul or Majagua, with red or crimson flowers, is a medicinal tree traditionally used against cough, asthma, catarrh, and expectorant. Its flowers contain a lot different chemical compounds, mainly flavonoids. From red petals of the flowers a flavonol glucoside was isolated and characterized by TLC, UV, IR, HPLC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. Structure analyses of that chemical component revealed that It have the identical glucoside moiety attached to a flavonol skeleton like gossypitrin (gossypetin-7-O--glucoside) but in different position for which the structure of gossypetin-3’-O-glucoside was deduced from HSQC, HMBC, COSY and NOESY correlations.
Silymarin, a flavonolignan from the seeds of 'milk thistle' (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.)), has been widely used from ancient times because of its excellent hepato-protective action. It is a mixture of mainly three flavonolignans, which are, silybin, silidianin, and silychristin, with silybin being the most active. Silymarin has been used medicinally to treat liver disorders, including acute and chronic viral hepatitis, toxin/drug-induced hepatitis, and cirrhosis and alcoholic liver diseases. It has also been reported to be effective in certain cancers. Its mechanism of action includes inhibition of hepatotoxin binding to receptor sites on the hepatocyte membrane; reduction of glutathione oxidation to enhance its level in the liver and intestine; antioxidant activity; and stimulation of ribosomal RNA polymerase and subsequent protein synthesis, leading to enhanced hepatocyte regeneration. It is orally absorbed but has very poor bioavailability due to its poor water solubility. This review focuses on the various pharmacological activities of silymarin.
The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These metals have been extensively studied and their effects on human health regularly reviewed by international bodies such as the WHO. Heavy metals have been used by humans for thousands of years. Although several adverse health effects of heavy metals have been known for a long time, exposure to heavy metals continues, and is even increasing in some parts of the world, in particular, in less developed countries. However, over the last 100 years, emissions have declined in most developed countries. Cadmium compounds, the exception, are currently mainly used in re-chargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium emissions have increased dramatically during the 20th century, one reason being that cadmium-containing products are rarely re-cycled, but often dumped together with household waste. Cigarette smoking is a major source of cadmium exposure. In non-smokers, food is the most important source of cadmium exposure. Recent data indicate that adverse health effects of cadmium exposure may occur at lower exposure levels than previously anticipated, primarily in the form of kidney damage, but possibly also in bone effects and fractures. Many individuals in Europe already exceed the recommended exposure levels and the margin is very narrow for large groups. Therefore, measures should be taken to reduce cadmium exposure in the general population in order to minimize the risk of adverse health effects. The general population is primarily exposed to mercury via food, fish being a major source of methyl mercury exposure, as is dental amalgam. The general population, however, does not face a significant health risk from methyl mercury, although certain groups with high fish consumption may attain blood levels associated with a low risk of neurological damage to adults. Since there is a risk to the fetus in particular, pregnant women should avoid a high intake of certain fish, such as shark, swordfish and tuna; fish (such as pike, walleye and bass) taken from polluted fresh waters should especially be avoided. There has been a debate on the safety of dental amalgams and claims have been made that mercury from amalgam may cause a variety of diseases. However, there are no studies so far that have been able to show any associations between amalgam fillings and ill health. The general population is exposed to lead from air and food in roughly equal proportions. During the last century, lead emissions to ambient air caused considerable pollution, mainly due to lead emissions from petrol. Children are particularly susceptible to lead exposure due to high gastrointestinal uptake and the permeable blood-brain barrier. Blood levels in children should be reduced below the levels so far considered acceptable as recent data indicates that lead may hold neurotoxic effects at lower levels of exposure than previously anticipated. Although lead in petrol has dramatically decreased over the last decades, thereby reducing environmental exposure, phasing out any remaining uses of lead additives in motor fuels should be encouraged. The use of lead-based paints should also be abandoned, and lead should not be used in food containers. In particular, the public should be aware of glazed food containers, which may leach lead into food. Exposure to arsenic is mainly via intake of food and drinking water, food being the most important source in most populations. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water is mainly related to increased risks of skin cancer, but also enhanced risk of some other cancers, as well as other skin lesions such as hyperkeratosis and pigmentation changes. Occupational exposure to arsenic, primarily by inhalation, is causally associated with lung cancer. Clear exposure-response relationships and high risks have been observed.
Okra is an edible fruit that is commonly known as a vegetable. It is available in most parts of the world generally throughout the year. The scientific name of okra is ‘Abelmochus esculentus or Hibiscus esculentus. The different varieties of this fruit are reflected in variation in shape, size and, more importantly, taste. Okra is known by different local names in different countries. Since okra has very interesting nutritional properties, it has attracted research. In the present study, attention has been paid to investigate the nutrients it holds that are essential for a healthy body. Flame absorption spectrophotometer was used to ascertain Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn content. The amount of calcium was found highest at 4582.85 mg/kg, 1067.23 mg/kg and 1816.37 mg/kg in raw pod flesh, unripened seeds and ripened seeds, respectively. Pb and Cr were not detected at all, while the highest value of nitrogen (4.32%) was found in unripened pods.
Biofuels are alternatives to fossil fuels for ensuring energy security and for mitigating climate change. Currently, most biofuels are in the form of a bioethanol that is generated from starch or sugar. Increasing energy demand, food insecurity and ecological concerns leads to evaluating agricultural, forestry and urban lignocellulosic wastes as being very important for energy production. This is because all celluloses and hemicelluloses of lignocellulosic wastes can be converted into bioethanol reducing sugars. Hence, the current study was initiated to determine the chemical composition and best diluted acid hydrolysis pretreatment of Acacia mellifera sawdust for bioethanol production. Our study indicates that the chemical composition of Acacia mellifera sawdust exhibits different composition in extractives such as alcohol, cellulose, lignin and ash. Accordingly, the extractive content of the sawdust was 6.3% soluble alcohol toluene, 52.9% cellulose, 23.9% lignin, 4.2% ash, and 6.92% moisture content, respectively. In our experiment, the biomass at a solid loading rate of 0.66% was pretreated at 121 °C with different sulfuric acid concentrations (0.5, 0.75, and 1 %, w/w) and residence times (10, and 20 min). Total reducing sugars in the hydrolyzed sample with acid and time were then analyzed. The reducing sugars obtained at 0.50%, 0.75% and 1% dilute sulfuric acid concentration with time residence of 10 min and 20 min were, 7.39±0.24 and 8.4±0.9, 8.03±0.64 and 9.18±0.43, 9.68±1.30 and 10.23±0.80, respectively. With the increasing acid concentration and residence time, the amount of glucose in the filtrates increased. Therefore, the total reducing sugar concentration in the hydrolysate of Acacia mellifera saw dust was significantly influenced by the sulfuric acid concentration and residence time. From this study, it can be concluded that total reducing sugars in lignocellulosic wastes are widely available and easily obtainable, they can be considered as potential feedstocks for bioethanol production.
This study aimed to assess the effect of Tetracarpidium conophorum nut extracts on body weight and organ/tissue weight in monosodium glutamate obesity- induced in Wistar rats. With the global obesity epidemic lacking an effective cure, this investigation holds significance. Twenty-five Wistar rats (15 males and 10 females) were utilized, housed in well-ventilated cages at a 3:2 female-to-male ratio Monosodium glutamate was induced in pups using intraperitoneal monosodium glutamate injections from postnatal days 2 through 10. Normal controls received saline, and all experimental animals were raised on standard rat chow until reaching a weight of ≥150g. The study encompassed five groups, each consisting of 7 animals. Groups IV, V, and VI were treated with Tetracarpidium conophorum nut extracts: ethanol whole extract (EWE), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), and ethanol residue (ER), respectively. Group III, the standard control was given 5.14g/kg of Orlistat reconstituted in normal saline. Experimental animals of groups I and II served as the normal and obese controls, respectively. After a six-week treatment period, the animals were euthanized for organ harvesting. Results indicated varying weight changes among treatment groups compared to controls. The EWE-treated group displayed a notable decrease in weight (-1.40 ± 8.42) compared to the obese control (8.29 ± 8.29). Similarly, EAE-treated animals exhibited weight reduction (-6.90 ± 12.29), as did the ER-treated group (-0.10 ± 12.22). Evidently, EWE treatment induced the most substantial weight loss. Tetracarpidium conophorum nut extracts demonstrated potential in alleviating obesity-related weight gain in the rat model.
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