The Application of Pomegranate, Sugar Apple, and Eggplant Peel Extracts Suppresses Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin B1 Biosynthesis Pathway

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. 558
Author(s):  
Ismail A. Ismail ◽  
Sameer H. Qari ◽  
Rady Shawer ◽  
Moustafa M. Elshaer ◽  
Eldessoky S. Dessoky ◽  
...  

Even though the green revolution was a significant turning point in agriculture, it was also marked by the widespread use of chemical pesticides, which prompted severe concerns about their influence on human and environmental health. As a result, the demand for healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives to control plant diseases and avoid food spoilage is intensifying. Among the proposed alternatives, food by-product extracts, especially from the most consumed fruits in Egypt, eggplant, sugar apple, and pomegranate peel wastes, were largely ignored. Hence, we chose them to evaluate their antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic activities against maize fungus, Aspergillus flavus. All the extracts exhibited multiple degrees of antifungal growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inhibitory activities (35.52% to 91.18%) in broth media. Additionally, diethyl ether 50% eggplant, ethanol 75% sugar apple, and diethyl ether 25% pomegranate extracts exhibited the highest AFB1 inhibition, of 96.11%, 94.85%, and 78.83%, respectively, after one month of treated-maize storage. At the same time, Topsin fungicide demonstrated an AFB1 inhibition ratio of 72.95%. The relative transcriptional levels of three structural and two regulatory genes, aflD, aflP, aflQ, aflR, and aflS, were downregulated compared to the infected control. The phenolic content (116.88 mg GAEs/g DW) was highest in the 25% diethyl ether pomegranate peel extract, while the antioxidant activity was highest in the 75% ethanol sugar apple extract (94.02 µg/mL). The most abundant active compounds were found in the GC-MS analysis of the fruit peel extracts: α-kaurene, α-fenchene, p-allylphenol, octadecanoic acid, 3,5-dihydroxy phenol, hexestrol, xanthinin, and linoleic acid. Finally, the three fruit peel waste extracts could be a prospective source of friendly ecological compounds that act as environmentally safer and more protective alternatives to inhibit AFB1 production in maize storage.

Plants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Imen Belgacem ◽  
Sonia Pangallo ◽  
Ahmed Abdelfattah ◽  
Flora V. Romeo ◽  
Santa O. Cacciola ◽  
...  

A Pomegranate Peel Extract (PGE) has been proposed as a natural antifungal substance with a wide range of activity against plant diseases. Previous studies showed that the extract has a direct antimicrobial activity and can elicit resistance responses in plant host tissues. In the present study, the transcriptomic response of orange fruit toward PGE treatments was evaluated. RNA-seq analyses, conducted on wounded fruits 0, 6, and 24 h after PGE applications, showed a significantly different transcriptome in treated oranges as compared to control samples. The majority (273) of the deferentially expressed genes (DEGs) were highly up-regulated compared to only 8 genes that were down-regulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis showed the involvement of 1233 gene ontology (GO) terms and 35 KEGG metabolic pathways. Among these, important defense pathways were induced and antibiotic biosynthesis was the most enriched one. These findings may explain the underlying preventive and curative activity of PGE against plant diseases.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-128
Author(s):  
H. Merzouk ◽  
B. Bedja ◽  
B. Benmeziane ◽  
N. Touati ◽  
M. Chibane

In the present work, we studied the potential antioxidant capacity and antibiofilm of pomegranate peel extract of two cultivars againstCandida albicansstrains. First, both pomegranate peel extracts were evaluated to determine their total phenolic and tannin contents. Their antioxidant activity was investigated using hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay. Acid fruit peel extract showed the most significant levels of total polyphenols (513.78 ± 1.552 mg GAE/g DE) and possessed the strongest antioxidant ability (96.32%). Next, the possible effect of the extracts onCandida albicansstrains was studied using agar diffusion method and subjected to various extracts concentrations. The zone sizes of growth inhibition showed clearly that these extracts had a good antifungal activity againstCandida albicansspecies in the following order: CA1 > CA3 > CA2 with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the range 0.97–1.94 mg/ml. Images obtained by scanning electron microscopy allowed for a qualitative assessment of the biofilm reduction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-147
Author(s):  
Sayed Muhammad Amin Sadat ◽  
Anisa Omari

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) is utilized in the treatment of parasitic contamination, loose bowels and ulcers. Extracts of the various parts of P. granum is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activities. Tannins are a group of polyphenolic compounds that are widely present in plant regions and possess various biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory activities. This study focused on extraction of tannins from Punica granatum peel which can be further analyzed for its pharmacological activities. The results of this study revealed the abundance of tannins in the pomegranate peel extract. Tannins from pomegranate peel might contribute to the high antioxidant activity of this fruit peel and it is a valuable natural antioxidant source applicable in the health food industry.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1587
Author(s):  
Nesrine H. Youssef ◽  
Sameer H. Qari ◽  
Saleh Matar ◽  
Najwa A. Hamad ◽  
Eldessoky S. Dessoky ◽  
...  

Three different concentrations of four (ethanol, acetone, methanol, and diethyl ether) extracts of licorice, doum, and banana peel were evaluated for antifungal and antimycotoxigenic efficiency against a maize aflatoxigenic fungus, Aspergillus flavus. Among them, the licorice diethyl ether 75% extract was intensely active, showing the best wet and dry weight inhibition and exhibiting the highest efficacy ratio (91%). Regarding aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production, all the plant extracts tested were effective against AFB1 production after one month of maize storage, with average efficacy ratios ranging from 74.1% to 97.5%. At the same time, Thiram fungicide exhibited an efficacy ratio of 20.14%. The relative expression levels of three structural genes (aflD, aflP, and aflQ) and two regulatory genes (aflR and aflS) were significantly downregulated when compared to untreated maize grains or Thiram-treated maize grains. The doum diethyl ether 75% peel extract showed the highest total phenolic content (60.48 mg GAE/g dry extract wt.) and antioxidant activity (84.71 μg/mL). GC–MS analysis revealed that dimethoxycinnamic acid, aspartic acid, valproic acid, and linoleic acid might imbue the extracts with antioxidant capacities in relation to fungal growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis. Finally, the results suggest that the three plant extracts can be considered a promising source for developing potentially effective and environmentally safer alternative ways to control aflatoxin formation, thus creating a potentially protective method for grain storage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78

Abstract: Green synthesis of CeO2 Nanoparticles (NPs) with small size and high stability paved the approach to recover and protect the environment by decreasing the use of toxic chemicals and eliminating biological risks in biomedical applications. Peel-mediated synthesis of CeO2 NPs is gaining more importance owing to its easiness and eco-friendliness. In this study, biosynthesis of CeO2 NPs using the fruit peel extract of punica granatum is reported. The synthesized CeO2 NPs are characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), UV-Diffused Reflection Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDAX) and antimicrobial activity. The CeO2 NPs show more lethal activity towards gram +ve bacteria than towards gram –ve bacteria. Keywords: Biosynthesis, Optical properties, Antimicrobial activity.


Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 453
Author(s):  
Imen Belgacem ◽  
Maria G. Li Destri Nicosia ◽  
Sonia Pangallo ◽  
Ahmed Abdelfattah ◽  
Massimo Benuzzi ◽  
...  

Although the Green Revolution was a milestone in agriculture, it was accompanied by intensive use of synthetic pesticides, which has raised serious concerns due to their impact on human and environmental health. This is increasingly stimulating the search for safer and more eco-friendly alternative means to control plant diseases and prevent food spoilage. Among the proposed alternatives, pomegranate peel extracts (PPEs) are very promising because of their high efficacy. In the present review, we discuss the complex mechanisms of action that include direct antimicrobial activity and induction of resistance in treated plant tissues and highlight the importance of PPE composition in determining their activity. The broad spectrum of activity, wide range of application and high efficiency of PPEs against bacterial, fungal and viral plant pathogens suggest a potential market not only restricted to organic production but also integrated farming systems. Considering that PPEs are non-chemical by-products of the pomegranate industry, they are perceived as safe by the public and may be integrated in circular economy strategies. This will likely encourage agro-pharmaceutical industries to develop commercial formulations and speed up the costly process of registration.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. e03R01
Author(s):  
Maria Antonia P. C. Celligoi ◽  
Victória A. I. Silveira ◽  
Amanda Hipólito ◽  
Talita O. Caretta ◽  
Cristiani Baldo

Sophorolipids are bioactive molecules that have gained a lot of attention in the recent decades due to their unique functional properties of reducing surface and interfacial tension, emulsification and solubilization. They are mainly produced by the yeast Candida bombicola and are composed of a sugar moiety linked to a fatty acid chain. Sophorolipids are non-toxic, highly efficient and stable at extreme conditions and possess environmentally friendly characteristics over the chemical surfactants. This review is focused on the main characteristics of sophorolipids, fermentation processes, and their utilization in the agricultural field. In this context, sophorolipids are very suitable for use in agriculture, as enhancers of solubility and mobility of plant nutrients, which could result in increased plant biomass, root size and fruit yield. In addition, they could be used for biodegradation of oils, bioremediation of heavy metals in contaminated soils, and as potential biopesticides, to control phytopathogenic microorganisms in agriculture. The extensive use of chemical pesticides has led to widespread insecticide resistance and to hazards to human health and the environment due to their high toxicity. Thus, the introduction of a new biomolecule to control plant diseases and increase crop yield has become an interesting alternative. As a result of the demonstrated antimicrobial activity towards phytopathogenic bacteria and fungi, sophorolipids could be extensively explored in the agriculture field, as a sustainable and natural multifunctional agent for plant crops and soils.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed A. Haroun ◽  
Abdel-Tawab H. Mossa ◽  
Samia M.M. Mohafrash

Background: Funcionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (ox-MWCNTs) were used for the preparation of therapeutic nanoparticles for delivery of some bioactive compounds. Consequently, this work deals with the preparation of grafted MWCNTs with n-vinyl caprolactam in the presence of pomegranate peel extract (P. granatum), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silver nanoparticeles and their toxic effects on male mice using in vivo biological examination (liver and kidney dysfunction biomarkers) and the histopathological analysis. Methods: P. granatum extract was immobilized onto functionalized MWCNTs using simple adsorption technique. Moreover, The prepared materials were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM). In vivo examination using liver and kidney dysfunction biomarkers was investigated. In addition, the histopathological study was carried out. Results: The ox-MWCNTs induced significant elevation in the liver enzymes including AST, ALT and ALP relative to the control group. While, the treatment with P. granatum extract only did not induce any change in the liver and kidney biomarkers. In other words, P. granatum extract loaded onto functionalized MWCNTs showed low effects on liver enzymes and kidney function biomarkers in the treated mice in comparison with ox-MWCNTs and extract separately. Moreover, histopathological analysis revealed that the P. granatum extract functionalized MWCNTs exhibited normal renal tissue with no histopathological alteration. Conclusion: The grafted MWCNTs with n-vinyl caprolactam in the presence of pomegranate peel extract (P. granatum), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silver nanoparticeles were successfully prepared. SEM-micrographs showed complete coating of MWCNTs fiber with the extract. The prepared materials resulted in no toxic effects and the histopathological findings were confirmed by inflammation of the liver and kidney tissues.


Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 391
Author(s):  
Christopher Hernandez ◽  
Laura Cadenillas ◽  
Anwar El Maghubi ◽  
Isaura Caceres ◽  
Vanessa Durrieu ◽  
...  

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent carcinogenic mycotoxin that contaminates numerous crops pre- and post-harvest. To protect foods and feeds from such toxins without resorting to pesticides, the use of plant extracts has been increasingly studied. The most interesting candidate plants are those with strong antioxidative activity because oxidation reactions may interfere with AFB1 production. The present study investigates how an aqueous extract of Mimosa tenuiflora bark affects both the growth of Aspergillus flavus and AFB1 production. The results reveal a dose-dependent inhibition of toxin synthesis with no impact on fungal growth. AFB1 inhibition is related to a down-modulation of the cluster genes of the biosynthetic pathway and especially to the two internal regulators aflR and aflS. Its strong anti-oxidative activity also allows the aqueous extract to modulate the expression of genes involved in fungal oxidative-stress response, such as msnA, mtfA, atfA, or sod1. Finally, a bio-guided fractionation of the aqueous extract demonstrates that condensed tannins play a major role in the anti-aflatoxin activity of Mimosa tenuiflora bark.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document