Evaluation of Some Botanicals against Callosobruchus chinensis L. Infesting Stored Chickpea Seeds and Bio-Chemical Analysis of Used Botanicals

A study was carried out to evaluate the bio-efficacy of some botanicals against Callosobruchus chinensis L. in stored chickpea (Variety: Anuradha) in the year 2018–20. Different botanicals like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Melia (Melia azedarach), Datura (Datura stramonium) and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) were used. Among all the botanicals Neem leaf powder @ 6% performed better with minimum egg laying (64 eggs 5 females-1) compared to the other botanicals except the standard check with Deltamethrin @ 0.04%. Thereafter, 6% Melia leaf powder and 8% Datura leaf powder recorded 87.50 eggs 5 females-1 and 91.25 eggs 5 females-1, respectively. With regard to adult mortality, the best result was also obtained from the treatment Neem leaf powder @6% with 96.67% mortality in 5th day. Following the same trend, 6% Melia leaf powder and 8% Datura leaf powder exhibited 90% and 83.33% adult mortality, respectively, in 5th day. The estimation of total phenols and total antioxidants (IC-50) contents in Neem leaf powder (345.69 mg g-1 and 207.77 μg ml-1), Melia leaf powder (273.40 mg g-1 and 383.68 μg ml-1) and Datura Leaf Powder (213.62 mg g-1 and 405.77 μg ml-1) also confirms the findings of the bio-efficacy trial of the botanicals. Tulsi leaf powder @5% was least efficacious both in terms of egg laying by the females as well as adult mortality. These botanicals are locally available, economic, bio-degradable and safe to the environment. Therefore, they may be fitted in the Integrated Pest Management strategies against stored grain pests as seed protectants.

Eucalyptus globulus Methanol Leaf Extract Improves Glycosylated Hemoglobin, Lipid Profile Levels and Haematological Sub-inflammatory Biomarkers in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Eucalyptus leaf is used traditionally to treat a lot of diseases, but little is known about its use in the management of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. Objectives: Antidiabetic property of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract (EGLEX) was assessed on recent Makers of therapeutic response and diabetic disease progression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Eucalyptus globullus leaf powder (200 g) was extracted with methanol using standard procedure. Hyperglycemia was induced in Wistar rats with single intravenous dose of 50 mg/kg/bwt streptozotocin. The rats were divided into five groups (n = 5): Anormal control, B- diabetic control, C, D and E were diabetic rats treated with Eucalyptus globullus leaf extract (EGLEX), metformin and insulin respectively for four weeks. Samples were collected for biochemical and hematological studies. Data obtained were analysed using One Way Analysis of Variance at <0.05 significance level. Results and Conclusion: The results showed significant (p<0.05) blood glucose reduction of 68%, 51% and 68%, and weight gain of 17%, 18% and 11% in rats treated with EGLEX, metformin and insulin respectively. HBA1c level was significantly (p<0.05) raised (9.30%) in diabeticuntreated rats when compared with normal control (3.77%), EGLEX (4.24%), metformin (4.94%) and insulin (5.33%) groups. The deranged lipid profile indices, malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase activity, platelet count, % neutrophil and % lymphocyte were normalized in diabetic rats treated with EGLEX when compared with the values in diabetic untreated rats. The findings concluded that EGLEX possesses antidiabetic property and improves biomarkers of diabetic disease progression.

A double-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf powder supplementation on the immune status and anthropometric parameters of adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in a resource-limited setting

Background People living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-limited settings are vulnerable to malnutrition. Nutritional interventions aimed at improving food insecurity and malnutrition, together with antiretroviral therapy (ART), could improve treatment outcomes. In Nigeria, there is a high awareness of the nutraceutical benefits of Moringa oleifera. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation on the CD4 counts, viral load and anthropometric of HIV-positive adults on ART. Methods This was a double-blind, randomized study. Two hundred HIV-positive patients were randomly allocated to either the Moringa Oleifera group (MOG) given Moringa oleifera leaf powder or the control group (COG) given a placebo. Changes in anthropometric parameters [weight; body mass index (BMI)] and CD4 cell counts were measured monthly for six months, while HIV-1 viral loads were measured at baseline and the end of the study for both groups. Results Over the study period, the treatment by time interaction shows a significant difference in CD4 counts by treatment group (p<0.0001). A further estimate of fixed effects showed that the CD4 counts among MOG were 10.33 folds greater than COG over the study period. However, the viral load (p = 0.9558) and all the anthropometric parameters (weight; p = 0.5556 and BMI; p = 0.5145) between the two groups were not significantly different over time. All tests were conducted at 95CI. Conclusion This study revealed that Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation was associated with increased CD4 cell counts of PLHIV on ART in a resource-limited setting. Programs in low-resource settings, such as Nigeria, should consider nutritional supplementation as part of a comprehensive approach to ensure optimal treatment outcomes in PLHIV.

Proximate composition and sensory characteristics of refractance window dried cowpea composite porridges

Undernutrition is a major public health concern in Uganda. Locally available nutrient dense diets can help reduce the problem of undernutrition. Utilisation of cowpea leaf powder in preparing composite porridge blends depends on sensory acceptance of the consumers. A Nutrisurvey software was used to formulate two composite flour blends, namely maize and millet in a ratio 2:8 and cowpea-maize in a ratio of 1:9 to achieve the daily requirement of protein for children. The study developed a process for the production of composite cowpea flour from finger millet flour and maize flour and followed a one factor design in which maize flour (MF) and millet flour (MMF) was substituted with cowpea leaves flour (CPL). The composites were dried using refractance window drying technology. The proximate composition of the composite flours were determined using standard methods while sensory acceptability of porridges was rated on a five-point Likert scale using an untrained panel. Results indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (10.9 to 13.4%), dietary fibre (11.01 to 13.0%) and lipids (4.71 to 5.3%) contents for cowpea-millet composite porridge. For cowpea-maize composite flour, a significant (p < 0.05) increase in protein (5.9 to 7.6%), dietary fibre (1.47 to 3.3%) and lipids (2.84 to 3.3%) was also observed. Sensory evaluation indicated that between the two composite porridges, the cowpea-millet porridge blend was significantly (P≤0.05) more appealing in terms of colour (3.61±0.8), aroma (2.96±0.2), taste (3.24±0.6), texture (3.62±0.6) and general acceptability (3.61±0.8) to the panellists than the cowpea-maize porridge blend. The cowpea-millet and cowpea-maize composite flours can contribute more than 100% of the recommended dietary allowance of protein and carbohydrate requirements for children aged 0-8 years. The study findings indicate that the cowpea-based composite flours have the potential to make a significant contribution to the improvement in the nutritional status of infants and children in developing countries.

Evaluation of Nutrient, Mineral Analysis and Quality Characterization of Gymnema sylvestre Multi Grain Cookies for Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic disorders with various etiologies that are defined by persistent hyperglycemia and worsening carbohydrate, lipid, and protein digestion due to flaws in insulin discharge and insulin activity. Indians account for one out of every five diabetics of the world. Around 35 million Indians suffer from diabetes, which affects around 150 million individuals worldwide. Because health is a major concern in people’s daily lives, foods that are healthy and beneficial to health are becoming increasingly popular. Natural food variations are widely used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of healthy issues. Supplements such as protein, iron, and calcium can be found in plenty of treats. The goal of this study was to develop solid treats using Gymnema sylvestre leaf powder, an Ayurvedic component with increased nutraceutical value. Multigrain powder, heating powder, palm sugar, cardamom powder, Margarine, salt, bubbling blend, and G.sylvestre leaf powder were among the ingredients used to make the solid snacks. The powder was created by drying the leaves in a plate dryer at 50°C for 2 hours before crushing in a home processor. G.sylvestre leaf powder was fused at different percentages: 0.25 percent, 0.50 percent, 0.75 percent, and 1.00 percent. Supplement testing, mineral analysis, and tactile testing are not set in stone. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used to determine mineral composition. Over a variety of examples, test 0.50 percent sound snacks were found to be organoleptically superior.

Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamic Studies on Removal of Divalent Copper using Mallet Flower Leaf Powder as Bio-Adsorbent

The effectiveness and efficacy of Mallet Flower Leaf Powder (MFLP) as a bio-sorbent for the removal of heavy metal copper ions from the aqueous solutions have been studied. Experiments were conducted varying the pH, agitation time, temperature, biosorbent size and dosage as parameters. Speed of the mixing is kept at 200 rpm. The analysis of copper was done by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The adsorption of copper was found to be dependent on pH and a maximum removal of 98.78 % was obtained at an optimum pH of 6.0. The optimum biosorbent dosage was 1 g for an agitation time of 40 min. The biosorption data obtained were validated for the best isotherm. The data collected were verified with the available adsorption isotherms. Experimental data obtained was well represented by Langmuir (RL = 0.161, qm = 5.96 mg/g, R2 = 0.9142), Freundlich (n = 0.64, Kf = 0.79L/g, R2 = 0.9995) and Tempkin (R2 = 0.9083, bT = 267.63) isotherms, indicating favorable biosorption. The experimental data obtained were tested for the best fit and the Freundlich Model has yielded the best correlation with the highest regression coefficient, R2 = 0.9844. Kinetic data has also been presented using thermodynamic analysis and the pseudo second order model was found to be the best fit with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. For the removal of copper from the solution, bioadsorbent showed a maximum adsorption capacity of 5.96 mg/g. HIGHLIGHTS Removal of divalent copper from the aqueous solution using Mallet Flower Leaf powder Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis were used to characterize the Mallet Flower Leaf Powder Kinetic data has been presented using thermodynamic analysis and the pseudo second order model was found to be the best fit with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 The maximum adsorption capacity of MFLP for copper was found to be 5.96 mg/gm GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Exploration of Phytopharmacognostic Study of Alianthus excelsa Roxb.(Simaroubaceae) Leaves

Aim: The purpose of this research is to look at the pharmacognostic and phytochemical properties of Alianthus excelsa leaves. Methods and Materials: The tree Alianthus excelsa Roxb. belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and is native to Central and Southern India. The entire methanolic extract of Alianthus excelsa leaves was examined for its microscopical, physicochemical, phytochemical, isolation, characterisation, and anti-inflammatory activities. Leaf powder was tested for total ash, water soluble, acid insoluble, alcohol soluble extractive, water soluble extractive, moisture content, and fluorescence property. Results: Carbohydrates, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and amino acids were found in the leaf methanolic oven dried extract. To determine the existence of phenolic content in extracts, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were calculated. Phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and saponin glycoside were found in the leaf sections throughout the experiment, which were isolated using column chromatography and characterised using IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopy. Three flavonoids and one flavonoid