In Vitro Antioxidant, Antitumor and Photocatalytic Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Equisetum Species: A Green Approach

The ethanolic extracts of three Equisetum species (E. pratense Ehrh., E. sylvaticum L. and E. telmateia Ehrh.) were used to reduce silver ions to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements. FTIR data revealed the functional groups of biomolecules involved in AgNPs synthesis, such as O-H, C-H, C=O, C-O, and C-C. EDX spectroscopy was used to highlight the presence of silver, while DLS spectroscopy provided information on the mean diameter of AgNPs, that ranged from 74.4 to 314 nm. The negative Zeta potential values (−23.76 for Ep–AgNPs, −29.54 for Es–AgNPs and −20.72 for Et–AgNPs) indicate the stability of the obtained colloidal solution. The study also focused on establishing the photocatalytic activity of AgNPs, which is an important aspect in terms of removing organic dyes from the environment. The best photocatalytic activity was observed for AgNPs obtained from E. telmateia, which degraded malachite green in a proportion of 97.9%. The antioxidant action of the three AgNPs samples was highlighted comparatively through four tests, with the best overall antioxidant capacity being observed for AgNPs obtained using E. sylvaticum. Moreover, the biosynthesized AgNPs showed promising cytotoxic efficacy against cancerous cell line MG63, the AgNPs obtained from E. sylvaticum L. providing the best result, with a LD50 value around 1.5 mg/mL.

Acute Toxicity Test Of The Green Viper Snake (Trimeresurus albolabris), Macroscopic Description Of The Kidney And Liver Of Mice (Mus musculus)

According to WHO (2010), the Trimeresurus albolabris snake is a venomous snake with a high number of bite cases in Indonesia. Information on the character and level of toxicity of snake venom in Indonesia, including Trimeresurus spp. snakes, is still minimal. This study aims to determine the LD50 value (lethal dose 50), clinical symptoms, and to determine the macroscopic appearance of the liver and kidneys of mice (Mus musculus) after being injected by a the white-lipped pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) venom. The LD50 value of Trimeresurus albolabris venom injected subcutaneously into mice was 5,09 mg/kgBW. Clinical symptoms that appear increased movement activity, increased respiratory rate, lethargy, decreased activity, and reduced grooming. Macroscopic appearance of the liver that looks abnormal is found (1) color changes in the form of pale, pale yellowish, and red spots (petechiae). (2) changes in surface structure found only one liver that is not flat. (3) changes in consistency in the form of brittle easily. In the kidney that looks abnormal, found (1) changes in color in the form of pale. (2) changes in surface structure were only found in one kidney in the form of nodules. (3) changes in consistency in the form of brittle easily and soft.

Phytochemical Constituents and Toxicity of the Ethanol Extract of Ricinus communis (L.) in Drosophila melanogaster

The study aimed to evaluate the toxic ability of the ethanol extract of Ricinus communis (L.) in Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly model. The toxicity was determined through different criteria, including the ability to cause harmful effects on second instar larvae, reproduction, growth and development, and the movement ability of fruit flies. The results showed that the ethanol extract of Ricinus communis expressed its high toxicity against 2nd instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaste with the LD50 value of 64.63 mg/mL. In addition, Ricinus communis extract reduced the growth rate, reproduction and decreased the movement ability of Drosophila melanogaster. The total flavonoid and polyphenol content of the ethanol extract of Ricinus communis were 338.26 mgQE/g extract and 160.43 mgGAE/g extract, respectively. These findings contribute to confirming the toxic properties of ethanol extract of Ricinus communis and their potential use in preventing and controlling pest.

Acute oral toxicity of squid and cuttlefish ink powder enzyme hydrolysates in Sprague-Dawley rats in accordance with the OECD Test Guideline 425

The objectives of this study were to determine LD50 and establish the safety of ink squid and cuttlefish hydrolysates. In the acute toxicity study, three groups of female rats were randomly assigned. One group served as the control and two groups orally received a single limiting dose (2000 mg/kg body weight) of ink hydrolysates. There were no signs of adverse toxicity observed in behavioural patterns, clinical signs, and no significant differences (p>0.05) between the control and treated rats regarding their food and water consumption and body weight for up to 14 days. The histopathological evaluation revealed a normal structure and the absence of noticeable lesions in the vital organs of treated animals. It can be concluded that LD50 value is greater than 2000 mg/kg. The results showed that the squid ink powder enzyme hydrolysate (SIPEHs) and cuttlefish ink powder enzyme hydrolysate (CIPEHs) possess low toxicity, as indicated in the rat model. The preliminary results suggested that it should be further evaluated for long-term use and repeated dose effects to support the safe use of these hydrolysates.

Uji Efektivitas Campuran Herbisida Berbahan Aktif Atrazin dan Topramezon terhadap Beberapa Jenis Gulma

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of mixing herbicides with the active ingredients atrazine and topramezone in controlling weeds and to determine the nature of the mixture of the two active ingredients. This research was conducted in a plastic house in Natar District, South Lampung Regency from October 2020 - January 2021. The study was arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments consisted of three types of herbicides with six dosage levels of the active ingredients, namely the single herbicide Atrazine 300 g/l (0, 37.5, 75, 150, 300, and 600 g ai ha-1), Topramezon 10 g/l (0. 1.25 , 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 g ai ha-1), and the herbicide mixture of Atrazine 300 g/l + Topramezone 10 g/l (0. 38.75, 77.50, 155, 310, and 620 g ai ha-1) , and repeated 6 times. The target weeds included broadleaf weeds (Ageratum conyzoides and Synedrella nodiflora), grass groups (Digitaria ciliaris, Echinochloa colonum, and Eleusine indica), and the puzzle group (Cyperus iria). The herbicides atrazine and topramezone have different ways of working so that the analytical method used is the Multiplicative Survival Model (MSM) method. The results showed that mixing the herbicide Atrazine 300 g/l + Topramezon 10 g/l had an expected LD50 value of 46.28 g ai ha-1 and a treatment LD50 of 27.22 g ai ha-1 with a co-toxicity value of 1.7 (Co-toxicity > 1) so that it is synergistic.Key words: Atrazin, Topramezon, mixing herbicide, Multiplicative Survival Model, weed, LD50

Sensitivity of The Stripe-Faced Dunnart, Sminthopsis Macroura (Gould 1845), To The Phenyl Pyrazole Insecticide, Fipronil, Toxicological Signs And Implications For Pesticide Risk Assessments In Australia

A lack of toxicity data quantifying responses of Australian native mammals to agricultural pesticides prompted an investigation into the sensitivity of the stripe-faced dunnart, Sminthopsis macroura (Gould 1845) to the insecticide, fipronil (5-amino-3-cyano-1-(2,6-dichloro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-trifluoromethylsulfinyl pyrazole, CAS No. 120068-37-3). Using the Up-And-Down method for determining acute oral toxicity in mammals, derived by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), median lethal dose estimates of 990 mg kg− 1 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 580.7–4770.0 mg kg− 1) and 270.4 mg kg− 1 (95% CI = 0.0 - >20000.0 mg kg− 1) were resolved for male and female S. macroura respectively. The difference between median lethal dose estimates for males and females may have been influenced by the increased age of two female dunnarts. Further modelling of female responses to fipronil doses used the following assumptions: (a) death at 2000 mg kg− 1, (b) survival at 500 mg kg− 1 and (c) a differential response (both survival and death) at 990 mg kg− 1. This modelling revealed median lethal dose estimates for female S. macroura of 669.1 mg kg− 1 (95% CI = 550–990 mg kg− 1; assuming death at 990 mg kg− 1) and 990 mg kg− 1 (95% CI = 544.7–1470 mg kg− 1; assuming survival at 990 mg kg− 1). These median lethal dose estimates are 3–10-fold higher than the only available LD50 value for a similarly sized eutherian mammal, Mus musculus (L. 1758; 94 mg kg− 1) and that available for Rattus norvegicus (Birkenhout 1769; 97 mg kg− 1). Implications for pesticide risk assessments in Australia are discussed.

Standardization of Dose and Delivery of Oxytetracycline against Streptococcus agalactiae Infection in Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT)

Background: Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the most important aquaculture species in India. Streptococcus agalactiae is a highly debilitating pathogen of farmed tilapia. In this study, oxytetracycline (OTC) dose and delivery were standardized against S. agalactiae infection in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and pharmacokinetics after oral administration was evaluated. Methods: LD50 value of S. agalactiae was found to be 6.2×106 CFU/fish. Two methods of drug delivery were investigated at three different doses of 50, 70 and 90 mg/kg against the S. agalactiae infection. Pharmacokinetics of OTC was studied after per os administration of 100 mg/kg body weight per day and analysing the residues in kidney, liver and muscle at different time intervals. Result: Per os delivery of OTC 90 mg/kg controlled S. agalactiae infection and the withdrawal time of OTC to fall below MRL of 0.05 µg/g at 30°C was 21 days in kidney and liver and 14 days in muscle. The study indicated that the S. agalactiae infection in tilapia could be controlled by OTC and fish can be marketed after providing a withdrawal period of 14 days.

The role of nitrosative and oxidative stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver tissue applied mercury chloride (HgCl2)

The aim of this study was to determine oxidative stress caused by mercury chloride (HgCl2) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver tissue. For this purpose, the LD50 value of HgCl2 on rainbow trout was determined as 551 μg/L. In the study, 40 fish in four groups were exposed to 25% and 50% (138 and 276 µg/L) of the two subletal doses of HgCl2 for 2 and 7 days, with 10 fish (n=10) in each group. To determine oxidative stress; peroxynitrite (ONOO−), total oxidant level (TOS), total antioxidant level (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed. In the study, it was observed that the differences between the groups in terms of ONOO−, TOS, TAS and OSI levels in the liver tissues was significant (P<0.05), however, this difference was not significant (P>0.05) in terms of MDA values. As a result, it can be concluded that HgCl2 increases ONOO−, TOS, TAS, OSI and MDA levels in liver tissue and even small doses of mercury are toxic to fish.

Acute neurotoxicity of acetaminophen in chicks

Acetaminophen is a non-steroidal drug used as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic in humans and animals. In chicks, neurotoxicity associated with acetaminophen has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to identify the neurobehavioral, biochemical and histopathological effects of acetaminophen in 7 day-old broiler chicks. The acute LD50 of acetaminophen was estimated by the up- and- down method, and then the influence of acetaminophen on the open field activity and tonic immobility test was recorded. The behavioral signs and toxicity scores were recorded. The liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were estimated. Histopathology of the brain and liver were performed. The acetaminophen LD50 value in chicks was 1077 mg/kg, intramuscularly. Acetaminophen reduced the general locomotive activity of the chicks, measured in the open- field arena, as a result of a significant rise in latency in moving from the central square, and a reduction in the numbers of lines crossed as well as reduction in the vocalization score compared to the control. Intramuscular injections of acetaminophen at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg induced signs of toxicosis, such as head dropping, closed eyelids, immobility, loss of vocalization, and recumbency, followed by death. Histopathological examination of the brain showed the presence of congestion of blood vessels, vasogenic edema and necrosis of Purkinje cells. Degenerative changes and liver enzyme function showed liver dysfunction. Our results show behavioral, biochemical and histopathological data demonstrating that acetaminophen at high doses produced acute neurotoxicity in chicks.

Antibacterial and Toxicity Activities of Indonesian Herbal Medicine Extracts Used for Postpartum Treatment

Postpartum treatments have been used by local women in Indonesia for some time now. One commonly used postpartum treatment is the consumption of a traditional herbal medicine called PHM-1 during the first 40 days after childbirth. In addition, a second medicine known as PHM-2 is taken for days 41-80. However, sufficient scientific evidence about the benefits of this postpartum herbal medicine does not exist. In this study, the antibacterial abilities of PHM-1 and PHM-2 therefore was evaluated and showed positive potential for both. Low IC50 values were obtained against pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Ralstonia pickettii, and Staphylococcus epidermidis and compared with chloramphenicol as a positive control. The antibacterial activity of both PHM-1 and PHM-2 against R. pickettii had the highest inhibitory activity as evidenced by the lowest IC50 values of 11.16 and 6.26 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, an in vivo acute toxicity test showed that PHM-1 produced a low LD50 value of 3.28 g/kg BW for both of male and female mice. These results support the use of both PHM-1 and PHM-2 as antibacterial treatments for postpartum women.