Polyphenolic Content of Musa Acuminata and Musa Paradisiaca bracts: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potentials

Polyphenols are known for their bioactive potentials and have been used as drugs and preservatives for decades. The drive around this research is to estimate the usefulness of bananas and plantain bracts. The bracts of banana (Musa acuminata) and plantain (Musa paradisiaca) were investigated for their chemical composition, antibacterial, and antioxidant capacity. The result of proximate analysis revealed appreciable amount of moisture content (8.45%; 7.83%), crude protein (1.53%; 1.57%), crude fiber (21.2%; 16.5%), fat content (2.01%; 2.25%), ash content (16.60 %; 15.10%), and carbohydrate (52.6%; 56.8%) dry matter (DM) for M. acuminata and M. paradisiaca respectively. The cellulose and lignin content of the bract samples revealed M. acuminata (34.61 ± 1.06%; 9.13 ± 0.31%) and M. paradisiaca (35.68 ± 0.31%; 11.68 ± 0.75%) respectively. The phytochemical analysis showed that the bracts contained (g/100g) tannins (29.01%; 24.21%), flavonoids (8.35%; 6.33%), saponins (26.02%; 25.08%), phenol (0.56%; 0.34%), and alkaloids (3.30 %; 3.74%), respectively for M. acuminata and M. paradisiaca respectively. Antimicrobial activity of the methanolic, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane extracts presented a wide range of inhibition against studied strains. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts demonstrated considerable effect against most of the strains. The zones of inhibition ranged from 2 to 10 mm for the extracts. Methanolic extract of M. acuminata bract exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 2.14±4.17 mg/ml) against DPPH radical. Meanwhile, methanolic extract of the bracts showed iron-chelating ability (2.03±1.48 mg/ml; 2.14±1.46 mg/ml), and FRAP assay (15.36±0.25 mg/ml; 23.09±0.17 mg/ml) for M.acuminata and M. paradisiaca respectively. The presence of polyphenols and essential nutrients present in the bracts showed potential to be exploited as a cradle for feed enhancement, antimicrobial agent, and protective agent against oxidative stress.

Potential Therapeutic Option used for the Cure of Covid-19 using Locally Available Indigenous Herbs (Nigeria) Containing Antioxidant, Vitamins, Minerals; thus, this will help to tackle Current Status, Challenges as well as Futuristic Perspective Globally

Purpose: The unprecedented global pandemic from Covid-19 infection has generated significant chaos to humanity in both health wise and as well as economically. Thus, there have been no specific pharmacological and antiviral therapeutic option to date available for covid-19 management. For these reasons, there have been urgent needs to discover an effective medicine for preventive, and eradication methods due to the hash nature of death toll from this novel corona virus infection. Methods: Repurposing of selection, characterization of bacteria through genomic / traditional, phytochemical and fermentation methods base anti covid-19 drugs discovery. Thus, these approaches and techniques is essential to provides a better lead or otherwise. Results: Taking a bold step of faith to approach the techniques for Covid-19 methods, the results for microbiological screening of bacterial reveals that Bacillus sp (spore former, motile, rod (+) was pin-point to have the highest colony followed by Pseudomonas sp alongside with Klebsiellas sp(Capsule formers ,motile and rod (+)) and the least were found with both shigella sp (none motile, Rod (-ve) and Staphylococcus sp (cocci (+). Phytochemical screening of different plants both in qualitative and quantitative methods using Raphanu satinus, Neem (Azadirachata indica), Bagaruwa (Acacia nilotica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) etc., respectively contain all the natural antioxidant, bioactive compounds, vitamins as well as an appreciable amount of micronutrient/ macronutrient for combatting covid-19 pandemic. Further investigation through fermentation processes were accentuated with time differences have reveal microbial crude proteins (%), pH and dry matter values have significant changes to all the specific species. Thus, there were significant increase in proteins, pH values decrease as well as dry matter decreases in this order% Protein< pH>DM respectively. Originality: in view of this current investigation anti covid-19 leads translated through microbial screening, phytochemical as well as fermentation processes could overcome the current challenges of covid-19 pandemic therapy. Considering the immense potential of phytochemical, microbiological and fermentation processes, this article summarizes the present status of the research carried out on their anti-covid-19 activities with its limitation and futuristic direction to foster drug discovery.

Is there Bias in Alternatives to Standardized Tests? An Investigation into Content Differences in Letters of Recommendation

Individuals concerned with subgroup differences on standardized tests suggest replacing these tests with holistic evaluations of unstructured application materials, such as letters of recommendation (LORs), which they posit show less bias. We empirically investigate this proposition that LORs are bias-free, and argue that LORs might actually invite systematic, race and gender subgroup differences in the content and evaluation of LORs. We text analyzed over 37,000 LORs submitted on behalf of over 10,000 graduate school applicants. Results showed that LOR content does differ across applicants. Furthermore, we see some systematic gender, race, and gender-race intersection differences in LOR content. Content of LORs also systematically differed between degree programs (S.T.E.M. vs. non-S.T.E.M.) and degree sought (doctoral vs. masters). Finally, LOR content alone did not predict an appreciable amount of variance in offers of admission (the first barrier to increasing diversity and inclusion in graduate programs). Our results, combined with past research on LOR content bias, highlight concerns that LORs can be biased against marginalized groups. We conclude with suggestions for reducing potential bias in LOR and for increasing diversity in graduate programs.

Characterization and Classification of Soils from Southern Agro-climatic Zones of Karnataka, South India

The climate change and land degradation are both individually and in combination have profound influence on natural resource based livelihood systems and societal groups, but this land degradation is caused by land use changes and unsustainable management. The different land use systems practiced in southern agro-climatic zones of Karnataka have significant impact on soil carbon and fertility status of soils, a study was carried out to characterize and classify the soils of southern agro-climatic zones of Karnataka. Five pedons, one from each agro-climatic zone from cultivated land use were selected for the study. Soils of Hiriyur pedons were moderately shallow and rest were deep to very deep, red, well drained and appreciable amount of gravels were observed in all the pedons. Clay illuviation in sub-soil layers was observed hence sub-soil layer contained more clay than surface. The soil texture varied from sandy clay loam to sandy clay and clay. Bulk density of soil varied from 0.86 to 1.86 Mgm-3 in the surface. In all the profiles, bulk density increased with depth. Soil reaction varied from very strongly acidic to moderately acidic in Balehonnur and Brahmavara, moderately acidic to neutral in Hassan and Tiptur, neutral to moderately alkaline in Hiriyur. Cation exchange capacity was low and exchange complex was dominated by hydrogen and aluminum. Dominant cations were calcium and magnesium hence base saturation was high in the pedons due to leaching of bases and deposition in sub-surface horizons within the solum except in Brahmvara and Balehonnur was observed.

​Nutritional Value and Anti-nutritional Factor’s Analyses of Five Indigenous Spices used by the Karbi Group of Assam, India

Background: Uses of indigenous herbs and spices have become ubiquitous on modern culinary systems. But to date literatures on nutritional aspects of these group of plants are limited. Therefore the present study was done to evaluate the nutritional and anti-nutritional compositions of five indigenous spices commonly used in Karbi cuisines. The present study will help identify long forgotten multifunctional food resources which was previously neglected due to its low quantity in use. Methods: The nutritional compositions were determined according to procedures established by Association of official Analytical chemists 1990 and the anti-nutritive factors of the samples were determined according to the procedure described in the reported scientific publications. Result: The results showed appreciable amount of nutrients in Citrus macroptera Montrouz., Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers., Ocimum citriodorum Vis., Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. and Zanthoxylum armatum DC. The energy value of these five spices showed remarkable values, with the highest value observed in Ocimum citriodorum Vis. (354.08 Kcal) and lowest in Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (108.67 Kcal). The moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fats, total carbohydrate and crude fibre content of the studied spices vary from 0.85-7.45%, 3.30-14.25%, 1.85-25.30%, 1.80-43.09%, 7.03-32.32% and 1.39-72.55% in range respectively. The vitamin C content was estimated highest in Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton. (34 mg/100 g) and lowest in Citrus macroptera Montrouz. (22 mg/100g). The phytate (17.22-18.85 mg/100 g), oxalate (10.15-12.42 mg/100 g), tannin (9.45-11.61 mg/100 g) and saponin (8.82-10.55 mg/100 g) contents were very low and hence these spices are less toxic for human consumptions.

Histological and proximate analysis of ash produced from sesame, palm fruit and Parkia on albino rats

The customary puerperal usage of Natron consumption has been identified as one of the risk factors in the cause of high blood pressure in human as well as kidney diseases and abortion in early pregnancies in female. This study was done to determine the effect of Natron and other Natron alternatives on the histology of kidney and liver in male Wistar Albino rats Twenty-five Wistar albino rats of the same sexes (male) weighing 100- 140 kg body weights were used and were divided into five groups. Group 1, 2, 3 and 4 were fed with feed mixed with natron powder, feed mixed with wood ash, feed mixed with sesame ash, feed mixed with palm fruit bunch ash respectively, while group 6 served as a normal control (fed with plain feed). The animals were kept in plastic cages, allowed to acclimatize for two weeks before the commencement of the experiment. They were fed with pelletized growers’ feed (Vital feed) and were allowed access to water. The rats were fed with 25kg of feeds for 12 days to allow them stabilized and recover from stress. Then the rats were fed with the pelletized feed for four weeks to all the groups. The animals were anaesthetized with chloroform vapour after 4 weeks and blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture into labeled tubes for electrolyte analyses. The labeled centrifuge tubes were allowed to stand for 30 minutes to clot and centrifuged at 4000 g for 10mm and the serum obtained was pipette into labeled tubes. The organs were subjected to histology. The liver tissues were embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned at 5μm and stained by hematoxylin and eosin. Proximate analysis showed that natron, palm bunch ash, sesame stem ash, and parkia wood ash had crude protein values of 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.07%, and 0.09% respectively. Fat and fiber were not present in both Natron and its alternatives. The appreciable amount of ash content in the food additives indicated good mineral preservation capacity. Parkia wood ash may contain toxic chemical substances that may affect the kidney and liver.

Extracellular Vesicles Tropism: A Comparative Study between Passive Innate Tropism and the Active Engineered Targeting Capability of Lymphocyte-Derived EVs

Cellular communications take place thanks to a well-connected network of chemical–physical signals, biomolecules, growth factors, and vesicular messengers that travel inside or between cells. A deep knowledge of the extracellular vesicle (EV) system allows for a better understanding of the whole series of phenomena responsible for cell proliferation and death. To this purpose, here, a thorough immuno-phenotypic characterization of B-cell EV membranes is presented. Furthermore, the cellular membrane of B lymphocytes, Burkitt lymphoma, and human myeloid leukemic cells were characterized through cytofluorimetry assays and fluorescent microscopy analysis. Through cytotoxicity and internalization tests, the tropism of B lymphocyte-derived EVs was investigated toward the parental cell line and two different cancer cell lines. In this study, an innate capability of passive targeting of the native EVs was distinguished from the active targeting capability of monoclonal antibody-engineered EVs, able to selectively drive the vesicles, enhancing their internalization into the target cancer cells. In particular, the specific targeting ability of anti-CD20 engineered EVs towards Daudi cells, highly expressing CD20 marker on their cell membrane, was proved, while almost no internalization events were observed in HL60 cells, since they did not express an appreciable amount of the CD20 marker on their plasma membranes.

Nutraceutical potential of rose hips of three wild Rosa species from Western Himalaya, India

Recently, the use of hips of different rose species has increased due to its nutritional and health-promoting benefits. Rose hips contain a rich amount of ascorbic acid, phenolics, and various other bioactive constituents. Based on the distribution and variation in the morphological characters, rose hips of nine accessions belonging to the three species viz. Rosa webbiana Wall. ex Royle, R. moschata Herrm., and R. canina L. were studied. The rose hips were evaluated for moisture, carbohydrates, total protein, crude fat, total phenolic, crude fibers, water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, and mineral contents. An appreciable amount of the studied biochemical parameters with significant variations was observed in the rose hips originated from different regions. Results demonstrated the high nutraceutical potential of these species and indicated that their rose hips could be promoted as a functional food in the region. Furthermore, the phytonutrient-rich composition of the region's rose hips was revealed when the current study's findings were compared to previous studies. Therefore, they may be considered ingredients in food and dietary supplement formulations, phytopharmaceutical sector and can be quickly brought under cultivation. Furthermore, findings based on the scientific evidence indicate that the information on the pharmacological and toxicological of R. webbiana and R. moschata is very scanty or lacking; therefore, needing more research interest.

Chemical Assessment and Proximate Composition of Shorea macrophylla and Shorea palembanica Seed Oil and Oilseeds

Present study evaluated the fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of Shorea macrophylla and Shorea palembanica oils. Analysis on fatty acid profile of S. macrophylla and S. palembanica oils using gas chromatography mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy – attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) found no significant difference among the oils. Stearic, palmitic and oleic acids are the major fatty acids in Shorea oils. The influence of type of extraction, fatty acid profile, and anti-oxidant activity on acid value (AV) and peroxide value (PV) were determined using Pearson correlation coefficient (r) analysis. Highest correlation was found between type of extraction, antioxidant activity (phenolic content), AV and PV, suggesting the type of extraction strongly influenced the phenolic content and oxidative stability. S. macrophylla oil extracted using mechanical expeller (MESM) have the highest quality oil (AV: 3.76 mg NaOH/g; PV: 7.96 meq O2/kg) compared to SESM, MESP and SESP oils. Similarities in fatty acid composition and oxidative stability of Shorea oil and cocoa butter indicates the potential of Shorea oil to be utilised industrially as Cocoa Butter Equivalence (CBE) and vegetable oil. Shorea oilseeds contain an appreciable amount of essential macrominerals and a comparable amount of microminerals to common seeds. The anti-nutritive factor oxalate was found higher (p<0.05) in S. palembanica oilseeds than in S. macrophylla with values of 0.14 and 0.12 g/100 g respectively. The amount of phytate in Shorea seeds is not significantly different at 5% level with a value of 0.29 g/100 g.

In vitro Antiradical activity and Hepatoprotective potential of Herbal extract from Medicinal plants of Rosaceae family

The experimental study was designed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic fruit extract of Pyrus pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai. and Prunus avium Linn. in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Pharmacognostic evaluation of fruits and their extracts was carried out according to the WHO quality control of herbal drugs. The antiradical activity of ethanol extracts of P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai and P. avium L. was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay. The Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups (n = 5). Group I was treated as normal control. Group II received 0.2% carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) in olive oil (8 mL/kg, i.p) on 14th day; Groups III as standard control contained silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o) as standard drug once daily for 14 days. Group IV and V were given P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai extract (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. in olive oil) for fourteen days; Group VI and VII received P. avium Linn. extract (200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. in olive oil) for fourteen days. Group III to VII animals were treated with 0.2% CCl4 in olive oil (8mL/kg, i.p) on the 14th day after the administration (1 hour) of the standard drug and test samples. Histopathological analysis and measurement of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), total albumin (TA) and total bilirubin (TB) were performed. Ethanol extract of P.avium L. demonstrated stronger antioxidant and higher total phenolic as well as total flavonoid content than P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai. Both the extracts EEPP and EEPA (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly normalized the CCl4-elevated levels of ALT, AST and ALP. P. pyrifolia (Burm.f.) Nakai and P. avium L. are the edible seasonal fruits that possessed an appreciable amount of phenolic and flavonoid components and could provide considerable protection against CCl4 hepatotoxicity in rodents that may be related to its antioxidant properties and also useful in preventing several degenerative and life threatening diseases.