Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Enhancing rice yield potential on cadmium contaminated soils through sorghum and mycorrhiza integration
Get PDFRemediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil is a critical challenge for sustainable agricultural productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating sorghum varieties, planting systems (non-ratoon vs. ratoon), and mycorrhizal inoculation for improving the subsequent yield of rice. The experiment was conducted in a paddy field in Sleman, Indonesia, with an initial soil Cd concentration of 2.91 mg kg-¹, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replicates. Results showed that remediation treatments had a significant effect on rice yield. The treatment using the Kawali sorghum variety, combined with mycorrhiza and planted using the non-ratoon system, yielded the highest milled rice yield of 2.99 t ha-¹, far exceeding the control, which reached only 0.17 t ha-¹. The highest 1,000-grain weight was obtained from the Super 1-mycorrhiza treatment (39.13 g), while the highest percentage of filled grains (above 90%) was achieved in the Samurai 1-mycorrhiza treatment with the ratoon system. The planting system also had an effect, with the ratoon system improving grain quality, while the non-ratoon system was superior in total yield. These findings confirm that a tailored combination of sorghum varieties, mycorrhiza, and cultivation strategies is crucial for restoring rice productivity on contaminated soil.
Adsorption capacity study of isolated cellulose and its nanocomposite for Safranine T dye in aqueous solutions
Get PDFSynthetic dyes are widely used in textiles, paper, plastic, and other industries, which are toxic and harmful to the environment and humans. Adsorption is an efficient method to control wastewater. Cellulose is an abundant, renewable, and eco-friendly polymer produced by plants and trees. This study examined the possibility of using extracted free cellulose from corrugated cardboard (CC), cellulose composite with AgNPs of Myrtus communis L. extract (CAgM) and cellulose composite with AgNPs of banana peel extract (CAgB) for the removal of the cationic dyes, Safranine-T (ST), from aqueous solutions. The scope of this research included the characterization of sorbents using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy, determination of time contact, adsorbent mass, pH and temperature effect on the effectiveness of dye sorption using 50 mL of solution. The use of waste paper materials as sorbents was found not to pose any severe risk of aquatic environment contamination. Safranine-T (ST) sorption intensities were the highest at pH 8 and pH 10. The waste paper sorbents proved particularly effective in removing cationic dyes, like in the case of CC and CAgM, which had a sorption capacity that reached 89.16% and 84.22 %, respectively, and 84.04% towards CAgM. An adsorption isotherm study showed that the best equation used to describe the adsorption system is the Freundlich equation, with excellent correlation R2 > 0.9707.
In Silico analysis, ADMET profiling, and pharmacokinetic predictions of bioactive compounds from Abutilon indicum fruit targeting human TGF-β Receptor 1
Get PDFAbutilon indicum (AI), a medicinal plant traditionally used in Siddha System of Medicine. The main objective of the study was to identify antioxidant and bioactive compounds by Gas chromatography -mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis and to predict the pharmacokinetics of active compounds through Computational Analysis. The antioxidant assay and the phytochemicals in the MeOH extract of AI were assessed by GC-MS analysis. From the chromatogram, 14 compounds were selected for further study. Molecular docking was performed using Maestro 11.4 from the Schrödinger suite to assess the interactions of these compounds with the TGFβR1 receptor. The pharmacokinetic properties and drug-likeness were evaluated using Swiss ADME, and the toxicity profile of the selected compound was analysed with Protox II. The result revealed the highest radical scavenging activity of 59.12% at a concentration of 1000 µg. The molecular docking study showed that Benzyl-beta-D-glucoside exhibited a significant binding affinity of -10.15 kcal/mol for TGFβR1, suggesting potential inhibitory activity that warrants further experimental validation. The pharmacokinetic analysis suggested that the compound possesses favourable drug-like properties, while the toxicity profile showed that it is relatively safe for further studies. This research highlights the computational analysis of therapeutic potential of AI fruit in treating inflammation related disorders and this in-silico approach may differ from actual biological behavior due to factors such as, cellular uptake, and systemic bioavailability, metabolic stability. Therefore, the results of this study should bring about postulates forming a rational basis for following experimental validation rather than definitive evidence of in vivo efficacy or safety.
Morphological and physico-chemical profiling of Sapota genotypes
Get PDFSapota (Manilkara zapota), a tropical evergreen fruit tree, holds substantial economic and nutritional importance in many regions, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. Its fruits are rich in sugars, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable addition to both local diets and commercial markets. The present study aimed to evaluate and characterize nineteen local Sapota germplasm conserved at the Germplasm Center of Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), Bangladesh. The assessment was carried out using key morphological features and physico-chemical attributes of the ripe Sapota fruits to identify superior genotypes for breeding and cultivation. Parameters such as fruit weight, dimensions, yield, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, pH, and vitamin C content were meticulously recorded. Among the evaluated genotypes, Germplasm-3 emerged as notable for its superior fruit weight (83.62 g), length (5.22 cm), and width (4.95 cm), indicating its potential for high consumer acceptance. Germplasm-7 excelled in productivity, bearing the highest number of fruits (110) and yield (8.17 kg/germplasm). In terms of fruit quality, Germplasm-9 exhibited the highest TSS (25.85%), indicating greater sweetness, while Germplasm-5 showed promising nutritional content with the highest vitamin C (17 mg/100g) and pH (6.67). The highest titratable acidity (0.23%) was shared by Germplasm-8, -9, and -15. These results provide critical insights into the variability among local Sapota germplasm, facilitating targeted selection for genetic improvement. Germplasm-3, -7, and -9, in particular, offer considerable promise for future breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit quality, yield potential, and commercial value in Sapota cultivation systems.
Neuroprotective potential of optimized Lactobacillus fermentum extracts against Acetylcholinesterase activity in Zebrafish model and cytotoxicity studies in PC12 cell line
Get PDFAlzheimer’s disease is linked with reduced levels of acetylcholine due to elevated acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Antioxidants and natural AChE inhibitors (AChEIs) are becoming more popular due to their potential neuroprotective benefits. The present work aimed to enhance the production of AChE inhibitors by Lactobacillus fermentum using phytogenic substrates and evaluate their neuroprotective effects in a zebrafish model. Media optimization was carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) with Cinnamomum cassia (0.5 mg/mL), Syzygium aromaticum (1 mg/mL), and Phoenix dactylifera seed (1 mg/mL) as substrates. AChE inhibition was predicted using a quadratic model (R2 = 97.61%), and the maximal inhibition of 28.69% closely matched the expected value of 28.56% (Run no 11). The optimized L. fermentum chloroform extract (OLFCE) exhibited a strong antioxidant potential, with 75.09% DPPH scavenging activity. OLFCE exhibited minimal cytotoxicity on H2O2-induced PC12 cell line, maintaining 95–99% cell viability across all tested concentrations. Treatment of zebrafish with 2.5–10 mg/mL OLFCE significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and decreased AChE levels in brain, liver, and plasma. GC-MS analysis of OLFCE revealed high levels of potential AChEIs i.e. 3,4-dimethyl benzaldehyde (66.81%) and phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) (16.84%). This study demonstrates, for the first time, that substrate-optimized L. fermentum can produce potent AChEIs and antioxidant compounds, as validated through in vivo zebrafish assays. The findings suggest that OLFCE has promising Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor activity, which can be used for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease in the future.
A review on aquatic ecotoxicity of profenofos with reference to environmental fate and impact on fish
Get PDFProfenofos (PFF), a widely used organophosphorus insecticide in agriculture, has raised serious environmental concerns due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This review critically examines the environmental fate, transformation pathways, and ecotoxicological effects of PFF, with a particular focus on fish. PFF enters aquatic environments through runoff, leaching, and direct application, where it undergoes hydrolysis and microbial degradation, producing metabolites such as 4-bromo-2-chlorophenol and dichlorvos. These compounds exhibit bioaccumulative and toxic properties, affecting key physiological systems in aquatic organisms. As sensitive bioindicators, fish experience a range of toxic effects, including oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, impaired respiration, reproductive dysfunction, and behavioral anomalies, even at sublethal concentrations. The compound’s potential for biomagnification poses risks to higher trophic levels, including piscivorous birds and humans. This review identifies neurotoxicity, reproductive failure, and metabolic disruption in fish as the most prominent adverse outcomes of PFF exposure. However, limited data on chronic low-dose exposure, trophic transfer dynamics, and endocrine disruption mechanisms represent key knowledge gaps that require further investigation. Despite existing regulations, gaps persist in long-term monitoring, risk assessment, and identifying safe alternatives. This review emphasises the urgent need for integrated pest management (IPM), enhanced pesticide formulations, and stricter environmental policies to mitigate the ecological impacts of PFF and protect aquatic biodiversity.
Determination of the ecological quality of Oued Nfifikh and Oued El Maleh (Morocco) using the generic diatomic index and the global normalized biological index
Get PDFThe quality of rivers and water reserves has now become a major concern due to the combined effects of climate change and human activities, which contribute to their degradation. This study assesses the water quality of four sites in Greater Casablanca, located upstream and downstream of two wadis: the Oued El Maleh dam (M1), its downstream in Mohammedia (M2), the Oued Nfifikh discharge area (N1), and its downstream (N2). The samples targeted diatoms and macroinvertebrates to calculate two biotic indices: the Generic Diatomic Index (GDI) and the Global Normalized Biological Index (GNBI), which were then compared to the Organic Pollution Index (OPI) determined by physicochemical analyses. The results revealed that the M1 site has a high diversity of diatoms (H\u27 = 2.63), bio-indicators of good ecological quality (Achnanthidium, Cymbella, etc.), confirmed by a GDI of 13.01 (moderately eutrophic state) and an OPI of 4.3. On the other hand, the M2, N1, and N2 sites show low diatom diversity (H\u27 = 1.46; 1.77; 0.94) and the presence of pollution-tolerant species (Bacillaria paradoxa, Nitzschia palea, etc.), with low GDIs (4.74; 7.59; 2.21) indicating pollution. The dominance of resistant taxa (gastropods at M2, hirudinae at N1, chironomidae at N2) and weak GNBI (4, 3, 2) confirm this degradation, as do OPIs (1.5; 2; 1.75). These results revealed that only M1 maintains a good ecological status, while M2, N1, and N2 are polluted, reflecting the impact of urban and industrial discharges. This deterioration highlights the need for effective management measures to protect these aquatic ecosystems, particularly in areas downstream of urban centers where anthropogenic pressures are increasing.
Bioactive seed oils of mangrove associates: Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant activity and in vitro cytotoxicity studies
Get PDFMangrove-associated plants are rich reservoirs of unique bioactive compounds, owing to their adaptation to harsh coastal environments, yet many remain underexplored for their therapeutic potential. Seed oils from such species offer a promising source of natural antioxidants and anticancer agents. The present study aimed to conduct phytochemical characterization, antioxidant assessment, and anticancer evaluation of seed oils extracted from selected mangrove-associated plants — Thespesia populnea, Canavalia cathartica, and Derris trifoliata — using n-hexane via Soxhlet extraction. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that T. populnea oil possessed the highest total phenolic (65.27 ± 0.25 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (233.57 ± 1.51 mg QE/g) contents. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) and High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) profiling confirmed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Antioxidant activity was assessed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation (ABTS·+) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) assays showed that oil of T. populnea exhibited the strongest radical scavenging ability, correlating with its rich flavonoid content. In contrast, D. trifoliata seed oil demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells (IC50 of 62.3 µg/mL) and moderate antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (EC50 of 80.50 µg/mL), supported by morphological evidence of apoptosis. These bioactivities are likely attributed to the presence of phytochemicals such as the triterpenoid C(14a)-Homo-27-norgammacer-14-ene, sterols like stigmasterol and γ-sitosterol, and flavonoids including rotenone. Overall, the findings suggest that these seed oils, especially those from T. populnea and D. trifoliata, offer promising prospects as sources of natural antioxidants and potential anticancer agents.
Comparative analysis of vitamin E extraction methods in Cleome viscosa L. and the role of key biosynthesis genes
Get PDFVitamin E is a lipid-soluble, potent radical-scavenging antioxidant that inhibits lipid peroxidation, which damages cell membranes, proteins, and DNA in the human body. Currently, it is widely utilized in dietary supplements and cosmetic products and is primarily sourced from plant-derived oils. However, Cleome viscosa L. (Asian spider flower) an ethnobotanical species that is not as widely recognized, could provide a different natural source of tocopherols, especially in the early stages of seed development. The present study aimed to evaluate which extraction methods produced the highest vitamin E contents by comparing different extraction techniques. A method was developed in which different solvents and extraction durations were tested to analyze the vitamin E and antioxidant contents in Cleome viscosa L. seed from 2-5 weeks after fruit set (WAF). Two methods were used, the Soxhlet method and maceration. The highest amount of gamma-tocopherol was present at 5 WAF and a concentration of 1946.78 µg/100 g fresh weight with an IC50 value of 32.02 ± 2.02 µg/ml using the Soxhlet method with ethanol for 6 hours. To gain information on the relationship between vitamin E content and the expression of four genes (VTE1-4) involved in vitamin E biosynthesis was examined. The higher expression of the VTE1 and VTE4 genes from the early seed stage to the mature seed stage. Furthermore, the maximum amount of alpha-tocopherol, 898.44 µg/100 g fresh weight, with an IC50 value of 7.46 ± 2.20 µg/ml, was produced by the maceration method using ethanol solution at 3 WAF, and the VTE4 gene was more highly expressed compared to other tocopherol biosynthesis genes.
Multicriteria geolocation for new urban areas: A case study in three cities of Peru
Get PDFUrbanization, driven by the population\u27s basic needs and regional geography, can lead to uncontrolled expansion. Therefore, multicriteria geolocation is proposed as an effective tool to identify areas that promote sustainable urban development. The objective of the research was to propose sustainable urban soils based on multicriteria soil types, focusing on the selection of three cities in Junín (Chanchamayo, Tarma and Jauja), Peru. A multicriteria analysis was employed, integrating eight edaphological criteria and the Fuzzy Logit method to manage the uncertainties inherent in geospatial data and calculate fuzzy weights to estimate the probability of urban areas. The results indicated that predominant areas, such as alluvial cones, intrusive rock hills, and extensive vegetation cover, were considered possible zones for urbanization, suggesting that the weights assigned to urbanization varied according to the edaphological criteria and their sub-criteria. The city of Tarma demonstrated notable suitability for urbanization, with 14.54% of its territory showing a probability of urbanization of 0.9; in comparison, Chanchamayo achieved a suitability of 89.22% of its territory, with a probability of urbanization of 0.75, while Jauja stood out as the city with the lowest suitability for urbanization. The application of Fuzzy logistics revealed that the probability of suitability for urbanization in Tarma, Chanchamayo, and Jauja was related to the size of the areas, showing that larger zones had a higher probability of being suitable for urban development.