Journal of Applied and Natural Science
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Assessing the sensory qualities and acceptability of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and purple yam (Dioscorea alata) cookies: Opportunities for livelihood development
Full text linkMalnutrition is a persistent challenge in the Philippines, with communities facing both nutrient deficiencies and overnutrition. Utilizing nutrient-rich root crops like sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and purple yam (Dioscorea alata) offers a practical approach to improving dietary intake and addressing these issues.This study evaluates the sensory qualities and acceptability of cookies made from sweet potato and purple yam as healthful snack options and potential sources of livelihood. To explore their integration into daily diets, three cookie formulations with varying proportions of these root crops were developed and assessed using a descriptive-quantitative approach. Sensory evaluation, employing a modified 5-point Likert scale, was conducted among faculty, bakers, and students at Cebu Technological University, Carmen Campus, and local bakeries.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in sensory attributes. For appearance, the F-value was 23.02, showing notable differences between formulations, particularly F1 and F2. Aroma and texture were also significant (F-values: 37.38 and 42.07), with F2 consistently outperforming other groups. Sweetness exhibited the most variability (F-value: 162.62), reflecting clear preferences for the balanced formulation. Cookies with equal parts sweet potato and purple yam (F2) were significantly preferred for appearance, aroma, taste, sweetness, and texture. This success highlights the role of sensory evaluation in food development and the potential for local ingredients to enhance product appeal and support community income, addressing malnutrition and food security.
A study on Ochromonas sp. as an alternate microalgal biomass for the synthesis of proteins and carotenoids
Full text linkMicroalgae are a good source of antioxidants and natural bioactive compounds utilized in the pharmaceutical and food industries.The present study aimed to explore Ochromonas gloeopara as an alternate microalgal biomass for synthesising proteins and carotenoids.The freshwater samples of microalgae collected from a lake had microalgae and macroalgae that feed on microalgae. This sample was further subcultured in BG-11 media with 20nM phosphate to inhibit the growth of predator species. The isolated microalgae were identified as Ochromonas cf. gloeopara by 18S rRNA sequencing. A comparison of growth characteristics and protein production by the isolate with Chlorella vulgaris indicated that O. gloeopara had a uniform growth rate and a better protein production of 33.83mg/g. Carotenoid production was found to be 424.64 µg/g and 263.87 µg/g dry biomass by O. gloeopara and C. vulgaris, respectively. Thin Layer Chromatography analysis revealed three types of carotenoids: β-carotene, astaxanthin mono and diesters produced by C. vulgaris, whereas Ochromonas produced only β-carotene. Physical parameter studies revealed that the optimum growth condition for C. vulgaris was at 1% salinity and pH 7, but it had a better carotenoid production at 0.5% salinity. O. gloeopara had better growth and production of carotenoids at 0% salinity and pH 7. These carotenoids and proteins can be used in various food and pharma industries.
In vitro assessment of antimitotic, antiproliferative and anticancer activities of different sections of Cleistanthus collinus (Roxb.) Benth. Ex. Hook. F.
Full text linkNatural-derived chemicals, particularly secondary metabolites from plants, are gaining attention for their potential as innovative and less harmful anticancer treatments, advancing cancer therapy and developing new medicinal herbs. The present study aimed to investigate the antimitotic, antiproliferative, and anticancer activities of various extracts from the leaves, bark, and fruits of Cleistanthus collinus using the Allium cepa root tip assay, yeast cell model, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against Henrietta Lacks (HeLa) and Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. For the MTT assay, crude methanol extract was used, while methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, aqueous, and petroleum ether extracts were employed for the antimitotic and antiproliferative assays. In the antimitotic assay, the methanol bark extract exhibited the highest activity, with a mitotic index of 15±0.57% at 500μg/mL, significantly reducing cell division compared to the control (97±1.23%). The methanol bark fraction showed the strongest activity in the antiproliferative assay, with only 26.41±0.57% viable cells at 500μg/mL. The extracts reduced cell viability and increased cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The anticancer activities (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 values) ranged from 186.43±2.7μg/mL to 885.69±6.77μg/mL against the MCF-7 cell line and from 228.5±3.7μg/mL to 550.85±4.67μg/mL against the HeLa cell line, with the highest activity observed for the crude methanol extract of bark against MCF-7 cells. These findings suggest that methanol extracts of C. collinus could be a promising source of plant-based anticancer agents with antimitotic, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities.
Organic production of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) for agricultural sustainability and healthy nutrition: An overview
Full text linkCabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) is a versatile and nutritionally dense cruciferous vegetable with a long worldwide history of cultivation. This review explores the organic production methods of cabbage, emphasizing their pivotal role in fostering agricultural sustainability and promoting healthier nutritional practices. Organic farming principles, excluding synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in crop production, improve soil health, biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance. In cabbage cultivation, organic farming practices play a crucial role in promoting environmental health and human well-being. By avoiding synthetic chemicals, these methods help prevent water and soil pollution while fostering natural ecosystems. Organic techniques like crop rotation and composting enhance soil fertility naturally, improving overall soil health. This approach also benefits human health by reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances, resulting in safer food for consumers and a healthier work environment for farmers. Ultimately, organic practices offer a sustainable model for agriculture that balances productivity with environmental stewardship and health consciousness. Furthermore, organic cabbage production aligns with consumer preferences for chemical-free, nutritious foods, offering higher levels of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and phytochemicals than conventionally grown counterparts. The review delves into various organic management strategies for cultivating cabbage using organic fertilizers derived from recycled plant and animal wastes alone and in combination with microbes. Overall, this review underscores the significance of organic farming practices in advancing agricultural sustainability and ensuring access to nutrient-rich (carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers) cabbage to promote human health and well-being.
Impact of high-temperature stress on anatomical adaptations in mungbean genotypes
Full text linkRising global temperatures present a major challenge to summer-season legumes like mungbean, affecting their growth and productivity. Understanding plant anatomical adaptations under high-temperature stress (HTS) is crucial for developing heat-resilient crop varieties. This study aimed to assess the anatomical modifications in three mungbean(Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) genotypes (MH 421, MH 1772, and IPM 312-19) under different sowing conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) under field conditions, comparing normal-sown (March, <40°C) and late-sown (April, >40°C) crops. Root and stem transverse sections (T.S.) were analyzed to examine variations in xylem vessel characteristics. Results revealed a significant increase in xylem vessel size, thickness, and number under late-sown conditions, indicating structural modifications to cope with heat stress. IPM 312-19 exhibited the highest increase in vessel diameter, with a 32.8% expansion in root T.S. and 38.90% in stem T.S. compared to normal-sown plants. These anatomical changes suggest improved water transport efficiency and turgor maintenance under HTS. This study provides novel insights into xylem plasticity in mungbean, contributing to a better understanding of legume heat adaptation mechanisms. The findings can aid in breeding and selecting heat-tolerant mungbean genotypes, ensuring sustainable yields under rising temperatures.
Assessment of soil health of different perennial tree species in orchard of coarse loamy Typic Haplustepts soil of Punjab
Full text linkAssessment and quantification of soil health through the Soil Quality Index (SQI) is an important tool for the comparative evaluation of different land use systems. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of four different perennial orchards (>8 years)- kinnow (Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa L.), guava (Psidium guajava L.), mango (Mangifera indica L.), and ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) on soil health attributes concerning different soil functions in surface (0–20 cm) and sub-surface (20–40 cm) soil layers. The effectiveness of these orchards in improving soil health was compared with that of a natural forest and cultivated agriculture (maize; Zea mays L.). Different perennial orchard plantations exhibited varying values for soil health attributes. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified soil texture as the primary factor influencing soil function in the selected orchards due to monsoonal flooding and erosion. The SQI values revealed that in surface soil (0-20 cm), kinnow (0.836) and guava (0.848) orchards had values comparable to the natural forest (0.857), whereas mango (0.727) and ber (0.708) orchards had even lower values than the cultivated agriculture (0.817). In the sub-surface soil (20-40 cm), cultivated agriculture (0.653) revealed the lowest SQI values, highlighting the importance of perennial tree species in improving sub-surface soil health through the high return of root biomass. The study concluded that kinnow and guava orchards improved soil health by preventing land degradation, whereas mango and ber orchards had a lower potential for this purpose. Proper management practices can help sustain soil health and prevent degradation.
Molecular Docking and ADME Analysis of the novel compound [(Z)-1a,5-dimethyl-9-methylene-8-oxo1a,2,3,6,6a,8,9,9a,10,10a-decahydro-11-oxa bicyclo(8.1.0) undeca-1(10),4-dieno(7,8-b) furan-10-yl acetate] isolated from Tanacetum dolicophyllum (Kitam.) Kitam
Full text linkIn contemporary drug design, molecular docking is essential for understanding drug-receptor interactions. The present study aimed to use molecular docking to determine the anticancer potential of the bioactive compound [(Z)-1a,5-dimethyl-9-methylene-8-oxo 1a,2,3,6,6a,8,9,9a,10,10a-decahydro-11-oxa-bicyclo (8.1.0) undeca-1(10),4-dieno(7,8-b) furan-10-yl acetate] isolated from Tanacetum dolicophyllum (Kitam.) Kitam. The outcome demonstrated that the molecule obtained from T. dolicophyllum binds with a stronger affinity and lower free energy than roflumilast (the control ligand), with 1XMU exhibiting a glide score of -6.379 Kcal/mol and -6.14 Kcal/mol, respectively. When the binding energy is negative, the ligand and target protein are well aligned, which may have therapeutic benefits in suppressing microbial activity. Additionally, as determined by in-silico Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) calculations, the synthesized compound validates the drug-likeness within the specified ranges: molecular weight between 150 and 500g/mol, Topological Surface Area (TPSA) polarity between 20 and 130 Å2, lipophilicity between -0.7 and +5.0, Log S not exceeding 6, flexibility not exceeding 9, and saturation not less than 0.25. An evaluation of docking score and ADME properties reveals that the synthesized compound exhibits notable characteristics, positioning it as a promising candidate for drug development. The compound showed adherence to these requirements, indicating favorable in-vivo drug penetration and absorption properties.
Comparison of the toxicity of the pesticide imidacloprid and the bioactivity of Artemisia herba-alba alcohol extract against Tribolium castaneum
Full text linkThe red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is a serious pest of grain products that have been stored. As worries about the toxicity of conventional insecticides like Imidacloprid grow, alternate pest control methods are becoming necessary. The present study aimed to assess the insecticidal effectiveness of an alcoholic ethanol extract of Artemisia herba-alba against T. castaneum. During a 10-day observation period, various concentrations of the extract (4%,8%,12%) were tried. For second-stage larvae, fifth-stage larvae, and adult beetles, both direct and indirect treatments (spraying and mixing the extract with food) were evaluated. This one was compared to Imidacloprid’s insecticidal ability. The findings showed that the alcoholic extract of A. herba-alba had a considerable insecticidal effect; under direct exposure, mortality rates for the second larval instar, fifth larval instar, and adults were 75%, 70%, and 82.8%, respectively. Indirect treatment resulted in even higher mortality rates, reaching 91.8%, 92.4%, and 91.4% for the same developmental stages. In comparison, Imidacloprid produced higher mortality rates of 95.4%, 98.2%, and 98.8% for direct application, and 96.4%, 94.4%, and 96% for indirect application. Even though the efficacy of Imidacloprid is higher, our results suggest that alcoholic extract of A. herba-alba as a natural replacement for T. castaneum populations. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the potential applications and underlying mechanisms of action of this herbal extract in pest management.
Reporting a new ciliate, Hemiurosomoida linea n.sp. from a freshwater pond of Rajghat, Delhi, India
Full text linkHemiurosomoida was established as a new genus by Singh and Kamra in 2015 based on its morphology, morphogenesis and molecular analysis. Based on their morphology, the members of this genus were earlier erroneously placed in the genus Oxytricha, then shifted to another genus Urosomoida, before establishing the new genus Hemiurosomoida. However, a detailed molecular analysis based on small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) showed that the members of this genus are rather placed far apart from the other two genera in the phylogenetic tree. Therefore, they are now placed in a new genus Hemiurosomoida. To date, four species of this genus have been reported, viz. H. longa, H. warreni, H. tibetensis and H. koreana. In the present investigation, a new freshwater species, Hemiurosomoida linea n. sp. was reported from a freshwater pond located in Rajghat, Delhi, India. Diagnostic features of H. linea include- a flexible body with an average size of 81x18 µm (protargol stained cells); narrowly elongated cells with a rounded anterior end and a tapering posterior end; the presence of 2 macronuclear nodules and 2 micronuclei; the presence of only 17 Frontal-Ventral-Transverse (F1-8, V1-5, T1-4) cirri, the transverse cirri (T1-4) being arranged in a linear row; four dorsal rows of bristles (DK1-3 and DM1); 2 caudal cirri; an average of 19 adoral membranelles; 17 right marginal and 17 left marginal cirri; no fragmentation of DP3; a flat and narrow buccal cavity, and undulating membranes (UMs) in typical Oxytricha pattern. Thus, this study has unravelled and confirmed that H. linea was a new species and helped expand the knowledge base of ciliate biodiversity in India.
Antibiotic resistance profile of Escherichia coli from Marikina River in the Philippines: Environmental and public health implications
Full text linkThe Marikina River in the Philippines is faced with problems caused by urbanization through the indiscriminate discharge of agricultural and municipal effluents, thus making the river potentially take part in the transmission of antimicrobial resistance (AR). This study, therefore, focused on determining the concentration and AR profile of Escherichia coli isolated from surface waters across various river sites. The results showed that the concentration of E. coli from all six sampling sites, including one within a Philippine-protected landscape, has far exceeded the upper microbial limit for all water body classifications designated for beneficial use, including Class D water (400 CFU/100 mL). The estimated average E. coli and coliform concentrations from all sampling sites were 1.9 x 105 CFU/100 mL and 12.0 x 105 CFU/100 mL. Even in a protected area, average concentrations of E. coli (1.5 x 103 CFU/100 mL) and coliforms (5.6 x 103 CFU/100 mL) were far above the Class A water limit of 100 CFU/100 mL. Moreover, 18.8% and 22.9% of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers. Some isolates from the most upstream sites exhibited resistance to third-generation cephalosporins. These findings underscore the need for further surveillance, particularly in upstream areas, to better understand how human activities are contributing to the progression of AR in the river. Such studies are essential to keep authorities and policymakers informed and to guide more effective management and remediation efforts.