Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry
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Effect of Essential Oil of Tejpat, Black Pepper, and Cardamom as a Natural Food Preservatives for Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis) Juice
Get PDFEssential oil of tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala), black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Amomum subulatum roxb.) collected by hydro distillation, and were tested as natural food preservative in orange juice (Citrus sinensis). The physiochemical changes such as pH, TSS, acidity, total microbial count, yeast and mold count were evaluated at fix time intervals of 4 hours. for 24 hours. It has been observed that the juice sample infused with black pepper essential oil demonstrated superior preservation of TSS, pH and acidity compared to the other variants. Orange juice supplemented with essential oils maintained the microbial count and yeast and mold count below 100 CFU/ml for up to 24 hours. After 24 hours of storage, all samples surpassed the total microbial count. Among the essential oils, black pepper essential oil demonstrated superior preservation compared to the others
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential using Disc Diffusion Assay of Seagrape Macroalgae Extract (Caulerpa sp.) in the waters of Pasaran Island, Lampung as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Get PDFSea grape (Caulerpa sp.) is a green seaweed species with bioactive content consisting of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and phenols. This study evaluates the antimicrobial potential of Sea*Grape macroalgae extract (Caulerpa sp.) obtained from Pasaran Island, Lampung. The diffusion assay method assessed the antimicrobial activity of Caulerpa sp. extract against Staphylococcus aureus. Caulerpa sp. samples were extracted using the maceration extraction method and evaporated using two methods: water bath and rotary evaporator. The results showed that Caulerpa sp. extract had antimicrobial activity at a concentration of 10,000 ppm, which was resistant to Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest that Caulerpa sp. from the waters of Pasaran Island has the potential to be a source of natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory components if the concentration of the extract is more significant, which can be further developed for applications in the health and pharmaceutical fields
Utilization of Eco-Friendly Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Wastewater Treatment
Get PDFThis study investigates the potential of green-synthesized Iron II Oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles for remediating wastewater from River Benue, Nigeria, focusing on removing lead (Ld) pollutants. The nanoparticles were synthesized using Annona squamosa leaf extract, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional remediation methods. The wastewater sample, collected from River Benue in Jimeta-Yola, was analyzed using FT-IR, SEM, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. FT-IR analysis identified functional groups like alcohol O-H and conjugated alkene C=C, confirming the role of plant metabolites in nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization. SEM imaging revealed cubical Fe2O3 nanoparticle sizes ranging from 25 to 34 nm, stabilized by the plant extract. The remediation process tested varying nanoparticle concentrations (100, 500, 1000, and 1500 ppm) and contact times (60, 120, and 180 minutes) at pH 8.90 and 21.33 K. The highest adsorption efficiency was observed at 1500 ppm over 180 minutes, reducing lead levels from 0.69 mg/L to 0.02 mg/L due to increased chelating sites. Lower concentrations (1000, 500, and 100 ppm) also demonstrated significant adsorption, with lead levels dropping to 0.21, 0.32, and 0.50 mg/L, respectively. The study highlights the advantages of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, including simplicity, rapid production, environmental safety, and a high surface area for effective pollutant adsorption. This green synthesis approach is more sustainable and operationally simpler than tradisional methods, avoiding the environmental risks associated with conventional techniques. The findings suggest that Fe2O3 nanoparticle is promise for efficient and sustainable wastewater purification, offering a viable alternative to existing water treatment technologies. This research underscores the potential of eco-friendly nanomaterials in addressing heavy metal pollution, particularly in developing regions
Assessment of Escherichia coli Contamination in Drinking Water from Refill Depots
Get PDFRefill Drinking Water Depots (DAMIU) have become a popular source of drinking water in Indonesia due to their affordability and accessibility. However, concerns about hygiene and microbial contamination persist, particularly in areas with limited health oversight. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of refilled drinking water in Kediri City by detecting the presence of Escherichia coli as an indicator of fecal contamination. A descriptive, cross-sectional design involving 22 depots selected based on hygiene criteria was employed. Microbiological analysis used the Most Probable Number (MPN) method, with confirmatory tests including IMViC and Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) media. The results showed that 20 of 22 depots met the microbiological safety standard of 0 CFU/100 mL for E. coli as set by the Indonesian Ministry of Health and national standards (SNI 3554:2015). Two samples (5 and 7) tested positive for E. coli, likely due to environmental contamination, inadequate sanitation, and poor water handling practices. The positive samples demonstrated typical E. coli characteristics in IMViC (++-+) and gas formation in BGLB media. This study underscores the importance of routine surveillance, public health regulation enforcement, and improved hygiene practices in refilled water depots. Ensuring the microbiological safety of refilled drinking water is essential to prevent waterborne diseases such as diarrhea. The findings call for enhanced collaboration between local health offices and depot operators to maintain clean and safe drinking water standards across communities
The Improvement of Heart Histopathology of Hypercholesterolemic Mice using Sidempuan Salacca (Salacca sumatrana) Vinegar
Get PDFHypercholesterolemic, a condition characterized by excess cholesterol content, can lead to coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high-risk heart tissue degeneration. Current drugs, like simvastatin and pravastatin, focus on lowering cholesterol levels without addressing tissue degeneration. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of sidempuan salacca vinegar in improving cardiac tissue degeneration in hypercholesterolemic mice. The experimental research involved two groups, the treatment group given different doses of sidempuan salacca vinegar and the control group. Histopathological observations showed improvement in cardiac tissue degeneration in hypercholesterolemic mice after treatment with salacca vinegar. The administration of salacca vinegar could serve as a reference for developing alternative hypercholesterolemic drugs that address both cholesterol levels and heart degeneration
Effectiveness Test of Melon Fruit Peel Ethanol Extract Cream (Cucumis melo) on Incision Wound Healing of White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
Get PDFIncision wounds are a type of open wound that requires treatment to prevent infection and accelerate healing. Using natural ingredient-based creams has become a more practical alternative to conventional ointments. Melon rind (Cucumis melo) contains active compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and phenols that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, potentially accelerating wound healing and reducing the risk of infection. This study aims to test the effectiveness of melon rind ethanol extract cream on incision wound healing in white rats (Rattus norvegicus). The study used an experimental method with three treatment groups: control (bacitracin), 15% melon peel extract cream (P1), and 25% melon peel extract cream (P2). Mice were adapted for 7 days before the treatment test. The cream was applied three times a day for 14 days, and wound diameter and body weight were observed every two days. Observation data were analysed using one way ANOVA test version 26.0. The results showed that melon rind extract cream had physical characteristics that met the standards. ANOVA and LSD tests on wound diameter showed significant differences between control and treatment, although there was no significant difference between P1 and P2. Meanwhile, the ANOVA and LSD test results on body weight showed significant differences between groups. Group P2 showed a steady increase in body weight, indicating the safety of the cream
Isolation, Morphological Characterization, Biochemistry, and Antagonistic Activity of Endophytic Bacteria from Rice Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae
Get PDFEndophytic bacteria have the potential as environmentally friendly biocontrol agents in controlling bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo). This study aims to isolate, characterize morphology and biochemical tests, and test the antagonistic activity of endophytic bacteria from rice against Xoo. Isolation was carried out from healthy rice root tissue using a surface sterilization method. Morphological characterization included colony shape, color, edge, elevation, and Gram properties, while biochemical characterization included catalase, oxidase, motility, starch hydrolysis, and sugar fermentation tests. The antagonistic test used a dual culture assay method on NA (nutrient agar) media. The isolation results obtained six endophytic bacterial isolates (BETP 01–06) identified as the genus Pseudomonas and Bacillus with varying colony morphological characters. Antimicrobial activity test showed two potential isolates, BETP 03 (Pseudomonas) and BETP 05 (Bacillus), with an average inhibitory diameter of 16.3 mm and 16.5 mm against Xoo, respectively. Biochemical characterization showed that BETP 03 was bacillus, Gram-negative, citrate-negative, motile, gelatin hydrolysis positive, starch hydrolysis positive, and catalase positive; while BETP 05 was bacillus, Gram-positive, citrate-positive, motile, gelatin hydrolysis negative, starch hydrolysis positive, and catalase positive. These results indicate that both isolates have high potential as biological biocontrol agents in controlling bacterial leaf blight disease in rice
Diversity and Composition of Insect Species Associated with Natural Rattan Habitats in Namo Village, Kulawi, Central Sulawesi
Get PDFTropical forest ecosystems are home to diverse insect communities that play essential ecological roles, including pollination, decomposition, and nutrient cycling. Among the key forest plants, rattan (Arecaceae) provides both ecological and economic benefits and serves as an important microhabitat for various insect species. This study aimed to identify and analyze the diversity of insect species associated with natural rattan habitats in Namo Village, Kulawi District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Insect sampling was carried out using sweep nets, pitfall traps, and yellow pan traps along rattan-dominated forest transects. A total of 125 individual insects were collected, representing 7 orders, 28 families, and 37 species. The order Hymenoptera showed the highest abundance (41.6%), dominated by Formicidae and Apidae families, followed by Coleoptera (25.6%) and Diptera (17.6%). The Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H’ = 2.84) indicated moderate species diversity with high evenness (E = 0.83). Functionally, the insect community consisted of pollinators (38.2%), herbivores (25.4%), decomposers (19.6%), and predators (16.8%). These findings demonstrate that natural rattan ecosystems support diverse and functionally balanced insect assemblages, reflecting stable ecological conditions and minimal anthropogenic disturbance. Conserving natural rattan stands is therefore crucial for maintaining biodiversity and sustaining ecological functions such as pollination and decomposition within tropical forest ecosystems
Effect of Different Pre-treatments and Frying Process on Proximate, Some Essential Minerals, and Anti-nutritional Factors of Taro Found in Birjung, Nepal
Get PDFTaro corms (Colocasia Esculenta), also called pindalu in Nepalese society are exposed to different pretreatment such as boiling in plain water at 100ºC for 7min, boiling in 1.2% salt solution at 100ºC for 7min, boiling in 5% citric acid100ºC for 7min and frying was investigated for proximate, antinutritional and mineral content. The proximate composition of raw taro corms was found to be moisture 60.82%, crude fat 0.96%, crude protein 9.69%, total ash 3.77%, crude fiber 3.49% and carbohydrate 52.0%. Macro nutrients such as Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorous, and Sodium were found to be 620.55 mg/100g, 150.12 mg/100g, 53.72 mg/100g, and 36.62 mg/100g, respectively. Antinutritional factors of raw taro corms analyzed in this study were oxalate-280.98±0.49 mg/100g, phytate-84.90±0.74 mg/100g and tannin-47.67±0.11 mg/100g. Potassium was the most abundant macro mineral (620.55mg/100g) in the unprocessed taro corms. The effect of pretreatments and frying on calcium showed significant decrease. When compared with raw taro corms, pretreatments and frying process resulted in a significant increase in phosphorous and sodium content. Antinutritional factors were significantly reduced by the pre-treatments, and frying method appears to be more effective in reducing phytate and tannin, whereas boiling in 5% salt solution for oxalate content
DFT Study and ADMET Investigation of Bioactive 2-Phenoxyquinolines
Get PDFPharmacologically active quinoline compounds show interesting functionalities. However, there is still a dearth of information on the potential wide applications of the quinoline scaffolds especially when the substituents on the rings or functionalities are modified. In this study 2-phenoxyquinoline-3-carbaldehyde derivatives were synthesized and investigated using DFT to determine the molecular parameters, electronic and chemical reactivity descriptors including their possible application as drug candidates. Geometry optimisations were carried out using Becke three-parameter hybrid functional combined with Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functionals and augmented basis set with added sets of diffuse s- and p-functions: BL3YP /6-311++G(d,p). Drug-likeness scores and bioactivity prediction were carried out using the webserver programs ADMET Sar 2. Our results showed slightly lower energy values in water than in ethanol depicting high reactiveness of the 2-phenoxyquinolines in water especially compounds with fluoro- and methoxy substituted having the lowest Egap of 3.79 eV and 3.381 eV respectively. The methoxy substitution confers higher susceptibility to electron transfer and chemical reactive in aqeous medium. The ionization potential energies were lower in water and ethanol when compared to the other gas states calculated values. The MEP surfaces of all the compounds investigated reveals the ether oxygen atoms and carbonyl groups as necessities for effective antioxidant properties. It is noteworthy that five of the compounds investigated have high activity values above 3.0 octanol–water partition coefficient value indicating an excellent inhibitory activity and strong chemical reactivity. Good oral bioavailability was shown by the compounds depicting their excellent activity as kinase inhibitors, nuclear receptor compounds and enzyme inhibitors. It is noteworthy that cytochromes CYP2C19, CYP2C29, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 are not inhibited and therefore do not pose potential adverse drug reactions or toxicity. Interestingly, only one compound showed one violation. Consequently, such scaffolds are potential drug candidates