fruit extracts
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Abstract Objectives In this study, we aim at deciphering the phenolic content of Vitex agnus-castus L. leaf and fruit extracts prepared with different methods and relate it to their antioxidant activity. Methods In this study, phenolic compounds and the antioxidant potential of the ethanol fruit and leaf extracts of V. agnus-castus L. (Chaste tree) were evaluated spectrometrically. Furthermore, selected polyphenols, i.e., chlorogenic acid and rutin, were determined by the HPLC-DAD method qualitatively and quantitatively. Results The results obtained from leaf and fruit extracts were compared with a commercial product (CP) containing the fruit extract of V. agnus-castus. Leaf extract was found to be richer in flavonoids when compared to the fruit counterparts. Accordingly, they also showed higher antioxidant activity. Conclusions Extracts prepared here can be considered as promising antioxidant agents for future therapeutic formulations.

Background: Emerging resistant Candida species become a severe problem for public health. The study aims to examine the efficacy of Terminalia subspathulata bark and fruit extracts as an alternative source of antifungals for resistant strains of Candida species. Methodology: Candida albicans was isolated between 4–5th interdigital foot space and C. parapsilosis were isolated from the left-hand third finger of male patients. Morphological and molecular methods identified the isolates. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was determined using azole derivatives, amphotericin B (AmpB) and echinocandins based on E-test and broth microdilution (BMD) methods. The AFST activity of the 10 μL methanolic extracts with concentrations between 1.25–10 mg/mL was assessed by disk diffusion method according to CLSI guidelines. Results: The AFST results showed total resistance to all azoles (FLU, MIC ≥ 256 μg/ml and VOR, ITR and POS each with MIC ≥ 32 μg/ml). The BMD method agreed with E-test MICs. The T. subspathulata bark extract tested indicated activity on the C. albicans lawn with the zone of inhibition between 9–13 mm. The fruit extract indicated zone between 8–10 mm. Candida parapsilosis indicated susceptibility to bark extract with the zone of inhibition between 10–15 mm, while the fruit extract showed zone between 8–13 mm. Conclusion: Despite azole resistance, the extracts showed good activity against the isolates. Findings showed alternatives to AmpB and echinocandins because of toxicity and parenteral administration, respectively. Based on our findings, our study first reports the medicinal value of T. subspathulata.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing inflammatory disease with an unknown precise etiology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit extracts (GFE) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. GFE (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) were administered orally for 7 days after induction. Meanwhile, the chemical components of GFE were performed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. GFE significantly decreased DAI scores and ameliorated macroscopic and histologic damage. It also reduced the levels of MPO, NO, MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, while increasing the level of SOD. Moreover, 56 components were identified in GFE using a UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method, which can be categorized into six structural groups. Our results indicated that GFE has an ameliorative effect on TNBS-induced colitis in rats, which may further verify its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. Therefore, GFE can be a promising protective agent of colitis that deserves further investigation.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles have been biosynthesized with the help of Neolamarckia cadamba leaf and fruit extracts. ZnO nanoparticles were tested for antibacterial activity before and after calcination against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) as well as Gram negative micro-organisms (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) within the concentration range 0.625–10 mg/mL with the help of well diffusion technique. Higher antibacterial potential has been observed in ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using leaf extract in comparison with those synthesized using fruit extract. Increased antibacterial activity was observed before calcination as compared to after calcination. ZnO synthesized using leaf extract were observed to show significant antibacterial potential against E. coli, S. aureus along with P. aeruginosa before calcination as well as against E. coli after calcination. Similarly, ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using fruit extract exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa before calcination and against E. coli after calcination. Both the ZnO nanoparticles before and after calcination did not show any antibacterial activity against B. subtilis. Thus, ZnO nanoparticles can serve a dual purpose by its application as an antibacterial agent against susceptible micro-organisms as well as biocompatible carrier system for drug delivery applications in case of non-antibacterial properties by virtue of its inertness as well as easy disposal.