Journal of Science and Mathematics Letters

Chemical Constituents of Loranthaceae (Mistletoes): A Review

2023-10-24T12:04:40+00:00

This article review is designed to bring some updates on the phytochemistry of the Loranthaceae family in order to throw more light on future research priorities. Loranthaceae family is the leading pantropical semi parasitic shrubs generally termed mistletoe. They consist of about 75 genera and 1000 species growing in many countries of Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, South America and New Zealand with diverse widespread uses in adornment, food and medication. The literatures for this review was collected from various online databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Research gate, Science Direct, Scopus and web of Science for nine genera namely, Globimetula, Scurrula, Dendrophtoe, Loranthus, Phragmanthera, Tapinanthus, Taxillus, Tripodanthus and Viscum based on the type of phytochemicals, popularity and environmental setting. Chemical studies of the Loranthaceae species have produced a number of important phytochemicals belonging to different classes. The recent investigations led to the discovery of several secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lignan and neolignans and triterpenes. Hence this review represents a comprehensive assessment of the phytochemical studies carried out on Loranthaceae plants and could be a source of therapeutically beneficial products.

Assessing the Profile of Glyphosate Residues in Maize Grains Sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria

2023-11-21T05:00:04+00:00

The profile of glyphosate residues in maize grains sold in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja (FCT), Nigeria was assessed. Twenty-six maize grain samples of yellow and white morphotypes were collected from some selected markets within the FCT, Abuja. Analytical methods on the pulverized maize grains included solvent extraction using (acetonitrile/water (55:45), clean-up of pesticide residues and their quantification by HPLC/UV as described by the AOAC-QuEChERS method. The results showed that the mean concentration of glyphosate in the maize grains ranged from 0 to 24.30 ± 0.002 mgkg^_1 with a mean glyphosate concentration of 3.474 mgkg^-1 was detected. Four samples representing 17.86% of the samples collected violated the WHO/FAO CODEX standard of 5.0 mgkg^-1 while values recorded for Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for all the samples were within an acceptable limit of 0 - 1 mgkg^-1. Heath risk index values were <1 suggesting that the consumer populations were not at risk. The high profile of glyphosate residue in maize grains from Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT is of great concern and needs to be further investigated.

Chemical Diversity of Indole Alkaloids from Malaysian Kopsia Species (Apocynaceae) and Their Biological Activities.

2024-01-05T09:47:33+00:00

The genus Kopsia, which belongs to the family Apocynaceae, has been used extensively in traditional treatment. This mini-review provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical diversity of indole alkaloids from Malaysian Kopsia species and their biological activities. Fifteen species with 164 indole alkaloids have already been studied and successfully isolated and characterised. Most of them are categorised as aspidofractinine, aspidospermane and eburnane types. The literature and references for this manuscript were obtained from various sources including SciFinder®, Reaxys®, ScienceDirect®, PubMed Central®, NIH National Library of Medicine, Google Scholar and The Plant List®.

A Review on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Action of the Genus Lindera

2024-03-14T04:30:11+00:00

The genus Lindera consists of approximately 100 species that are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world. It is represented by widely well-known medicinal and aromatic plants that produce various phytochemicals with potential pharmacological actions. This review attempts to summarize the information on the phytochemicals of Lindera species together with their biological properties. The data and information were collected via an electronic search engine which are Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, and SciFinder. Sesquiterpenes represent the major chemical compounds that have been characterised in Lindera species, as well as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics. These compounds were shown to possess anticancer, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, cytotoxic, antiallergic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. The outcome of these studies will further support the therapeutic potential of the genus Lindera and provide convincing evidence for its future clinical applications in modern medicine.

Detection of SpaP and vicR Genes in Non-biofilm Producing Streptococcus mutans Isolated from Dental Caries and Plaque

2024-03-19T04:50:26+00:00

Evidence accumulated over many decades has clearly shown that Streptococcus mutans is a major agent in dental caries. S. mutans SpaP gene (Cell Surface Antigen) mediates the binding of these cariogenic bacteria to tooth surfaces. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of SpaP and vicR genes in non-biofilm forming Streptococcus mutant isolated from dental plaques. In this study, 120 clinical samples were obtained from different dental clinics and hospitals in Baghdad. 26 Bacterial isolates identified as Streptococcus mutans by using selective media (Mitis-salivarius agar) and microscopic examination after gram staining then confirmed S. mutans by molecular detection using SpaP genes. Interestingly all 26 isolates were non-biofilm forming after microtiter plate assay based on the crystal violet staining method, and negatively resulted for the detection of vicR gene which responsible for biofilm formation. 10 antibiotics (Doxycycline, Ofloxacin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, Vancomycin, Clindamycin, Rifampicin, Imipenem, Amikacin and Cefepime) were used to examine sensitivity of S. mutans isolates, all isolates were multi-drugs resist (MDR) for all 10 antibiotics used. We can conclude that absence of biofilm forming ability does not affecting antibiotic resistance and virulence of Streptococcus mutance.

The Application of Pandan and Soybean Extracts on the Biosynthesis of Tin Oxide Nanoparticles

2024-04-23T12:36:04+00:00

Development of benign and efficient approaches towards the replacement of the conventional methods for producing SnO₂ nanoparticles (SnO₂ NPs) has begun in which a biosynthesis process has been introduced. This study utilizes biomolecules, specifically the flavonoids and carbohydrate groups in pandan and soybean extracts. The biosynthesized nanoparticles underwent characterization through relevant spectroscopies. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the absorption bands of SnO₂ and Sn-O-Sn groups, with the complete disappearance of peaks associated with untreated pandan and soybean. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) indicated the formation of tetragonal structure in SnO₂ NPs with primary peaks at 27^o, 34^o, and 51^o. Additionally, UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) yielded band gap values of 4.86 and 3.45 eV for SnO₂ NPs derived from pandan and soybean, respectively. In summary, the application of biosynthesized SnO₂ NPs as a potential heterogeneous catalyst for purifying dye-polluted water through a photocatalytic process is highlighted.

Biomedical Laboratory Practices and Challenges in Digitalization: A Review

2024-04-24T07:05:18+00:00

Biomedical laboratory plays an important role in the healthcare system by providing services for medical screening, diagnosis, and treatment selection, which is the backbone of a healthcare system. The growing demand for complex testing has placed biomedical laboratories under heavy pressure, leading to an increase in collaboration and bridging the service gaps among laboratories. During the COVID-19 pandemic, laboratories around the globe struggled to perform a large number of COVID-19 laboratory tests every day, as the country combats through the outbreak. This review provides an overview of biomedical laboratory settings and assurance, and discusses current biomedical laboratory practices and their level of digitalisation in Malaysia and a few other countries, such as the United States, Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Africa, during the outbreak. Despite the variety of laboratory practices in different countries, digitalisation remains important in supporting the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review also highlighted the challenges of current practices, which should be addressed to further enhance the accessibility and reliability of biomedical laboratory services. The suggestion of collaboration within the healthcare system has also been discussed to improve laboratory services for handling outbreak situations.

Evaluation of Vegetative Characters and Distribution of Artocarpus in Perak Province for Field Guide Development

2024-05-12T10:43:30+00:00

The aim of this study is to evaluate vegetative characters for development of a workable vegetative field guide and to map Artocarpus in Perak Province. Morphological characters of Artocarpus were examined based on modified Hickey and Berg et al. methods, and then evaluated using numerical analysis. Thirty-nine morphological characters were evaluated using Multi-Variate Statistical Package (MVSP) and Phylogeny Analysis Using Parsimony (PAUP) showing that these characters are of taxonomic significance at genus, tribe and species level. Bole lenticel and bark colour prove to be of taxonomic significance at subgenus level whilst leaves shapes, leaves texture, latex, and venation can lead to species identification. A total of 14 species of Artocarpus were successfully collected (n>350) from specified regions within Perak Province. The distribution shows that Batang Padang, has the highest number of A. nitidus whilst southern part of Perak Province shows the most diverse of Artocarpus members. It is concluded that the finding of this research partly supported useful morphological characters made by Berg et al. (2006). It also shows that vegetative characters are useful as field guide to determine Artocarpus genus and subgenus.

Production of Kombucha SCOBY Cellulose by Using Tea and Pumpkin Peel Waste as Fermentation Substrates: A Comparison Study

2024-01-02T05:29:42+00:00

A market research survey by Technavio has estimated that the global market size of kombucha is projected to grow by USD 3.56 billion from 2021 to 2026 with a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) value of 19.36%. Kombucha can generate new pellicle Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) that produces biopolymer of cellulose. The production of cellulose from fermentation of kombucha SCOBY has received great attention from scientists. The main objective of this preliminary study was to produce kombucha SCOBY cellulose (KSC) from tea and pumpkin peel waste as fermentation substrates. The carbohydrate and protein contents of both tea and pumpkin peel waste were determined by proximate analysis. The physicochemical properties of kombucha SCOBY cellulose (KSC) were studied using two spectroscopic techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). FTIR spectra revealed the existence of functional groups in KSC. Meanwhile, XRD spectra presented the crystallinity by diffraction peak and crystal lattice of KSC. Overall, results from FTIR and XRD analyses suggest that both kombucha SCOBY cellulose obtained from tea and pumpkin peel fermentation substrates possess similar physicochemical properties to that of commercial cellulose. In conclusion, the application of tea and pumpkin peel waste as fermentation substrates in production of kombucha SCOBY cellulose is feasible.

Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends on Plant Extract in Antidiabetic Research Using the Scopus Database

2024-03-13T01:06:22+00:00

Natural products have been found to have antidiabetic effects in a growing number of studies, making them a popular topic in antidiabetic research. However, only a small number of bibliometric analyses have been extensively studied in this sector. This paper sought to examine the present state of plant extract research and provide emerging trends in the field. Research papers on natural remedies for diabetes were taken from the Scopus core collection database. The studies were analyzed and plotted using Mendeley and VOSviewer. The findings of this investigation indicate that 2.190 records of plant extract in antidiabetic research published between 1989 and 2022 were gathered on June 6, 2023. India, which has a solid academic reputation in this field, was the driving factor.

Biosynthesis of Tin(IV) Oxide Nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) via Chromolaena Odorata Leaves: The Influence of Heat on the Extraction Procedure

2024-04-23T12:39:40+00:00

In this study, the biosynthesis of tin(iv) oxide nanoparticles (SnO₂ NPs) using leaves extract of Chromolaena Odorata was described. Although the traditional extraction method typically requires heating for collecting the extract, this study performed the extraction utilizing free heat. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed with the boiled version to recognize any distinctions in the formation of SnO₂ NPs. Leaves of C. odorata contains bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenolic flavonoids which potentially serve as effective agents in green synthesis, acting as both reducing and capping agents for Sn⁴⁺. The synthesis was conducted at ambient temperature, followed by calcination at 700°C. FESEM images revealed that the morphologies of SnO₂ NPs in both samples were uniform and spherical. The presence of O and Sn elements was further confirmed by EDX analysis, with atomic composition of approximately 76% and 23%, respectively. XRD obtained the most prominent peaks of SnO₂ NPs which are (110), (101) and (211) in fair sharpness for both samples, with tetragonal structure. Furthermore, the FTIR spectrum affirmed the presence of pertinent functional groups through the vibration and stretching pattern of SnO₂ and Sn-OH groups. Based on these findings, the heat-free treatment of C. odorata extract proves to be comparable to the boiled version in mediating biosynthesis. Nevertheless, the preference is towards the traditional process, as the use of heat enhances the extraction process by increasing the abundance of bioactive compounds without undergoing degradation. Additionally, it aids in stabilizing the structure of SnO₂ NPs and preventing agglomeration.

Optimization of Solar Hybrid Gravity System with Battery Energy Storage for Elevation Systems

2024-06-19T10:15:33+00:00

This research studies the performance and efficiency of a solar hybrid gravity system integrated with battery energy storage. The study aims to optimize the design using a 50-Watt Solar PV, an 18Ah SLA Battery, and a Water Gravity Energy Storage Tank. Energy consumption was evaluated using the SLA Battery, Solar PV, and a 22-Watt Water Pump at various tank heights to measure efficiency improvements and battery lifespan extension. The methodology involved three procedures with five data loggers: a flow meter, a pyranometer, and three unit Watt Meter. Initially, a fully charged SLA Battery was tested at different tank heights (1.5m to 3.5m) every 15 minutes. Subsequently, the 50-Watt Solar PV was tested directly at a 3-meter height. Lastly, the Solar Hybrid Gravity System with Battery Energy Storage was monitored for seven days at a 3-meter height. Results indicated a 600% increase in battery performance at 80% Depth of Discharge (DOD), suggesting the battery's optimal use as a backup power source, thereby extending its lifespan. The SLA Battery shows a 22.1% charging and discharging loss at 5% DOD, while the 22-Watt Water Pump is achieved an 11.0 L/min rate at peak solar radiation, with a maximum motor power of 24.32 Watts. The minimum solar radiation required for efficient pump operation was 300 W/m². In conclusion, the study optimizes the solar hybrid gravity system's energy efficiency, reduces battery dependence, and enhances battery lifespan, promoting sustainable solutions for elevation applications.

Green Fluorescence Property of Chromone-based Hydrazone Towards Zn2+ Ion

2024-05-16T09:20:12+00:00

Excessive concentration of Zn in the environment may lead to bad toxicological responses that can affect human health and create numerous challenges in the environment. Therefore, it is very important to develop a sensitive method such as selective chemosensors based on fluorescence property which does not require laborious work in order to detect Zn metal ion. A formylchromone-thiosemicarbazide with two chloro derivatives namely DFCTSC was synthesized from reflux reaction of 6,8-dichloroformylchromone (DCF) and thiosemicarbazide (TSC) in ethanol. The characterisation of ligand structure was determined by using spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Meanwhile, the fluorescence property of DFCTSC in the presence of Zn ion was recorded using fluorescence spectrophotometer. The result showed DFCTSC has a good fluorescence behaviour towards Zn ion by giving turn-on green fluorescence at peak 500 nm and emit light when it observed under UV light. The behaviour displayed the ability of ligand to be used as a potential fluorescent chemosensor for detecting Zn²⁺.

Keywords: Chromone-based hydrazone, fluorescence property; chemosensor; Zn ion