International Journal of Applied Biology

Ethnomedicinal Uses of Plant Species in Panchase Protected Forests (A Case Study including the Kaski, Parbat & Syangja Districts of Nepal)

Asmit Neupane, Anisha Dhakal, Urusha Lamsal, Barsha Sharma, Roshna Thapa — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ethnomedicinal plants, which have been utilized by indigenous communities in Nepal for centuries, hold promise for treating various ailments. Globally, medicinal plants are integral to healthcare systems, with Nepal renowned for its rich biodiversity and indigenous knowledge. This manuscript explores the ethno-medicinal practices within Nepal's Panchase protected forest, aiming to validate traditional remedies and contribute to healthcare improvement. Through a comprehensive study involving reconnaissance surveys, interviews, and data analysis, 103 ethno-medicinal plants from 58 families were documented, with Asteraceae being dominant. Various plant parts were utilized for treating 57 ailments, with leaves being most common. Gastrointestinal issues were prevalent, with plants such as Gheu kumari and Harro being frequently employed. Additionally, plants such as Dhursul and Ghodtapre were used for fever and migraine, while Khole Saag and Pani Amala addressed blood pressure and diabetes concerns. This study focuses on the importance of traditional medicine in rural healthcare and underscores the need for its preservation. Conservation efforts and intergenerational knowledge transfer initiatives are vital to safeguarding indigenous wisdom. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies are recommended to validate traditional knowledge scientifically. The commercial cultivation of medicinal plants could alleviate pressure on natural habitats and promote sustainable healthcare practices. This research contributes to the documentation of valuable ethno-medicinal knowledge, emphasizing its potential for socioeconomic development and healthcare enhancement in Nepal's rural communities.

Optimization and Characterization of Exo-β-Glucanase Produced by Aspergillus flavus on Rice Bran and Oil Palm Fibre

James Hamuel Doughari, Chikezie Chukwunonye Onuoha — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Glucanases are important industrial enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glucan into oligosaccharides. Commercial β-glucanases are produced from microorganisms such as Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus flavus, Pseudomonas fluorescens etc. The increasing application of glucanases in various industries has called for continuous search for a cheaper means of glucanase production. In this study, β-Glucanases were produced from Aspergillus flavus isolated from rice and oil mill refuse dump sites using rice bran and oil palm fibre as substrates. Production was carried out in a submerge fermentation. Optimum activities of crude Aspergillus flavus exo-β-glucanases were 2.36 and 2.34 µmol/ml/min at incubation period of 96 hours (rice bran) and 120 hours (oil palm fibre) respectively; 2.42 and 2.54 µmol/ml/min at pH 6.5 (rice bran) and 5.0 (oil palm fibre) respectively; 2.61 and 2.55 µmol/ml/min at temperature of 35 °C (rice bran) and 40 °C (oil palm fibre) respectively. Yeast extract gave the highest enzyme activity of 2.31 µmol/ml/min. The enzymes were precipitated with 80% ammonium sulphate resulting in 1.18 (rice bran) and 1.15 (oil palm fibre) purification fold. With dialysis tubing, results showed 1.50 (rice bran), 2.50 (oil palm fibre) purification fold. The addition of chloride salts and inhibitors influenced the enzyme activities by either increasing or decreasing the activity values. Results obtained from this work indicate that rice bran and oil palm fibre can be used effectively in the production of exo-β-glucanase under submerged fermentation system using Aspergillus flavus.

Diversity and Community Structure of Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) in The Sigolo-Golo Tourism Area, Jombang, East Java

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Sigolo-golo natural tourism area is located in the Wonosalam district,
Jombang. The environment in this area is still relatively well preserved because it
has a variety of vegetation and habitats. There is very little information on the
community structure of butterflies (Papilionoidea) in this area, so this research is
needed to find the community structure of butterflies in Sigolo-golo tourism. The
method used in this research is a visual encounter survey combined with the
transect method, which is to carry out direct counts of species and individuals of
butterflies that are often found. The research locations were divided based on
different habitat types, namely plantations, forests, and riverbanks. This study
found 43 species with 358 individuals from five families. The results of the data
analysis show that the diversity index value at each location is in the high category.
The diversity and revealing butterflies at each location explain why the community
structure in Sigolo-golo tourism is still stable and well maintained.

Studying on Antifungal Activities of Streptomyces Isolated from Soil and Its Biocontrol Potential Against Fusarium of Chili’s Root Rot Disease

Dũng Nguyễn Anh — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Seven Streptomyces strains from chili farm soil, including Strep-1, Strep-2, Strep-4, Strep-5, Strep-6, Strep-8, and Strep-10, were screened for their antifungal activities against Fusarium sp. of chili's root rot disease. The results showed that Streptomyces sp. Strep-4 and Streptomyces sp. Strep-8 performed potential abilities to control the pathogenic Fusarium of which means of antifungal efficacies were 43,88 ± 3,21% and 51,8 ± 2,54%, in turn. Extensive researches on the effects of inoculum factors on antifungal activity of Streptomyces sp. Strep-8 resulted that this strain spontaneously synthesized the antifungal compounds to control Fusarium in the culture condition with pH 7, 40^oC of culture temperature, and 7 days of culture time. The results proved that Streptomyces sp. Strep-8 with its thermophilic ability not only provided significant inhibitory activity against pathogenic Fusarium sp. in vitro also promised to be a potential biological control agent to eliminate this fungus on fields. Moreover, using Streptomyces sp. Strep-8 as a biological control agent helps reduce the use of fungicides which contributes to boosting the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems worldwide.

Isolation and Identification of Carbonoclastic Fungi Causing Damage to Prehistoric Paintings in the Maros-Pangkep Karst Area

Nur Husnul Khotimah, Nur Haedar, As'adi Abdullah, Fuad Gani, Heriadi — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The carbonoclastic fungi known as a fungi that can produce calcium carbonate crystals (CaCO₃) through the urease enzyme produced to hydrolysis of urea contained in the substrate or growth medium. The presence of carbonoclastic fungi is frequently observed in the karst areas cave wall painting, which are a type of ancient artifact. The destruction to the ancient cave artwork is brought on by the fungus. The purpose of this study was to obtain and determine the types of carbonoclastic fungi that cause damage to cave wall paintings in the Maros-Pangkep karst area. Isolation and selection of carbonoclastic fungi were carried out using Christensen Urea Agar medium. The CaCO₃ precipitate potential test was carried out by calculating the mass CaCO₃ precipitates formed and analysis of ammonia levels and cell biomass produced during the growth period. Fungi identification was performed using the 18S rRNA gene molecular markers. Twenty four fungi isolates obtained from swab samples in Parewe and Bulu Sipong caves, 7 positive isolated belonged to carbonoclastic fungi. The results of CaCO₃precipitates, namely isolate Ps3 producing precipitates of 80,30 mg with ammonia content value of 701,7064 ppm and cell biomass of 333,80 mg. The identification results showed that Ps3 isolate belongs to Aspergillus sp. strain BW1.

Cytotoxic Activity of Bioactve Compounds from Hydroid Aglophenia cupressina Lamoureoux against Hela Tumor Cells

Sjafaraenan Sjafaraenan, Eva Johannes, Herwin Herwin — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Hydroids are marine invertebrates living on sponges, which belong to the phylum Coelenterata. They also contain several chemical compounds, including alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and histamine, which can be used as medicinal raw materials, such as antimicrobials and anticancer. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the working mechanism of active compounds obtained from the extract and the fraction of Hydroid Aglaophenia cupressina Lamoureoux against Hela ttumor cell line, as a solvent used n-hexane. The cytotoxic activity was carried out by using MTT method. The results showed both extract and fraction activities against Hela tumor cells. They were also categorized as moderate cytotoxic activity based on the IC₅₀ values of the extract and fraction, namely 0.31726 µg/mL and 0.32712 µg/mL, respectively.

Compatibility study of Trichoderma sp. with Chemical Fungicides Commonly Used by Nepalese Farmers, Under In-Vitro Condition

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The excessive use of synthetic fungicides has led to the emergence of
fungicide-resistant strains of pathogens, raising concerns about human health and
environmental impact. Trichoderma spp., an endophytic and versatile
opportunistic plant symbiont, has recently gained popularity as a biocontrol
agent. Integrated use of Trichoderma with compatible fungicides gives better
disease management and causes less harm to the environment in the long run.
This study aimed to evaluate the compatibility of six fungicides commonly used by
Nepalese farmers at concentrations of 250, 500, and 1000 ppm with Trichoderma
sp. using the poisoned food technique in-vitro. The experiment was conducted in
a completely randomized design with four replications for each treatment, and
data were taken at 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hours after incubation. Among the
fungicides tested, Mancozeb was compatible at all concentrations from the start
and exhibited the highest compatibility at 72 hours, with a growth inhibition
percent of 0.39%. Metalaxyl+Mancozeb at 250 and 500 ppm, and Copper
oxychloride at 250 ppm showed good compatibility. However, Carbendazim,
Hexaconazole, and Carbendazim+Mancozeb resulted in 100% growth inhibition of
Trichoderma sp. throughout the experiment. While all treatments significantly
reduced mycelial diameter, Mancozeb and Metalaxyl+Mancozeb showed a
gradual decrease in growth inhibition percent over time, indicating increased
compatibility. In contrast, Copper oxychloride demonstrated variable growth
inhibition percent over time. So, the fungicides Mancozeb, Metalaxyl+Mancozeb
and Copper oxychloride at compatible concentrations can be used with
Trichoderma sp. in integrated disease management to control soil and seed-borne
pathogens.

Albizia lebbeck Seed Protein Hydrolysates Inhibit α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase in vitro

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Albizia lebbeck seeds have been found to contain a high proportion of proteins, which on hydrolysis have yielded hydrolysates which contained bioactive peptides that possessed antioxidant activities in earlier studies. Hence, this study investigated the potentials of these hydrolysates in inhibiting two carbohydrate – hydrolyzing enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Albizia lebbeck seed proteins were hydrolyzed using the proteinases trypsin, chymotrypsin and papain. The hydrolysates obtained were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results revealed that Albizia lebbeck seed proteins were most susceptible to chymotrypsin hydrolysis (degree of hydrolysis of 62.43±1.685%) when compared to those of trypsin and papain. However, hydrolysates obtained from papain hydrolysis exhibited the highest inhibitory activities against α-amylase (70.453±1.619%) whereas tryptic digests inhibited α-glucosidase better than chymotrypsin and papain hydrolysates (55.354±0.808%). The result also suggest that proteinase specificity influenced the relative enzyme-inhibitory activities of the resulting hydrolysates, in terms of the nature of peptides released. The study concludes that Albizia lebbeck seed proteins, on proteolysis with appropriate enzymes, possess potentially therapeutic peptides which can be further characterized towards the development of provide peptide-based alternatives in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Cutibacterium species: An Underestimated Pathogen in Chronic Infections

Bhawna Sharma, Gargi Upadhyaya — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Cutibacterium speciesis a member of the skin micro biota, found predominantly in regions rich in sebaceous glands, involved in various chronic infections that led to its emergence as an opportunistic pathogen. The present study is a retrospective study to determine the prevalence and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Cutibacterium species recovered from chronic infections over a period of 4.5 years. The identification of the colonies grew on the Robertson’s Cooked Meat media plate was done using VITEK 2. The antibiotic sensitivity tests were put by pour plate method using Epsilometer strips (E-strip).Out of 400, 17.75% (n=71) were confirmed as anaerobic bacteria by VITEK 2. Out of 71 positive anaerobic organisms, 21% (n=15/71) were confirmed as Cutibacteriumspecies.Cutibacterium species recorded prevalenceof 3.75% (15/400) among clinical specimens. High sensitivity was observed with beta lactam group of drugs whereas metronidazole drug was found ineffective against Cutibacteriumspecies. Due to prolonged culture time for anaerobic bacteria there is a high need in new diagnostic methods. In the recent times Cutibacterium species has been reported from various clinical samples which depicts shift of Cutibacterium species as a potential pathogen in the upcoming time.

Case Study of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Monitoring in Tropical Mangrove Estuaries : A Mini Review

Tasuya Yurimoto, Tidaporn Chaweepak, Koolvara Sangrungruang — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In recent years, the incidence of toxic plankton and bivalve poisoning that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) has increased in Southeast Asian countries. Thailand is one of the most active bivalve aquaculture fisheries and needs to be prepared for this problem in the future. In this paper, we introduce a case of monitoring efforts on the Chanthaburi coast near the Cambodian border, where experimental PSP monitoring was conducted in water from 2013 to 2016, and a suitable monitoring system was considered in the region. As a result, we concluded that it is unlikely that the PSP problem will soon become serious in the region. However, in the surrounding waters, we must be aware of some invasive issues that may involve toxic plankton and cysts, such as ballast tank water from large vessels and transplantation of bivalves introduced from outside for aquaculture. Even if the waters are safe, PSP monitoring should continue on a small scale and at a low cost for an extended period.

Utilization of Tasikmadu Starfruit Waste Compost for The Growth and Yield of Purple Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) In Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

Inanpi Hidayati Sumiasih, Ahmad Rifqi Fauzi, Indra Sumarno — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Based on the literature study, the demand for eggplant in East Java is increasing, encouraging farmers to increase productivity by using chemical fertilizer. In the long term, this practice could harm the environment. This study was conducted to obtain the right method and dosage of compost made from starfruit waste for the growth and yield of eggplant. The study was designed using a Factorial Randomized Block Design. The first factor was organic fertilizer with 5 levels, namely: Soil + goat manure 1:1, Soil + compost from composter 1:1; Soil + compost from bio-pore1:1; Soil + goat manure + compost from composter 1:1:1, and Soil + goat manure + compost from bio-pore 1:1:1. The second factor was NPK fertilizer with 4 levels, namely: 0 gram/liter, 1 gram/liter; 2 gram/ liter; dan 3 gram/liter. There were three replications for each treatment. The results showed that the best organic fertilizer was a combination of manure and compost, from composter and bio-pore, which had the highest result for plant height, number of leaves, biomass increase, and the number of eggplant fruits. The best concentration of NPK fertilizer for eggplant growth and physiology was 3 grams per liter.