Nutritional Values of Raw and Ripe Fruits of Two Commercially Viable Banana Cultivars ‘Grand Nain’ and ‘Sabri’: Exploring for Value Addition

Bananas are a significant agricultural commodity valued for their delicacy and nutritional benefits. However, approximately 30% of bananas are wasted, underscoring the need for strategies to add value to this fruit. Additionally, bananas have the potential to help address a global issue: micronutrient deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and nutraceutical values of different parts (peel and pulp) of green and ripe bananas from two cultivars, Grand Nain and Sabri. We analyzed various nutritional and nutraceutical parameters, including ash content, crude fat, fiber, carbohydrates, protein, polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and Vitamin A content. The findings revealed that unripe banana pulps contained the highest carbohydrate content, while ripe banana peels demonstrated greater overall nutrient richness in terms of fiber, protein, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which are essential for the human body. This study highlights the potential for utilizing different parts of the banana, particularly the peels, to develop value-added products

In-vitro screening of bio-potency of Cocos nucifera haustorium and its efficacy against HepG2 cell line

Cocos nucifera (coconut) has been extensively studied for its nutraceutical and medicinal properties, but research on the haustorium of C. nucifera is limited. This study aimed to analyze the antioxidative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of the C. nucifera haustorium. Antimicrobial studies were conducted using a well diffusion technique, while antioxidative assays included DPPH, ABTS, and H2O2 tests. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed using the egg albumin denaturation and HRBC assays, and the anticancer activity was evaluated with the MTT assay. Among the tested bacterial strains, the maximum inhibition zones were 13.33 ± 0.58 mm for E. coli and 12.67 ± 0.58 mm for S. aureus at a 100 µg/mL concentration. Regarding antifungal activity, the haustorium extract demonstrated minimal effect against Candida albicans. The antioxidative activity was notable, with DPPH showing 74.74 ± 1.05%, ABTS at 78.45 ± 0.86%, and hydrogen peroxide at 71.64 ± 0.68%, all at a concentration of 50 µg/mL. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed through the egg albumin denaturation assay, which showed an activity of 72.68 ± 0.87%, and the HRBC assay, which demonstrated 83.93 ± 0.90%. These results were comparable to the standard Diclofenac sodium, which showed 81.33 ± 0.95% inhibition in the egg albumin denaturation assay and 88.3 ± 0.66% in the HRBC assay at 50 µg/mL. Similar trends were observed for anticancer activity against the HepG2 cell line. The treatment caused the cells to shrink and fragment, indicating that the haustorium exhibits significant anticancer properties, leading to apoptosis in human HepG2 cells with an IC50 concentration of 43.91 µg/mL, without affecting normal cells. In conclusion, the results of this study highlight the medicinal properties of the haustorium of C. nucifera, suggesting it as a potential and promising candidate for developing novel drugs in the field of ethnopharmacology

The phytochemical screening and antioxidant potential of the hydroethanolic extract of Chenopodium album L.

This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, mineral content, and antioxidant potential of the hydroethanolic extract of Chenopodium album (CAHE). The mineral content was analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) with samples prepared by acid digestion. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), employing a Supelco capillary column and helium as the carrier gas (1.21 mL/min). Mass spectra (m/z 40–600) were analyzed by matching with the NIST library. Bioactive compounds were identified based on the relative peak area and spectral comparisons. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through nitric oxide scavenging, DPPH radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelation assays, using ascorbic acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as standards. AAS analysis revealed high concentrations of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium, indicating the nutritional value of CAHE. GC-MS fingerprinting identified bioactive compounds such as linoleic acid ethyl ester, quercetin, and phytol, known for their antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, antioxidant assays demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity. CAHE exhibited significant nitric oxide and DPPH radical scavenging activities compared to ascorbic acid and BHT, respectively, along with moderate metal chelating activity. These results highlight the potential of CAHE in combating diseases related to oxidative stress. The study confirms that C. album contains essential minerals and bioactive phytochemicals with potent antioxidant properties. Its capacity for free radical neutralization underscores its applicability in therapeutic and preventive healthcare products

Computational and pharmacokinetic evaluation of Distichochlamys citrea compounds for cancer treatment

The apoptosis pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell survival and death. This regulatory mechanism involves two main groups of proteins: anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. An imbalance that favors anti-apoptotic proteins, particularly the overexpression of Bcl-xL, is strongly associated with cancer progression across various tumor types. As a result, targeted cancer therapies focusing on Bcl-xL have been the subject of intense research in recent decades. Studies exploring natural compounds from medicinal plants present a promising complementary approach to cancer treatment alongside traditional anticancer drugs. This study examined compounds identified in Distichochlamys citrea, an endemic Vietnamese plant known for its anticancer properties. We employed molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to identify compounds from D. citrea with a strong binding affinity toward the Bcl-xL protein. Findings of the present study revealed that two molecules, i.e., Platyphyllone and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, bind stably and tightly to the hydrophobic groove of Bcl-xL, suggesting potential inhibitory effects. In-silico analyses of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties indicate that these molecules possess anticancer, antimetastatic, anti-mitotic, and apoptosis-inducing characteristics. Furthermore, both compounds adhere well to Lipinski's rule and exhibit desirable drug-like properties, making them potential candidates for high-dose oral administration without toxicity. In addition to being present in D. citrea, Platyphyllone and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid are also found in many commonly consumed plants. These findings contribute to the scientific basis for further investigation into the molecular structure and bioactivity of Platyphyllone and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid as potential cancer treatments

Influence of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Productivity, Mineral Element Accumulation, and Fruit Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Foliar application of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is a promising strategy in modern agriculture. This method has shown significant potential in enhancing tomato yields, improving fruit quality, and increasing nutrient uptake. An experiment was conducted in cocopeat media under glasshouse conditions at Ladang 15, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2020 to evaluate the effectiveness of various doses of ZnO-NPs on plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and fruit quality in terms of profitability. A total of ten treatments were evaluated, consisting of five levels of ZnO-NPs (0 ppm, 25 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, and 100 ppm) and two tomato varieties (MARDI Tomato 1 and MARDI Tomato 3). The experiment utilized a split-plot design with four replications. The results indicated that the application of 100 ppm ZnO-NPs produced the maximum measures of plant growth and fruit quality, including the highest number of primary branches per plant (27.75), leaf area (27.80 cm²), photosynthetic rate (33.05 µmol/m²/s), stomatal conductance (1.01 mol/m²/s), fruit length (4.55 cm), fruit diameter (4.33 cm), number of fruits per plant (52.75), fruit yield (53.85 t/ha), ascorbic acid content (26.13 mg/100 g), zinc content in fruits (52.25 mg/kg), total zinc uptake (102.34 mg/plant), and a benefit-cost ratio of 3.39. Moreover, among the tested varieties, MT3 outperformed MT1. Therefore, a foliar application of 100 ppm ZnO-NPs is recommended as the optimal dose for tomato cultivation. This approach promotes healthier plants and superior fruit quality and supports more sustainable and productive agricultural practices while minimizing environmental harm. Additionally, further research is necessary to explore higher dosages of ZnO-NPs in tomato production to establish the best dose for optimizing output

Assessment of Fish eDNA in River Systems and the Correlation with Water Quality Parameters

This study aimed to assess the composition of fish communities in the Lower Ciliwung River and their relationship with environmental variables using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding. Water samples were collected from three distinct sites along the river, and fish species were identified through their DNA markers. A total of 20 fish species were detected, including the Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), Malagarasi tilapia (Oreochromis malagarasi), and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Notably, four species could only be identified at the genus level. The fish community exhibited varying species richness across the three sites, with 14 species found at Site 1, 5 species at Site 2, and 12 species at Site 3. Site 1 had the highest diversity, which was influenced by concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) and total phosphate (TP). Site 2, characterized by high levels of total suspended solids (TSS), hosted more generalist species, while Site 3, which had elevated amounts of ammonia, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), supported species associated with high DO availability. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) revealed that TP had the most significant impact on the distribution of the Amazon sailfin catfish at Site 1, whereas other species at Site 2 exhibited no specific environmental drivers. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding as a valuable method for assessing fish communities and understanding how water quality influences biodiversity. The findings underscore the need for targeted conservation strategies based on environmental parameters to protect aquatic ecosystems

Design proposal for plant-based bio-batteries using peppermint plant monitored by an open-source electronic system

This study presents the design and evaluation of a plant-based bio-battery, specifically a plant microbial fuel cell (plant-MFC), utilizing peppermint plants and monitored by an open-source electronic system. The goal was to develop a sustainable, low-cost bioenergy solution by integrating plant-MFCs into clay pots and equipping them with an Arduino-based monitoring system. This system features an OLED display, capacitive soil moisture sensors, and data logging capabilities via a microSD card. Four plant-MFCs were constructed and tested over 30 days. Voltage and soil moisture data were recorded every 10 minutes, and polarization experiments were conducted to assess power output. The results demonstrated consistent open-circuit voltages averaging 1.1 V, with peaks reaching 1.2 V. The maximum power densities achieved were 645.91 mW/m³, indicating the effectiveness of the design. The system's performance highlights the importance of soil moisture and plant health in maximizing energy generation. Its open-source nature allows for easy replication and modification, making it suitable for educational purposes and encouraging collaboration within scientific and maker communities. This interdisciplinary approach, which merges biology, electronics, and renewable energy, demonstrates the potential of plant-MFCs for off-grid power generation, environmental monitoring, and science education. The findings contribute to ongoing efforts to develop accessible and sustainable bioelectrochemical energy technologies

Effects of density and climate on leaf size and specific leaf area in Neolamarckia cadamba plantations in the Southern Highlands of Vietnam

Leaf characteristics are vital indicators of photosynthetic capacity; however, their response to planting density and climate in Neolamarckia cadamba is not well understood. A field experiment was conducted to investigate leaf size and specific leaf area "SLA" (the ratio of leaf area to leaf dry mass) in N. cadamba cultivated under both dry and wet conditions in a monoculture system. The aim was to assess the role of leaf trait plasticity in the species' adaptation to varied climatic conditions and planting densities. Four planting densities (1 × 1 m, 2 × 1 m, 2 × 2 m, and 3 × 3 m) were arranged in a randomized design over an area of 3 hectares, divided into two main plots (dry and wet plots). Results indicated that the highest SLA occurred at planting densities of 2 × 1 m and 3 × 3 m in both wet and dry conditions. Leaf area was found to be inversely proportional to mean air temperature (MAT) and monthly sunshine duration (SuH) but positively correlated with monthly precipitation (MAP) and monthly mean relative humidity (Hu) across all densities. In dry plot areas, SLA showed a positive correlation with all planting densities. In wet plot areas, SLA at 1 × 1 m and 2 × 1 m densities exhibited a positive correlation with all four climatic parameters. These findings underscore the significant role of precipitation in driving variations in leaf size, highlighting the importance of adjusting planting densities according to local climatic conditions to optimize growth and resource efficiency in this economically important species

Water Quality Index for Assessing Water Purification Ecosystem Services in Jakarta Urban Lake

This article aims to assess the ecosystem services related to water purification by analyzing the water quality conditions of three lakes in Jakarta, each with distinct characteristics. The analysis utilizes both national quality standards and the Water Quality Index (WQI). Water samples collected during the rainy and dry seasons were evaluated using the WQI, which combines various physical, chemical, and biological parameters into a single standardized score, comprehensively representing overall water quality. The study found that several water quality data points did not meet national standards for recreational use due to high levels of water pollutants. The fluctuating WQI values across the seasons indicated that seasonal variability significantly impacts water quality. The WQI scores for the lakes were categorized as medium to poor, with scores of 51.40 for Situ Babakan Lake, 45.20 for Srengseng Urban Forest Lake, and 46.20 for South Sunter Lake. Additionally, the results highlighted that water purification ecosystem services are influenced by the surrounding landscape conditions, human activities, and the presence of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) facilities. This information is expected to provide valuable insights for local government agencies to enhance lake water quality within environmental policy frameworks

An overview of betulin: botanical source, derivatives and biological potential: Mini Review

This review aims to provide insight into and summarize the potential of betulin and its derivatives as important pharmaceutical molecules, including their underlying mechanisms of action. This investigation compiles comprehensive scientific data regarding betulin as a botanical raw material for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. Betulin, a natural pentacyclic lupane-triterpenoid, exhibits diverse biological activities, addressing metabolic dysfunctions, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and carcinogenic activity. The extraction of betulin from natural sources, mainly birch bark, is relatively simple and cost-effective, making it an attractive compound for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This study lists 93 plant sources of betulin and explores its repurposing as an effective therapeutic agent. It highlights its potential as an antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective compound, emphasizing the benefits of derivatizing betulin with various groups or moieties, such as imidazole carboxylic ester, hemisuccinate, hemiphthalate, nicotinate, acetylbetulin-28-o-triphenylphosphonium, succinyl, and 3-substituted glutaryl. The information gathered comes from various sources, including plant databases, Google Scholar, PubMed, ethnobotanical references, and classical texts