Phytochemical screening and evaluation of antioxidant activities of Dracocephalum kotschyi and determination of its luteolin content

Objective: Dracocephalum kotschyi (Lamiaceae family) has been usedin traditional medicine for stomach and liver disorders, headache and congestion. In the present study, we have investigated phytochemical properties and antioxidant activities of dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of D.kotschyi. Material and Methods: Antioxidant activities of extracts were evaluated using the integration of HPLC-DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. In addition, the luteolincontent was determined using HPLC method. Results: The highest antioxidant activity was observed for the methanol extract (among the three tested extracts) showing 50% DPPH scavenging activity at 4.85µg/ml as compared to butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid (3.00 µg/ml, 0.97 µg/ml). Also, luteolin was detected in methanol extract; it was identified by comparing its retention time and DAD spectra with standard and it was one of antioxidant components of this plant. In addition, the antioxidant activity of methanol extract was higher than BHT, in FRAP assay. Total phenolic content was in the range of 11.62-22.29 mg Gallic acid /gram of dry extract and flavonoid content was in the range of 3.97-5.042 mg             Quercetin/ gram of extract for dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts. The quantity of luteolin in D.kotschyiwas found to be 1061.005 µg/g of dried plant. Conclusion: The results of this investigation indicated that luteolin plays major role in the antioxidant activity of the plant

Application of green synthesized biogenic Nd2Zr2O7 supported on dendritic fibrous nano-titanium for photocatalytic and antibacterial activities

The combination of a phase junction and fibrous structure has been proven to improve the catalytic ability and performance, as well as the separation of nano titanium oxide. However, there is still a pressing need for facile and environmentally sustainable fabrication techniques. In this research, we introduce an innovative approach for the fabrication of dandelion-like TiO2 with anatase/TiO2 phase interfaces and an extremely specific exterior layer using a user-friendly and green deep eutectic solvent-tuning method. We have successfully synthesized DaNd2Zr2O7 nanospheres on dendritic fibrous nanotitanium (DFNT@DaNd2Zr2O7) using a straightforward method. The DFNT@DaNd2Zr2O7 composite retained its mesoporous structure and crystalline morphology, despite the loading of DaNd2Zr2O7. These nanocomposites are employed as active photocatalysts under UV radiation and can effectively treat water contaminated with organic pollutants and microorganisms. Additionally, they exhibit antimicrobial properties against gram-positive species like pathogenic strains of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Gram-negative species like Escherichia coli, Furthermore and Klebsiella pneumonia, these nanocomposites exhibit excellent stability over ten cycles, reinforcing their potential as proficient catalysts to address environmental concerns