Evaluation of the Bio-insecticidal Effects of Three Extracts on the Larvae of the Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) under the Laboratory Conditions

Aims: To control aphids without the misdeeds of the chemical insecticides. To make sure of the harmlessness of three bio-aphicides. Study Design: Experimental device in complete random block with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of bio-insecticidal entomology, Regional Center of Agricultural Research of Kenitra, INRA- Morocco and the Biodiversity and Natural Resources Laboratory of Sciences Faculty, Ibn Tofail kenitra, morocco. The experiments were done between March and December 2017. Methodology: The present study highlighted the lethal and sublethal effects of three bio-aphicides plants collected from the Gharb region of morocco: Capsicum frutescens, Nerium oleander and Melia azedarach, tested in five concentrations of their plant material against Chrysoperla carnea larvaes. Adding to these concentrations, two controls were used: one without any treatment (blanc) and another treated with a chemical insecticide (Deltamethrine). Results: The obtained results indicated that the aqueous extract of the Nerium oleander was harmful to the larvae of the Chrysoperla carnea. Indeed, the insecticidal activity of different concentrations increased with the exposure time, reaching about 10; 16 and 20% of mortality, respectively by applying 10; 15 and 20 g/20 ml after three days of exposure. However, low concentrations of 2 and 5 g/20 ml caused no effect whatever the duration of exposure. Also, the corrected mortality rate caused by the aqueous extract of Nerium oleander, at the concentrations tested is much lower than that caused by the insecticide Deltamethrin. Conclusion: Nerium oleander plant is harmful to the larvae of the Chrysoperla carnea at concentrations of 10; 16 and 20%. At these concentrations, the aqueous extracts of hot pepper and melia are not haurmful to the larvae of the green lacewing, so they can be recommended as a biological insecticide. Moreover, other works on these two extracts are outstanding in our laboratory.

Development of a direct transformation method by GFP screening and in vitro whole plant regeneration of Capsicum frutescens L

Background: Capsicum is a genus of an important spice crop that belongs to the chili lineage. However, many Capsicum species (family Solanaceae) are known to be recalcitrant to genetic transformation and in vitro regeneration, thus hampering the effort in using Capsicum species for detailed biological investigation. In this study, we have developed an optimized protocol for the direct transformation of Capsicum frutescens L. cv. Hot Lava using a biolistic particle delivery system. In addition, a procedure for in vitro whole plant regeneration from the hypocotyl explants of C. frutescens was established. Results: In this study on the biolistic system, explant target distance, bombardment helium (He) pressure, and the size of the microcarrier were the key parameters to be investigated. The optimized parameters based on the screening of GFP expression were determined to have a target distance of 6 cm, helium pressure of 1350 psi, and gold particle (microcarrier) size of 1.6 µm. The greatest number of shoots was obtained from hypocotyls as explants using Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 5.0-mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.1-mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid. On an average, five shoots per explant were formed, and of them, one shoot managed to form the root and developed into a whole plant. Conclusions: We obtained an optimized protocol for the biolistic transformation of chili and in vitro regeneration of chili plantlets. The establishment of the protocols will provide a platform for molecular breeding and biological studies of chili plants.

Study on ethnic medicine quantitative reference herb,Tibetan medicine fruits of Capsicum frutescens as a case / 中国中药杂志

High price and difficult to get of reference substance have become obstacles to HPLC assay of ethnic medicine. A new method based on quantitative reference herb (QRH) was proposed. Specific chromatograms in fruits of Capsicum frutescens were employed to determine peak positions, and HPLC quantitative reference herb was prepared from fruits of C. frutescens. The content of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in the quantitative control herb was determined by HPLC. Eleven batches of fruits of C. frutescens were analyzed with quantitative reference herb and reference substance respectively. The results showed no difference. The present method is feasible for quality control of ethnic medicines and quantitative reference herb is suitable to replace reference substances in assay.

A preliminary study on the safety, efficacy and acceptability of the community preparation of Siling Labuyo (Capsicum frutescens) Liniment in the management of Knee Osteoarthritis in a six-week, active-controlled community-based clinical trial

Objective@#The study determined the safety, efficacy and acceptability of a Philippine community preparation of Siling Labuyo liniment in the management of knee osteoarthritis.@*Methods@#A 6-week randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial was conducted in three municipalities of Cavite from 2017-2018. The municipalities were randomly assigned to either the control or experimental group, using a commercially available Diclofenac 1% gel as the control agent. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to measure the outcomes.@*Results@#Forty-seven participants completed the study. Statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in pain relief, reduction of symptoms and increase in knee functionality was reported by participants in both the experimental and control groups. Across the dimensions measured, at least 30% improvement in scores was reported by the experimental group, and at least 40% by the control group. The difference was statistically not significant (p>0.05). Itching (13%), burning sensation (11%) and reddening of the skin (15%) were experienced in both the experimental and the active control groups.@*Conclusion@#Use of the liniment led to a modest therapeutic effect and was well-tolerated by the participants.

Evaluation of Capsicum frutescens powder effects on the growth performances, biochemical and hematological parameters in Hubbard broiler.

Growth promoters are widely used in poultry farming. However, this practice is a potential risk of microbial resistances and eventually can have harmful effects on human health. For that, the search of alternative solutions knows an increasing interest. The spices, owing to their multiple properties, are potentials growth promoters for poultry. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Capsicum frutescens supplementation on growth performances, hematological and biochemical parameters and on the carcass of broilers. A total of 200 (Hubbard) day old chicks with an initial average weight of 49.63±3.74 g were used in this study. They were randomly divided into 5 different groups (P0; P5; P5’; P10 and P10’) with 4 repetitions. P0 (control group which received basal diet); P5 (basal diet plus pepper at 0.5% for one month); P5' (basal diet plus pepper at 0.5% pepper for 2 months) P10 (basal diet plus pepper at 1% for one month) and P10' (basal diet plus 1% pepper for 2 months). The experiments lasted 56 days. Apparent digestibility of dry matter varied from 73.5 ± 1.28% to 74.95 ± 1.28% but not significantly different (p>0.05). Feed consumption, the final body weight average and the feed conversion ratio were similar for all groups. The blood glucose level was reduced by the pepper supplementation (p<0,001). It was higher for P0 (2.58±0.02 mmol/l). Creatinin, cholesterol level and the hematological parameters, except leucocytes number, were not modified (p>0.05). In conclusion, although the chickens did not reject food supplemented with Capsicum frutescens powder, it’s effects were not perceptible on growth performances. However, the lowering effect of this spice on blood glucose level was proved in this study.

Regulated Effects of Capsicum frutescens Supplemented Diet (C.F.S.D) on Fasting Blood Glucose Level, Biochemical Parameters and Body Weight in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Aim of the Study: This study investigates the effects of Capsicum frutescens supplemented diet (C.F.S.D) on fasting blood glucose level, biochemical parameters and body weight in alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats. Experimental Design: 130 – 150g healthy forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups as following; Group 1 served as a normal control and received normal feed-. Group 2 (Diabetic control) received normal feed-. Group 3 (Diabetic test 1) received normal feed + 1g Capsicum frutescens.-. Group 4 (Diabetic test 2) received normal feed + 2g Capsicum frutescens. Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka and the feeding lasted for three weeks. At the end of the experiments, the animals were sacrificed, blood samples were collected and then the serum was further subjected to biochemical analysis using biochemical analyzer (Reflotron Plus). Results: AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Creatinine, Uric acid, total cholesterol and fasting blood sugar level in serum were increased however the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) of serum was decreased in diabetic control (group 2), compared with non-diabetic control (group 1). The administered Capsicum frutescens in the diet at 1g and 2g doses significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose level as well as the serum level of AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, Creatinine, Uric acid, total cholesterol, compared with diabetic control. Serum HDL was also significantly increased when compared with diabetic control P<0.05. Decrease in body weight in diabetic control group and increased in body weight of 1gand 2g Capsicum frutescens supplemented diet groups were also observed. Conclusion: The observed improvement in the biochemical parameters, blood glucose levels and body weight of alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats by 1g and 2g Capsicum frutescens supplemented diet suggests Capsicum frutescens to possess, cardioprotective and anti-diabetic properties. Recommendation: The incorporation of Capsicum frutescens as spice in the diet of individuals who are diabetic, hypertensive and obese, is worthy of recommendation.

Controle de qualidade e análise sensorial em voluntários de xampu esfoliante com extrato hidroalcoólico de Capsicum frutescens L. (Solanaceae) / Quality control and sensory acceptability of exfoliating shampoo containing hydroethanolic extract of Capsicum frutescens L. (Solanaceae) peppers.

A fitocosmética é um setor em nítido crescimento por se ter verificado reais vantagens na incorporação de produtos vegetais em relação a certos produtos sintéticos em produtos cosméticos. O proposto trabalho foi desenvolvido enfocando-se o uso de xampu com a utilização de microesferas de biopolímero e extrato hidroalcoólico de Capsicum frutescens L., mais popularmente conhecida como pimenta-malagueta, para o tratamento de queda capilar simples (alopecia androgênica). As análises físico-químicas envolveram determinação de cinzas totais, pH, identificação de capsaicina e densidade do xampu, entre outros. Considerando-se os diversos aspectos exigidos para a garantia da qualidade do material botânico, que englobam não somente os aspectos físico-químicos, mas também o microbiológico, realizou-se, tanto no extrato quanto no produto final, a contagem total de micro-organismos, pesquisa de Salmonella sp e Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foram realizadas análises sensoriais em voluntários, visando avaliar a qualidade sensorial do produto. Os voluntários avaliaram a amostra segundo questionário aplicado. Para as propriedades avaliadas, as microesferas esfoliantes incorporadas ao xampu mostraram-se ser bem aceitas pelos voluntários, principalmente devido à sensação transmitida pela esfoliação, fazendo com que o extrato hidroalcoólico promova uma maior oxigenação local.

Phytocosmetics is a sector of the market in rapid growth, since real advantages have been demonstrated in the incorporation of plant products in cosmetics, in place of certain synthetic products. The focus of this study was on the use of shampoo containing microspheres of biopolymer and a hydroalcoholic extract of the fruit of Capsicum frutescens L., more commonly known as chili pepper, for the treatment of hair loss (androgenic alopecia). The physical and chemical analysis included the determination of total ash, pH and density of the shampoo and the identification of capsaicin. Considering the various requirements for quality assurance of the plant material, encompassing not only physicochemical but also microbiological criteria, both the extract and the final product were subjected to a total count of microorganisms and tests for Salmonella sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The sensory quality of the product was assessed by a panel of volunteers, who rated the sample of shampoo in response to a questionnaire. For the properties assessed, the exfoliating microspheres incorporated into the shampoo proved to be well tolerated by the volunteers, mainly on account of the feeling conveyed by exfoliation, causing the hydroalcoholic extract to promote greater local oxygenation.

Assessment of Thrombolytic & Cytotoxic Activity of Herbal Preparations Originated from Botanical Source of Bangladesh.

An in vitro thrombolytic model was used to check the clot lysis effect of four herbal extracts viz., Honey, Nigella sativa, Capsicum frutescens, Brassica oleracea, combination of Honey & Nigella sativa and Honey & Capsicum frutescens along with Streptokinase as a positive control and water as a negative control. And also brine shrimp lethality bio-assay was done using brine shrimp Nauplii and 5% of DMSO as a solvent for the ethanol extracts of Nigella sativa & Capsicum frutescens and Honey. Using an in vitro thrombolytic model, Honey, Nigella sativa, Capsicum frutescens, Brassica oleracea, combination of Honey & Nigella sativa and Honey & Capsicum frutescens showed 26.82%, 47.13%, 57.40%, 62.44%, 56.58% and 44.54% clot lysis effect respectively. From our study we found that Brassica oleracea, Capsicum frutescens, and combination of Honey & Nigella sativa showed significant % of clot lysis effect with reference to Streptokinase. Again from in vitro brine shrimp lethality bio-assay, we found that the LC50 of Honey, Capsicum frutescens & Nigella sativa were 129.62 μg/ml, 83.33 μg/ml & 45.45 μg/ml respectively.