Medicinal plants contain bioactive substances that are highly bioavailable in extracts or pure molecules, making them promising for therapeutic applications and precursors for chemo-pharmaceutical semi-synthesis. Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil’s Claw) is widely recognized as one of the most potent therapeutic herbs. This study aimed to extract seeds from H. procumbens using two types of solvents and to assess both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the extracts. The two extracts were evaluated for antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities using agar well diffusion assays against four bacterial isolates and two yeast isolates. Qualitative analysis identified the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids. The active components detected were: alkaloids (12.69%), flavonoids (3.25%), total phenolic compounds (24.58%), total terpenoids (8.55%), and total steroids (1.25% for methanolic and 4.55% for petroleum ether). Both methanolic and petroleum ether extracts exhibited antioxidant activities of approximately 85.33% and 74.19%, respectively, compared to ascorbic acid, which had an antioxidant effect of 67.99% at a concentration of 200 µg/ml. The extracts demonstrated a broad spectrum of activity against all tested bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes) and fungi (Candida albicans, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis). At a concentration of 1000 µg/ml, the seed extracts showed the highest bactericidal activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 22 mm. Moreover, both extracts exhibited greater anti-biofilm activity at 1000 µg/ml compared to lower concentrations. Our study found that seed extracts of H. procumbens possess significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, particularly at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml.
This research explores the themes of identity and alienation in Tsitsi Dangarembga's famous novel, Nervous Conditions, through Kimberlé Crenshaw's intersectionality theory. The story takes place in postcolonial Zimbabwe and delivers a fascinating illustration of the intersecting domains of gender, race, class, and colonial legacies that shape the characters' experiences of identity and alienation. Benefitting from Crenshaw's intersectional paradigm, this article explores the multidimensional interface of societal categorizations and power relations in the novel, revealing the complex dynamics of individuals as they negotiate their identities in a postcolonial context. Through a thorough examination of Tambudzai's journey and the problems o
... Show MoreThe recent advances in technology, the increased dependence on electrical energy and the emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) were all factors in the increased need for smart, efficient and reliable energy systems. This introduced the concept of the Smart Grid (SG). A SG is a potential replacement for older power grids, capable of adapting and distributing energy based on demand. SG systems are complex. They combine various components and have high requirements for real time reliable operation. This paper attempts to provide an overview of SG systems, by outlining SG architecture and various components. It also introduces communication technologies, integration and network management tools that are involved in SG sys
... Show MoreBackground: Meclizine hydrochloride (MCZ) is an antihistamine that is used as an antiemetic to prevent and cure nausea and vomiting. Because of its limited water solubility and first-pass metabolism, it exhibits variable absorption. Objective: To formulate and evaluate MCZ as an intranasal in situ gel with increased residence time and permeability. Methods: We made an inclusion complex of MCZ using various cyclodextrins as a complexing agent to help the drug dissolve better. The complexes were studied, and the ones that were better at dissolving were chosen to be used in the creation of an in situ gel with poloxamer 407 (17–20% w/v) and hyaluronic acid (0.25–0.75% w/v). Prepared formulas were subjected to various evaluation tes
... Show MoreA new reversed phase- high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method with Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry has been optimized and validated for the simultaneous extraction and determination of organic acids present in Iraqi calyces of Hibiscus Sabdraffia Linn. The method is based on using ultrasonic bath for extracting organic acids. Limit of detection in µg/ml of Formic acid, Acetic acid, Oxalic acid, Citric acid, Succinic acid, Tartaric acid, and Malic acid 126.8498×10-6, 113.6005×10-6, 97.0513×10-6, 49.7925×10-6, 84.0753×10-6, 92.6551×10-6, and 106.1633×10-6 ,respectively. The concentration of organic acids found in dry spacemen of calyces of Iraqi Hibiscus Sabdraffia Linn. under study: Formic acid, Acetic acid,
... Show MoreThe present study is an attempt to show how the three Umayyad poets ; Jarir , Al-
Farazdaq and Al-Akhtal have consciously and skillfully employed in their poetry som ancient
Arab legends ,historical events and wars as they provide atrue image of the values and
customs of the peoples who lived before them .
Their employed , how ever, takes avarying degrees depending, to alarge extent , an the
vast but personal knowledge of each poet the past tradition , and practices . Jarir ,in many
respects out , stands the first , Al-Farazdaq , the second and Al-Akhtal , the third .
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with tumor angiogenesis playing a pivotal role in its progression and metastasis. CD144 (VE-cadherin), a calcium-dependent adhesion molecule, is critical for endothelial cell integrity and has been linked to tumor angiogenesis and cancer stem cell phenotypes. This study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of CD144 in benign colorectal lesions, normal adjacent tumor tissue (NRAT), and tumor tissues to elucidate its role in colorectal cancer progression. Multiple techniques, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, Western blot, and qPCR, were used to assess CD144 expression and its association with the VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pat
... Show MoreHomosexuality is one of the important topics that have emerged in recent times in the Islamic and Arab world, as the topic was in the past one of the taboos and majorities and one of the topics that arouse disgust and is talked about secretly and practiced secretly as well.But today, with international and organizational support for this anomaly and its misrepresentation under the name of gender once again and gender again. It began to spread in all countries of the world, including Islamic and Arab countries, and with the presence of associations and influential people in the legislative and judicial authorities of countries that protect and defend homosexuals. Writing on this subject has become a necessity and a duty; to warn against the
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