Scientifica最新文献

{"title":"Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens Fed With Different Levels of Cinnamon (<i>Cinnamomum cassia</i>) and Fennel (<i>Foeniculum vulgare</i> Mill.) Powders as Natural Feed Additives.","authors":"Abebe Bezahegn, Berhan Tamir, Gezahegne Mamo","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9456440","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9456440","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The natural and organic poultry production industry is growing. This is in response to rising consumer demand for poultry products that are natural and organic. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dietary inclusion of cinnamon and fennel powder as natural feed additives on growth performance and carcass traits of broilers. A total of 210 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments. The control group (T1) was provided with a standard diet containing no fennel seed powder (FNSP) and cinnamon bark powder (CNBP), while the other groups received a standard diet plus 0.75% FNSP (T2), standard diet plus 1.75% FNSP (T3), standard diet plus 0.75% CNBP (T4), and standard diet plus 1.75% CNBP (T5). Feed intake data were taken daily, while the body weight change was measured at a weekly interval. At the end of the experiment, three chickens from each treatment were picked and slaughtered for carcass traits measurements. The results revealed that broilers fed a diet containing 1.75% CNBP achieved significantly (<i>p</i> = 0.036) higher final body weight gain of 3243 ± 58.88 g, average daily weight gain of 70.88 ± 1.20 g and the best feed conversion ratio (<i>p</i> = 0.033) of 1.44 ± 0.03 at the end of the experiment when compared to the control group. Additionally, significantly higher dressed (<i>p</i> = 0.039) and eviscerated (<i>p</i> = 0.008) weights were found in 1.75% CNBP compared to the control. Furthermore, broilers in CNBP at 1.75% and 0.75% had significantly higher (<i>p</i> = 0.001) breast, thigh, and whole leg weight over the control and other treatments, except for the 1.75% FNSP group, which had significantly higher breast weight than the control. In general, incorporation of cinnamon powder in broilers' diet, particularly at a level of 1.75%, showed significant improvement in overall growth performance and carcass traits.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9456440"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13107260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147779762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of Plant Diversity and Importance Value Index in Central Ethiopian Agroforestry Systems.","authors":"Admasu Moges","doi":"10.1155/sci5/9959255","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/9959255","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Despite offering multiple benefits, agroforestry practices have declined due to uncertain landownership, population growth, and limited awareness and scientific data. This study aimed to investigate the composition, diversity, and importance value index (IVI) of woody plant species in home gardens (HGs) and parklands in three districts of the North Shewa Zone. The study used surveys and sampling techniques to collect data from 80 HGs to 33 parklands. Species richness, Shannon diversity, and evenness were analyzed using R software with Version 4.2.2. Their mean values were compared between the two agroforestry systems and among districts using Tukey's pairwise comparison in SPSS (Version 20) statistics at a &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; value &lt; 0.05. Additionally, the IVI was used for the structural analysis of woody species. The findings showed that 136 plant species from 58 families were identified. The Fabaceae family dominated in both HG and parkland practices. Trees were the most common growth form. HGs showed higher diversity (114 species) compared to parklands (79 species). Species richness also varied by districts, with Tarmaber having the most (86) and Ensaro the least (42) for HGs, and Tarmaber (37) had more than Mojana-Werena (21) for parklands. Tarmaber also scored the highest Shannon diversity for HGs (1.94) and parklands (1.74), followed by Mojana-Wedera. Overall, HGs displayed significantly higher richness and diversity than parklands across the study area at a &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05. Interestingly, parkland data showed no significant differences in diversity metrics. The study also revealed 61.03% native (indigenous and endemic) and 38.24% exotic species. This growing interest in including exotic species necessitates addressing potential ecological disruptions while promoting overall plant diversity. The first five most frequent species in the sampled HGs were &lt;i&gt;Rhamnus prinoides&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Croton macrostachyus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Eucalyptus globulus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Schinus molle&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Ziziphus spina-christi&lt;/i&gt;, which occurred in 20.18%, 7.89%, 5.26%, 5.26%, and 4.39% of all HGs, respectively. Similarly, the most frequent species in parklands were &lt;i&gt;C. macrostachyus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;E. globulus&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Olea europaea&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Erythrina brucei&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;Juniperus procera&lt;/i&gt;, with occurrence rates of 27.85%, 12.66%, 11.39%, 10.13%, and 10.13% of all sampled parkland, respectively. Based on the IVI, &lt;i&gt;R. prinoides&lt;/i&gt; (265.11%) emerged as the dominant in HGs, followed by &lt;i&gt;E&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;globulus&lt;/i&gt; (85.53%), &lt;i&gt;Cupressus lusitanica&lt;/i&gt; (17.27%), &lt;i&gt;C&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;macrostachyus&lt;/i&gt; (13.45%), and &lt;i&gt;Z&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;spina-christi&lt;/i&gt; (9.53%). In parklands, &lt;i&gt;E. globulus&lt;/i&gt; (142.32%) had the highest IVI, followed by &lt;i&gt;C&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;macrostachyus&lt;/i&gt; (33.53%), &lt;i&gt;A&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;abyssinica&lt;/i&gt; (18.13%), &lt;i&gt;Z. spina-christi&lt;/i&gt; (17.46%), and &lt;i&gt;O&lt;/i&gt;. &lt;i&gt;europaea&lt;/i&gt; (14.28%). These findings highlight the ecological significance of these species in their respective habitats. Finally, the identification","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9959255"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13080502/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147699705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brown Yar Ko Rice Protects Against Hyperglycemia-Induced Endothelial Injury via Antioxidant and SIRT1 Activation.","authors":"Witchuda Payuhakrit, Pimchanok Panpinyaporn, Pitchapa Wantanachaisaeng, Teerapat Teeppaibul, Chatsuda Surachaijarin, Chonnapat Naktubtim, Ratsada Praphasawat, Sarawoot Palipoch","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6749863","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6749863","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia are the main contributors to vascular complications in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which is a significant global health issue. The downregulation of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a key regulator of antioxidant defenses, further exacerbates vascular damage in diabetic conditions. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of brown Yar Ko (YK) rice extract, a traditional variety from southern Thailand, on hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), with a focus on SIRT1 activation. Methodologically, YK rice was extracted and identified via triple quadrupole GC‒MS/MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and FRAP assays. A 30 mM glucose-stimulated HUVEC model was utilized to mimic diabetes in vitro. Oxidative stress, endothelial function, and DNA damage were evaluated via DCFH-DA, tubulogenesis, and γ-H2AX staining, respectively. SIRT1 expression was analyzed via western blotting, and downstream signaling pathways were predicted via pharmacological network analysis. The results of chemical profiling revealed that YK rice extract is rich in beneficial fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids) and micronutrients. The extract presented a high total phenolic content and potent antioxidant activity, significantly reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and DNA damage in hyperglycemia-induced HUVECs. Functional assays demonstrated that YK rice extract improved angiogenic capacity and mitigated endothelial dysfunction under hyperglycemic conditions. Mechanistically, treatment with YK rice extract upregulated SIRT1 expression, as confirmed by immunofluorescence and western blot analyses. Network pharmacology revealed the SIRT1 with PPAR-α and PPAR-γ axis as a key pathway modulated by major YK rice constituents, potentially suggesting enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant gene expression. However, these proposed mechanisms require further experimental validation for definitive elucidation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6749863"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147639719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microencapsulated Extracts From Banana Flowers Induce Milk Production in Lactating Rats Through Increased α-Lactalbumin, Aquaporin, and Prolactin Levels.","authors":"Acharaporn Issuriya, Palika Wetchakul, Thammarat Kaewmanee, Surasak Limsuwan, Jo Aan Goon, Sineenart Sanpinit","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5148782","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5148782","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Musa sapientum</i> L., commonly known as the banana flower (BF), is used as a galactagogue in Thai traditional medicine. This study aimed to assess the galactagogue potential of microencapsulated extracts from the BF and its impact on serum prolactin level, α-lactalbumin (LALBA), and aquaporin (AQP) protein levels in the mammary glands of lactating rats. Milk production was determined by measuring pup weight during the suckling period. The control group was administered distilled water orally, whereas Group II was administered domperidone at doses of 2.7 mg/kg. Groups III and IV were orally administered BF at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively, from the 3^rd day to the 12^th day postpartum. On the 12^th day, blood samples and mammary gland tissues were collected for analysis. Protein levels of AQP-1, AQP-3, AQP-5, LALBA, and serum prolactin were assessed. Additionally, a histopathological examination of the mammary glands was performed. BF doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg were found to increase milk production, pup weight, serum prolactin levels, and protein levels of AQP-1, AQP-3, and AQP-5 compared to the control group. Transverse sections of the mammary glands from rats treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg exhibited a marked increase in milk secretion within the alveoli. These findings suggest that BF possesses significant galactagogue activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5148782"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12966766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147378435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical Composition and Antipseudomonal Activity of <i>Allanblackia gabonensis</i> (Clusiaceae) Extracts Alone and With Antibiotics Against Drug-Resistant Clinical Isolates.","authors":"Céline Brinda Sonfack, Aimé Gabriel Fankam, Brenda Ngueffo Tiwa, Michael Francis Kengne, Armelle Tsafack Mbaveng, Victor Kuete","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6070077","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6070077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The discovery of alternative therapies for illnesses due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is emerging as a global health crisis. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial efficacy of <i>Allanblackia gabonensis</i> extracts, both alone and in conjunction with antibiotics, against MDR <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The extracts were subjected to phytochemical analysis using both qualitative and quantitative standard tests. The microdilution assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial properties and antibiotic resistance-modifying potential of the extracts. The interaction effect between the antibiotics and extracts was determined by checkerboard assay. Catalase activity and lipid peroxidation were assessed by measuring the foam height and malondialdehyde concentration, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The extracts exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 16 to 2048 μg/mL. The hexane extracts of the leaves (HLE) and bark (HBE) displayed the highest antibacterial activity, with MIC ≤ 32  μg/mL against at least two investigated isolates. Furthermore, HLE decreased catalase activity and increased lipid peroxidation in <i>P. aeruginosa</i> D130. The extracts at their sub-inhibitory concentration (MIC/8) enhanced the activity of antibiotics, mainly aminoglycosides (amikacin, streptomycin, and gentamicin), by 2- to 256-fold against selected MDR <i>P. aeruginosa</i>. Among these extracts, the hexane and methanol bark extracts exhibited synergy (∑FIC ≤ 0.5)) in combination with these antibiotics. All examined extracts contained alkaloids, phenols, and triterpenes. Moreover, dichloromethane/methanol and methanol leaf extracts presented the highest phenolic content.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Overall, the leaf and bark hexane extracts of <i>A. gabonensis</i> could serve as candidates for the discovery of new antibiotics, while its bark extracts might be used in conjunction with antibiotics to manage infections involving multidrug-resistant <i>P. aeruginosa</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6070077"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951695/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349020","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Humic Acid on Morphology, Fluorescence, and Nutrient Uptake of Spring-Sown Potato Crop Under Saline Sandy Loam Soil.","authors":"Muhammad Wasim Haider, Syed Mohsin Abbas, Tanveer Hussain, Muhammad Tahir Akram, Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Asad Saleem, Alina-Stefania Stanciu, Muhammad Nafees, Crossby Osei Tutu","doi":"10.1155/sci5/6184394","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/6184394","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soil salinity is one of the most important abiotic stresses that significantly limits agricultural productivity, particularly in hot arid and semiarid areas. In such areas, crops are also subjected to high irradiance, which may exacerbate the physiological stress. The conventional chemical and cultural practices have proved ineffective in achieving the sustainable production of crops under these combined stress conditions. Humic acid has been reported to enhance tolerance of plants to salinity; most of the studies emphasize the generalized physiological responses but with the least information on photosynthetic and nutrient uptake efficiency of potato plants under field conditions characterized by both salinity and high irradiance. The present two-year investigation aimed to assess the effects of varying humic acid application rates on the growth, fluorescence, yield, and nutrient uptake of potato cv. Santana. The trial was carried out using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement of treatments. Humic acid was soil-dressed at three rates (1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha^-1) and assessed at two different periods (65 and 85 days after sowing), with an untreated control for comparison. The significant (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) improvements in plant growth, fluorescence, yield, and nutrient uptake were observed with increasing humic acid application rates. However, the highest increases in plant height (89%), number of stems plant^-1 (95%), number of branches plant^-1 (49%), number of leaves plant^-1 (75%), leaf area index (220%), quantum yield of photosystem II (Φ_II; 130%), chlorophyll content (65%), number of tubers plant^-1 (115%), average tuber weight (34%), total tuber yield (60%), marketable yield (47%), plant N uptake (36.7%), plant P uptake (73%), N uptake efficiency (50.5%), P uptake efficiency (182% times), and decreased nonphotochemical quenching (Φ_NPQ; 75%) and nonregulatory energy dissipation (Φ_NO; 39%) were achieved with the highest application rates of humic acid (2000 kg·ha^-1) compared to the control. In conclusion, the use of humic acid at 2000 kg·ha^-1 substantially improved potato growth, yield, photosynthetic efficiency, and nutrient uptake, proving it a promising strategy for sustainable cultivation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6184394"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12950902/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349030","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>In Vivo</i> and <i>In Silico</i> Analysis of Quercetin's Effects on Glycemic Regulation.","authors":"Jumriani Jumriani, Muhammad Aswad, Ratnawati Ratnawati, Filmaharani Filmaharani, Anggun Nurhidayah, Muhammad Rayza Azmin, Alfreds Roosevelt, Rizky Alfiana, Widya Hardiyanti, Nadila Pratiwi Latada, Mukarram Mudjahid, Firzan Nainu","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5159975","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5159975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background & objective: </strong>Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue caused by chronic hyperglycemia. Although various therapeutic options are available, each carries potential side effects, prompting growing interest in exploring natural compounds as alternative treatments. Quercetin, a flavonoid known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is suspected to play a role in glucose regulation, although its molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to analyze the <i>in vivo</i> effects of quercetin on the phenotype of <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> and to validate its potential mechanism through an <i>in silico</i> molecular docking approach, focusing on its interaction with diabetes-related enzyme targets.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Phenotypic evaluation included measurements of body morphology, locomotor activity, survival rate, and hemolymph glucose levels. Molecular analyses were conducted using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), while molecular docking studies were performed to assess quercetin's interaction with the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Quercetin significantly reduced hemolymph glucose levels in both larvae (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) and adult flies (<i>p</i> < 0.001) within the concentration range of 1-10 μm without affecting adult flies' locomotor activity or survival. Additionally, quercetin enhanced the expression of genes involved in metabolic and stress response and improved growth parameters and motor activity in larvae subjected to a high-sugar diet. Molecular docking studies revealed that quercetin has a high affinity for DPP4, supporting its proposed hypoglycemic mechanism.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study provides both phenotypic and molecular evidence that quercetin exerts hypoglycemic effects in <i>D. melanogaster</i>, potentially mediated through DPP4 inhibition and modulation of metabolic and stress-response pathways. These findings offer new insight into the mechanisms of quercetin in glucose regulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5159975"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951000/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Iningai Aboriginal Medicinal Plants From Central Queensland, Australia.","authors":"Gerry Turpin, Darren Crayn, Suzanne Thompson, Karma Yeshi, Phurpa Wangchuk","doi":"10.1155/sci5/5727253","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/5727253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Indigenous Australians possess vast ethnopharmacological knowledge of native flora and have been using it for millennia. In a collaborative initiative to document and scientifically validate this knowledge, the Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre, Australian Tropical Herbarium and the James Cook University have been working closely with traditional custodians from the Iningai community near Barcaldine, Queensland. This study aimed to evaluate crude leaf extracts from eight medicinal plant species traditionally used by the Iningai people, focusing on their phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids and terpenoids. Antioxidant activity, assessed via the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, showed moderate to strong activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 37.37 ± 1.01 μg/mL to 206.50 ± 2.44 μg/mL. Cell viability assay using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) showed that <i>Pittosporum angustifolium</i> exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, resulting 73.97% cell death, suggesting potential toxicity to human cells. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMCs. Seven of the eight plant extracts significantly suppressed the release of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and interleukin (IL)-23. Overall, this study provides scientific validation for the traditional use of these eight medicinal plants by the Iningai people. The identification of key phytochemicals, antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory properties supports their ethnopharmacological relevance. Further investigation is warranted to isolate and characterise the active compounds from the most promising species for potential development into novel therapeutic agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5727253"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12951002/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characteristic of a Biodegradable Foam With Bagasse as a Filler.","authors":"Hernani Hernani, Yogi Purna Rahardjo, Iceu Agustinisari, Tantry Eko Putri Mariastuty, Eko Bhakti Susetyo, Mochammad Jusuf Djafar, Puji Astuti, Heny Herawati, S Joni Munarso, Widaningrum Widaningrum","doi":"10.1155/sci5/2944462","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/2944462","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The main issue driving this research is the need to develop sustainable packaging materials that can replace conventional nonbiodegradable plastics. Traditional biodegradable foams often exhibit inadequate mechanical and thermal properties, which limit their practical use in food packaging. The study explores sustainable packaging alternatives using agricultural waste like sugarcane bagasse and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a binder, aiming to improve structural integrity, reduce water absorption, and optimize performance, while also addressing the growing environmental demand for renewable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Various physical properties were assessed, including moisture content, density, thickness, water absorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology. The results indicated that the biofoam density ranged from 0.2282 to 0.2952 g/cm³, and thickness values were between 2.82 and 2.92 mm. Water absorption increased significantly after 2 min of immersion, while XRD analysis indicated a reduction in crystallinity with higher PVA concentrations. The morphology of the biofoam, including the shape, size, and distribution of pores, was influenced by the addition of PVA. A lower concentration of PVA led to an increase in the size of the pore holes. Among the formulations tested, the treatment with 35 g PVA (Formula 1) is recommended due to its superior mechanical strength, optimal density, and improved water resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2944462"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12949338/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antidiabetic Effect of <i>Phanera strychnifolia</i> (Craib) K. W. Jiang, S. R. Gu, & T. Y. Tu Extracts in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats by Upregulating Insulin Secretion and Glucose Transporter 2 and 4 Protein Expression.","authors":"Kunwadee Lao-On, Udom Lao-On, Anunya Suksanga, Rungruedee Kimseng, Rahni Hossain, Kingkan Bunluepuech","doi":"10.1155/sci5/8867739","DOIUrl":"10.1155/sci5/8867739","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by hyperglycemia, poses significant global health concern. Despite the availability of several antidiabetic drugs, the search for new therapeutic agents with fewer side effects and better efficacy continues. <i>Phanera strychnifolia</i> (Craib) K. W. Jiang, S. R. Gu, & T. Y. Tu, a medicinal plant traditionally used in Southeast Asia, has gained attention for its bioactive components. Two major compounds isolated, namely, 3,5,7-trihydroxychromone-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and 3,5,7,3',5'-pentahydroxy-flavanonol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside, have shown promise as antihyperglycemic agents in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells. It had been demonstrating antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of its aqueous extract in both in vivo and in vitro studies with limited information regarding their antihyperglycemic effect on insulin secretion and glucose transporter expression. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of <i>P. strychnifolia</i> extracts on blood glucose levels in diabetic rats and to investigate the expression of glucose transporter proteins (GLUT2 and GLUT4) and insulin production in relevant tissues to elucidate the mechanisms of improved glucose uptake and utilization. The antidiabetic effect of <i>P. strychnifolia</i> was determined by histological staining and immunocytochemical localization of insulin, GLUT2, and GLUT4 in pancreatic islets and the heart. Additionally, toxicity assessment was conducted over a 63-day administration by observing biochemical parameters and histological changes. <i>P. strychnifolia</i> demonstrates nontoxic characteristics, as evidenced by the absence of mortality and clinical toxicity signs at the 400 mg/kg dose after 63 days of treatment. In diabetic rats, administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg of <i>P. strychnifolia</i> for 14 days significantly reduced blood glucose levels by approximately 45.65% and 41.01%, respectively, compared to the diabetic control group. Both doses effectively reduced lipid droplets in the liver, indicating decreased tissue injury. <i>P. strychnifolia</i> demonstrates significant antihyperglycemic activity and beneficial effects on insulin and glucose transporter protein expression in diabetic rats, with no observed toxicity. These findings suggest its potential as a therapeutic agent for diabetes management.</p>","PeriodicalId":21726,"journal":{"name":"Scientifica","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8867739"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12945923/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}