Research Article
Phytochemical Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Aloe Vera Leaf Extracts Across Different Leaf Ages
Alule Robert*,
Isabirye Isaac
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
60-68
Received:
23 November 2024
Accepted:
4 December 2024
Published:
23 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jdmp.20241004.11
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Abstract: The increasing reliance on plant-based healthcare products, including herbal medicines and dietary supplements, emphasizes the global significance of traditional remedies. Aloe Vera with 400 reported species, has been widely used herbal remedy for health practices worldwide. Despite its extensive historical use and therapeutic reputation, recent studies have raised concerns about potential adverse effects, challenging the notion of Aloe Vera as a universally safe functional food material. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of whole leaf extracts at various maturation stages of Aloe Vera and assess their antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed a concentration gradient, with older leaves exhibiting higher concentrations compared to medium and young leaves, suggesting a dynamic maturation-related variation. The antibacterial assay demonstrated age-dependent inhibitory activities, with older leaves displaying the highest, medium leaves following, and young leaves exhibiting the least inhibition. A consistent minimum inhibitory concentration of 12.5 mg/ml was observed across all leaf ages. These findings stress the need for cautious Aloe Vera consumption, especially in rural communities where whole-leaf extraction is prevalent, as recent studies have reported adverse effects and potential health risks associated with certain compounds. Safer alternatives, and regulating consumption practices are recommended, emphasizing sustainable practices to maximize plant benefits and minimize waste.
Abstract: The increasing reliance on plant-based healthcare products, including herbal medicines and dietary supplements, emphasizes the global significance of traditional remedies. Aloe Vera with 400 reported species, has been widely used herbal remedy for health practices worldwide. Despite its extensive historical use and therapeutic reputation, recent st...
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Research Article
Isolation and PCR Validation of DNA from Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Leaves Using an Optimized CTAB Method to Propel Medicinal Insights
Shadab Ahamad*,
Mamta Arya,
Gohar Taj
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
69-72
Received:
2 December 2024
Accepted:
12 December 2024
Published:
27 December 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jdmp.20241004.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Isolating and purifying DNA from plants, particularly from species like Cichorium intybus (chicory), poses significant challenges due to the presence of rigid cell walls and high levels of polyphenols and polysaccharides. These compounds can severely hinder the efficiency of traditional DNA extraction protocols, often resulting in poor-quality DNA. Conventional methods, such as the Cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) protocol, are often found inadequate due to these biochemical barriers. In this study, we formulated an optimized DNA isolation protocol for chicory that eliminates the need of liquid nitrogen and phenol during processing. The refined approach resulted in the extraction of high-quality DNA suitable for downstream applications. The effectiveness of the optimized method was validated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the sucrose: sucrose 1-fructosyl transferase (1-SST) gene, a key gene involved in the biosynthesis of inulin- a compound with notable medicinal and nutritional value. The PCR amplification yielded the expected 2.01 kb product, confirming the high quality and integrity of the extracted DNA. Overall, the quantity and quality of the DNA were well-suited for molecular analysis, demonstrating the success of our method. This optimized protocol provides a valuable tool for molecular research on chicory and other plants with similar biochemical challenges, facilitating more efficient genetic studies and holding potential for advancing biotechnological applications.
Abstract: Isolating and purifying DNA from plants, particularly from species like Cichorium intybus (chicory), poses significant challenges due to the presence of rigid cell walls and high levels of polyphenols and polysaccharides. These compounds can severely hinder the efficiency of traditional DNA extraction protocols, often resulting in poor-quality DNA....
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