Brazilian Journal of Science

Formulation and evaluation of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil nanoemulsion: Effects on Tribolium castaneum, wheat growth, and molecular docking for pest control

2025-03-03T09:52:10-03:00

The nanoemulsion was prepared using ethanol (3%), the biosurfactant Tween 80 (5%), and water (80%), which together constituted 20% (v/v) of the nanoemulsion. The toxicity of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) essential oil nanoemulsion was evaluated against the population of Tribolium castaneum in terms of LC₅₀ (lethal concentration), which was determined to be 112.93 ppm. The impact of the clove essential oil nanoemulsion formulated at LC₅₀ on wheat germination and seedling growth was assessed using a pot test. Results showed that the treatment inhibited wheat seedling growth and reduced the overall growth rate. Additionally, the metabolites of adult T. castaneum beetles were analyzed following exposure to a sub-lethal concentration (LC₂₀) of the clove oil nanoemulsion. The sub-lethal dose significantly decreased glycogen and glucose levels in all adult beetles while increasing invertase activity and total protein in resistant populations throughout the exposure period. These metabolic changes highlight the biochemical impact of the nanoemulsion. A molecular docking study was conducted to predict the mode of action of the major components of the essential oil and nanoemulsion, namely eugenol and α-humulene, at the binding site of the enzyme alkaline acid phosphatase of Tribolium castaneum. The results provide insights into the molecular interactions between insect-plant compounds and their effects at the biochemical level. These findings suggest the potential of clove essential oil nanoemulsion as a natural, eco-friendly solution for sustainable pesticide management in stored grain facilities. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need to understand the side effects on both animals and humans to ensure safe applications.

Comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of some exotic and local berries for health boosting effects

2025-03-03T09:52:08-03:00

This study investigated the comparative nutritional and phytochemical profiles of exotic berry species like strawberries, blueberry, and local ones such as phalsa, and rasbhari. The study included qualitative and quantitative analyses of sugars, proteins, vitamin C, phytochemicals, and protein profiling using SDS-PAGE. All four berries exhibited a rich array of nutrients, including significant levels of sugars, proteins, and vitamin C. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins in all the berries. Strawberry and phalsa demonstrated high levels of vitamin C (0.102 mg mL and 0.208 mg mL), while phalsa exhibited the highest protein content (6 mg mL). All berries exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Protein profiling using SDS-PAGE revealed distinct protein band patterns for each species, suggesting unique protein compositions. These findings suggest that these berries possess valuable nutritional and functional properties, and their incorporation into a balanced diet may contribute to improved human health. Further research is warranted to investigate the bioavailability and potential health benefits of the identified bioactive compounds in humans.

Effect of black seeds, African nutmeg and Negro pepper on carcass characteristics and organoleptic properties of broiler chickens

2025-03-03T09:51:56-03:00

The use of herbs and spices as natural feed additives in poultry diets has increased due to their ability to improve growth without the use of synthetic antibiotics. A total of 224 one-day old Arbor acre strain of broiler chickens were used to evaluate the effect of three herbal feed additives (black seed, African nutmeg and Negro pepper) as growth promoters in place of conventional antibiotics in the diet. The birds were randomly assigned to 7 treatments consisting of 4 replicates with 8 birds each in a completely randomized design experiment. Data were collected on carcass-organs characteristics and organoleptic properties of broiler chickens. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS version 25 and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test of the same software. Vaccines were given to the birds in all treatments. The treatments were T1 - control (0% additives but given conventional antibiotics), T2 - 0.5% black seed, T3 - 1.0% black seed, T4 - 0.5% African nutmeg, T5 - 1.0% African nutmeg, T6 - 0.5% Negro pepper, T7 - 1.0% Negro pepper. The inclusion of the phyto-additives had significant (P < 0.05) effect on carcass, organ and the sensory evaluation. However, at 0.5% inclusion level, the three phyto-additive did not have effect on the spleen and heart which indicates that this inclusion levels may not cause any detrimental effects on the organs of the birds but at 1% inclusion level, there was a slight increase in the organs which reflects the effects of high level of phytochemicals. It was concluded that inclusion of the three phyto-additives at 0.5% improved carcass quality parameters, reduces the abdominal fat and had no deleterious effect on the internal organs of the birds.

Growth performance, carcass yield and blood profile of broiler chickens fed diets containing varying levels of thorn apple (Datura stramonium) powder

2025-03-03T09:52:05-03:00

A total of 180 Ross 308, day-old broiler chicks were used to determine the effect of thorn apple as feed additive on growth performance, carcass, organ characteristics, haematology and serum biochemistry of broiler chicken. They were randomly distributed into four (4) treatments of 3 replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. T1 was the control treatment while T2, T3 and T4 contained 2 g/kg, 4 g/kg and 6 g/kg of thorn apple supplementation levels respectively and were arranged in a complete randomized design. Data on growth performance, carcass yield, organ characteristics, haematology and serum were collected. Result revealed that the highest (p < 0.05) weight gain (2.61 kg) and feed intake (4.01 kg) were recorded from broiler chicken fed the diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple and the control diet respectively. The best feed conversion ratio (1.35) was recorded for T2 (2 g/kg thorn apple). Highest (p < 0.05) carcass proportion (85.5%) was recorded from broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet containing 0g/kg inclusion of thorn apple had the least (76.12%). Other cut parts were statistically (p > 0.05) similar. Highest (p < 0.05) gizzard and liver (1.79 g and 1.64 g) were recorded from broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet without the inclusion of thorn apple had the least (1.39 g and 1.45 g respectively) values. Highest (p < 0.05) packed cell volume (30.00%) was recorded with broiler chicken fed diet containing 6 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed control diet had the least (24.25%). Highest (p < 0.05) Haemoglobin concentration (13.88%) was recorded with broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet without the inclusion of thorn apple had the least (10.35%). Highest (p < 0.05) white blood cell (137.50) was recorded from broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple while broiler chicken fed diet with 0 g/kg thorn apple had the least (97.00). Highest (p < 0.05) cholesterol (4.18 mmol/L) was recorded with broiler chicken fed the control diet while broiler chicken fed diet containing 2 g/kg of thorn apple had the least (2.15 mmol/L). The research concluded that adding 2 g/kg of thorn apple to the diet of broiler chickens can operate as a growth booster, improving carcass, and organ features, as well as potentially preserving and enhancing the health of the birds.