Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences最新文献

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Peatlands are unique ecosystems rich in microbial diversity, including bacteria with potential antibiotic activity. This study focuses on the isolation and characterization of bacteria from Indonesian peat soil, particularly their potential to produce antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, including Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Bacterial isolates were rejuvenated on nutrient agar and subjected to antimicrobial activity testing using the Bauer & Kirby diffusion method against MRSA. The bacterial strain exhibiting the strongest activity was further analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing for genetic identification. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using NCBI BLAST, followed by a statistical comparison of inhibition zones to assess antimicrobial efficacy. <b>Results:</b> Antimicrobial activity testing revealed that isolate 10 PS exhibited a larger inhibition zone against MRSA than the positive control, Ampicillin, indicating its strong antibiotic potential. Phylogenetic analysis further confirmed that the isolate belonged to the <i>Lysinibacillus</i> genus, though significant branch divergence suggested it may represent a novel species. This isolate's lack of endospore production, typically characteristic of the genus, alongside its isolation from the unique Indonesian peatland ecosystem, suggests potential microbial adaptations to environmental pressures. <b>Conclusion:</b> These findings highlight the potential of peat soil bacteria as a valuable source of novel antibiotics, particularly against MDR pathogens like MRSA. The proposed new species, isolate 10 PS (cataloged as SUB14736623), expands taxonomic knowledge of <i>Lysinibacillus</i> and holds promise for developing natural antibiotic treatments.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Micromelum falcatum</i>, a therapeutic plant belonging to the Rutaceae family, has been predominantly utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its efficacy against ailments such as colds and rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This research aims to evaluate the antibacterial activity of <i>M. falcatum</i> extracts against four human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Extracts were obtained from dried <i>M. falcatum</i> leaves using solvents including methanol, ethanol, ethyl-acetate, dichloromethane and hexane. The antibacterial activity was assessed against three antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, namely <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>, <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i> and multidrug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (MDR-K), as well as the reference strain <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> TISTR 2370. The agar disc diffusion assay served as the primary screening method for antibacterial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were determined using a microbroth dilution and colorimetric assay. The results were analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT), which was used to determine significant mean differences at the 95% confidence level. <b>Results:</b> The hexane extracts demonstrated the most substantial inhibition zone diameter, measuring 10 mm, against <i>A. baumannii</i>, <i>S. maltophilia</i> and P. aeruginose TISTR 2370. The most minimal MIC (3.125 mg/mL) and MBC (6.25 mg/mL) values were observed in the methanolic and ethanolic extracts against <i>A. baumannii</i>, <i>S. maltophilia</i> and MDR-K, respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> This constitutes the inaugural documentation of the antibacterial efficacy of <i>M. falcatum</i> extracts against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings from this study present promising prospects for the creation of innovative antibiotic medications and suggest potential therapeutic uses in the management of diseases associated with the bacteria tested.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Diaphorina citri</i>, also called the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), is a vector for huanglongbing (HLB) disease. It has been identified as a significant problem for citrus farmers worldwide. However, no systematic monitoring programs specifically target ACP populations in the tropics, such as Indonesia. This study tests the efficiency of yellow sticky traps with acid-based attractants, such as acetic (AA), formic (FA) and propionic (PA) acids. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The concentration of each acid was 1 μL acetic acid (AA), 0.25 μL formic acid (FA) and 0.1 μL propionic acid (PA). The study was conducted in three different controlled conditions: Semi-field and open field, with low and high population scenarios. The data obtained were subjected to analysis using a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with a confidence level of 95% and differences were analyzed using Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test. <b>Results:</b> In the under-controlled setting, AA was the most effective, with 13 adult ACP captures, which is 4.3 times more than the control (3.00). In the semi-field condition, PA had the best result of 3.8, which is 1.4 times higher than the control (2.6). In the low population scenario of the open field condition, AS had the highest ACP catch of 4.1, which is 17.1 times higher than the control (2.33). On the other hand, the high-population AA condition had the highest result of 13.71 or 4.1 times higher than the control (3.29). <b>Conclusion:</b> The utilization of acid attractants, whether AA, FA or PA, is effective in increasing the catch of adult ACP under tropical conditions. However, the performance of the three types of acids was not stable in the three series of studies that were conducted.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The rising prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Indonesia highlights the urgent need for effective, natural therapeutic options. This study evaluates the antidiabetic potential of <i>Orthosiphon aristatus </i>(Blume) Miq. (cat's whiskers) by analyzing the effects of harvest age, extraction method and solvent polarity on its ability to inhibit α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes-key targets in diabetes management. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Tissue-cultured <i>O. aristatus</i> plants harvested at 6 and 9 months were subjected to three extraction methods: Ultrasonic-assisted, maceration and infusion, using solvents of varying polarity (water, 30 and 70% ethanol). Extract yields and inhibitory activities were assessed and IC values were determined using standard <i>in vitro</i> enzyme inhibition assays. Data were analyzed statistically to compare extraction efficiency and biological activity. <b>Results:</b> Ultrasonic extraction with 30% ethanol from 9-month-old plants produced the most effective extract, yielding 10% extract with strong inhibitory activity: IC values of 64.35 ppm (α-amylase) and 64.68 ppm (α-glucosidase). Both harvest age and extraction parameters significantly influenced extract potency. <b>Conclusion:</b> The study demonstrates that harvest age and extraction strategy critically affect the antidiabetic efficacy of <i>O. aristatus</i> extracts. These findings support its potential as a complementary therapy in diabetes management and provide direction for optimized extraction protocols in future pharmacological applications.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The cat's whiskers purple variety (<i>Orthosiphon aristatus</i> Blume Miq.) is a plant with pharmacological activity as an antihypertensive and antioxidant. This research aims to facilitate the development of herbal medicines derived from the leaves of the cat's whiskers purple variety (<i>Orthosiphon aristatus</i> Blume Miq.) by processing dry materials, namely thick extracts, into dry extracts to facilitate the process of compounding and formulating pharmaceutical preparations and to determine the effect of drying agents on Flavonoid levels from the leaves of the cat's whisker purple variety (<i>Orthosiphon aristatus</i> Blume Miq.). <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The drying materials used are lactose and SAS (Synthetic Amorphous Silica). The best moisture content is then sought through comparison between the drying agent and the thick extract. The best moisture content for the lactose drying agent's ratio is (1:2) between the thick extract and the drying agent and for the SAS drying agent's ratio, it is (1:1.5) between the thick extract and the drying agent. <b>Results:</b> The TLC profile of the dry extract of lactose and SAS showed an Rf value of 0.6 with bright blue fluorescence for flavonoids. Determination of flavonoid levels using the method. The flavonoid content of lactose dry extract was 3.108±0.04 mg QE/g extract and for SAS dry extract, 5.382±0.07 mg QE/g extract. Higher levels of flavonoids were found in the SAS dry extract. The results of the statistical analysis of the Independent-Samples t-test showed that the levels of flavonoids in lactose and SAS dry extracts had significant differences. <b>Conclusion:</b> The superior flavonoid levels observed in SAS dry extracts highlight the importance of selecting appropriate drying methods in the preparation of herbal medicines. Future research should continue to explore the pharmacological applications of these extracts, as well as the optimisation of extraction and drying processes to maximise their therapeutic efficacy.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f. sp. <i>cepae</i> (<i>Foc</i>) causes <i>Fusarium</i> wilt disease in shallots, with potential yield losses up to 50% if not properly managed. The widespread use of synthetic fungicides poses risks to human health and the environment. Binahong (<i>Anredera cordifolia</i>) leaves contain antifungal secondary metabolites and are a promising botanical alternative. Nano-sizing such plant-based extracts may enhance their efficacy. This study aimed to assess the effect of nano-sized methanol extract of Binahong leaves on the <i>in vitro</i> growth of <i>Foc</i> and the severity of <i>Fusarium</i> wilt in shallots and to compare it with the non-nano extract at higher concentrations. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The study involved both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> experiments. <i>In vitro</i> tests were arranged using a completely randomized design and <i>in vivo</i> experiments followed a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included nano Binahong methanol extract at 0, 1,250, 2,500, 5,000 and 10,000 ppm; non-nano extract at 20,000 ppm and the synthetic fungicide mancozeb (1 g/L) as a standard. Key parameters measured included colony growth, conidial germination, disease incidence and disease intensity. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA at a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). <b>Results:</b> Nano Binahong extract significantly outperformed the non-nano extract in inhibiting <i>Foc</i> growth and suppressing disease development. At 1,250 ppm, it caused the highest inhibition of colony growth (37.77%) and conidial germination (90.52%), compared to 26.66 and 88.36% inhibition, respectively, by the non-nano extract at 20,000 ppm. The same nano concentration (1,250 ppm) reduced <i>Fusarium</i> wilt incidence and intensity in shallots by 92.36%, the highest among all treatments. <b>Conclusion:</b> Nano methanol extract of Binahong leaves is highly effective in controlling <i>Foc</i> and reducing <i>Fusarium</i> wilt in shallots, even at much lower concentrations than the non-nano extract. This indicates its potential as an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. Future studies should explore its field application and formulation stability.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Amid the escalating challenge of antibiotic resistance, the exploration of new sources has become essential, with plants serving as a promising reservoir of bioactive compounds. <i>Cannabis sativa</i> has attracted significant research interest for its antimicrobial properties and broad applications in medicine, industry and nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of the Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1 strain against twelve human pathogenic bacteria. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Stems and leaves from the Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1 strain were subjected to ethanol extraction. The primary antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts from Tanao Si Kan Dang RD1 was assessed using the disc diffusion method, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined via the broth microdilution method. The inhibition zone diameter (mm) was analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with the SAS software. <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed that the ethanolic extract from the leaves of Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1 produced the largest inhibition zone diameter of 10.00 mm against <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> TISTR 008. The MIC and MBC of the leaf extract showed the lowest values of 0.09 and 0.19 mg/mL, respectively, recorded against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> TISTR 1466. <b>Conclusion:</b> This is the first report on the antibacterial activity of the ethanolic extracts from the leaves and stems of Hang Kra Rog Phu Phan ST1, which offers potential benefits for developing natural antibiotic drugs to combat infections caused by the tested pathogenic bacteria.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Cadmium (Cd) is one of the heavy metal pollutants and its accumulation impacts the sustainability of marine organisms. Current research aimed to isolate and identify the cadmium-reducing bacteria from contaminated coastal sediment in Karangsong Port, Indramayu, Indonesia. The isolates were investigated for their potential to reduce cadmium and showed the cadmium reduction drastically up to 50% at 6 hrs treated under different cadmium concentrations of 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 ppm, respectively. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Morphological characteristics were observed in most of the isolates. Out of 8 isolates, two selected strains such as Karangsong Cd 3 and Cd 7 were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as <i>Pseudoalteromonas issachenkonii</i> strain KMM 3549 (Acc. No. NR 025139.1) and <i>Pseudoalteromonas tetraodonis</i> GFC strain IAM 14160 (Acc. No. NR 041787.1), respectively. <b>Results:</b> The cadmium resistance profile showed that the selected isolates were resistant to various concentrations of cadmium (Cd). The isolates reduced the concentration of cadmium drastically up to 50% at 6 hrs. The results demonstrated the two bacteria are possible to remove the cadmium from seawater containing cadmium. The gram staining showed bacterial colony morphology were diplobacilli and coccobacillus. <b>Conclusion:</b> These results suggested that the Karangsong Cd 3 and Cd 7 could facilitate the new references of future microbial applications for bioremediation efforts.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Phenazines from <i>Streptomyces</i> species are known for their diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial and anticancer properties. However, purified compounds from <i>Streptomyces murinus</i> had not been fully characterized. This study aimed to isolate and identify phenazine-producing <i>Streptomyces murinus</i> ZMA01 from maize rhizosphere soil, evaluate its antimicrobial and anticancer activities, and investigate its molecular mechanisms and ADMET profiles. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> <i>Streptomyces murinus</i> ZMA01 was isolated and identified. Phenazines were extracted, purified, and tested for antimicrobial activity (MIC/MMC) against bacterial and fungal strains. Cytotoxicity IC₅₀ was assessed on Vero, HeLa, HepG2, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Apoptotic induction was investigated via morphological changes and Annexin V/PI staining in MDA-MB-231 cells. Molecular docking evaluated interactions with Bcl-2 family proteins. The ADMET parameters were predicted using SwissADME, PreADMET and pkCSM. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 11.01). One-way ANOVA and Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test were employed, with significance defined as p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> <i> Streptomyces murinus</i> ZMA01 yielded 1.25 to 1.39 mg/L of phenazines. Two compounds, methyl-7-carbamoyl-phenazine-1-carboxamide and 7-hydroxyphenazine-1-carboxamide, showed selective antimicrobial activity (MICs: 32 to 256 μg/mL) and potent anticancer effects (IC₅₀: 48.63 to 148.13 μg/mL), particularly inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Low toxicity to Vero cells (IC₅₀ >400 μg/mL) was noted. Molecular docking confirmed favorable binding to Bcl-2 family proteins, suggesting an apoptotic mechanism. The ADMET predictions indicated good solubility, permeability and low neurotoxicity, with potential for CYP1A2 inhibition. <b>Conclusion:</b> Phenazines isolated from <i>Streptomyces murinus </i>ZMA01 exhibit promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities with favorable ADMET profiles. These findings underscore their therapeutic potential and warrant further <i>in vivo</i> studies and targeted delivery optimization for treating microbial infections and cancers.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Actinomycetes from beehives are a potential source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to isolate actinomycetes from <i>Apis florea</i> beehives, characterize their compounds and evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer properties, including underlying mechanisms. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Actinomycetes were isolated from <i>Apis florea</i> beehives in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. The most active isolate, HNF214, was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and characterized morphologically. Bioactive compounds were extracted, purified and identified using spectroscopy. Antibacterial (MIC/MBC) and anticancer (MTT assay on various cell lines) activities were tested. Molecular docking predicted interactions with MEK1/MEK2 and <i>in silico</i> ADMET properties were assessed. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was measured by ELISA. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's <i>post hoc</i> test were employed, with significance defined as p<0.05. <b>Results:</b> Thirty-two isolates yielded <i>Streptomyces griseoaurantiacus</i> HNF214, which showed potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Two compounds, quercetin and isoquercetin, were purified. They demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against breast, cervical and liver cancer cells (IC₅₀ 234-811 μg/mL) with lower toxicity to normal cells. Docking revealed favorable binding to MEK1/MEK2 and ELISA confirmed reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The ADMET predictions were mostly favorable, but compound <b>1</b> showed potential carcinogenicity/mutagenicity. <b>Conclusion:</b> <i>Streptomyces griseoaurantiacus</i> HNF214 from beehives produces quercetin and isoquercetin, exhibiting both antibacterial and anticancer activities, likely via MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition. While promising, further safety and <i>in vivo</i> studies are crucial before therapeutic development.