Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences

Background and objectives: Microbial infections have made significant contributions to the global health burden, particularly in developing countries with lagging economies. Challenges arising from the evolution of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria have led to the search for novel antimicrobial agents, especially those derived from medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate crude extracts and essential oils from C. bonariensis collected from the Mbeya region of Tanzania.

Methods: Initial experimental activities involved preparation of crude extracts and essential oil, which were then, tested for antimicrobial activity against selected test organisms (Staphlococcus aureus (ATCC29213), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC6051), Escherichia coli (ATCC8736), Salmonella typhi (ATCC6539), and Candida albicans (DSM1665)) by using the disc diffusion method. On the other hand, the chemical composition profiling of ethyl acetate and essential oils was performed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results: The crude extracts and essential oil of C. bonariensis leaves from Tanzania demonstrated to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of leaves ethyl acetate crude extract was 25 mg/mL > MIC > 12.5 mg/mL for tested organisms, with the exception of C. albicans, where the MIC was 50 mg/mL > MIC > 25 mg/mL. Similary, for all tested organisms, the MIC of leaves essential oils was :1 > MIC > l:2, except S. typhi, where the MIC was 2:1 > MIC > 1:1. On the other hand, 2,4-di-tert-butyl phenol in leaves crude extracts had the highest percentage composition of peak area (41%); whereas, in essential of, 2,4-Di-tert-butyl phenol had the highest percentage composition (38.8%).

Conclusions: The present findings have demonstrated antimicrobial potential of ethyl acetate crude extract and essential oil of C. bonariensis leaves from Tanzania, and validate the wide use of the plant by local communities, particularly the local community of Mbeya region in Tanzania.

The work presented focuses on synthesizing molecules capable of blocking the deleterious effects of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the pro-oxidant and antioxidant systems, with the former benefiting. It is implicated in numerous pathologies, either as a cause or a consequence. Oxidative stress is involved in chronic processes such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. The work presented in this article focuses firstly on the synthesis of a new class of first- and second-generation PPI dendrimers (G1 and G2) functionalized with 2-hydroxy-p-naphthoquinone, and secondly on the evaluation of their antioxidant activity. The dendrimeric molecules were obtained using an on-pot synthesis based on the Manich reaction. The molecules were characterised using the usual methods: 1H NMR, 13C NMR and dept, infrared (IR) and mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of the compounds was assessed by monitoring the scavenging kinetics of the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) radical. For the synthesis, three dendrimers, first- and second-generation PPI (G1 and G2) functionalised by 2-hydroxy-p- naphthoquinone, were synthesised (1a, 1b and 2). Concerning the antioxidant tests of the molecules synthesised, it can be seen that all the dendrimers have the ability to trap free radicals and that the values for the percentages of DPPH reduced are very different. A comparison of the percentages of DPPH reduced showed that P1b
A study of antioxidant activity using the DPPH method revealed that the dendrimers synthesised have antioxidant activity. All the results obtained were interesting.

The word "hirsutism" describes the development of terminal hairs at androgen-controlled body locations in women, which has distress and adverse psychosocial affects. The diagnosis of hirsutism is the key point in the treatment of unwanted hair growth in women’s body. Present study aimed to evaluate the modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score and the biochemical hyperandrogenism parameters among Iraqi hirsute women and their association with hirsutism in outpatients clinics in Kalar city, Garmian region, Iraq. This was a cross-sectional study of 100 hirsute women were collected from the outpatients clinic and 26 healthy women in Kalar city. After detailed history taking by using structured questionnaire, physical examination, and the relevant investigations were done, the scoring of hirsutism was indexed according to (mFG) scoring system. Moreover, sera of hormonal markers were measured; which included 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), s. prolactin, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). No statistically significant differences were found in the median of the sex and related hormones between control subjects and the hirsutism group. Likewise, there were no significant relation between hormonal markers and the rate of hirsutism. While, an intrinsic statistical association was seen between the mFG score with the hirsutism and the rate of hirsutism. Our findings imply that the mFG score system is a significance screening tool and has tremendous importance and utility in establishing the diagnosis of hirsutism.

Cinnamon, a popular spice known for its aromatic properties and medicinal benefits, has recently gained attention in the field of biomedical research for its potential to develop advanced hydrogels. Hydrogels are three-dimensional polymeric networks that can absorb and retain significant amounts of water, making them highly suitable for various biomedical applications. This comprehensive analysis delves into the potential of cinnamon-induced hydrogels, exploring their synthesis, characterization, biocompatibility, and safety evaluation. Furthermore, the article explores the diverse range of advanced biomedical applications that cinnamon-based hydrogels can offer, including wound healing, tissue regeneration, drug delivery systems, and biomedical imaging. Additionally, the challenges and future perspectives of developing cinnamon-induced hydrogels for biomedical applications are discussed, shedding light on the optimization and commercialization potential of this innovative biomaterial.