The present investigation was carried out to isolate and characterize bioactive components from Mirabilis jalapa L. radix (紫茉莉根 zǐ mò lì gēn). Thin-layer chromatography was used for the separation of spots from fractions of the crude extract. Separated spots were collected for identification of their activities. Free-radical scavenging activity was evaluated by spraying thin-layer chromatography plates (spotted with fractions) with 0.2% of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl solution. Activity against human pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were determined using the agar diffusion method. Potential spots were subjected to infrared (IR) analysis and gas chromatography for characterization. Two spots (5F1 and 1F3) showed free-radical scavenging activity. The 1F3 spot was active against both S. aureus and C. albicans, whereas the 5F1 spot was active against S. aureus only. IR spectral analysis indicated that 5F1 spot to be a triterpenoid. Using IR spectral analysis and an IR library search, the 1F3 spot was identified to be a flavone, which may have a hydroxyl group in ring “A” of the flavone nucleus. Our results indicated that the 1F3 and 5F1 spots are potential free-radical scavengers. Both 1F3 and 5F1 exhibited antimicrobial activity. IR spectral analysis coupled with an IR library search indicated 1F3 and 5F1 to be a flavone and a triterpenoid, respectively.

The presence of antinutritional constituents in rapeseed protein products (RPI), such as polyphenols, phytates, allyl isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates, is a formidable constraint. The effect of antinutrient removal from rapeseed meal with an organic solvent mixture (methanol/acetone, 1:1 v/v, combined with an acid (hydrochloric, acetic, perchloric, trichloroacetic, phosphoric)) on the physicochemical and functional properties of RPI was investigated. The extraction resulted in a substantial reduction of antinutrients from RPI, especially polyphenols and phytates, with concomitant decreases in protein yield and solubility. Treatment harbored significant improvement in the degree of whiteness, which was highest in the perchloric acid case. Surface hydrophobicity and free sulfhydryl group of RPI changed considerably, with perchloric acid-treated samples showing higher values, whereas the disulfide content remarkably increased in trichloroacetic acid- and phosphoric acid-treated samples, signifying aggregation. Intrinsic emission fluorescence and FTIR spectra showed significant changes in proteins' tertiary and secondary conformations, and the changes were more pronounced in samples treated with higher concentrations of acids. No appreciable alteration appeared among the electrophoretic profiles of proteins from pristine meal and those treated with lower levels of acids. Interfacial surface properties of proteins were variably improved by the solvent extraction, whereas the converse was true for their extent of denaturation. The results suggest that the physicochemical and conformational properties of RPI are closely related to its functional properties.

Eco-enzymes or Garbage enzymes have emerged as a solution to managing organic wastes. These organic wastes containing carbon compounds are discharged from houses that ultimately end up in landfills. Eco-enzymes or Garbage enzymes are mainly concerned with the enzymes produced from the anaerobic fermentation of fresh vegetables or fruit wastes. The longer the fermentation period, the better its efficiency. This review is carried out with the intention of bringing forth all the enzymes isolated so far from household organic wastes and their various applications, including the microorganisms involved in the process. Production of Ecoenzymes or Garbage enzymes is very straightforward. It requires fresh vegetable and/or fruit wastes, a sugar source in the form of jaggery, molasses or brown sugar, water, and airtight plastic containers. These are mixed in a 3:1:10 ratio respectively and kept for three months, whereby through anaerobic fermentation, the wastes get converted to enzymes. After three months, this organic liquid loaded with hydrolytic enzymes can be used in a wide variety of ways. Applying Eco-enzymes or Garbage enzymes includes treating wastewater sludge as a potent disinfectant and fertilizer, antibacterial agent in endodontic treatments, and hand sanitizer. These bio-enzymes are a one-stop solution to managing many issues. From being a disinfectant and biofertilizer to having great potential in cleaning waste water while reducing the need for landfills that releases methane gases which play a significant role in global warming, it is a multipurpose liquid.

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