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Bashir Ahmad

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I am Dr Bashir ahmad, Meritorious professor centre of biotechnology

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Dr Siti Norkhalbi Wahsalfelah

Universiti Brunei Darussalam

University of Glasgow

Margarita Gleba

University of Padova

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Natashah Norizan

Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)

Sophia Xenophontos

Academy of Athens

Viacheslav Kuleshov

Stockholm University

John C Franklin

University of Vermont

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Università degli Studi di Padova

Maria Cristina Volpi

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

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Papers by Bashir Ahmad

Isolation of a Gibberellin-producing fungus (Penicillium sp. MH7) and Growth Promotion of Crown Daisy (Chrysanthemum coronarium)

Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2010

Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) are well known for the production of useful secondary metabol... more Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) are well known for the production of useful secondary metabolites. However, limited information is available on the gibberellin (GA) production capacity of PGPF of endophytic origin. In the current study, 15 fungal endophytes were isolated from the roots of Crown daisy, and then screened on Waito-c rice, in order to identify plant growth promoting fungi. The fungal isolate MH7 significantly increased the shoot length (12.1 cm) of Waito-c in comparison with control treatment (7.9 cm). In a separate experiment, the culture filtrate (CF) of MH7 significantly promoted the growth attributes of Crown daisy. The MH7 CF was analyzed for gibberellins and it contained all physiologically active gibberellins (GA 1, 1.37 ng/ml; GA 3 , 5.88 ng/ml; GA 4 , 8.62 ng/ml; and GA 7 , 2.05 ng/ml) in conjunction with physiologically inactive GA 9 (0.83 ng/ml), GA 12 (0.44 ng/ml), GA 15 (0.74 ng/ml), GA 19 (1.16 ng/ml), and GA 20 (0.98 ng/ml). The CF of MH7 produced higher amounts of GA 3 , GA 4 , GA 7 , GA 9 , and GA 12 than wild-type Fusarium fujikuroi, which was used as a control for GA production. The fungal isolate MH7 was later identified as a new strain of Penicillium on the basis of its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA sequence.

Exogenous Gibberellic Acid Reprograms Soybean to Higher Growth and Salt Stress Tolerance

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010

The agricultural industry is severely affected by salinity due to its high magnitude of adverse i... more The agricultural industry is severely affected by salinity due to its high magnitude of adverse impacts and worldwide distribution. We observed the role of exogenous gibberellic acid (GA 3) in salinity alleviation of soybean. We found that GA 3 application significantly promoted plant length and plant fresh/dry biomass while markedly hindered by NaCl induced salt stress. The adverse effect of salt stress was mitigated by GA 3 , as growth attributes significantly recovered, when GA 3 was added to salt stressed soybean plants. Elevated GA 3 treatments increased daidzein and genistein contents (commonly known as phytoestrogens) of soybean leaves under control and salt stress conditions. Phytohormonal analysis of soybean showed that the level of bioactive gibberellins (GA 1 and GA 4) and jasmonic acid increased in GA 3 treated plants, while the endogenous abscisic acid and salicylic acid contents declined under the same treatment. GA 3 mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress by regulating the level of phytohormones, thus aiding the plant in resuming its normal growth and development. The presence of GA 1 and GA 4 showed that both early-C13-hydroxylation and non-C13-hydroxylation pathways of GA biosynthesis are functional in soybean. It was concluded that GA 3 ameliorates the adverse effects of salt stress and restores normal growth and development of soybean.

Blood pressure lowering effect of Tylophora hirsuta wall

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, 2012

Crude hydromethanolic extract of Tylophora hirsuta (Th.Cr) was studied in spontaneous hypertensiv... more Crude hydromethanolic extract of Tylophora hirsuta (Th.Cr) was studied in spontaneous hypertensive Wistar rats for possible effects on high blood pressure and heart rate. In the absence of atropine, fall in arterial blood pressure was 64±7 mmHg at the dose of 100 mg/kg while in the presence of atropine, there was no effect on arterial blood pressure suggesting cholinergic receptor blockade. Fall in heart rate, in the absence of atropine, was 218±8 beats per minute (BPM) while, fall in heart rate, in the presence of atropine was 110±5.6 BPM, indicating that the action is through cholinergic muscarinic receptors as atropine is a typical anticholinergic drug. The percent fall in blood pressure and heart rate were standardized versus acetylcholine; standard cholinergic drug. Th.Cr tested mildly positive for alkaloids, flavonoids and strongly positive for terpenes and terpenoids, and saponins. α-Amyrin acetate was isolated from the n-hexane fraction of Th.Cr for the first time from T. hirsuta. The results confirm the presence of acetylcholine like substances in T. hirsuta that provide a basis for its traditional use in treatment of hypertension. The action may be attributed to the phytochemicals like flavonoids, saponins, terpenes and terpenoids and αamyrin acetate isolated for the first time from the plant.

Natural occurrence of mycotoxins in medicinal plants: A review

by Dr mubashir Hussain and Bashir Ahmad

Medicinal plants are widely used as home remedies and raw materials for the pharmaceutical indust... more Medicinal plants are widely used as home remedies and raw materials for the pharmaceutical industries. Herbal remedies are used in the prevention, treatment and cure of disorders and diseases since ancient times. However, use of medicinal herbs may not meet the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy. During harvesting, handling, storage and distribution, medicinal plants are subjected to contamination by various fungi, which may be responsible for spoilage and production of mycotoxins. The increasing consumption of medicinal plants has made their use a public health problem due to the lack of effective surveillance of the use, efficacy, toxicity and quality of these natural products. The increase in use of medicinal plants may lead to an increase in the intake of mycotoxins therefore contamination of medicinal plants with mycotoxins can contribute to adverse human health problems and therefore represents a special hazard. Numerous natural occurrences of mycotoxins in medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicines have been reported from various countries including Spain, China, Germany, India, Turkey and from Middle East as well. This review discusses the important mycotoxins and their natural occurrences in medicinal plants and their products.

Colour Fastness and Tensile Strength of Cotton Fabric Dyed with Natural Extracts of Alkanna tinctoria by Continuous Dyeing Technique

by Dr. Shahnaz Khattak and Bashir Ahmad

A natural dye extracted from the roots of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) was applied on cotton fabri... more A natural dye extracted from the roots of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) was applied on cotton fabric by pad-steam dyeing technique. The study was designed to evaluate the colour fastness and tensile properties of dyed cotton after using various mordants, cationizing agents, UV absorbers and crosslinkers with this natural dye. Metallic mordants included aluminium sulphate, copper sulphate, ferric chloride, potassium dichromate and hydrated potassium aluminum sulphate or alum. Alkanet root extract produced variety of green shades with different dyeing auxiliaries. Better wash, light, crocking fastness; good colour coordinates such as chroma, hue, colour strength and increase in tensile strength was accomplished with post-mordanting of CuSO4. Cationization of cotton with quaternary ammonium compound (both pre-treatment and post-treatment) and post-finishing with soft polyurethane emulsion has enhanced the fastness properties, tensile strength as well as relative colour strength (K/S) , whereas, reactive UV absorber based on oxalanilide and heterocyclic compound as UV absorber greatly increased the light fastness of alkanet dyed cotton. Crosslinkers applied with alkanet dye on cotton (methylolation product based on glyoxalmonourein, modified dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, modified dihydroxy ethylene urea) also improved the fastness but could not bring further development in the shade and K/S value of the dyed samples.

Pharmacological Activities of Banana

Banana Nutrition - Function and Processing Kinetics, 2019

Plants have been in use in traditional medicine since antiquity, and many active metabolic produc... more Plants have been in use in traditional medicine since antiquity, and many active metabolic products with biological significance are obtained from them. Recently, pharmaceutical industries have developed great interest in utilizing these products as an alternative to the chemically synthesized drugs. This is due to the discovery of important new medicines from the plants, because of studies on how people of different background use plants as cure and treatment for many diseases, and side effects of the synthesized drugs. Banana, an eatable fruit produced by some herbaceous flowering plants of the genus Musa, is one of the valuable fruits with proven pharmacological potentials. Bananas are spread almost all over the world. Different chemical constituents like apigenin glycosides, myricetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, dopamine, and serotonin have been reported in different parts and varieties of banana. The presence of carbohydrate, proteins as well as flavonoids, makes bananas useful in both nutrition and therapeutics. Pharmacologically, bananas have been shown to possess antiulcer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This chapter discusses the essential information on banana, including its varieties, distribution, pharmacological actions, and its relevance in pharmaceutical industries. This will be beneficial for researchers to further harness the robustness of this fruit in controlling many diseases and modification of drugs.

Comparative study of microscale and macroscale technique for encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea extract in metal-conjugated nanomatrices for invasive ductal carcinoma

Scientific Reports

The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, ... more The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, size control, high cost and long durations that results in low yield. Macroscale and microscale level techniques for development of micro/nanoparticles may impact the encapsulation of plant extract. This study aimed to evaluate the relative efficiency of microscale and macroscale techniques for encapsulation of plant extract, which is not compared yet. Keeping this in view, encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea leaves extract (CaG) was attained in silver-conjugated poliglusam nanomatrices (POL/Ag) to induce apoptosis in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cells. The ethanolic CaG extract was prepared using percolation method and characterized by chemical tests for its active phytochemical compounds. The droplet-based microfluidic system was utilized as microscale encapsulation technique for CaG in nanomatrices at two different aqueous to oil flow rate ratios 1.0:1.5, and 1.0:3.0. Moreover, co...

Antifungal and antibacterial activities of Taxus wallichiana Zucc

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2008

Current study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antifungal and antibacterial potential of m... more Current study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antifungal and antibacterial potential of methanol extract and subsequent fractions obtained after partitioning in organic solvents with variable polarity of the aerial parts of the tree Taxus wallichiana Zucc. Traditionally, this plant is often used in folk medicines in Pakistan for treating microbial infections. In order to rationalize the traditional use, methanol extracts of leaf, bark, and heartwood of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. were tested against six bacteria and six fungal strains using the Hole diffusion and macro-dilution methods. All extracts and fractions displayed significant antimicrobial effect. Only three fungal strains, Trichophyton longifusus, Microspoum canis, and Fusarium solani were susceptible to the extracts and fractions with MICs ranging from 0.08 to 200 mg/mL. In case of bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi were susceptible to the extracts and fractions with MICs ranging from 0.08 to 200 mg/mL. Comparison results were carried out using imipinem, miconazole and amphotericin B as standard antibiotics.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of teucrium royleanum (Labiatea)

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2008

The crude methanolic extract and subsequent fractions of Teucrium royleanum (Labiatea) were scree... more The crude methanolic extract and subsequent fractions of Teucrium royleanum (Labiatea) were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Against tested pathogens, crude extract and subsequent fractions demonstrated moderate to excellent antibacterial activities. Highest antibacterial activity was displayed by the ethyl acetate fraction against S. typhi (100%), against E.coli (76.7%) and against P. aerugenosa (70.8%) followed by the chloroform fraction against S. typhi (85.7%). Similarly, the crude extract and its subsequent fractions showed mild to excellent activities in the antifungal bioassay with maximum antifungal activity against M. canis (87%) by the chloroform fraction followed by the ethyl acetate (71%) and n-butanol (70%) fractions.

Enzyme inhibition activities ofteucrium royleanum

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2007

The crude methanolic extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Teucrium ro... more The crude methanolic extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Teucrium royleanum were examined as inhibitors of actylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and urease. A significant enzyme inhibition activity (52-83%) was shown by the crude methanolic extract and its fractions against acetylcholinesterase, while low to outstanding enzyme inhibitory activity was shown (19-93%) against butyrylcholinesterase. The crude methanolic extract and its various fractions demonstrated low activity against lipoxygenase and inactive against urease.

Inhibition activities ofcolchicum luteumbaker on lipoxygenase and other enzymes

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2006

In vitro enzymes inhibition activities of the crude methanolic extract and various fractions of C... more In vitro enzymes inhibition activities of the crude methanolic extract and various fractions of Colchicum luteum Baker (Liliaceae) including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous were carried out against actylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and urease enzymes. A significant enzyme inhibition activity (89%) is shown by the crude methanolic extract and its fractions against lipoxygenase, while low to significant activity (32-75%) was evident against butyrylcholinesterase. The crude methanolic extract and its various fractions demonstrated low activity (29-61%) against acetylcholinesterase and no activity against urease.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline/Zinc Sulfite Composite Films and Investigation of Properties

Advances in Polymer Technology, 2013

ABSTRACT In the present work, we explore the opportunity to deposit zinc sulfide (ZnS)/polyanilin... more ABSTRACT In the present work, we explore the opportunity to deposit zinc sulfide (ZnS)/polyaniline (PANI) composite films through an electrochemical route. The structural and the optical characterization showed the interaction between ZnS nanoparticular and PANI. The structure of the PANI–ZnS composite films was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the resulting material. The existence of Zn and S on PANI–ZnS composite films was proved by the EDX-mapping method. The conductivity measurements of PANI–ZnS composite films and PANI were accomplished by the four-probe technique. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21373; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21373

Optimization of fastness and tensile properties of cotton fabric dyed with natural extracts of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) by pad-steam method

A new approach was investigated for appraising the fastness properties while maintaining/ upgradi... more A new approach was investigated for appraising the fastness properties while maintaining/ upgrading the tensile strength of 100% cotton, light weight fabric samples, dyed with natural colourant of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta). Various dyeing formulas planned with the aid of different dyeing auxiliaries utilized as mordants, cross linkers, finishing agents and UV absorbers were applied by pad-steam (two-bath-two-stage) dyeing procedure. All the recipes were exercised both as pre and post treatments. Pretty yellow fabric samples resulted from the experiments having better colour fastness, enviable K/S value and adequate tensile strength. Some of the mordants (such as FeCl 3 and Al 2 (SO 4) 3) produced samples of darker shades, entirely different from the yellow colour. The presence of CuSO 4 in the dyeing recipe produced sample with bright yellow shade. This mordant was excelled by all other dyeing auxiliaries in enhancing not only the colourfastness but also presenting greater colour strength (K/S value). Post treatment of a reactive UV absorber based on oxalinilide (UV-SUN) and fibre-reactive UV absorber Rayosan C (heterocyclic compound) imparted very good lightfastness (6 Blue Wool Standard). Crosslinking agent Fixapret CPF, methylolation product based on glyoxalmonourein resulted in remarkable improvement in crocking and light fastness of cotton. Fixative Albafix WFF (quaternary ammonium compound) was also found effective in acquiring very good rub fast cotton samples. [Shahnaz Parveen Khattak, Shabana Rafique, Tanveer Hussain and Bashir Ahmad. Optimization of fastness and tensile properties of cotton fabric dyed with natural extracts of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) by pad-steam method.

Antibacterial, anti-fungal and phytotoxic activities of Ferula narthex Boiss

Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2014

Crude methanolic extract of roots, aerial parts and its subsequent fractions of Ferula narthex Bo... more Crude methanolic extract of roots, aerial parts and its subsequent fractions of Ferula narthex Boiss were tested for antibacterial, anti-fungal and phytotoxic activities. Crude methanolic extract of roots and its fractions showed significant antibacterial effect against P.aeruginosa (86.95%, 73.91, 69.59, 78.26 & 73.91%) represented by percent inhibition except ethyl acetate (EtoAc) fraction. The EtoAc fraction of roots and aerial parts showed significant activity against E. coli (80%), S. typhi (81.2 & 81.25%) and S. pneumoniae (80%). The n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous fractions of aerial parts showed significant activity against P. aeruginosa (78.26, 69.56 & 73.91%). Following fungal strains (T. longifusus, C. albicans, A. flavus, M. canis, F. solani, C. glabrata) were also used for anti-fungal activity. Among tested samples only crude methanol extract of roots, n-hexane and chloroform fraction showed moderate anti-fungal activity against M. canis (40, 35 & 30%) represented by p...

Evaluation of Humic Acid Application Methods for Yield and Yield Components of Mungbean

by Bashir Ahmad and In-jung Lee

American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2014

A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized complete block design was conducted to evalu... more A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized complete block design was conducted to evaluate different humic acid (HA) application methods at Agricultural Research Farm, of KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar. Three methods of HA application: seed priming, foliar spray and soil application were included in the experiment. Humic acid application methods significantly affected pods plant −1 , grains pod −1 , 1000 grain weights, and grain yield whereas biological yield was not significantly affected by HA application methods. Humic acid application at the rate of 3 kg•ha −1 resulted in higher number of pods plant −1 , thousand grain weights and grain yield, however it was statistically similar to the treatments where HA was soil applied at rate of 1 and 2 kg•ha −1 , seed priming with 0% (water soaked), 1%, 2% HA solution and foliar spray with 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% of HA solution. It is concluded that HA application in all the three methods significantly enhances grain yield and yield components of mungbean.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of andrachne cordifolia muell

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2007

The crude methanolic extract of Andrachne cordifolia Muell. (Euphorbiaceae) and its various fract... more The crude methanolic extract of Andrachne cordifolia Muell. (Euphorbiaceae) and its various fractions in different solvent systems (chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Crude extract and subsequent fractions demonstrated moderate to excellent antibacterial activities against the tested pathogens. Highest antibacterial activity was displayed by both chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions (100%) followed by the crude extract (68%) against Salmonella typhi. Similarly, crude extract and its subsequent fractions showed mild to excellent activities in antifungal bioassay with maximum (76%) antifungal activity against Microsporum canis by the chloroform fraction followed by the crude extract (65%).

4,4,6a,6b,11,12,14b-Heptamethyl-16-oxo-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,6b,7,8,9,10,11,12,12a,14a,14b-octadecahydro-12b,8a-(epoxymethano)picen-3-yl acetate

Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 2013

The title compound, C 32 H 48 O 4 , which was extracted from the bark of Rhododendron arboreum, c... more The title compound, C 32 H 48 O 4 , which was extracted from the bark of Rhododendron arboreum, consists of five fused rings to which an acetate and seven methyl groups are attached. The A, D and E rings adopt chair conformations, the B ring is in a distorted chair and the C ring is in a half-chair conformation. The five-membered ring formed by the lactone group, which bridges from the A/B to the B/C ring junctions, is an approximate envelope with the C atom of the methyne group as the flap [displacement from the other four atoms = 0.753 (2) Å ]. There are no identified directional interactions in the crystal structure. Related literature For a related crystal structure, see: El-Seedi et al. (1994). For puckering parameters, see: Cremer & Pople (1975). Experimental Crystal data C 32 H 48 O 4 M r = 496.70 Monoclinic, P2 1 a = 13.7309 (8) Å b = 6.9177 (4) Å c = 14.8539 (9) Å = 90.943 (2) V = 1410.73 (14) Å 3 Z = 2 Mo K radiation = 0.08 mm À1 T = 296 K 0.35 Â 0.20 Â 0.18 mm Data collection Bruker Kappa APEXII CCD diffractometer Absorption correction: multi-scan (SADABS; Bruker, 2005) T min = 0.975, T max = 0.987 11401 measured reflections 2856 independent reflections 2261 reflections with I > 2(I) R int = 0.029 Refinement R[F 2 > 2(F 2)] = 0.041 wR(F 2) = 0.101 S = 1.03 2856 reflections 333 parameters 1 restraint H-atom parameters constrained Á max = 0.15 e Å À3 Á min = À0.15 e Å À3

Calcium channel blocking activities of Withania coagulans

by Bashir Ahmad and Niaz Ali

African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Sep 30, 2009

Abstract The effects of crude methanolic extract of Withania coagulans (Wc. cr) were studied for ... more

Chemical composition and antifungal, phytotoxic, brine shrimp cytotoxicity, insecticidal and antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Acacia modesta

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2012

Many bioactive compounds are produced by the medicinal plants that have important pharmacological... more Many bioactive compounds are produced by the medicinal plants that have important pharmacological activities. The present study describes the chemical composition, antifungal, phytotoxic, brine shrimp cytotoxic, insecticidal and antibacterial activities of essential oils from Acacia modesta. The oils were extracted from the n-hexane fraction of the aerial parts of the plant and were analyzed by gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results revealed 38 components from the oil of A. modesta. The oils exhibited moderate antifungal activity (40%) against Microsporum canis and low against Fusarium solani (25%). At the concentration of 1000 and 100 µg/ml, the oils showed moderate phytotoxic activity of 50 and 40%, respectively, against Lemna minor. The oils were highly cytotoxic at the concentration of 100 µg/ml killing all the shrimps in the experiment. At the concentration of 10 µg/ml only 2 and at concentration of 1 µg/ml, only 8 shrimps survived out of 30. The oils showed no antibacterial and insecticidal activity against the test organisms.

Biological activities of a new compound isolated from the aerial parts of Vitex agnus castus L

African Journal of Biotechnology, Dec 27, 2010

A new compound trivially named vitexcarpan was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Vitex ... more A new compound trivially named vitexcarpan was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Vitex agnus castus. The structure of compound was elucidated with the help of spectroscopic techniques: 13C NMR, 1H NMR, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) and correlation spectroscopy (COSY). The isolated compound was screened for possible urease, chymotrypsin and anti-inflammatory activities. The results showed that the compound possess moderate inhibitory activity against urease (43.3 %) and chymotrypsin (39.8 %) enzymes. Vitexcarpan also showed moderate (48 %) in vitro antiinflammatory activity using activated human neutrophils.

Isolation of a Gibberellin-producing fungus (Penicillium sp. MH7) and Growth Promotion of Crown Daisy (Chrysanthemum coronarium)

Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2010

Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) are well known for the production of useful secondary metabol... more Plant growth promoting fungi (PGPF) are well known for the production of useful secondary metabolites. However, limited information is available on the gibberellin (GA) production capacity of PGPF of endophytic origin. In the current study, 15 fungal endophytes were isolated from the roots of Crown daisy, and then screened on Waito-c rice, in order to identify plant growth promoting fungi. The fungal isolate MH7 significantly increased the shoot length (12.1 cm) of Waito-c in comparison with control treatment (7.9 cm). In a separate experiment, the culture filtrate (CF) of MH7 significantly promoted the growth attributes of Crown daisy. The MH7 CF was analyzed for gibberellins and it contained all physiologically active gibberellins (GA 1, 1.37 ng/ml; GA 3 , 5.88 ng/ml; GA 4 , 8.62 ng/ml; and GA 7 , 2.05 ng/ml) in conjunction with physiologically inactive GA 9 (0.83 ng/ml), GA 12 (0.44 ng/ml), GA 15 (0.74 ng/ml), GA 19 (1.16 ng/ml), and GA 20 (0.98 ng/ml). The CF of MH7 produced higher amounts of GA 3 , GA 4 , GA 7 , GA 9 , and GA 12 than wild-type Fusarium fujikuroi, which was used as a control for GA production. The fungal isolate MH7 was later identified as a new strain of Penicillium on the basis of its morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rDNA sequence.

Exogenous Gibberellic Acid Reprograms Soybean to Higher Growth and Salt Stress Tolerance

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2010

The agricultural industry is severely affected by salinity due to its high magnitude of adverse i... more The agricultural industry is severely affected by salinity due to its high magnitude of adverse impacts and worldwide distribution. We observed the role of exogenous gibberellic acid (GA 3) in salinity alleviation of soybean. We found that GA 3 application significantly promoted plant length and plant fresh/dry biomass while markedly hindered by NaCl induced salt stress. The adverse effect of salt stress was mitigated by GA 3 , as growth attributes significantly recovered, when GA 3 was added to salt stressed soybean plants. Elevated GA 3 treatments increased daidzein and genistein contents (commonly known as phytoestrogens) of soybean leaves under control and salt stress conditions. Phytohormonal analysis of soybean showed that the level of bioactive gibberellins (GA 1 and GA 4) and jasmonic acid increased in GA 3 treated plants, while the endogenous abscisic acid and salicylic acid contents declined under the same treatment. GA 3 mitigated the adverse effects of salt stress by regulating the level of phytohormones, thus aiding the plant in resuming its normal growth and development. The presence of GA 1 and GA 4 showed that both early-C13-hydroxylation and non-C13-hydroxylation pathways of GA biosynthesis are functional in soybean. It was concluded that GA 3 ameliorates the adverse effects of salt stress and restores normal growth and development of soybean.

Blood pressure lowering effect of Tylophora hirsuta wall

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY, 2012

Crude hydromethanolic extract of Tylophora hirsuta (Th.Cr) was studied in spontaneous hypertensiv... more Crude hydromethanolic extract of Tylophora hirsuta (Th.Cr) was studied in spontaneous hypertensive Wistar rats for possible effects on high blood pressure and heart rate. In the absence of atropine, fall in arterial blood pressure was 64±7 mmHg at the dose of 100 mg/kg while in the presence of atropine, there was no effect on arterial blood pressure suggesting cholinergic receptor blockade. Fall in heart rate, in the absence of atropine, was 218±8 beats per minute (BPM) while, fall in heart rate, in the presence of atropine was 110±5.6 BPM, indicating that the action is through cholinergic muscarinic receptors as atropine is a typical anticholinergic drug. The percent fall in blood pressure and heart rate were standardized versus acetylcholine; standard cholinergic drug. Th.Cr tested mildly positive for alkaloids, flavonoids and strongly positive for terpenes and terpenoids, and saponins. α-Amyrin acetate was isolated from the n-hexane fraction of Th.Cr for the first time from T. hirsuta. The results confirm the presence of acetylcholine like substances in T. hirsuta that provide a basis for its traditional use in treatment of hypertension. The action may be attributed to the phytochemicals like flavonoids, saponins, terpenes and terpenoids and αamyrin acetate isolated for the first time from the plant.

Natural occurrence of mycotoxins in medicinal plants: A review

by Dr mubashir Hussain and Bashir Ahmad

Medicinal plants are widely used as home remedies and raw materials for the pharmaceutical indust... more Medicinal plants are widely used as home remedies and raw materials for the pharmaceutical industries. Herbal remedies are used in the prevention, treatment and cure of disorders and diseases since ancient times. However, use of medicinal herbs may not meet the requirements of quality, safety and efficacy. During harvesting, handling, storage and distribution, medicinal plants are subjected to contamination by various fungi, which may be responsible for spoilage and production of mycotoxins. The increasing consumption of medicinal plants has made their use a public health problem due to the lack of effective surveillance of the use, efficacy, toxicity and quality of these natural products. The increase in use of medicinal plants may lead to an increase in the intake of mycotoxins therefore contamination of medicinal plants with mycotoxins can contribute to adverse human health problems and therefore represents a special hazard. Numerous natural occurrences of mycotoxins in medicinal plants and traditional herbal medicines have been reported from various countries including Spain, China, Germany, India, Turkey and from Middle East as well. This review discusses the important mycotoxins and their natural occurrences in medicinal plants and their products.

Colour Fastness and Tensile Strength of Cotton Fabric Dyed with Natural Extracts of Alkanna tinctoria by Continuous Dyeing Technique

by Dr. Shahnaz Khattak and Bashir Ahmad

A natural dye extracted from the roots of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) was applied on cotton fabri... more A natural dye extracted from the roots of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria) was applied on cotton fabric by pad-steam dyeing technique. The study was designed to evaluate the colour fastness and tensile properties of dyed cotton after using various mordants, cationizing agents, UV absorbers and crosslinkers with this natural dye. Metallic mordants included aluminium sulphate, copper sulphate, ferric chloride, potassium dichromate and hydrated potassium aluminum sulphate or alum. Alkanet root extract produced variety of green shades with different dyeing auxiliaries. Better wash, light, crocking fastness; good colour coordinates such as chroma, hue, colour strength and increase in tensile strength was accomplished with post-mordanting of CuSO4. Cationization of cotton with quaternary ammonium compound (both pre-treatment and post-treatment) and post-finishing with soft polyurethane emulsion has enhanced the fastness properties, tensile strength as well as relative colour strength (K/S) , whereas, reactive UV absorber based on oxalanilide and heterocyclic compound as UV absorber greatly increased the light fastness of alkanet dyed cotton. Crosslinkers applied with alkanet dye on cotton (methylolation product based on glyoxalmonourein, modified dimethyloldihydroxyethylene urea, modified dihydroxy ethylene urea) also improved the fastness but could not bring further development in the shade and K/S value of the dyed samples.

Pharmacological Activities of Banana

Banana Nutrition - Function and Processing Kinetics, 2019

Plants have been in use in traditional medicine since antiquity, and many active metabolic produc... more Plants have been in use in traditional medicine since antiquity, and many active metabolic products with biological significance are obtained from them. Recently, pharmaceutical industries have developed great interest in utilizing these products as an alternative to the chemically synthesized drugs. This is due to the discovery of important new medicines from the plants, because of studies on how people of different background use plants as cure and treatment for many diseases, and side effects of the synthesized drugs. Banana, an eatable fruit produced by some herbaceous flowering plants of the genus Musa, is one of the valuable fruits with proven pharmacological potentials. Bananas are spread almost all over the world. Different chemical constituents like apigenin glycosides, myricetin-3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, dopamine, and serotonin have been reported in different parts and varieties of banana. The presence of carbohydrate, proteins as well as flavonoids, makes bananas useful in both nutrition and therapeutics. Pharmacologically, bananas have been shown to possess antiulcer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. This chapter discusses the essential information on banana, including its varieties, distribution, pharmacological actions, and its relevance in pharmaceutical industries. This will be beneficial for researchers to further harness the robustness of this fruit in controlling many diseases and modification of drugs.

Comparative study of microscale and macroscale technique for encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea extract in metal-conjugated nanomatrices for invasive ductal carcinoma

Scientific Reports

The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, ... more The encapsulation of plant extract in nanomatrices has limitations due to its adhesion to walls, size control, high cost and long durations that results in low yield. Macroscale and microscale level techniques for development of micro/nanoparticles may impact the encapsulation of plant extract. This study aimed to evaluate the relative efficiency of microscale and macroscale techniques for encapsulation of plant extract, which is not compared yet. Keeping this in view, encapsulation of Calotropis gigantea leaves extract (CaG) was attained in silver-conjugated poliglusam nanomatrices (POL/Ag) to induce apoptosis in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) cells. The ethanolic CaG extract was prepared using percolation method and characterized by chemical tests for its active phytochemical compounds. The droplet-based microfluidic system was utilized as microscale encapsulation technique for CaG in nanomatrices at two different aqueous to oil flow rate ratios 1.0:1.5, and 1.0:3.0. Moreover, co...

Antifungal and antibacterial activities of Taxus wallichiana Zucc

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2008

Current study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antifungal and antibacterial potential of m... more Current study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antifungal and antibacterial potential of methanol extract and subsequent fractions obtained after partitioning in organic solvents with variable polarity of the aerial parts of the tree Taxus wallichiana Zucc. Traditionally, this plant is often used in folk medicines in Pakistan for treating microbial infections. In order to rationalize the traditional use, methanol extracts of leaf, bark, and heartwood of Taxus wallichiana Zucc. were tested against six bacteria and six fungal strains using the Hole diffusion and macro-dilution methods. All extracts and fractions displayed significant antimicrobial effect. Only three fungal strains, Trichophyton longifusus, Microspoum canis, and Fusarium solani were susceptible to the extracts and fractions with MICs ranging from 0.08 to 200 mg/mL. In case of bacterial strains, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi were susceptible to the extracts and fractions with MICs ranging from 0.08 to 200 mg/mL. Comparison results were carried out using imipinem, miconazole and amphotericin B as standard antibiotics.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of teucrium royleanum (Labiatea)

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2008

The crude methanolic extract and subsequent fractions of Teucrium royleanum (Labiatea) were scree... more The crude methanolic extract and subsequent fractions of Teucrium royleanum (Labiatea) were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Against tested pathogens, crude extract and subsequent fractions demonstrated moderate to excellent antibacterial activities. Highest antibacterial activity was displayed by the ethyl acetate fraction against S. typhi (100%), against E.coli (76.7%) and against P. aerugenosa (70.8%) followed by the chloroform fraction against S. typhi (85.7%). Similarly, the crude extract and its subsequent fractions showed mild to excellent activities in the antifungal bioassay with maximum antifungal activity against M. canis (87%) by the chloroform fraction followed by the ethyl acetate (71%) and n-butanol (70%) fractions.

Enzyme inhibition activities ofteucrium royleanum

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2007

The crude methanolic extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Teucrium ro... more The crude methanolic extract and chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions of Teucrium royleanum were examined as inhibitors of actylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and urease. A significant enzyme inhibition activity (52-83%) was shown by the crude methanolic extract and its fractions against acetylcholinesterase, while low to outstanding enzyme inhibitory activity was shown (19-93%) against butyrylcholinesterase. The crude methanolic extract and its various fractions demonstrated low activity against lipoxygenase and inactive against urease.

Inhibition activities ofcolchicum luteumbaker on lipoxygenase and other enzymes

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2006

In vitro enzymes inhibition activities of the crude methanolic extract and various fractions of C... more In vitro enzymes inhibition activities of the crude methanolic extract and various fractions of Colchicum luteum Baker (Liliaceae) including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous were carried out against actylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and urease enzymes. A significant enzyme inhibition activity (89%) is shown by the crude methanolic extract and its fractions against lipoxygenase, while low to significant activity (32-75%) was evident against butyrylcholinesterase. The crude methanolic extract and its various fractions demonstrated low activity (29-61%) against acetylcholinesterase and no activity against urease.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline/Zinc Sulfite Composite Films and Investigation of Properties

Advances in Polymer Technology, 2013

ABSTRACT In the present work, we explore the opportunity to deposit zinc sulfide (ZnS)/polyanilin... more ABSTRACT In the present work, we explore the opportunity to deposit zinc sulfide (ZnS)/polyaniline (PANI) composite films through an electrochemical route. The structural and the optical characterization showed the interaction between ZnS nanoparticular and PANI. The structure of the PANI–ZnS composite films was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the resulting material. The existence of Zn and S on PANI–ZnS composite films was proved by the EDX-mapping method. The conductivity measurements of PANI–ZnS composite films and PANI were accomplished by the four-probe technique. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2013, 32, 21373; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21373

Optimization of fastness and tensile properties of cotton fabric dyed with natural extracts of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) by pad-steam method

A new approach was investigated for appraising the fastness properties while maintaining/ upgradi... more A new approach was investigated for appraising the fastness properties while maintaining/ upgrading the tensile strength of 100% cotton, light weight fabric samples, dyed with natural colourant of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta). Various dyeing formulas planned with the aid of different dyeing auxiliaries utilized as mordants, cross linkers, finishing agents and UV absorbers were applied by pad-steam (two-bath-two-stage) dyeing procedure. All the recipes were exercised both as pre and post treatments. Pretty yellow fabric samples resulted from the experiments having better colour fastness, enviable K/S value and adequate tensile strength. Some of the mordants (such as FeCl 3 and Al 2 (SO 4) 3) produced samples of darker shades, entirely different from the yellow colour. The presence of CuSO 4 in the dyeing recipe produced sample with bright yellow shade. This mordant was excelled by all other dyeing auxiliaries in enhancing not only the colourfastness but also presenting greater colour strength (K/S value). Post treatment of a reactive UV absorber based on oxalinilide (UV-SUN) and fibre-reactive UV absorber Rayosan C (heterocyclic compound) imparted very good lightfastness (6 Blue Wool Standard). Crosslinking agent Fixapret CPF, methylolation product based on glyoxalmonourein resulted in remarkable improvement in crocking and light fastness of cotton. Fixative Albafix WFF (quaternary ammonium compound) was also found effective in acquiring very good rub fast cotton samples. [Shahnaz Parveen Khattak, Shabana Rafique, Tanveer Hussain and Bashir Ahmad. Optimization of fastness and tensile properties of cotton fabric dyed with natural extracts of Marigold flower (Tagetes erecta) by pad-steam method.

Antibacterial, anti-fungal and phytotoxic activities of Ferula narthex Boiss

Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences, 2014

Crude methanolic extract of roots, aerial parts and its subsequent fractions of Ferula narthex Bo... more Crude methanolic extract of roots, aerial parts and its subsequent fractions of Ferula narthex Boiss were tested for antibacterial, anti-fungal and phytotoxic activities. Crude methanolic extract of roots and its fractions showed significant antibacterial effect against P.aeruginosa (86.95%, 73.91, 69.59, 78.26 & 73.91%) represented by percent inhibition except ethyl acetate (EtoAc) fraction. The EtoAc fraction of roots and aerial parts showed significant activity against E. coli (80%), S. typhi (81.2 & 81.25%) and S. pneumoniae (80%). The n-hexane, chloroform and aqueous fractions of aerial parts showed significant activity against P. aeruginosa (78.26, 69.56 & 73.91%). Following fungal strains (T. longifusus, C. albicans, A. flavus, M. canis, F. solani, C. glabrata) were also used for anti-fungal activity. Among tested samples only crude methanol extract of roots, n-hexane and chloroform fraction showed moderate anti-fungal activity against M. canis (40, 35 & 30%) represented by p...

Evaluation of Humic Acid Application Methods for Yield and Yield Components of Mungbean

by Bashir Ahmad and In-jung Lee

American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2014

A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized complete block design was conducted to evalu... more A triplicate field experiment laid out in randomized complete block design was conducted to evaluate different humic acid (HA) application methods at Agricultural Research Farm, of KPK Agricultural University, Peshawar. Three methods of HA application: seed priming, foliar spray and soil application were included in the experiment. Humic acid application methods significantly affected pods plant −1 , grains pod −1 , 1000 grain weights, and grain yield whereas biological yield was not significantly affected by HA application methods. Humic acid application at the rate of 3 kg•ha −1 resulted in higher number of pods plant −1 , thousand grain weights and grain yield, however it was statistically similar to the treatments where HA was soil applied at rate of 1 and 2 kg•ha −1 , seed priming with 0% (water soaked), 1%, 2% HA solution and foliar spray with 0.01%, 0.05% and 0.1% of HA solution. It is concluded that HA application in all the three methods significantly enhances grain yield and yield components of mungbean.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of andrachne cordifolia muell

Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry, 2007

The crude methanolic extract of Andrachne cordifolia Muell. (Euphorbiaceae) and its various fract... more The crude methanolic extract of Andrachne cordifolia Muell. (Euphorbiaceae) and its various fractions in different solvent systems (chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities. Crude extract and subsequent fractions demonstrated moderate to excellent antibacterial activities against the tested pathogens. Highest antibacterial activity was displayed by both chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions (100%) followed by the crude extract (68%) against Salmonella typhi. Similarly, crude extract and its subsequent fractions showed mild to excellent activities in antifungal bioassay with maximum (76%) antifungal activity against Microsporum canis by the chloroform fraction followed by the crude extract (65%).

4,4,6a,6b,11,12,14b-Heptamethyl-16-oxo-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,6a,6b,7,8,9,10,11,12,12a,14a,14b-octadecahydro-12b,8a-(epoxymethano)picen-3-yl acetate

Acta Crystallographica Section E Structure Reports Online, 2013

The title compound, C 32 H 48 O 4 , which was extracted from the bark of Rhododendron arboreum, c... more The title compound, C 32 H 48 O 4 , which was extracted from the bark of Rhododendron arboreum, consists of five fused rings to which an acetate and seven methyl groups are attached. The A, D and E rings adopt chair conformations, the B ring is in a distorted chair and the C ring is in a half-chair conformation. The five-membered ring formed by the lactone group, which bridges from the A/B to the B/C ring junctions, is an approximate envelope with the C atom of the methyne group as the flap [displacement from the other four atoms = 0.753 (2) Å ]. There are no identified directional interactions in the crystal structure. Related literature For a related crystal structure, see: El-Seedi et al. (1994). For puckering parameters, see: Cremer & Pople (1975). Experimental Crystal data C 32 H 48 O 4 M r = 496.70 Monoclinic, P2 1 a = 13.7309 (8) Å b = 6.9177 (4) Å c = 14.8539 (9) Å = 90.943 (2) V = 1410.73 (14) Å 3 Z = 2 Mo K radiation = 0.08 mm À1 T = 296 K 0.35 Â 0.20 Â 0.18 mm Data collection Bruker Kappa APEXII CCD diffractometer Absorption correction: multi-scan (SADABS; Bruker, 2005) T min = 0.975, T max = 0.987 11401 measured reflections 2856 independent reflections 2261 reflections with I > 2(I) R int = 0.029 Refinement R[F 2 > 2(F 2)] = 0.041 wR(F 2) = 0.101 S = 1.03 2856 reflections 333 parameters 1 restraint H-atom parameters constrained Á max = 0.15 e Å À3 Á min = À0.15 e Å À3

Calcium channel blocking activities of Withania coagulans

by Bashir Ahmad and Niaz Ali

African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Sep 30, 2009

Abstract The effects of crude methanolic extract of Withania coagulans (Wc. cr) were studied for ... more

Chemical composition and antifungal, phytotoxic, brine shrimp cytotoxicity, insecticidal and antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Acacia modesta

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2012

Many bioactive compounds are produced by the medicinal plants that have important pharmacological... more Many bioactive compounds are produced by the medicinal plants that have important pharmacological activities. The present study describes the chemical composition, antifungal, phytotoxic, brine shrimp cytotoxic, insecticidal and antibacterial activities of essential oils from Acacia modesta. The oils were extracted from the n-hexane fraction of the aerial parts of the plant and were analyzed by gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results revealed 38 components from the oil of A. modesta. The oils exhibited moderate antifungal activity (40%) against Microsporum canis and low against Fusarium solani (25%). At the concentration of 1000 and 100 µg/ml, the oils showed moderate phytotoxic activity of 50 and 40%, respectively, against Lemna minor. The oils were highly cytotoxic at the concentration of 100 µg/ml killing all the shrimps in the experiment. At the concentration of 10 µg/ml only 2 and at concentration of 1 µg/ml, only 8 shrimps survived out of 30. The oils showed no antibacterial and insecticidal activity against the test organisms.

Biological activities of a new compound isolated from the aerial parts of Vitex agnus castus L

African Journal of Biotechnology, Dec 27, 2010

A new compound trivially named vitexcarpan was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Vitex ... more A new compound trivially named vitexcarpan was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Vitex agnus castus. The structure of compound was elucidated with the help of spectroscopic techniques: 13C NMR, 1H NMR, heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC), nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) and correlation spectroscopy (COSY). The isolated compound was screened for possible urease, chymotrypsin and anti-inflammatory activities. The results showed that the compound possess moderate inhibitory activity against urease (43.3 %) and chymotrypsin (39.8 %) enzymes. Vitexcarpan also showed moderate (48 %) in vitro antiinflammatory activity using activated human neutrophils.