Abstract Euphorbia helioscopia and Rumex dentatus are two essential medicinal plants that are widely used in traditional medicines against various illnesses. The present research was focused to confirm and validate the antibacterial, antifungal and antitumor activities of both plants. The antimicrobial activities were investigated against different bacterial and fungal strains. The in vitro antioxidant activities were confirmed against DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide free radicals using ascorbic acid (Vc) as a standard. The results indicated that the increase in percentage scavenging activity is due to the increase in concentration of both plant extracts from 50-500 µg/mL. Moreover, the percentage tumor inhibition of both plant extracts was confirmed by potato disc method using dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a negative control. The higher percentage of tumor inhibition was observed for water and ethanolic extract in case of E. helioscopia and R. dentatus, respectively.

Abstract Fenugreek leaves contains bioactive compounds, which are helpful in maintaining human health. These compounds are adversely affected in conventional drying methods. Therefore, this study was carried out to retain maximum amount of these components through microwave-assisted drying and extraction technique. The technique was optimized for simultaneous drying and extraction process for fenugreek leaves. The drying rate and drying time were influenced by the level of microwave power; time was reduced from 21 to 5 minutes, when microwave power was changed from 30 to 100 W. Unlikely, the drying rate increased from 1.79 to 4.56 ± 0.05 g/(100 g.min) with the change in power (30 to 100 W). Moreover, moisture ratio analysis determined that two term model was the best to demonstrate the fitness with experimental values. The energy consumption was lowest for 100W compared to other powers. Furthermore, comparison between microwave-based extraction and methanol-extraction indicated that the antioxidant activity was better preserved compared to conventional ones even at higher microwave power levels.

Abstract The current study was conducted to determine the effect of four maturity stages on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of date (Phoenix dactyliferaL.) varieties. Four varieties of date palm viz., Zahidi, Aseel, Halawi, and Dhaki were used at four ripening stages (Kimri, Khalal, Rutab, and Tamer). The protein and fat contents of all the selected varieties of dates decreased from Kimri to the tamer stage of development. In all the date varieties the glucose, fructose, and total sugar contents were increased up to the full ripe stage. On the other hand, the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP), and total flavonoid content decreased gradually in all the selected date varieties from Kimri to Tamer stage of development. The highest amount of TPC, TFC, DPPH, and FRAP was observed in the Dhaki variety. During the fruit maturation process, minerals and dietary fiber contents also decreased from Kimri to Tamer stage of development in all varieties. The dietary fiber including both soluble and insoluble fiber was observed highest in Dhaki variety at the Kimri stage.