Journal of Mathematical and Fundamental Sciences

Penta- and Tetra-cyclic Triterpenoids from Aglaia cucullata Stembark and Cytotoxicity against Cancer and Normal Cells

2025-10-01T09:45:02+07:00

Three triterpenoid compounds, belonging to the penta- and tetracyclic groups, were successively isolated from the stembark of Aglaia cucullata and identified as b-amyron (1), dammaradienon (2), and cabralealactone (3). After extensive extraction, chromatographic separation and purification, compounds 1 to 3 were gained. Spectroscopic analysis in addition to HRMS, FTIR, 1D and 2D NMR analysis were utilized to determine the chemical structure. After that, compounds 1 to 3 were tested against breast cancer, melanoma as well as normal kidney cells (MCF-7, B16-F10, and CV-1, respectively). The resulted cytotoxicity test revealed that compound 1 had the best cytotoxicity against all cells compared with the other isolated compounds. This result suggests that the pentacyclic triterpenoid core in compound 1 increases cytotoxicity compared with a tetracyclic skeleton.

Synthesis of Ternary Nanocomposites of MnO2/PANI/Maxsorb and their Performance as an Electrode Material for Supercapacitors

2025-12-09T08:19:32+07:00

Increasing performance of supercapacitors can be achieved by using a composite of electrode materials. Nevertheless, selecting appropriate materials and determining the optimal combination composition remain significant challenges. In this research, a ternary composite of MnO₂/polyaniline (PANI)/Maxsorb was studied. The combination of Maxsorb, PANI, and MnO₂ is a unique feature of this research, with Maxsorb acting as a porous structural framework; PANI enhancing electrical conductivity; and MnO₂ providing high pseudocapacitance. The ternary material was prepared by impregnation of MnO₂ and PANI into the pores of Maxsorb carbon in a two-sequence procedure, i.e., (i) incipient wetness impregnation of Mn(NO₃)₂ into porous carbon followed by calcination to obtain MnO₂/Maxsorb, and (ii) in situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the MnO₂/Maxsorb, hence obtaining the final ternary nanocomposite of MnO₂/PANI/Maxsorb. The electrochemical test using H₂SO₄ electrolyte (1 M) revealed that the ternary material outperformed single porous carbon or PANI as well as their binary nanocomposite in terms of properties such as energy density, power density, and capacitance. The ternary material had a specific surface area of around 2,078 m² g^-1, containing microporous and mesoporous structures. The material featured a specific capacitance up to 500 F g^-1 and a power density of 37.6 kW kg^-1 as well as an energy density of 62.69 Wh kg^-1.

Mangosteen Peel Extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) as a Potential Complementary of Leukemia Therapy: In Vitro and In Silico Studies

2025-12-23T11:51:45+07:00

Leukemia is caused by abnormal white blood cell proliferation that leads to disruption of conventional blood cell functions. Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) contains phytochemical compounds with strong anticancer properties, according to various cancer studies. This study investigated the potential of mangosteen peel extract (MPE) as an anti-leukemia agent through molecular docking of LC-MS-identified compounds against FLT-1 and AKT proteins, followed by in vitro evaluation on HL-60 cells, namely cytotoxic (WST-8 assay), ROS levels and senescence (flow cytometry), and then FLT1 and AKT gene expression (qRT-PCR). LC-MS identified α-mangostin, β-mangostin, γ-mangostin, mangostinone, and epicatechin as the main compounds. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities from −8.5 to −9.9 kcal/mol against AKT, and from −9.0 to −9.9 kcal/mol against FLT-1. MPE (500 µg/mL) decreased cell viability and increased inhibition of HL-60 cells. Intracellular ROS levels decreased significantly at 0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 µg/mL MPE. MPE induced cell senescence especially at 1.2 and 2.4 µg/mL. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of AKT at 1.2 and 2.4 µg/mL and FLT1 at 2.4 µg/mL. These findings suggest that MPE may exert multifactorial anti-leukemic mechanisms, including apoptosis, ROS modulation, senescence induction, and regulation of AKT and FLT1 expression.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Yeast from Sugarcane Juice (Saccharum officinarum L.) as a Bread Leavening Agent

2025-12-14T22:43:22+07:00

Baker’s yeast naturally occurs in plant materials with high glucose content, including sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast from sugarcane juice and evaluate its safety and potential application as baker’s yeast. The methodological workflow included isolation, purification, macroscopic and microscopic characterization, and molecular identification. Safety assessments consisted of hemolysis testing and the evaluation of phospholipase and protease enzyme activities. The technological potential of the isolates was examined through carbohydrate fermentation, tolerance to 50% glucose, flocculation capacity, and hydrogen sulfide production. Two isolates, designated SO1 and SO2, were successfully obtained. Molecular characterization revealed that SO1 shared 99.20% similarity with Hanseniaspora opuntiae, while SO2 showed 99.98% similarity with Candida akabanensis. Both isolates exhibited non-pathogenic characteristics, indicated by a hemolysis index (Hi) of 1 and phospholipase activity represented by a precipitation zone (Pz) of 1. Protease activity assay showed Pz values of 1 for H. opuntiae and 0.58 for C. akabanensis. Potency testing demonstrated that both species performed well in bread dough development, confirming promising leavening capabilities. Overall, H. opuntiae and C. akabanensis isolated from sugarcane juice are food-grade yeasts and are safe for use in bread production.