Abstract The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli poses a severe global health risk and demands the development of new antibacterial strategies. Biologically manufactured metal oxide nanocomposites have gained popularity due to their superior antibacterial activity and environmentally sustainable synthesis. This study uniquely integrates fungal metabolite profiling, green synthesis of a CuO/ZnO heterojunction nanocomposite, and molecular evaluation of anti-virulence activity against clinically isolated MDR Escherichia coli. The CuO/ZnO system was selected due to its synergistic heterostructure, which enhances reactive oxygen species generation and improves antibacterial performance compared to single metal oxides. In this investigation, an MDR E. coli strain was isolated from wound infections and identified using 16 S rRNA sequencing. A soil-derived fungus capable of forming CuO/ZnO nanocomposites was isolated and identified as Aspergillus terreus using 18 S rRNA sequencing. The bioactive constituents in the fungal filtrate were identified using High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the biosynthesized CuO/ZnO nanocomposite. The antibacterial effect against MDR E. coli was examined using disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, and the influence on virulence and quorum-sensing genes was measured using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The MDR E. coli isolate was resistant to all antibiotics tested. A variety of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and aromatic compounds were detected in the fungal filtrate; however, the filtrate alone did not exhibit antibacterial activity. The CuO/ZnO nanocomposite showed strong antibacterial activity, with an inhibition zone diameter of 2.3 ± 0.4 mm and MIC of 62.5 ± 0.2 µg/mL. Gene expression analysis indicated considerable downregulation of critical virulence genes, including fimH, luxS, toxA, and papC, suggesting impairment of adhesion, toxin synthesis, and quorum sensing. The biosynthesized CuO/ZnO nanocomposite shows strong antibacterial and anti-virulence activity against MDR E. coli, indicating its potential as an alternative antibacterial agent.

BACKGROUND:Candida albicans-infected wounds are difficult to treat due to delayed healing, excessive inflammation, and oxidative stress. Mastoparan, a bioactive peptide with antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, was investigated for its potential to enhance wound healing and antifungal activity. This study evaluated its effects on oxidative stress, inflammation, and the expression of TGF-β1, VEGF, NF-κB, and COL1A1 in a C. albicans-infected wound model, compared with ketoconazole. MATERIALS AND METHODS:The antifungal activity of mastoparan was assessed in vitro using inhibition zone analysis and MIC determination against C. albicans. For comparison, ketoconazole was tested at 10 µg/mL in vitro and as a 2% topical formulation in vivo. In vivo wound healing was evaluated using two MIC-informed doses of mastoparan (7.8 and 15.6 mg/kg/day) administered topically once daily in non-infected and infected rat wound models, in comparison with ketoconazole. Eight groups were studied (n = 12/group): untreated control, wounded untreated, wounded + mastoparan (two doses), infected untreated, infected + mastoparan (two doses), and infected + ketoconazole (reference). Treatments were applied for 14 days. Wound healing, histology, ultrastructure, oxidative stress, inflammation, and gene expression analyzed. RESULTS:Mastoparan showed strong antifungal activity and dose-dependently enhanced infected wound healing by accelerating wound closure, reducing fungal burden, improving tissue integrity, decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting wound-healing-related gene expression, with the greatest effects observed at 15.6 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSIONS:Mastoparan exerts potent antifungal activity and accelerates wound healing through coordinated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative mechanisms, supporting its potential as a therapeutic alternative to conventional antifungal agents.

Echium angustifolium is traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties; yet comprehensive studies on its biological activities are limited. Aerial flowering parts were sequentially extracted with solvents of varying polarity. Extracts were analyzed for yield, phytochemical composition, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents and HPLC. LC-MS/MS analysis in negative ion mode was performed for detailed compound identification. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH assay. Antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated via agar diffusion and MIC/MBC methods. Anti-inflammatory potential was determined in vitro through RBC membrane stabilization (hemolysis) assay. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity were examined using MTT and cell-based assays on HepG2 and Vero cells. The molecular mechanism of anticancer activity was investigated through qPCR analysis of apoptosis-related genes (Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Bcl-2) in HepG2 cells. Antiviral efficacy against Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and Coxsackievirus B4 (CoxB4) was further validated by RT-qPCR quantification of viral RNA copy numbers. The ethanolic extract showed the highest yield (14.23%) among the tested solvents and richest phytochemical profile, with rutin as the predominant compound. LC-MS/MS identified 24 compounds including threonic acid, hypoxanthine, indole-3-carboxylic acid, N-methyllysine, 4-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, 4-isopropylbenzoic acid, methionine, N-2-fluorenylacetamide, arachidic acid, N-methylanthranilic acid, carbocysteine, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate, lumazine, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide, and 3-isochromanone. It exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 21.08 µg/mL) and antibacterial effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It exhibited in vitro anti-inflammatory effects via RBC membrane stabilization (95.5% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL) and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (IC50 = 94 µg/mL), while showing low toxicity toward Vero cells (IC50 = 632.24 µg/mL). Mechanistically, qPCR analysis revealed that the extract at IC50 concentration significantly upregulated pro-apoptotic Bax (4.21-fold), Caspase-3 (5.02-fold), and Caspase-9 (4.08-fold), while downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (0.33-fold) compared to untreated controls, confirming apoptosis induction through the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Antiviral assays revealed significant inhibition of HAV and Coxsackievirus B4 replication at non-toxic concentrations. RT-qPCR quantification demonstrated that the extract at MNTC (250 µg/mL) reduced HAV and CoxB4 viral RNA copies by 50.6% (from 1.22 × 106 to 6.03 × 105 copies/mL for HAV; from 2.47 × 105 to 1.22 × 105 copies/mL for CoxB4), providing direct evidence of viral inhibition. The ethanolic extract of E. angustifolium exhibited multifunctional in vitro bioactivities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral effects. LC-MS/MS identified a diverse array of bioactive compounds, while mechanistic studies revealed apoptosis induction via the mitochondrial pathway (upregulation of Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9; downregulation of Bcl-2) and direct antiviral activity through inhibition of viral replication (confirmed by RT-qPCR). These findings validate the traditional medicinal uses of E. angustifolium and highlight its potential as a promising source of bioactive compounds that warrant further in vivo and mechanistic investigations.

The current study estimated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo anti-arthritic activities of the aqueous ethanolic extract of Ximenia caffra (X. caffra) seeds extract. It was hypothesized that X. caffra seeds extract, rich in phytochemicals that could modulate inflammatory pathways and protect joint tissues in an antigen-induced arthritis rat model. The chemical composition of X. caffra seeds extract was examined using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Ximenia caffra seeds extract showed promising in vitro anti-inflammatory activity with an IC50 = 26.01 ± 0.85 µg/ml. To evaluate in vivo efficacy, antigen-induced arthritis was established in rats using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA), followed by subcutaneous administration of X. caffra extract at doses of 26, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight, alongside a standard drug control [Methotrexate (MTX), 0.3 mg/kg] in separate groups of animals. Anti-arthritic effects were assessed by measuring joint diameter, arthritic score, body weight, and through histopathological and ultrastructural analyses of joint and muscle tissues as well as osteoclast assessment, cytokine analyses, renal and kidney functions. The optimal dose (26 mg/kg) significantly alleviated arthritis symptoms, restoring joint and muscle morphology toward normal architecture. Ex vivo osteoclast evaluation and flow cytometric apoptosis analysis indicated that X. caffra extract promoted cellular recovery and reduced inflammatory damage. Furthermore, cytokine profiling demonstrated that treatment with X. caffra shifted pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ) toward an anti-inflammatory balance by elevating IL-4 and regulating IgG1a/IgG2a ratios. Collectively, these results support the hypothesis that X. caffra seeds extract had potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects by modulating immune responses and preserving joint integrity, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic alternative for rheumatoid arthritis management after further validation.

'Fremont' mandarin is highly valued for its early ripening, deep orange peel coloration, and elevated juice content, making it an appealing cultivar for both local markets and international trade. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnetic iron soil applications on canopy volume, leaf nutrient status, physiological leaf traits, yield, and fruit quality of 'Fremont' mandarin trees. Magnetic iron was applied at rates of 'Control (0 g MI)', '250 g MI', '500 g MI', and '750 g MI /tree' respectively (where MI denotes Magnetic Iron). Results revealed that canopy volume significantly increased with magnetic iron application, with the most pronounced effects observed at the 750 g MI/tree rate (213.6% and 209.2% increase over control in 2023 and 2024, respectively). Leaf macronutrient contents, including total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), were markedly elevated across all treated trees, with increases reaching 38.7%, 42.3%, and 35.8% respectively under the highest application rate. Tree yield increased by up to 71.6% compared to control in the 750 g MI/tree treatment. Magnetic iron also influenced key physiological and biochemical traits. Total chlorophyll content in leaves was significantly improved, reflecting enhanced photosynthetic activity. Meanwhile, leaf proline levels a stress indicator were significantly reduced in treated trees, suggesting alleviated environmental stress. Relative water content (RWC) of leaves increased, indicating improved plant water status. Conversely, sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ion accumulation, often associated with salinity stress, was substantially decreased in response to magnetic iron, especially at higher doses. These physiological improvements were mirrored in yield and fruit quality. Trees treated with magnetic iron produced heavier fruits with higher juice volume, better firmness, elevated vitamin C content, increased total soluble solids (TSS), and an improved TSS/acid ratio. In conclusion, magnetic iron particularly at 750 MI g/tree proved to be an effective agronomic input for improving nutrient status, physiological performance, and fruit yield and quality of 'Fremont' mandarin trees.

Astragalus membranaceus is a traditional medicinal plant with diverse therapeutic properties largely attributed to its polysaccharides (APs). This study evaluated the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of APs and eugenol, both individually and in combination, against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens and HepG2 liver cancer cells. Thirty bacterial and ten Candida isolates were recovered from skin abscesses, with five identified as MDR strains (Staphylococcus haemolyticus, S. aureus, E. coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Candida auris), confirmed by 16S rDNA and ITS sequencing. Both APs and eugenol exhibited marked antimicrobial activity, while their combination achieved the strongest inhibition (up to 27.3 ± 0.4 mm). C. auris was highly sensitive to APs alone (MIC: 2 ± 0.2 µg/mL). The combination also significantly downregulated IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α levels, and showed potent COX-2 inhibition (0.10 ± 0.01 µg/mL), surpassing celecoxib (0.9 ± 0.05 µg/mL). Antioxidant analysis (DPPH assay) revealed superior radical scavenging by the combination (57.5 ± 1.3 % %). Molecular docking confirmed the activity of eugenol, showing favorable binding to DNA gyrase B, sterol demethylase, COX-2, xanthine oxidase, and caspase-3, with the strongest affinity for xanthine oxidase (-5.25 kcal/mol). In anticancer assays, eugenol induced dose-dependent inhibition of HepG2 cell proliferation, while APs displayed limited cytotoxicity. Notably, the combination reduced cell viability to 3.77 ± 0.4 % % at 400 µg/mL, consistent with apoptotic changes. Collectively, these findings highlight the synergistic potential of APs and eugenol as a multi-target therapeutic approach against MDR infections, inflammation, oxidative stress, and liver cancer.

Inflammation-driven disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis require safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives to conventional immunosuppressive drugs. In this study, we purified and identified a soil-derived fungal isolate. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential was evaluated using integrated chemical, biological, and computational approaches. Morphological characteristics combined with 18 S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the isolate as Penicillium chrysogenum (GenBank accession: PV110187.1), validating its taxonomic identity for downstream investigations. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling of the methanolic extract revealed a chemically diverse metabolome dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acid esters and terpenoid constituents. The most abundant constituents were methyl 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoate (43.21

Biochar represents carbon rich material product obtained from pyrolyzing biomass and has been postulated to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity. This study examined the effect of amending the soil with biochar on yield as well as the physical and chemical properties of Valencia oranges. A control (no biochar) (T1), biochar applied at 2.0 (T2), 4.0 (T3), and 6.0 (T4) kg/tree/year were among the treatments used in a field experiment. Results showed that, when compared to control, biochar significantly (p < 0.05) increased leaf nutrient content in terms of N, P, K, and total chlorophyll content of leaves. The effect was strongest at the highest application rate of 6 kg/tree/year (T4). Biochar treatments also enhanced physical properties of fruit; the most marked improvements again being observed in T4. Yield was observed to increase progressively with increased biochar application rates. In the first year, yield increases over control were 52.9% in T2, 69.0% in T3, and 73.3% in T4. For T2, T3, and T4, the corresponding increases in the second season were 47.7%, 59.9%, and 67.9%. Biochar application also improved fruit chemical properties. Therefore, it was demonstrated that biochar could be utilized as a significant soil amendment to enhance Valencia orange production by increasing the soil’s nutrient availability, increasing leaf chlorophyll content, fruit physical attributes, and ultimately fruit yield. In conclusion an application rate of biochar at the rate of 6 kg/tree/year is recommended for fulfilling the productivity of Valencia orange orchards.

IntroductionGreen synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts offers an eco-friendly and sustainable strategy for developing multifunctional nanomaterials with biomedical applications. This study aimed to biosynthesize AgNPs using Syzygium aromaticum (clove) extract and evaluate their physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, and antibacterial activities.MethodsAgNPs were biosynthesized using clove extract and characterized by Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). Antioxidant activity was determined by IC₅₀ analysis, while anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using hemolysis protection and human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assays. Antiviral activity was evaluated against hepatitis A virus (HAV), Coxsackievirus B4 (COXB4), and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Cytotoxicity was assessed in human colorectal carcinoma (CaCO₂) and normal lung fibroblast (Wi-38) cells. Antibacterial activity was tested against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, and quantitative molecular analyses were performed to determine the expression of bacterial virulence genes and cancer-related genes. All reported values represent the mean of three independent experiments.ResultsThe synthesized AgNPs were predominantly spherical, well dispersed, and had an average particle size of approximately 9.5 nm. XRD confirmed a crystalline face-centered cubic (fcc) structure, while UV–Vis analysis showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 437 nm, confirming successful nanoparticle formation. The AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ of approximately 13.5 μg/mL and demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity through membrane stabilization and hemolysis protection. Antiviral assays showed marked inhibition of HAV, COXB4, and HSV-1 at 250 μg/mL, with the highest inhibition observed against HAV (74%). Cytotoxicity studies revealed selective anticancer activity, with an IC₅₀ of approximately 137 μg/mL against CaCO₂ cells compared with 387 μg/mL for Wi-38 cells. Broad-spectrum antibacterial activity was observed against MDR Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 27217), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (ATCC 29970), Escherichia coli (BAA-197), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (BAA-1705). Molecular analyses demonstrated significant suppression of bacterial virulence genes, including luxS in E. coli (70%), fnbA-a and cna in S. aureus (74%), fnbA-h in S. haemolyticus (77%), and rmpA in K. pneumoniae (81%) at AgNP concentrations of 10 μg/mL for Gram-positive and 12.5 μg/mL for Gram-negative strains. In CaCO₂ cells, AgNP treatment significantly downregulated c-MYC (0.49-fold), K-RAS (0.67-fold), and BCL2 (0.78-fold; p < 0.01), while significantly upregulating BAX (1.74-fold).DiscussionClove-mediated AgNPs demonstrated potent multifunctional biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, selective anticancer, and antibacterial effects, accompanied by modulation of cancer-associated and bacterial virulence genes. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of biosynthesized AgNPs as promising candidates for the development of novel antimicrobial and anticancer nanomedicines.

The development of multifunctional biomaterials that combine structural support with therapeutic functions is a key challenge in bone tissue engineering. Bioglass and chitosan are widely studied for their bioactivity and biocompatibility, while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Tenoxicam provide pain relief and inflammation control. We synthesized novel Tenoxicam-loaded Bioglass/Chitosan (TXC/BG/Cs) composites via the sol–gel process, incorporating 1, 2, and 3 wt% drug concentrations. The composites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) to evaluate physicochemical properties and bioactivity. Sustained drug release was monitored for 33 days using UV–Vis spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was assessed against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. haemolyticus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. FTIR and XRD confirmed the formation of hydroxyapatite layers on composite surfaces after immersion in SBF, indicating strong bioactivity. SEM revealed a porous microstructure favorable for osteointegration, while EDX confirmed increased Ca and P deposition. The composites exhibited sustained Tenoxicam release following zero-order kinetics, with C3 (3 wt%) showing the highest cumulative release. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated significant inhibition zones against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. These findings suggest that TXC/BG/Cs composites integrate drug delivery, antibacterial functionality, and bone-bonding capability, making them promising candidates for bone tissue engineering and post-surgical implants.

Background: Fusarium oxysporum is a devastating soil-borne pathogen causing vascular wilt in numerous crops, including maize, leading to significant economic losses. The overreliance on chemical fungicides necessitates the exploration of sustainable biocontrol agents. Microalgae like Chlorella vulgaris and botanicals like neem (Aza-dirachta indica) represent promising, eco-friendly sources of antifungal compounds. Methods: The antifungal efficacy of Chlorella vulgaris and neem seed extracts was evaluated through in vitro assays and in vivo greenhouse experiments on maize (Zea mays) plants. The treated fungi were also imaged using an electron microscope, and the effects of various treatments were compared. Results: C. vulgaris extract exhibited a highly antagonistic effect in vitro and restricted the mycelia of F. oxysporum by 54.6 %, followed by Neem seed oil extract (29.5 %). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) exhibited acute morphological damage to fungal hyphae. In Vivo, neem seed oil extract was the most efficient in reducing disease incidence (20 %). On the other hand, the disease incidence with the algal extract reached 40 % as compared with the control treatment. Furthermore, both extracts significantly enhanced plant growth parameters, including plant height, chlorophyll content, and fresh weight, in infected maize plants compared to the untreated control. Conclusion: This study confirms that C. vulgaris extract and neem seed oil are effective bio-fungicides against F. oxysporum, with the former showing superior direct antifungal activity in vitro and the latter demonstrating higher efficacy in reducing disease incidence in plants. Their dual role as antifungal agents and plant growth promoters makes them excellent candidates for integrated pest management strategies.

In Egypt, the genus Fagonia is found in all the deserts of Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula. It is widely used to treat many diseases as a home remedy without sufficient scientific studies, especially Fagonia arabica L. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate the comprehensive phytochemical profile and biological evaluation of F. Arabica using HPLC method, antimicrobial activity, antioxidants, and cytotoxicity assays. The results showed that the phytochemical components detected in the aerial flowering parts of F. arabica were tannins, steroids, terpenoids, diterpenes, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, fixed oils, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids. HPLC highlighted the presence of fifteen phenolic compounds present in F. arabica aqueous extract, and the highest of them were chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and catechin. The antibacterial study of F. arabica extract showed significant inhibitory actions against Staphylococcus epidermidis , Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Acinetobacter baumannii with zone diameters of 20.0, 22.0, 23.0, 21.0, 17.0, and 18.0 mm, respectively. The extract of aerial flowering parts of F. arabica showed high value (IC 50 = 46.25 µg mL − 1 ) in its free radical scavenging activity. The F. arabica extract showed low cytotoxicity against the Vero and A549 cell lines with IC 50 values of 317.09 µg mL − 1 and 178.08 µg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the F. arabica extract is used as antibacterial and anticancer agents due to their high content of phytochemicals and antioxidants and can be applied in innovative pharmaceutical and medical fields.

Apis mellifera beeswax is synthesized from honey sugars and secreted by specialized glands located on the ventral side of the abdomen of worker bees aged 12–18 days. This beeswax possesses various therapeutic properties beneficial to human health. Given the priority in pharmacological research to develop new drugs from natural sources with minimal side effects, the absence of studies on the biological activities of A. mellifera beeswax is notable. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the chemical composition, as well as the anti-inflammatory, antiviral, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of hydroethanolic crude beeswax extract from A. mellifera. The results revealed the presence of the flavonoids rutin (19.39 µg/g), naringenin (69.52 µg/g), daidzein (3.34 µg/g), quercetin (53.69 µg/g), kaempferol (51.88 µg/g), hesperetin (8.13 µg/g) and the phenolic gallic acid (421.13 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (878.80 µg/g), methyl gallate (56.21 µg/g), caffeic acid (8.83 µg/g), syringic acid (8.07 µg/g), coumaric acid (9.80 µg/g) and cinnamic acid (4.94 µg/g) which assessed by HPLC. Apis mellifera beeswax had considerable anti-inflammatory activity percent hemolysis Inhibition was 90.2% at concentration 1000 µg/mL, while indomethacin (standard drug) showed 100% activity at the same concentration. Also, exhibited major antioxidant activity as assessed by DPPH radical scavenging activity assay which compared to ascorbic acid, the IC50 of A. mellifera beeswax was 16.93 µg/mL. The antiviral activity of A. mellifera beeswax against HAV was recorded at 78.52%, while it was 24.2% against CoxB4 at the same concentration. The beeswax of A. mellifera demonstrated greater inhibitory activity than the reference compound gentamicin against Staphylococcus aureus (25 ± 0.18 mm) and Escherichia coli (15 ± 0.81 mm). It also showed significant inhibitory activity against Candida auris (22 ± 0.21 mm). Moderate inhibitory effects were observed against Klebsiella pneumoniae (19 ± 0.36 mm), Enterobacter aerogenes (14 ± 0.46 mm), and Candida albicans (15 ± 0.13 mm). The minimum lethal concentrations and minimum inhibitory concentrations of A. mellifera beeswax against these pathogenic strains ranged from 125 to 250 μg/mL and 62.5–125 μg/mL, respectively. The findings of this study highlight the substantial biological potential of beeswax extract, suggesting that A. mellifera beeswax warrants further investigation as a source for new pharmacological alternatives. However, additional in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to fully assess its potential benefits for human health.

The researchers in Egypt have significant difficulty in controlling the development of damping-off disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani in the faba bean plant (Vicia faba L, VF). This is due to the importance of faba beans as a staple food source. Fungicides are used to control either seeds or soil; regrettably, they pollute the ecosystem. As a result, further study is required to identify safe and cost-effective alternatives. In this context, silver nanoparticles were utilized as an inhibitory agent against Rhizoctonia solani and compared to the commercial fungicide Hattric 6% FS (tebuconazole). The minimal inhibitory and fungicidal values for Ag-NPs were 50 and 100 ppm, respectively.Furthermore, Ag-NPs reduced R. solani damping-off intensity. Similarly, Ag-NPs dramatically enhance phenotypic (Shoot length, root length and number of leaves), physiological indicators (soluble sugars, soluble protein and proline), stress markers (Malondialdehyde (MDA), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)), protein pattern when compared to infected controls and the chemical fungicide tebuconazole. In conclusion, biosynthesized Ag-NPs are a potentially efficient treatment against R. solani damping-off diseases in Vicia faba, along with a plant growth promoter.