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IntroductionHyperspectral remote sensing provides a powerful platform for identifying plant species with pharmacological relevance by capturing subtle variations in pigment content, physiological traits, and leaf structure.MethodsThis study employed spectral indices to evaluate and differentiate 10 Ficus and two Moringa spp. based on their reflectance characteristics and morphological features. Spectral data were collected using an ASD FieldSpec spectroradiometer, and vegetation indices such as NDVI, SR, PRI, ARI2, NDRE, and MCARI were calculated to infer photosynthetic performance and secondary metabolite potential. Descriptive morphological traits were recorded to aid in species-level discrimination.Results and DiscussionStatistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), identified specific bands in the NIR and SWIR II regions as particularly effective for distinguishing among the studied taxa. Notably, Ficus benghalensis , Ficus racemosa , and Moringa oleifera exhibited superior spectral profiles, reflecting high pigment density and physiological vigor, which correspond with their well-documented pharmacological roles. Conversely, species like F. religiosa and M. peregrina showed relatively subdued spectral signatures. Statistical analyses (ANOVA and LDA) confirmed the discriminatory power of NIR and SWIR II regions across species. Morphological traits provided taxonomic support but were less distinctive than spectral indices. These findings demonstrate the value of hyperspectral indices as rapid, non-destructive tools to identify and prioritize medicinally potent species within Ficus and Moringa spp., offering insights for pharmacognosy, conservation, and phytochemical prospecting. Moreover, by enabling efficient identification of underutilized species with confirmed medical value, this approach may support efforts to sustainably manage native plant resources, particularly in regions where such species contribute to traditional healthcare systems, nutritional supplementation, and the resilience of local livelihoods.

Regrettably, it is still common to find places without access to safe drinking water due to a lack of resources or appropriate technologies to support adequate solutions. Remedial efforts will need to focus on appropriate solutions for such locations. Coagulation with Moringa spp. seeds has been proposed as a sustainable option for water treatment for low-income locations due to the many other uses of the Moringa tree. Yet, its application is not limited to particle separation. A survey of the databases of WOK (Web of Knowledge) and CSA (Cambridge Scientific Abstracts) identified studies utilising Moringa spp. seeds as a coagulant. Although the majority of the studies were of laboratory or household applications, there were also reported trials in pilot- and full-scale treatment trains. Moringa spp. seed extracts were assessed as primary coagulants, co-coagulants (with aluminium sulfate) or secondary coagulant aids (flocculants). Turbidity reduction efficiencies vary according to the source water characteristics, coagulant preparation technique, and seed type. Treatment benefits of coagulation with Moringa spp. seeds are objectively assessed and have been contrasted with practical considerations in view of its sustainable application.

Subsistence farming and poor storage facilities favor toxigenic fungal contamination and mycotoxin accumulation in staple foods from tropical countries such as Haiti. The present preliminary study was designed to evaluate the occurrence of toxigenic fungi in Haitian foodstuffs to define the mycotoxin risk associated with Haitian crops. The objectives of this research were to determine the distribution of toxigenic fungi in the Haitian crops maize, moringa, and peanut seeds and to screen Aspergillus section Flavi (ASF) isolates for production of aflatoxins B and G in vitro. Maize, moringa, and peanut samples were contaminated by potential toxigenic fungal taxa, mainly ASF and Fusarium spp. The isolation frequency of Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. was influenced by locality and thus by farming systems, storage systems, and weather conditions. Particularly for ASF in peanut and maize samples, isolation frequencies were directly related to the growing season length. The present study represents the first report of contamination by toxigenic fungi and aflatoxin in moringa seeds, posing concerns about the safety of these seeds, which people in Haiti commonly consume. Most (80%) of the Haitian ASF strains were capable of producing aflatoxins, indicating that Haitian conditions clearly favor the colonization of toxigenic ASF strains over atoxigenic strains. ASF strains producing both aflatoxins B and G were found. Understanding the distribution of toxigenic ASF in Haitian crops and foodstuffs is important for determining accurate toxicological risks because the toxic profile of ASF is species specific. The occurrence of toxigenic fungi and the profiles of the ASF found in various crops highlight the need to prevent formation of aflatoxins in Haitian crops. This study provides relevant preliminary baseline data for guiding the development of legislation regulating the quality and safety of crops in this low-income country.

Regular intake of sufficient amounts of certain dietary phytochemicals was proven to reduce the incidence of noncommunicable chronic diseases and certain infectious diseases. In addition, dietary phytochemicals were also reported to reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders such as obesity in children and adults. However, limited information is available, especially on dietary phytochemicals in the commonly available traditional leafy vegetables. Primarily, the review summarizes information on the major phytochemicals and the impact of geographical location, genotype, agronomy practices, postharvest storage, and processing of common traditional leafy vegetables. The review also briefly discusses the bioavailability and accessibility of major phytochemicals, common antinutritive compounds of the selected vegetables, and recently developed traditional leafy vegetable‐based food products for dietary diversification to improve the balanced diet for the consumers. The potential exists for better use of traditional leafy vegetables to sustain food security and to improve the health and well‐being of humans. The review also briefly discusses the bioavailability and accessibility of major phytochemicals, common antinutritive compounds of the selected vegetables, and recently developed traditional leafy vegetable‐based food products for dietary diversification to improve the balanced diet for the consumers.

The emergence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria is considered as a global problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial inhibitory effects of the oily aqueous extract of Moringa peregrina Forssk against MDR clinical Salmonella enterica isolates. Four MDR S. enterica isolates were proved to have a gene mutation in amino acids codon 83 and 87 of gyrA and 67, 76 and 80 of parC gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. The active components of M. pregrina extract were purified using GLC and TLC techniques and by using IR, NMR and mass spectra. The M. peregrina Forssk extract effect on bacterial cells was determined using scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Results demonstrated that M. peregrina Forssk have an excellent inhibitory effect against 34 MDR S. enterica isolates with different minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (109.37-437.5 mg/mL). The active component was identified as oleic acid-3 hydroxy propyl ester. The main abnormalities of Salmonella cells were observed - destruction in the cell wall that led to a reduction of protoplast besides, disruption of cytoplasmic membranes and, consequently, loss in their metabolic functions and death. This is the first report that deeply highlights the antimicrobial activity of M. peregrina Forssk against MDR clinical S. enterica isolates.

The dusky cotton bug, [Oxycarenus] spp., has now attained the status of a major pest of cotton crops that affects lint as well as the seed quality of cotton. Surveys were conducted to explore the hibernating sites in the districts Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur. The efficacies of six different plant extracts, i.e. Neem ([Azadirachta indica]), Milkweed ([Calotropis procera]), Moringa ([Moringa oleifera]), Citrus ([Citrus sinensis]), Tobacco ([Nicotiana tobacum]) and Castor ([Ricinus communis]) were tested by using three different concentrations of each plant extract, i.e. 5, 2.5 and 1.5% under laboratory conditions at 25±2°C and 70±5% RH. The data were recorded 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after treatment application. However, [Psidium guajava], [Azadirachta indica], [Eucalyptus camaldulensis] and [Mangifera indica] were graded as host plants heavily infested by [Oxycarenus] spp. Results (α≤0.05) indicated that increasing the concentration of extracts also increased the mortality. [Nicotiana tobacum] and [Calotropis procera] respectively displayed maximum 72 and 71, 84 and 80, 97 and 89% mortality at all concentrations, i.e. 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00%, after 96 hours of application. Two concentrations (2.5 and 5%) are the most suitable for obtaining significant control of the dusky cotton bug.