Publications by authors named "Masoko P"

The soil microbiome is crucial for the environment and significantly impacts the ecosystem. Understanding the microbiome and its interaction with soil microorganisms is essential for improving ecological and environmental strategies. In this study, Xiphinema elongatum nematodes were collected from water berry in Sovenga Hills, Limpopo Province, South Africa, and were analyzed their associated bacterial communities using metabarcoding analysis.

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Tuberculosis is a worldwide prevalent and recurring disease that contributes significantly to high mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-mycobacterial, and antibiofilm activities of acetone crude extract. The crude acetone extract was fractionated using column chromatography and characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS).

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Heavy metal and microbial pollution in groundwater raises health concerns due to its adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with heavy metal and bacterial pollution in groundwater in Mankweng. Heavy metals and were detected using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry and a Colilert system, respectively.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Various water quality parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and more were measured, revealing significant ranges and some instances of contamination, particularly with coliform bacteria.
  • * The Water Quality Index (WQI) calculations emphasize the necessity for ongoing groundwater monitoring to ensure safe drinking water and public health.
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Biofilms are responsible for over 60% of nosocomial infections. The focus of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-motility activities of Gardenia volkensii, Carissa bispinosa, Peltophorum africanum, and Senna petersiana. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using free radical (DPPH) scavenging and ferric reducing power assays.

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The productivity of agricultural ecosystems is heavily influenced by soil-dwelling organisms. To optimize agricultural practices and management, it is critical to know the composition, abundance, and interactions of soil microorganisms. Our study focused on Acrobeles complexus nematodes collected from tomato fields in South Africa and analyzed their associated bacterial communities utilizing metabarcoding analysis.

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The formation of biofilms underscores the challenge of treating bacterial infections. The study aimed to assess the antioxidant, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, anti-motility, and anti-biofilm effects of defatted fractions from (resurrection plant). Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide assays.

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Background: Carissa bispinosa (L.) Desf. ex Brenan is one of the plants used traditionally to treat oral infections.

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Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are frequent ailments among humans and are a high burden on public health. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects of indigenous medicinal plants used in the treatment of RTIs, namely, , , , and . Dried leaves were extracted using various organic solvents.

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Mill's extracts have been explored for antibacterial and antioxidant efficacies. However, there is limited information on its chemical composition and mechanism of action. The purpose of this study was to assess the chemical composition, antibacterial and antioxidant activities and mechanism of the whole leaf extract of Mill.

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Background: The emergence of drug resistance among pathogens has resulted in renewed interest in bioprospecting for natural microbial products.

Methods: This study aimed to bioprospecting endophytic actinobacterium associated with Aloe ferox Mill for its antibacterial activity. Endophytic actinomycetes were isolated from the gel of A.

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The application of bioflocculants has become an alternative to that of chemical flocculants in wastewater treatment due to their environmental friendliness and non-toxic effects. This study aimed at isolating a bioflocculant-producing bacterium from marine water, optimisation of its culture conditions, and investigation of the removal efficiency of its bioflocculant on pollutants in wastewater. The bacterium was identified by 16S rRNA gene analysis.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the effectiveness of two fermented herbal concoctions from Limpopo, South Africa, for treating HIV, inflammation, and cancer.
  • The herbal concoction 1 shows promising anti-HIV activity that outperforms the standard drug Lamivudine, while varying results for anti-inflammatory effects are noted, including undesirable high COX-1 activity.
  • Both concoctions were non-toxic to normal human cells but demonstrated toxicity against cancerous cells, suggesting potential for further research into their use in anticancer drug development.
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The focus of this study was to evaluate the antioxidants and antimycobacterial activities of extracts of . Serial exhaustive extraction procedure was employed using solvents of varying polarity to obtain the desired extracts. Thin layer chromatography and standard chemical tests were used to analyze phytochemicals constituents.

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Background: The constant emergence of antibiotic resistant species and the adverse side effects of synthetic drugs are threatening the efficacy of the drugs that are currently in use. This study was aimed at investigating the possible antibacterial interactions, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of selected medicinal plants based on their traditional usage.

Methods: The acetone extracts of four plant species were assessed independently and in combination for antibacterial activity using microdilution assay and the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was calculated.

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Background: Bidens pilosa and Dichrostachys cinerea extracts were investigated for the antibacterial properties against waterborne diarrhoeagenic bacteria.

Methods: The plant materials were extracted using the direct and serial exhaustive methods using solvents of varying polarities, namely, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. Qualitative phytochemical analysis and quantitative determination of total phenolic content of the leaf powders of the two plants were tested.

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There is very little scientific information on indigenous plants used for medicinal purposes. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antioxidant activities of the leaves of Commelina africana, Elephantorrhiza elephantina, Dombeya rotundifolia, and the whole plant excluding the roots of Schkuhria pinnata indigenous medicinal plants from the Limpopo Province, which may be used for the treatment in humans infected with bacterial pathogens. The screening of different phytoconstituents using standard methods revealed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins.

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Spilanthes mauritiana belonging to the family Asteraceae, was screened for biological activity against bacterial pathogen. Antibacterial activity of the plant was investigated using microbroth dilution assay and bioautography. Total phenols and tannins of the extract were 52.

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The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological activities and safety of commercial herbal concoctions manufactured in Ga Maja (Limpopo province). Microbial contamination was evaluated by spread-plating the concoctions on agar plates. The VITEK 2 instrument was used for identification of the pure cultures.

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Background: Tuberculosis is an infectious communicable disease and the causative agent of the disease has over the years developed resistance to streamline chemotherapeutic agents with dire consequences and there is a need for development of new and more potent alternatives.

Methods: Constituents of leaves material of Combretum heroroense, Citrus lemon and Apodytes dimidiata were serially extracted using solvents of varying polarity. TLC finger print profile of the different extracts were determined by spraying eluted plates with vanillin sulphuric acid and 2, 2- diphenylpicryl hydrazyl (DPPH) for the presence of antioxidant constituents.

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Background: Sutherlandia frutescens (L) R.Br. is one of traditional herbal medicines that formed the basis of primary health care systems since the earliest days and is still widely used.

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Background: Olea africana leaves are used by Bapedi people to treat different ailments. The use of these leaves is not validated, therefore the aim of this study is to validate antimicrobial properties of this plant.

Methods: The ground leaves were extracted using solvents of varying polarity (hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, methanol, butanol and water).

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Ricinus communis has been utilized traditionally as medicine to treat inflammatory related diseases including wounds, sores, and boils. The leaves of R. communis were sequentially extracted with n-hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, and methanol using serial exhaustive extraction method.

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Background: Combretum vendae A.E. van Wyk (Combretaceae) is used for the treatment of bacterial related infections and oxidative related diseases by indigenous people of South Africa.

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The aim of the study was to scientifically evaluate the antimycobacterial activity of selected indigenous medicinal plants from the Limpopo Province used for the treatment of humans with symptoms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The leaves of five plant species (Apodytes dimidiata, Artemisia, Combretum hereroense, Lippia javanica, and Zanthoxylum capense) were collected from the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, South Africa. The dried leaves were powdered and extracted using hexane, dichloromethane, acetone, and methanol.

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