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This study explores the phytochemical composition and biological effects of Ficus racemosa bark extracts using various solvents (acetone, hexane, methanol, ethanol, aqueous mixtures).  The presence of bioactive compounds, including glycosides, steroids, tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids was analyzed. Antioxidant potential was assessed via DPPH free radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. In the DPPH assay, IC50 values ranged from 5.55 to 9.89 mgL-1, with the ethanol extract (S4) showing the lowest IC50 (5.55 mg.L-1), surpassing vitamin C (IC50 = 6.18 mg.L-1). The ferric reducing power assay indicated that the methanol extract (S2) exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity with an EC50 of 7.59 mg.L-1, 3.5 times lower than that of the BHA standard (26.82 mg.L-1). In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assays revealed that all extracts effectively suppressed enzyme activity , with IC50 values from 0.049 mg.L-1 (S4) to 0.66 mg.L-1 (S1), significantly lower than  acarbose (IC50 = 156.16 mg.L-1). Additionally, the extracts markedly reduced nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, with IC50 values between 62.08 and 182.47 µg.mL-1, compared to the positive control L-NMMA (IC50 = 11.91 µg.mL-1). These findings highlight the potent antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties of F. racemosa bark extracts, supporting their potential as natural therapeutic agents.

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) have been widely implemented worldwide; however, their adoption in Vietnam has occurred only over the past decade and remains limited due to several operational challenges. Among these, disease management is particularly difficult because chemical treatments can disrupt the microbial community within the biofilter. This study evaluated the use of low-dose formalin treatment (15–20 ppm, 10 h exposure, repeated three times over three consecutive days) to control Gyrodactylus sp. infection in rainbow trout cultured in RAS. The results indicated fluctuations in water quality parameters, including temporary increases in NH₄⁺, NO₂⁻, and COD concentrations, associated with a decline in nitrifying microbial activity. Nevertheless, these changes remained within acceptable limits and did not cause severe system disruption. After three days of treatment, fish mortality significantly decreased, while parasite infection dropped from approximately 120–150 to 4–7 Gyrodactylus per microscopic field. The findings demonstrate that low-dose formalin treatment effectively reduces mortality in infected rainbow trout without severely impairing the beneficial microbial community in RAS.

Biochar has been applied in various fields due to its unique physicochemical properties. Although its application has been extensively used in other countries, research within the Philippine context remains limited. With the growing demand and popularity of biochar, understanding the trends in its application within the country could provide direction for future research on the material. The result of the bibliometric analysis showed that the trend in biochar research in the Philippines is gaining traction and popularity for various uses. Although still at a slower pace than its neighboring countries, biochar research is gaining popularity in the Philippines due to its numerous applications, primarily used in agriculture and the environment. Currently, clustered areas of biochar research in the country include identifying suitable biomass for pyrolysis, exploring the adsorptive properties of biochar, and utilizing it as a carrier for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The limited clusters imply fewer applications, indicating the potential for biochar to expand into various other utilizations. Additionally, aside from research and development funding, there is a noticeable gap in international collaborations, and the number of dedicated experts in biochar research is still insufficient. These factors must be addressed, which are vital for advancing biochar research in the Philippines.