The present study introduces an innovative approach to sustainable corrosion inhibition by utilizing the aerial parts of Ephedra fragilis (EF) as a natural inhibitor for steel in hydrochloric acid solutions. Unlike conventional synthetic inhibitors, EF extracts offer an eco-friendly and renewable alternative, emphasizing their potential for industrial applications. Both water and ethanolic extracts were evaluated, and their bioactive compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The ethanolic extract was rich in p-coumaric acid , sinapic acid , and hydrated catechin , while the aqueous extract predominantly contained catechin , gallic acid , and 3-hydroxybenzoic acid . Electrochemical techniques, including open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization, demonstrated remarkable corrosion inhibition efficiency, reaching up to 97%. The extracts exhibited mixed-type inhibition behavior, with efficiency improving as the concentration increased. Specifically, inhibition efficiencies of 96.13 and 96.84% were achieved using the Tafel method, highlighting the superior performance of EF extracts compared to many synthetic counterparts. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of a dense, protective organic layer on the steel surface, which underpins the high inhibition efficiency. This study not only validates the use of EF as an efficient, sustainable corrosion inhibitor but also opens new avenues for the integration of plant-based inhibitors into industrial practices, providing a long-term, eco-friendly solution to steel corrosion challenges.
30 March 2024 in Tropical Journal of Natural Product Research
The inhabitants of Morocco and particularly of the province of Sefrou use traditional medicine based on aromatic and medicinal plants to treat many diseases such as digestive and respiratory problems, and skin burns Unfortunately, there are very few botanical studies on medicinal and aromatic plants used to treat skin burns in Morocco, especially in the province of Sefrou. This study describes the traditional practice of treating skin burns with medicinal plants in six cities of the province of Sefrou for future pharmacological validation. The survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire in the province of Sefrou in the period of September 2020 and October 2022 which contains information on the plant, their family, and the method of preparation, and method of use. It was found that Lamiaceae and Asteraceae were the two most preferred families by the participants surveyed for the treatment of dermatological problems. The most used medicinal plants are Allium cepa, Curcuma longa, Eryngium tricuspidatum, Ricinus communis, Mentha pelugium, Origanum compactum. It was found that the leaves are the most frequently used part of the plant with a percentage of 52%, followed by the whole plant with 26%. In most treatments, the powder is sprinkled directly on the burn. The study has documented the plants that are found in the province of Sefrou use to treat skin burns.
Currently, many medicinal plants continue to be utilized for the treatment and prevention of diseases. Numerous studies conducted in Morocco indicate that aromatic and medicinal plants (MAPs) have been used for centuries to cure various ailments. The distribution of therapeutic herbs through herbal markets plays a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. this study was conducted among residents of the Moulay Yaâcoub province with the aim of documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and identifying different medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional herbal medicine by this community. To identify a diverse range of medicinal and aromatic plants characteristic of the target area, open-ended interviews were conducted with locals using semi-structured questionnaires in the form of ethnobotanical surveys. Ethnobotanical indices, including relative frequency of citations, use value, relative importance, and informant consensus factor, were employed to quantify the use and cultural significance of medicinal and aromatic plants in the province of Moulay Yaâcoub. The data were analyzed using different statistical parameters. According to the research results; the population of the Moulay Yaakoub province utilizes 93 species of vascular plants from 41 botanical families. The most prevalent families are Lamiaceae (17.20%), Asteraceae (8.60%), Apiaceae (7.53%), Brassicaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Zingiberaceae, each accounting for 4.30% of the species mentioned. This ethnobotanical study conducted in the Moulay Yaâcoub province allows for the selection of various medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional phytotherapy by the local population. Consequently, further research is needed, the main focus is on isolating and identifying particular bioactive compounds found in plant extracts.
The corrosion of metals poses a threat to the economy, the environment, and human health due to undesirable reactions and contaminated products. Corrosion inhibitors, including natural products, can play a key role in protecting metallic materials, especially under challenging conditions. In this study, the roots of the Inula viscosa plant were examined for their ability to act as corrosion inhibitors in a 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Different extracts of the plant were evaluated for their corrosion inhibition capacity in a 1 M HCl solution. The effectiveness of different plant extracts was assessed, including an aqueous extract, an ethanolic extract, and a combined water–ethanol extract. Compounds present in the roots of Inula viscosa were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography. The electrochemical properties of the extracts were studied using various techniques such as open circuit potential, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and potentiodynamic polarization. Additionally, surface analysis after immersion was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical data revealed that Inula viscosa root (IVR) extracts acted as mixed-type corrosion inhibitors with pronounced cathodic characteristics. The inhibitory efficiency was closely related to the concentration of Inula viscosa (I. viscosa), showing a significant increase with higher concentrations. This resulted in a decrease in corrosion current and an increase in polarization resistance. Notably, inhibitory efficiency reached high levels, up to 97.7% in mixed extract which represents a mixture between water and ethanol. In our study, it was observed that the mixed extract (water + ethanol) allowed for a greater corrosion inhibition compared to the other solvents studied, 97.7%. Surface analyses confirmed the formation of an organic film layer on the steel surface, attributed to the bonding of functional groups and heteroatoms in I. viscosa components. Therefore, this study paves the way for the potential integration of I. viscosa as a promising corrosion inhibition material, offering durable protection against steel corrosion and opening avenues for various related applications.