Dipterocarpus alatus Roxb. ex G. Don is widely found in Southeast Asia. Its oleo-resin has reportedly been used in biodiesel production. Two different biodiesel production processes produce resinous byproducts, namely degumming (DG) and distillation (DT). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified sesquiterpenes and triterpenes in oleo-resin, DG, and DT; and long-chain hydrocarbons in oleo-resin. High-performance liquid chromatography detected dipterocarpol as a marker compound, with the highest to lowest amounts detected in DG, DT, and oleo-resin, respectively. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT exerted more cytotoxicity than dipterocarpol, and melphalan, a chemotherapeutic drug. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT exerted cytotoxicity to a different degree in T cell leukemia (Jurkat), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa), and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells, while the highest selectivity was found in the Jurkat cells compared to the non-cancer Vero cells. Dipterocarpol exhibited the highest cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells and the lowest cytotoxicity in Jurkat cells. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells. In oleo-resin, DG, and DT, dipterocarpol and other compounds may act in synergy leading to cytotoxicity and an apoptosis-inducing effect. Oleo-resin, DG, and DT could be potential sources for anticancer agents. Dipterocarpol could serve as a biomarker for follow ups on the anticancer activity of a sample from D. alatus.

Effective air circulation is crucial for plant growth, requiring adequate airflow and environmental stability. This study utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to analyze airflow patterns in a controlled testing chamber, focusing on how miniature fan placement affects airflow direction and temperature distribution. Ten case studies were conducted, with the CFD model validated against experimental data collected from six monitoring locations on the plant growth table. Model validation was performed using statistical analyses including coefficient of determination (R²), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The validation results showed strong agreement between simulated and experimental data, with R² values of 0.92 for temperature and 0.89 for airflow velocity. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in both airflow and temperature models at the 0.05 level, with the CFD model validation yielding an RMSE of 2.02 and an average absolute error of 1.17. Among the tested configurations, case M1 achieved the highest air velocity (0.317 m/s) and lowest temperature (27.03 °C), compared to M2 (0.255 m/s, 27.17 °C) and M3 (0.164 m/s, 27.18 °C). The temperature variations between cases significantly impacted cold storage efficiency, with case M1’s superior airflow distribution providing more uniform cooling. These findings offer practical guidelines for optimizing ventilation system design in medicinal plant cultivation facilities, particularly in maintaining ideal storage conditions through strategic fan placement and airflow management.

There has been a resurgence of interest in bioactive peptides as therapeutic agents. This is particularly interesting for tyrosinase, which can be inhibited by thiol-containing peptides. This work demonstrates that an N-terminal cysteine-containing tetrapeptide can be rationally designed to inhibit tyrosinase activity in vitro and in cells. The tetrapeptide cysteine (C), arginine (R), asparagine (N) and leucine (L) or CRNL is a potent inhibitor of tyrosinase activity with an IC₅₀ value of 39.62 ± 6.21 μM, which is comparable to currently used tyrosinase inhibitors. Through structure-activity studies and computational modeling, we demonstrate the peptide interacts with the enzyme via electrostatic (R with E322), hydrogen bonding (N with N260) and hydrophobic (L with V248) intermolecular interactions and that a combination of these is required for potent activity. Moreover, copper chelating activity might be one of the mechanisms of tyrosinase inhibition by CRNL. Kinetic studies show that tetrapeptide is a competitive inhibitor with two-step irreversible inhibition. In addition, CRNL had no toxicity and could reduce melanin levels in the murine melanoma cell line (B16F1). Overall, CRNL is a very promising candidate for hyperpigmentation treatment.

The present study aimed to investigate the performance and exhaust emission characteristics of the diesel engine when fueled with a diesel mixed with different percentages of distilled Yang oleoresin. The purpose was to search for the optimal oil proportion to be eco-friendly and minimize the carbon footprint. Varied percentage concentrations of distilled Yang oleoresin were mixed with the diesel: 20% (B20), 40% (B40), 60% (B60), 80% (B80) and 100% (B100). A single-cylinder diesel engine was used to test the performance of the diesel, and blended diesel treatments, at speeds of 2,400 rpm, 2,000 rpm, 1,600 rpm, 1,200 rpm, and 800 rpm. The results showed that all blended fuel proportions gave maximum torque at a rotational speed of 1,600 rpm. The performance between B40 and diesel was not statistically significantly different (p > .05), however, B40 had a higher average torque and CO₂ emissions than pure diesel. In addition, the smoke of B40 was greater compared with diesel (~9.09%). The NOx emissions across all mixed fuel proportions were observed to be higher compared with diesel. In conclusion, B40 mixed fuel could provide an economically viable alternative to diesel because of its similar performance, emissions, and smoke.

This study investigates the potential of hard resin derived from the Yang tree (HY), a renewable bio-based byproduct, as a performance-enhancing additive in natural rubber-modified asphalt (NRMA). HY-modified binders (HYMA) containing 3%, 7%, and 15% HY by weight were evaluated through a multi-scale experimental program, including physical, rheological, thermal, chemical, and mechanical tests. Standard binder characterizations (penetration, ductility, softening point, viscosity), spectroscopic analyses (FT-IR, NMR), microstructural observations (ESEM, XRD), thermal profiling (DSC), and performance assessments (DSR, Marshall) were conducted. The results demonstrated that HY improved binder properties at optimal concentration by introducing additional hydrocarbon structures without chemical cross-linking. HYMA3 achieved the most favorable balance of stiffness, flexibility, and compaction efficiency, whereas higher HY contents (≥7%) impaired structural integrity and deformation resistance. Microstructural and thermal evidence confirmed surface modifications and altered thermal transitions, which influenced viscoelastic response. These findings provide new insights into bio-resin–asphalt interactions and establish the viability of HY as a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymer modifiers. Beyond performance improvement, HY promotes circular construction by transforming agricultural byproducts into functional pavement materials, supporting the development of climate-adaptive infrastructure.