Science Letters XX(X)
Transcription
Science Letters XX(X)
Science Letters 8(2) 2014 SCIENCE LETTERS Science Letters is a peer-reviewed, open-access, and biannually online-published international journal for the complete coverage of all topics in science and technology related areas. Science Letters aims to be recognized as an important forum for researchers from academic and private arenas to exchange the latest results from research especially in science and technology in a broad sense, both original papers and reviews Publication Frequency Science Letters is published online and in print in January and July, two issues a year. We accept regular article submissions throughout the year. Title Page Effects of Reductant Concentration and Reduction Temperature in Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles on Their Metal-Metal Bonding Properties Takafumi Maeda, Hiroaki Nakazawa, Yoshio Kobayashi, Yusuke Yasuda and Toshiaki Morita Health Benefits and Effects of Selected Herbal Plants on Mammalian Reproductive System: A Review Marysia Julius Booh, Nooraain Hashim, Nur Hilwani Ismail, Dzulsuhaimi Daud, Nurdiana Samsurizal and Mohd Fakharul Zaman Raja Yahya 1 i 10 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Effects of Reductant Concentration and Reduction Temperature in Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles on Their Metal-Metal Bonding Properties Science Letters Vol 8, No 2,1-9 © 2014 Sci.Lett www.scienceletters.uitm.edu.my Takafumi Maeda1, Hiroaki Nakazawa1, Yoshio Kobayashi1, Yusuke Yasuda2 and Toshiaki Morita2 Abstract The present work describes synthesis of metallic Cu nanoparticles in aqueous solution, and metal-metal bonding with the use of the nanoparticles. The metallic Cu nanoparticle colloid solution was prepared by mixing a 0.01 M aqueous solution of (CH3COO)2Cu and a 0.2-1.0 M aqueous solution of hydrazine (reductant) in the presence of 0.0005 M citric acid and 0.005 M n-hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (stabilizers). Reduction temperatures were 30-80oC (TCu). The size of the Cu particles decreased and increased in the range of 60-80 nm with increasing the hydrazine concentration from 0.2 to 1.0 M and the TCu, respectively. These results could be explained by the increases in the number of generated metallic Cu nuclei and in collision frequency of particles, respectively. A main component in the particle was metallic Cu, and the metallic Cu particles were polycrystalline. Discs of metallic Cu were successfully bonded under annealing at 400oC and pressurizing at 1.2 MPa for 5 min in H2 gas with help of the metallic Cu particles, and then a shear strength required for separating the bonded Cu discs was measured. Dependences of shear strength on hydrazine concentration and TCu was explained by the apparent particle size and the amount of impurity. As a result of optimization of preparation conditions, a shear strength as high as 36.6 MPa was recorded for a colloid solution prepared at the hydrazine concentration of 0.6 M and the TCu of 50oC. Keywords copper, nanoparticle, metal-metal bonding 1 Department of Biomolecular Functional Engineering, College of Engineering, Ibaraki University, 4-12-1 Nakanarusawa-cho, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan 2 Hitachi Research Laboratory, Hitachi Ltd., 7-1-1 Omika-cho, Hitachi, Ibaraki 319-1292, Japan Corresponding Authors: Takafumi Maeda and Yoshio Kobayashi, Department of Biomolecular Functional Engineering, College of Engineering, Ibaraki University, 4-12-1 Naka-narusawa-cho, Hitachi, Ibaraki 316-8511, Japan Email: [email protected] (Maeda Takafumi), [email protected] (Yoshio Kobayashi) 1 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Introduction Sn-Pb alloy has been widely used for many years as a solder or a filler in metal-metal bonding of components in electronic products, because they have low melting point [1-3]. Lead is showing a tendency to limitation on its use because of its toxicity for living bodies. Therefore, due to health and environmental concerns, the components in electronic products are mounted with Pb-free solders. Pbfree solders based on Sn have been developed as new solders [4-10], because the Sn-based solders also have a low melting point. Low melting point of filler is a useful property for metal-metal bonding, because metallic materials can be bonded using the alloy at low temperature. However, the bonded materials may be released at temperatures higher than its melting point due to remelting of the alloy. Metal-metal bonding is typically implemented by applying both pressure and heat to the materials to be bonded, which promotes diffusion of metals into the materials [11-16]. Since nanoparticles of metals have a total apparent surface area larger than that of their bulk, they can contact the materials, efficiently so that effective metal-metal bonding is provided by using the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles have another advantage over their bulk, as follows. In general, a decrease in a size of material to nanometer order provides a depression of its melting point [17-20]. The phenomenon can be applied to metal-metal bonding at low temperature. Studies on metallic Ag nanoparticles as the filler have been performed by various researchers [21-25]. The metallic Ag nanoparticles have high electric, thermal conductivities and chemical stability. The Ag-based nanoparticles have an excellent ability of the metal-metal bonding. However, they take high cost, and electric migration of the Ag filler takes place, which deteriorates the bonding [26-28]. Metallic Cu is also a candidate as the filler for bonding, since it also has high electric conductivity and high thermal conductivity. In addition, it is available at low cost, and has excellent antiionic migration property. Several methods have been proposed for preparing nanoparticles of metallic Cu [29,30]. Our group has studied on metal-metal bonding process using metallic Cu nanoparticles prepared with the direct reduction of Cu ions, in which a shear strength was achieved at 37.7 MPa [31]. The work and a preliminary experiment indicated that their bonding properties were strongly dependent on fabrication conditions such as concentrations of chemicals and reaction temperature. The present work studied on effect of reductant concentration and reduction temperature in synthesis of copper nanoparticles on their morphology. Their metal-metal bonding property was also investigated. Materials and method Chemicals A chemical used as a source of metallic Cu nanoparticles was copper acetate monohydrate ((CH3COO)2Cu·H2O) (> 99%). Citric acid monohydrate (> 99.5%) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) (99%) were used as stabilizers. Hydrazine monohydrate (> 98.0%) was used as a reductant. All chemicals were purchased from Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., and were used as received. Water that was ionexchanged and distilled with Yamato WG-250 was used in all the preparations, and was deaerated by bubbling with N2 gas for 30 min prior to preparation of aqueous solutions of copper salt and hydrazine. Preparation Colloid solutions of Cu nanoparticles were prepared by reducing copper ions with hydrazine. Freshly prepared hydrazine aqueous solution was added to (CH3COO)2Cu monohydrate aqueous solution o containing citric acid and CTAB under vigorous stirring at 30-80 C (TCu). Initial concentrations of copper, hydrazine, citric acid and CTAB were 0.01, 0.1-1.0, 0.0005 and 0.005 M, respectively. The reaction time was 3 h. After the reaction, the obtained particles were washed by repeating a process several times, which was composed of centrifugation at 10,000 rpm, removal of supernatant, addition of water, and shake of the mixture with a vortex mixer for dispersing the particles. The particles were dried at room temperature under vacuum after the final removal of supernatant to obtain powder of the particles. 2 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Characterization The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and thermal analysis (TG-DTA). TEM photographs were taken with a JEOL JEM-2100 microscope operating at 200 kV. Samples for TEM were prepared by dropping and evaporating the particle colloid on a collodion-coated copper grid. Dozens of particle diameters in TEM images were measured to determine number-averaged particle size and standard deviation of particle size distribution. XRD measurements were carried out with a RAD-B X-ray diffractometer operating at 50 kV and 150 mA with CuKα radiation. For preparing the powder sample for the XRD measurement, supernatant of the particle colloid solution was removed with decantation, and then residue was dried at room temperature for 24 h in vacuum. Powder samples were sandwiched between copper discs (a stage (diameter: 10 mm, thickness: 5 mm) o and a disc (diameter: 5 mm, thickness: 2.5 mm), and pressed at 1.2 MPa under annealing in H 2 at 400 C for 5 min with a Shinko Seiki vacuum reflow system. For measurements of bonding strength, shear strengths, which were required to separate the bonded disc and stage, were measured with a Seishin SS100KP bond tester. The surface of each copper disc was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with a JEOL JSM-5600LV microscope after the measurement of shear strength. Results and discussion Effect of hydrazine concentration Figure 1 shows photographs of the colloid solutions prepared at various hydrazine concentrations. All the colloid solutions had a color of reddish brown, which indicated that metallic Cu particles were produced. TEM images of the Cu nanoparticles are shown in Figure 2. Sizes of the particles fabricated at the hydrazine concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 M were 70±15, 73±15, 71±13, 69±12 and 75±18 nm, respectively. There was no large difference in the particle size among the hydrazine concentrations: The particle size was not dependent on the hydrazine concentration. This result on the tendency of particle size was coincident with our previous work [31]. XRD patterns of the Cu particles are shown in Figure 3. For all samples, three peaks were recorded at 43.3, 50.4 and 74.1 degree. The peaks were attributed to the (111), (200) and (220) planes of cubic copper (JCPDS card No. 04-0836). A peak assigned to Cu2O (JCPDS card No. 05-0667) was also detected faintly at 36.5 degree, for each sample. There was no large difference in the patterns among the samples examined. Figure 4 shows photographs of the copper stages after the measurement of shear strength. Reddish brown products that were obviously metallic Cu were observed in widespread area on the stage for all the samples examined. Figure 5 shows a shear strength as a function of the reductant concentration. Shear strengths reached values as high as 23.1, 20.5, 22.1, 27.3 and 18.5 MPa for the hydrazine concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0, respectively. The shear strength tended to increase with the increase in hydrazine concentration from 0.2 to 0.8 M. Reduction of some Cu ions was probably uncompleted at the low hydrazine concentrations, which formed Cu oxide. Volume of Cu oxide decreased during the bonding in H2 gas, because oxygen was eliminated from the Cu oxide through the reduction of Cu oxide. This resulted in production of voids in the particles during bonding, which probably made the bonding weak at the low hydrazine concentrations. The increase in hydrazine concentration up to 1.0 M decreased the shear strength. At the hydrazine concentration as high as 1.0 M, unreacted hydrazine was probably remained in the solution, which also produced the voids in the particles during bonding. Consequently, the decrease in shear strength took place with increasing the hydrazine concentration over 0.8 M. Figure 6 shows SEM images of the copper stages after the measurement of shear strength. For all the samples, many dimples were observed accompanying with sharp tips on the surface. The dimples are formed in bonded region when metals that are strongly bonded are separated. Accordingly, these observations of dimples supported that the discs were strongly bonded. 3 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Figure 1 Photographs of colloid solutions prepared at hydrazine concentrations of (a) 0.2, (b) 0.4, (c) 0.6, (d) 0.8 and (e) 1.0 M Figure 2 TEM images of various particles. The samples were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 1. Figure 3 XRD patterns of various particles. The samples were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 1. ●: Cu, ∆; Cu2O 4 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Figure 4 Photographs of copper discs after measurement of shear strength. The samples used as fillers for bonding were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 1. Shear strength (MPa) 40 30 20 10 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 Hydrazine concentration (M) Figure 5 Shear strength as a function of hydrazine concentration. The samples used as fillers for bonding were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 1. Figure 6 SEM images of copper disc surfaces after measurement of shear strength. The samples used as fillers for bonding were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 1. Effect of TCu Figure 7 shows photographs of the particle colloid solutions prepared at various TCus. For all the samples, the colloid solutions with the color of reddish brown prepared, and the particle were highly dispersed. Figure 8 shows TEM images of the particles. Sizes of the particles were 71±13, 62±14, 69±12, 82±15, o 79±22 and 84±18 nm for TCus of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 C, respectively. The particle size tended to increase with an increase in TCu. The high temperatures moved particles actively, which provided promotion of particle collision following aggregation and growth of the particles [32]. Figure 9 show XRD patterns of the particles. There was no large difference among the patterns obtained. Peaks were 5 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 recorded mainly at 43.3, 50.4 and 74.1 degree for all the samples. The peaks were also attributed to the cubic copper. A peak assigned to Cu2O was also detected faintly at 36.5 degree, for each sample. Figure 10 shows photographs of the copper stages after the measurement of shear strength. It was also confirmed that metallic Cu with the color of reddish brown were observed in widespread area on the stage. Figure 11 shows dependence of the shear strength on the TCu. The particles had shear strengths of o 22.1, 22.2, 36.6, 25.9, 24.1 and 26.1 MPa for the TCu of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 C, respectively. These values were over 20 MPa, which meant that the discs were strongly bonded for all the samples examined. o The shear strength for 50 C was the largest among the TCus examined. In the low TCu range lower than o 50 C, the particle sizes were small, compared to those for high TCus. Small particles tend to aggregate because of their large surface energy, which results in an increase in apparent particle size. A similar tendency was considered to take place for the low TCu samples during the preparation of powder samples. As a result, contact areas of the particles and the Cu discs were small, so that the shear strengths were small for the low TCu. Though aggregation of particles was probably controlled at the high TCu, the particle size increased with increasing the TCu. Consequently, the increase in particle size also decreased the contact areas of the particles and the Cu discs, which decreased the shear strength. Figure 12 shows SEM images of the copper stages after the measurement of shear strength. For all the samples, many dimples were formed on the surface, which supported the strongly bonding. Figure 7 Photographs of colloid solutions prepared at TCus of (a) o 30, (b) 40, (c) 50, (d) 60, (e) 70 and (f) 80 C. Figure 8 TEM images of various particles. The samples were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 7. 6 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Figure 9 XRD pattern of various particles. The samples were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 7. ●: Cu, ∆; Cu2O Figure 10 Photographs of copper discs after measurement of shear strength. The samples used as fillers for bonding were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 7. Figure 11 Shear strength as a function of TCu. The samples used as fillers for bonding were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 7. 7 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Figure 12 SEM images of copper disc surfaces after measurement of shear strength. The samples used as fillers for bonding were the particles contained in the same colloid solutions as in Figure 7. Conclusions A synthesis method of metallic Cu nanoparticles in aqueous solution was proposed. The colloid solutions of metallic Cu nanoparticles were prepared by reducing of 0.01 M Cu ions with 0.2-1.0 M hydrazine in the o o presence of 0.0005 M citric acid and 0.005 M CTAB in water at 30-80 C. At the constant TCu of 30 C, there was no large difference in the particle size among the hydrazine concentrations examined. The shear strength increased with the increase in hydrazine concentration in the range of 0.2-0.8 M, because the small particles could contact the Cu discs efficiently. The increase up to 1.0 M decreased the shear strength because of the large amount of impurity derived from the high hydrazine concentration. At the constant hydrazine concentration of 0.6 M, the particle size increased with the increase in TCu, which was explained by the collision frequency of particles. The shear strength was 36.6 MPa that was the largest among the samples examined, which was explained by the apparent particle sizes. Acknowledgement This work was partially supported by Hitachi, Ltd. We express our thanks to Prof. T. Noguchi in College of Science of Ibaraki University, Japan for their help for TEM observation. References [1] T. Gorewoda, J. Anyszkiewicz, Z. Mzyk, L. Buzek. Spectrochim. Acta. B, 2014; 92, 29-33. [2] C. Kanchanomai, W. Limtrakarn, Y. Mutoh. Mech. Materi., 2005; 37, 1166-1174. [3] E.A. Howell, C.M. Megaridis, M. McNallan. Int. J. Heat Fluid Fl., 2004; 25, 91-102. [4] C.Y. Yu, W.Y. Chen, J.G. Duh. J. Alloy. Compd., 2014; 586, 633-638. [5] W.L.R. Santos, C. Brito, J.M.V. Quaresma, J.E. Spinelli. Mater. Sci. Eng. B, 2014; 182, 29-36. [6] M.M. Billah, K.M. Shorowordi, A. Sharif. J. Alloy. Compd., 2014; 585, 32-39. [7] A. Boulouiz, A. Sabbar. Thermochim. Acta, 2014; 575, 151-158. 8 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 [8] L. Zhang, J.G. Han, Y. Guo, C.W. He. Microelectron. Reliab., 2014; 54, 281-286. [9] E. H. Wong, S. K. W. Seah, J. F. J. M. Caers, Y. S. Lai. Int. J. Fatigue, 2014; 59, 43-49. [10] Y. Tang, G.Y. Li, Y.C. Pan. Mater. Design, 2014; 55, 574-582. [11] N. Hosseinabadi, R. Sarraf-Mamoory, A.M. Hadian. Ceram. Int., 2014; 40, 3011-3021. [12] J. Cao, J. Liu, X. Song, X. Lin, J. Feng. Mater. Design, 2014; 56, 115-121. [13] R.S. Tashi, S.A.A.A. Mousavi, M.M. Atabaki. Mater. Design, 2014; 54, 161-167. [14] [15] C. A. Leon-Patiño, E.A. Aguilar-Reyes, M. Braulio-Sánchez, G. Rodríguez-Ortiz, E. Bedolla-Becerril. Mater. Design, 2014; 54, 845-853. B. Lee, H. Jeon, K.-W. Kwon, H.-J. Lee. Acta Mater., 2013; 61, 6736-6742. [16] H.Y. Chen, J. Cao, J.K. Liu, X.G. Song, J.C. Feng. Comput. Mater. Sci., 2013; 71, 179-183. [17] D. Chen, T.S. Totton, J.W.J. Akroyd, S. Mosbach, M. Kraft. Carbon, 2014; 67, 79-91. [18] [20] H. Friedman, S. Reich, R. Popovitz-Biro, P. von Huth, I. Halevy, Y. Koltypin, A. Gedanken, Z. Porat. Ultrason. Sonochem., 2013; 20, 432-444. D Hasa, D. Voinovich, B. Perissutti, G. Grassi, S. Fiorentino, R. Farra, M. Abrami, I. Colombo, M. Grassi. Eur. J. Pharm. Sci., 2013; 50,17-28. T. Ivas, A.N. Grundy, E. Povoden-Karadeniz, L.J. Gauckler. Calphad, 2012; 36, 57-64. [21] E. Ide, S. Angata, A. Hirose, K.F. Kobayashi. Acta Mater., 2005; 53, 2385-2393. [22] J. Yan, G. Zou, Ai-ping Wu, J. Ren, J. Yan, A. Hu, Y. Zhou. Scr. Mater., 2012; 66, 582-585. [23] Y. Yasuda, E. Ide, T. Morita. Jpn. J. Appl. Phys., 2009; 48, 125004- [24] Y. Kobayashi, T. Shirochi, Y. Yasuda, T. Morita. J. Min. Metall. B, 2013; 49, 65-70. [25] T. Maeda, Y. Kobayashi, Y. Yasuda, T. Morita. Adv. Mat. Res., 2013; 622-623, 945-949. [26] A.V. Anikeenko, N.N. Medvedev, N.F. Uvarov. Solid State Ionics, 2013; 251, 13-17. [27] J.H. Kim, S.-D. Park. Eng. Fail. Anal., 2013; 28, 252-263. [28] C. Peng, J.O. Almeira, A. Abou-Shady. Sep. Purif. Technol., 2013; 118, 591-597. [29] X. Cheng, X. Zhang, H. Yin, A. Wang, Y. Xu. Appl. Surf. Sci., 2006; 253, 2727-2732. [30] [31] Q. Liu, D. Zhou, Y. Yamamoto, K. Kuruda, M. Okido. Trans. Nonferrous. Met. Soc. China, 2012; 22, 2991-2996. Y. Kobayashi, T. Shirochi, Y. Yasuda, T. Morita. Int. J. Adhes. Adhes., 2012; 33, 50-55. [32] R.K. Joshi. Solid State Commun., 2006; 139, 201-204. [19] 9 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Health Benefits and Effects of Selected Herbal Plants on Mammalian Reproductive System: A Review Science Letters Vol 8, No 2,10-14 © 2014 Sci.Lett www.scienceletters.uitm.edu.my Marysia Julius Booh, Nooraain Hashim, Nur Hilwani Ismail, Dzulsuhaimi Daud, Nurdiana Samsurizal and Mohd Fakharul Zaman Raja Yahya Abstract This article aims at reviewing the health benefits and potential effects of selected herbal plants which included Averrhoa bilimbi, Cosmos caudatus and Pereskia bleo on mammalian reproductive systems. All these three herbal plants under study are enriching with potent anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-carcinogen properties that are crucial in maintaining well-being. Averrhoa bilimbi has shown to increase infertility rate in adult female mice by using 14.4 ml/kg body weight of extracted Averrhoa bilimbi juice. Cosmos caudatus able to take action as therapeutic agent and repair bone damage in elderly women which phytoestrogens contains in it can mimic the effects of estrogen. Cosmos caudatus is reported to exhibit radical-scavenging activity which important to maintaining the production of quality sperm. Recognized for its anti-proliferation and cytotoxic activity that attacks a few human cancer cell lines, Pereskia bleo showed the ability to protect the normal mouse fibroblast cells from the natural or oxidant-induced cell death caused by programmed cell death or apoptosis. Keywords Averrhoa bilimbi, Cosmos caudatus, Pereskia bleo, herbal plants, reproductive system, infertility School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor Darul Ehsan Corresponding Author: Marysia Julius Booh, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, 40450 Selangor Darul Ehsan Email:[email protected] Introduction Herbs are identified as versatile plants with their amazing scents, colours and flavours. They are used by humans since ancient times in many ways such as in cooking and cosmetics, also in dyeing textiles [1]. The supple and tender leaves, aerial or entire parts of herbal plants and the shoots of woody plants are edible. The more fibrous plant parts such as unripe pods are being sliced, diced, chopped, grated or shredded 10 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 into different shapes and sizes of tiny portions to enable easy digest [2]. They are believed can prevent diverse chronic maladies and showed outstanding healing properties, and hence the consumption of the herbal plants also plays a renowned nutritional role in diet, as they were taken daily during mealtime [3], [4]. The nutritional benefits of the herbal plants are attributed from the mixture of active compounds and enrich with carbohydrates, protein, minerals and vitamin [5-6]. These Nutritional benefits are primarily importance in determining semen quality and quantity [7-11]. In adult animals, the effects of under-nutrition, malnutrition and nutrient imbalances may include reduced androgen secretion and low semen quality [7,9]. Healthy sperm production can be easily disturbed and it can take place at dissimilar periods of a lifetime of a male. Hence, it is really important to take into consideration the intake of nutrients from herbs that can aid in the physical mechanism that yields high quality of sperm. Androgen and anti-Müllerian are both hormones that activate specific pathways for the development of male reproductive system [12]. Although the testis formation is not hormone dependent but most of the masculinization processes depend on normal testicular hormone production and on the crucial part, cellular development of a testis is dependent on the local action of hormone [13]. Wilson [14] stated that androgen is the most vital hormone for the Wolffian ducts to undergo normal development and differentiation into epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles. This review highlights the health benefits and possible effects of herbal plants on mammalian reproductive system with the emphasis given on three species which are Averrhoa bilimbi, Cosmos caudatus and Pereskia bleo as in Malaysia specifically, the knowledge and practices on the native use of herbal plants are predominantly passed on verbally, from one generation to another and has largely remained undocumented [15]. Health benefits and properties of herbal plants under study Averrhoa bilimbi Its local name in Malaysia is “Belimbing buluh or Belimbing asam”. Averrhoa bilimbi is sensitive to cold, especially when it is still immature. Averrhoa bilimbi is acidic and due to this property, the A. bilimbi fruits have been used as bleaching agent for stains or tarnished the brass. Health benefits of Averrhoa bilimbi are well known, it has been widely used in traditional medicine for cough, cold, itches, boils, rheumatism, syphilis, whooping cough and hypertension [16]. The aqueous and chloroform extracts of leaves and fruits of A. bilimbi possess antibacterial activity which can deter the activities of gram positive and negative bacteria [17]. In another study, Mein and Mohamed [18] proved that A. bilimbi contains flavonoids bioactive compounds luteolin and apigenin which are the antibacterial growth compounds. The anti-diabetic property was revealed with prolonged intake of aqueous fraction at the dose of 125 mg/kg body weight. It significantly suppressed the blood glucose and the triglyceride concentrations of diabetic rats [19]. Cosmos caudatus In Malaysia, Cosmos caudatus is locally known as “Ulam raja" [20]. It is indigenous to humid regions of America and has been introduced and commercialized in Java where it is frequently planted as a decorative plant [21]. Traditionally, this plant is said to be useful in “cleansing the blood” and able to promotes healthy bone formation [5,22]. Nurul and her colleagues [23] had studied the antioxidant effects of both Cosmos caudatus and Polygonum minus in refrigerated duck meatballs and found that C. caudatus is more effective in preventing microbial growth. This added property of the plant revealed its potential to be used as a natural resource for enhancing fresh food especially meats. Nor Hafipah [24] reported that C. caudatus extract is able to fight five microbial strains comprising of two gram positive bacteria, Bacillus substilis and 11 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 Staphylococcus aureus; two gram negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and one fungus, Candida albicans. Pereskia bleo Pereskia bleo or commonly known in Malaysia as “Jarum tujuh bilah” are found to possess cytotoxic activity that attacks a few human cancer cell lines [25]. Some ethnic groups in Malaysia are consuming this plant due to its medicinal properties [26]. Lee and his colleagues [25] examined the anti-proliferation activities in vitro in both normal mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3) and mouse mammary cancer (4T1) cell lines and found that the t-butanol extract had the highest antioxidant property. However, all other extract types of P. bleo showed the ability to protect the normal mouse fibroblast cells from the natural or oxidant-induced cell death caused by programmed cell death or apoptosis. The fractions of the crude methanol and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of the plant possess high cytotoxic effects against human nasopharyngeal epidermoid carcinoma cell lines [27]. Meanwhile, combination of crude methanol of the leaf and stem extracts of this plant yield out promising results as anti-proliferative activity against the human mammary cell lines. Hence, this miraculous plant is believed to have anti tumour, anti-rheumatic, anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory activities [28]. Based on a study conducted by Tan and his colleagues [29], the methanolic extract of P. bleo induced apoptosis in breast carcinoma, T47-D cell line. Using either fresh leaves or concoction that brewed from dried plants, the major studies conducted on this plant had focused on its anti-proliferation, anti-cancer and antinociceptive properties. Effects of selected herbal plants on fertility The intakes of different herbal plants in daily consumption may bring different effects on fertility. They can either have positive or negative effects towards fertility. Through the screening fertility test done by Herrera and his colleagues [30] had revealed that the antifertility effects of A. bilimbi fruit juice in adult female mice by using the modified method of Hall et al., [31]. The test showed that using 14.4 ml/kg body weight of extracted juice of A. bilimbi gave 63.3% increase in infertility rate over the positive and the negative control groups. Meanwhile, in the ovariectomized rat model, the dose of 500 mg/kg of C. caudatus given to postmenopausal osteoporosis rats showed its protective effect on the bone [32]. Therefore, at the specified dose, “ulam raja” may be able to take action as the therapeutic agent and to repair bone damage in elderly women. Estrogen is the hormone that plays vital role in women reproductive system where its insufficiency may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Badeau et al., [33] stated that estrogen has antioxidant properties which could increase the expression of glutathione peroxidase in osteoclasts. Many plants include Cosmos caudatus are claimed to contain phytoestrogens which mimic the effects of estrogen [34]. Recently, radical-scavenging activities of compounds isolated from this plant have been reported [35]. The radical-scavenger able to get rid the excessive amount of free reactive oxygen species which can disrupt sperm function and thus, diminish the quality of the sperm. There is no research has been done to determine the effect of Pereskia bleo on the mammalian reproductive system and thus, the antifertility or fertility effects caused by this herb are yet to be documented. Conclusion These three herbal plants under study possessed the properties that are able to ward off pathogens and have useful application in medical. Their medicinal properties are crucial in maintaining one’s good health and their effects towards reproductive ability shown remarkable potential. Hence, rapid research 12 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 developments need to be done to discover more of their health benefits and effects imposed to fertility. Extension study of the isolation of the chemical constituents of these three herbs also relevant to be carry on as they can be commercialize into different applications in pharmacology. Acknowledgement The authors would like to thank School of Biological sciences and Research Management Institute, UiTM. References [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] J. Linford. Guide to Herbs: A Comprehensive Guide to Herbs and Their Uses, Parragon, UK, 2012; 814. S.F. Sulaiman, A.A.B. Sajak, K.L. Ooi, Supriatno, E.M. Seow. J. Food Comp and Anal, 2011; 24, 506515. H.C. Ong. Sayuran: Khasiat Makanan dan Ubatan, Kuala Lumpur, 2004; 2–9. A. Mediani, A. Faridah, A. Khatib, H. Maulidiani, S. Khozirah, H.C. Young, N.H. Lajis. Food Res. Int., 2012; 49, 763-770. J. Samy, M. Sugumaran, K.L.W. Lee. Herbs of Malaysia: An introduction to medicinal, culinary, aromatic and cosmetic uses of herb, Selangor, 2005; 23. S. Ismail. Sayuran tradisional ulam dan penyedap rasa Malaysia, UKM, Malaysia, 2000. R. Aman. Ulam dan Sayuran Tempatan Semenanjung Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 2002; 15–17. A. Riaz. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci., 2010; 23(3), 291 – 294. B.W. Brown. Reprod. Nutr. Dev., 1994; 34, 89–114. J.J. Robinson. Anim. Reprod. Sci., 1996; 41, 25–34. G.J. Garvey, G. Hanh, V.R. Lee, R.D. Harrison. Int. J. Environ. Health Res., 2001; 11, 63 – 71. J.C. Petherick. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 2005; 90, 185–205. K. Chan. Trends. Pharmacol. Sci., 1995; 16, 182-187. J.J. Robinson, C.J. Ashworth, J.A. Rooke, L.M. Mitchell, T.G. McEvoy. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 2006; 126, 259–276. G.B. Martin, D. Blache, D.W. Miller, P.E. Vercoe. Animal, 2010; 4(7), 1214–1226. J. Knez. Reprod. BioMed. Online, 2013; 26, 440-448. R.M. Sharp. Toxicol. Lett., 2001; 120, 221-232. J.D. Wilson. Annu. Rev. Physiol., 1978; 40, 279-306. R.A.B.C. Ikarastika, C.G. Carolina, D.F. Patricia, F. Boylan. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2012; 144(3), 741 – 746. A. Faridah, K. Shaari, N.H. Lajis, D. A. Israf, Y. Umi Kalsom. Food Chem, 2006; 95, 566-573. Z. A. Zakaria, H. Zaiton, E.F.P Henie, A.M Mat Jais, E.N.H Engku Zainuddin. Int. J. of Tropical Med., 2007; 2(3), 96 – 100. K.H. Miean, S. Mohamed. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2001; 49, 3106-3112. B.K.H. Tan, C.H. Tan, P.N. Pushparaj. Life Sci., 2005; 76 (24), 2827-2839. H.C. Ong, J. Norzalina. Fitoterapia., 1999; 70, 10-1. N. Fuzzati, Sutarjadi, W. Dyatmiko, A. Rahman, K. Hostettmann. Phytochemistry, 1995; 39, 409 – 412. I.H. Burkill. A Dictionary of the Economics Products of the Malay Peninsula, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1966; 1-2. J.S. Fisher. Repro., 2004; 127, 305-315. H. Nurul, A. Ruzita, A.P. Aronal. Int. Food Res. J., 2010; 17, 893 – 894. M.R. Nor Hafipah, A.S. Othman, S. Abubakar, U.A. Qamar. J. Med. Plants Res., 2010; 4(8), 669-673. H.L. Lee, H.M. Er, A.K. Radhakrishnan. Malays. J. Sci., 2009; 28(3), 225- 239. H.L. Lee, H.M. Er, A.K. Radhakrishnan. J. Sci. Technol. In the Tropics, 2010; 6, 31-38. S.N. Abd Malek, N. Abdul Wahab, H. Yaacob, K.S. Sim, S.L. Hong, G.S. Lee, S.N.S.A. Rahman. Int. J. Cancer Res., 2008; 4(1), 20 – 27. 13 Science Letters 8(2) 2014 [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] K.L. Goh. Malaysian Herbaceous Plants, Malaysia, 2000. M.L.Tan, S.F. Sulaiman, N. Najimuddin, M.R. Samian, T.S. Tengku Muhammad. J. Ethnopharmacol., 2004; 96, 287 – 294. C.L. Herrera, P.M. Cuasay, E.V. Ramos, E.P Chavez, L.A. Dayap, B.C. Rabang. The Philipp. J. Sci., 1986; 307-314. I.R. Hall, G.L. Carlson, G.S. Abernathan, C. Piantadosi. J. Med. Chem., 1974; 17(12), 1255. M. Norazlina. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med., 2012; 814-817. M. Badeau, H. Adlercreutz, P. Kaihovaara, M.J. Tikkanen. J. Steroid Biochem. Mol. Biol., 2005; 96(34), 271–278. I. Woclawek-Potocka, C. Mannelli, D. Boruszewska, I. Kowalczyk-Zieba, T. Waśniewski, D. Skarżyǹski. Int. J. Endocrinol., 2013. A. Faridah, K. Shaari, N.H. Lajis, D. A. Israf, Y. Umi Kalsom. Nat. Prod. Sci., 2003; 9, 245-248. 14