Amount Of Tannins Research Articles

In Russian

Using the new composite materials based on chemically pure organic substances of plant origin, and, as their carrier, highly dispersed hydrophobic silicon dioxide, is one of the promising nanosystems that increase yields when growing organic products. The aim of the work was to develop and investigate the effect of a new efficient composite system for presowing treatment of seeds of vegetable crops based on tannin and hydrophobic silica AM-1, which would improve germination, germination energy and morphological parameters of plants. Tomato seeds “Bull heart”, pepper variety “Red miracle”, celery variety “Maxim” and cabbage variety “Fruerte”, which were treated with composite preparations, were studied. Hydrophobic pyrogenic silica brand - AM 1-300 and different amounts of tannin - amorphous yellow powder, obtained from grape seeds were used to prepare a series of nanocomposite systems. Such composite systems were applied directly to the surface of the seed before entering into the soil. During the study period, the following parameters were measured: seed germination energy and germination. Biometric observations of germinated shoots consisted in measuring the length of the root and stem. It has been found that tannin can be used as a bioactive additive in the composition of fertilizers for processing vegetable crops, such as tomato, cabbage, celery and pepper. It turned out that unique universal fertilizer for all the studied crops does not exist, but it is possible to identify its own best composite for each type of vegetables that will contribute to the improvement of the morphological and energy characteristics of the sprouts. It is shown that the presence of tannin in the composite has a positive effect on the energy characteristics of the fertilizer and on the development of the root system. Practically, all composite materials increase the germination rate of processed vegetable seeds. At the same time, the vegetation of plants depends on the concentration of the bioactive component, which is part of the composite system. We can recommend the following systems: process tomatoes with T1 composite, pepper - T8, celery –T and T1, cabbage - T7, T9, based on the obtained results, while studying the effect of the obtained composites for presowing seed treatment before planting in the soil.

Pre-treatment of banana peel to improve composting by black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (L.), Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae

Use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (L.), Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL) is among the solutions being explored to shift the value chain in organic waste management by producing valuable products. Although BSFL consume a range of substrates, nutrient-imbalanced materials with high hemicellulose and lignin content, e.g. manure and banana peel, yield low conversion into larval biomass. This study explored pre-treatment methods to improve the nutrient composition and digestibility of banana peel to achieve higher substrate conversion into BSFL biomass. The pre-treatment methods evaluated were microbial, chemical (non-protein nitrogen), heat-based, and combinations of these. All pre-treatments tested except heating resulted in more efficient BSFL conversion in terms of final larvae weight. The low BSFL responses in pre-treatments were caused by the observed high amounts of tannins and phenolic compounds mainly from the heating pre-treatment. Waste to biomass conversion ratio correlated negatively with substrate volatile solids (VS) and positively with the decrease in VS in pre-treatment. Microbial − 14 days pre-treatments provided the optimum pre-treatment time for the microorganisms to achieve maximum degradation of the substrates, facilitating larval assimilation of the released nutrients. Rhizopus oligosporus-14 days and ammonia + Rhizopus resulted in the most efficient BSFL treatment, measured as protein produced per kg incoming material.

Effect of Extraction Time on Tannin Antioxidant Level and Flavonoid on Pandan Wangi Leaf (Pandanusamary llifolius Roxb) Using Hydrothermal Extractor

Pandanus leaf (Pandanus Amaryllifolius) is one of the plants that have chemical content in the form of tannins, saponins, polyphenols (phenolics), alkaloids and flavonoids that can be used as antioxidants.The research that is done is total tannin and alkaloid test on pandan leaves. The purpose of this reseach was to determine the effect of extraction time on the amount of tannin and alkaloids in pandan leaves. In the tannin and alkaloids test, the extraction of pandan leaves was first used hydrothermal extract with 60°C temperature in 60 minutes using aquadest solvent with variation of extraction time 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes. Tannin content of 0.2%; 0.8%; 2.5%; 6.2%; 7.1% and flavonoid levels of 2.05%; 2.36%; 4.44%; 0.78%; 0.34%. From the results of reseach showed that the longer the extraction time, the more tannin content produced. While flavonoids have optimum time at 40 minute extraction time. Optimal tannin content obtained by using aquades solvent is the time of extraction for 60 minutes, while the optimum flavonoid content at the time of extraction 40 minutes.

A Study on FTIR, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Hypogycaemic Effect of Diospyros Kaki and Citrullus colocynthis

Phytochemical, FTIR screening, Hypoglycemic study, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity of Citrullus colocynthis and D. kaki fruit were studied. The interest of this study is to evaluate traditional herbal usage to treat many diseases around the sultanate of Oman locally. The functional groups that they contain are (O-H) Phenol, (C-H) Alkyl, (N-H) Amine and (C=C) Alkenyl groups corresponds to their biological phytoconstituents responsible for the medicinal properties. The antibacterial and antifungal activities revealed that all parts of tested samples shown good antimicrobial properties. While leaf of C. colocynthis methanolic extract showed highest zone of inhibition (24.33 mm³) against penicillium . Antioxidant assays were evaluated through DPPH (1, 1- diphenyl-2-picryllhydrazyi) and H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity) methods. Peel of D. kaki extract showed higher antioxidant activities than other parts. Antioxidant property of these fruit is due to the presence of significant amount of tannins, phenolic acids and flavonoids on them. A slight change in body weight was observed in all mice compared to the control. All extracts except leaf of C. colocynthis show significant reduction in blood glucose level even more than the positive control which treated with metformin drug. From our investigation of screening different parts of two plants, the results obtained confirm the therapeutic value of both plants used in traditional medicine.

Quality Evaluation of Tea Brewed from Blends of Soursop (Annona muricata) and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaves

Tea is commonly made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis. Production of similar drinks from other plant leaves with potential health benefits would help to prevent diseases. This study examined the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of tea made from blends of dried moringa (Moringa oleifera) and soursop (Annona muricata) leaves. Mature, fresh and green leaves from both plants were washed in water and sun-dried for 10 h. The dried leaves were milled and sieved to obtain the tea powders. Blends of soursop: Moringa tea were formulated as follows: A: 100% Soursop, B: 100% Moringa, and soursop: Moringa blends as C:50:50%; D: 60:40% and E: 40:60%. Ten grams of each blend of tea powder was brewed in 100 ml of hot water (90°C) for 10 min and cooled to room temperature (28 ±- 2°C) before analysis. From the result, 50:50 soursop-moringa tea gave the highest levels of vitamins C and A. Mineral levels were significantly different among the samples (p<0.05) with higher values recorded for calcium (2117.10 mg/100 ml), sodium (146.02 mg/100 ml), magnesium (362.03 mg/100 ml), phosphorous (241 mg/100 ml), zinc (7.13 mg/100 ml) and potassium (1207.20 mg/100 ml) in 50:50 soursop-moringa tea. The pH differed significantly (p<0.05) in all the tea samples and ranged from 7.28–7.81. Total solids gave values ranging from 3.47 mg/l-3.82 mg/l (p˂0.05) and total sugars 1.12–3.07% (p<0.05). The amount of tannin was significantly higher (p<0.05) in all tea blends compared to other antinutrients analyzed in this study and ranged from 8.95-9.84%. Assessment of the antioxidant capacity by Diphenol-2,2picrylhydroxyl (DPPH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) showed significant differences (p<0.05) among the tea samples with the 50:50 soursop: Moringa blend having the highest antioxidant activity with values up to 89.04% and 531.44 (µM/L) in each case. Overall the soursop-moringa tea blends exhibited good chemical composition and antioxidant activity, with 50:50 formulation showing the best nutritional quality attributes.

The cytotoxic effect and glucose uptake modulation of Baeckea frutescens on breast cancer cells

BackgroundBaeckea frutescens (B. frutescens) of the family Myrtaceae is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine. It is known to have antibacterial, antipyretic and cytoprotective properties. The objective of this study is to explore the mechanism of B. frutescens leaves extracts in eliminating breast cancer cells.MethodB. frutescens leaves extracts were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus with solvents of different polarity. The selective cytotoxicity of these extracts at various concentrations (20 to 160 μg/ml) were tested using cell viability assay after 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment. The IC50 value in human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and mammary breast (MCF10A) cell lines were determined. Apoptotic study using AO/PI double staining was performed using fluorescent microscope. The glucose uptake was measured using 2-NBDG, a fluorescent glucose analogue. The phytochemical screening was performed for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, and phenols.ResultsB. frutescens leaves extracts showed IC50 value ranging from 10 -127μg/ml in MCF-7 cells after 72 h of treatment. Hexane extract had the lowest IC50 value (10μg/ml), indicating its potent selective cytotoxic activity. Morphology of MCF-7 cells after treatment with B. frutescens extracts exhibited evidence of apoptosis that included membrane blebbing and chromatin condensation. In the glucose uptake assay, B. frutescens extracts suppressed glucose uptake in cancer cells as early as 24 h upon treatment. The inhibition was significantly lower compared to the positive control WZB117 at their respective IC50 value after 72 h incubation. It was also shown that the glucose inhibition is selective towards cancer cells compared to normal cells. The phytochemical analysis of the extract using hexane as the solvent in particular gave similar quantities of tannin, triterpenoids, flavonoid and phenols. Presumably, these metabolites have a synergistic effect in the in vitro testing, producing the potent IC50 value and subsequently cell death.ConclusionThis study reports the potent selective cytotoxic effect of B. frutescens leaves hexane extract against MCF-7 cancer cells. B. frutescens extracts selectively suppressed cancer cells glucose uptake and subsequently induced cancer cell death. These findings suggest a new role of B. frutescens in cancer cell metabolism.

Phenolic composition, antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties of the three mushrooms Agaricus silvaticus Schaeff., Hydnum rufescens Pers. and Meripilus giganteus (Pers.) Karst. in Tunisia

Mushrooms have been used both for food and medicine purposes for centuries. This paper provides a chemical study of Agaricus silvaticus Schaeff., Hydnum rufescens Pers. and Meripilus giganteus (Pers.) Karst. extracts and an evaluation of their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities.Chemical investigations allowed as to note that the highest flavonoids and polyphenols contents are represented respectively in the ethyl acetate extract of A. silvaticus (47.06 ± 2.4 mg catechin g−1) and the methanolic extract of H. rufescens (32.54 ± 1.9 mg catechin g−1). While the highest amount of tannins (98.2 ± 4.8 mg catechin g−1) is present in M. giganteus ethyl acetate extract.The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Catalase Activity Assay (CAT). The ethyl acetate extract of H. rufescens showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.852 ± 0.003 mg mL−1) by the DPPH method as well as a significant catalase activity (448.430 ± 0.002 μmol H2O2 degraded/min/protein).The anticholinesterasic activity showed 63.10% inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase by the methanolic extract of H. rufescens at the concentration of at 10 mg mL−1. The cholinesterase inhibition decreases with the concentrations decrease until its total disappearance at a concentration of 0.312 mg mL−1.

Vegetable Tannin as a Sustainable UV Stabilizer for Polyurethane Foams.

A vegetable tannin, a flavonoid-type natural polyphenolic compound, was used to promote the stabilization of polyurethane foams against UV radiation. Several polyurethane foams were synthesized by using an isocyanate, and a mixture of ethoxylated cocoalkyl amine and vegetable tannin. The content of vegetable tannin was varied from 0 to 40 wt %. The effects of tannin and water (used as a blowing agent) on the foaming kinetics and cellular morphology of foams were investigated. Samples were subjected to accelerated weathering under UV radiation for 3 to 24 h, and FTIR and DMA analyses were conducted to assess the performance change. The former analysis revealed a strong inhibiting effect of tannin on urethane linkage degradation during the UV treatment. The mechanical properties were significantly affected by the addition of tannin. The capability of the foams to withstand UV radiation was dependent on the amount of tannin. At tannin contents higher than 20%, the decrease in mechanical properties under UV irradiation was almost avoided.

Investigation of Iranian pomegranate cultivars for wound healing components.

One of the most important issues which medical science has been facing is wound healing for the tissue repair with the least complications. In this study, we aimed to isolate, purify and quantitate tannins and phenolic compounds from exocarp and pulp of fruits of Iranian pomegranate cultivars. Our findings demonstrate that the highest amount of tannin extracts from ethanol extract of the black peel exocarp was 201.76 ± 1.93. The highest amount of flavonoids from the ethanol extract of Sweet Alac exocarp was119.69 ± 1.02 as well as antioxidant compounds activity in the exocarp and pulp showed that the highest activity is in the ethanol extract of the black peel was 95.65 ± 3.1. The total phenolic activity indicated that the Sour white peel ethanol extract has the highest phenolic activity 327.05 ± 863. Our data suggest that the ethanol extract of pomegranate exocarp has the higher amounts of tannins and flavonoids, compounds that are known to be beneficial for wound healing. Taken together, these data suggest that compounds isolated from Iranian pomegranate cultivars offer new options for managements of wound healing.

Studies on physico-chemical parameters of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) apple for value addition

The cashew apple production in India is estimated to be 65 lakh tones per year but less than 10% of it is processed inspite of possessing all nutritional and medicinal properties. Although the nutritional and economic importance of cashew apple has been acknowledged by many researchers, but no systematic research has been taken yet for proper utilization of large quantities of cashew apples which are being wasted every year. The present investigation was therefore, carried out at Cashew Research Station, All India Coordinated Research Project on Cashew, during the year 2017-18 to evaluate the fifteen diverse cashew genotypes for their physico-chemical parameters as well as value addition of cashew apple juice. The experiment was laid out following the statistical design RBD with two replications. The tested cashew genotypes revealed variations with respect to physico-chemical parameters of cashew apple as well as prepared RTS. Cashew genotype, Kankadi revealed superiority for physical parameters such as cashew apple length (9.2cm), cashew apple breadth (both at wider (5.17cm) and narrower point (4.35cm)), specific gravity (1.21), juice recovery (72.91%) and apple to nut ratio (15.41). Cashew apple weight was recorded maximum in genotype VTH-711/4(118.71g). Genotype, Dhana exhibited superiority for total cashew apple yield (19.35kg plant-1), titrable acidity(0.35%) and ascorbic acid content(254.54mg 100g-1) among the tested genotypes. Total soluble solids was recorded maximum in genotype D-19 (15.52 0 brix). Reducing sugar and total sugar was recorded maximum in genotypes, NRCC Sel-2(9.90%) and BPP-8 (10.53%) respectively. Minimum amount of tannin was recorded in genotype Bhubaneswar-1(1.76mg ml-1). The organoleptic evaluation of prepared RTS revealed wide variations and recorded organoleptic values ranged between 3.50 to 5.00 for colour, 3.00 to 5.00 for appearance, 2.00 to 4.80 for flavour, 2.00 to 4.00 for taste, 2.00 to 4.50 for sweetness and 2.00 to 4.25 for overall acceptability on 5 point hedonic scale. The genotype, Bhubaneswar-1 recorded highest score for all the organoleptic parameters such as colour (5.00), appearance (5.00), flavour (4.80), taste (4.00), sweetness (4.50) and overall acceptability (4.25). Thus, the genotype, Bhubaneswar-1 may be commercially exploited for RTS preparation owing to its low tannin and consumer acceptability.

STUDY ON THE ethanol extractS of BULGARIAN WHITE OREGANO (Origanum heracleoticum L.)

The influence of technological parameters - temperature, hydromodule (proportion between row material/solvent (g/cm3)) and duration of extraction, on the yield and composition of ethanol extracts from bulgarian white oregano (Origanum heracleoticum L.) whit 70 % ethanol was studied. The quantity of tannins in extracts were defined. The highest yield and content of tannins in ethanol oregano extracts was determined in the following parameters: hydromodule 1:10, 60 OC and the duration of the process 6 hours.

Evaluation of cashew varieties for RTS beverage and jam

Cashew apple, weighing 8–10 times that of nut is usually wasted even though it is highly nutritious, with a few exceptions in places like Goa. The present study conducted at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, during 2016–17, aimed at screening varieties suitable for the preparation of cashew apple RTS drink and jam. Thirteen cashew varieties were selected for the study of which twelve varieties released from Kerala Agricultural University namely Madakathara 2, Damodhar, Amrutha, Poornima, Priyanka, Sulabha, Kanaka, Panama, K-22-1, Dharasree, Dhana and Raghav, and one variety Vridhachalam-3 from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University), and products were prepared. The qualitative analysis of fresh cashew apple, products and sensory evaluation of the two products using 9-point Hedonic scale were carried out. The results revealed that the variety Vridhachalam-3 contained the highest TSS (14.2 oB); Amrutha, the lowest amount of tannin (0.23%); Panama, the lowest titrable acidity (0.25%); Sulabha, the highest vitamin C (295.70mg/100g) and K-22-1, the maximum juice yield (95.75%). When products were subjected to qualitative analysis, it was found that for RTS drink, variety Dhana gave the maximum TSS (23.2 oB); K-22-1, Amrutha, Dharasree and Madakkathara-2, the minimum acidity (0.26%) and K-22-1, the highest vitamin C (61.72 mg/100g). In case of jam the variety Dharasree had the highest TSS (80 oB), Amrutha, Raghav and Poornima had the minimum titrable acidity (0.26%) and Panama had the highest vitamin C (18.60mg/100g).

Pharmacognostic standardization and chromatographic fingerprint analysis on triterpenoidal constituents of the medicinally important plant Artocarpus heterophyllus by high-performance thin layer chromatography technique

Background: Artocarpus heterophyllus commonly known as Kathal in Hindi and Jackfruit in English has a wide horizon of medicinal possessions. The plant is found in India and in its tropical regions. Objective: Although the plant and its extracts are renowned for its ethnic medicinal values diversely in India, yet organized data somewhere lack in reverse pharmacognostical approach of this plant that shows that plant have not been completely explored for its therapeutic potency. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the folklore potential of this plant has been explored by generating down its pharmacognostical standards along with measurement of its active therapeutic constituent ursolic acid and lupeol via. High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), evidence from organized data search says that ursolic acid and lupeol is ubiquitous to A. heterophyllus. The plant was also subjected to spectroscopic-based estimation of tannins (gallic acid and tannic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin and rutin). Antimicrobial testing was also performed. Results: Microscopic features revealed the presence of anomocytic type of stomata, collateral open type vascular bundle in which fascicular cambium is present, calcium oxalate crystal and covering trichomes were key features in leaves. Methanolic extract of leaves of the plant was subjected to HPTLC. HPTLC studies revealed that both ursolic acid and lupeol are present in appreciable amount. Plant showed good antibacterial activity which may be due to the high amount of tannins as the tannins has the ability to disintegrate the bacterial cell wall. Conclusion: The data generated could be significantly used as a reference for the authentication and quality control of A. heterophyllus.

In vitro Phytochemical, Larvicidal and Antimicrobial Activities of Gum Arabic Extract

The Gum Arabic of Acacia senegal (GA) has been reported to treat several diseases, such as kidney failure and cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disease. However, scarce investigation has been made into the phytoconstituents of GA. Obtained GA was macerated in water, then GA aqueous extract was subjected to phytochemical analysis using standard protocols and bioactivity screening by different procedures. Antimicrobial screening was performed using the cup-plate diffusion method against four bacterial strains and one fungi strain. The larvicidal activity was evaluated against the third instar of Culex quinquefasciatus. The phytochemical analysis showed that GA extract contains high amounts of saponins and alkaloids, moderate amounts of cardiac glycosides, and trace amounts of tannins. GA extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against the test organisms, with different zones of inhibition ranging 0 - 18 mm. The larvicidal activity showed significant perfection with increasing extract dose and exposure period with mortality up to 86.7 %. Results reveal that the crude extract of GA contains important biomolecules which has been proved to have substantial larvicidal and antimicrobial activities.

Life history of Plodia interpunctella Hübner on sunflower seeds: Effects of seed qualitative traits and the initial seed damage

Sunflower seeds are regularly infested by Plodia interpunctella during storage. Although this pest prefers damaged seeds, in practice it can infest undamaged seeds as well. This research assessed the influence of the sunflower seed type (oil, protein for human consumption and bird-feed) and the initial seed damage during post-harvest processing (dehulled kernels, 10, 20, 30% of damaged seeds and undamaged seeds) on development of P. interpunctella (larval mortality, larval development, mean developmental duration, adult emergence and fecundity). Biochemical analysis of seeds, kernels and hulls detected the highest content of phenols in the seed and hull and tocopherols in the kernel of the oil type hybrid. The antioxidative activity was the highest in the seed, kernel and hull of the protein type for bird feed. The shortest development (39.5 days) and the highest fecundity (91.3) were on the oil type seeds, while the longest development (42.1 days) and the lowest fecundity (68.1) were on the seeds of the protein type for bird feed. The highest mortality of larvae was on the undamaged seeds of the protein type for bird feed and human consumption (21.3% and 14.0%, respectively). The type of sunflower and the level of initial damage affected larval mortality, developmental duration and fecundity. The mean developmental duration and the number of emerged adults were dependent only on the initial seed damage. Principal component analysis detected strong positive correlation between mortality and development with the tocopherol content on the undamaged seeds while fecundity was associated with the state of kernel and the amount of tannins, proteins and oil content in the seed. The undamaged seeds of the protein type for the bird feed were the least suitable for the development of this pest, while the oil type kernels were the most suitable.

The effects of condensed tannins derived from senescing Rhizophora mangle leaves on carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in a Distichlis spicata salt marsh soil

Background and aimsDue to global warming, it is to be expected that mangroves will move north- and southwards and enter salt marshes, which will then be enriched with mangrove-derived organic compounds. Little is known about the effects that tannins, which are abundantly present in leaf litter of Rhizophora mangle, will have on the biogeochemical cycles in salt marsh soils.MethodsIn microcosms, soil from a Distichlis spicata salt marsh was enriched with R. mangle-derived leaf powder (LP), crude condensed tannins (CCT) and purified condensed tannins (PCT), or with commercially available tannic acid (TA). Each treatment received a fixed amount of tannins, i.e. 10 mg /g dry soil. Due to the enrichment with tannins in each fraction, the amount of carbon added increased from C < TA = PCT < CCT < LP. At Day 7, 21, 35 and 42 of the incubation period, CO2 emission rates were determined after closing the microcosms for 24 h. Net nitrogen and phosphorous mineralization rates were also determined for the entire incubation period. Experiments were done at Practical Salinity Units of 20, 28 and 35 to cover the range in salinities observed in the field (20 and 35 PSU).ResultsFor the whole incubation period, the CO2 emission increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the order of C < PCT < CCT = TA < LP microcosms. The microcosms with LP showed immobilization of mineral nitrogen and phosphorus, while the other microcosms revealed net nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization in the order of CCT < TA < PCT < C for N mineralization, and CCT = TA < C < PCT for P mineralization. The C and N mineralization rates measured at a salinity of 20 PSU were significantly larger than at 28 and 35 PSU.ConclusionThe results showed that mangrove leaf litter stimulated net C mineralization and N and P immobilization. Purified condensed tannins of senescing R. mangle leaves enhanced C and P, and suppressed net N mineralization.

The influence of waste printed circuit boards characteristics and nonmetal surface energy regulation on flotation

This paper studied the influence of waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) characteristics and nonmetal surface energy (SE) regulation on flotation. First, SEM-EDS was applied to study the appearance and surface element distribution of the glass fiber and copper. The results showed that the glass fiber was present in a bundle and the surface carbon content was 49.42%, which facilitated glass fiber floating. The copper appearance contained many nodules, with a carbon content of 32.54%, which hindered copper sorting. XPS analysis further discovered that copper was mainly present in the forms of CuO, Cu(Met), and Al2Cu. A FT-IR analysis revealed that the organic matter in the PCBs was essentially the same as the epoxy resin. It was easy to achieve floating and some polar functional groups promoted the adsorption of the flotation reagents. Based on this, by calculating the nonmetal SE, it was found that the proportion of the non-polar component of the nonmetal SE was 94.60%. The EDLVO theory was applied to research interactions between nonmetal particles. Hydrophobic attraction was found to be the main factor causing nonmetal particles to agglomerate. Further, the tannin was used to improve the dispersion of nonmetal by adjusting the nonmetal SE. Furthermore, the hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in the tannin may form hydrogen bonds with the bromine, epoxy and hydroxyl groups in the nonmetal. Finally, flotation test results indicated that tannin added significantly enhanced PCBs flotation efficiency. When the amount of tannin added increased from 0 to 60 mg/L, the recovery of copper increased from 61.92% to 90.53%. Thus, this study provides an alternative approach to improve the flotation efficiency of waste PCBs.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Herbal Mouthwash Containing Oak Husk of Quercus brantii and Zataria multiflora

Background: Considering increasing antibiotic resistance and periodontal diseases incidence, the need of a safe, effective, and economical alternative mouthwash seems necessary. Combination of Persian oak husk of Quercus brantii (Jaft) with astringent and antibacterial properties of its tannins and Zataria multiflora leaves with anti-bacterial activity related to its essential oil seems to be more effective. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to prepare and evaluate a herbal mouthwash formulation containing the extract of Oak husk and essential oil of Zataria multiflora. Methods: The essential oil of Zataria multiflora leaves was obtained by hydro-distillation. Oak husk powder of Quercus brantii was extracted by infusion and then the extract was freeze-dried. Determination of tannin amount in the extract was performed by the Folin-Denis method. The essential oil analysis was performed by GC/MS. Formulations were prepared at five different concentrations of tannin (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, and 2%) with 0.15% v/v of essential oil in the base of polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol. The selected formulations were subjected to screening against Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans, using standard protocol of cell viability in comparison to the Persica mouthwash. Stability tests, such as tannin assay and pH, were done on days zero and forty-five after preparation of the formulations. Results and Conclusions: The best formulations with 0.2% and 0.5% of tannin, which were more stable and showed significantly more antibacterial effects than Persica mouthwash may be safe and effective for future clinical studies.

Trade-offs between growth, reproduction and defense in response to resource availability manipulations.

The Brazilian Cerrado is one of the most endangered biomes in the world. We evaluated the sustainability of leaf harvest in one of the most important Cerrado tree species, Stryphnodendron adstringens. The bark of this tree is used as a source of medicinal tannin. Harvesting bark, however, often kills the tree. In a manipulative field experiment, we tested the hypothesis that harvesting leaves, which might serve as an alternative source of tannin, would be less detrimental for tree survival, growth, reproduction, and defense than harvesting bark. In a two-way crossed experimental design, we either clipped 100% of a plant’s leaves or applied NPK fertilizer to the soil. Our predictions of the experimental outcomes were based on plant resource and defense theory. Growth was determined by total leaf dry mass production, reproduction by inflorescence and fruit production traits, and defense by total phenolics, hydrolyzable tannins, and condensed tannins. Fertilization had a marginally positive effect on total leaf dry mass. Defoliation had no effect on subsequent leaf production, and most importantly, no plants died as a result of defoliation. We found high tannin amounts in leaves of S. adstringens produced both prior to and subsequent to clipping, further suggesting that leaves could serve as a sustainable alternative source of tannin. After clipping, plants invested more in tannin production and less in reproduction. Our results suggest that leaf harvest may be more sustainable than harvesting of bark in S. adstringens. We suggest the need for further investigation of the medicinal properties of leaf tannins to formulate a viable sustainable management plan for the exploitation of this plant species.

South African Invasive Tree: Studies of the Chemical and Biological Profiles of Acacia Decurrens (Wild)

In this study, we aimed to profile the stem bark of Acacia decurrens biochemically. Extracts obtained by maceration were phytochemically screened, spectroscopically analysed with the aid of UV-visible, FT-IR, GC-MS, and, ICP-OES and subjected to primary biological assay. Spectra obtained from the UV-visible and FT-IR confirm the presence of n ® p* which are characteristic of compounds with oxygenated backbones such as the glycoside, phenols, terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids. On further analysis, the chromatogram revealed the presence of thirty-five major compounds of which eight bioactive compounds had previously been isolated. The metal profile of the stem bark registered high concentrations of Cr, K, and Fe. Quantitative phytochemical evaluation showed, large amount of tannins (30.87 – 55. 81 mgTAE/g), steroids (13.92-41.2%), and phenols (40.6 - 65.5 mgGAE/g) in all fractions. The ethyl acetate and methanol fractions were found to be rich sources of antibacterial compounds with MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL while the chloroform fraction is a potent antioxidant fraction with IC50 values of 37.00 ± 0.06 g/mL and 42.20 ± 0.72 µg/mL against DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. The presence of these secondary metabolites and the hyper-tolerance capacity for metals can be exploited pharmaceutically and for phytoremediation purpose, respectively.