Aqueous Fruit Extract Research Articles

EFFECT OF DILLENIA INDICA L. AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS-INDUCED CARDIOMYOPATHY ON ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETES MICE MODEL

Objective: The aim of the present study is to investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidative properties of Dillenia indica fruits.Methods: Aqueous fruit extract and methanolic fruit extract (MFE) were prepared, and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. Diabetic mice were prepared with alloxan (150 mg/kg) body weight (b.w.). Antihyperglycemic study of short duration was carried out with doses (150–550) mg/kg b.w. of MFE in diabetic mice. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase) activity assays and histopathological analysis were done in heart tissue of mice.Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening showed that the phytoconstituents were strongly present in the MFE and therefore was considered for further studies. From the antihyperglycemic study, it was found that 350 mg/kg b.w. dose was the most effective in reduction of blood glucose level. A significant increase in the activities of the antioxidant enzymes was observed in the MFE-treated group. From the histopathological studies, it was observed that detrimental effects of oxidative stress were attenuated in the treated group.Conclusion: Concluding the studies, it could be ascertained that D. indica fruits were found to be quite effective in proving its potential against hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, and therefore, the fruits could be considered to be of therapeutic value in diabetes.

In Vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Aqueous Extract from the Leaf and Fruit of Psidium guajava L.

BACKGROUND: The leaf and fruit of Psidium guajava L. are potential for neutraceutical beverage especially for antidiabetic drink. The aims of this study were to determine the antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of leaf (LE) and fruit (FE) from P. guajava.METHODS: Both extracts were investigated for their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase activity in vitro. Their antioxidant activities were measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelating, reducing power and phosphomolybdate methods.RESULTS: The IC50 of LE, FEandacarbose as a positive control were 5.67, 428.00 and 823.99 μg/mL, respectively. The enzyme kinetic analysis indicated that LE inhibited α-glucosidase in a competitive inhibition type, similar to that of acarbose. Both extracts showed antioxidant activities, with LE showed stronger activities than FE in all methods. In DPPH method, IC50 of LE and FE were 74.77 and 843.84 μg/mL respectively, compared to 53.24 and 21.36 μg/mL for reference antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid (AA), respectively. In ferrous ion chelating activity, the IC50 were 147.07 and 2105.05 μg/mL for LE and FE, whereas ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a control sample was 66.50 μg/mL. In reducing power and phosphomolybdate methods, at different concentrations, the activities of LE, FE, and standard compounds showed the following order: AA > BHT > LE > FE.CONCLUSION: LE from P. guajava exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. In addition, LE had better antioxidant acivities than FE. This study can recommend the aqueous extract from P. guajava as a promising candidate for neutraceutical drink for prediabetic and diabetic patients.KEYWORDS: antioxidant, aqueous extract, α-glucosidase inhibition, guava, Psidium guajava L.

Aqueous extract of pequi fruit to control Spodoptera frugiperda in corn

ABSTRACT: Pequi fruit peels contain steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, compounds that are potentially useful for integrated pest management. As such, the aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of aqueous extracts of pequi fruit peels on Spodoptera frugiperda. Field-grown corn plants of the cultivar ‘Al Alvaré’ were sprayed with extract concentrations of 0.8%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% (v/v) 40 and 47 days after germination. The pequi peels were chopped, oven dried (65°C for 72 hours), and ground in a grinding mill. The resulting powder was used to prepare a base-line extract (10%), and the other concentrations evaluated were prepared by diluting this extract. The intensity of the damage caused by S. frugiperda caterpillars was evaluated 43, 46, 50, and 53 days after germination, using a visual scoring scale. Application of the extract decreased the amount of damage caused by the caterpillars. The 5% extract concentration was the most effective, while the 10% extract concentration showed evidence of phytotoxicity after the second spraying. These results suggest that the pequi extract is toxic to the S. frugiperda caterpillars and can be used for the management of this pest.

English

This study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous and ethanol fruit extracts of Phoenix dactylifera on the cerebellar cortex of Artesunate-Amodiaquine (AS–AQ) treated Wistar rats. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into nine groups (n=4). Group 1 served as the control; Group 2 received 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ. Group 3 received 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid; Groups 4, 5 and 6 received 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 500 mg/kg aqueous extract of P. dactylifera (AEPD), 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 1000 mg/kg AEPD and 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 1500 mg/kg AEPD respectively. Groups 7, 8 and 9 received 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 500 mg/kg ethanolic extract of P. dactylifera (EEPD), 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 1000 mg/kg EEPD and 2.86/8.75 mg/kg AS–AQ + 1500 mg/kg EEPD respectively. All administration was orally done, and lasted for 28 days. Evidences of necrosis, chromatolysis and vacuolations were observed in the cerebellar cortex of the AS–AQ treated group. The histoarchitecture of the AEPD and EEPD treatment groups were preserved in a dose-dependent manner, and compared positively to the reference drug ascorbic acid treatment, with the AEPD-treated groups being better preserved. Amelioration of the severity of neurodegeneration by the extracts suggest that the extracts could have exerted their ameliorative effects by antioxidant activities ascribed to the phytochemicals present in the extracts. Key words: Phoenix dactylifera L. cerebellum, Artesunate-Amodiaquine, Wistar rats. &nbsp

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their role in photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye

Nowadays, synthesis of nanoparticles, particularly silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs), has become a research priority due to their wide application in medicine and industry. In this study, Ag-NPs were synthesized utilizing aqueous extract of Prosopis farcta fruit and characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the obtained nanoparticles were uniform in size (median 30 nm) with spherical shape. The catalytic activity of the synthesized Ag-NPs was studied using methylene blue (MB) in presence of visible light, showing rapid degradation of MB in the first 30 min. The results revealed color degradation of 70.20% within the same time, indicating that the synthesized nanoparticles can quickly degrade artificial colorants and eliminate some environmental contaminants.

Comparative Study of Hypoglycemic Effects of Aqueous Extracts of Leaves and Fruits of Garden Egg (Solanum melongena) In Alloxan Induced Diabetic Guinea Pigs

The aim of this research work was to carry out a comparative study on the aqueous extracts of the leaves and fruits of Garden egg (Solanum melongena) using alloxan induced diabetic guinea pigs. Blood glucose level analysis was used as diabetic indices. Z-test was used in comparing the mean fasting blood glucose level of alloxan induced diabetic guinea pigs after administration of aqueous leaf extracts and that of the aqueous extracts of the fruits of Garden egg (Solanum melongena) against the negative control (0.9%N/S) and positive control group (Glibenclamide solution).The results showed that there was a significant difference between the group that had oral administration of aqueous leaf extracts and the negative control group (p 0.05).

Membrane stabilization and probable mechanisms of hypoglycemic activity of fruit extract of Solanum incanum L. (Solanaceae)

This study investigated the antioxidant, membrane stabilization, and mechanisms of hypoglycemic attribute of aqueous fruit extract of Solanum incanum L. in vitro. The extract was separately incubated with α-amylase and α-glucosidase and subsequently with starch and p-nitrophenylglucopyranoside, respectively, while its glucose uptake regulatory effect was evaluated against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The data obtained showed that the extract significantly modulated the rate of glucose uptake by yeast cells and had respective competitive and uncompetitive inhibitory influence on α-glucosidase and α-amylase with overall half-maximal values of 2.98 and 7.08 mg mL−1 relative to that of acarbose (4.93 and 5.59 mg mL−1). S. incanum also markedly halts free radicals in a manner comparable to silymarin. With a display of 86.67% potency against heat-induced hemolysis of bovine serum erythrocytes, the extract could also be said to have shown marked membrane stabilization activity. The effects shown by S. incanum at the investigated concentrations may be ascribed to its analytes as revealed by the results of the chromatographic analysis. Put together, besides being antioxidative, regulation of glucose uptake rate and enzymes’ activities are its probable mechanisms of hypoglycemic potential and has further provided baseline evidence for its antidiabetic application.

Lagerstroemia speciosa fruit-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its application as filler in agar based nanocomposite films for antimicrobial food packaging

Abstract Agar based nanocomposite films were developed by incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as filler. The AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous fruit extract of Lagerstroemia speciosa, an abundantly available medicinal plant in North-Eastern part of India. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. TEM results showed that most of the particles were hexagonal in shape with size range of 32–62 nm. Incorporation of AgNPs improved the antimicrobial property, thermal stability, elongation at break and appearance of the composite films, whereas tensile strength (TS) decreased. The FTIR analysis of the films showed that the AgNPs had good compatibility with agar matrix. The orange-brown colour of the composite films may help to protect wrapped (packed) food products from UV rays. The composite films showed good antibacterial activity against Gram-negative foodborne pathogen Aeromonas hydrophilla, and may have potential for food packaging applications.

Red mulberry fruit aqueous extract and silk proteins accelerate acute ethanol metabolism and promote the anti‑oxidant enzyme systems in rats.

Red mulberry (Morusalba) fruit is rich in anthocyanins, and mulberry leaves are used by silk worms to make silk protein. We determined that the water and ethanol extract of mulberry fruit and silk amino acids accelerated ethanol degradation and suppressed temporal cognitive dysfunction in acute alcohol administered rats. The mechanism was explored in rats with acute oral administration of silk protein and mulberry fruit extracts. Rats were given 0.3g of dextrin (control) and water extract (WMB) and ethanol extract of mulberry (EMB), silk protein hydrolysates (SKA), and a commercial product (positive‑control) based on body weight. After 30min, rats were administered 3g ethanol/kg body weight and serum ethanol and acetaldehyde levels were measured. After 3h movements were measured with a video tracking system and at 5h cognitive function was measured by Ymaze test. WMB contain much higher rutin, luteolin and quercetins than EMB. In SKA rats, serum alcohol concentrations slowly increased until 60min, but were markedly elevated until 120min. However, WMB rats exhibited rapidly increased serum alcohol levels until 60min and showed the lowest peak of serum alcohol levels, indicating the highest degradation of alcohol. The patterns of serum acetaldehyde levels were similar to those of serum ethanol levels but WMB was more effective for reducing serum acetaldehyde levels than serum ethanol levels. WMB was most effective for increasing mRNA expression of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. WMB and SKA decreased lipid peroxides by increasing activities of SOD and GSH‑Px in the liver and they also reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6. WMB and SKA exerted better anti‑oxidant effects than the positive‑control. WMB containing higher flavonoids reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines better than SKA. In conclusions, both WMB and SKA might reduce acute alcohol‑induced hangover and liver and brain damage by lowering serum alcohol and acetaldehyde levels.

NITRIC OXIDE PRODUCTION AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF DRIED FRUIT EXTRACTS OF TERMINALIA CHEBULA

Objective: The dried ripe fruits of Terminalia chebula have traditionally been used to treat various ailments as it has a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to explore the antioxidant activity, nitric oxide production, cytotoxicity, and phytocompounds present in the aqueous and methanol extract of T. chebula. Methods: The dry fruits of T. chebula were extracted using water and methanol, and the extracts were concentrated by lyophilization method. Phytochemical analysis was done by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The free radical scavenging activity of T. chebula was estimated by 1,1diphenyl 2, picrylhydrazyl method. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with aqueous and methanol extracts, and the production of nitric oxide was estimated by spectrophotometric method using Griess reagent. Cytotoxicity assay was performed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide method and percentage of cell viability was calculated.Results: Aqueous and methanolic extracts of the dry fruit of T. chebula showed non-toxic to RAW 264.7 cells at the concentration of 2 mg and 1.5 mg, respectively. These concentrations showed high free radical scavenging activity and production of optimum concentration of nitric oxide in RAW 264.7 cells.Conclusion: Fruit extracts of T. chebula possess properties of nitric oxide production and high free radical scavenging activity; these properties could be useful in the development of immunomodulatory drugs as well as protection against various human diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Luffa operculata fruit aqueous extract induces motor impairments, anxiety-like behavior, and testis damage in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLuffa operculata (L.) Cogn., Cucurbitaceae (buchinha-do-norte), aqueous extract (EBN) is popularly used to relieve symptoms of sinusitis and as abortive. Aim of the studyAs neurotoxicity and toxicity studies on the male reproductive system are scarce, the present study aimed at quantitatively addressing the question. Materials and methodsMale adult rats were observed in the open field (OF) and in the light-dark box test (LDB) to evaluate locomotion and anxiety. Macroscopical and microscopical alterations on the rats’ testes were also studied. The rats were divided into two groups, control (GC) and experimental (GE). GE received 1.0 mg/kg per day of EBN, orally, for five consecutive days, whereas GC received water. On the 6th day, each animal was evaluated in OF and in LDB for 3 min in each apparatus. After that, the left testicles were studied. ResultsIn the OF, GE showed decreased locomotion, increased immobility time and decreased grooming and remained for less time in the center of the apparatus. In LDB, GE showed significant difficulty in moving into the light side of the device and remained longer in the dark side, exhibiting less displacement on both sides and less transitions between sides. Testicle weights, relative weights, testicular volume, cranial-caudal and lateral-lateral axes presented an increase in relation to the GC. Microscopic changes were observed in parenchyma, lumen and diameter of seminiferous tubules. Leydig cell numbers were decreased in GE. ConclusionsThe administration of EBN induced anxiety-like behavior, impaired locomotion and altered the testes morphology of rats.

Management of Fusarium Crown and Root Rot of tomato by Solanum linnaeanum L. extracts

Abstract Leaf, stem and fruit aqueous extracts of Solanum linnaeanum were tested for their ability to suppress Fusarium Crown and Root Rot (FCRR) in tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) and to enhance tomato growth. Leaf extract used at 30% (w/v) was the most effective in reducing disease severity by 92.3% and the extent of vascular browning by 97.56% compared to FORL-inoculated and untreated control. A significant enhancement of growth parameters was recorded on tomato cv. Rio Grande seedlings inoculated with or without FORL. A significant improvement of seed germination was noted. FORL mycelial growth, assessed using the poisoned food technique, varied depending on plant organs, extracts, and concentrations used. Butanolic extracts were the most active, leading to 60.81% decrease in FORL mycelial growth. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of butanolic extract revealed the presence of thirteen phenolic compounds including seven acids such as protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, syringic acid, 3.4-dimethoxybenzoic acid, two stilbenes (resveratrol and isorhamnetin 3 O rutinoside) and four flavonoids such as catechol, epigallocatechine, rutin and rutin trihydrate which was the major compound (15.82%). Thus, S. linnaeanum can be explored as a potential source of antifungal and bio-fertilizing compounds.

Immunomodulatory activities of extracts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima

ABSTRACTThe anti-inflammatory potential of extracts of all parts of Caesalpinia pulcherrima and fractions of fresh pods were explored. Each part of C. pulcherrima was extracted with methanol, acetone, and water. Fresh pods were further processed for fractionation. Methanol extract of pods (CP-Pods-M, 292 g) was subjected to solvent–solvent separation, which gave hexane (PE), ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (BUT), and aqueous (AQ) phases separately. EA phase (EA INSOLUBLE) was washed with water (EA AQ WASH) and dried with anhydrous Na2SO4 then treated with charcoal. It was further filtered and termed as EA 1 + 2 and EA 1. Hexane (P.E) phase was evaporated to give fraction PE 1 + 2. Aqueous phase provided aqueous fractions (AF) and the residue left after freeze-drying was termed as aqueous deposit (AD). The effect of all extracts of the plant and fractions of fresh pods were studied for oxidative burst activity of whole blood phagocytes, neutrophils, and murine macrophages J 774.2 by using chemiluminescence technique. Antioxidant potential was also evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assays.Inhibition on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of whole blood phagocytes was observed with IC50 values ranging between 1.6 ± 0.78–8.0 ± 0.8 µg mL−1, which was lower than the standard ibuprofen as assessed by methanolic extracts of fresh fruit and flower, acetone and aqueous extracts of dry fruits and their coat, aqueous and acetone extracts of fresh fruit and their coat. The fractions EA INSOLUBLE, EA AQ WASH, EA 1 + 2, PE 1 + 2, AF, AD, and EA 1 exhibited inhibition on ROS by whole blood cells, IC50 values ranges (1.62–9.18 µg mL−1). Extracts of the plant and fractions from fresh pods also inhibited intracellular and extracellular ROS production in the isolated human neutrophils and murine macrophage cells J774.2.

POTENCIAL ALELOPÁTICO DOS EXTRATOS DE FOLHAS E FRUTOS DE Pityrocarpa moniliformis SOBRE A GERMINAÇÃO DE SEMENTES DE Mimosa caesalpiniifolia

RESUMO: A alelopatia tem sido definida como uma interação química entre espécies, por meio de metabólitos denominados aleloquímicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial alelopático dos extratos aquosos de folhas e frutos de Pityrocarpa moniliformis (Benth.) Luckow & R. W. Jobson sobre a germinação de sementes e crescimento inicial de plântulas de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. Os extratos de folhas e de frutos de P. moniliformis foram obtidos por imersão em água destilada durante 24 h, obtendo-se as concentrações de 0 (água destilada), 25, 50, 75 e 100 g.L-1. A semeadura foi realizada em papel toalha e as sementes mantidas para germinar a 25 °C com fotoperíodo de 12 h. As variáveis avaliadas foram: porcentagem de germinação, índice de velocidade de germinação, comprimento da raiz principal e da parte aérea de plântulas. A germinação de sementes de M. caesalpiniifolia não sofreu influência dos extratos de P. moniliformis, porém sua velocidade foi reduzida. O extrato foliar reduziu o comprimento da raiz à medida que se aumentou a concentração até 57 g.L-1, enquanto os extratos dos frutos proporcionaram redução até a concentração de 68 g.L-1. O extrato de folhas acarretou no aumento do comprimento da parte aérea das plântulas, enquanto que o extrato dos frutos proporcionou redução até a concentração de 61,5 g.L-1. Os extratos aquosos de frutos e folhas de P. moniliformis não afetam a germinação de sementes de M. caesalpiniifolia, entretanto há efeito alelopático negativo sobre a velocidade e o crescimento inicial das plântulas de M. caesalpiniifolia.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Aleloquímicos, Heterotoxidade, Sementes florestais, Vigor.

Apoptotic efficacy and antiproliferative potential of silver nanoparticles synthesised from aqueous extract of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.).

Currently, nanotechnology and nanoparticles (NPs) are recognised due to their extensive applications in medicine and the treatment of certain diseases, including cancer. Silver NPs (AgNPs) synthesised by environmentally friendly method exhibit a high medical potential. This study was conducted to determine the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of AgNPs synthesised from sumac (Anacardiaceae family) fruit aqueous extract (AgSu/NPs) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The anti-proliferative effect of AgSu/NPs was determined by MTT assay. The apoptotic properties of AgSu/NPs were assessed by morphological analysis and acridine orange/propidium iodide (AO/PI) and DAPI staining. The mechanism of apoptosis induction in treated cells was investigated using molecular analysis. Overall results of morphological examination and cytotoxic assay revealed that AgSu/NPs exert a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of MCF-7 cells (IC50 of ∼10 µmol/48 h). AO/PI staining confirmed the occurrence of apoptosis in cells treated with AgSu/NPs. In addition, molecular analysis demonstrated that the apoptosis in MCF-7 cells exposed to AgSu/NPs was induced via up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. These findings suggested the potential use of AgSu/NP as cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic efficacy and its possible application in modern medicine for treating certain disorders, such as cancer.

Effects of iridoid-anthocyanin extract of Cornus mas L. on hematological parameters, population and proliferation of lymphocytes during experimental infection of mice with Trichinella spiralis

The influence of iridoid-anthocyanin aqueous extract of cornelian cherry fruits (CM) on hematological parameters, lymphocyte subsets and proliferation during Trichinella spiralis infection in mice was investigated. CM (100 mg/kg) was administered orally to T. spiralis-infected mice six times within a period encompassing three days prior to the infection and three days after the infection (dai).CM increased the percentage of CD3+, CD4+ cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio and decreased total count of CD8+ and CD19+ splenocytes (5th dai). An increase in total count of CD4+, CD3+, CD19+ splenocytes was observed (21st dai). CM elevated the percentage of CD4+ cells (7th dai) and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (21st dai) in MLN. CM increased (14th dai) and then reduced (21st dai) the percentage of CD8+ MLN lymphocytes and decreased total count of MLN CD8+ cells (21st dai) and B cells (14th dai). An activation of lymphocyte proliferation in spleen and simultaneous decrease in MLN on 5th dai was observed. An increase in red blood cells parameters (5th dai) and in leukocyte count (7th dai) was found. A rise in platelet count was noticed both on 5th and 7th dai. Moreover, the number of adult T. spiralis on 5th dai in mice receiving CM extract was lower than in the control mice.These results suggested that iridoid-anthocyanin aqueous extract of CM stimulated murine immune response during T. spiralis infection.

ECO-FRIENDLY SYNTHESIS OF GOLD NANOPARTICLES USING AVERRHOA CARAMBOLA L.

In this work we report an eco-friendly method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using Averrhoa carambola L. fruit extract at different temperatures. AuNPs were formed and coated conjugatedly with the components of aqueous fruit extract of Averrhoa carambola L. as verified under UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and used for testing of antimicrobial activity. AuNPs - Averrhoa carambola L. extract combination showed synergistic effect on the antibacterial activity as judged by well diffusion method. AuNPs alone did not showed the antibacterial activity, and Averrhoa carambola L. extract had the inhibition zone of 8.8 ± 1.08 mm, while the combination of AuNPs - Averrhoa carambola L. extract showed 16.33 ± 2.33 mm inhibition zone when Averrhoa carambola L. extract was 285 mg/ml. Therefore, green-synthesized AuNPs by our protocol are potential to biomedical applications.

The impacts of Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. leaf and fruit aqueous extracts on mice hepatic, extrahepatic antioxidant and drug metabolizing enzymes related structures

ABSTRACT In this work, the potential chemopreventive activities of Elaeagnus umbellata fruit aqueous (EUFA) and leaf aqueous (EULA) extracts focusing on the modulatory influence of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes (XMEs), antioxidant enzymes, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, lipid peroxidation (LP), sulfhydryl groups were investigated in the hepatic and extrahepatic organs of Swiss albino mice (50 and 100 mg/kg body wt given orally for 14 days) and compared with BHA (0.75 % in diet). The modulatory and chemopreventive properties of two different doses EUFA and EULA were observed for cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, sulfhydryl groups, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, 7-ethoxyresorufin-deethylase and N,N-dimethylaniline N-oxidase activities in the liver and compared with BHA as a standard. The activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and DT-diaphorase (DTD) showed a significant increase in the kidney, forestomach, heart and brain at both doses of EUFA and EULA. The results of EULA-treated groups were found a notable increase in LDH, G6PD, 6PGD, GST and DTD activities. Superoxide dismutase level in liver, kidney and heart exhibited a significant increase at both doses of EULA. Glutathione reductase activity was a remarkable level at high dose of EUFA in liver, kidney and EULA in kidney. Both doses of EUFA were effective in inducing glutathione peroxidase activitiy in heart. The levels of LP at low and high doses of EULA-treated and EUFA-treated were effective in liver and kidney, respectively. The present results demonstrate that significant effects in the level of XMEs and antioxidant enzymes of EUFA and EULA are remarkable for modulating roles and natural chemoprevention properties and therefore is considered for a valuable natural source.

Investigating the Antiproliferative and Antioxidant Properties of Pancratium maritimum L. (Amaryllidaceae) Stems, Flowers, Bulbs, and Fruits Extracts.

Pancratium maritimum stems, flowers, bulbs, and fruits extracts were investigated for their antiproliferative and antioxidant properties. Total phenols and total flavonoids were also determined. The in vitro antiproliferative activity was tested against seven cancer cell lines such as C32, HeLa, MDA-MB-231, PC3, A549, MCF-7, and LNCaP by using SRB assay. Interesting results were obtained with stems ethanol extract (ET1) against C32 cells (IC50 of 27.1 μg/mL) and fruits aqueous extract (AQ) against MCF-7 cell line (IC50 of 36.5 μg/mL). To define the antioxidant activity, four tests such as DPPH, ABTS FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching tests were used. The most promising ABTS scavenging capacity was observed with fruits ethanol extract (ET1) that showed an IC50 value of 6.9 μg/mL. According to the correlation results, the phenols and flavonoids content could provide a fundamental contribution to the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of P. maritimum extracts.

Antimicrobial activity of American cranberry extract in the antimicrobial protection of minced pork meat

The aim of the study was to determine the content of bioactive ingredients in the American cranberry extracts (Vaccinium macrocarpon), the antimicrobial activity of these extracts and the efficiency of the selected extract in minced pork meat together with its sensory evaluation. Three extracts were made: aqueous (w-FACE), ethanol (e-FACE) and aqueous-ethanol (we-FACE). The content of bioactive components was tested by HPLC. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined against ten Gram-negative bacteria strains and six Gram-positive bacterial strains by serial macrodilution method. Minced pork meat with or without addition of 2.5% w-FACE was inoculated with four pathogenic strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) and stored at 4°C for 6 days. In 0, 2, 4 and 6 day, the number of bacteria was determined by plate method. Sensory evaluation of meat samples with and without in-FACE included general appearance and smell. All extracts contained organic acids (p-coumarin, benzoic, chlorogenic and coffee) and flavone (quercetin, miristin, epicatechin and isorhamnetin). E-FACE also contains ursolic acid. The MIC/MBC values of the extracts were in the range of 1.56-6.25 (3.13-25.0) mg/ml against Gram-positive bacteria and 6.25-12.5 (6.25-25.0) mg/ml against Gram-negative bacteria. Statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) inhibition of growth of all pathogens in minced pork meat containing in-FACE was found. The 2.5% w-FACE had no significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on the initial sensory characteristics of minced pork meat and after 4 and 6 days of storage was significantly higher than that of FACE-free meat. The results of the study suggest the possibility of using an aqueous extract of cranberry fruit as a natural preservative of minced pork meat..