Common Edible Plants Research Articles

Quantity and Quality Evaluation of Girardinia Diversifolia and Girardinia Bullosa Seed Oil

Kenya imports more than 65% of its edible oil requirements. This is due to low oil production and limited sources that cannot adequately meet the high demand by the ever-increasing population. This study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile and assess the quantity and quality of Girardinia diversifolia and Girardinia bullosa seed oil. Its quality was assessed in terms of iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), acid value(AV), peroxide value(PV), unsaponifiable matter, refractive index (RI), specific gravity(SG) and moisture content and volatile matter. The percentage oil content (18.4 to 21.2/100g dry) was low relative to most common edible oil plants. The highest moisture content recorded was 39.60 with the lowest being 31.24g/ 100g air-dried seeds. The RI ranged from 1.4662-1.4704. The IV ranged from 166-192. The PV was in the range of 8.68 to 13.6. The SV (164-179) was comparable to that of corn oil (187-147). The AV varied from 4.58-7.22. The percent unsaponifiable matter of the oil varied from 2.14-4.10. The fatty acids detected in the oil were decanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid, 9-octadecaenoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, eicosanoic acid and heneicosanoic acid. The results showed that Girardinia oil is stable in the first two hours of heating. The results indicated that the oil had a high content of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, and this guarantees the possibility of using the oil in the food industry.

SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF CHLOROPHYLLS IN EDIBLE PLANTS INTENDED FOR DIAGNOSTICS

Abstract. This study examined the absorption and fluorescence spectra of chlorophylls and other pigments extracted in ethanol solutions from common edible plant species. Chlorophyll-a was the dominant fluorescent chromophore in all plant varieties. The fluorescence curves for all extracted solutions exhibit after optimizing by concentration dilution an increase in the fluorescence with a typical prominent leading Gaussian peak at a wavelength of 674 nm. This peak is followed by a decreasing shoulder extending into the near-infrared range beyond 724 nm. The dilution of the solutions with ethanol reduces the optical absorption from the other pigments and shows simultaneously an improved resolution of the chlorophyll-a spectral absorption peaks. This investigation provides new insights into the optical absorbance and other photo-excited processes that impact the fluorescence of chlorophylls, such as agglomeration, photobleaching and photo-aggregation. The findings may be used for biodiagnostics, fluorescent quantum dots and bio-sensors.

Edible Medicinal Guava Fruit (Psidium guajava L.) Are a Source of Anti-Biofilm Compounds against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Psidium guajava is one of the most common edible medicinal plants frequently used in Malagasy traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal infections. In order to evaluate their probable antibacterial activities, three organic extracts (successive extractions by hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol) of ripe guava fruits were assessed for their bactericidal and anti-virulence properties against P. aeruginosa PAO1. Although these three extracts have shown no direct antibacterial activity (MIC of 1000 µg/mL) and, at the non-bactericidal concentration of 100 µg/mL, no impact on the production of major P. aeruginosa PAO1 virulence factors (pyocyanin and rhamnolipids), the hexane and dichloromethane extracts showed significant anti-biofilm properties and the dichloromethane extract disrupted the P. aeruginosa PAO1 swarming motility. Bioguided fractionation of the dichloromethane extract led to the isolation and identification of lycopene and β-sitosterol-β-D-glucoside as major anti-biofilm compounds. Interestingly, both compounds disrupt P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm formation and maintenance with IC50 of 1383 µM and 131 µM, respectively. More interestingly, both compounds displayed a synergistic effect with tobramycin with a two-fold increase in its effectiveness in killing biofilm-encapsulated P. aeruginosa PAO1. The present study validates the traditional uses of this edible medicinal plant, indicating the therapeutic effectiveness of guava fruits plausibly through the presence of these tri- and tetraterpenoids, which deserve to be tested against pathogens generally implicated in diarrhea.

A near-infrared fluorescent ratiometric probe with large Stokes shift for multi-mode sensing of Pb2+ and bioimaging

Pb2+ is a heavy metal ion pollutant that poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems. The conventional methods for detecting Pb2+ have several limitations. In this study, we introduce a novel fluorescent probe that enables the detection of Pb2+ in the near-infrared region, free from interference from other common ions. A unique characteristic of this probe is its ability to rapidly and accurately identify Pb2+ through ratiometric measurements accompanied by a large Stokes shift of 201 nm. The limit of detection achieved by probe was remarkably low, surpassing the standards set by the World Health Organization, and outperforming previously reported probes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first organic small-molecule fluorescent probe with both near-infrared emission and ratiometric properties for the detection of Pb2+. We present a triple-mode sensing platform constructed using a probe that allows for the sensitive and selective recognition of Pb2+ in common food items. Furthermore, we successfully conducted high-quality fluorescence imaging of Pb2+ in various samples from common edible plants, HeLa cells, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mice. Importantly, the probe-Pb2+ complex exhibited tumour-targeting capabilities. Overall, this study presents a novel approach for the development of fluorescent probes for Pb2+ detection.

Evaluation of the effect of Musa paradisiaca L. rhizome on Saccharomyces glucose absorption and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity

Introduction: Musa paradisiaca is a common edible plant used in traditional medical systems for its medicinal properties. In this study, in vitro anti-hyperglycaemic potential and in vitro antioxidant activity of M. paradisiaca rhizome were investigated. Methods: Dried rhizome of M. paradisiaca was sequentially extracted to hexane and dichloromethane using cold maceration technique. Stock concentrations of hexane extract (35.35 mg/mL) and dichloromethane extract (22.14 mg/mL) were diluted to prepare different concentrations and were used to evaluate the effects of plant extracts on glucose uptake potential by yeast cells and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity compared to metformin and ascorbic acid standards respectively. Results: The extracts improved the glucose uptake through yeast plasma membrane, since a linear relationship in glucose uptake by yeast cells wasobserved with gradual increase in concentration of the plant extract. In terms of glucose adsorption capacity, dichloromethane extract of plant possessed a significant (p<0.05) activity compared to the hexane extract at higher glucose concentrations, but this activity was significantly less compared to metformin standard (p<0.05). Further, dichloromethane extract demonstrated a higher level of glucose adsorption potential than hexane extract. Same extract had the highest DPPH radical scavenging potential in antioxidant assay. However, this activity was concentration-dependent, and both extracts showed lower radical scavenging potentials compared to the ascorbic acid standard. Conclusion: Dichloromethane extract of M. paradisiaca rhizome is more biologically active compared to its hexane extract in terms of in vitro glucose adsorption potential and antioxidant properties. However, both extracts showed significantly lower activity compared to metformin in glucose uptake assay while ascorbic acid showed the highest activity in free radical scavenging.
 Keywords: DPPH, Glucose adsorption, Musa paradisiaca rhizome, Saccharomyces

Edible O. fragrans flower ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory responses through suppressing NF-κB and AP-1 pathways

Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. is one of the most common edible plants in China. Its flower (O. fragrans flower) is widely utilized as a food ingredient and traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages, OFE suppressed the pro-inflammatory mediators (iNOS, MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-1β) at the transcriptional and translational levels, showing a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Mechanism study indicated that, OFE inhibited IκBα phosphorylation and prevented the nuclear translocation of p65, thereby inactivating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Concurrently, OFE also suppressed AP-1 signaling through inhibiting the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK. In endotoxemia mice, a single intraperitoneal administration of OFE significantly decreased serum IL-6 and MCP-1 levels. Our study demonstrates that O. fragrans flower may be the beneficial food for inflammatory diseases.

Salinity stress improves antioxidant potential by modulating physio-biochemical responses in Moringa oleifera Lam.

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a common edible plant, famous for several nutritional and therapeutic benefits. This study investigates the salt -induced modulations in plant growth, physio-biochemical responses, and antioxidant performance of M. oleifera grown under 0, 50, and 100 mM NaCl concentrations. Results showed that the plant effectively managed moderate salinity (50 mM NaCl) by maintaining succulence, weight ratios, and biomass allocation patterns of both shoot and root with minimal reduction in dry biomass. However, high salinity (100 mM NaCl) remarkably declined all growth parameters. The plant accumulated more Na+ and Cl−, while less K+ under salinity as compared to the control. Consequently, osmotic potentials of both root and leaf decreased under salinity, which was corroborated by the high amount of proline and soluble sugars. Increased level of H2O2 with significantly unchanged membrane fluidity indicating its role in perceiving and managing stress at moderate salinity. In addition, increased activities of superoxide dismutase, and catalase, with increased glutathione and flavonoid contents suggest an integrated participation of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant components in regulating ROS. On the other hand, high salinity caused an outburst of ROS indicated by high H2O2, MDA, and electrolyte leakage. As a response, moringa drastically increased the activities of all antioxidant enzymes and contents of antioxidant molecules including ascorbic acid, glutathione, total phenols, and flavonoids with high radical scavenging and reducing power capacities. However, a considerable amount of energy was used in such management resulting in a significant growth reduction at 100 mM NaCl. This study suggests that moringa effectively resisted moderate salinity by modulating physio-biochemical attributes and effectively managing ion toxicity and oxidative stress. Salt stress also enhanced the medicinal potentials of moringa by increasing the contents of antioxidant compounds including ascorbic acid, glutathione, total phenols, and flavonoids and their resulting activities. It can be grown on degraded/ saline lands and biomass of this plant can be used for edible and medicinal purposes, besides providing other benefits in a global climate change scenario.

Edible Plant Extracts against Aedes aegypti and Validation of a Piper nigrum L. Ethanolic Extract as a Natural Insecticide.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito significantly impacts public health, with vector control remaining the most efficient means of reducing the number of arboviral disease cases. This study screened the larvicidal and pupicidal activity of common edible plant extracts. Piper nigrum L. (black pepper) extract production was optimized using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and validated following regulatory requirements using HPLC-PDA analytical methodology to quantify its major component-piperine. Larvicidal activity was determined for the standardized P. nigrum fruit ethanol extract (LC50 1.1 µg/mL) and piperine standard (LC50 19.0 µg/mL). Furthermore, 9-day residual activity was determined for the extract (4 µg/mL) and piperine (60 µg/mL), with daily piperine quantification. Semi-field trials of solid extract formulations demonstrated 24-day activity against Ae. aegypti larvae. Thus, the standardized P. nigrum extract emerges as a potential candidate for insecticide development to control the arboviral vector.

Identifying the chaîne opératoire of club-rush (Bolboschoenus glaucus (Lam.) S.G.Sm) tuber exploitation during the Early Natufian in the Black Desert (northeastern Jordan)

Club-rush (Bolboschoenus spp. (Asch.) Palla) is one of the most common edible wild plant taxa found at Epipaleolithic and Neolithic sites in southwest Asia. At the Early Natufian site of Shubayqa 1 (Black Desert, Jordan) thousands of club-rush rhizome-tuber remains and hundreds of fragments of prepared meals were found. The evidence indicated that the underground storage organs of this plant were recurrently used as a source of food 14,600 years ago. To determine how Early Natufian communities gathered, processed and transformed club-rush tubers into food, we designed an interdisciplinary study that combined experimental archaeology, archaeobotany, and ground and chipped stone tool analyses. We conducted more than 50 specific experiments over three years, and based on the experimental materials produced we inferred that 1) the best season for club-rush rhizome-tuber collection in the region was spring-summer time; 2) that the primary method to harvest the plant would have been uprooting; and 3) that the most efficient approaches to obtain perfectly peeled and clean rhizome-tubers could have entailed drying, roasting and gentle grinding of the tubers. Overall, our work provides important information to reconstruct the chaîne opératoire for club-rush tuber exploitation in the past. The experimental data and modern reference datasets allow us to interpret the archaeological material found at Shubayqa 1, and start identifying some of the activities that Natufian communities in the Black Desert undertook in relation to the exploitation of this particular source of food.

Anti-Aging Effect of Momordica charantia L. on d-Galactose-Induced Subacute Aging in Mice by Activating PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway.

Anti-aging is a challenging and necessary research topic. Momordica charantia L. is a common edible medicinal plant that has various pharmacological activities and is often employed in daily health care. However, its anti-aging effect on mice and the underlying mechanism thereof remain unclear. Our current study mainly focused on the effect of Momordica charantia L. on d-galactose-induced subacute aging in mice and explored the underlying mechanism. UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was applied to qualitatively analyze the chemical components of Momordica charantia L. ethanol extract (MCE). A subacute aging mice model induced by d-galactose (d-gal) was established to investigate the anti-aging effect and potential mechanism of MCE. The learning and memory ability of aging mice was evaluated using behavioral tests. The biochemical parameters, including antioxidant enzyme activity and the accumulation of lipid peroxides in serum, were measured to explore the effect of MCE on the redox imbalance caused by aging. Pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the levels of aging-related proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were assessed using Western blotting. The experimental results demonstrated that a total of 14 triterpenoids were simultaneously identified in MCE. The behavioral assessments results showed that MCE can improve the learning and memory ability of subacute mice. The biochemical parameters determination results showed that MCE can improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decrease the accumulation of lipid peroxides in aging mice significantly. Furthermore, aging and injury in the hippocampus were ameliorated. Mechanistically, the results showed a significant upregulation in the protein expression of P-PI3K/PI3K and P-AKT/AKT (p < 0.01), as well as a significant reduction in cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3, Bax and P-mTOR/mTOR (p < 0.01). Our results confirm that MCE could restore the antioxidant status and improve cognitive impairment in aging mice, inhibit d-gal-induced apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and rescue the impaired autophagy caused by mTOR overexpression, thereby exerting an anti-aging effect.

Computation Screening of Multi-Target Antidiabetic Properties of Phytochemicals in Common Edible Mediterranean Plants.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease and one of the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Numerous studies support that the Mediterranean diet has preventive and treatment effects on diabetes. These effects have been attributed to the special bioactive composition of Mediterranean foods. The objective of this work was to decipher the antidiabetic activity of Mediterranean edible plant materials using the DIA-DB inverse virtual screening web server. A literature review on the antidiabetic potential of Mediterranean plants was performed and twenty plants were selected for further examination. Subsequently, the most abundant flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes in plant materials were studied to predict their antidiabetic activity. Results showed that flavonoids are the most active phytochemicals as they modulate the function of 17 protein-targets and present high structural similarity with antidiabetic drugs. Their antidiabetic effects are linked with three mechanisms of action, namely (i) regulation of insulin secretion/sensitivity, (ii) regulation of glucose metabolism, and (iii) regulation of lipid metabolism. Overall, the findings can be utilized to understand the antidiabetic activity of edible Mediterranean plants pinpointing the most active phytoconstituents.

Aggregated transfer factor of 137Cs in edible wild plants and its time dependence after the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident

We obtained the aggregated transfer factor (Tag) for 10 common edible wild plant species (four perennial spermatophytes, bamboo shoot, two tree species, and three perennial pteridophytes) in northeastern Japan. Measurement of Tag was carried out in 2012–2019 and we also used publicly available data for 2012–2019: food monitoring data and total deposition data from an airborne survey. The Tag obtained from actual measurements agreed well with Tag values calculated from the publicly available data. The sampling locations were only identified at the municipal level and uncertainty of the deposition for the publicly available data, and thus Tag values showed substantial variation. The Tag of the perennial spermatophytes, including bamboo shoot, and perennial pteridophytes showed single exponential decline with effective half-lives of approximately 2 years, whereas those of tree species did not show distinct temporal change. These results imply that data since 2014 are applicable for Tag estimation for long-term potential ingestion dose in the future to the public because of the slow decline. The calculated Tag values of all species for 2014–2019 ranged from 6.1 × 10−5 to 5.2 × 10−3 m2/kg-fresh mass. The maximum Tag value was observed for the tree koshiabura (Chengiopanax sciadophylloides) and the minimum value was observed for the perennial spermatophyte giant butterbur (Petasites japonica). Tree species showed higher Tag than spermatophyte and pteridophyte perennials.

Degradation and Toxicity Analysis of a Reactive Textile Diazo Dye-Direct Red 81 by Newly Isolated Bacillus sp. DMS2.

An efficient diazo dye degrading bacterial strain, Bacillus sp. DMS2 was isolated from a long-term textile dye polluted environment. The strain was assessed for its innate ability to completely degrade and detoxify Direct Red 81 (DR81) textile dye under microaerophilic conditions. The degradation ability of strain showed significant results on optimizing the nutritional and environmental parameters. Based on statistical models, maximum efficiency of decolorization achieved within 24 h for 100 mg/l of dye supplemented with glucose (0.02%), MgSO4 (0.002%) and urea (0.5%) at 30°C and pH (7.0). Moreover, a significant catabolic induction of a laccase and azoreductase suggested its vital role in degrading DR81 into three distinct metabolites (intermediates) as by-products. Further, toxicity analysis of intermediates were performed using seeds of common edible plants, aquatic plant (phytotoxicity) and the nematode model (animal toxicity), which confirmed the non-toxic nature of intermediates. Thus, the inclusive study of DMS2 showed promising efficiency in bioremediation approach for treating industrial effluents.

Antiosteoporotic activities of isoquercitrin in ovariectomized rats: Role of inhibiting hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common and disabling disorder that increases the risk of bone fractures due to estrogen deprivation; this can be simulated in rats by ovariectomy. Hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) expression in osteoclasts predominantly leads to its activation increasing bone resorption. Premenopausal, estrogen prevents HIF-1α expression maintaining bone density. Unfortunately postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy is not recommended due to its potential tumor development risk. Isoquercitrin, a common edible plants phytoestrogen, is known to inhibit HIF-1α. This study was conducted to investigate the potential antiosteoporotic activity of isoquercitrin (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day) in ovariectomized rats with reference to 17β-estradiol (25 mcg/kg/day). Animals were bilaterally ovariectomized to induce osteoporosis and one month later they were assigned into groups and administered isoquercitrin and 17β-estradiol for 8 weeks. Ovariectomy reduced lumbar compression strength, distorted bone microscopic architecture, inducing cartilage and trabecular dystrophy, and increased the markers of bone turnover (serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin and urinary calcium, phosphorus and creatinine). It also increased the gene expression of HIF-1α and the levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and β-catenin in the femurs. Isoquercitrin was found to improve bone histological features, increase lumbar strength and improve most of the biochemical markers of bone turnover in a manner comparable to 17β-estradiol. Isoquercitrin also attenuated the increased HIF-1α expression while increased that of the VEGF and β-catenin. It also decreased the levels of NF-κB. Therefore isoquercitrin may be considered a safer alternative for managing osteoporosis.

Cytotoxic activity and volatile components of peel oil of Citrus volkameriana

Citrus volkameriana Pasq. (Family: Rutacea) is a very common edible and medicinal plant growing in several places in the world including Egypt. We previously studied the toxicity of components of the leaves; however, the peel oil has not been fully analyzed. In the current study, peel oil of C. volkameriana was prepared by hydro-distillation method, and was analyzed for its components using gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The recovered oil was formulated as oil in water emulsion using a wet gum technique with gum acacia as an emulsifier. Two compounds were selected from the identified oil components, emulsified using the same technique, and tested for their cytotoxicity along with the emulsified oil on five human tumor cell lines, as well as on one human non-tumorigenic epithelial breast cell line. Our results showed that limonene (68.5%) was found to be the major oil constituent, followed by γ-terpinene (11.3%). Other minor oil components include thymol methyl ether (4%), 4-terpineol (2.9%), cymol (2.4%) and α-pinene (2.1%). The oil showed a very strong cytotoxic effect on the five human tumor cells tested with the highest effect on human hepatoma HepG2 cells (IC50 = 0.038 μL/mL), followed by the effect on human laryngeal carcinoma HEp2 cells (IC50 = 0.045 μL/mL), human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells (IC50 = 0.075 μL/mL), human lung carcinoma A549 cells (IC50 = 0.093 μL/mL), and human cervical cancer Hela cells (IC50 = 0.13 μL/mL). In contrast, the oil showed a lower cytotoxic effect on the non-tumorigenic breast MCF10A cells (IC50 = 0.106 μL/mL). D-limonene possessed similar cytotoxic results as the oil, suggesting a vital role in the cytotoxic effect obtained with the oil. Furthermore, α-pinene showed a strong cytotoxic effect on MCF7 cells (IC50 = 0.072 μL/mL) with a weaker effect on the MCF10A cells (IC50 = 0.185 μL/mL). In conclusion, Citrus volkameriana peel oil and its components have the potential to act as promising cytotoxic agents.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Algerian Crataegus oxyacantha Leaves.

Hawthorn (C. oxyacantha), a common edible plant, is widely used for the preparation of a different foodstuff and is also used in traditional medicine to treat heart problems and gastrointestinal ailments. Recently, a few patents of Crataegus preparation for protective effects (prevention of cardiovascular and hepatic diseases) have been developed. The current study aimed to explore the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of nbutanol extract of Crataegus oxyacantha leaves in acute liver damage induced by Doxorubicin (DOX). Crataegus oxyacantha (100 mg/kg body weight) or vitamin E as a standard antioxidant (100 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to female rats for 10 days, in the presence or absence of hepatotoxicity induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of DOX (15 mg/kg on the 8th day). On day 11, blood and liver samples were analyzed for biomarker levels and histopathological changes. Liver homogenates were used for determination of oxidative stress parameters that include Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH) level and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activity. Treatment with n-butanol extract of C. oxyacantha leaves significantly improved the altered liver enzyme activities and oxidative stress markers. The histopathological observations confirm the results of biochemical parameters. The obtained results support the traditional use of C. oxyacantha to cure gastrointestinal ailments and highlighted its possible use in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a source of natural antioxidant.

Glucosinolates: Molecular structure, breakdown, genetic, bioavailability, properties and healthy and adverse effects.

Glucosinolates are a large group of plant secondary metabolites with nutritional effects and biologically active compounds. Glucosinolates are mainly found in cruciferous plants such as Brassicaceae family, including common edible plants such as broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), cabbage (B. oleracea var. capitata f. alba), cauliflower (B. oleracea var. botrytis), rapeseed (Brassica napus), mustard (Brassica nigra), and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana). If cruciferous plants are consumed without processing, myrosinase enzyme will hydrolyze the glucosinolates to various metabolites, such as isothiocyanates, nitriles, oxazolidine-2-thiones, and indole-3-carbinols. On the other hand, when cruciferous are cooked before consumption, myrosinase is inactivated and glucosinolates could be partially absorbed in their intact form through the gastrointestinal mucosa. This review paper summarizes the glucosinolate molecular breakdown, their genetic aspects from biosynthesis to precursors, their bioavailability (assimilation, absorption, and elimination of these molecules), their sensory properties, identified healthy and adverse effects, as well as the impact of processing on their bioavailability.

Anti-cancer potential of the lipoidal and flavonoidal compounds from Pisum sativum and Vicia faba peels

For a long time, plant secondary metabolites have been strongly examined for their antitumor and cytotoxic impacts. These days, there is another pattern of making utilization of the waste products of plants because of their extravagance of numerous phytochemical components and adequacy on human wellbeing. This research work is handling the effect of diversity of lipoidal and phenolic compounds found in the peels of two common edible plants in the Middle East; Pisum sativum and Vicia faba L. for their assesment as anticancer agents. The GC/MS of the n-hexane extract of both plant peels led to identification of twenty compounds (82.99%) and seventeen compounds (85.97%) of the total lipoidal contents from P. sativum and V. faba, respectively. While the HPLC analysis of the ethyl acetate fraction of the two plant peels resulted in recognition of 17 flavonoids and 18 phenolics from P. sativum and 16 flavonoids and 17 phenolics from V. faba. Moreover, four flavonoidal compounds were isolated to our knowledge for the first time from the peels and tested separately against different human cancer cell lines and the mode of action of the most potent compound has been determined. P. sativum ethyl acetate fraction possessed the highest scavenging activity (31.2%) as well as the most cytotoxic effect on breast carcinoma cell line. Apigenin proved to be the most potent tested compound on (MCF-7) and has no cytotoxic effect on normal human skin cell lines.

Structural Characterization and Immunostimulatory Activity of Polysaccharides from Brassica rapa L. .

Two neutral polysaccharides (BRNP-1, 6.9 kDa; BRNP-2, 4.8 kDa) were purified from the common edible plant Brassica rapa L. via the combined techniques of ion-exchange chromatography and high-performance gel permeation chromatography. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 were composed of glucosyl residues. Methylation and 1D- and 2D-NMR analyses revealed that both BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 contained a backbone chain that was composed of α-D-(1 → 4)-linked Glcp residues and side chains that were composed of terminally linked Glcp residues attached at the O-6 position of backbone-glycosyl residues. BRNP-1 and BRNP-2, however, differed in branch degree and molecular weight. Bioassay results showed that treatment with the higher dosage (400 μg/mL) of BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 stimulated the proliferation, NO release, and cytokine secretion (IL-6 and TNF-α) of RAW264.7 macrophages. These results suggested that BRNP-1 and BRNP-2 may enhance macrophage-mediated immune responses.

OPTIMIZATION OF EXTRACTION PARAMETERS FOR FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS AND MAJOR ELEMENT ANALYSIS IN POLYGONUM COGNATUM MEISSN PLANT (MADIMAK)

The concentrations of fat soluble vitamins (A and E) and various metal ions (Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Zn) have been determined in Polygonum cognatum Meissn plant samples collected from Sivas, Turkey. Analysis of vitamins were carried out by HPLC after Soxhlet extraction and metal ions were determined by FAAS after microwave digestion, respectively. The reliability of results were confirmed by recovery experiments in spiked samples. Recovery values were calculated in the range of 96 % and 105% while relative standard deviations (RSD) were in the range of 1.7 % and 8.5 %. The contents of vitamin E in plant samples were determined as 63.008±4.548 mg kg -1 and 59.178±5.142 mg kg -1 . The amount of essential metals such as Mn, Zn, Fe were higher than most of common edible plants and the concentrations of toxic metals were lower than critical limits.