Concentration Of Water Extract Research Articles

Study on the fourof Pfaffia glomerata based on the metabolomics technology and comparison of Dangshen () in the equivalent substitution prescription.

To explore the four Qiof Pfaffia glomerata (PG) and endow this foreign folk herb with the properties of Chinese medicine, make it Chinese medicinal and localized, and could be used as a Chinese medicine. The normal group, six cold herb groups, six hot herb groups, six cool herb groups, PG prescription group (PGPG), and Dangshen (Radix Codonopsis) prescription group (CPPG) were prepared with corresponding concentrations of water extracts, these herb extracts were administered by gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats, and the 12 h urine at night on the 29th day of the SD rats in each group were collected, Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer system was used to analyze them, the best discriminant models for the medicinal properties of cold-hot and cold-cool were set up, so as to the medicinal properties of PGPG, CPPG and PG were predicted. Based on the Progenesis QI, Human Metabolome Database, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, MetaboAnalyst 5.0 database, we enriched metabolic pathway and classification mechanism of medicinal properties of cold-cool Chinese herbs and the molecular mechanism of PG prescription. We established a best model of cold-hot herbal discrimination in the positive ion mode, then the probability that PGPG was predicted cold property was 88.9%. Furthermore, a model of cold-cool herbal discrimination was established, then the probability of PGPG containing the cool property was 77.8%. In addition, typical cold and cool herbs mainly affected nine biomarkers such as tyrosine-proline, (R)-3',7-Dihydroxy-2',4'-dimethoxyisoflavane in rats. The regulation trend of PGPG on markers was basically as same as the cool herbs and mainly involved in regulating the two pathways of cytochrome P450 and purine metabolism. The results showed PGPG had a cool medicinal property as same as CPPG, and the regulation trend of PGPG on markers was consistent with cool herbs. Therefore, the medicine properties PG and CP should be consistent, and the Traditional Chinese Medicine property of PG was predicted to be neutral.

Potential of Pandan anggur (Sararanga Sinuosa Hemsley) as immunomodulator

Background: Pandan Anggur plant is an endemic plant of the Papua archipelago in Indonesia, and the fruit called Pandan Anggur Fruit (PAF) is freshly consumed or prepared as a juice. Based on previous studies on the phytochemical content of PAF, the ethanol and water extract contain flavonoids, which act as immunomodulators, to regulate the response of immunity. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator in malnutrition cases, by evaluating six parameters which are phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. By proving the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator, this research will lead to significant development of functional food products of Pandan Anggur. Methods: A total of 35 Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal models divided into seven different groups named standard group (healthy standard), malnourished (negative control), malnourished rats given Imboost Force (positive control), as well as PAF ethanol extract doses of I, II, III, and PAF water extract. The treatment lasted for seven weeks in total and the measurement of immunomodulator parameters was carried out at the end of the treatment period. The immunomodulator parameters included phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. Result: The results indicated that the administration of PAF ethanol extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provided an optimum immunostimulant effect, by increasing the macrophage phagocytosis capacity, nitric oxide, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-4, and sIgA levels in rat intestine. However, increasing the dose of extract did not produce a better effect, but led to suppression of immunity. Conclusion: PAF extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provides an immunostimulant effect. Keywords: In Vivo, IL-4, IF-γ, sIgA, lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage, Pandan Anggur Fruit

Potential of Pandan anggur (Sararanga Sinuosa Hemsley) as immunomodulator

Background: Pandan Anggur plant is an endemic plant of the Papua archipelago in Indonesia, and the fruit called Pandan Anggur Fruit (PAF) is freshly consumed or prepared as a juice. Based on previous studies on the phytochemical content of PAF, the ethanol and water extract contain flavonoids, which act as immunomodulators, to regulate the response of immunity. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator in malnutrition cases, by evaluating six parameters which are phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. By proving the potential of PAF as an immunomodulator, this research will lead to significant development of functional food products of Pandan Anggur. Methods: A total of 35 Sprague Dawley rats were used as animal models divided into seven different groups named standard group (healthy standard), malnourished (negative control), malnourished rats given Imboost Force (positive control), as well as PAF ethanol extract doses of I, II, III, and PAF water extract. The treatment lasted for seven weeks in total and the measurement of immunomodulator parameters was carried out at the end of the treatment period. The immunomodulator parameters included phagocytosis capacity and nitric oxide (NO) production of peritoneal macrophage, spleen lymphocyte proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 in lymphocyte culture, and intestinal sIgA levels. Result: The results indicated that the administration of PAF ethanol extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provided an optimum immunostimulant effect, by increasing the macrophage phagocytosis capacity, nitric oxide, lymphocyte proliferation, IL-4, and sIgA levels in rat intestine. However, increasing the dose of extract did not produce a better effect, but led to suppression of immunity. Conclusion: PAF extract at a dose of 3.15 mg/mL provides an immunostimulant effect. Keywords: In Vivo, IL-4, IF-γ, sIgA, lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage, Pandan Anggur Fruit

The quality difference in five oolong tea accessions under different planting management patterns in south Fujian of China

IntroductionOolong tea, celebrated for its significance in Chinese tea culture, was the subject of investigation in this study.MethodsFive varieties of Minnan oolong tea were sampled, each cultivated under two distinct management approaches: conventional management and natural growth methods. The study aimed to discern variations in sensory attributes, encompassing appearance and liquor color, alongside the analysis of chemical composition.Results and discussionThe results indicated that oolong tea cultivated through conventional manual management generally exhibited qualities in terms of shape and foliage appearance, in contrast to those grown naturally. However, naturally grown oolong tea tended to exhibit more favorable aroma and taste profiles compared to conventionally managed counterparts. Furthermore, the content of water extract, amino acids, polyphenols, caffeine, and other pivotal chemical constituents were typically higher in naturally grown tea varieties compared to conventionally managed ones. Conversely, catechin content was found to be more abundant in traditionally managed bushes than in those grown naturally. These findings emphasize the significance of implementing appropriate natural growth management practices to enhance the quality of Minnan oolong tea and maintain ecological sustainability.

Ginsenoside stability and antioxidant activity of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng CA meyer) extract as affected by temperature and time

Hot water extraction is widely used in the food industry, but imprudent process causes considerable loss in bioactive compounds. The effects of the extraction temperature (60–90 °C) and time (5–180 min) on the total soluble matter (TSM), antioxidant activity, and ginsenoside content of hot water extracts were studied. Also, we evaluated the stability of the extracts based on ginsenoside degradation, loss of antioxidant activity by overheating treatments. The temperature dependent TSM, reached a maximum within 60 min and subsequently plateaued at all temperatures. Antioxidant activities peaked at 60 min, then remained steady or declined at all temperatures. Individual ginsenoside contents were dependent on temperature and time with different patterns. After infusing the extracts at 90 °C for 60 min followed by separation, an overheating treatment resulted in ginsenoside degradation, altered color value and browning index, and decreased antioxidant activity. However, no changes were detected in the extract held at room temperature. The extraction at 90 °C for 60min showed the highest antioxidant activities and ginsenoside contents, however, further heat treatment caused decrease in antioxidant activities and ginsenoside contents.

Mechanism Research of PZD Inhibiting Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration based on Network Pharmacology.

A classic Chinese medicine decoction, Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit.-Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ban-Xia and Sheng-Jiang in Chinese) decoction (PZD), has shown significant therapeutic effects on lung cancer. This study aimed to explore and elucidate the mechanism of action of PZD on lung cancer using network pharmacology methods. Active compounds were selected according to the ADME parameters recorded in the TCMSP database. Potential pathways related to genes were identified through GO and KEGG analysis. The compoundtarget network was constructed by using Cytoscape 3.7.1 software, and the core common targets were obtained by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Batch molecular docking of small molecule compounds and target proteins was carried out by using the AutoDock Vina program. Different concentrations of PZD water extracts (10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 μg/mL) were used on lung cancer cells. Moreover, MTT and Transwell experiments were conducted to validate the prominent therapeutic effects of PZD on lung cancer cell H1299. A total of 381 components in PZD were screened, of which 16 were selected as bioactive compounds. The compound-target network consisting of 16 compounds and 79 common core targets was constructed. MTT experiment showed that the PZD extract could inhibit the cell proliferation of NCI-H1299 cells, and the IC50 was calculated as 97.34 ± 6.14 μg/mL. Transwell and wound-healing experiments showed that the PZD could significantly decrease cell migration and invasion at concentrations of 80 and 160 μg/mL, respectively. The in vitro experiments confirmed that PZD had significant therapeutic effects on lung cancer cells, mainly through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. PZD could inhibit the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of NCI-H1299 cells partially through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings suggested that PZD might be a potential treatment strategy for lung cancer patients.

Argemone ochroleuca Phytochemicals and Allelopathic Effect of Their Extracts on Germination of Soybean

Soybean is a high-value food source, and the invasive weeds Mexican prickly poppy (Argemone ochroleuca) could release allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of this crop. The impact of A. ochroleuca on the germination and growth of soybean is not well documented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the TLC profiles of different extracts of A. ochroleuca and assess the effects of extracts on the germination of soybean seeds. Shoots and roots of A. ochroleuca were weighed and 100 g of each was separately extracted with 1000 mL deionized water, hexane or acetone. Ten concentrations of water extracts ranging from 10 to 100 mL per 100 mL of deionized water and three concentrations of acetone and hexane extracts ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 g/L were separately used for seed germination bioassays. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) analysis was used to compare the chemical profiles in the shoot and root water, and in the hexane and acetone extracts of A. ochroleuca. The highest reduction was recorded from the water extract, at 100%. The TLC profiling of A. ochroleuca addressed different classes of compounds, including alkaloids, phenolic acids and flavanoids. There is, however, a need to identify the most active phytochemicals in the suppression of germination.

Antioxidant potential and determination of total phenolic and flavonoid content of Bugis ginseng (Talinum paniculatum Gaertn) leaf water extract

Bugis ginseng (Talinum paniculatum Gaertn.) leaves function as a traditional medicine to increase breast milk production, to increase appetite, to improve the immune system and as an antibacterial as we as medicine for ulcers. Flavonoids are phenolic compounds, one of the secondary metabolites in plants that function as antioxidants. This study aims to determine the total phenol content, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of water extract of Bugis ginseng leaves. Quantitative determination of total phenols using the Folin-Ciocalteu method was expressed as gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per gram of extract. Total flavonoid content using the AlCl3 method was expressed as Quercetin equivalent (QE) and in vitro antioxidant activity with DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) expressed in terms of IC50 (inhibition concentration). The results showed that water extraction of ginseng leaves showed a total phenol content of 8.37 mg GAE/g extract, a total flavonoid content of 2.12 mg QE/g extract and an IC50 value of 60.27 ug/ml.

Multi-index evaluation of different parts of Amomum villosum

To investigate the quality differences between the seeds and husks of Amomum villosum and explore the rationality of using the seeds without husks, this study determined the content of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, epicatechin, quercitrin, volatile oil, water extract, and ethanol extract. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS), and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities were determined to evaluate the antioxidant activities of seeds and husks. The quality differences between the seeds and husks were assessed through orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and analytic hierarchy process(AHP) combined with the entropy weight method(EWM). Significant differences(P<0.05) were observed in all 10 indicators between the seeds and husks. The levels of epicatechin, quercetin, and volatile oil were higher in the seeds, whereas those of protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, water extract, and ethanol extract were higher in the husks. The seeds showed stronger scavenging ability against DPPH and ABTS radicals, while the husks showed a stronger scavenging effect on hydroxyl radicals. OPLS-DA significantly discriminated between the seeds and husks. Furthermore, volatile oil, water extract, DPPH radical scavenging rate, quercitrin, ABTS radical scavenging rate, hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, and vanillic acid were selected as the main differential indicators by variable importance in projection(VIP). Comprehensive scores calculated by AHP combined with EWM indicated that the seeds were superior to husks in terms of overall quality. However, there are still some dominant components and a certain antioxidant effect in the husks. Therefore, it is suggested to using Amomi Fructus with a certain amount of husks or utilizing the husks for other purposes.

The Growth and Hemocyte Analysis of the Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Induced by Different Concentration of Artificial Seawater and Water Extract Of Sea Grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera)

The Growth and Hemocyte Analysis of the Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Induced by Different Concentration of Artificial Seawater and Water Extract Of Sea Grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera)

Influence of Various Tea Utensils on Sensory and Chemical Quality of Different Teas.

The choice of tea utensils used for brewing significantly impacts the sensory and chemical attributes of tea. In order to assess the influence of various tea sets on the flavor and chemical composition of different tea varieties, a combination of sensory evaluation and high-performance liquid chromatography was employed. The results showed that the content of amino acids in the tea liquid brewed with tin tea utensils was relatively higher, which could exhibit freshness in taste, thus suitable for brewing green tea and white tea. The content of polyphenols, soluble carbohydrates, and water extract in the tea liquid brewed with a porcelain tea set was relatively higher; the sweetness and thickness of the tea liquid were increased, so it was more beneficial to brew black tea. The purple sand tea set was suitable for brewing oolong tea and dark tea, and could endow their respective quality characteristics. Ultimately, these research findings provide a scientific basis for the selection of tea utensils tailored to different types of tea.

Fire Impacts on the Soil Metabolome and Organic Matter Biodegradability.

Global wildfire activity has increased since the 1970s and is projected to intensify throughout the 21st century. Wildfires change the composition and biodegradability of soil organic matter (SOM) which contains nutrients that fuel microbial metabolism. Though persistent forms of SOM often increase postfire, the response of more biodegradable SOM remains unclear. Here we simulated severe wildfires through a controlled "pyrocosm" approach to identify biodegradable sources of SOM and characterize the soil metabolome immediately postfire. Using microbial amplicon (16S/ITS) sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, heterotrophic microbes (Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Protobacteria) and specific metabolites (glycine, protocatechuate, citric cycle intermediates) were enriched in burned soils, indicating that burned soils contain a variety of substrates that support microbial metabolism. Molecular formulas assigned by 21 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry showed that SOM in burned soil was lower in molecular weight and featured 20 to 43% more nitrogen-containing molecular formulas than unburned soil. We also measured higher water extractable organic carbon concentrations and higher CO2 efflux in burned soils. The observed enrichment of biodegradable SOM and microbial heterotrophs demonstrates the resilience of these soils to severe burning, providing important implications for postfire soil microbial and plant recolonization and ecosystem recovery.

Effect Concentration of Water Extract of Nerium oleander and Juglans nigra L. Allelopathy on Seed Germination and Radicle Length of (Silybum marianum)

An experiment was done to determine the allelopathic effects of Juglans nigra L. and Nerium oleander on the germination and radicle length of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum). The experiment was designed according to a completely randomized design (CRD). In this experiment, leaf-, hull-, and root extracts in two concentrations control, 5 and 10g L-1 was utilized. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber with a temperature of 15 C0. After storing the seeds for 14 days, many characteristics were examined, including radicle length cm and germination rate percent. Concentrations of walnut and oleander extract had a substantial impact on every parameter under investigation. The results showed that the (T1) control treatment had the greatest germination and radicle length which were 70% and 20.08, respectively, compared with other treatments. A 10g L-1 extract concentration was used to measure the minimum values for two of the aforementioned parameters. It was found that (Juglans nigra L.) and Nerium oleander %10 extracts inhibit the growth of Silybum marianum and can be utilized to manage it in the field. However, more studies are needed to confirm the results.

Allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus extract and wood vinegar on germination and sprouting of rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.).

Eucalyptus plantations are usually characterized by low biodiversity due to allelopathy effects. Wood vinegar is considered a complex growth regulator that can promote plant growth at low concentrations. However, there is information scarcity about the co-application of eucalypt leaf water extract and wood vinegar on plants. This study aimed at clarifying whether wood vinegar can protect seed germination against suppression by eucalypt-induced allelopathy. We examined germination behavior and seedling elongation characteristics in rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) treated with different solutions of wood vinegar and eucalypt leaf water extract. The results showed that eucalypt leaf water extracts, wood vinegar solutions, and their mixture allelopathically suppressed seed germination rate. After rapeseed sprouting, eucalypt leaf water extracts promoted root elongation, stem elongation, and fresh weight elongation. Malondialdehyde content was also lower under the influence of eucalypt leaf water extract. Mixture of high concentration of eucalypt leaf water extract and lower concentration of wood vinegar significantly promoted root elongation. Therefore, both eucalypt leaf water extract and wood vinegar are complex plant growth regulators, which can be used to inhibit or stimulate plants at different ontogenic stages. During the seed germination period, both eucalypt leaf extracts and wood vinegar could be used as weed inhibitors. Conversely, during the period of sprouting (seedling establishment), low concentrations of eucalypt leaf extracts and wood vinegar can promote growth.

Galanthus elwesii Hook.f.’nin Farklı Ekstraktlarının Serbest Radikal Yakalama ve Metal Şelatlama Aktivitelerinin Tespit Edilmesi

Natural compounds play an important role among antioxidants that protect the human body against oxidative stress. Many plants may have high levels of antioxidant capacity through the compounds they contain. In line with this information, in the current study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of Galanthus elwesii Hook.f. In this context, we tested the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and metal chelating activities of different concentrations (12.5-400 mg/L) of methanol and water extracts obtained from the bulb part of this plant. A concentration-dependent increase in activity was observed for both extracts. DPPH scavenging (87.10%) and metal chelating (72.99%) activities demonstrated by 400 mg/L concentration applications came to the fore. In addition, it was determined that these data were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the activity rates revealed by other applications. Considering the IC50 values, low values for DPPH scavenging and metal chelating activities (110.88 mg/L and 132.40 mg/L, respectively) were detected in water extracts. As a result, the importance of G. elwesii among plants that have the potential to be a rich source of antioxidants was revealed in this study.

Evaluation the Inhibitory Effect of Aloe Vera Aqueous and Alcoholic Extracts on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans In Comparison to Chlorohexidine Gluconate

diabetic properties. The aim of this study (an in vitro study) was to evaluate the effect of Aloe Vera alcoholic and water aqueous extract in different concentration (18%, 28%, 38%, and 48%) on the viable count and inhibition zone of streptococcus mutans and compared with chlorhexidine 2%. In this study the isolation and identification of streptococcus mutans was performed from saliva of individual, aged under 65 years old, these bacteria was isolated, purified and diagnosed according to morphological characteristic features and biochemical test. The effect of Aloe Vera extracts in different concentrations were tested on the isolated species by using agar diffusion technique and the effect of different concentrations of aloe vera on viable count of streptococcus mutans.Results: In vitro experiments, statistically reduction in the viable count of streptococcus mutans was recorded at all concentration of alcoholic Aloe Vera extract and increase in the concentration lead to increase in the reduction of viable count of streptococcus mutans while in this study showed significant reduction in viable count of streptococcus mutans at higher concentration of water extract of Aloe Vera at 38% and 48%.The diameter of inhibition zone of streptococcus mutans were highly significant at all concentration of alcoholic extract in comparison to water extract

Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of Abrus precatorius Leaf in four Different Extracts

This research aimed to assess the antioxidant capabilities against DPPH, as well as determine the overall phenolic and flavonoid contents in extracts of abrus precatorius leaves. Different extracts of abrus precatorius leaves were successively prepared using methanol, ethanol, petroleum ether, and distilled water. The DPPH antioxidant capacity of methanol extracts was highest with a low IC50 value of 62.86±0.68µg/mL. Ethanol, water, and petroleum ether extracts also showed significant antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 89.66±0.51, 78.67±0.35, 142±4.26 μg/mL. We observed a significantly higher total phenolic content of 34.67± 2.52 gallic acid equivalent ⁄ g dry extract and total flavonoid content of 27.55±1.84 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry extract for methanolic leaves extract than others. The phenolic content of ethanol and water extract is close enough (22.19±1.45, 26.35±1.65 gallic acid equivalent ⁄ g dry extract). The flavonoid content of ethanol, water, and petroleum ether extract was found as 14.43±1.35, 20.84±1.97, 1.6±0.41 mg quercetin equivalent/g dry extract. These findings will aid in future studies attempting to explore medicinal agents from the abrus precatorius plants of Bangladesh.

Determination of Anti-oxidant Activity of Ethanol, Ethyl acetate, Hexane, and Aqueous Extracts of Sri Lankan Traditional Poly-herbal Formula Nāgarādi Panchakaya

Natural products are the good source of natural antioxidants. Nāgarādi panchakaya is a well-known poly-herbal formula prescribed specially for upper respiratory tract diseases by Sri Lankan Ayurveda medical practitioners. The name implies that it contains five herbal ingredients including Inguru (Zingiber officinale), Devadāra (Cedrus deodara), Kottammalli (Coriandrum sativum), Ela batu (Solanum indicum) and Katuwelbatu (Solanum xanthocarpum). This research study was aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of Nāgarādi panchakaya, extracted with different solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and water). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay method and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. In vitro antioxidant free radicals scavenging capacities of different concentrations of ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and water extracts, of Nāgarādi panchakaya were evaluated. The percentage of inhibition and IC50 were calculated. IC50 (μg/mL) of water, ethanol, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and Ascorbic Acid were found to be 179.89±1.25 µg /mL, 248.09±1.74 µg /mL, 169.43± 0.98µg /mL, 189.56±2.23 µg /mL, and 01.18±0.98 µg /mL respectively in DPPH radical scavenging assay. In FRAP assay the reducing power for the different extracts varied in following order: water > ethanol > ethyl acetate > n-hexane. The total Phenolic content of water, ethanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extracts were 1.73±0.51 mg GAE/g, 2.59±0.67 mg GAE/g, 3.67±0.81 mg GAE/g and 1.57±0.09 mg GAE/g respectively. The results can be concluded that Ethanol & water extracts exhibit high antioxidant activity possibly due to the presence of high phenolic content than the other extracts.

PSI-11 Phyllanthus Urinaria Water Extract Ameliorates Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress in Primary Chicken Hepatocytes

Abstract Fatty liver syndrome is a common metabolic disease that causes decrease in egg production and sudden death of laying hens. Phyllanthus urinaria (PU), a traditional herbal medicine, is widely used as anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective medicine in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PU water extract on lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in an in vitro fatty liver syndrome model. Primary hepatocytes were isolated from 18 days of Lohmann embryonic chicks. Hepatocytes were cultured in medium with oleic acid (OA, 500 μM) or palmitic acid (PA, 200 μM) to induce lipid accumulation and oxidative stress respectively. Both experiments were treated with different concentration of PU water extract (0, 2, 10, 50 μg/mL) for 24 h. Metformin hydrochloride (1 mM) was used as a positive control. Cell viability, total triglycerides, TBARS, Oil red O staining, and mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes were determined. The results indicated that PU water extract significantly decreased total triglycerides level (P < 0.05) in OA induced lipid accumulation. Moreover, treatment of PU water extract could down-regulate the mRNA abundance of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1c), up-regulate the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) in lipid accumulated hepatocytes. In oxidative stress experiment, PU water extract at the doses above 10 μg/mL of attenuated increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) abundance induced by PA (P < 0.05). We speculated that PU water extract effectively ameliorate lipid accumulation in primary chicken hepatocytes through decreasing of lipogenesis and increasing of beta-oxidation. PU water extract reduced lipid peroxidase, showing antioxidant effects. These results provide preliminary evidence for supporting PU water extract as a potential therapeutic agent to prevent and treat fatty liver syndrome in chickens.

Identification and characterisation of microplastics released from plastic-coated paper cups using micro-Raman spectroscopy

Microplastics (MPs) are contaminants of emerging concern in food and the food supply chain because they may cause adverse effects to human health. Furthermore, food contact material (FCM) may introduce a huge amount of different MPs into food in the process of using. Micro-Raman spectroscopy is a widely used qualitative technology for MPs determination and analysis due to its high resolution (down to 1 μm). In this study, five brands of plastic (polyethylene, PE)-coated paper cups from different manufacturers were collected and the scenario of using them to drink hot water was simulated, and the water extracts were tested by micro-Raman spectroscopy for MPs determination. Optical images and Raman spectra of particles detected were collected, while their concentration in water extract and size distribution were summarised. The average concentration of MPs found in water extracts from 5 paper cups is 12.93 ± 11.69 × 105 item/L, with particle sizes between 1 and 60 μm (in length). Three types of microplastic particles were characterised by Raman spectra based on polymer spectral library, which are PE, polyamide (PA) and uncertain MP. The morphology of PE films before and after exposure to hot water were observed by SEM imaging. The results indicated the inner coating of virgin film of plastic-coated paper cups had a high surface roughness, which lead to breakages and peeling that produced microplastic particles when exposure to hot water.