Crude Seeds Research Articles

Assessment of the Effect of West African Ebony (Diospyros mespiliformis) Seed Extracts on Selected Bacteria of Upper River Benue Surface Water

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of D. mespiliformis; crude seed, mucilage and seed extracts on some surface water quality parameters and total bacteria count. The experiment was design as a factorial experiment in Complete Randomized Design (CRD). Sample water was collected from Upper River Benue in Jimeta Bridge. D. mespiliformis purchased at Jimeta Market, Yola Adamawa State. The water sample was collected in Jerry cans (50 litters) transported to wet laboratory, Department of Fisheries, School Agriculture, Modibbo Adama University of Technology Yola where the following physico-chemical parameters were analyzed Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolve Solid, Ionic Concentration, Temperature, Biological Oxygen Demand and Turbidity. However, Total Bacterial Count was analyzed from microbiology laboratory of same University. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Result obtained shows the effect of D. mespiliformis treated surface water on the Physicochemical Parameters and effect of D. mespiliformis Crude Seed, Mucilage and Seed Extracts on Total Bacteria Count. The following bacteria Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus were used during the studies with E. coli has highest total bacteria count of 233 and 22 recorded lowest in seed extract, B. subtilis recorded it highest of 164 and 42 reveal as lowest in the seed mucilage while S. aureus has highest of 100 with it lowest of 32 recorded in mucilage. Further study on the efficacy of D. mespiliformis crude seed, mucilage and seed extracts on contaminant water treatment should be done.

Presence of Cholesterol in Non-Animal Organisms: Identification and Quantification of Cholesterol in Crude Seed Oil from Perilla frutescens and Dehydrated Pyropia tenera.

Studies have reported that cholesterol, a molecule found mainly in animals, is also present in some plants and algae. This study aimed to determine whether cholesterol exists in three dehydrated algae species, namely, Pyropia tenera, Saccharina japonica, and Undaria pinnatifida, and in one plant species, namely, Perilla frutescens (four perilla seed oil samples were analyzed). These species were chosen for investigation because they are common ingredients in East Asian cuisine. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis found that cholesterol was present in P. tenera (14.6 mg/100 g) and in all four perilla seed oil samples (0.3–0.5 mg/100 g). High-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) also demonstrated that cholesterol was present in P. tenera (14.2 mg/100 g) and allowed the separation of cholesterol from its isomer lathosterol. However, cholesterol could not be detected by HPLC-ELSD in the perilla seed oil samples, most likely because it is only present in trace amounts. Moreover, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed the presence of cholesterol in both P. tenera and perilla seed oil. MRM results further suggested that lathosterol (a precursor of cholesterol) was present in P. tenera.

Assessment of Physicochemical and Fatty Acids Composition of Crude Seed Oil Extract of Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss. for its potential in Biodiesel Production

This study investigates the physico-chemical and fatty acids composition of crude seed oil extracts of Azadirachta indica . The main objective was to evaluate some biodiesel characteristics of the crude seed oil extract of Azadirachta indica. The procedures of the Association of Official and Analytical Chemist (AOAC) were used for assessment of some physical, biochemical, and fatty acids constituents of the test seed oil extract. The physical properties assayed for indicate that the oil is liquid at room temperature, non-drying, with specific gravity, with flash and melting points of 0.910±0.08 g/cm3, 80±2.10°C and 76±1.60°C respectively. The chemical properties included 66.77±2.55 g/100g (iodine value), 1.465±0.07 (refractive index@ 30°C), 212.96±1.16 mgKOH/g (saponification value), 0.39±0.16 meq/Kg (peroxide value), 4.24±0.12 mgKOH/g (acid value), 2.20±0.12 mm2/s (viscosity value), 56.91±2.19 (cetane number), 39.21±1.11 MJ/kg (calorific value) and 2.13±0.05% w/w (free fatty acids). Fatty acids composition of the crude seed oil of A. indica obtained were linoleic, hexadecanoic, octadecanoic and alpha linolenic acids, with retention time and % composition of 18.2 min and 10.8±0.50%, 22.2 min and 30.01±1.79%, 18.2 min and 59.10±2.22%, and 20.2 min and 0.09±0.02% respectively. The crude seed oil extract clearly presents a potential as a biodiesel substrate for incorporation as a proximate blend in auto-engines. This therefore would necessitate intensive afforestation efforts of the plant species for sustainable utilization.
 Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Biodiesel, physico-chemical, fatty acids, crude seed oil, extracts

Physicochemical Properties, Fatty Acid Composition, and the Effect of Heating on the Reduction of Cyclopropenoid Fatty Acids on Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Crude Seed Oil.

The baobab seed oil has been consumed by humans due to its medicinal and nutrient values for many years. However, the consumption of baobab seed oil has been perceived by different communities as a health risk caused by cyclopropenoid fatty acids (CPFAs), which are carcinogenic ingredients present in the oil. This study investigated the physicochemical properties and fatty acid profile of baobab crude seed oil collected from semiarid areas in Tanzania and determined the effects of heating on the reduction of CPFAs. The baobab seed crude oil was extracted by Soxhlet using n-hexane, and the fatty acid composition of the baobab seed crude oil was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Since CPFAs are resistant to lower temperatures, the effect of heating on the CPFA content of baobab crude seed oil was studied at 150°C, 200°C, and 250°C. The A. digitata crude seed oil was found to contain mainly twelve essential fatty acids and two different CPFAs. The most abundant fatty acids were palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid in all the baobab population hotspots occurring in Tanzania. There was no significant difference in most physicochemical properties and fatty acid composition across the different semiarid areas in Tanzania. The major breakdown of CPFAs occurs at 200°C, and that would be the optimal temperature recommended for the refining process of the baobab crude oil. The study recommended refining of the baobab oil at higher temperatures ranging from 200 - 250°C as the best way of reducing CPFAs.

Evaluation of Sedative and Anxiolytic Activity of Methanolic Extract of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet Seeds in Experimental Mice Model

Aims: Lablab purpureus (Fabaceae) a well-known Bangladeshi vegetable combines a great number of qualities with its adaptability and functional food properties. But still there is no evidance based report on neuropharmacological activities of Lablab purpureus seeds. For this reason, the present study was designed to analyze in vivo CNS effect of methanolic extract of Lablab purpureus seeds.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, USTC between April 2017 and May 2018.
 Methodology: In this study, the crude seeds extract of Lablab purpureus was evaluated for its sedative and anxiolytic effect using animal behavioral models, such as open field and hole cross tests for its sedative properties and an elevated plus maze (EPM) test for its anxiolytic potential.
 Results: In open field and hole cross test, the seeds extract of Lablab purpureus showed a dose dependent suppression of motor activity and exploratory behaviour. In EPM test, animals treated with higher dose of methanolic extract showed significant (p<0.01) increased exploration to and time spent in EPM open arms.
 Conclusion: This study provide in vivo evidence that the methanolic extract of Lablab purpureus has significant sedative and anxiolytic activity. Further studies on active constituent of the extract can provide approaches for therapeutic intervention.

Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Examination of Persia Americana Mill (Avocado) Crude Seed Extracts

In the present study crude seed extracts of Persia Americana Mill (Avocado) was prepared using petroleum ether, methanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous solvents. The phytochemical screening of different crude extracts were studied for the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, phenols, tannins, saponin, triterpenoids, glycosides, phytosterols, gums and mucilage. The crude seed extracts were pharmacologically evaluated for its antiinflammatory efficacy. The results obtained clearly demonstrated that out of the screened crude extracts, petroleum ether extract possess better pharmacological activities. From the GC-MS and FTIR analysis of petroleum ether extract 5 major compounds were identified and considered to play a key role in the overall pharmacological efficacy of avocado seed extract.

Modelling Water Absorption in Micronized Lentil Seeds with the Use of Peleg’s Equation

The aim of the paper was to investigate the effect of infrared pre-treatment on the process of water absorption by lentil seeds. The paper presents the effects of micronization on the process of water absorption by lentil seeds. As a source of infrared emission, 400-W ceramic infrared radiators ECS-1 were used. The seeds were soaked at three temperature values (in the range from 25 to 75 °C) for 8 h, that is, until the equilibrium moisture content was achieved. Peleg’s equation was used to describe the kinetics of water absorption by lentil seeds. The results were compared with those obtained in the process of soaking crude seeds. On the basis of the conducted research, it was found that the infrared pre-treatment contributed to a substantial increase in the water absorption rate in the initial period of soaking lentil seeds (especially at 25 °C). Infrared irradiation can be an effective method for intensification of lentil seed hydration at an ambient temperature. It should be assumed that, in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, shortening the heating time will significantly reduce the energy consumption and cost of processing lentil seeds.

Effect of Black Grape Seed Extract (Vitis vinifera) on Biofilm Formation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus.

Grape seeds are considered one of the most important sources for phenolic and other compounds and is globally consumed for the biological value of its active ingredients. The increasing prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-related infections has become a very challenging health issue worldwide. This work aims at examining the antibacterial activity of alcoholic extract of black grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) against biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Staphylococcal bacterial isolates were first clinically confirmed using the VITEK-2compact system (ID and AST), and four isolates were selected depending on virulence and resistance to different types of antibiotics. The ability of S. aureus and S. haemolyticus isolates to form biofilm was examined using a standardized 96-well microtiter plate method. Furthermore, the effect of Moxifloxacin and Penicillin G with MIC, sub-MIC and sub-sub-MIC in preventing S. aureus and S. haemolyticus biofilm production, as well as that of the grape seed extract (180mg/ml) were tested against biofilm formation. Our data indicate that all of the Staphylococcal bacterial isolates were able to produce biofilm which was prevented by the methanolic extracts of the crude seeds of Vitis vinifera rich in galloylated catechin esters of gallic acid. A significant (P < 0.001) synergistic effect between Penicillin G, Moxifloxacin with MIC, sub-MIC and sub-sub-MIC and that of the methanolic extract of Vitis vinifera (180mg/ml) against bacterial biofilm formation was also detected. This report confirms the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of the black grape seeds.

Phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of crude seeds extract from Pithecellobium dulce (roxb.) Benth

Phytochemical screening, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of crude seeds extract from Pithecellobium dulce (roxb.) Benth

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) possess developmental toxicity as revealed by screening the seeds and fruit extracts in zebrafish embryos

BackgroundBitter gourd (Momordica charantia) has attracted the focus of researchers owing to its excellent anti-diabetic action. The beneficial effect of Momordica charantia on heart has been reported by in vitro and in vivo studies. However the developmental toxicity or potential risk of M. charantia on fetus heart development is largely unknown. Hence this study was designed to find out the developmental toxicity of M. charantia using zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos.MethodsThe crude extracts were prepared from fruit and seeds of M. charantia. The Zebrafish embryos were exposed to serial dilution of each of the crude extract. The biologically active fractions were fractionated by C18 column using high pressure liquid chromatography. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrophotometry was done to identify chemical constituents in fruit and seed extract of M. charantia.ResultsThe seed extract of M. charantia was lethal with LD50 values of 50 μg/ml to zebrafish embryos and multiple anomalies were observed in zebrafish embryos at sub-lethal concentration. However, the fruit extract was much safe and exposing the zebrafish embryos even to 200 μg/ml did not result any lethality. The fruit extract induced severe cardiac hypertrophy in treated embryos. The time window treatment showed that M. charantia perturbed the cardiac myoblast specification process in treated zebrafish embryos. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed diverse chemical group in the active fruit fraction and five new type of compounds were identified in the crude seeds extract of M. charantia by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry.ConclusionThe teratogenicity of seeds extract and cardiac toxicity by the fruit extract of M. charantia warned that the supplementation made from the fruit and seeds of M. charantia should be used with much care in pregnant diabetic patients to avoid possible damage to developing fetus.

Lipid Isolation Process and Study on Some Molecular Species of Polar Lipid Isolated from Seed of Madhuca ellitica

This study attempted the lipid extraction process from the seeds of Madhuca ellitica, a lipid-rich plant, and conducted a lipidomic analysis on molecular species of the obtained product. Total lipids of the crude seeds were found to contain 11.2% of polar lipids. The major fatty acids (FAs) of the polar lipids were palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1n-9), and linoleic (18:2n-6) acids, which amounted to 28.5, 12.5, 44.8, and 13.2% of total FAs, respectively. The content and chemical structures of individual molecular species of phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid (PA), and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG) were determined by HPLC with a tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). The major molecular species were 18:1/18:2 PE, 16:0/18:1 PC, 18:1/18:2 PC, 16:0/18:2 PG, 16:0/18:1 PG, 16:1/18:1 PI, 16:0/18:1 PI, 18:0/18:2 PI, 16:0/18:1 PA, 18:1/18:2 PA, 16:0/18:1 SQDG, and 18:0/18:1 SQDG. The application of a tandem HRMS allows us to determine the content of each isomer in pairs of the monoisotopic molecular species, for example, 18:0/18:2 and 18:1/18:1. The evaluation of the seed polar lipid profile will be helpful for developing the potential of this tree for nutritive and industrial uses.

Analysis of Fatty Acid Composition of Crude Seed Oil of Lactuca sativa L. by GC-MS and GC Methods

Lactuca sativa L. (Garden Lettuce), is an edible herb cultivated in Iran and other parts of the world. In Traditional Iranian Pharmacy books, garden lettuce is named Kass Bostani and Hakim Aqili classified it as a Ghazā'ye Dawā'ee (Ghazā means Food; Dawā means Drug). It is said to be soporific, prescribed to cure insomnia and to be useful in thirst and feeling of hotness and burning in the stomach. Seeds of this herb reduce semen, suppress libido and are useful in cases of frequent nocturnal emissions. Fixed oil obtained from seeds of this plant is reputed to have hypnotic and brain moistening properties. In this study we aimed to analyze the fatty acid composition of the crude seed oil of Lactuca sativa L. Methyl esterification of the fatty acids was performed by the method of Ken'ichi Ichihara et al but with a slight modification. Components of the oil were then extracted by n-hexane and analyzed by Gas chromatography-Mass spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography methods. Identified constituents which represented 98.20% of the total elutes were the methyl esters of linoleic (52.38%), oleic (34.42%), palmitic (7.25%), stearic (2.66%), arachidic (1.32%) and myristic (0.17%) acids. Total percentages of methyl esters of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids identified in our examined oil are 11.4 and 86.80% respectively. In conclusion, seed fat of Lactuca sativa L. like many other plant fats, is rich in unsaturated fatty acids.

EVALUATION OF XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY BY FLAVONOIDS FROM PONGAMIA PINNATA LINN

ABSTRACTObjective: Flavonoids from the crude seeds extract of Pongamia pinnata L., dried fruit powder of Morinda citrifolia L., bark of Mangifera indica L., andrhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc. were screened for xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibition at different concentration. The inhibitory potential of quercetinand allopurinol were used for the determination of 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and Ki values.Methods: Isolation of flavonoids from the plant extracts was processed by column chromatography and tested for XO inhibitory activity in the rangeof 6-800 μg/ml.Results: The results demonstrated that optimized flavonoids extract of P. pinnata L. exhibited promising XO inhibition. P. pinnata L., M. indica L., andZ. officinale Rosc. had IC50 in the concentration of 8.74 mM, 1.09 mM, 5.4 mM and Ki 0.35 mM, 1.73 mM, 2.7 mM, respectively.Conclusion: The study showed that plant species under investigation exhibited XO inhibition by optimized flavonoid extract. P. pinnata L. indicatedpromising XO inhibition compared to other plant extracts. Flavonoids can be used as a potent inhibitor of XO an alternative to allopurinol.Keywords: Xanthine oxidase, Quercetin, Allopurinol, Pongamia pinnata, Oxidative stress.

Isolation and partial characterization of 3 nontoxic d-galactose-specific isolectins from seeds of Momordica balsamina.

Three isolectins denoted hereforth MBaL-30, MBaL-60, and MBaL-80 were isolated from seeds extract of Momordica balsamina by 30%, 60%, and 80% ammonium sulfate saturations, respectively. The native molecular weights of these lectins, as judged by gel filtration, were 108, 56, and 160kDa, respectively. On SDS-PAGE, under reduced condition, 27kDa band was obtained for all isolectins. The lectins hemagglutinating activities were variably inhibited by d-galactose (minimum inhibitory concentrations=12.5mM, 50mM, and 0.391mM, respectively). MBaL-30 and -60 could agglutinate all human blood types with slight preference for the A and O blood groups, whereas MBaL-80 did not agglutinate B and AB blood types. The 3 isolectins were purified from crude seeds extract, collectively, in a single step on the affinity matrix Lactamyl-Seralose 4B; this purified lectin fraction, which contains all isolectins, is termed MBaL. The N-terminal of MBaL till the 25th amino acid was NLSLSELDFSADTYKSFIKNLRKQL, which shares 88% sequence identity with Momordica charantia lectin type-2 ribosomal inactivating protein from Momordica charantia and 50% with momordin II from Momordica balsamina. MBaL retained 100% activity at up to 50°C for 30minutes. MBaL-30 and MBaL-60 exhibited maximum activities in the pH range between 4 and 8, while MBaL-80 was showing maximum activity in the pH range between 3 and 5. Treatment of MBaL-30 and MBaL-60 with EDTA completely abolished their hemagglutinating activities. Addition of Zn and Fe ions to the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-treated MBaL-30 and MBaL-60 lectins did not only regained the loss of activity but also resulted in 200% to 300% increase in activity, respectively. MBaL-30 and -60 agglutinated gram positive Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas MBaL-30 could merely agglutinate Escherichia coli. None of these lectins could arrest bacterial growth. Addition of MBaL to cancer cell lines (Gastric cancer cell line (AGS) and Gastric cencer cell line (MKN45), Glioblastoma (ECV-304), and Human urinary bladder cancer cell line (U87-MG)) at varying concentrations did not cause statistically significant changes on cell growth and viability.

Use of Crude Extract Water–Soluble Polysaccharides of Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr) Seeds as Stabilizer for Pineapple Juice Production

Abstract The purpose of this study was to know the effect of crude extract durian seeds using on pineapple juice during storage and to know the appropriated concentration of crude extract of durian seed to product the pineapple juice with good properties and high preferrence. The research was done in two steps. The first step was extraction of processing crude extract water-solube polysaccharide of durian seed. The second step was application of crude extract water-solube polysaccharide of durian seed on pineapple juice. The experimental design used completely randomized design two factors of nested pattern (Nested Design). The first factor was concentration of crude extracts (0; 0.05; 0.10; 0.15 and 0.20%) and the second factor was storage time at room temperature (0, 1, 2 and 3 week). The best concentration of crude extract water soluble polysaccharides of durian seeds to product the pineapple juice was 0.10%. The pineapple juice had 0,10% by 54,67 mp of viscosity; 0,00 of 0 Brix stability; pH 5.01; Hue value by 76.173 (Yellow Red); Chroma 19.80; and the sensory properties were preference of color, aroma, taste, stability, and overall were 3.56; 3.40; 3.56; 3.60; and 3.84 (like to very like) respectively.

Characterization of flavonoid glycosides from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) crude seeds by HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a medicinal plant which is widely used for its pharmacological properties. In this study the phenolic composition of fenugreek crude seeds originating from Morocco has been investigated. Extraction was performed from defatted seeds by a hydromethanolic solution using an Accelerated Solvent Extractor. HPLC technique coupled to negative ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and diode array detection was employed to identify the polyphenol in the obtained extract. The obtained results allowed the detection of 32 phenolic compounds among which various flavonoid glycosides and phenolic acids have been tentatively identified on the basis of their UV and MS spectra, and comparisons with standards when available, as well as with literature data. A systematic study of the obtained MS spectra and the observed fragmentation showed that most of the identified compounds were acylated and non-acylated flavonoids with apigenin, luteolin and kaempferol as aglycons. Hydroxycinnamic acids mostly dominated by caffeic acid derivatives were also detected. The quantitative analysis of the identified compounds showed that the phenolic composition of the studied crude fenugreek seeds was predominantly acylated and non-acylated flavone derivatives with apigenin as the main aglycon.

Larvicidal Efficacy of Crude Seed Extracts of Six Important Oil Yielding Plants of North East India against the Mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus

The use of botanicals as an alternative to the chemical compounds is gaining tremendous momentum because of its multifarious advantages. In view of its increasing interest, an attempt was made in the present study to assess the larvicidal potential of a few plants like Pongamia pinnata, Azadirachta indica, Croton tiglium, Cascabela thevetia, Ricinus communis and Datura stramonium against two medically important mosquito vectors Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. The late third and fourth instars larvae were exposed to different concentration (i.e. 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 ppm) of crude oil extracts of seeds of all the six plants. The seed extracts of P. pinnata showed highest larvicidal activity with LC 50 value of 18.35 ppm and 26.21 ppm against the larvae of Ae. aegypti and C. quinque fasciatus respectively. Crude seed oil of Azadirachta indica, Croton tiglium, Cascabela thevetia, Ricinus communis and Datura stramonium also having moderate larvicidal potency with LC 50 value of 23.64, 82.08, 95.19, 80.83 & 88.69 ppm against Ae. aegypti and 54.77, 104.38, 140.99, 113.22 & 92.12 ppm against C. quinquefasciatus. These results suggest that the crude seed extracts of all the six plants might be considered promising as larvicide against both the targeted mosquitoes. It may be projected that considering the wide distribution and availability of these trees in this N.E. region of India, this may be developed and used as readily available and cheap natural insecticides for mosquito control.

Detection of Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) in Eggs of Broiler Breeders Fed Crude and Treated Vicia sativa Seeds

A trail of feeding broiler breeders crude and treated Vicia sativa at a rate of 11% and 22%, was conducted to elucidate the effect of using this seed on the egg's IgY content and on the relative weight of the ovarian follicles. Results revealed that crude seeds were effective in significant reduction of IgY content and of the ovarian weight. Treating crude seeds at the low level (11%) with water, acetic acid, Saccharomyces cereviceae, and activated charcoal were effective in ameliorating the negative effects of antinutritional factors in crude V. sativa and transfer more immunoglobulin IgY through eggs comparing with control group. Treatment of crude seed at a high level (22%) was different in their effect on IgY content and the relative ovarian follicle weight. This study reveals and for the first time, that different treatments of crude V. sativa could enhance the maternal immunity transferred via IgY through eggs to offspring in order to improve the transferred maternal immunity to the hatched chicks and to sustain a high immunological profile against different infectious diseases.

A study on trypsin, Aspergillus flavus and Bacillus sp. protease inhibitory activity in Cassia tora (L.) syn Senna tora (L.) Roxb. seed extract.

BackgroundProteases play an important role in virulence of many human, plant and insect pathogens. The proteinaceous protease inhibitors of plant origin have been reported widely from many plant species. The inhibitors may potentially be used for multiple therapeutic applications in viral, bacterial, fungal diseases and physiological disorders. In traditional Indian medicine system, Cassia tora (Senna tora) is reportedly effective in treatment of skin and gastrointestinal disorders. The present study explores the protease inhibitory activity of the above plant seeds against trypsin, Aspergillus flavus and Bacillus sp. proteases.MethodsThe crushed seeds of Cassia tora were washed thoroughly with acetone and hexane for depigmentation and defatting. The proteins were fractionated by ammonium sulphate (0-30, 30-60, 60-90%) followed by dialysis and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The inhibitory potential of crude seed extract and most active dialyzed fraction against trypsin and proteases was established by spot test using unprocessed x-ray film and casein digestion methods, respectively. Electrophoretic analysis of most active fraction (30-60%) and SEC elutes were carried employing Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Gelatin SDS-PAGE. Inhibition of fungal spore germination was studied in the presence of dialyzed active inhibitor fraction. Standard deviation (SD) and ANOVA were employed as statistical tools.ResultsThe crude seeds' extract displayed strong antitryptic, bacterial and fungal protease inhibitory activity on x-ray film. The seed protein fraction 30-60% was found most active for trypsin inhibition in caseinolytic assay (P < 0.001). The inhibition of caseinolytic activity of the proteases increased with increasing ratio of seed extract. The residual activity of trypsin, Aspergillus flavus and Bacillus sp. proteases remained only 4, 7 and 3.1%, respectively when proteases were incubated with 3 mg ml-1 seed protein extract for 60 min. The inhibitory activity was evident in gelatin SDS-PAGE where a major band (~17-19 kD) of protease inhibitor (PI) was detected in dialyzed and SEC elute. The conidial germination of Aspergillus flavus was moderately inhibited (30%) by the dialyzed seed extract.ConclusionsCassia tora seed extract has strong protease inhibitory activity against trypsin, Aspergillus flavus and Bacillus sp. proteases. The inhibitor in Cassia tora may attenuate microbial proteases and also might be used as phytoprotecting agent.

Determination of strychnine in strychnos nux-vomica crude and detoxified seeds by voltammetric method using a carbon paste electrode incorporated with gold nanoparticles

A new method using a carbon paste electrode modified with gold nanoparticles (GNPs/CPE) was developed and validated for determination of strychnine (ST) in Strychnos nux-vomica seeds. The modified carbon paste electrode consists of 24 nm-diameter colloidal gold nanoparticles resulting in an electrode that exhibits a significant catalytic effect toward the electrochemical oxidation of ST in a 0.2 M Britton-Robinson buffer solution (pH 7.0). The peak current increases linearly with the ST concentration within the molar concentration ranges of 8.00 × 10−6 to 3.50 × 10−5 M and 3.50 × 10−5 to 1.15 × 10−3 M. The detection limit (signal to noise > 3) for ST was found to be 4.6 × 10−7 M, respectively. In this work, voltammetric methods such as cyclic voltammetry, chronocoulometry and differential pulse voltammetry were used. The method was then successfully applied to the determination of ST in Strychnos nux-vomica crude and detoxified seeds