Dragon Fruit Extract Research Articles

Effects of Chemical Modification and Ratio of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyhizus) Peel Extract on The Dyed-Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) Starch

Color is the main attraction in choosing food; therefore, manufacturers do various ways to produce good colors without considering the consumer's health. Natural colors are a safe choice for health; besides being safe, natural dyes can also provide functional properties to those who consume them. The study aimed to determine the activity of natural dyes and their functional properties when mixed with chemically modified arrowroot starch. This study used a factorial design with chemical modification factor A and factor B, a ratio of dragon fruit extract to the amount of starch, with three repetitions. The best treatment was A2B3 (cross-link, starch with dragon fruit 1:2) because it had the treatment with the most visible color. This treatment has an antioxidant content of 38.95%, a polyphenol content of 106.19 mg GAE/g, a color of 76.88, and an anthocyanin content of 0.71 mg/100g.

Topical Cream Derived From Hylocereus polyrhizus (Red Dragon Fruit) Extract Accelerates Wound Healing Through Increased Hydroxyproline and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Levels: A Pilot Study.

The red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extract (RDFE) is frequently used for a variety of therapeutic purposes (e.g., boosting the immune system, promoting a healthy gastrointestinal system, improving wound healing). We investigated the effects of a topical cream containing 7.5% RDFE on hydroxyproline and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) levels and wound healing. On Day 0, we divided a total of 36 albino male Wistar rats into two equal groups. Using an 8-mm punch biopsy, we created a circular excision to fascial depth on the back of each rat. On Day 1, we treated the control group (n = 18) with 20 mg of base cream and the RDFE group (n = 18) with 20 mg of 7.5% RDFE cream. We measured hydroxyproline and FGF-2 levels in the wound tissue using an ELISA method on Days 3, 7, and 14. We found that on Day 3, hydroxyproline levels were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (p = .031). We also found a significant correlation between FGF-2 levels in the treatment group and wound diameter (p = .02). On the basis of the results of this study, we concluded that using a topical cream containing 7.5% RDFE has the potential to accelerate wound healing by increasing levels of hydroxyproline and FGF-2 in the wound.

Production of PVA-chitosan films using green synthesized ZnO NPs enriched with dragon fruit extract envisaging food packaging applications

In this work, the PVA-chitosan composite packaging films doped with biomass-fabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and dragon fruit waste extract (DFE) were developed for potential use in food packaging applications. ZnO NPs were synthesized using a sustainable method employing C. sinensis waste extract as a reducing agent. Chitosan and PVA were blended in a specific ratio (1: 1 w/w) to obtain a film-forming solution, into which the ZnO NPs and dragon fruit waste extract were incorporated. The resulting solution was cast into films, which were characterized using various analytical techniques. Mechanical properties, water solubility, and thermal stability of the films were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of green ZnO NPs and dragon fruit waste extract enhanced the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the films while reducing water vapor permeability. Moreover, the films exhibited biocidal and excellent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging properties, indicating their use in the food packaging sector. The production of these films offers a practical approach to produce bioactive food packaging materials. The use of plant extract and waste material as reducing agents can reduce the overall cost of production while providing added benefits, such as antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

Functional Drinks prepared from Red Dragon Fruit Peel (Hylocereus lemairei (Hook.) Britton and Rose) and Catifsh (Clarias gariepinus sp) Bone Gelatin

Dragon fruit peel extract and catfish bone gelatin are favorable food ingredients enabling to improve physiological functions. The aim of this work was to apply agricultural wastes, i.e. dragon fruit peel and catfish bone, as ingredients for developing functional drink, providing added value to the discarded materials. The drink formulation followed these percentages: dragon fruit extract and catfish bone gelatin (A: 1%, 3%, 5%), sugar (B:10%, 15%) and citric acid (C: 0,5%, 1%, 1.5%), totally resulting in 18 of combined treatments. The results demonstrated that sample 13 A (5%), B (10%) and C (0,5%) showed the most desirable formulation as revealed by its color stability at pH 4 and 5, with total phenol reaching up to 110,82 mg GAE. The selected formula was then tested using hedonic test by 20 panelists. The results of hedonic tests revealed good acceptance for color and taste, but not for aroma.

Efek Pemberian Kulit Buah Naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) terhadap Tebal Endometrium dan Miometrium Tikus Model Menopause

ABSTRACT
 Effects of Giving Red Dragon Fruit Skin (Hylocereus polyrhizus) as Phytoestrogens on Endometriak Thickness and Myometrium of Menopausal Model Rats
 Background: Menopause is a condition in which the body experiences a lack of estrogen due to decreased ovarian function. Decreased estrogen levels result in particular changes in the thickness and shape of the uterus. Phytoestrogens are herbal compounds that have several similarities to the functions and structures of estrogen. Phytoestrogens also can be an alternative as a therapeutic option when they need a substitute for estrogen. Among several types of phytoestrogens, anthocyanin is one of the potential. Anthocyanins are mostly found in the red dragon fruit, Hylocereus polyrhizus. Red dragon fruit skin contains anthocyanins. Anthocyanins compounds have the potential to overcome the symptoms caused by menopause through their phytoestrogens and antioxidant activity.Objective: The main purpose of this study is to determine the effect of red dragon fruit skin extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) on the thickness of the endometrium ad myometrium in menopausal model rats. Methods: This study applied a randomized post-test only control group design using a sample of 30 female wistar rats that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into 3 (three) treatment groups where a group was consisted of 10 female wistar rats. The treatment group 1 was the control group, while the treatment group 2 was the group given the ethanol extract of red dragon fruit skin at a dose of 60 mg/200 grBW/day for 30 days, and the treatment group 3 was the group given the ethanol extract of red dragon fruit skin at a dose of 90 mg/200 grBW/day for 30 days. Results: The study signified an increase in the endometrial thickness after being given red dragon fruit extract (Hylocereus polyrhizus) at a dose of 60 mg/200 grBW and 90 mg/200 grBW in menopausal model rats. In the single-lane ANOVA test, the thickness of the endometrium found a significance value of 0.038 (p<0.05), while the thickness of the myometrium found a significance value of 0.000 (p<0.05).

Pemanfaatan Metode Pewarnaan Ekstrak Buah Naga (Hylocereus Polyrhizus) Pada Praktikum Identifikasi Total Bakteri Dalam Menumbuhkan Sikap Ilmiah

Positive attitude is very important to accelerate student capability to achieve the purpose of learning in learning activity. One way to increase scientific attitude of the student is by doing practical activity. Bacteria identification is one way to support it. The usage of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) to stain the bacteria has done as an alternative. The aim of the study is to determine the usage of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extract staining method in practical of bacteria identification to increase scientific attitude. This is a quantitative descriptive study. Population include student of biology teacher candidates of Tadris IPA Biology department of IAIN Syekh Nurjati Cirebon. Random samlping was done using one class that consist of 28 student. Scientific attitude scale instrument was used to collect data in forms of observation paper and questionnaires. Te results showed that the overall practical process wass very good with average point of 95.06 and was overall able to increase scientific attitude based on objectivity indicator. Observation result shows the value of 79.46% and 86.16% based on questinaires. These indicated a very good result. Dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extract can be used as staining alternative to identify bacteria forms in kefir milk, yoghurt and pasteurized milk.

Value Addition and Standardization of Recipe on Dragon Fruit Jelly (Hylocerous undatus L.)

The present investigation entitled “Value addition and standardization of recipe on dragon fruit jelly (Hylocerous undatus L.)” was conducted at Post-Harvest Laboratory of Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during the year 2022. The experiment was laid down in Complete randomized design (RBD) with 3 replications and 10 treatments viz . T0 = (Control) Dragon fruit extract 1000ml+sugar 550g, T1 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Mint 2.5g + sugar 550g T2 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Mint 5g + sugar 550g , T3 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Mint 7.5g + sugar 550g, T4 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 2g + Sugar 550g, T5= Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 3g + Sugar 550g, T6 = Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 4g + Sugar 550g, T7 = Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Ginger 2.5g + Sugar 550g, T8 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Ginger 5g + Sugar 550g and T9 =Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Ginger 7.5 g + Sugar 550g. Study results revealed that, there was significant statistical variation TSS(ºBrix), Reducing Sugar(%), Non Reducing Sugar( %), total Sugar(%), titrable acidity (%), pH, ascorbic acid( mg/100gm), and Benefit cost Ratio. Maximum TSS (67.01 ºBrix), pH (4.41), Reducing Sugar(36.16 %), Non reducing Sugar (53.92%), Total sugar (72.08%), Titratable acidity (0.62%), Ascorbic acid (2.44mg/100gm), Colour appearance (8.45), Consistency (8.26), flavour and Taste (8.67), Aroma (6.07), overall acceptability (8.58), transparency (8.34), shelf-life 89.65) and benefit cost ratio 2.33 was recorded in T6 = Dragon fruit extract 1000ml + Cardamom 4g + Sugar 550g. Basis on this study Treatment T6 can be suggested to farmers to obtain better quality and higher benefit in jelly production.

FORMULASI LIP BALM EKSTRAK LIDAH BUAYA (ALOE VERA) DAN BUAH NAGA MERAH (HYLOCEREUS POLYRHIZUS) SEBAGAI PELEMBAB BIBIR

Lip balm is a cosmetic preparation with main components such as waxes, fats and oils. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Aloe vera and red dragon fruit extracts could be formulated as moisturizers and natural dyes in lip balm preparations. The study was carried out experimentally, including the formulation of preparations with concentrations of Aloe Vera extract 3%, 6%, 10%, and Red Dragon Fruit extract 3%, 5%, 7%. Examination of the physical quality of the preparation, namely homogeneity test, stability during 28 days of storage at room temperature, melting point, pH, and preference test. The results showed that (F1) with a concentration of 3% aloe vera and 3% red dragon fruit met the requirements for homogeneity, melting point, pH, and stability tests, on (F2) with a concentration of 6% aloe vera and 5% red dragon fruit does not meet the requirements of the pH test, but meets the requirements of the homogeneity test, melting point test, and stability test. Whereas for (F3) with a concentration of 10% aloe vera and 7% red dragon fruit did not meet the homogeneity and pH test requirements, but met the melting point and stability test requirements. It can be concluded that Aloe Vera Extract and Red Dragon Fruit can be formulated into lip balm dosage forms. Differences in concentration variations can affect the moisture on the skin and the color of the preparation.

Perbandingan Konsumsi Buah Naga dan Sari Kacang Hijau terhadap Peningkatan Kadar Hb pada Ibu Hamil Anemia di Wilayah Puskesmas Mranggen II Kecamatan Mranggen Kabupaten Demak

ABSTRACT 
 Background: Anemia is still a complex health problem in Indonesian women. The most common cause of anemia in pregnancy is lack of nutrients in the body. Pharmacological treatment has side effects faster than non-pharmacological treatment. Natural products that are traditionally used as an additional intake in the prevention of anemia, for example there are dragon fruit, green beans, and so on. 
 Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness comparison between consumption of dragon fruit and mung bean juice on increasing Hb levels in anemia pregnant women in the Mranggen II Public Health Center, Demak Regency. 
 This type of research is quantitative research with a research design using Two Group Pretest Posttest Design. The population in this study were pregnant women with anemia. Sampling using the entire population of as many as 40 respondents. Giving dragon fruit in the form of pieces shows 100% of the ingredients used and green beans are made by boiling to get the juice from the green beans. The research instrument was the Easy Touch Hb test as a measuring tool for Hb levels. Data analysis used Paired T-Test / T-dependent test. 
 Result: The results showed that the average hemoglobin level of pregnant women with anemia in the intervention group before being given Dragon Fruit had a Mean value of 10.241 g/dl, while after the intervention the Mean value became 11.125 g/dl. The Hb level in the control group before being given Mung Bean Extract had a Mean value of 10.825 g/dl while after being given Mung Bean Extract the Mean value became 11.266 g/dl. The results of the statistical test using the Independent T-Test between the two intervention groups and the control group showed p-values 0.539 which means there is no difference in the effectiveness of giving Dragon Fruit and Green Bean Extract to increase Hb levels in pregnant women with anemia. 
 Keywords: Dragon fruit, Green Beans, Increased Hb levels, pregnancy

SEDIAAN LIP BALM DARI EKSTRAK BUAH NAGA BERWARNA MERAH PADA KULIT (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

Lip balm is a moisturizer used as a lip balm. Red dragon fruit skin has anthocyanin as an antioxidant and protects against free radicals. The aim is to formulate red dragon fruit extract on the skin in the form of lip balm which has physical and safety characteristics. Red dragon fruit extract on the skin used in lip balm preparations, namely 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%. Evaluation of the lip balm including organoleptic, homogeneity, smearability, pH got good results and irritation test showed that all lip balm concentrations were safe to use because there was no reaction. So that the red dragon fruit extract on the skin can be used as a lip balm preparation. The difference in the concentration of red dragon fruit extract on the skin does not affect the physical properties of the lip balm preparation.

IDENTIFY ACID-BASE WITH EXTRACT DRAGON FRUIT AND TURMERIC

This study aims to determine the identification of acid-bases with natural indicators. This, is done because acid-base testing uses a lot of litmus paper. In dragon fruit extract and turmeric extract, there is a more concentrated color pigment content to determine the acid-base concentration. So we want to increase its sensitivity to detecting acid- bases. The method used in this study is experimental. The results of the study can be used to assist the public in knowing the benefits of dragon fruit and turmeric to detect acid-base solutions.

Test of Borax and Formalin on Snacks with Turmeric and Dragon Fruit Extracts at SMAN 1 Nguter, Sukoharjo

Chemicals such as formalin and borax are actually chemicals that can only be used for purposes outside the body, meaning that borax and formalin are not allowed to enter the human body because they will seriously damage the organs inside. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of formaldehyde and borax in snacks at SMAN 1 Nguter, Sukoharjo. This research method is experimental research then summarizes the entire research. This study used turmeric and dragon fruit extracts as research indicators. The results of several samples that the researchers observed contained formalin, namely sausage tempura, middle star tempura, bread tempura, rolled noodle tempura, star tempura, cireng tempura, thigh tempura, round white tempura. And some of the samples contained borax, namely ice doger and tempura bintang tengah. Based on the results of the study, it was found that there is a danger posed when consuming foods containing a lot of borax and formalin, one of which can damage liver and kidney function and can even trigger cancer.

Production Fruitghurt From Watermelon Skin With The Addition Of Dragon Fruit Extract As A Natural Colorant

This study aimed to determine the optimum formulation of fruitghurt from the white layer of watermelon skin with the addition of dragon fruit extract and to analyze the effect of adding dragon fruit extract to pH, lactic acid levels, vitamin C and fruitghurt acceptability from the white layer of watermelon skin. This research method consisted of 5 stages, namely making watermelon skin filtrate, making watermelon extract, making dragon fruit extract, making fruitghurt and incubation (fermentation). In this study, 4 formulations were carried out with different proportions of adding dragon fruit extract. Formula A (100 ml of watermelon skin filtrate, 15 ml of watermelon extract, 0 ml of dragon fruit extract, 11.5 grams of skim milk, 11.5 grams of sugar, 23 grams of plain yogurt), formula B (100 ml of skin filtrate, 15 ml of watermelon extract, 3.5 ml dragon fruit extract, 11.5 grams skim milk, 11.5 grams sugar, 23 grams plain yogurt), formula C (100 ml watermelon peel filtrate, 15 ml watermelon extract, 6.5 ml extract dragon fruit, 11.5 grams of skim milk, 11.5 grams of sugar, 23 grams of plain yogurt), formula D (100 ml of watermelon skin filtrate, 15 ml of watermelon extract, 9.5 ml of dragon fruit extract, 11.5 grams of milk skim, 11.5 grams of sugar, 23 grams of plain yogurt). The sample tests that have been made include the pH test, lactic acid level test, vitamin C level test, and organoleptic test. The test data were analyzed statistically by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Ducans multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results obtained were the addition of dragon fruit extract had a significantly different effect on pH, lactic acid levels, vitamin C levels, taste, aroma, color, but had no significant effect on the texture of the fruitghurt produced. The optimum formulation obtained was in treatment D with a pH value (4.57), lactic acid content (2.04%), vitamin C content (0.031%), taste test 2.72 (somewhat like), color test 4.88 (like very much), texture test 4.08 (like), and aroma test 3.48 (like)

Prebiotic activity of Lactobacillus casei grown on medium containing of Hylocereus undatus extract and its use in the fermentation of goat’s milk kefir

Abstract. Kustyawati ME, Nurlita ME, Fadhallah EG, Rizal S. 2022. Prebiotic activity of Lactobacillus casei grown on medium containing of Hylocereus undatus extract and its use in the fermentation of goat’s milk kefir. Biodiversitas 23: 6513-6519. White dragon fruit extract used as a prebiotic source is thought to be an innovative exploration to enhance its application as a synbiotics in food products. This study aims to quantify the prebiotic index and prebiotic activity score for Lactobacillus casei grown on white dragon fruit extract containing media at different concentrations. The study was carried out using a completely randomized design (CRD) experimental method with one factor, concentration of white dragon fruit extract (P1-P5) with 5 levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% respectively), and was repeated 3 times. The data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA, if the treatments were significantly different then the LSD test (5%). The result showed that all tested media had a beneficial effect on the growth of L. casei (prebiotic index higher than 1), while they did not support the growth of enteric Escherichia coli (prebiotic index less than 1 or negative). The highest score of prebiotic activity for L. casei was grown on 10%, while the lowest was 2%. The addition of 10% prebiotic extract of white dragon fruit in goat's milk fermentation produced goat's milk kefir with characteristics that met Codex Stand 243-2003 and had a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 55.13%.

Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Extract and Its Antibacterial Activity for Liquid Disinfectant

The effort of copper nanoparticle exploration for antibacterial cleaning agents needs to prevent infection or contamination of microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses due to its potential characteristic as an environmentally benign material. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles using 0.02 M Cu(NO3)2 as a precursor and red dragon fruit extract as a bioreduction agent has been conducted. The extraction process of red dragon fruit was done by the maceration method using methanol as solvent. Copper nanoparticles were prepared through green chemistry with the reduction method. The compound in red dragon fruit extract reduced Cu2+ to Cu. The experimental nanoparticle synthesis method was performed with a combination of red dragon fruit extract and Cu(NO3)2 solution mixed with a volume ratio of bioreductor extract toward Cu2+ precursor variation of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, and 1:9. The mixtures were stirred using a magnetic stirrer for 30 minutes and then incubated. The samples were characterized using UV-Vis (Ultraviolet-Visible), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), and a digital microscope to observe morphology. The observation continued to assess its antibacterial activity and potency as an active disinfectant. UV-Vis analysis showed that the absorbance value for 30 minutes tended to be stable. Particle size estimation showed the smallest size of 122.12 nm at a volume ratio of 1:9. Functional group analysis using FTIR showed a shift in wavenumber between dragon fruit extract and copper nanoparticle (CuNPs), indicating a functional group interaction. The results of morphological analysis using a digital microscope showed that the particles with fine powder granules were produced with the composition of fruit extract: Cu(NO3)2 of 1:9. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli indicated that the composition of Cu-nanoparticles of 1:9 had given an inhibition value.

The Effect Of Combination Of Super Red Dragon Fruit Extract (Hylocereus Costaricensis) + Fe Tablets On Increasing Hemoglobin Levels In Pregnant Women In Trimester Iii With Anemia

Anemia in pregnancy, namely hemoglobin <11gram/dl for the first and third trimesters, and <10.5 grams/dl for the second trimester. Super red dragon fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis) is one of the many alternatives used to help prevent anemia in pregnancy. Objective: To determine the effect of the combination of super red dragon fruit extract + Fe tablets on the average increase in hemoglobin in third trimester pregnant women with anemia. Objective To determine the effect of the combination of super red dragon fruit extract + Fe tablets on the average increase in hemoglobin of pregnant women in the third trimester with anemia. The results of the intervention group were the pretest hemoglobin level of 9.352 grams/dL and the post-test hemoglobin level of 10.845 grams/dL with p value <0.05, while the pretest control group had a hemoglobin level of 9.202 grams/dL and a posttest hemoglobin level of 10,635 grams/dL with a p value <0.05. There is an effect of the combination of super red dragon fruit extract + Fe tablets on the increase in hemoglobin levels

The effect of ingestion of red dragon fruit extract on levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase after strenuous exercise in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Prolonged activation of skeletal muscles causes a decrease in the production of fatigue. Exercise with strenuous intensity causes an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). An increase in free radicals causes oxidative stress resulting in damage to cell function to mitochondrial dysfunction, and fatigue. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant potential of red dragon fruit (RDF) to delay fatigue due to oxidative stress, which improves cell function in mitochondria. Methods: 25 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) aged three months were divided into five groups: Group K1 was N.A. (No Activity) but drinking and eating; Group K2 performed strenuous exercise without RDF treatment; Groups 3, 4, and 5 (P1, P2 and P3, respectively) performed strenuous exercise and were treated with 75 mg kg-1.bw, 150 mg kg-1.bw, and 300 mg kg-1.bw of RDF extract, respectively. The exercise for the rats involved intense swimming for 20 minutes a day three time a week for fouweeks. Malondialdehyde (MDA) dan SOD was measured with the ELISA and histopathology for muscle soleus and lung tissue. Results: Strenuous exercise followed by RDF extract ingestion was compared for fatigue in terms of duration and time; before (24.55±1.38 minute) and after (95.31±7.82 minute) and led to a significant difference of 39% (p<0.01). The study also compared MDA before and after RDF extract ingestion in the K2 vs. the P1 group (p<0.05). At the same time, P2 differed more significantly (p<0.01). This indicated a spread of free radicals and featured histopathological damage of muscle cells. However, ingestion of RDF extract leads to improvement of soleus muscle cells; thus, repairs cell function, delaying fatigue. Conclusion: This study confirmed that strenuous exercise, which causes an increase in ROS, intensifies free radicals with RDF extract ingestion and declines oxidative stress, repairing cell function and delaying fatigue.

The effect of ingestion of red dragon fruit extract on levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase after strenuous exercise in rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: Prolonged activation of skeletal muscles causes a decrease in the production of fatigue. Exercise with strenuous intensity causes an increase in Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). An increase in free radicals causes oxidative stress resulting in damage to cell function to mitochondrial dysfunction, and fatigue. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant potential of red dragon fruit (RDF) to delay fatigue due to oxidative stress, which improves cell function in mitochondria. Methods: 25 male rats ( Rattus norvegicus) aged three months were divided into five groups: Group K1 was N.A. (No Activity) but drinking and eating; Group K2 performed strenuous exercise without RDF treatment; Groups 3, 4, and 5 (P1, P2 and P3, respectively) performed strenuous exercise and were treated with 75 mg kg -1.bw, 150 mg kg -1.bw, and 300 mg kg -1.bw of RDF extract, respectively. The exercise for the rats involved intense swimming for 20 minutes every day, four days a week for 31 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured with the ELISA and histopathology for muscle soleus and lung tissue. Results: Strenuous exercise followed by RDF extract ingestion was compared for fatigue in terms of duration and time; before (24.55±1.38 minute) and after (95.31±7.82 minute) and led to a significant difference of 39% (p<0.01). The study also compared MDA before and after RDF extract ingestion in the K2 vs. the P1 group (p<0.05). At the same time, P2 differed more significantly (p<0.01). This indicated a spread of free radicals and featured histopathological damage of muscle cells. However, ingestion of RDF extract leads to improvement of soleus muscle cells; thus, repairs cell function, delaying fatigue. Conclusion: This study confirmed that strenuous exercise, which causes an increase in ROS, intensifies free radicals with RDF extract ingestion and declines oxidative stress, repairing cell function and delaying fatigue.

Effect of conventional and ultrasonic-assisted extracts on betacyanin content of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)

The red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), an available and popular agricultural source in Vietnam, is potential material for food colourants because of the presence of betacyanin. For the purpose of using dragon fruit extract to add colour to processed foods, the study on the effects of extraction methods (conventional and ultrasound-assisted) on the flesh and peel of the fruit was carried out using water as an extraction solvent. The obtained results showed that using ultrasonic waves in extraction enhanced the total betacyanin content in red dragon flesh and peel extract. Multiple regression analysis for betacyanin and the independent variable was obtained with a high coefficient determination (R2 &gt;0.8). The highest total betacyanin content predicted by the models were 27.49 mg/100 mL and 22.28 mg/100 mL corresponding to extracted at a ratio of 83.74% red dragon flesh for 13.15 mins and the ratio of peel to the water of 90.63:9.37 for 12.91 mins. The obtained result could be applied to the food industry to use the achieved as a natural food colour for further processing.

The effects of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extract on indomethacin-induced stomach ulcer in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) extract (DFE) on the stomach in ulcer model induced by indomethacin in rats. Effects of DFE were evaluated in indomethacin-induced gastric damage model on Sprague-Dawley rats. Experimental model: all rats were fasted for 24 h. At the end of this period, DFE was administered to the ulcer-induced groups. One hour after this application, a dose of 25 mg/kg of indomethacin was applied by oral gavage to all groups except the HEALTHY and DFE1000 groups. Six hours after indomethacin administration, the rats were euthanized with high-dose anesthesia and the experiment was terminated. Macroscopic and microscopic analyses for investigating ulcerative area, molecular and biochemical analyses for oxidative damages investigation and molecular analyses for the effect mechanism of indomethacin and DFE were conducted on stomach tissues in the study. While oxidative stress-associated markers such as MDA, BAX, and Caspase 3 increased dramatically in the indomethacin group, GSH antioxidant levels decreased. It was observed that these parameters were significantly improved in DFE 500 mg/kg and DFE 1000 mg/kg groups compared to ulcer group, and the results of especially DFE 1000 mg/kg group were similar to famotidine group. We observed that our histopathological findings also supported all our other findings. Dragon fruit extract was protected against indomethacin-induced ulcer damage by decreased MDA levels, increased GSH levels, and inhibition of Caspase 3, BAX, and Cox-2, and activation of Cox-1. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: People of all ages around the world suffer from gastric ulcer which is one of the most common gastrointestinal ailments. The etiological factors of the disease are using of cigarette and alcohol, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which use frequent and indiscriminate. Indomethacin is one of the NSAIDs and is commonly preferred to induce ulcer modeling in rats due to its gastric toxicity potential. Current anti-ulcer drugs have many serious side effects. Patients who suffered from gastric ulcer tend to discontinue the drug because of side effects. Therefore, patients need new agents that are non-toxic, have few side effects, and are easily accessible anti-ulcer drugs. Dragon fruit, as a medicinal herb, is highly valuable and widely used in traditional medicine, and may provide gastroprotective activity. Studies have shown that H. polyrhizus has antioxidant activities. We consider the effects of dragon fruit extract (DFE) to be a therapeutic drug for an indomethacin-induced ulcer model.