Seed Extract Research Articles

Phytochemical and Invitro Antihelmintic Activity of Aqueous Polyherbal Seed Extract against Pheretima Postuma

The present study was to evaluate the phytochemical screening and anthelmintic activity of aqueous polyherbal seeds extract (APSE) against Pheretima posthuma. The seeds of Coriandrum sativum, Sesamum indicum, Glycine max, Momordica charantiana trachyspermum ammi, was identified and purchased from local market of Nuzvid. APSE was prepared from the dried seeds of five different plants using the solvent water. Initially, APSE was screened for phytochemical constituents by standard methods. Further, antihelmintic study was conducted against Pheretima posthuma, collected from local Vermicomposting Farm, Nuzvid. In the phytochemical screening, APSE showed presence of glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols and tannins. In the anthelmintic study, mortality was produced in earth worm populations by APSE. The use of APSE as an anthelmintic was confirmed by using standard method against Pheretima posthuma. The results indicated that the test drug has significant anthelmintic properties. The data were found statistically significant by using one way ANOVA (P< 0.0001). Hence, it can be concluded that the APSE can be used as a novel drug for the treatment of worm infestations.

Formulasi Sediaan Pomade Ekstrak Daun Meniran (Phyllanthus niruri L.) Sebagai Perangsang Penumbuh Rambut Pada Kelinci

Background: Meniran petroleum ether extract 2% which contains lignans and terpenoids can increase hair growth activity by inhibiting 5α-reductase. In addition, the ethanol extract of candlenut seeds from the same family as meniran Flavonoids and phenols can also stimulate hair growth. Previous studies have also shown that quercetin also has activity to increase hair growth. Meniran is also known to contain the flavonoids quercetin, nirurin, rutin, quercitrin, astragalin and galocatechin. So meniran ethanol extract was chosen for this study. Based on a literature search about this research, the researcher was interested in formulating meniran leaf extract pomade (Phyllanthus niruri L.) as a hair stimulant in rabbits (Oryclolagus cunucilus). Purpose: To determine the formulation of meniran leaf extract pmade (Phyllanthus niruri L.) which is good in stimulating hair growth in rabbits. Methods: The method used was an experimental study to test the characteristics of pomade preparations with meniran leaf extract concentrations of 5%, 7.5% and 10% with organoleptic, homogeneity, spreadability, pH, irritation and freeze-thaw parameters. Results: From the results of the research on the characteristic test of pomade preparations on formulations of formula I, formula II and formula III it was found that they fulfilled the characteristics of pomade while F0 did not meet the spreadability requirements. Conclusion: Among the three formulations, it was found that pomade with formula III had the effectiveness of a good hair growth stimulant and could compete with the positive control.

Ammodaucus Leucotrichus Seed Extract as a Potential Therapy in Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis Induced by Complete Freund Adjuvant and Chicken Cartilage Collagen.

This study assessed the efficacy of an Ammodaucus leucotrichus seed extract to treat rheumatoid arthritis in rat models of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in rats using two methods: immunization with 100 µL of Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) and immunization with 100 µL of a 3mg/ml solution of type II collagen (CII) from chicken cartilage. The therapeutic potential of the extract was assessed at different doses (150, 300, and 600mg/kg/day for 21 days in the CII-induced arthritis model and for 14 days in the CFA-induced arthritis model) and compared with methotrexate (MTX; 0.2mg/kg for the same periods), a commonly used drug for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in humans. In both models (CII-induced arthritis and CFA-induced arthritis), walking distance, step length, intra-step distance and footprint area were improved following treatment with the A. leucotrichus seed extract (all concentrations) and MTX compared with untreated animals. Both treatments increased the serum concentration of glutathione and reduced that of complement C3, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase. Radiographic data and histological analysis indicated that cartilage destruction was reduced already with the lowest dose of the extract (100mg/kg/dose) in both models. These results show the substantial antiarthritic potential of the A. leucotrichus seed extract, even at the lowest dose, suggesting that it may be a promising alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and joint inflammation. They also emphasize its efficacy at various doses, providing impetus for more research on this extract as a potential therapeutic agent for arthritis.

Anticancer Potential of Watermelon Seed Extracts Against Lung and Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Anticancer Potential of Watermelon Seed Extracts Against Lung and Breast Cancer Cell Lines Karpuz Çekirdeği Ekstrelerinin Akciğer ve Meme Kanseri Hücre Hatlarına Karşı Antikanser Potansiyeli Running Title: Anticancer Potential of Watermelon Seed Abstract Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of watermelon seed extracts against lung and breast cancer cell lines. Methods: A549 lung cancer and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines were used. The cells were treated with doses ranging from 0.1 to 1000 µg/mL of KI and KD extracts from watermelon seeds, starting when the cell density reached 80%. Viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Results: For the A549 lung cell line, the KI extract demonstrated significant anticancer activity at doses of 10, 100, and 1000 µg/mL, with the 1000 µg/mL dose being the most effective against lung cancer cells. Similarly, the KD extract showed efficacy across all doses tested, with the seed peel being effective at lower doses compared to the seed. In the MCF-7 breast cell line, both KI and KD extracts exhibited dose-dependent anticancer effects, with significant reductions in viability observed at all doses compared to the control group. Conclusion: Interestingly, the seed and seed shell showed selective effectiveness against breast and lung cancer, indicating a dose-dependent and selective anticancer effect. Overall, these findings suggest the potential of watermelon seed extracts as promising anticancer agents with selective efficacy against different cancer types. Keywords: Watermelon, anticancer, A549 lung cancer cell, MCF-7 breast cancer cell ÖZ Amaç: Çalışmanın amacı, karpuz çekirdeği ekstrelerinin akciğer ve meme kanseri hücre hatlarına karşı antikanser potansiyelini değerlendirmektir. Yöntemler: A549 akciğer kanseri ve MCF-7 meme kanseri hücre hatları kullanılmıştır. Hücreler, yoğunlukları %80'e ulaştığında, karpuz çekirdeğinden hazırlanan KI ve KD ekstreleri ile 0.1 ila 1000 µg/mL doz aralığında muamele edilmiştir. Canlılık, MTT testi kullanılarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: A549 akciğer hücre hattı için KI ekstresi, 10, 100 ve 1000 µg/mL dozlarında önemli antikanser aktivite göstermiş, 1000 µg/mL dozu akciğer kanseri hücrelerine karşı en etkili olarak bulunmuştur. Benzer şekilde, KD ekstresi, test edilen tüm dozlarda etkili olmuş ve tohum kabuğunun, tohuma göre daha düşük dozlarda etkili olduğu görülmüştür. MCF-7 meme hücre hattında, hem KI hem de KD ekstreleri doza bağlı antikanser etki sergilemiş ve kontrol grubuna kıyasla tüm dozlarda önemli düzeyde canlılık azalması gözlenmiştir. Sonuç: Karpuz çekirdeği ve kabuğu meme ve akciğer kanserine karşı seçici etkinlik göstermiş, bu da doza bağlı ve seçici bir antikanser etkiyi işaret etmektedir. Genel olarak, bu bulgular, karpuz çekirdeği ekstrelerinin farklı kanser türlerine karşı seçici etkili ve umut vaat edici antikanser ajanlar olarak potansiyelini göstermektedir. Anahtar kelimeler: Karpuz, antikanser, A549 akciğer kanseri hücre, MCF-7 meme kanseri hücre

Role of Salvia hispanica seeds extract on Ehrlich ascites model induced liver damage in female mice

Role of Salvia hispanica seeds extract on Ehrlich ascites model induced liver damage in female mice

Enhancing the coagulation process for the removal of microplastics from water by anionic polyacrylamide and natural-based Moringaoleifera

The existence of microplastics (MPs) in water is a significant global concern since they have the potential to pose a threat to human health. Therefore, there is a need to develop a sustainable treatment technology for MPs removal, as the conventional methods are inadequate to address this problem. Coagulation is a typical process in treatment plants that can capture MPs before releasing them into the environment. In this work, the removal behaviors of polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene (PE) MPs were systematically investigated through coagulation processes using aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and Moringa oleifera (MO) seeds extract. Subsequently, the coagulation performance of Al2(SO4)3 was improved by the separate addition of anionic polyacrylamide (APAM) and naturally derived MO. Results showed that Al2(SO4)3 in combination with APAM had better performance than Al2(SO4)3 or MO alone. In the Al2(SO4)3+APAM system, the removal efficiencies were 93.47%, 81.25%, and 29.48% for PA, PS, and PE MPs, respectively. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the Al2(SO4)3 and MO blended system was approximately similar to the Al2(SO4)3+APAM system. However, the required amount of Al2(SO4)3 was decreased to 50% in the Al2(SO4)3+MO system compared to the optimal dosage in the Al2(SO4)3 system alone. The combination of 40 mg/L of Al2(SO4)3 and 60 mg/L of MO resulted in removal efficiencies of 92.99%, 80.48%, and 28.94% for PA, PS, and PE MPs, respectively. The high efficacy of these enhanced methods was due to the synergic effects of charge neutralization and agglomeration adsorption, which were validated through zeta potential assessments and visual analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. In the case of experimental conditions, initial pH had little impact on removal efficiency, while NaCl salinity and stirring speed directly affected MPs removal. Consequently, this research took a step toward finding a green strategy to remove MPs from water systems.

Foliar Application of Moringa Seed Extract Alone or in Combination with Salicylic Acid Enhanced Growth, Bioactive, and Phytohormone Compositions of Cancer Bush Plants under Heat Stress

Cancer bush (Lessertia frutescens L.) is an important medicinal plant that is rich in health beneficial compounds. It is commonly used in traditional medicine and as an ornamental plant. Heat stress is the most threatening abiotic factor restricting plant growth, thus causing crop yield and economic losses worldwide. The application of plant-derived biostimulant is as an innovative and promising approach for improving plant growth and productivity. The study was aimed to investigate the effect of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) seed extract (MSE; 5%) either alone or in combination with salicylic acid (SA; 40 mg/L) on the growth, bioactive, and phytohormone attributes of cancer plants subjected to heat stress (38 °C for 2 hours for 5 days). Plants that were not treated were used as control. Plant pots were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for treatments (MSE, SA, and MSE + SA) at 7-day intervals during the experiment. Both MSE and MSE + SA foliar application effectively increased plant growth characteristics and total carotenoids contents, and reduced electrolyte leakage and had no symptoms of wilting compared with SA and control. Plants treated with MSE showed higher number of branches and concentrations of abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic acid (JA), and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and lower superoxide and hydrogen peroxide compared with other treatments and control. Also, plants treated with MSE + SA showed higher total chlorophylls and glutathione concentrations compared with other treatments and control. Overall, the application of MSE either alone or in combination with SA enhanced plant growth and productivity of heat-stressed cancer bush plants.

AMARANTHUS AS A SOURCE OF POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS AND FLAVONOIDS FOR USE IN MEDICINE

Amaranth is used as a medicinal plant with antioxidant, hemostatic, and wound-healing properties. The aim of the research is the quantitative determination of polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids in ethanolic extracts of amaranth seeds of the "Lera" and "Ultra" varieties and leaves Amaranthus retroflexus. Methods. Extracts were obtained by infusion for 7 days in 70% and 80% ethanol. Quantitative determination of secondary metabolites was conducted by spectrophotometric methods. Results. The largest amount of polyphenolic compounds was found in the ethanolic extract of Amaranthus retroflexus leaves - 0.228 mg/ml. More polyphenols were found in the ethanolic extract of amaranth seeds of the "Lera" variety than in the extract of amaranth seeds of the "Ultra" variety. In the extract of leaves of Amaranthus retroflexus, 2.1 x 10-4 mg/ml of flavonoids were found, in extracts of amaranth seeds were found from 0.7 x 10-5 mg/ml to 1.55 x 10-5 mg/ml of flavonoids. Conclusion. The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Amaranthus retroflexus contains a greater number of investigated secondary metabolites than the extracts of amaranth seeds of the "Lera" and "Ultra" varieties. The ethanol extract of amaranth seeds of the "Lera" variety contains more polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids than the ethanol extract of amaranth seeds of the "Ultra" variety.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis and Anti-Cholesterol Potential of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Illicium Verum

Illicium Verum commonly called star anise, which is indigenous to northeast Vietnam and Southwest China. Illicium verum is one of the vital ingredients of Chinese medicinal herbs. Principal component (Trans-anethol) exhibits antimicrobial activity such as antiviral, anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities. Cholesterol, a waxy or fat like substance which is found in each and every cell of our body. Cholesterol helps our metabolism work efficiently, but if our body has too much cholesterol in blood, it causes several harmful effects. Anti-cholesterol drugs are useful in reducing the blood cholesterol level. Ethanolic extract of Illicium verum was found to be rich in phytochemicals such as Alkaloids, terpenoids and steroids. The ethanolic extract of illicium verum exhibited a significant antioxidant potential (Ic50 = 300 µg/ml) and anti-cholesterol potential (Ic50 = 400 µg/ml) as compared to standard drugs.

Response of tomato seed germination to several extraction techniques and magnetic field exposure treatments

The superior seeds are indicated by clean, good germination rate, pest and disease-free. One of the problems in providing superior tomato seeds is the presence of pulp attached to the tomato seeds, leading to less clean of seed. To remove the muscus on tomato seeds, the seeds have to be extracted. Other than seeds extraction, seeds exposure also could optimize seeds growth by increasing the metabolism of the tomato. The aim of this research is to determine the best extraction technique and magnetic field exposure for obtaining high tomato seeds germination. The complete random design used in this research consist of two factors, seeds extraction and magnetic field with three time replications. The result showed that seeds extraction for 24 hours is the best treatment for improving the maximum germination percentage, growth potential, growth rate, speed growth, uniformity index than others. Magnetic exposure at 6mT is the best treatment to improve seeds maximum growth and seeds speed growth.

INHIBIION ACTIVITY OF SOME PLANT SEEDS EXTRACTS AGAINST THE PROTEASE PRODUCED FROM LOCAL ISOLATE OF CANDIDA ALBICANS ISOLATE USING SOLID STATE FERMENTATION

This study was aimed at inhibition of purified protease produced by C. albicans using plant seeds extract. One hundred two local C. albicans isolates that were isolated and identified by microscopic and biochemical tests were submitted to primary and secondary screening techniques in order to select the qualified C. albicans isolate for protease synthesis. Among these isolates, nineteen isolates with the highest hydrolysis zone on skim milk media (primary screening) were chosen for secondary screening. It has been found that C. albicansV56 had the highest productivity of the enzyme (41.8U/mg protein). The optimum conditions of protease production by selected isolate using solid state fermentation by using wheat bran as best substrate , temperature 28 °C and pH 7, after 5 days of incubation . The enzyme was purified by concentration with sucrose, then used gel filtration chromatography using Sephadex G-75. The results show two peaks. The first peak has a purification folds 6.5 time with an enzyme yield of 13.08 %, while peak 2 has a purification folds 3.3 time with an enzyme yield of 20%. The purified enzyme exhibited maximal activity at pH 6.0 for peak 1 and 3.0 for peak 2, whereas the maximum stability was 7.0 for peak 1 and 8 for peak 2. The optimal temperature for purified enzyme activity was 40 for peak 1 and 30 for peak 2, and it was stable until 45°C. Protease activity was inhibited with local plant seed extracts. Lathyrus sativus extract inhibits approximately 50 % of protease activity.

Saponins from seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa exhibit vasorelaxant effects on rat isolated aorta

AbstractAimThe vasorelaxant saponins jujuboside A(1), A1(2), B(3), and acetyljujuboside B(4) were isolated from 50% MeOH extracts of seeds of Zizyphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa Hu ex H.F. Chou (Rhamnaceae), and their effects were studied using isolated rat aortic rings.MethodDried jujube seeds were crushed and extracted with 50% MeOH, and the extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. Vasorelaxant effects of this extracts were assessed on rat isolated aorta rings. The aorta rings were placed in a well‐oxygenated bath of modified Krebs–Henseleit solution and the mechanical tension was measured isometrically.ResultsThe crude extract was fractionated by chromatographic methods with the guidance of vasorelaxant activity, and four saponins (1~4) were isolated. These compounds were identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. Compounds 1~4 showed slow relaxation activity against norepinephrine (NE)‐induced contractions of rat aorta with/without endothelium. Treatment with 1~4 did not significantly inhibit NE‐induced vasoconstrictions. Compounds 1~4 inhibited vasoconstriction induced by high‐concentration potassium (60 mM) and NE in the presence of nicardipine but did not affect phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate‐induced vasoconstriction.ConclusionThese results suggest that inhibition of NE‐induced vasoconstriction by 1~4 is due to the inhibition of receptor‐operated Ca2+ channels and voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels or inhibition of intracellular calcium modulations.

Ethanolic extract of Persea americana Mill. (Lauraceae) seeds induced antiestrogenic effects in young female Wistar rats.

The ethanol extract of Persea americana seeds was found to inhibit the development of estrogen-dependent conditions in female Wistar rats, suggesting the ability of its secondary metabolites to interact with estrogen receptors (ERs), either as partial agonists or as antagonists. To test this hypothesis, the abovementioned extract was assessed for its ability to mimic and/or antagonize estradiol effects. Two experiments were conducted in ovariectomized (OVX) rats: (1) animals were treated with estradiol valerate (E2V; 1 mg/kg) or P.americana at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg; (2) animals were treated with E2V alone (0.75 mg/kg) or in combination with P.americana at the abovementioned doses. Treatments were given orally for 3days and animals were sacrificed for biochemical and histological analyses of the uterus and vagina. When administered alone, P.americana did not change the histomorphology of both organs (uterus and vagina). In combination with E2V, P.americana decreased uterine weight [30 % decrease (p<0.001) at 25 mg/kg and 24 % (p<0.01) at 50 mg/kg] and epithelium height (37 % decrease). This was associated with decreased estradiol levels (at least 86 % decrease, p<0.001) in the uterus. Similarly, vagina epithelium height decreased by at least 34 % (p<0.05) when E2V was co-administered with P.americana. The seed extract of P.americana contains ER antagonist secondary metabolites accounting for its ability to inhibit the development of estrogen-dependent conditions in female rats.

Analysis of phytocannabinoids in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens

Hemp-sprouts are emerging as a new class of attractive functional food due to their numerous health benefits when compared to other sprout species. Indeed, the high content of beneficial components including polyphenols and flavonoids makes this type of food a promising and successful market. However, the available literature on this topic is limited and often conflicting as regards to the content of phytocannabinoids. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) was applied in an untargeted metabolomics fashion to extracts of hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens of nine different genotypes. Both unsupervised and supervised multivariate statistical analysis was performed to reveal variety-specific profiles of phytocannabinoids with surprisingly remarkable levels of phytocannabinoids even in chemotype V samples. Furthermore, a targeted HPLC-HRMS analysis was carried out for the quantitative determination of the major phytocannabinoids including CBDA, CBD, CBGA, CBG, CBCA, CBC, THCA, and trans-Δ9-THC. The last part of the study was focused on the evaluation of the enantiomeric composition of CBCA in hemp seeds, sprouts and microgreens in the different varieties by HPLC-CD (HPLC with online circular dichroism). Chiral analysis of CBCA showed a wide variability of its enantiomeric composition in the different varieties, thus contributing to the understanding of the intriguing stereochemical behavior of this compound in an early growth stage. However, further investigation is needed to determine the genetic factors responsible for the low enantiopurity of this compound.

Green Synthesis and Antimicrobial Study on Jujube Seed Extract Functionalized Ag Nanoparticles

AbstractGreen synthesis of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) by using the plant extract is a very important strategy to gain efficient antimicrobial agents with strong antimicrobial activity and low toxicity. In this study, jujube seed extract (JSE) is utilized to green synthesis of AgNPs by both hydrothermal process and solution‐based approaches. UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra confirm that jujube seed extract functionalized Ag nanoparticles are formed by both approaches and jujube seed extract covered on the surface of Ag nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the JSE‐AgNPs are spherical with the average diameter of 17.7 and 14.2 nm for the hydrothermal process and solution‐based approaches, respectively. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate that the JSE‐AgNPs prepared by both approaches have face‐centered cubic crystal structure. The antimicrobial activity test reveals that minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of JSE‐AgNPs by the solution‐based method are 62.5, 125, and 62.5 µg mL−1 against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, respectively. These results imply that the JSE‐AgNPs have potential to be developed as efficient antimicrobial agents.

Protective Effect of Perilla Seed Meal and Perilla Seed Extract against Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis through Suppressing Inflammatory Cytokines in Mice.

An excessive inflammatory response of the gastrointestinal tract is recognized as one of the major contributors to ulcerative colitis (UC). Despite this, effective preventive approaches for UC remain limited. Rosmarinic acid (RA), an enriched fraction from Perilla frutescens, has been shown to exert beneficial effects on disease-related inflammatory disorders. However, RA-enriched perilla seed meal (RAPSM) and perilla seed (RAPS) extracts have not been investigated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice. RAPSM and RAPS were extracted using the solvent-partitioning method and analyzed with high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mice with UC induced using 2.5% DSS for 7 days were pretreated with RAPSM and RAPS (50, 250, 500 mg/kg). Then, the clinical manifestation, colonic histopathology, and serum proinflammatory cytokines were determined. Indeed, DSS-induced UC mice exhibited colonic pathological defects including an impaired colon structure, colon length shortening, and increased serum proinflammatory cytokines. However, RAPSM and RAPS had a protective effect at all doses by attenuating colonic pathology in DSS-induced UC mice, potentially through the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. Concentrations of 50 mg/kg of RAPSM and RAPS were sufficient to achieve a beneficial effect in UC mice. This suggests that RAPSM and RAPS have a preventive effect against DSS-induced UC, potentially through alleviating inflammatory responses and relieving severe inflammation in the colon.

Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Extract on the Lipid Profile of Albino Rats

Tamarind are widely used as antioxidants, anti-diabetes, anti-hyperlipidemia, and anti-cholesterolemia. The aim of this research is to analyze the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of extracts of tamarind fruit pulp, seeds and leaves on the lipid profile of rats. Experimental research was designed with 20 male rats divided Control (C), Tamarind leaves (TL), Tamarind fruit pulp (TF), and Tamarind seeds (TS) extracts, each 500 mg/kg of body weight. All of the groups were given standard feed and induced with lard at 3 ml/rat/day for 14 days. On day 15, the rats were continued to be induced with lard and were given extracts according to each group for 2 weeks. The data obtained such as rats’ body weight, level of cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), triglycerides (TG) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed using anova (P&lt;0.05) and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that each extract had a significant effect on cholesterol, HDL and MDA levels but not on body weight, LDL and triglycerides. Levels of MDA in the group with the extract were significantly lower than the control. Tamarind pulp, seeds and leaf extracts show antihyperlipidemic activity by reducing cholesterol and HDL levels. This can be the basis for using parts of the tamarind plant as a supplement for the community to maintain fat levels.

Fennel seeds extract prevents fructose-induced cardiac dysfunction in a rat model of metabolic syndrome via targeting abdominal obesity, hyperuricemia and NF-κβ inflammatory pathway

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is commonly associated with increased risk of cardiac disease that affects a large number of world populations. ObjectiveThis research attempted to investigate the efficacy of fennel seeds extract (FSE) in preventing development of cardiac dysfunction in rats on fructose enriched diet for 3 months, as a model of MetS. Materials & methodsThirty adult Wistar male rats (160–170 g) were assigned into 5 groups including control, vehicle, FSE (200 mg/kg BW) and fructose (60%) fed rats with and without FSE. Following the last treatment, blood pressure, ECG and heart rate were measured. Next, blood and cardiac tissues were taken for biochemical and histological investigations. ResultsFeeding fructose exhibited characteristic features of MetS involving, hypertension, abnormal ECG, elevated heart rate, serum glucose, insulin, lipids and insulin resistance, accompanied by abdominal obesity, cardiac hypertrophy and hyperuricemia. Fructose fed rats also showed significant reduction in cardiac antioxidants (GSH, SOD, CAT) with elevation in oxidative stress indices (NADPH oxidase, O2.-, H2O2, MDA, PCO), NF-κβ, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) and serum cardiac biomarkers (AST, LDH, CK-MB, cTn-I). Histopathological changes evidenced by destruction of cardiac myofibrils, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and aggregation of inflammatory cells were also detected. Consumption of FSE showed high ability to alleviate fructose-induced hypertension, ECG abnormalities, cardiac hypertrophy, metabolic alterations, oxidative stress, inflammation and histological injury. ConclusionFindings could suggest FSE as a complementary supplement for preventing MetS and associated cardiac outcomes. However, well controlled clinical studies are still needed.

Evaluation of Leaves, Flowers, and Seeds of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) through Microwave Drying and Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction, for Biologically Active Components

The coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum L.) is well known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties since it contains a considerable number of bioactive compounds. This property encourages the use of coriander in food because it has many health benefits and preserves food longer. The current study’s objective was to demonstrate the extraction of coriander’s three fractions (leaves, flowers, and seeds) using microwave drying and ultrasonic assistance, in order to identify its distinct functional components. After microwave drying, the highest amounts of ash, fat, fiber, and protein with values 6.39±0.04, 10.10±0.05, 10.14±0.06, and 13.10±0.03%, respectively, were observed in coriander seeds. Among macro- and microminerals analyzed, contents of Ca and Mg were found highest in coriander leaves, with values 689±0.14 and 412±0.04 mg/100 g, respectively, whereas Fe, Zn, and Mn were found highest in seeds with values 15.46±0.02, 3.92±0.02, and 1.29±0.02 mg/100 g. Ultrasonic-assisted ethanolic extracts of microwave-dried coriander leaves presented significantly high (p&lt;0.05) total phenolic contents (253.45±0.12 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g), total flavonoid contents (98.15±0.09 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g), and total antioxidant activity (47.32±0.04 mg trolox/100 g), followed by seeds, while flowers presented lowest values. Significantly high (p&lt;0.05) antimicrobial activities were exhibited from extracts of coriander seeds, followed by leaves. It was concluded that leaves, flowers, and seeds of coriander all were rich source of nutritional components and bioactives, and microwave drying and ultrasonic-assisted extraction were proved useful techniques for maximum retention of these contents in powders and ethanolic extracts, respectively.

Effects Of Topical Petroleum Ether and Ethyl Acetate Fractions from Grape Seed Extract on Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis Like Skin Inflammation in Mice

Background: Grape seed is a natural herb with many suggested pharmacological effects related to many biologically active compounds in its extract and fractions. Grape seed pharmacological effect is investigated in mice psoriasis like model. Methods: A thirty male albino mice, six weeks’ age used in this research and were divided into five groups. Group I apparently healthy. Group II induction group, imiquimod 5% cream once daily used at the back skin of the animal for five days. Group III, IV and V treatments groups. Group III clobetasol ointment 0.05%, group IV Grape seed extract and group V Grape seed petroleum ether fraction for five days. Results: A high significant increase was found between the apparently healthy and imiquimod induced group for all of the investigated parameters except munro abscess was significant increase. For the grape seed extract group, it was found A significant difference in immunohistochemistry score of IL17, also significant decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with high significant decrease of other immunohistopathology measurement like parakeratosis. Conclusion: Grape seed extract may have a role in imiquimod-induced psoriasis like skin inflammation in mice treatment which make it a future candidate therapy for psoriasis.