Gas Chromatographic-mass Spectrometric Analysis Research Articles

Determination of Fatty Acids and Minerals from Balanites aegyptiaca Fruit Kernel in Heglig Forest West Sudan

Balanites aegyptiaca, particularly its fruit, is often used as food and in traditional medicine and herbalists throughout Africa and Asia for the treatment of many ailments. The fruit kernel has a high concentration of oil and minerals. This study aims to examine fatty acids in the oil and minerals in the fruit kernel. The Samples are collected from the Heglig forest in west Sudan for the first time, and prepared for analysis using solvent extraction and acid digestion methods. The fatty acids content is identified using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) as well and minerals are detected by adopting inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The oil contained 41.66% unsaturated fatty acids 58.33% saturated fatty acids and a variety of minerals, the highest amount belonged to Sulfur (6.9 ppm), phosphorous (2.2 ppm), and iodine (2 ppm). GC-MS analysis observed 12 different proportions of fatty acid, Linoleic acid, Stearic acid, and Oleic acid have a peak.

Sustainable utilization of anthraquinone-rich Rheum officinale as electron shuttle in microbial fuel cell: Strategy for stimulating monohydric phenols degradation and bioelectricity generation

In an aim to completely degrade refractory phenolic compounds for effective wastewater treatment, a sustainable strategy using anthraquinone-rich herbal plant contents as electron shuttles is presented. This study is the first attempt of treating four different chemical structures of monohydric phenols, while simultaneously generate low-carbon electricity in a microbial fuel cell. An electron shuttle-mediated strategy was introduced to investigate the effect of electron shuttle against the degradation of phenolic pollutants and bioelectricity generation, by employing Rheum officinale extract as electron shuttle. Results revealed that there was a two-fold increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, degradation extent of phenol and cresol isomers, output voltage and power density of MFC, compared to the mediator-free MFC system. The degradation of phenol yielded higher COD removal, degradation efficiency, output voltage and power generation over cresol isomers, with and without the application of electron shuttle. A complete removal of COD and phenol, with output voltage of 620.06 mV and power density of 252.49 mW/m2 were obtained. Phenol outperformed cresol isomers with regard to its sole activating hydroxy (−OH) group, lower dipole moment and higher electronic conductivity (8.53 mS/cm). Conversely, meta-cresol exhibited the lowest removal efficiency and power generation, ascribed to greater inductive influence of methyl group in meta position on the dissociation energy of the − OH group. Moreover, detection of the phenolic intermediates by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer analysis was conducted, and detailed degradation pathways were presented.

GC-MS Analysis of Primary Aromatic Amines Originated From Azo Dyes in Commercial Textile or Leather Products Using Helium Alternative Carrier Gases.

In recent years, due to the global shortage of helium gas, the development of gas chromatography (GC) analytical methods using alternatives to helium carrier gases is necessary. The objective of this study was to examine the applicability of hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases using the test method for azo compounds in the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances of Japan. The gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analytical method using hydrogen and nitrogen as alternative carrier gases was compared with a method using helium for 26 primary aromatic amines (PAAs) originated from azo dyes. When hydrogen and nitrogen were used as carrier gases under the same conditions used during analysis using helium (same column, gas flow rate, oven temperature conditions, etc.), sufficient peak separation of 26 PAAs was obtained. The sensitivities of the methods using helium and hydrogen were comparable, whereas the sensitivity was lower when nitrogen was used, with the detection limits ranging from 1/220 to 1/25. However, all carrier gases achieved quantification at concentrations below the standard value (30 μg/g) of the Act on Control of Household Products Containing Harmful Substances, and the results were in agreement with the standard value for the target product. Our results indicated that hydrogen or nitrogen can be used as alternative carrier gases to helium for GC-MS analysis of azo compounds producing specific aromatic amines. Using hydrogen or nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas to helium, azo compounds could be quantified with excellent accuracy.

Measurement of gluconeogenesis by 2H2O labeling and mass isotopomer distribution analysis

The gluconeogenesis pathway, which converts nonsugar molecules into glucose, is critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis. Techniques that measure flux through this pathway are invaluable for studying metabolic diseases such as diabetes that are associated with dysregulation of this pathway. We introduce a new method that measures fractional gluconeogenesis by heavy water labeling and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. This technique circumvents cumbersome benchwork or inference of positionality from mass spectra. The enrichment and pattern of deuterium label on glucose is quantified by use of mass isotopomer distribution analysis, which informs on how much of glucose-6-phosphate-derived glucose comes from the gluconeogenesis (GNG) pathway. We use an invivo model of the GNG pathway that is based on previously published models but offers a new approach to calculating GNG pathway and subpathway contributions using combinatorial probabilities. We demonstrated that this method accurately quantifies fractional GNG through experiments that perturb flux through the pathway and by probing analytical sensitivity. While this method was developed in mice, the results suggest that it is translatable to humans in a clinical setting.

The Isolate Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a Quenches the Quorum Sensing Signal and Suppresses Plant Soft Rot Disease.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a communication mechanism used among microorganisms that regulate the population density and behavior by sensing the concentration of signaling molecules. Quorum quenching (QQ), a novel, eco-friendly, and efficient method for disease control, interferes with QS by disturbing the production and enzymatic degradation of signaling molecules, blocking communication among microorganisms, and thus has deep potential for use in plant disease control. Pectobacterium carotovorum can cause bacterial soft rot, resulting in yield reduction in a variety of crops worldwide, and can be mediated and regulated by the N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), which are typical signaling molecules. In this study, a novel quenching strain of Pseudomonas multiresinivorans QL-9a was isolated and characterized, and it showed excellent degradation ability against AHLs, degrading 98.20% of N-(-3-oxohexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (OHHL) within 48 h. Based on the results of the gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis, a possible pathway was proposed to decompose OHHL into fatty acids and homoserine lactone, in which AHL acylase was involved. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme are promising biocontrol agents that can considerably reduce the severity of the soft rot disease brought on by P. carotovorum, consequently preventing the maceration of a variety of host plant tissues. All of these results suggest promising applications of the QL-9a strain and its crude enzyme in the control of various plant diseases mediated by AHLs.

Effect of ionizing radiation on the physico-chemical and performance properties of gasoline with the additive of benzene

The effect of irradiation was studied by adding benzene to AI-92 gasoline. Kinetics of processes were studied at temperature T = 20°С, dose rate P = 0.072 Gy/s, absorbed doses ( D ) in the range of 27-78 kGy. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis, IR-spectroscopic studies, and determination of density and viscosity of samples before and after irradiation at di erent absorbed doses are presented. The evaluation of the physicochemical parameters of γ-irradiated gasoline with 1, 2, 4, and 6% benzene additives shows that γ-irradiation has a negative e ect on the performance characteristics (viscosity and density) of AI-92 gasoline. The optimal concentration of benzene is 6% when the viscosity and density decrease with the increase of the absorbed dose. The kinetics of post-polymerization processes for 8 months after the end of irradiation shows that the speed of the process and its share in the total polymerization depend on the irradiation time, the initial density of the mixture, and the dose.

Phytochemical Screening of Rhizome Extract of Curcuma longa Linn. Grown in Bangladesh through GC-MS and its Bioactivities

The methanolic extract of Curcuma longa L. rhizome was subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis. The chromatographic investigation of the extract showed 27 constituents of which 19 compounds were newly found from C. longa. Here, the peaks obtained in the total ion chromatogram were compared with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) database for identification of the constituents. The most plentiful component was 9-octadecenamide (Z) (5.93%). The component present in the lowest amount was 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid methyl ester (0.08%). The rhizome extract of C. longa and its six fractions (F1-F6) obtained through vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) were also investigated for antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.The crude extract and its fractions (F4-F6) exhibited strong antioxidant activity having IC50 values of 19.85, 18.41, 26.72 and 16.79 μg/ml, respectively compared to the standards butylated hydroxyl anisole (IC50 = 11.42 μg/ml) and ascorbic acid (IC50 = 9.01 μg/ml). Strong cytotoxicity was found in crude extract (LC50 = 1.81 μg/ml) and fractions F4 (LC50 = 2.4 μg/ml), F5 (LC50 = 2.5 μg/ml) and F6 (LC50 = 2.3 μg/ml) when compared to the standard, tamoxifen (LC50 = 0.13 μg/ml). Fractions F1-F3 displayed mild to moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus megaterium, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in comparison with the standard, Kanamycin. The compounds obtained through GC-MS may explain the above activities. The present results showed the prospect of this medicinal plant to explore further to determine the bioactive components. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 22(1): 11-20, 2023 (June)

Phytochemical analysis and synergistic antimicrobial potential of extracts from Carica papaya and Betavulgaris

Antibiotics are losing their efficacies at an alarming rate due to antibiotic resistance. The current study aimed to explore the phytochemical composition of Carica papaya and Betavulgaris and to assess their antibiotic potential individually and in synergy. The antimicrobial potential of C. papaya and Beta vulgaris crude methanolic leaves extracts and their combinations with commercially available antibiotics against multidrug resistant bacterial strains was evaluated. The extracts were more active against Staphylococcus aureus with the ZOI of 26 and 24 ​mm. In synergy with ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin and tetracycline, the methanolic extracts were more active against Acinetobacter baumannii followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae with the ZOI ranging between 16 and 25 ​mm. The In-vitro anti-inflammatory potential of C. papaya and B. vulgaris was assessed by bovine serum albumin denaturation assay. The methanolic extracts of C. papaya and B. vulgaris prevent the denaturation of albumin protein in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50 of 982 and 1597 ​μg/ml respectively. Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometric analysis revealed the presence of bioactive phyto-constituents with the major peaks. The current study affirmed that the efficacy of antibiotics was enhanced when screened in combination with methanolic extracts of C. papaya and B. vulgaris and they can serve as a natural source of obtaining therapeutically valued metabolites against irresistible microbial infections and inflammation related diseases.

Effect of thermo-vacuum modification on selected chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica L.) wood

ABSTRACT The primary aim of this research was to investigate and evaluate the effects of thermo-vacuum modification through forced convection on selected chemical, physical, and mechanical characteristics of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica L.) wood. Larch wood boards were thermally-modified, using press-vacuum plant technology, for three hours at a temperature of 200 °C and a pressure of 350 mBar. In order to characterise the thermally-modified (TH) and unmodified (CTRL) wood samples, the extractives, lignin and holocellulose content, volumetric swellings, compression strength, and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were determined. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis revealed chemical compound changes as a result of the thermal modification process where some extractives became undetectable after treatment while some new extractives were detected. Thermally-modified larch wood exhibited lower volumetric swelling compared to the untreated samples. Markedly, thermally-modified larch wood had lower tendency to absorb moisture. In addition, thermally-treated wood had slightly higher compression strength parallel to the grain, which was 0.29% higher than that of unmodified samples. Meanwhile, a 7.6% reduction in MOE was recorded in the thermally-treated wood.

Targeting apoptotic anticancer response with natural glucosinolates from cell suspension culture of Lepidium sativum

BackgroundFinding natural products with anticancer activity is an effective strategy to fight this disease. In this respect, Lepidium sativum or garden cress (family Brassicaceae) has been widely used worldwide for its wide therapeutic application, including anticancer and chemoprotective agents. Plant tissue culture techniques hold great promise for natural product enhancement without any climatic boundaries. In this study, glucosinolates and petroleum ether fractions were isolated from in vitro cell cultures and used against different carcinoma cell lines to investigate their anticancer potential. MethodsIn this study, callus cultures from leaf and root explants were initiated, cell suspension cultures were established, and cell growth and viability profiles were characterized. Different amino acids were added as precursors to the cell suspension cultures to enhance glucosinolates accumulation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometric analysis (GC–MS) of glucosinolates and petroleum ether fractions was performed, and all fractions were tested against different carcinoma cell lines. ResultsThe findings clarified that the maximum callus initiation percentage was obtained in the medium containing 1.0 mg/l 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) + 1.0 mg/l kinetin (Kin) (C1). The viable cell number of cell suspension cultures from leaves and roots increased until it reached the maximum values on day 15. Adding tyrosine and methionine to the cell suspension cultures was the most influential and recorded high glucosinolate percentages. 1H-Cyclopenta (b) pyridine-3-carbonitrile-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-2-methylthio-4-spirocyclohexane was the main glucosinolate compound found in tyrosine-treated leaf suspension (GLT). Fifteen compounds were detected in the petroleum ether fraction in both cell suspensions initiated from the leaf and root (OL and OR). The major compounds were benzene-1,3,5-trimethyl (12.99%) in root cell suspension (OR), and benzene-2-ethyl-1,4-dimethyl (10.66%) in leaf cell suspension (OL). All glucosinolate extracts demonstrated significant anticancer activity against the prostate (PC3), lung (A-549), colorectal (caco2), and liver (HepG2) cell lines. Glucosinolates extracted from leaf cell suspension (GL) were the most active on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) among all remaining glucosinolate extracts. Treated hepatocellular carcinoma with an IC50 of GL extract (47.5 ug/ml) upregulates pro-apoptotic BAX and downregulates anti-apoptotic BCL2, which disrupts the BAX/BCL2 ratio, leading to activation of caspase 3 inside treated HepG2 cells. ConclusionsThe anticancer action of the GL extract was validated by the cell cycle study of its glucosinolates, which successfully promoted apoptosis and reduced hepatocellular growth by causing S-phase arrest.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Profiling of Ethanol-Toluene Extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth Pod

The research reports the characterization and antimicrobial profiling of an ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The sample was powdered and extracted with a solvent system of ethanol-toluene (2:1). The extract was characterized with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatographic-Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis, as well as a wet analysis investigation. The qualitative and quantitative analysis reveals the presence of flavonoids (0.307), phenols (0.4545), alkaloids (1.7165), tannins (6.118), saponins (5.700), and glycosides (0.2375). The FTIR revealed the presence of 1723cm-1, which was assigned to carbonyl groups, and the peaks within the range of 3416.10–3777.54cm-1 were attributed to hydroxyl groups. The GC-MS reveals the presence of 34 molecules in the chromatogram, which is consistent with the mass spectra. The ethanol-toluene extract contains 19 guaiacyl and its derivatives, as well as 15 syringyl and its derivatives. The molecule, propenylsyringol (cis)b has the highest yield based on the height of the peak. Other lignin-derived molecules with a good percentage of extraction were vanillin, syringaldehyde and synapylalcohol (cis). The antimicrobial analysis of the extract was tested on nine pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus bacilli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Candida species, Aspergillus Niger, Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and Aspergillus fumigates). The result therefore reveals that the ethanol-toluene extract of PMBP was more effective on S. pyogenes (0.9mm), P. bacilli (0.5 mm), and Fusarium spp. (0.9mm) at the MIC of 6.25mg/mL. The standard antimicrobial agents, Focknazol (antifungal) and Ciprotab (antibacterial), have the highest zone inhibition at an MIC of 6.25mg/mL, when compared with the ethanol-toluene extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod. The ethanol-toluene extract of the Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth pod can be used as a source of guaiacyl or syringyl derivatives and also clinically since it is sensitive to some pathogens.

Chemical Composition, Acute Oral Toxicity and Analgesic Activity of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Mimusops coriacea (A.DC) Miq (Sapotaceae)

Mimusops coriacea is used traditionally as a tonic, febrifuge, and in the treatment of cystitis, diarrhea and dysentery. In Ecuador the plant is used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent, however, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. The study therefore is aimed at determining the chemical composition, acute oral toxicity and analgesic activity of the hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves, bark and fruits of Mimusops coriacea. The 80% hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves, bark, and fruits (green and ripe), were obtained by maceration. The extracts were subjected to Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric (GC MS) analysis. An oral acute toxicity test was performed in rats according to the OECD draft guideline 423. The analgesic activity of the extracts was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced abdominal contortion model in mice. The GC-MS analysis of the extracts shows variations in the type and relative abundance of some metabolites in the different plant parts. The predominant metabolites identified are fatty acids with palmitic and stearic acids as the major compounds in the leaves, bark and green fruits extracts, while benzoic acid was majorly in the ripe fruits extract. Other compounds identified are terpenoids, sugars, and amino acid. The extracts showed no sign of toxicity after acute oral administration. The leaves and bark extracts had higher analgesic effect compared to the fruits extract. The study therefore lends credence to the traditional use of M. coriacea as an analgesic agent.

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHIC-MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS OF K.G. 101 (KSHEERAGULOOCHI 101): AN AYURVEDIC PATENT PRODUCT

K.G.101 (Ksheeraguloochi 101) is an Ayurvedic patent product manufactured by Sitaram Ayurveda Private Ltd. Thrissur, Kerala. This is widely used by practitioners in the management of joint disorders. To explain this mechanism of action, the knowledge of biomedical compounds in the product is mandatory. The present study deals with the Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of K.G.101 to explain its medicinal value. This type of study is the need of the hour for better scientific validation and a new approach to the treatment. The Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric profile indicated the presence of nearly 39 molecules. Most compounds show anti-inflammatory potential, which explains their action in inflammatory joint disorders. The antioxidant property of the compounds explains their rejuvenating property. Some compounds show anti-cancerous activity also, which yet has to be explored.

Exploration of molecular interaction between different plant proteins and 2-pentylfuran: Based on multiple spectroscopy and molecular docking.

Soy protein, peanut protein, and wheat protein are commonly applied in plant-based products, but specific off-odor makes it difficult for consumers to accept, with 2-pentylfuran being one of the most representative flavors. In this study, 2-pentylfuran was employed as an example to explore the behavior and mechanism of the three proteins in absorbing off-odors. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that different plant proteins were both able to adsorb 2-pentylfuran. Circular dichroism proved 2-pentylfuran could drive the α-helix to β-sheet transition of SPI, which was not obvious in PnPI and WPI. Ultraviolet spectroscopy tentatively determined that 2-pentylfuran caused changes in the tyrosine and tryptophan microenvironments of different plant proteins, which were further evidenced by synchronous fluorescence at fixed wavelength intervals of 15 nm and 60 nm. Static quenching of protein intrinsic fluorescence indicated that they formed a stable complex with 2-pentylfuran, except for WPI (dynamic quenching). The various conformations of the three proteins are the main reason for the difference in flavor retention of protein. Soy protein, peanut protein, and wheat protein adsorbing 2-pentylfuran rely on non-covalent forces, especially hydrophobic interactions, maintained between the protein and 2-pentylfuran. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Essential Oils from Mediterranean Plants Inhibit In Vitro Monocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cells from Umbilical Cords of Females with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile compounds belonging to several chemical classes derived from aromatic plants using different distillation techniques. Recent studies suggest that the consumption of Mediterranean plants, such as anise and laurel, contributes to improving the lipid and glycemic profile of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of anise and laurel EOs (AEO and LEO) on endothelial cells isolated from the umbilical cord vein of females with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM-HUVEC), which is a suitable in vitro model to reproduce the pro-inflammatory phenotype of a diabetic endothelium. For this purpose, the Gas Chromatographic/Mass Spectrometric (GC-MS) chemical profiles of AEO and LEO were first analyzed. Thus, GDM-HUVEC and related controls (C-HUVEC) were pre-treated for 24 h with AEO and LEO at 0.025% v/v, a concentration chosen among others (cell viability by MTT assay), and then stimulated with TNF-α (1 ng/mL). From the GC-MS analysis, trans-anethole (88.5%) and 1,8-cineole (53.9%) resulted as the major components of AEO and LEO, respectively. The results in C- and GDM-HUVEC showed that the treatment with both EOs significantly reduced: (i) the adhesion of the U937 monocyte to HUVEC; (ii) vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) protein and gene expression; (iii) Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 nuclear translocation. Taken together, these data suggest the anti-inflammatory efficacy of AEO and LEO in our in vitro model and lay the groundwork for further preclinical and clinical studies to study their potential use as supplements to mitigate vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with DM.

Streptomyces Bioactive Metabolites Prevent Liver Cancer through Apoptosis, Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Markers in Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

A safe and effective treatment for liver cancer is still elusive despite all attempts. Biomolecules produced from natural products and their derivatives are potential sources of new anticancer medications. This study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of a Streptomyces sp. bacterial extract against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in Swiss albino mice and explore the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. The ethyl acetate extract of a Streptomyces sp. was screened for its potential anticancer activities against HepG-2 using the MTT assay, and the IC50 was also determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis was used to identify the chemical constituents of the Streptomyces extract. Mice were administered DEN at the age of 2 weeks, and from week 32 until week 36 (4 weeks), they received two doses of Streptomyces extract (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) orally daily. The Streptomyces extract contains 29 different compounds, according to the GC-MS analysis. The rate of HepG-2 growth was dramatically reduced by the Streptomyces extract. In the mice model. Streptomyces extract considerably lessened the negative effects of DEN on liver functions at both doses. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were significantly (p < 0.001) decreased, and P53 mRNA expression was increased, both of which were signs that Streptomyces extract was suppressing carcinogenesis. This anticancer effect was also supported by histological analysis. Streptomyces extract therapy additionally stopped DEN-induced alterations in hepatic oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant activity. Additionally, Streptomyces extract reduced DEN-induced inflammation, as shown by the decline in interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. Additionally, the Streptomyces extract administration dramatically boosted Bax and caspase-3 levels while decreasing Bcl-2 expressions in the liver according to the Immunohistochemistry examination. In summary, Streptomyces extract is reported here as a potent chemopreventive agent against hepatocellular carcinoma through multiple mechanisms, including inhibiting oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation.

Combined enteral infusion of glutamine, carbohydrates, and antioxidants modulates gut protein metabolism in humans

Background:Available data suggest that nutrients can affect intestinal protein metabolism, which contributes to the regulation of gut barrier function. Objective:We aimed to assess whether an oral nutritional supplement (ONS) containing glutamine (as the dipeptide Ala-Gln), carbohydrates, and antioxidants would modulate duodenal protein metabolism in healthy humans. Design:Thirty healthy control subjects were included and, over a period of 5 h, received by nasogastric tube either saline or ONS providing 11.7 kcal/kg as 0.877 g Ala-Gln/kg, 3.9 g carbohydrates/kg, and antioxidants (29.25 mg vitamin C/kg, 9.75 mg vitamin E/kg, 195 μg β-carotene/kg, 5.85 mg Se/kg, and 390 μg Zn/kg) or glutamine (0.585 g/kg, 2.34 kcal/kg). Simultaneously, a continuous intravenous infusion of l-[1-13C]-leucine was done until endoscopy. Leucine enrichment was assessed by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometric analysis, and mucosal fractional synthesis rate was calculated by using intracellular amino acid enrichment as precursor. Mucosal proteolytic pathways were also evaluated. Results:ONS infusion resulted in a doubling increase (P < 0.01) of duodenal fractional synthesis rate and a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in cathepsin D–mediated proteolysis compared with saline, whereas proteasome and Ca2+-dependent activities were unaffected. ONS infusion significantly (P < 0.01) decreased duodenal glutathione but not glutathione disulfide concentrations or the ratio of glutathione to glutathione disulfide. Insulinemia increased after ONS infusion, whereas plasma essential amino acids decreased. Infusion of glutamine alone did not reproduce ONS effects. Conclusions:ONS infusion improves duodenal protein balance in healthy humans. Further investigations are needed to study the origin of these effects and to evaluate ONS supply in stressed persons.

Phytochemical, GC-MS, FTIR and Amino acid profile of methanol extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit

The methanolic fruit extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera was analyzed for the presence of phytocompounds, their bioactivity, the functional groups involved in this activity, and its amino acid profile using standard procedures. Phytochemicals such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids were identified as being highly present. Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) analysis identified 16 bioactive compounds, with 2-thiopheneethanol (58.77%) being the most abundant. Curcumin, with the most diverse pharmacological role, and other bioactive compounds such as cedren-13-ol, 8 (1.56%), N-benzyl stearamide (4.46%), a prominent fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor; pthalic acid, butyl undecyl ester (1.49%); and phenol, 2, 6-bis (1,1 dimethyl ethyl) (1.46%), were also present. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the presence of alkanes, esters, benzene rings, aliphatic, sulfonic acid, and methylene chains. Also, the amino acid analysis of the T. tetraptera revealed that the fruit contains 18 amino acids. Leucine (4.20%), phenylalanine (3.37%), and valine (3.25%) were the most abundant essential amino acids identified, with glutamic (7.20%) and aspartic acid (5.61%) having the highest concentrations as non-essential amino acids. This therefore indicates that T. tetraptera fruit could be used as a pharmacological or therapeutic agent as well as a dietary condiment, particularly at this time when there is a demand for novel protein sources.&#x0D; Keywords: Tetrapleura tetraptera, phytochemicals, GC-MS, FTIR, amino acid, curcumin

Preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Athyrium sinense essential oil with antibacterial properties against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) was a pathogen that could cause serious soft rot disease of Chinese cabbage. In order to control Pcc, Athyrium sinense essential oil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (AEO-loaded CSNPs) was obtained by embedding the Athyrium sinense essential oil (AEO) in chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) through ion gel method, and it was characterized and further evaluated for the antibacterial properties. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) analysis showed that the main components of AEO were n-hexadecanoic acid (32.18%), linoleic acid (18.28%), phytol (8.67%), fitone (4.79%), α-linolenyl alcohol (2.54%), isophytol (2.04%) and hexadecanoic acid methyl (2.03%). When chitosan (CS)/AEO ratio was 1:0.25, zeta potential was 25.7 mv, entrapment efficiency (EE) was 48.43% and loading capacity (LC) was 6.23%. These indices reached the maximum value, showing that ratio of 1:0.25 was the optimal condition for the preparation of AEO-loaded CSNPs. Therefore, AEO-loaded CSNPs prepared by using CS/AEO ratio of 1:0.25 was used for further characterization. The AEO-loaded CSNPs observed by atomic force microscopy exhibited regular shapes. Thermogravimetric analysis, fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction results indicated that AEO-loaded CSNPs were effectively loaded with AEO and AEO-loaded CSNPs were successfully prepared. Finally, the antibacterial properties of AEO-loaded CSNPs were evaluated by MIC and MBC, in vitro release (within 48 h), time-kill curve (within 60 h) and in vivo experiments (within 72 h). The MIC and MBC of AEO-loaded CSNPs were 0.16 mg/mL and 0.63 mg/mL, respectively. The MIC and MBC results indicated that AEO-loaded CSNPs effectively enhanced the antibacterial activity of AEO. In vitro release results indicated that AEO-loaded CSNPs was consistent with the behavior of Fickian release and had the excellent release properties. Time-kill curve results indicated that AEO-loaded CSNPs had the characteristics of sustainability and stability. In vivo experiments (incubation for 72 h at 28 °C) showed that preventive and therapeutic effects of AEO-loaded CSNPs were 82.5% and 80.43%, which indicated that CSNP system effectively improved the in vivo effects of AEO. In conclusion, AEO-loaded CSNPs could be used as an effective antibacterial agent to control Pcc.

Phytol as a hepatoprotective compound in the leaves of Eichhornia crassipes

Water hyacinth is undoubtedly an environmental problem due to its invasiveness, but it also has some promising futures. It might be preferable to consider the specific attributes of each environment where the plant grows. When there are facilities available to fully utilize this plant's potential, efforts should be focused on maximizing its growth. It has been shown that secondary metabolites, such as phenolic and anti-oxidant components, play a crucial role in the chemical defenses of plants against invaded microscopic organisms. This test was conducted to analyze whether Eichhornia crassipes leaves contained antioxidants or the hepatoprotectant. The ethyl acetate-fractionated hydroethanolic extract was used for the analysis. Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), and High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography, the bioactive components of the ethyl acetate fraction of the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of E. crassipes (Mart.) Solms were analyzed. The GC-MS analysis of the extract revealed the presence of phytol, a constituent that is essential for hepatoprotection. The human body needs phytol for its benefits. Phytol may also be considered a potential new drug and treatment for hepatic dysfunction. The numerous substances found in plants used in traditional medicine can be used to treat several ailments. The majority of people follow traditional medicine, which contains substances derived from medicinal plants, is practiced. Therefore, research into these plants is necessary to better understand their characteristics, safety, and effectiveness. Hence, the present work aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of the leaf extract of E. crassipes against fluoride-induced toxicity.