High Amounts Of Tannins Research Articles

Tannin Extraction from Leaves of Some Plants

This research, Tannin compound was extracted from cassava leaves, cueva leaves, jackfruit leaves, mango leaves and poninac leaves from Dongdok Village, Xaythany District, and Vientiane Capital. Using a single-soak extraction method and shaking with a stirrer using solvents as an extractor, such as distilled water, methanol (30%, 50%, 70%, and 95.85%), ethanol (30%, 50%, 70%, and 96.75%), acetone (30%, 50%, 70%, and 99.99%). The ratio between samples to solute was 5:50 g/mL extracted at room temperature with the extraction time of 13 hours (immersing 12 hours and shaking for 1 hour). The total amount of tannins in the sample was analyzed by reaction the folin-ciocalteu reagent and measuring the absorption of light at a wavelength of 762 nm. The results of the analysis of tannin content showed that the best extracts of tannins in all the samples were: tannin extract in poninac leave was 41.44 g/kg (50% acetone as an extract), the Jack fruit leaf was 39.56 g/kg (50% ethanol), the cueva leaf was 37.52 g/kg (30% acetone), the cassava leaf was 25.94 g/kg (70% acetone) and the extract of tannin from mango leaf was 22.24 g/kg (30% ethanol). Comparing the amount of tannin in the samples of cassava leaves, cueva leaves, jackfruit leaves, poninac leaves and mango leaves, it was found that poninac leaves had the highest amount of tannin. Following by samples of cueva leaves, jackfruit leaves, cassava leaves and mango leaves, respectively.

Phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of Andrographis lineata Nees (Acanthaceae)

Andrographis lineata Nees is an erect herb and has been used as a traditional medicine against many diseases. The present study was to investigate the phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of A. lineata plant extracts. The methanolic extracts of A. lineata showed a variety of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, terpenoids etc. The quantitative estimation of major phytochemical constituents revealed maximum amount of phenolic content in the roots and alkaloids in both the stem and leaf. Correspondingly, the highest amount of tannins and terpenoids were recorded in the leaf and flavonoids in the root samples. Furthermore, the plant extracts of A. lineata showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Comparatively, stem extract was effective against Streptococcus mutans (18.19±0.04 mm), leaf extract against Enterobacter faecalis (24.13±0.14 mm) and root extract against Bacillus subtilis (24.09±0.14 mm) at 30 μg/μL concentration. However, the leaf extract was more effective against Escherichia coli (25.13±0.16 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.20±0.13 mm) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (18.18±0.17 mm) at 30 μg/μL concentration. The studies infer that the phytochemical constituents of A. lineata have antibacterial properties and these herbs may be considered as the medicinal plant for treating bacterial diseases.

Isolation and Characterization of Chemical Compounds from Terminalia Chebula for Anti-Diabetic Evaluation Through In-Silico Approach

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting millions of people and needs to be addressed. Alternativestrategies are required for better diabetes management, as evidenced by the high costs of modern medicines. The field of herbalmedicine research has been gaining significant importance in the last few decades, and the demand to use natural products in thetreatment of diabetes is increasing across the globe. Traditional plant medicines are used worldwide for a range of diabeticcomplications. Terminalia chebula is one of the widely used traditional medicine by diabetic patients. In this present work,Terminalia chebula fruits were used for the potential of anti-diabetic activity. The phytochemical investigation revealed that itsfruit contains high amounts of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and glycosides. The percolation method was followed byusing T. chebula fruit for the extraction, further fractionating with different solvents, n-Hexane, Ethyl acetate, n- Butanol, andwater. When ethyl acetate extract of T. chebula was tested, it was found to have significant effects on blood glucose levels. Itsuggests that it can be used as an antidiabetic agent. Gallic acid and quercetin were compounds identified by NMR, MS, andUPLC analysis. Molecular docking studies of designed compounds were carried out through Auto Dock Vina [1.1.2] toinvestigate the interaction with PPAR-γ associated with diabetes, and pkCSM software was used for ADMET analysis. Thus, theresult of the study proved that the ethyl acetate extract of T. chebula had good potential as an antidiabetic, and this plant can beused to discover natural bioactive compounds that may serve for the advances of novel pharmaceutical development. Moreover,the compounds found in the extract could be used to develop new pharmaceuticals for diabetes treatment.

Chickpea fertilization with chemical- and bio-fertilizers affected oviposition preference, population growth and digestive enzymatic activity of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most pernicious pests of stored pulses. The use of fertilizers can induce resistance in plant organs against insect pests. In this study, chickpea grains were treated with chemical- (urea and phosphorus) and bio-fertilizers (mycorrhizal fungi, Azotobacter chroococcum, and Mesorhizobium ciceri Strain C-15), and cultivated at farm conditions. After harvesting the ripe grains, C. maculatus oviposition preference, population parameters and digestive enzymatic activity on treated grains and control were evaluated at controlled conditions. The cowpea weevil reared on the grains treated with A. chroococcum and mycorrhizal fungi showed the lowest pre-adult survival and amylolytic activity. Fecundity of females on control grains was higher than on A. chroococcum-treated grains. The oviposition preference on control grains was higher than on mycorrhizal fungi-treated grains. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0) of C. maculatus on grains fertilized with A. chroococcum and mycorrhizal fungi were significantly lower than the control. The high amount of tannins and phenolics in the grains treated with A. chroococcum and mycorrhizal fungi can be the reason for their resistance to C. maculatus attack. Therefore, these two treatments have good potential to be included in chickpea fertilization programs and integrated management of C. maculatus.

In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Mechanisms of Action of Ethanolic Extracts of Five Tunisian Plants against Bacteria

Pistacia lentiscus, Rosmarinus officinalis, Erica multiflora, Calicotome villosa, and Phillyrea latifolia were considered important medicinal herbs and were used to treat various ailments. The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanolic extracts (EEs). P. lentiscus and R. officinalis were the richest species in phenolic compounds. Similarly, both species showed the highest values of flavonoids. While the EEs of P. lentiscus, E. multiflora, and C. villosa had higher amounts of tannins. These phenolic compounds were evaluated by two different tests, namely diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric iron-reducing power (FRAP). The IC50 values were found to be significant (p < 0.05) for P. lentiscus and E. multiflora. Similarly, both plants showed the highest ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). This study has been conducted to evaluate the antibacterial potential of EEs against selected bacteria—Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 6017)—and determine their modes of action. The ethanolic extracts inhibited bacterial growth by producing concentration-dependent zones of inhibition. Treatment with these extracts at their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the viability of bacteria. The extracts did not induce total lysis. Bacteria organisms treated with EEs at MICs showed a significant (p < 0.05) loss of tolerance to NaCl (5%). Our results highlighted the use of plant extracts as natural antibacterials that can be safely used in health care and led to the understanding of the antibacterial mechanism of plant extracts.

An in vitro digestion study of tannins and antioxidant activity affected by drying “Rojo Brillante” persimmon

This study focuses on the evaluation of soluble and insoluble tannins and their antioxidant activity in fresh and dehydrated “Rojo Brillante” persimmon after in vitro digestion. Persimmon and its derived products contain a high amount of tannins with high antioxidant activity. An inversely proportional relationship between soluble and insoluble tannins was observed marked by the deastringency and hot air-drying treatments. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity after the hydrolysis of insoluble tannins was greater compared to soluble tannins. After small intestine in vitro digestion, the recovery of soluble tannins was higher in samples dehydrated at 40 and 60 °C, and insoluble tannins remained intact. Therefore, soluble tannins could be absorbed in the small intestine and insoluble tannins could reach the colon microbiota, both indicating potential health-promoting properties. Therefore, hot air drying and freeze-drying are alternative treatments to develop dehydrated persimmon snacks or powdery ingredients to improve nutritional properties of new foods.

Traditional Applications of Tannin Rich Extracts Supported by Scientific Data: Chemical Composition, Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility.

Tannins are polyphenolic compounds historically utilized in textile and adhesive industries, but also in traditional human and animal medicines or foodstuffs. Since 20th-century, advances in analytical chemistry have allowed disclosure of the chemical nature of these molecules. The chemical profile of extracts obtained from previously selected species was investigated to try to establish a bridge between traditional background and scientific data. The study of the chemical composition of these extracts has permitted us to correlate the presence of tannins and other related molecules with the effectiveness of their apparent uses. The revision of traditional knowledge paired with scientific evidence may provide a supporting background on their use and the basis for developing innovative pharmacology and food applications based on formulations using natural sources of tannins. This traditional-scientific approach can result useful due to the raising consumers’ demand for natural products in markets, to which tannin-rich extracts may pose an attractive alternative. Therefore, it is of interest to back traditional applications with accurate data while meeting consumer’s acceptance. In this review, several species known to contain high amounts of tannins have been selected as a starting point to establish a correlation between their alleged traditional use, tannins content and composition and potential bioaccessibility.

Tannin-based extracts of Mimosa tenuiflora bark: features and prospecting as wood adhesives

Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. (MT) is an underutilized plant specie since its wood is mostly used for energy production. Nonetheless, the bark from this forest plant has a high amount of tannins and other valuable compounds. Tannins have high worldwide importance and, because of that, there is an increasing number of researches on biorefinery systems aiming at maximizing their exploitation. The present study evaluated tannins extracted from the MT bark and their use for producing wood adhesives. Three types of powdered tannins were extracted using different solvents: a pure aqueous solution, a 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) aqueous solution, and a 5% sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3) aqueous solution. Distilled water, wheat flour, and formaldehyde were also used as a solvent, a glue extender, and a catalyst, respectively. These adhesives were applied for bonding pine wood joints and their shear strengths were determined. All the MT-based adhesives showed high viscosities and, yielded glue lines with similar shear strengths and similar shear deformations if compared to each other. That tannin-based glue incorporated with the tannin extracted using NaOH or NaHSO3 stood out and yielded similar bonding performances if compared to a commercial adhesive applied as a positive control.

Characterisation of polyphenols and antioxidant potential of red and white pomace by-product extracts using subcritical water extraction

A detailed assessment of the content of high added-value compounds in grape pomace varieties was carried out following a subcritical water extraction method. High amounts of anthocyanins and tannins were recovered from fermented grape pomace at differential temperatures with high variability between the by-products observed. Contrary to anthocyanins, high extraction temperatures (about 200 °C) yielded higher amounts of tannins. Overall, we found that grape pomace antioxidant activity and total polyphenols, quantified by the Folin Ciocalteu method, were not directly related to the main polyphenol content in SWE extracts. The data obtained in our study by using laboratory-scale equipment will be useful for developing an industrial-scale SWE process. Finally, it was shown that grape pomace by-products can be considered asan important source of polyphenols. They could therefore potentially provide a basis for the sustainable and integrated exploitation of winemaking by-products, to be used as inexpensive and readily available sources of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts of some selected plants of the family Acanthaceae

The present era of scientific research has witnessed an enumerable amount of evidences to showcase the immense potential of medicinal plants. In the present investigation, the phytochemical analysis of Phlogacanthus pubinervius T. Anderson., Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees,Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Nees, Phlogacanthus curviflorus (Wall.) Nees, and Ruellia tuberosa L. was carried out for the different plants extracted with methanol. Analysis was carried out to estimate the quantity of phenols, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids and proteins. The antioxidant property of these plants were analysed using DPPH method. The concentration of the plant samples required to decrease the DPPH concentration by 50% was calculated by interpolation from linear regression analysis and denoted IC50 value (µg/ml). The qualitative analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, proteins, carbohydrate and phenols in all the sample extracts. The highest amount of tannins and phenols was observed in P. thyrsiflorus. P. pubinervius (77.83%), A. vasica (74.81%), P. curviflorus (94.20%), and R. tuberosa (70.78%) which showed highest antioxidant activity of DPPH-scavenging at 150 µg/ml of methanol extract. The high percent of scavenging activities of those plants add value to their medicinal properties. The presence of the high amount of phytochemical compounds suggests that the plants have high amount of medicinal compounds and can be extensively used to extract the natural compounds.

Comparison of phytochemicals and their antioxidant activity in seven date palm varieties grown in Iran

ABSTRACT In this study, various fruit compounds including phenolic acid, flavonoid, anthocyanin, tannin, moisture content, carotenoid, soluble, and reducing sugar date varieties were investigated. The results showed that there were differences among varieties of date palm in terms of synthesis of chemical compounds. The maximum and minimum SOD, APX, and CAT activity were detected in the Klote and Khasab variety, respectively. The highest amount of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were found in a variety of Klote and the lowest amount were observed in the Khenizi variety. The analysis of tannin’s content among different date varieties showed that the highest amount of tannin in the Khenizi variety and the lowest amount in the variety of Klote were observed. There is a positive correlation between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity in different date palm varieties. The comparison of antioxidant’s capacity of different varieties showed that Klote had the highest amount, while Khenizi had the lowest amount of antioxidant. Also, the highest amount of soluble sugar in the Klote and the lowest amount in Khasab were observed. The amount of reducing sugar in the variety of Klote and Gorbani were higher than other varieties and lower level have been seen in Khenizi. The amount of carotenoids was the highest in the Klote variety and the lowest in the Khenazi and Halili varieties. The highest amount of moisture was in the Mazafati and the lowest amount viewed in the Khenizi.

BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCES AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF SIBIRAEA ALTAIENSIS (LAXM.) SCHNEID. (ROSACEAE)

The content of biologically active substances and the level of antioxidant activity in the aerial organs of different sexual forms of Sibiraea altaiensis (Laxm.) Schneid. during the growing season were investigated for the first time. It was found that the maximum content of biologically active compounds varies depending on the stage of development, plant organ and also gender. The amount of flavonols (5.69%), tannins (30.17%) is higher in the leaves of male plants during the budding of plants, catechins ‒ in inflorescences (0.61%) of female plants, pectins ‒ in male buds (1.54%), protopectins ‒ in the leaves of males (8.99%) in the budding phase and in the leaves of females (9.62%) in the fruiting phase of plants and carotenoids ‒ in the leaves of males (70.6 mg%) and female (61.86 mg%) plants in the fruiting phase. Stalks of S. altaiensis contain quite a high amount of tannins (20.1%), pectins (1.49%), protopectins (5.93%) and carotenoids (17.37 mg%). The highest (antioxidant activity) AOA was detected in water (2.03 mg/g) and water-ethanol (1.75 mg/g) extracts from the leaves of male S. altaiensis plants. The AOA of water and water-ethanol extracts from the aerial organs of S. altaiensis is authentically positively connected with the content of all the studied substances, except for pectins.

Phenolic composition, antioxidant and anticholinesterase properties of the three mushrooms Agaricus silvaticus Schaeff., Hydnum rufescens Pers. and Meripilus giganteus (Pers.) Karst. in Tunisia

Mushrooms have been used both for food and medicine purposes for centuries. This paper provides a chemical study of Agaricus silvaticus Schaeff., Hydnum rufescens Pers. and Meripilus giganteus (Pers.) Karst. extracts and an evaluation of their antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities.Chemical investigations allowed as to note that the highest flavonoids and polyphenols contents are represented respectively in the ethyl acetate extract of A. silvaticus (47.06 ± 2.4 mg catechin g−1) and the methanolic extract of H. rufescens (32.54 ± 1.9 mg catechin g−1). While the highest amount of tannins (98.2 ± 4.8 mg catechin g−1) is present in M. giganteus ethyl acetate extract.The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and Catalase Activity Assay (CAT). The ethyl acetate extract of H. rufescens showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.852 ± 0.003 mg mL−1) by the DPPH method as well as a significant catalase activity (448.430 ± 0.002 μmol H2O2 degraded/min/protein).The anticholinesterasic activity showed 63.10% inhibition against butyrylcholinesterase by the methanolic extract of H. rufescens at the concentration of at 10 mg mL−1. The cholinesterase inhibition decreases with the concentrations decrease until its total disappearance at a concentration of 0.312 mg mL−1.

Investigation of Iranian pomegranate cultivars for wound healing components.

One of the most important issues which medical science has been facing is wound healing for the tissue repair with the least complications. In this study, we aimed to isolate, purify and quantitate tannins and phenolic compounds from exocarp and pulp of fruits of Iranian pomegranate cultivars. Our findings demonstrate that the highest amount of tannin extracts from ethanol extract of the black peel exocarp was 201.76 ± 1.93. The highest amount of flavonoids from the ethanol extract of Sweet Alac exocarp was119.69 ± 1.02 as well as antioxidant compounds activity in the exocarp and pulp showed that the highest activity is in the ethanol extract of the black peel was 95.65 ± 3.1. The total phenolic activity indicated that the Sour white peel ethanol extract has the highest phenolic activity 327.05 ± 863. Our data suggest that the ethanol extract of pomegranate exocarp has the higher amounts of tannins and flavonoids, compounds that are known to be beneficial for wound healing. Taken together, these data suggest that compounds isolated from Iranian pomegranate cultivars offer new options for managements of wound healing.

Host plant-derived allelochemicals and metal components are associated with oxidative predominance and antioxidant plasticity in the larval tissues of silkworm, Antheraea mylitta: Further evidence of joint effects hypothesis.

Tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta is a polyphagous insect that primarily feeds on Terminalia arjuna, Terminalia tomentosa and Shorea robusta. However, larval rearing on S. robusta results in poor performance for the reasons unexplored. Oxidative burden imposed by host plants is presumed to be a determining factor for larval fitness. With this hypothesis we have analyzed the foliar constituents of the respective host plants, the levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant protection in the larval tissues in response to their altered feeding on different host plants for different durations (2 and 10 days). Results indicate that S. robusta leaves contain the highest amount of tannin and redox active metals compared to those of other host plants. Consequently, hemolymph and midgut tissues of the larvae shifted to S. robusta exhibited oxidative predominance. Increased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase in the larval tissues indicated an adaptive response to host plant driven oxidative assault. Our in vitro study also strongly supplements the in vivo findings indicating S. robusta foliages as a strong inducer of lipid peroxidation (LPx). Copper and Iron were found to be more potent in inducing LPx in the midgut tissues of the larvae compared to Zinc and Manganese. This study for the first time demonstrates the combined implications of host plant derived allelochemicals and elements on oxidative stress and antioxidant plasticity in this insect. The overall findings also brace up the newly emerging concept on joint effects hypothesis (organic and elemental defence) for enhanced plant defence.

Study of polyphenolic compounds in composition of thick extracts from immature walnut fruit

Topicality. Phenolic compounds – the most common class of biologically active substances of plant origin, which have low toxicity, positively affect the physiological processes in the human body, increasing its stability. Phenolic compounds include tannins, tannins, lignin, melanin, humic acids. In human body and animals aromatic rings are not synthesized, but can get into through plant food consumption and are included in many vitally important phenolic compounds – adrenaline, thyroxine, serotonin, etc. Most of the pharmacological effects of polyphenols are associated with their high antioxidant activity. Now an active search for new sources of plant-derived antioxidants, in particular polyphenols for the pharmaceutical industry, is underway. Our attention was attracted by thick extracts from unripe walnut fruit and their antimicrobial, gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory activity.Aim. To investigate the quantitative and qualitative composition of polyphenolic compounds of thick extracts from immature walnut fruit.Materials and methods. Dense aqueous extract and thick water-alcohol extracts with an extractant concentration of 30 % ethyl alcohol, 70 % and 96 % were obtained on the basis of the NPAU under the guidance of Professor V. A. Georgiyants, by complex processing of immature fruits of the milk-waxy ripeness of walnut (Júglans régia L.). Determination of the content of polyphenolic compounds in thick extracts from immature HB fruits was carried out by the method of absorption spectrophotometry.Results and discussion. We found out that the test solutions from the dense aqueous extract and the thick aqueous-alcoholic extracts with an ethyl alcohol concentration of 30 %, 70 % and 96 % are characterized by the presence of an absorption maximum at a wavelength of 745 nm, which is close to the maximum absorption of the solution of the standard pyrogallol substance prepared in the same conditions. The tannins content, in terms of pyrogallol, in percent for water extract was 1.94 %, and for water-alcohol (30 %, 70 %, 96 %) – 2.02 %, 2.10 %, 1.42 %.Conclusions. By the method of absorption spectrophotometry, polyphenolic compounds were found in composition of all the studied thick extracts from immature walnut fruit. The highest amount of tannins is contained in water-alcohol 70 % extract (2.10 %), the lowest – in water-alcohol 96 % (1.42 %). The number of polyphenol compounds in aqueous and hydroalcoholic 30 %, 70 % extracts has no significant differences.

Characterization of Active Anthocyanin Degradation in the Petals of Rosa chinensis and Brunfelsia calycina Reveals the Effect of Gallated Catechins on Pigment Maintenance.

Anthocyanin degradation decreases ornamental or nutritional values of horticultural products. To investigate factors that may influence colour change in flower development, anthocyanin degradation was compared between the flowers of Brunfelsia calycina and Rosa chinensis, which show rapid and slow degradation, respectively. In-gel activity assays, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of tannins, enzyme kinetics measurement and immune-detection of anthocyanin degradation related-perioxidases (PODs) were carried out for the comparison. Rose petals possessed significantly lower anthocyanin degradation-related POD activities than Brunfelsia petals, which may be related to the high tannin contents. Epicatechin gallate (ECG) and gallocatechin gallate (GCG) were detected in rose as 161.3 ± 12.34 and 273.56 ± 41.23 μg/g FW (Fresh Weight) respectively, while not detected in Brunfelsia. ECG and GCG inhibited the activities of the Brunfelsia POD with half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) as 21.5 and 29.7 μM respectively, and increased the colour intensities of the anthocyanins. Catechin and epicatechin did not inhibit the POD activity, while serving as POD substrates, with Km (the Michaelis constant) as 0.48 and 1.23 mM. Similar protein levels of the anthocyanin degradation-related 40-kDa PODs were detected in Brunfelsia and rose. In summary, high amount of tannins, particularly ECG and GCG, in red rose petals may inhibit the degradation-related enzymes, leading to the maintenance of anthocyanins in vivo.

A comparison of the antimicrobial activity and in vitro toxicity of a medicinally useful biotype of invasive Chromolaena odorata (Asteraceae) with a biotype not used in traditional medicine

Two biotypes of the invasive species, Chromolaena odorata are known to be present in Africa, viz. the Asian/West African biotype (AWAB) and the southern African biotype (SAB). Although the phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological relevance of the AWAB has been elucidated, the SAB plants have received little or no attention. This study investigated and compared the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of two biotypes of C. odorata (AWAB and SAB). Antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts of the two biotypes and three different growth stages of the SAB were evaluated against several bacterial and fungal strains using a serial microdilution assay. Phytochemicals were determined through standard methods of analysis. Toxicity of the extracts of the different growth stages of the SAB was determined using the colorimetric MTT assay, while the mutagenicity assay was performed using the Ames test. The AWAB had the overall best antibacterial activity, while the SAB showed better antifungal activity. Results showed that young and mature non-flowering extracts of the SAB were the most active. AWAB contained the highest amount of phenolics and flavonoids while SAB contained the highest amount of tannins. Extracts of young SAB plants showed a low level of cytotoxicity and none of the extracts of the three growth stages were mutagenic. This is the first report suggesting that the SAB of C. odorata can be exploited as a source of medicine similar to the AWAB, in combating antimicrobial infections and other health problems.

In vitro propagation of Althaea rosea - a valuable medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalaya

Althaea rosea, commonly known as Hollyhock is an ornamental and medicinal plant. A. rosea has been reported to contain highest amount of tannins, carbohydrates, cyanide and mucilage. The purpose of this study was to optimize conditions for multiplication of Althaea rosea using shoottip explants. Varying concentrations solo and in combinations of auxins and cytokinins were experimented. The development of micro-propagation protocol for this valuable medicinal plant can ensure continuous supply of the plant product for pharmaceutical and food industry. In this regard an efficient and reproducible micro-propagation protocol has been developed using Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) (1962) medium augmented with different phytohormonal combinations like BAP, NAA, IBA and IAA. Both direct and indirect multiplication was obtained using in vitro raised shoot tip explants. Maximum shoot number was obtained using combination of BAP and NAA and rooting of isolated shoots was obtained using IBA. 60% of the transplanted plantlets survived under laboratory conditions.

Histological Effects of Different Levels of Sorghum Grain on the Abomasum, Duodenum and Colon of <i>Ghezel×Arkhar-Merino</i> Crossbred Lambs

Sorghum grain is comparable to maize in feeding value and can reduce feed cost and dependency on maize. Sorghum grain containing reasonable amounts of tannin which have ability to bind dietary protein, carbohydrate and minerals. Consuming high amounts of tannins may cause bowel irritation on gastrointestinal tissues. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of replacement of different levels of barley with sorghum grain on histological changes of the abomasum, duodenum and colon. In this study sixteen male Ghezel×Arkhar-merino crossbred lambs were used. Dietary treatments had same amounts of alfalfa hay (20% total DM) and different levels of the barley grain substituted with sorghum grain in which sorghum grain was used in the levels of 0, 60, 70 and 80 percent of total ration. Lambs were randomly assigned to one of the four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design assignment. At the end of finishing period the lambs were slaughtered and samples were prepared. The gross examination of abomasum, duodenum and colon did not reveal any significant necropsy signs. Samples were preceded by routine histological techniques and H and E staining method. Histological results showed that, abomasum has not distinct histological damage; except increasing of parietal cells and lymphocytosis in lamina propria and tunica submucosa. The presence of lymphocytosis probably is not related to the sorghum usages. microscopic observations of duodenum and colon showed that, higher dietary sorghum grain resulting histological changes as increase of goblet cells, dilatation of lumen of Lyberkohn's glands in order to degeneration of apical parts and brush borders of secretory units surface cells and degeneration of apical parts of villi surface cell. Also hyperemia and sporadic hemorrhage was observed in lamina propria and tunica submucosa of duodenum and colon in high level sorghum diet.