High Levels Of Tannins Research Articles

Antioxidant Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Hulls of Campsiandra laurifolia in Colitis Induced by Acetic Acid in Wistar Rats

AbstractDue to the ethnopharmacological use of Campsiandra laurifolia (Fabaceae), popularly known as Acapurana, to treat wounds and ulcers, associated with the lack of alternative treatments for intestinal inflammations such as ulcerative colitis (UC), the present work sought to characterize its phytochemical and antioxidant activities, and to evaluate remedial action in experimental colitis with acetic acid. Phytochemical analyzes were performed through qualitative and quantitative colorimetric tests of the main secondary metabolites. In the colitis model, 24 male Wistar rats aged ± 60 days old were used, divided into 4 groups: Control (CO) control + aqueous extract of C. laurifolia 50 mg/kg (CO + A50); Colitis (CL); and Colitis + aqueous extract of C. laurifolia 50 mg/kg (CL + A50). Measurement of sphincter anal pressure and histological tests of the large intestine, lipoperoxidation (LPO), enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and levels of glutathione (GSH) were performed. For statistical analysis, the oxidative stress (OS) results were expressed as means ± standard error, adopting a significance level of p < 0.05. The screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, saponins and tannins in the extract, with high levels of phenolic compounds and tannins, and was related to high antioxidant capacity. In the histological analysis, the CL group presented loss of the crypts, edema and inflammatory infiltrate. The use of C. laurifolia extract restructured the crypts, decreased edema and increased sphincter anal pressure, with a decrease in LPO, SOD, and an increase in GSH. It is suggested that the use of C. laurifolia extract reduces OS due to its antioxidant power conferred by the phenolic compounds present in the extract.

In vivo toxicity and antioxidant of pressurize hot water Phyllanthus tenellus Roxb. extracts

BackgroundPhyllanthus tenellus Roxb. has been traditionally used to treat inflammation and liver diseases and its medicinal property may be due to the presence of relatively high levels of hydrosable tannins. Recent report revealed that pressurized hot water extraction of P. tenellus significantly increased the concentration of hydrolysable tannins and its catabolites. Thus, this study was aimed to evaluate the in vivo toxicity and antioxidant capacity of pressurized hot water extraction of P. tenellus on healthy mice.MethodsPressurized hot water extraction P. tenellus was carried out and standardized to 7.9% hydrosable tannins. In vitro toxicity of the extract was tested on NIH 3 T3 cell by MTT assay. The cellular antioxidant level was quantified by measuring cellular level of glutathione. Oral sub-chronic toxicity (200, 1000 and 3000 mg/kg body weight) of P. tenellus extract were evaluated on healthy mice. Liver and kidney antioxidant level was quantified by measuring levels of Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP), superoxide dismutase, glutathione.ResultsThe P. tenellus extract did not induce cytotoxicity on murine NIH 3 T3 cells up to 200 μg/mL for 48 h. Besides, level of glutathione was higher in the extract treated NIH 3 T3 cells. P. tenellus extract did not cause mortality at all tested concentration. When treated with 1000 mg/kg of the extract, serum liver enzymes (ALP and ALT) and LDH were lower than normal control and mice treated with 200 mg/kg of extract. Moreover, SOD, FRAP and glutathione levels of liver of the mice treated with 200 and 1000 mg/kg of extract were higher than the normal control mice. On the other hand, when treated with 3000 mg/kg of extract, serum liver enzymes (ALP and ALT) and LDH were higher than normal mice without changing the liver SOD and glutathione level, which may contribute to the histological sign of ballooning hepatocyte.ConclusionP. tenellus extract standardized with 7.9% hydrosable tannins and their catabolites increased the antioxidant levels while reducing the nitric oxide levels in both liver and kidney without causing any acute and sub-chronic toxicity in the mice.

Hepatoprotective effects of methanol leaf extract of pterocarpus santalinoides DC on acetaminophen-induced liver damage in Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The effects of methanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus santalinoides DC was investigated on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced sub-acute liver damage (hepatotoxicity) in albino rats. Forty two adultmale albino ratswere used for the study, 12 for the acute toxicity study and 30 for the sub-acute hepatotoxicity study. The 30 rats used for the sub-acute hepatotoxicity study were randomly assigned into six groups (A – F) of 5 rats each as follows: Group A – APAP+distilledwater placebo (negative control),Groups B,CandD–APAP+50, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight (bw) Pterocarpus santalinoides methanol extract (PSME) respectively, Group E – APAP + 100 mg/kg bw silymarin (positive control), and Group F – distilled water placebo only (normal control). The APAP was given at 3000 mg/kg bw orally at the beginning of the study (day 0) and after every 72 hours for 12 days, while treatment with PSME and silymarin was done orally twice daily for 15 days. Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity evaluation followed standard procedures. Assay of serum enzymes, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, total cholesterol and bilirubin, and liver weight percentage of body weight of the rats was done at the end of the 15-day experimental period following standard procedures. The PSME had high levels of tannins, moderate levels of flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates and reducing sugars, and low levels of alkaloids. The LD was above 5000 mg/kg bw. Treatment with PSME at the dose of 500 mg/kg bw significantly lowered (P < 0.05) serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities, cholesterol and bilirubin levels, and liver weight percentage of body weight when compared to the negative control,while treatment at the dose of 250mg/kg bw only led to significantly lower (P<0.05) serum levels of cholesterol and bilirubin when compared to the negative control. It was concluded that treatment of acetaminophen-induced sub-acute hepatotoxicity in albino rats with 500 mg/kg bw PSME significantly protected the hepatocellular integrity and ameliorated impaired hepatic excretory function.

Protective effects of Crataegus azarolus L. berries aqueous extract against castor oil-induced diarrhea, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat.

Diarrhea is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disorder responsible for about 5 million deaths annually. The chemical composition, the antioxidant activity of Crataegus azarolus berries aqueous extract (CABAE) as well as its protective effects against castor oil-induced diarrhea, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rat were studied. Sixty male rats were used and divided into six groups of ten animals in each: Control (C), castor oil (CO), CO+various doses of CABAE (100, 200, and 400mg/kg b.w., p.o.), and CO+loperamide (LOP, 10mg/kg b.w., p.o.). The CABAE showed relatively high levels of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. The LC-HRESIMS technique allowed the identification of 5 phenolic compounds and the major component is quinic acid. In vivo studies showed that CABAE protected against castor oil-induced diarrhea and intestinal fluid accumulation. The CABAE counteracted castor oil-induced lipoperoxidation, preserved GSH and thiol groups levels, and prevented the depletion of antioxidant enzyme activities, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The CABAE administration also protected against castor oil-induced inflammatory markers (ALP and CRP) increase. More importantly, castor oil induced an increase of intracellular mediators, such as hydrogen peroxide, free iron, and calcium, while CABAE pretreatment significantly reversed them to near control levels. The Crataegus azarolus berries aqueous extract significantly protected against diarrhea due in part to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

A chemometric approach to the evaluation of the ageing ability of red wines

One of the most important quality attributes of red wines is its ability to withstand and ageing process. The multidimensionality of the ageing ability concept, which includes a combination of colour, taste, mouthfeel, and aroma was reported in previous studies. Phenolic compounds are largely or partially involved in most of these wine attributes and have been proposed as potential candidates to evaluate the ageing ability of red wines. The phenolic and colour properties of a large number of wines were measured during a barrel and bottle ageing process of 24 months. To our understanding, a wine that needs the longest time to reach optimal phenolic quality is considered a wine with higher ability to age (concentration assumption). Moreover, a wine that is able to maintain its optimal phenolic quality for longer will also be a wine with high ageing ability (stability assumption). Based on the formulated assumptions a scoring system was used to identify those wines with theoretically high ability to age. As expected, these wines contained initial high levels of tannins, total phenols and anthocyanins, including high polymeric pigment presence and enhanced colour properties. Interestingly, high ageing ability wines showed a smaller change in the colour properties over time which might be indicating slower pigment formation rates. In addition, a chemometric attempt was undertaken to explore an ageing index based on initial phenolic content. The evolution of the index over time using a multi-block approach showed stability for the index values, in line with the short term stability of tannin and total phenol levels. Finally, promising results were obtained as two thirds of the wines were correctly classified when a validation task between the ageing index and the score values was attempted.

The effect from different level of Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon Linn) leaf extract and storage duration on the quality of duck eggs

Eggs are one of perishable food products and a very short shelf life. If the eggs are left in the opened air (room temperature), it is lasting only for about 10-14 days. After these days, the eggs undergo alteration of the damage such as evaporation of water content, foul smelling and changing taste. Efforts to overcome the damage, it is necessary to perform preservation. Preservation can be done by marinating. Marinating eggs can be conducted by soaking with various solutions such as lime water or vegetable tanners containing tannins. Melinjo leaves contain high levels of tannins 4.55% which are expected to be one of the vegetable tanning materials. The experiment was conducted in the Laboratory of Animal Technology. This study was used 176 duck eggs that were arranged using completely randomized design (CRD) of factorial pattern 4 x 4 with 3 replications, and consisting of 2 factors. The first factor was the levels of melinjo extract ( 0%, 30%, 40% and 50% ) and the second factor was storage duration (1, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively ). The results of this study showed that higher levels of leaf melinjo extract, the Haugh unit (HU) value was increased and the depth of the air cavity was decreased. The longer of the storage duration, the lower of HU value of yolk index. On the other hand, the depth of air cavity, depreciation, were increased. In brief, Melinjo leaf extract (30%) can be used as a preservative of duck eggs.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity and Ethnobotanical Uses of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. Fruits from the Arid Zone of Mauritania, Northwest Africa.

Phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of fruits of 30 B. aegyptiaca trees naturally growing in the hyper-arid and arid zones in Mauritania were evaluated by following standard procedures. Ethnobotanical uses of fruit pulps and kernel were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp is a good source of sugars (33 g/100 g dry matter (DM)), polyphenols (264 mg GAE/100 g DM) and flavonoids (34.2 mg/100 g DM) with an average antioxidant activity of 519 µmol TEAC/100 g DM. The fruit kernel is rich in lipids (46.2 g/100 g DM) and proteins (29.5 g/100 g DM). Fruits from the hyper-arid zone exhibited high level of polyphenols, antioxidant activity and soluble tannins. Almost all of the informants (97.14%) reported the use of fruit pulp in folk medicine to treat diabetes, while 72.86% reported using the fruit pulp to treat hypertension. Kernel oil is mainly employed as ointments in the treatment of paronychia (57.14%) and dermal infections (35.71%). The predominant methods for preparing/administering fruit pulp/Kernel were maceration (58.8%), sucking fruit pulp (25.7%) and decoction (24.2%). Balanites aegyptiaca fruit contain both nutritional and health-promoting phytochemicals that could be of interest in the development of strategies for sustainable use of this neglected indigenous fruit tree.

Antimicrobial activity of aqueous methanolic extracts of Algerian cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Abstract Certain phenolics have been recognized to possessing antibacterial and antifungal activities and high levels of flavonoids and tannins have been reported in several varieties of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. Antimicrobial activity and phenolics contents were investigated in five Algerian sorghum seeds. AS20 sorghum extract showed the highest levels of: total phenolics (3214.46±263.64 mg/100 g), flavonoids (32.03±1.64 mg/100 g) and tannins (615.35±6.10 mg/g) contents; however, comparable flavonoids content was recorded in I27 extract. FZ40 and AS12 flavonoids contents were comparable. Screening for antimicrobial activity, carried out by the disc’s diffusion method revealed an antimicrobial potential of sorghum crude extracts against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and candida albicans yeast. Minimal inhibition concentration determined by microdilution method varied between 0.2 and 2 mg/ml. the lowest value was recorded with F11 and FZ40 extract against Streptococcus pneumoniae and F11 against Escherichia coli. Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus ATTCC6538 and MRSA strains showed sensitivity to all extracts. The results show these sorghums as a potential source of natural anti-streptococcal, anti-staphylococcal and anti-candida substances.

Registration of ‘NAROSORG2’ Sorghum Variety with Desirable Farmer Attributes for Uganda

Sorghum [<i>Sorghum bicolor</i> (L.) Moench] is the major cereal in Uganda that has recently evolved from being a food crop to a cash crop. However, low farm yields of less than 500 kg ha^-1 have been recorded due to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Consequently, NaSARRI developed NAROSORG2, released in 2017, that can withstand some of the abiotic and biotic stresses. NAROSORG2 is a derived red seeded local landrace selection (IS8193) from East Africa, advanced by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) through repeated bulk selections for tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses. The agronomic evaluation was carried out in Uganda for the first and second rainy seasons of 2017 and the findings indicated that NAROSORG2, out-performed the check commercial variety, SESO3 with mean grain yield of 2740 kg ha^-1 across the entire environment. It also recorded early days to 50% flowering of 65.23 days (early maturity variety) like the commercial check variety, SESO3 with a medium height of 165.35 cm. NAROSORG2 has superior agronomic traits of stay-green trait, resistant to bird damage due to high levels of tannins, drought, midge, and Striga tolerant, good for food, and local brew. Therefore, it will supplement other released varieties in contributing to food security and poverty alleviation among the rural communities in Uganda.

Galling impacts of the gall wasp Leptocybe invasa (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) on Eucalyptus trees vary with plant genotype

Impacts of galling on the distributions of plant metabolites can vary greatly with plant genotype. In this study, two Eucalyptus genotypes with different resistance levels were chosen, and the levels of several primary and secondary metabolites, as well as phytohormones in galls and ungalled portions of galled leaves infested by the gall wasp Leptocybe invasa, and gall-free (control) leaves were compared. It was found that galls of both two plant genotypes accumulated higher concentrations of carbon, total phenolics, gibberellins (GA), and abscisic acid (ABA) but had lower chlorophyll content than ungalled portions. However, galls of highly susceptible genotype contained higher nitrogen (N), cytokinins (CK), GA, and chlorophyll content but lower C/N ratio, total phenolics, tannins, and ABA than less susceptible genotype. For both two genotypes, ABA in galls and ungalled portions increased compared with adjacent control leaves. CK and GA levels increased in galls but decreased in ungalled portions of highly susceptible genotype, compared with control leaves. For less susceptible genotype, CK levels increased in both galls and ungalled portions compared with control leaves, but higher levels of tannins, total phenolics, and GA were only detected in galls. Therefore, our study found insufficient evidence that the impact of galling on the distributions of these metabolites and phytohormones extended beyond the attacked leaves, because they varied greatly with plant genotype.

Potential and restrictions of Poincianella pyramidalis (Tul.) L. P. Queiroz as native forage in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Poincianella pyramidalis (catingueira) is a endemic plant of the Caatinga, selected by animals grazing on native pasture. With the aim of evaluating characteristics indicative of its nutritional quality, 10 plants were selected and identified, sampled at five different ages, were used to determine dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), mineral matter (MM), DM degradability (Deg DM), NDF degradability (Deg NDF) and in situ and in vitro leaf-tissue degradability. Phytochemical prospection was performed, and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance applied to detect the presence of secondary compounds. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at 5%, and correlation analysis was carried out on the variables for leaf maturity in days. The levels of CP, NDF and Deg NDF showed a negative correlation with the increases in leaf age. Leaf-tissue degradation was restricted due to a physical barrier developed in the leaf fragments, which can be attributed to plant defence mechanisms. The in situ degradability of the cell wall components decreased with the increase in leaf age. The high levels of tannins and lignin, and the strong presence of flavonoids, should be considered for their anti-nutritional and pharmacological potential.

Coffee chemistry: Not your average joe

The judges of the World Barista Championship silently tasted the signature beverage we had created, and we waited nervously as they reduced all of our hard work to a single number. At this curious competition, the best baristas from each country prepare a variety of coffee drinks, including the formidable signature beverage: a unique concoction of espresso and any noncoffee ingredients except for alcohol. The alcohol prohibition ruled out our inspired pairing of a washed Ethiopian espresso featuring tannic, fruity, and tea-like flavors with a rotary evaporated bottle of 2014 Château du Santenay Pinot Noir (a lovely wine with flavors similar to the espresso). Instead of giving up, we prepared to meet the challenge by leveraging our backgrounds in chemistry. As our first strategy, my partner—Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, the 2015 UK barista champion—and I decided to scientifically test the Pinot reduction. Using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, we showed that the 60 mL wine concentrate contained no detectable ethanol. However, officials told us that the concentrate was still inadmissible and that our tests showing it to be alcohol free were merely “pieces of paper.” #### Call for submissions Life in Science is an occasional feature highlighting some of the humorous or unusual day-to-day realities that face our readers. Can you top this? Submit your story to [www.submit2science.org][1]. Undeterred, we turned to our next tactic: recreating the amazing flavor of the Pinot concentrate by mixing nonalcoholic ingredients. After reading hundreds of analytical chemistry studies, we approximated the wine with only four ingredients: a water extraction of the skins of black grapes (for color and grape flavors), cranberries (for mild tannins, fruity acids, and tartness), pomegranate (for fruity flavors and a source of natural sugars), and the key ingredient: the second wash of the white, flaky skin of walnut, a source of extremely high levels of tannins. We presented our unusual recipe to the judges in a tulip glass. Our meticulous research into flavor profiles paid off: We took home the title of Best Signature Beverage and came in fifth overall. As my research has long indicated, coffee and chemistry are the perfect pairing. ![][2] The author creates a coffee concoction in the lab. PHOTO: CHRISTOPHER H. HENDON, UNIVERSITY OF OREGON [1]: http://www.submit2science.org [2]: /embed/graphic-1.gif

In planta high levels of hydrolysable tannins inhibit peroxidase mediated anthocyanin degradation and maintain abaxially red leaves of Excoecaria Cochinchinensis

BackgroundAbaxially anthocyanic leaves of deeply-shaded understorey plants play important ecological significance for the environmental adaption. In contrast to the transient pigmentation in other plants, anthocyanins are permanently presented in these abaxially red leaves, however, the mechanism for the pigment maintenance remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated phenolic metabolites that may affect pigment stability and degradation in Excoecaria cochinchinensis (a bush of permanently abaxial-red leaves), via a comparison with Osmanthus fragrans (a bush of transiently red leaves).ResultsHigh levels of galloylated anthocyanins were identified in the Excoecaria but not in the Osmanthus plants. The galloylated anthocyanin showed slightly higher stability than two non-galloylated anthocyanins, while all the 3 pigments were rapidly degraded by peroxidase (POD) in vitro. High levels of hydrolysable tannins [mainly galloylglucoses/ellagitannins (GGs/ETs)] were identified in Excoecaria but none in Osmanthus. GGs/ETs showed inhibition effect on POD, with IC50 ranged from 35.55 to 83.27 μM, correlated to the markedly lower POD activities detected in Excoecaria than in Osmanthus. Strong copigmentation was observed for GGs/ETs and anthocyanins, with more than 30% increase in the red intensity of non-galloylated anthocyanin solutions. In the leaf tissue, the hydrolysable tannins were observed to be co-localized with anthocyanins at the abaxial layer of the Excoecaria leaves, correlated to the low POD activity, more acidity and increased red intensity of the tissue.ConclusionThe results suggest that the Excoecaria leaves accumulate a distinct group of phenolic metabolites, mainly GGs/ETs, at the abaxial layer, which prevent anthocyanin degradation and increase the pigment stability, and consequently lead to the permanent maintenance of the red leaves.

Assessment of ramie leaf (Boehmeria nivea L. gaud) as an animal feed supplement in P.R. China.

Tropical and subtropical regions were quite short of high-quality protein forage. Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud) leaves as crop by products, are rich in protein and widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Thence, the development and utilization of ramie is of great significance to animal production in these regions. But it contained high level of tannins and total phenols, which may produce potentially adverse effect. It is very essential to evaluate the safety of ramie leaves before they are used as feed supplements. To evaluate potential toxic level of ramie leaf, control group, low dose and high dose (0, 1, 2g/kg·BW) groups of ramie leaf were conducted orally in Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats). Body weight, hematology, and histopathology was assessed during 28 d of treatment and 14 d of recovery period. The results showed that there were no toxic symptoms appeared in the treated and control groups. There were a few individual indicators showed abnormal, but most indices of body weight, organ weight ratios and hematology were normal. And compared to control group, it showed no significant differences (P>0.05). Histopathological examination of the high dose group and control group showed that there was no lesions related to ramie administration. The pathological changes appeared in the liver, and lungs of rats in individual rat of both groups were common and spontaneous, and had no significant differences (P>0.05). These results suggest that under this experimental condition, up to 2g/kg·BW intragastric administration of ramie leaf did not produce adverse effect to SD rats. These findings would provide available information for ramie leaf to utilize as a feed supplement, particularly in P.R. China.

Differences in dietary niche and foraging behavior of sympatric mule and white‐tailed deer

AbstractMule (Odocoileus hemionus) and white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are congeneric and share similar life histories, yet their distribution is segregated across much of North America. Extensive research on both species within and outside their zone of co‐occurrence has not fully explained these distribution patterns, especially the potential role of diet and foraging behavior. Therefore, we used a common garden experiment to compare diet composition, diet quality, foraging behavior, and intake of tractable mule and white‐tailed deer foraging together within the dry Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)/ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of northeastern Washington. We sampled at 21 0.5‐ha sites from June to August 2016. We used standard bite count techniques coupled with forage biomass sampling, behavioral observations, and nutritional analyses to compare the foraging ecology of the two species. Mule and white‐tailed deer had similar activity patterns. However, mule deer took larger bites and harvested food faster than white‐tailed deer, and white‐tailed deer consumed more diverse but higher‐quality diets than mule deer. These differences resulted in mule deer acquiring ~25% more dry matter and digestible energy per day. About 90% of the diets consumed by both deer species consisted of deciduous shrubs and forbs, and they selected many of the same plant species. However, overall diet composition was 38% dissimilar, with mule deer consuming diets that were more likely to contain shrubs with higher levels of tannins and lower levels of dry matter digestibility than diets eaten by white‐tailed deer. Dietary overlap was greatest at both very low and very high forage biomass, indicating potential for modest resource competition or partitioning. Our research provides evidence that differences in diet composition of mule and white‐tailed deer do not merely reflect differences in habitat selection, but also suggest the species differ in their fundamental nutritional niches.

TEA CONSUMPTION AND IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AMONG PREGNANT WOMAN IN BOGOR DISTRICT, INDONESIA

Background. Anemia in pregnancy is an essential problem due to affect to not only the mother’s life but also to baby’s life. An iron deficiency causes about 75 percent of anemia during pregnancy. Objective. This study aimed to identify risk factors for iron deficiency among pregnant women and determine the possible link between iron status and tannin levels associated with tea consumption. Method. The population-based cross-sectional studies were conducted from secondary data of previous thesis-research in 2013, “Pengaruh Kadar Tanin pada Teh Celup terhadap Anemia Gizi Besi (AGB) pada Ibu Hamil di UPT Puskesmas Citeureup Kabupaten Bogor Tahun 2012”. The study population consisted of 94 randomly selected pregnant women. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women who participated in the previous study and have a complete antenatal care record. Demographic data were collected, including data on age, working status, gestational stage, time since last pregnancy, and parity. The information included nutritional variables, such as iron supplements, nutritional status, and iron intake. Also, data for tannin level grouped as low, medium, and high based on the frequency of daily tea consumption and tea-making habits. The linear model analysis was used to determine the influence of tea consumption on serum ferritin levels. Results. The results showed that time since last pregnancy (&lt;2 years), parity (more than two children), reduced consumption of foods containing heme, and levels of tannin consumption (low, medium, or high) were predictors of iron-deficiency anemia. The results also suggested that tannin levels were inversely proportional to serum ferritin levels. Conclusion. Pregnant women who consumed tea with a low tannin level had the highest serum ferritin levels, whereas those who drank tea with medium and high tannin levels had the lowest serum ferritin levels.

Morphological, Biochemical, and Climatological Analysis of Three Moroccan Henna Verities.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate planted Henna in three sites in Morocco, namely, Alnif, Tafraoute Sidi Ali, and Tazzarine. Morphometric study shows that Tafraoute Sidi Ali Henna variety has highest geometric and weight parameters (length of 27.48 mm, width of 10.92 mm, specific mass of 25.1 mg/leaf, leaf area of 51, 53 mm2, and rib's number of 9.41) when compared to Alnif and Tazzarine varieties. On the other hand, biochemical analysis shows that Tazzarine Henna variety, in the first rank, is characterized by high levels of total sugars (11.27 g/100 g), reducing sugars (5.59 g/100 g), proteins (4.4 g/100g), lipids (3.05 g/100g), phenolic compounds (31.9 g/100 g), flavonoids (5.68 g/100 g), and tannins (5.5 g/100 g). Chromatographic study shows that Tazzarine Henna variety is rich in monocyclic and polycyclic phenolic compounds. Climatic conditions analysis shows that the morphometric and biochemical diversity is related to hydrous and thermal profiles of studied sites. As a conclusion of this work, we can recommend the use of morphometric analysis and phytochemical and chromatographic analysis to determine the quality of Henna in Morocco and elsewhere.

Effect of oak acorn with or without polyethylene glycol in diets containing extruded soybean on milk fatty acid profile, ruminal fermentation and plasma metabolites of lactating goats

Oak (Quercus persica) acorn (OA) contains high levels of hydrolysable tannins that can alter the biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) in the rumen. Addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to diet containing OA may reduce the inhibitory effect of oak tannins on BH of FA by rumen bacteria. Furthermore, increasing BH intermediates is more pronounced with extruding than other thermal processing of oilseeds. This study assessed the effect of OA with or without PEG in diets containing extruded soybean seed on intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation, plasma metabolites, and milk production, composition and FA profile of lactating goats. Twenty-one multiparous lactating goats (BW = 42.7 ± 6.1 kg; DIM = 14 ± 2) were divided into three groups (7 animals/group) based on BW and milk yield. The animals assigned randomly to one of the three experimental diets- control diet (C; without OA and PEG), and diets containing 100 g/kg DM of OA without PEG (OA−PEG) or with 20 g/day PEG (OA+PEG). All diets contained 150 g/kg DM extruded soybean seed. Goats fed both OA−PEG and OA+PEG diets had greater DMI compared to the C diet (p < 0.01). Milk yield and composition were not affected by experimental diets (p > 0.05), whereas goats fed the OA−PEG diet had higher milk protein, lactose and solid not fat yield (p < 0.01). Digestibility of crude protein was lower in goats fed the OA−PEG diet than other groups (p < 0.01). Experimental diets had no effect on ruminal fluid pH and volatile FA concentrations (p > 0.05), but NH3–N concentration was lower in goats fed the OA−PEG diet than other groups (p < 0.01). Plasma glucose, urea, total protein, total cholesterol, triglyceride and albumin concentrations were not affected by inclusion of OA and PEG to the diet (p > 0.05). Goats fed the OA−PEG diet had higher milk vaccenic acid (trans-11 C18:1) and conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11 C18:2) concentrations compared to those fed the C and OA+PEG diets (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the addition of OA (100 g/kg DM) to a diet containing extruded soybean seed not only had no adverse effects on performance, ruminal fermentation and plasma metabolites but also improved the nutritional value of goat‘s milk fat for human consumption. In addition, inclusion of PEG to diet containing OA decreased the beneficial effect of OA tannins on milk cis-9, trans-11 C18:2 and trans-11 C18:1 concentrations.

Salivary tannin-binding proteins are a pervasive strategy used by the folivorous/frugivorous black howler monkey.

Dietary tannins can affect protein digestion and absorption, be toxic, and influence food selection by being astringent and bitter tasting. Animals that usually ingest tannins may regularly secrete tannin-binding salivary proteins (TBSPs) to counteract the negative effects of tannins or TBSPs production can be induced by a tannin-rich diet. In the wild, many primates regularly eat a diet that contains tannin-rich leaves and unripe fruit and it has been speculated that they have the physiological ability to cope with dietary tannins; however, details of their strategy remains unclear. Our research details the salivary protein composition of wild and zoo-living black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) feeding on natural versus manufactured low-tannin diets, and examines differences in TBSPs, mainly proline-rich proteins (PRPs), to determine whether production of these proteins is dependent on the tannin content of their food. We measured the pH, flow rate, and concentration of total protein and trichloroacetic acid soluble proteins (an index of PRPs) in saliva. Howler monkeys produced slightly alkaline saliva that may aid in the binding interaction between tannin and salivary proteins. We used gel electrophoresis to describe the salivary protein profile and this analysis along with a tannin-binding assay allowed us to detect several TBSPs in all individuals. We found no differences in the characteristics of saliva between wild and zoo-living monkeys. Our results suggest that black howler monkeys always secrete TBSPs even when fed on foods low in tannins. This strategy of constantly using this salivary anti-tannin defense enables them to obtain nutrients from plants that sometimes contain high levels of tannins and may help immediately to overcome the astringent sensation of their food allowing howler monkeys to eat tanniferous plants.

Effect of oak acorn level on colostrum composition and plasma immunoglobulin G of late-pregnant goats and their kids

Oak acorn contains high levels of tannins which have capacity to form complexes with proteins and consequently reduce their availability and as a result it could reduce colostrum quality and immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis. Thus, the aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary oak (Quercus persica) acorn (OA) level during the last 60 days of pregnancy on colostrum composition and plasma metabolites and IgG level of goats and their kids. In all, 24 multiparous pregnant goats (41.7±2.3 kg BW) were assigned into one of the three experimental diets consisted of control diet (without OA) and diets containing 20% (OA20) or 40% (OA40) OA on dry matter basis. Goats fed OA40 had lower BW change compared with other groups (P⩽0.05). Kids birth weight was not affected by experimental diets (P>0.05). Goats fed OA containing diets had lower plasma glucose, triglyceride and Fe concentrations compared with those fed the control diet (P<0.01). Plasma IgG (P<0.01) and urea (P<0.05) concentrations were lower in goats fed OA40 compared with others. Animals fed OA containing diets had higher plasma alanine aminotransferase than those fed the control diet (P<0.05). Goats fed OA40 produced colostrum with lower fat (P⩽0.05) and lactose (P<0.01) contents compared with other animals. Goats fed OA containing diets had lower colostrum IgG level than those fed the control diet (P⩽0.05). Kids plasma total protein concentration was not affected by experimental diets (P>0.05), whereas kids born from goats fed OA containing diets had lower plasma IgG level compared with the control diet (P<0.01). It is concluded that feeding OA during the last 60 days of pregnancy decreased colostrum quality which may have adverse effect on kid’s survival.