Ziziphus Mauritiana Research Articles

Toxicological Investigation of Aqueous extract of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaves on Wistar Rats

Objective: Plant parts have been useful for food and remedies to various disease conditions for man long ago, but few have been studied for their toxicological effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and toxicological impacts of aqueous extract (AqE) Ziziphus mauritiana leaves on Wistar rats.
 Material-Method: The plant material was identified and authenticated at the harberium of Bayero University Kano and extraction were carried out by maceration. Phytochemical screening was carried-out using standard methods while administration of the extract was orally. Liver and kidney functional parameters were evaluated using standard kits and the histopathological evaluation were carried out according to the standard method.
 Results: Qualitative phytoconstituents screening revealed the presence of all Alkaloids, Saponin. Glycosides, tannin, flavonoids and others except anthraquinones while the quantitative screen showed phenol having the highest concentration while alkaloids have the lowest concentration. Acute toxicity revealed that the extract is non-toxic with LD50 above 5000 mg/kg body weight (BW), while subchronic toxicological evaluation revealed no significant adverse effect on all haematological parameters except WBC while the liver function parameters revealed an increase in serum GGT activity at 400 mg/kg body weight and the kidney function parameters showed alteration in serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate concentrations. Significant effects on liver/body weight ratio at 400 and 1000 mg/kg BW was observed. Histoarchitectural alteration was observed in liver and kidney histopathological evaluation.
 Conclusion: The observation from this research indicates that prolonged administration of this extract may lead the severe adverse effects on the biological system.

Determination of Maturity Indices for Harvesting of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.)

Indian jujube or ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) is an important hardy underutilised fruit crop of arid and semi-arid regions of India, symbolizing the production at a minimal cost. Ber fruits are potent source of nutritional as well as medicinal values and are generally consumed fresh. Ber fruits follow non-climacteric respiratory pattern. Fruits that are allowed to ripen on the tree typically have a limited shelf life and the ideal results are obtained if they are picked before the onset of ripening. Fruit harvesting at the appropriate stage of maturity is critical for both quality control and marketing. The time taken by ber fruit to mature from fruit set to maturity depends upon cultivar as well as location. Immature fruits lack desirable sweetness and flavour while over ripe fruits quickly lose their attractiveness and crispiness with slimy texture. Hence, an experiment was conducted to determine the optimum maturity indices for harvesting Indian jujube during 2019-20. Cultivar selected for this experiment was Narendra Ber Selection-2. The fruits on tagged current season shoots were harvested 21, 36, 51, 66, 81, 96, 111, 126, 141, 156, 171 and186 days after fruit setting. Fruit colour, shape, specific gravity, total soluble solids (%), T.S.S.: Acid ratio and organoleptic score of fruits were recorded at 15 days interval after fruit set. The results revealed that ber fruit of cultivar NBS-2 matures for harvesting between 171 to186 days after fruit setting i.e., between 29th February to 15th March when fruits attain yellowish to green colour, 0.95-0.92 specific gravity, ovate shape,17.29-17.94 T.S.S. and 123.72-128.37 T.S.S.: Acid ratio with organoleptic score of 7.5 to 8.0 range.

Synergetic Efficacy of Amending Pb-Polluted Soil with P-Loaded Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) Twigs Biochar and Foliar Chitosan Application for Reducing Pb Distribution in Moringa Leaf Extract and Improving Its Anti-cancer Potential

Synergetic Efficacy of Amending Pb-Polluted Soil with P-Loaded Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) Twigs Biochar and Foliar Chitosan Application for Reducing Pb Distribution in Moringa Leaf Extract and Improving Its Anti-cancer Potential

Exploration Of Native Plants Of Assam For Host Preference Of Lac Insect <i>Kerria Chinensis</i>

Field and laboratory experiments were carried out at the Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during October, 2018 to April, 2019 to study the host plant preference of local lac insect Kerria chinensis on eight native plants of Assam viz., Flemingia semialata, F. strobilifera, Indigofera teysmannii, Ficus religiosa, Zizyphus mauritiana, Litchi chinensis, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Cajanus cajan. Results indicated that the maximum productivity of broodlac (0.31± 0.01kg) and longest lifecycle duration (171.92± 2.08 days) was recorded in F. semialata. Study on morphological parameters revealed that the girth of the bark of the plants possesses significant negative correlation with the settlement density of crawlers as well as production of lac. However, trichome density of the bark was found to possess positive but non-significant correlation with the settlement density of crawlers as well as production of lac.

Diversity and Regeneration Potentials of Some Non-Timber Forest Product Species (NTFPS) in Bagale Hill Forest Reserve, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State

This study assessed diversity and regeneration of some Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) species in Bagale Hills Forest Reserve Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Parameters evaluated included; species diversity of NTFPs in the study area and regeneration potentials of NTFPs in the study area. A sampling design consisting of an approximately 250m baseline and 5 transects of 20m was used. Thus, all NTFPs individuals, from seedlings to adult individuals, of each species were recorded and their DBH measured. The distance between consecutive transects was 50m. Diversity indices and Importance Value Index (IVI) of the species were determined using relevant formulae. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare results of Shannon Weiners Diversity Indices amongst transects and amongst tree, sapling and seedling species. The results of tree, saplings and seedling species in study site revealed 12, 9 and 10 species respectively. The individual trees, saplings and seedlings species were 41, 39 and 53 belonging to 7 families in the study site respectively. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that there was no significant difference in Shannon Weiners Diversity Indices among tree, sapling and seedling species in the forests (p ≥ 0.05). Results show species of NTFPs tree which included; Annona senegalensis, Adansonia digitata, Bombax Costatum, Detarrium microcarpum, Haematostaphis barteri, Hexalobus monopetalus, Parkia biglobosa, Tamarindus indica, Ximenia americana, Vitellaria paradoxa, Ziziphus Mauritania and Ziziphus spina-christi. The families with the highest number included Annonaceae, Fabaceae and Rhamnaceae which had 2 species each. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis and Tamarindus indica were the most abundant in Transects I-III, while Parkia biglobosa, and was the most abundant in Transects IV-V. Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis, Tamarindus indica and Parkia biglobosa are further shown to have the highest Importance Value Index in all Transects. Results further showed saplings species as they occurred in all the Transects with Vitellaria paradoxa, Annona senegalensis and Detarrium microcarpum as the most abundant saplings species and highest Importance Value Index. Results showed seedling species of NTFPs encountered in all transects in which Hexalobus monopetalus, Ziziphus Mauritania and Detarrium microcarpum occurred as the most abundant seedling species. Shannon-Weiner (H´) Diversity Indices were; H´ = 1.16223, H´ = 0.86756, H´ = 1.62602, H´ = 1.05492 and H´ = 1.32966 in the respective transects. Shannon-Weiner (H´) Diversity Indices of all NTFPs trees, saplings and seedlings were; trees H´ = 2.39016, saplings H´ = 1.70359 and seedlings H´ = 1.86854 respectively.

Characteristics Of Kombucha From Various Herbal Tea Leaves

Kombucha has been well-known as functional food in Asia. Regular kombucha is produced using Camellia sinensis tea leaves. However, kombucha can also be produced from other substrates. This study aim to investigated characteristic of kombucha from various herbal tea by determine flavonoid content, phenolic content, antioxidant content and sensory. This study was conducted using Randomized Block Design with one factor and two duplicates of each treatment. Based on 8 day fermentation, bebuas (Premna pubescens Blume) has the highest phenolic content (926,19 µg/ml GAE), flavonoid content (391,81 µg/ml), and antioxidant activity IC50 values were 18,16 µg/ml. On the other hand, based on the sensory evaluation of kombucha (aroma and taste) panelists prefer indian jujube, while panelists prefer regular tea for color parameters

Plasmid-Curing, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Properties and Phytochemical Analysis of Medicinal Plants from North East India

The medicinal importance of plants is in their bioactive substances which exert definite physiological action on the human body. In the present investigation antimicrobial activities of Garcinia pedunculata, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis, and Ziziphus mauritiana were studied against microbial strains using agar disc diffusion. In-vitro phytochemical screening for chloroform, isoamyl alcohol and water extracts of parts of plants was performed. For MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration), grid method was used. The antioxidant activity of the plant extracts was studied using the ferric reducing antioxidant method and bioautography was studied using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Garcinia pedunculata and Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis extracts showed highest antimicrobial activity. In-vitro phytochemical screening for chloroform, isoamyl alcohol and water extracts of parts of plants showed positive results for alkaloids, saponins, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids and diterpenes. The MIC value of Garcinia pedunculata, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis and Ziziphus mauritiana was 2560, 1280 and 2560 µL, respectively. The antioxidant activity revealed that there was an increase in absorbance with the increase of sample concentration. In Thin Layer Chromatography-Bioautography, chloroform extract of Garcinia pedunculata and Ziziphus mauritiana showed activity with zones of inhibition on bioautograms. The chloroform extract of Ziziphus mauritiana was found to be effective with curing efficiency for E. coli K12 (RP4), E. coli (pBR322) and E. coli (pRK2013) 62%, 57% and 49% respectively. Petroleum ether extract of Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis cured E. coli K12 (RP4), E. coli (pBR322) and E. coli (pRK2013) at 38%, 42% and 35% curing efficiencies respectively. This is the first report of plasmid curing by using chloroform Ziziphus mauritiana and petroleum ether extract of Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis. The present investigation has revealed applications and significance of plant extracts of Garcinia pedunculata, Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis, and Ziziphus mauritiana as plasmid curing, antimicrobial and antioxidant agents to control infections and spread of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria.

Nutritional Profile of Different Rangelands Plant Species Grazed by Small and Large Ruminants in Balochistan

This study conducted to know the nutrients composition of different rangelands plant species (grasses, herbs, shrubs, and trees) grazed by small and large ruminants in Lasbela region, Balochistan. Fifteen different rangeland plant species were collected from three different areas of Lasbela region and botanically identified by panel as Salvadora persica L, Prospis Juliflora, Suaeda fruticosa, Conolulus glomeratus Choisyin, Calotropis Procera, Prospis Juliflora, Cressa Cretica L, Sehoenus Nigricans L, Datura Alba Solanaceae, Taverniera Spartea, Abutilon Muticuin, Heliotropium Curassavicum, Prosopis Cineraria, Ziziphus Mauritiana and Cynodon Dactylon. The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose, cell soluble (SC) and organic matter (OM) contents were determined according to the standard procedures. Data collected on nutritive profile of all collected rangeland plant species were statistically analyzed and significance difference was measured among collected rangeland plant species.

Hematotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of long-term administration of Guiera senegalensis (J.F. Gme), Cassia occidentalis (Linn), and Ziziphus mauritiana (Lam) leaves obtained in Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria

Introduction: Previously, we established the phytochemical composition and short-term administration safety of Guiera senegalensis (sabara), Cassia occidentalis (coffee senna), and Ziziphus mauritiana (jujube) leaves, which are common medicinal plants in Northern Nigeria. In the current study, heavy metal contents and long-term administration effects of the plants’ leaf extracts on hematological parameters and the kidneys of albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) were investigated. The heavy metals analyzed were copper, lead, cadmium, nickel, and manganese, while the hematological parameters evaluated were packed cell volume, hemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Methods: Twenty-four mixed-sex rats were distributed into four groups of six rats each. Group 1 was made the control, while groups 2, 3, and 4 were administered 1000 mg kg-1 one of the plants extracts for 90 days. Blood and kidney samples were collected across the groups for hematological and histopathological examinations. Results: The heavy metals were present in the extracts within the World Health Organization’s acceptable limits. The treated rats were anemic compared to the control. However, on average, only the C. occidentalis group showed significant differences (P<0.05) in hematological parameters. Unlike the control, the kidneys of the rats fed with Z. mauritiana and G. senegalensis showed vacuolation of cytoplasm and tubular degeneration, while the C. occidentalis-fed rats had inflammation and dilated Bowman’s capsules. Conclusion: These findings reveal that constant administration of high doses of the extracts for a long time may cause health hazards. People are advised to seek an expert’s advice before using the plants.

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam attenuates inflammation via downregulating NFκB pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages & OVA-induced airway inflammation in mice models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceZiziphus mauritiana Lam leaves were utilized in treating asthma, diabetes, inflammation, and hepatic diseases in Indian traditional medicine. The leaves were used as an edible vegetables in rural parts of India. Aim of the studyThe aim is to prove the anti-inflammatory activity of Ziziphus mauritiana Lam leaves against LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and OVA-induced airway inflammation in mice through its attenuation mechanism in the NFκB signalling pathway. Materials and methodsTerpenoids present in MEZ were quantified using U(H)PLC analysis. MEZ at 50 and 100 μg/mL were tested against LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The concentration of NO, ROS, and cytokines was quantified from the cell culture supernatants. OVA-induced asthma in mice was adopted for screening airway inflammation. MEZ at 250 and 500 mg/kg was tested for airway hyperresponsiveness, leukocyte counting, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and TNF-α), lung histopathology, and various inflammatory gene expressions in lungs for NFκB signalling pathway in asthma. ResultsTerpenoids like betulin, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid were quantified from U(H)PLC analysis. MEZ at higher doses reduced the NO, ROS, and pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. MEZ at 500 mg/kg significantly reduced AHR and also decreased total and differential leukocytes. MEZ also reduced the expressions of ICAM, VCAM, and Muc5C genes. Histopathological analysis revealed MEZ significantly reduced the leukocyte infiltration and mucus hypersecretion in the lungs. MEZ suppressed lung inflammation by inhibition of p65 mediated IκB-α translocation in the NFκB signalling pathway. ConclusionFrom these findings, MEZ significantly reduced airway inflammation by inhibiting NFκB mediated inflammatory pathway. Hence, this study proved that Ziziphus mauritiana Lam has anti-asthmatic potential in Indian traditional medicine.

Genetic diversity of ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.) cultivars using physico-chemical characteristics

Abstract The present experiment was conducted to estimate the physico-chemical diversity of twelve Indian jujube cultivars. A sum of fifteen quantitative characters were explored and subjected to multivariate analyses. Significant variability was observed across the ber cultivars under study. Pearson’s correlation analysis identified days to first flower initiation, a higher number of flowers per cluster and a higher number of retained fruits per cluster which could be used as the basis of selection for identification of high yielding ber cultivars. The principal component analysis (PCA) estimates 60.2% of the total variability in ber cultivars is contributed by PC1 and PC2. The scatter plot of the first two components highlights the number of retained fruits per cluster, yield per tree, pulp weight, fruit width, stone weight and number of flowers per cluster as principal characters that played a significant role in the total variability. Further, PCA also helped to identify Mehrun, Manuki and Chhuhara as superior ber cultivars which performed well with respect to the PC1 and PC2. The Mahalanobis D2 statistics grouped all the twelve ber cultivars into five clusters indicating the existence of ample genetic diversity among the cultivars. Considering the inter-cluster distance along with cluster mean it could be concluded that the cultivars of cluster II and Cluster III may be utilized to estimate the combining ability for effective exploitation of heterosis or to isolate desirable transgressive segregants.

Proximate composition, minerals, phytochemicals, and functional activities of jujube fruits grown in Bangladesh

Different varieties of jujube fruits are being grown and consumed in Bangladesh for their nutritional and biological functions. The functional properties of jujube fruits are credited to the abundance of phytochemical compounds. Unfortunately, the quantification and functional characterization of phytochemicals in jujube fruits grown in Bangladesh have not been investigated. To address this, four cultivars of jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) fruits grown in Bangladesh were characterized with respect to proximate composition, mineral and phytochemical contents with their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. Investigations showed that all cultivars of jujube fruits contained a significant amount (% DM) of carbohydrate (76.10–77.3), protein (4.23–5.00), fat (1.35–2.33), ash (3.08–3.28), and fiber (5.66–7.35). Calcium, potassium, sodium, and iron were the major minerals in four cultivars of jujube fruits. Apple Kul showed considerably (p < 0.05) highest contents of total phenolic (17.4 mg GAE/g DM), total flavonoid (4.75 mg QE/g DM), and anthocyanin (17.18 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/g DM) followed by Kolmi Kul, Deshi Kul, and BAU Kul. The vitamin C content followed the order (p < 0.05): BAU Kul > Deshi Kul > Komli Kul > Apple Kul. The carotenoid content was highest in Kolmi Kul. The antioxidant activity was highest in Apple Kul while BAU Kul and Kolmi Kul represented the highest antidiabetic activity. Correlation analysis showed that vitamin C, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content were the main phytochemicals for antioxidant and antidiabetic functions in jujube fruits. Jujube fruits were also found to have maximum contents of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity at the “mature” stage than “ripening start”, “full ripe” and “overripe” stages. Therefore, the results demonstrated that the jujube fruits in Bangladesh have promising potential to be used as functional foods or natural antioxidants with beneficial effects on human health.

Diversity of Insect Foragers on Indian Jujube &lt;i&gt;Ziziphus mauritiana&lt;/i&gt;

A total of 12 insect foragers were recorded in Ziziphus mauritiana of which Apis cerana indica F. was the dominant one (50.66%) followed by Vespa magnifica (10.30%), A. mellifera (6.42%), Musca domestica (4.70%), Calliphora sp. (4.48%), Eristalinus sp. (4.27%), Monomorium indicum (3.94%), Athyma perius (3.50%), Polistes hebraeus (3.49%), Pelopidas sp. (3.45%), Pieris rapae (2.33%) and Coccinella septempunctata (2.24%). The forager abundance was maximum in the forenoon (0900-1000 hr). Foraging behaviour of A. cerana revealed that 0900-1000 hr was the peak period of its visit and activities.

STUDIES ON SURVEY OF AFRICAN MISTLETOE IN BIRNIN KEBBI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KEBBI STATE

The study on Survey of African mistletoe was conducted in Birnin kebbi from three (3) different localities namely A, B and C. One thousand four hundred and eighty two (1482) host trees were randomly identified and examined accordingly using standard methods. The results revealed that Acacia nilotica had the highest percentage with 41 (20.8%) while the lowest percentage of occurrence was identified in Ziziphus mauritiana 10 (5.1%) from location A, Azadirachta indica had the highest occurrence with 34 (30.6%) and its lowest occurrence on Gmelina arborea with 3 (2.7%) from location B, while in location C, Acacia nilotica had the highest occurrence with 39 (21.9%) and its lowest occurrence on Parkia biglobosa with 11 (6.2%). Overall, 9 species of trees had the parasite on them with different levels of infestation among the species. Characteristics features of host such as host size, canopy spread and height that influence mistletoes and their host relationship have no influence on mistletoes-host interaction and other factors such as compatibility, interaction with birds and seedling establishment may be more important in determining mistletoes host interaction. Researchers should lay emphasis on other factors such as disseminators (birds) relationship with host tree, tree bark roughness and mistletoes seed establishment on the host.

Biogenic silver/silver chloride nanoparticles inhibit human cancer cells proliferation in vitro and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells growth in vivo

Silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl-NPs) were synthesized for the first time from the herbal Geodorum densiflorum rhizome extracts and characterized by different techniques. The surface plasmon resonance peak at 455 nm was observed in the UV–Visible spectrum, the average particle size of 25 nm was determined by SEM, XRD reflection peaks (28.00°, 32.42°, 38.28°, 46.38°, 54.94°, 57.60°, 64.64°, and 67.48°) indicated the presence of Ag-NPs and AgCl-NPs, heat stability was confirmed by TGA and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of alcohol/phenol, alkanes, primary amines, nitro compounds, alkyl chloride functional groups. The synthesized Ag/AgCl-NPs, previously synthesized Kaempferia rotunda and Zizyphus mauritiana mediated Ag/AgCl-NPs separately inhibited the proliferation of BxPC-3 cells with the IC50 values of 7.8, 17.1, and 20.1 µg/ml, respectively. In the case of MCF-7 cells, the IC50 values of G. densiflorum- Ag/AgCl-NPs and K. rotunda-Ag/AgCl-NPs were 21.5 and 23.5 µg/ml, respectively. Whereas the IC50 of G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs was 28.0 µg/ml against glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Induction of apoptosis in GSCs, BxPC-3 and MCF-7 cells was noted followed by NPs treatment. In GSCs, the expression level of NFκB, TNFα, p21, and TLR9 genes were upregulated after treatment with G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs while in the MCF-7 cells, the expression of p53, FAS, Caspase-8 and -9, NFκB, MAPK, JNK and p21 genes were increased. G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs inhibited 60% and 95% of EAC cells growth at the doses of 2 and 4 mg/Kg/day after intraperitoneal treatment with five consequent days, respectively. A remarkable improvement of hematological parameters with the decreased average tumor weight and increase of 75% life span of G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs treated mice were observed. Altogether, this study reported for the first time in vitro anticancer activity of biogenic G. densiflorum-Ag/AgCl-NPs against GSC cells along with MCF-7 and BxPC-3 cells and in vivo anticancer properties against EAC cells.

Wound Healing and Antioxidant Capabilities of Zizyphus mauritiana Fruits: In-Vitro, In-Vivo, and Molecular Modeling Study.

LC-HRMS-assisted chemical profiling of Zizyphus mauritiana fruit extract (ZFE) led to the dereplication of 28 metabolites. Furthermore, wound healing activity of ZFE in 24 adult male New Zealand Dutch strain albino rabbits was investigated in-vivo supported by histopathological investigation. Additionally, the molecular mechanism was studied through different in-vitro investigations as well as, studying both relative gene expression and relative protein expression patterns. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of ZFE extract was examined using two in-vitro assays including hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radical scavenging activities that showed promising antioxidant potential. Topical application of the extract on excision wounds showed a significant increase in the wound healing rate (p < 0.001) in comparison to the untreated and MEBO®-treated groups, enhancing TGF-β1, VEGF, Type I collagen expression, and suppressing inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1β). Moreover, an in silico molecular docking against TNFα, TGFBR1, and IL-1β showed that some of the molecules identified in ZFE can bind to the three wound-healing related protein actives sites. Additionally, PASS computational calculation of antioxidant activity revealed potential activity of three phenolic compounds (Pa score > 0.5). Consequently, ZFE may be a potential alternative medication helping wound healing owing to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Changes in quality attributes of pulsed light and thermally treated mixed fruit beverages during refrigerated storage (4 °C) condition

The effect of batch pulsed light (PL) irradiation (3000 J cm−2) on the shelf-life of the beverage blend comprising apple ber (Indian jujube), carambola (star fruit), and black table grapes was investigated. The equivalent thermally treated beverage (90 °C|5 min) exhibited greater stability from microbial and enzymatic spoilage but retained 27% less antioxidants and 14% less vitamin C than PL-treated juice. Thermally and PL-treated blends possessed sensory scores of 5.8 and 7.2, respectively. The beverage's microbial shelf-life (population ≤ 6-log10 cfu/mL) was extended to 45 days at 4 °C after the PL treatment. The PL exposure did not alter the pH and soluble solids during storage. The PL-treated juice, after 45 days, was placed on par with the freshly prepared juice by the sensory panel. The PL-treated juice preserved 61% more antioxidants, 38.8% more phenolics, and 68.2% more vitamin C than the thermally pasteurized beverage after 45 days of refrigerated storage. Industrial relevanceWhile the fruit processing industry demands microbial safety and enzymatic stability, today's consumer demands juices of high nutritional quality. This study utilizes under-explored fruits like apple ber (Indian jujube) and carambola (star fruit) to make a shelf-stable mixed fruit beverage. This study will help the industry understand the potential of PL treatment in accomplishing microbial safety, enzymatic stability, and nutritional quality, along with the utilization of under-explored fruits.

Pharmacognostical, phytochemical, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective screening of some plants of family rhamnaceae

Medicinal plants are used in traditional system of medicine to treat various diseases and many of these plants have been evaluated for their different pharmacological activities. Ziziphus mauritiana(ZM) (Rhamnaceae) is found wild and cultivated in many parts of India, Burma and Srilanka. Seeds of Ziziphus mauritianahave been reported to have sedative-hypnotic, hypotensive, antihypoxic, antihyperlipidemic and hypothermic activities. It is reported to contain minerals, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and saponins. Traditional medicine using herbal drugs exists in every part of the world. The major areas are Chinese, Indian and European traditions. The philosophies of these traditional medicines have some resemblance to each other but differ widely from modern western medicine. In view of the progress of western medicine not only new synthetic drugs but also herbal drugs have to fulfill the international requirements on quality, safety and efficacy. Herbal drugs have the advantage of being available for patients in the geographical area of the special traditional medicine. The development procedure of herbal drugs for world-wide use has to be different from that of synthetic drugs.

Demonstration of microbiological status of fresh fruits and determining the efficiency of different decontaminating agents against the isolated bacteria

Consumption of fresh fruits increases along with the promotion of healthier lifestyles. However, many foodborne illnesses have been reported due to the consumption of contaminated fruits. Fresh produces are subjected to various treatments for minimizing these outbreaks. The present study demonstrates the role of various simple household methods including water washing and some other common chemical treatments for the removal of bacterial load. By performing the spread plate technique, total heterotrophic bacteria, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. were determined in 60 samples of 6 categories including Apple (Malus domestica); Grape (Vitis vinifera); Guava (Psidium guajava); Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa); Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana); Malabar plum (Syzygium cumini) before and after washing with tap water, hot water, 100 mg/L sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 50 mg/L calcium lactate, 4% acetic acid and 2 mL/L CleanAva for 20 mins at room temperature. All the tested solutions were found to be effective and reduced bacterial loads in fruits compared to the unwashed fruits samples (P&lt;0.01). Treatment with NaOCl, calcium lactate, acetic acid and CleanAva was the more effective washing technique rather than hot water wash. Two to three log of the bacterial load was reduced when samples were subjected to treatment with chemical decontaminating agents. The efficiency of washing depends on the purity of water, and the types and concentration of the disinfectant solutions. An appropriate washing technique needs to implicate to diminish bacterial load and the risk of foodborne infections caused by fruits.

Descriptors for characterization and evaluation of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) germplasm for utilization in crop improvement

Descriptors for characterization and evaluation of Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) germplasm for utilization in crop improvement