Indica Fruit Research Articles

Application of Gum Arabic for Coating of Dried Mango Slices

Mango (Mangifera indica) fruit of kitshenar variety which is grown in wide areas in Sudan was used in this study to investigate the effect of processing treatment and storage period on the quality of dried mango slices (finger). Mango fruits of kitshenar variety were washed carefully, peeled manually and then sliced into (fingers). Mango slices were divided into three portions, the first portion coated with (25% w/v) Gum Arabic purified solution plus (5% w/v) sugar, the second portion was treated with sodium metabisulphite solution 2000 p.p.m concentration and the third portion was left without any treatment (control). Mango slices of each treatment were speeded on aluminum trays with an equal distribution and dried at room temperature under moving fan for seven days and then the dried products were packed in (polythene) plastic socks then placed inside cartoons and stored at room temperature for nine months. The results showed that the treatment with sodiummetabisulphite solution was the best in keeping the nutritive value of mango slices (ascorbic acid). The results indicated that the best treatment which prevented browning was Gum Arabic addition. The study of the effect of storage periods at room temperature on some properties of mango slices (fingers) showed there was a marked loss of some nutrients (e.g. ascorbic acid, sugars).

Protective Responce of Methnolic Extract of Garcinia Indica Fruits on CCl4 Induced Liver Damage

Garcinia indica commonly known as “kokum” is widely used in different parts of India for the treatment of obesity. The present study was to evaluate the protective response of methanolic extract of Garcinia indica fruits on CCl4 induced liver damage. Chronic liver diseases commonly result in liver fibrosis. Carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) is widely used for experimental induction of liver fibrosis. It is a potent heptatoxin producing centrilobular necrosis which causes liver injury. Five groups each of 6 rats were used. First group (normal control) was given 1 ml of liquid paraffin /kg b.wt. daily for 60 days and kept as normal control. Rats of the second group were given the same dose of liquid paraffin, in addition CCl4 (30% in liquid paraffin) was given in a single oral dose of 1 ml /kg b.wt, for every 72 hours. Rats of the third, fourth and fifth groups were pre-treated orally with 200,400 mg/kg of methanolic extract of Garcinia indica suspended in 1% CMC and 25 mg/kg b.wt of silymarin Serum was separated and used for various biochemical estimations. Liver and kidney were collected in ice-cold containers, washed with saline, homogenized with appropriate buffer and used for the estimation of protein, liver enzymes (SGPT & SGOT), ALP, hepatic TBARS, Glycogen content, catalase activity, liver Na+-K+ AT Pase activity and glutathione. Results of this study revealed that Garcinia indica could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of CCl4 induced hepatocellular injury.

In vivo efficacy of tamarind ( Tamarindus indica) fruit extract on experimental fluoride exposure in rats

The study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of hydro-methanolic (1:1) extract of tamarind ( Tamarindus indica L.) fruit pulp in removing body fluoride burden. Thirty rats were divided into five groups. Keeping no fluoride group as the control, rats of no treatment, low dose, middle dose and high dose groups received sodium fluoride orally at the rate of 200 mg per kg body weight daily for 14 weeks. Rats of low dose, middle dose and high dose group simultaneously received tamarind fruit pulp extract at three doses, viz. 25 (low), 50 (medium) and 100 mg (high) per kg body weight orally, respectively. Fluoride concentration in blood, urine and long bone of experimental rats was monitored to assess the efficacy of the extract. Mean serum fluoride concentration in fluoride exposed rats was 0.145 ± 0.009 and 0.783 ± 0.042 μg/ml on days 0 and 98. In comparison, fluoride concentrations in tamarind treated rats were 0.179 ± 0.021 and 0.633 ± 0.015; 0.179 ± 0.021 and 0.502 ± 0.025 and 0.176 ± 0.021 and 0.498 ± 0.030 μg/ml in low, medium and high dose groups, respectively on day 0 and day 98 of the experiment. There was a significant ( p ⩽ 0.01) increase in urinary fluoride excretion from day 28 onwards. The mean fluoride concentration in long bones of treated rats was significantly lower than the values recorded in fluoride exposed rats. These findings suggest that concomitant use of tamarind fruit pulp extract can reduce fluoride concentration in blood and bone and enhanced urinary excretion, indicating the ameliorative potential of fruits of tamarind in fluoride toxicity.

Gene expression profiles in human HepG2 cells treated with extracts of the Tamarindus indica fruit pulp

Tamarindus indica L. (T. indica) or locally known as asam jawa belongs to the family of Leguminosae. The fruit pulp had been reported to have antioxidant activities and possess hypolipidaemic effects. In this study, we attempted to investigate the gene expression patterns in human hepatoma HepG2 cell line in response to treatment with low concentration of the fruit pulp extracts. Microarray analysis using Affymetrix Human Genome 1.0 S.T arrays was used in the study. Microarray data were validated using semi-quantitative RT–PCR and real-time RT–PCR. Amongst the significantly up-regulated genes were those that code for the metallothioneins (MT1M, MT1F, MT1X) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTA1, GSTA2, GST02) that are involved in stress response. APOA4, APOA5, ABCG5 and MTTP genes were also significantly regulated that could be linked to hypolipidaemic activities of the T. indica fruit pulp.

Purification and characterisation of a soluble nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruits

A glycosylated metallo-protein, nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase, in a soluble form was purified to homogeneity from prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica) fruits. The native protein had a molecular mass of 105±8kDa and was formed by two apparently identical subunits each containing 1 Ca2+ and 1Mg2+ ion. The Opuntia enzyme exhibited hydrolytic activities toward pyrophosphate/phosphodiester bonds of a broad range of natural substrates, but among these, only NAD(P) and NAD(P)H were hydrolysed very efficiently. Moreover, Opuntia pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase hydrolysed the artificial substrate thymidine 5′-monophosphate 4-nitrophenyl ester, whereas it did not show any catalytic activity toward bis-4-nitrophenyl phosphate, which is a substrate of other pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase enzymes. We observed an increase of enzyme activity from the green to the red stage of fruits development, suggesting that ONPP activity might be related to the ripening of prickly pears. The protein was shown to be resistant to 75°C for 30min. Other biochemical characteristics were investigated and are reported here.

DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT OF CALCIUM LEVELS IN SELECTED INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANTS OF FAMILIES UMBELLIFERAE, LEGUMINOSAE AND BORAGINACEAE

The present study was conducted for the detection and measurement of calcium levels in indigenous medicinal plants using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A total 14 plants were selected from families Umbelliferae, Leguminosae and Boraginaceae. The range of calcium concentration varied from the highest of 103.972mg/g to the lowest of 5.172mg/g in all the plants analyzed. Onosma bracteatum leaves (103.972mg/g) and Onosma echioides roots (91.159mg/g) have the highest calcium contents whereas it was the lowest in Tamarindus indica fruit (5.172mg/g). Calcium concentrations were highest in family Boraginaceae followed by Umbelliferae and Leguminosae, respectively. The calcium contents of Onosma bracteatum leaves from family Boragnaceae were highest (103.972mg/g) and they were the lowest (6.384mg/g) in Cordia latifolia fruit. Ferula foetida resin from the family Umbelliferae had the highest calcium contents (56.803mg/g) followed by Carum bulbocastanum seeds (25.083mg/g) and Foeniculum vulgare seeds (20.170mg/g), respectively. Within the family Leguminosae, Glycyrrhiza glabra root had the highest (21.990mg/g) whereas Tamarindus indica fruit had the lowest (5.172mg/g) calcium contents. Based on the results it is concluded that indigenous medicinal plant commonly used in local system of medicine had high concentrations of calcium and can be used as natural source of calcium.

Isolation of Natural Colorants from Lagerstroemia indica: Kinetic and Adsorption Studies

AbstractThe color components extracted and isolated from the fruits of Lagerstroemia indica were characterized by NMR, mass, IR and UV/visible spectral techniques. The bio‐colorants isolated were found to be quercetin and apigenin. The dyed samples exhibited good colour fastness to washing and perspiration. CIE Lab values have also been evaluated. The rate of dyeing was higher at higher temperature. The thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using Arrhenius plot. The positive value of enthalpy change (ΔH≠) indicated endothermic nature of adsorption, the high negative entropy (ΔS≠) revealed that the color components adsorb more orderly on silk and the positive value of free energy (ΔG≠) validated the strong affinity between adsorbent and adsorbate. Adsorption study was carried out based on the model proposed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin and Pyzhev isotherm to account for the observed results. The Freundlich isotherm was found to fit best with high regression coefficient. The colorants obtained from Lagerstroemia indica fruit could form a potential source as a dye for textile dyeing.

Adsorption of Crystal Violet Dye onto Tamarind Seed Powder

The present investigation describes adsorption of crystal violet dye from its aqueous solution onto tamarind (Tamarindus indica) fruit shell powder. Initial concentration, agitation speed and pH with various temperature have been studied, in which pH was found to be most effective. The adsorption data were mathematically analyzed using adsorption isotherm like Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm to study adsorption mechanism of crystal violet onto this seed powder. Freundlich isotherm was found to be most applicable. The equilibrium data were applied to intra‐particle diffusion and adsorption kinetics. The reaction was found to be pseudo second order.

Effect of Fruit and Leaves of Meliaceae Plants (Azadirachta indicaandMelia azedarach) on the Development ofLutzomyia longipalpisLarvae (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) Under Experimental Conditions

This no-choice, laboratory study focuses on the feeding of dried, ground, homogeneous powdered, unprocessed fruit and leaves of Azadirachta indica and Melia azedarach to Lutzomyia longipalpis larvae to determine the effects on their mortality and metamorphosis. A. indica and M. azedarach fruit and leaves significantly increased larval mortality in comparison to larvae fed the untreated, standard diet. A. indica fruit and leaves blocked the molting of the larvae to the fourth instar, resulting in them remaining as third instars until the end of the experiment. M. azedarach fruit also blocked the molting of larvae, which remained permanently in the fourth instar. Feeding M. azedarach leaves resulted in greater molt inhibition. All insects in this group stopped their development as second-instar larvae. No antifeedant effect was detected for any experimental treatment. The results indicate that nontoxic, unprocessed materials obtained from A. indica and M. azedarach are potent development inhibitors of L. longipalpis larvae.

Relative toxicity of neem fruit, bitter gourd, and castor seed extracts against the larvae of filaria vector, Culex quinquefasciatus (Say)

In search of a natural larvicide, petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, and methanol extracts of Azadirachta indica fruits and seed extracts of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) and castor (Ricinus communis) were tested for larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus. Among the extracts tested, the methanol extract of Az. indica was observed the most potent with LC(50) at 74.04 and 58.52 ppm and LC(-90) at 201.83 and 171.70 ppm as compared to methanol extract of M. charantia with LC(50) at 101.18 and 93.58 ppm and LC(90) at 322.81 and 302.62 ppm carbon tetrachloride extract of R. communis with LC(50) at 144.11 and 92.44 ppm and LC(90) at 432.42 and 352.89 ppm after 24 and 48 h, respectively. The methanol extract of Az. indica exhibited potential results and can be exploited as a preferred natural larvicide for the control of filarial vector, Cx. quinquefasciatus.

Assessment of the potential genotoxic risk of medicinal Tamarindus indica fruit pulp extract using in vivo assays

Tamarindus indica has been used in folk medicine as an antidiabetic, a digestive aid, and a carminative, among other uses. Currently, there is no information in the toxicology literature concerning the safety of T. indica extract. We evaluated the clastogenic and/or genotoxic potential of fruit pulp extract of this plant in vivo in peripheral blood and liver cells of Wistar rats, using the comet assay, and in bone marrow cells of Swiss mice, using the micronucleus test. The extract was administered by gavage at doses of 1000, 1500 and 2000 mg/kg body weight. Peripheral blood and liver cells from Wistar rats were collected 24 h after treatment, for the comet assay. The micronucleus test was carried out in bone marrow cells from Swiss mice collected 24 h after treatment. The extract made with T. indica was devoid of clastogenic and genotoxic activities in the cells of the rodents, when administered orally at these three acute doses.

Biosorption of Chromium, Copper, and Nickel Ions by Tamarindus Indica Fruit Nut Testa

ABSTRACT Biosorption of chromium, copper, and nickel from aqueous solution by Tamarindus indica fruit nut testa (TFNT) in its pristine and acid-treated forms was studied under equilibrium and column-flow conditions. TFNT, a tannin-containing material, was characterized by energy dispersion x-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral techniques and surface analysis. The effect of experimental variable parameters such as pH, concentration of metal ions, amount of adsorbent, and contact time on adsorption was investigated. Batch isothermal equilibrium data were analyzed on the basis of Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The kinetics of the adsorption process were studied in terms of Lagergren first-order kinetic model. The monolayer adsorption capacities of pristine and acid-treated forms of tamarind seed coat were found to be 44.8 and 77.5 mg/g for Cr(VI), 55.8 and 99.0 mg/g for Ni(II), and 84.7 and 85.4 mg/g for Cu(II) ions, respectively. The column-flow adsorption data were used to obtain breakthrough curves. The biosorbent loaded with the metal ions was regenerated using 1.0 M HCl and the regenerated bed was used for subsequent adsorption-desorption cycle.

Possible amelioration of atherogenic diet induced dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism and hyperglycemia by the peel extracts of Mangifera indica, Cucumis melo and Citrullus vulgaris fruits in rats

Hitherto unknown efficacy of the peel extracts of Mangifera indica (MI), Cucumis melo (CM) and Citrullus vulgaris (CV) fruits in ameliorating the diet-induced alterations in dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus have been investigated in rats. In one study, out of 4 different doses (50-300 mg/kg), 200 mg/kg of MI and 100 mg/kg for other two peel extracts could inhibit lipidperoxidation (LPO) maximally in liver. In the second experiment rats were maintained on pre-standardized atherogenic diet CCT (supplemented with 4% cholesterol, 1% cholic acid and 0.5% 2-thiouracil) to induce dyslipidemia, hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus and the effects of the test peel extracts (200 mg/kg of MI and 100 mg/kg for CM and CV for 10 consecutive days) were studied by examining the changes in tissue LPO (in heart, liver and kidney), concentrations of serum lipids, thyroid hormones, insulin and glucose. Rats, treated simultaneously with either of the peel extracts reversed the CCT-diet induced increase in the levels of tissue LPO, serum lipids, glucose, creatinine kinase-MB and decrease in the levels of thyroid hormones and insulin indicating their potential to ameliorate the diet induced alterations in serum lipids, thyroid dysfunctions and hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus. A phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of a high amount of polyphenols and ascorbic acid in the test peel extracts suggesting that the beneficial effects could be the result of the rich content of polyphenols and ascorbic acid in the studied peels.

Soluble Solids and Simple Sugars Measurement in Intact Mango Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy

A rapid, reliable, and nondestructive method for quality evaluation of mango (Magnifera indica) fruit is important to the mango industry for international trade. The objective of this study was to determine the potential of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to predict soluble solids content (SSC) and individual and combined concentrations of sucrose, glucose, and fructose nondestructively in mango. Mature mangoes at two different temperatures (15 °C and 20 °C) were measured by NIR interactance (750–1088 nm wavelength region analyzed) over an 11-day period, starting when the fruit were underripe and extending to a few days past optimal ripeness. Partial least squares regression was used to develop models for SSC, individual sugar concentration, and the sum of the concentrations of the three sugars. Such analyses yielded calibration equations with R2 = 0.77 to 0.88 (SSC), 0.75 (sucrose), 0.67 (glucose), 0.70 (fructose), and 0.82 (sum); standard error of calibration = 0.56 to 0.90 (SSC), 10.0 (sucrose), 0.9 (glucose), 4.5 (fructose), and 10.4 (sum); and standard error of cross-validation = 0.93 to 1.10 (SSC), 15.6 (sucrose), 1.4 (glucose), 6.9 (fructose), and 16.8 (sum). When the SSC calibration was applied to a separate validation set, the standard error of performance ranged from 0.94% to 1.72%. These results suggest that for assessment of mango ripeness, NIR SSC calibrations are superior to the NIR calibrations for any of the individual sugars. This nondestructive technology can be used in the screening and grading of mangoes and in quality evaluation at wholesale and retail levels.

Biosorption of Rhodamine B and Malachite green from aqueous solutions by Tamarindus indica fruit shells

The removal of rhodamine B and malachite green from aqueous solutions was studied in batch adsorption systems using Tamarindus Indica fruit shells as sorbents. The well known Freundlich, Langmuir and Redlich-Peterson isotherm equations were applied to the equilibrium sorption data obtained. The sorption dynamics were found to obey the pseudo-second order rate equation and particle diffusions appear to control the overall rates. Increase of both pH and temperature resulted in increased sorption and the thermodynamic parameters like ΔG, ΔH and ΔS were evaluated.

Field Assessment of the Nematicidal Properties of Neem (<i>Azadirachta Indica</i>) Against the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne Incognita on Infected Tomato (<i>Lycopersicon Esculentum</i>)

The toxic effects of neem, Azadirachta indica fruit powder against a root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita on tomato was investigated in the field in the year 2002. Tomato Roma var. Uf was planted on a ploughed and harrowed field. Each plant stand was inoculated with 2000 Meloidogyne incognita juveniles. The treatments were made up of four levels; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 tonnes/ha of neem fruit powder, while there was an untreated control denoted by 0 tonne/ha. The experiment lasted for a period of sixteen weeks. The results from the experiment showed that neem fruit powder brought about a significant increase in growth and yield of nematode-infected tomato as compared with the control. At 10 and 12 WAP, plant height and number of leaves/plant were significantly higher in the treated plants. The number and weight of tomato fruits were also significantly higher in the treated plants than in the untreated control. The nematode multiplication rate and damage caused by the nematode on tomato roots (root gall index) were significantly lower in the treated plants than in the control. The higher concentrations of the neem powder were significantly more effective than the lower concentrations in controlling the nematode and consequently improving the growth and yield of treated tomato plants. Keywords : Neem, Nematicidal Properties, Root Knot Nematode, Tomato. Agrosearch Vol. 7 (1&2) 2005: pp. 28-33

Synergistic effect of Pongamia pinnata bark and Tamarindus indica fruit extract against aflatoxin producing fungi i.e. Aspergillus jlavus

Aflatoxin is the most toxic of many naturally occuring toxins produced by fungi. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergit­ lus parasiticus are the major casual organisms. These co-exist and grow on almost all crops. Pongamia pinnata (Karanj) and Tamarindus indica (Imli) and other tree species producing non edible oil were screened for their. possible antifungal activity. Methanolic fraction were assayed to control the fungi and significant reduction in fungus growth was observed when applied synergistically than the individual plant extract.It was found that Combination of both extract were more effective than the individual extract when tested alone i.e 62%' inhibition of fungal growth as comapared to Pongamia bark alone (33.20%) and Tamarindus indica alone (34.12%).

Incidence and Severity of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus under Phytopesticidal Management

The experimentation was made to investigate the incidence of tomato yellow leaf curl virus and its effect on the nutritional components in fruits and chlorophyll content in the leaves of Lycopersicon esculentum taken under phytopesticidal management. Phytopesticidal treatments used in the study were extracts of neem (Azadiracta indica) fruits, garlic (Allium sativum) bulbs, karamja (Pongamia pinnata) leaves and mehogoni (Swietenia macrophylla) seeds. Plots with no phytopesticidal treatments were used as control. Plants under no management were found to be in highest incidence of the virus. There were significant role of phytopesticides in reducing the incidence and severity of tomato yellow leaf curl virus. Among the treatments, Karamja extract performed best against TYLCV in all respect of yield and yield related parameters of tomato. Viral infection in tomato plants caused a negative effect on fruit nutrition. Though negative effect of TYLCV infection was found for chlorophyll A content in tomato leaves, but for chlorophyll B, it caused no significant effect.

Effect of chitosan on ripening, enzymatic activity, and disease development in mango (mangifera indica) fruit

The effects of chitosan on mycelial growth and spore germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides were investigated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0% (w/v) chitosan dissolved in 0.5% acetic acid. Complete inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination was observed in the medium containing only 0.5% acetic acid. Media containing chitosan were less inhibitory, but the highest concentrations of chitosan, at 1.5% and 2.0%, were more inhibitory than the lower concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%). Chitosan treatment (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of mangoes {Mangifera indica) previously inoculated with C. gloeosporioides resulted in a lower rate of disease progression compared with the controls. Chitosan concentrations of 0.5% and 1.0% had stimulatory effects on chitinase and P‐l,3‐glucanase activities. Additionally, chitosan coatings in mangoes delayed ripening and reduced respiration rate, ethylene production, and the loss of weight, ascorbic acid, and total titratable acidity. However, the firmness of mangoes treated at concentrations above 1% caused a perceptible decline in sensory quality.

Effect of the extract of the tamarind ( Tamarindus indica) fruit on the complement system: Studies in vitro and in hamsters submitted to a cholesterol-enriched diet

This work evaluated a crude hydroalcoholic extract (ExT) from the pulp of the tamarind ( Tamarindus indica) fruit as a source of compounds active on the complement system (CS) in vitro. ExT, previously characterized by other authors, had time and concentration dependent effects on the lytic activity of the CS. The activity of 0.8 mg/mL of the extract on the classical/lectin pathways (CP/LP) increased after 30 min of pre-incubation, while that of the alternative pathway (AP) decreased after 15 min at 1 mg/mL. Since the CS is a mediator of inflammation, studies were also made in vivo, taking advantage of a model of hypercholesterolemia in hamsters to investigate the role of CS in the phase preceding the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis. Hamsters submitted to a diet rich in cholesterol showed increased lytic activity of the CP/LP and AP after 45 days. The activity levels of C2 and factor B components on respectively, classical/lectin and alternative pathways of the CS also increased. Early events cooperating to trigger the process of atherosclerotic lesions are not completely understood, and these alterations of complement may participate in these events. When treatment with a diet rich in cholesterol was associated to the furnishing of ExT, evaluation of complement components and complement lytic activity showed values similar to those of the controls, showing that treatment with ExT blocked the increase of complement activity caused by the cholesterol-rich diet. By itself, ExT had no effect on the complement system in vivo. ExT activity on the CS may be of interest for therapy and research purposes.