Inflorescence Extracts Research Articles

Effect of Cannabis sativa L. root, leaf and inflorescence ethanol extracts on the chemotrophic response of entomopathogenic nematodes

Soils represent the natural habitat of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs). When moving in soil, EPNs are oriented to follow a chemical signal (chemotaxis). Cannabis sativa L. is known to secrete a very wide spectrum of secondary metabolites. Ethanol extracts (EE) of different C. sativa L. organs were used to study the effect on EPN chemotaxis. The root, leaf and inflorescence EE of two hemp varieties and two medical cannabis breeding lines were used in laboratory chemotaxis assays with three EPN species (Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) at 20 and 25 °C. The content of terpenes and cannabinoids in C. sativa L. inflorescences was measured as well. Overall, EPNs were most attracted or repelled by inflorescence extracts, followed by leaves and roots. The most abundant terpene in hemp inflorescences was trans caryophyllene (38.2% on average), the highest contents of total cannabidiol, total cannabigerol and total tetrahydrocannabinol were 9.65%, 0.89% and 0.62%, respectively. The attraction effect of S. sativa L. EE is a highly interesting outcome and could lead to the development of attractant compounds in EPN biological control. Cannabinoids and terpenes may be responsible for pronounced effects on EPN chemotaxis.

Efecto de la inflorescencia de “coliflor” sobre síndrome caquéctico en Mus musculus var. swiss con cáncer inducido

The objective was to determine the effect of Brassica oleracea var Botrytis "cauliflower" inflorescences on cachectic syndrome in Mus musculus var. swiss with induced cancer. Cachectic syndrome is characterized by progressive loss of body weight, anorexia, asthenia, immunosuppression and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, with loss of muscle and adipose tissue. It used dry cauliflower inflorescence extract (ESC) and male mice 35-45 g with induced cancer, divided into groups: G1 untreated control, G2 and G3 treated with ESC, doses 10 and 20mg/kg/bw/vo and G4 treated with quercitin, dose 7.14mg/Kg/bw/vo for 90 days. Some manifestations of cachectic syndrome were determined. It was observed that G1 had thinning and progressive increase in alopecia, asthenia and conjunctival xerosis due to energy and metabolic imbalance compared to G2, G3 and G4 that had higher body weight and fewer cachectic manifestations, being significant by time and treatment group (P<0.01). It has been reported that cauliflower contains flavonoids quercitin and kaemferol, with anti-inflammatory properties for its action on cyclooxygenase, lipooxygenase, interleukins and chemosins, with antioxidant properties on intracellular glutathione, in redox reactions and favoring the expression of caspases in cell apoptosis. Therefore, it is concluded that cauliflower prevents body weight loss and decreases cachectic syndrome because it contains kaempferol and quercitin that act synergistically with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties.

Effect-directed analysis of bioactive compounds in Cannabis sativa L. by high-performance thin-layer chromatography.

The scientific interest on the plant Cannabis sativa L., and in particular on its non-psychoactive or fibre-type variety (hemp), has been highly increasing in recent years, due to the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential of its bioactive compounds. This plant is indeed characterized by a very rich chemical composition, which encompasses different classes of constituents, such as cannabinoids and terpenes. In this context, the bioanalytical testing of hemp extracts can be difficult and time-consuming. Effect-directed analysis (EDA) by the combination of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with biological and enzymatic assays represents one of the latest tools available for the rapid bioprofiling of complex matrices, such as plant extracts. In this ambit, the aim of this project was the non-targeted screening of inflorescence extracts from ten different hemp varieties for components exhibiting radical scavenging, antibacterial, enzyme inhibiting and estrogen-like effects. By HPTLC-EDA, the hemp samples exhibited strong antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and especially Gram-negative Aliivibrio fischeri bacteria, and also estrogen-like activity. They also inhibited α- and β-glucosidase, tyrosinase and acetylcholinesterase. The characterization of two prominently multipotent bioactive compound zones was finally achieved by HPTLC-HRMS and preliminary assigned as cannabidiolic acid and cannabidivarinic acid.

HERBICIDAL ACTIVITY OF Ageratum conyzoides AGAINST PARTHENIUM

This study was carried out to explore herbicidal potential of an asteraceous weed Ageratum conyzoides against an exotic noxious weed parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). Different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) of aqueous extracts of various parts of the tested weed were used in laboratory bioassays. ANOVA revealed the significant effect of plant part bioassay and extract concentration on germination as well as various root and shoot growth parameters. Leaf extract was found the most herbicidal where a 10% extract completely inhibited the germination and growth of parthenium. Root and inflorescence extracts were also highly inhibitory in suppressing the germination up to 89% and 95%, shoot length up to 80% and 89%, root length up to 86% and 91%, and plant biomass up to 89% and 98%, respectively. Stem extract showed the least herbicidal activity causing up to 46%, 59%, 73% and 37% reduction in germination, shoot length, root length and plant biomass, respectively. This study concludes that leaf, root and inflorescence extracts of A. conyzoides possess strong herbicidal potential against germination and growth of parthenium.

Антиоксидантные свойства экстрактов листьев и соцветий спиреи средней (<i>Spiraea media</i> Franz Schmidt) из флоры Республики Коми

Определена антиоксидантная активность водных и водно-спиртовых экстрактов листьев и соцветий Spiraea media из природной популяции (Усть-Куломский район, Республики Коми). Показано, что экстракты характеризуются высоким содержанием полифенолов (от 41,14 до 71,79 мг(GAE)/г сухой массы), которые являются важными природными антиоксидантами. Установлено, что водные экстракты соцветий и листьев обладали меньшей радикал-связывающей активностью (РСА), чем водно-спиртовые. При этом РСА водно-спиртового экстракта листьев была выше, чем РСА соцветий. Между РСА и количеством полифенолов в экстрактах обнаружена сильная корреляционная связь (r = – 0,80, p < 0,05). Для всех экстрактов показана хелатирующая активность (ХА), самая высокая у водных экстрактов листьев спиреи. Водно-спиртовый экстракт соцветий обладал большей ХА, чем водный экстракт.

In Vitro Evaluation of Prebiotic Properties of a Commercial Artichoke Inflorescence Extract Revealed Bifidogenic Effects.

Background: Prebiotics used as a dietary supplement, stimulate health-related gut microbiota (e.g., bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, etc.). This study evaluated potential prebiotic effects of an artichoke aqueous dry extract (AADE) using in vitro gut model based on the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®). Methods: Short-term colonic fermentations (48 h) of AADE, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and a blank were performed. Microbial metabolites were assessed at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h of colonic incubation via measuring pH, gas pressure, lactate, ammonium, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Community composition was assessed via targeted qPCRs. Results: After 24 and 48 h of incubation, bifidobacteria levels increased 25-fold with AADE (p < 0.05) and >100-fold with FOS (p < 0.05) compared to blank. Lactobacillus spp. levels only tended to increase with AADE, whereas they increased 10-fold with FOS. At 6 h, pH decreased with AADE and FOS and remained stable until 48 h; however, gas pressure increased significantly till the end of study. Acetate, propionate, and total SCFA production increased significantly with both at all time-points. Lactate levels initially increased but branched SCFA and ammonium levels remained low till 48 h. Conclusion: AADE displayed prebiotic potential by exerting bifidogenic effects that stimulated production of health-related microbial metabolites, which is potentially due to inulin in AADE.

Cannabis Phytomolecule 'Entourage': From Domestication to Medical Use.

Cannabis has been used as a medicine for millennia. Crude extracts of cannabis inflorescence contain numerous phytomolecules, including phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Combinations of phytomolecules have been recently established as superior to the use of single molecules in medical treatment owing to the 'entourage effect'. Two types of entourage effects are defined: 'intra-entourage', resulting from interactions among phytocannabinoids or terpenes, and 'inter-entourage', attributed to interactions between phytocannabinoids and terpenes. It is suggested that the phytomolecule assemblages found in cannabis chemovars today derive from selective breeding during ancient cultivation. We propose that the current cannabis chemotaxonomy should be redefined according to chemical content and medicinal activity. In parallel, combinations of phytomolecules that exhibit entourage activity should be explored further for future drug development.

Comparative assessment of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity between whole plant and parts of Sphaeranthus\xa0indicus Linn. (Asteraceae)

BackgroundSphaeranthus indicus is an important medicinal plant, which is used to cure various illnesses. The present study is the first investigation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant and phytochemical analysis of Sphaeranthus indicus from Chhattisgarh, India.MethodsThe whole plant and plant parts were extracted with polar and non-polar solvents such as water, methanol, ethyl acetate and hexane to assess various bioactivities. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were performed by ager well diffusion method and ferrous reducing capacity, respectively; However free radical scavenging activity was analyzed using DMPD and DPPH scavenging assay. The DMPD and DPPH assay were performed in a time dependent manner. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed for the total phytochemicals present in the plant extracts. The total content of phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids was analyzed by colorimetric methods.ResultsEthyl acetate and hexane extract of plant inflorescence and stem exhibited significant antibacterial activity against tested bacterial pathogens. The clinically isolated gram positive pathogenic bacteria responded better as compared to clinically isolated gram negative bacteria as well as pathogenic gram positive and negative bacteria acquired from Microbial Type Culture Collection, India. The leaf and inflorescence exhibited potent antioxidant activity. The polar fraction of leaf methanol extract exhibited the highest reducing power capacity. The aqueous extract of inflorescence exhibited highest inhibition against DMPD and DPPH radicals. The whole plant aqueous extract showed maximum inhibition while aqueous extract of inflorescence exhibited high inhibition among different plant parts. Qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides in plant parts. Total terpenoid content was found to be highest in polar fraction of stem methanol extract and ethyl acetate extract of inflorescence. However, total phenol was found to be highest in polar fraction of leaf methanol extract, similarly highest flavonoid content was observed in aqueous extract of leaf.ConclusionThe results suggest that biological activities of plant parts depend on content of active phytochemicals. The inflorescence could be a potential source of antimicrobial and antioxidant compound. Further, investigation pertaining isolation and characterization of active ingredient may provide an insight regarding its phytochemical activity.

Allelopathic properties of Calliandra haematocephala Hassk. extracts and fractions as an alternative for weed management in quinoa and rice crops

In this study, aqueous extracts of Calliandra haematocephala Hassk. leaves and inflorescences were tested on seeds of quinoa (Chenopodium album L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.), and on some of the most noxious-associated weeds, Chenopodium album L. and Holcus lanatus L. in quinoa, and Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., Echinochloa colona L., Eclipta prostrata L. and Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lou.) W.D. Clayton in rice. The objectives were to identify extract concentrations at which 50 and 90% of germination (GR_{[50,90]}) and radicle elongation (RR_{[50,90]}) were inhibited, to fractionate inflorescence extracts for facilitating identifying the chemical group causing allelopathic effects, and to evaluate the fraction showing the stronger weed suppression effects and the least crop damage. Increasing extract concentration rates (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% crude extract) were applied to seeds of target crops and weeds. Flower extracts at rates < 0.30 produced GR_{[50]} and RR_{[50]} on H. lanatus, and GR_{[90]} and RR_{[90]} in C. album, while quinoa seeds were not affected. Rice and its target weeds were minimally affected by flower extracts, whereas radicle elongation of all species was significantly reduced. A concentration rate > 0.52 caused the RR_{[50]} on rice and all its target weeds. Fractions were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed to detect phytochemical groups, using specific chemical reagents and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The fraction F3 from aqueous flower extract showed a high content of flavonoids, assumed as the potential allelochemical substance. Total flavonoid content in F3 was quantified as 2.7 mg of quercetin per g F3, i.e., 12.8 mg of quercetin per g of inflorescence material. Additionally, field equivalent extract rates obtained from the harvested fresh inflorescence biomass could be determined. These rates ranged between 90 and 143 mL l−1 of F3 aqueous fraction, while for ethanol F3 were 131 mL l−1. Our results are encouraging for finding sustainable and ecologically friendly alternatives for weed management in crops of high nutritional value, contributing also to counteract the growing problem of herbicide resistance.

Study of the Kinetics of Extraction Process for The Production of Hemp Inflorescences Extracts by Means of Conventional Maceration (CM) and Rapid Solid-Liquid Dynamic Extraction (RSLDE)

In the present work, the kinetics of the extraction process from female inflorescences of Canapa sativa subsp. sativa var. sativa were studied, on the basis of determination of the content of cannabinoids: cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), before and after decarboxylation in the oven, in order to evaluate the possible use of the hemp extract obtained in the food sector. Therefore, both conventional maceration (CM) and rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE), also known as cyclically pressurized extraction (CPE), were carried out, using parts of the plant approximately of the same size. The alcoholic extracts thus obtained were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in order to calculate the percentages of cannabinoids present in the inflorescences and thus be able to evaluate the degree of decarboxylation. Furthermore, the extracts were dried to calculate the percentage of solid material present in it, that was made mainly by cannabinoids. The amount of substance extracted from the inflorescences was about 10% (w/w), for both cases considered. Therefore, the extraction yield was the same in the two cases examined and the final qualities were almost identical. However, the extraction times were significantly different. In fact, the maceration of hemp inflorescences in ethyl alcohol was completed in no less than 24 h, while with the RSLDE the extraction was completed in only 4 h. Finally, for a better understanding of the extraction process with cyclically pressurized extraction, a numerical simulation was carried out which allowed to better evaluate the influence of extractive parameters.

Potential Role of Lolium multiflorum Lam. in the Management of Rice Weeds.

The phytotoxic relationships between crops and weeds can cover a role in weed management, reducing the use of chemical herbicides. Starting from the organic farmers’ experience, the study aimed to define the inhibitory action of Lolium multiflorum Lam., used as a cover crop before rice sowing, against Echinochloa oryzoides (Ard.) Fritsch, one of the main rice weeds. In vitro 7-day assays were carried out in Petri dishes to compare the effect of different L. multiflorum Lam. parts, in the form of aqueous extract or powder, on the seed germination and seedling growth of Oryza sativa L. and E. oryzoides and to verify the hypothesis of a higher susceptibility of the weed. The total polyphenolic content, as the potential source of allelochemicals, in the L. multiflorum parts was measured. The results showed that both species suffer the phytotoxic action of L. multiflorum, but a more marked effect against E. oryzoides was recorded. In according with the polyphenol quantities, stem and inflorescence extracts showed the more significant species-specific inhibition. In all assays, the weed showed a stronger reduction in the root length and seedling vigor index, and, in some cases, also in the germination percentage and shoot length compared to rice.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of quercitrin, astragalin, afzelin and taxifolin in plasma after oral administration of Polygonum orientale inflorescence in sham-operated and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury rats

The study aimed to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of quercitrin, astragalin, afzelin and taxifolin, four major bioactive components of Polygonum orientale inflorescence extracts, between sham-operated and myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) rats.Rats were divided into two groups: MIRI model and sham-operated. The blood samples were collected according to the time schedule. The levels of quercitrin, astragalin, afzelin and taxifolin in the plasma at designated time points were determined using an HPLC–MS/MS method. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated from the plasma concentration versus time data using non-compartmental methods. After the administration of the Chinese herb Polygonum orientale inflorescence extracts, the Cmax, AUC, as well as MRT, increased, while CL decreased, in MIRI model compared to the sham-operated animals.These results suggest that the pathological damage of ischemia–reperfusion had a significant impact on the pharmacological effects of Polygonum orientale inflorescence extracts on ischemic heart disease.The method had been successfully applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of quercitrin, astragalin, afzelin and taxifolin in rat plasma after the oral administration of Chinese herb Polygonum orientale inflorescence extracts in rats.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Costus Woodsonii

ABSTRACTThe antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the methanolic extracts of various plant parts of Costus woodsonii were evaluated. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid content in leaves and inflorescence extracts were higher compared to the rhizome and stem extracts. Highest total tannin content was noted in the inflorescence. Leaves extracts demonstrated the strongest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging and ferric reducing power activity (IC50 = 1.3 ± 0.2 mg mL−1; FRP = 3.8 ± 0.5 mg mL−1). Rhizome extract showed ferrous ion chelating activity with CC50 at 2.7 ± 0.3 mg mL−1. The leaves extract demonstrated antimicrobial activities against various Staphylococcus aureus strains (MIC: 0.625 mg mL−1 and 1.25 mg mL−1). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS-MS) analysis showed that rutin and quercetin-3-galactoside were found in leaves; epicatechin in the inflorescences; and dioscin in the rhizomes.

Predicted real solubility (– log x2) and the level of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLBRequ.) of phytochemicals contained in extracts isolated from linden inflorescence (Tiliae flos) with solvents of diversified polarity (εM)

Summary Introduction: The broad spectrum of pharmacological properties of linden inflorescence extracts results from polarity and the level of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of solvents (medium) used to separate compatible phytochemical structures with the expected pharmacotherapeutic profile. Objective: The use of the general Hildebrand-Scatchard-Fedors theory of solubility to calculate the predicted solubility of classes of phytochemicals contained in linden inflorescences (Tiliae flos) and the indication of those structures which, due to their high solubility in the medium, are responsible for the profile of pharmacological activity. Material and methods: The Hildebrand, Scatchard equation, supported with computational technique proposed by Fedors, allows calculation of the solubility parameters of the extraction medium. Despite application reservations, it is a fundamental tool for estimating the predictable solubility of phytochemicals in real solution. Results: The structure of phytochemicals isolated from linden inflorescences (Tiliae flos) owing to the use of solvents of significantly diversified polarity (–dielectric constant – εM) was the basis for calculating the molar evaporation energy – ΣΔEi (cal/mol) and molar volume – ΣΔVi (cm3/mol) by Fedors method, which are fundamental quantities necessary to estimate the solubility parameter – δ1/2 and required solubility level of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance – HLBRequ. Conclusions: Results of the presented research indicate that basing on the parameters characterizing the structure of phytochemicals and the calculated ideal (–logxi 2) and predicted real (– log x2) solubility, it is possible – using the general Hildebrand-Scatchard-Fedors theory of solubility – to choose selectively the cascade of extraction media in order to distinguish in the plant material chemical and structural individuals of different polarity.

Terpenoids and Phytocannabinoids Co-Produced in Cannabis Sativa Strains Show Specific Interaction for Cell Cytotoxic Activity.

Mixtures of different Cannabis sativa phytocannabinoids are more active biologically than single phytocannabinoids. However, cannabis terpenoids as potential instigators of phytocannabinoid activity have not yet been explored in detail. Terpenoid groups were statistically co-related to certain cannabis strains rich in Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and their ability to enhance the activity of decarboxylase phytocannabinoids (i.e., THC or CBD) was determined. Analytical HPLC and GC/MS were used to identify and quantify the secondary metabolites in 17 strains of C. sativa, and correlations between cannabinoids and terpenoids in each strain were determined. Column separation was used to separate and collect the compounds, and cell viability assay was used to assess biological activity. We found that in “high THC” or “high CBD” strains, phytocannabinoids are produced alongside certain sets of terpenoids. Only co-related terpenoids enhanced the cytotoxic activity of phytocannabinoids on MDA-MB-231 and HCT-116 cell lines. This was found to be most effective in natural ratios found in extracts of cannabis inflorescence. The correlation in a particular strain between THCA or CBDA and a certain set of terpenoids, and the partial specificity in interaction may have influenced the cultivation of cannabis and may have implications for therapeutic treatments.

Degradation of AZO dye using plants based silver nanoparticles through ultraviolet radiation

The present study evaluates the different plant mediated green synthesis of silver nanoparticles which was used to degrade the AZO dye through UV light. The degraded dye was analyzed by UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The AZO dye was highly degraded by the coconut tree inflorescence extract based Ag-NPs, was performing as an excellent catalyst under UV photo catalytic dye degradation method.

Phenolic rich Cocos nucifera inflorescence extract ameliorates inflammatory responses in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages and toxin-induced murine models

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the acetone extract of Cocos nucifera (CnAE), an important ingredient in several traditional drugs, have been studied using different in vitro and in vivo models. CnAE did not show any observable toxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages by MTT assay. The calorimetric analysis (total COX, 5-LOX, MPO, iNOS and NO), ELISA (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2) and qRT-PCR (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB) were performed in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 and IκB was determined by western blotting. CnAE (100µg/mL) remarkably inhibited total COX (68.67%) and 5-LOX (63.67%) activities, and subsequent release of iNOS, NO and PGE2 (p ≤ 0.05) in RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS. ELISA showed CnAE markedly decreased the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (p ≤ 0.001), IL-6 (p ≤ 0.001) and TNF-α (p ≤ 0.001) in LPS treated RAW264.7 cells. CnAE (100µg/mL) also significantly down-regulated the mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, p ≤ 0.05; IL-6, p ≤ 0.01 and TNF-α, p ≤ 0.001) and NF-κB (p ≤ 0.001) against LPS-induction. Moreover, LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκB-α and NF-κB p65 was significantly inhibited by CnAE (100µg/mL). In vivo anti-inflammatory studies showed that CnAE (400mg/kg) significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced acute paw oedema (59.81%, p ≤ 0.001) and formalin-induced chronic paw oedema (52.90%, p ≤ 0.001) in mice. CnAE at a dose of 400mg/kg also showed a significant anti-nociceptive effect on acetic acid-induced writhing (48.21%, p ≤ 0.001) and Eddy's hot plate methods. These findings suggest that CnAE has significant anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties, mainly attributed to the inhibition of NF-κB/IκB signalling cascade.

Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Neera: A Naturally Fermenting Coconut Palm Nectar.

Probiotic bacteria were isolated from different traditional fermented foods as there are several such foods that are not well explored for their probiotic activities. Hence, the present study was conducted to find the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotics that were isolated from the sap extract of the coconut palm inflorescence – Neera, which is a naturally fermented drink consumed in various regions of India. A total of 75 isolates were selected from the Neera samples collected aseptically in the early morning (before sunrise). These isolates were initially screened for cultural, microscopic, and biochemical characteristics. The initial screening yielded 40 Gram-positive, catalase-negative isolates that were further subjected to acid – bile tolerance with resistance to phenol. Among 40 isolates, 16 survived screening using analysis of cell surface hydrophobicity, auto aggregation with adhesion to epithelial cells, and gastric–pancreatic digestion for gastrointestinal colonization. The isolates were also assessed for antimicrobial, antibiotic sensitivity, and anti-oxidative potential. The safety of these isolates was evaluated by their hemolytic and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activities. Based on these results, seven isolates with the best probiotic attributes were selected and presented in this study. These LAB isolates, with 51.91–70.34% survival at low pH, proved their resistance to gastric conditions. The cell surface hydrophobicity of 50.32–77.8% and auto aggregation of 51.02–78.95% represented the adhesion properties of these isolates. All the seven isolates exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activity, showing hydroxyl-scavenging activity of 32.86–77.87%. The results proved that LAB isolated from Neera exhibited promising probiotic properties and seem favorable for use in functional fermented foods as preservatives.

Protective Effect of the Hexanic Extract of Eryngium carlinae Inflorescences In Vitro, in Yeast, and in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats.

In the present study, we investigated the composition and antioxidant activity of the hexanic extract of Eryngium carlinae inflorescences by employing in vitro assays to measure antioxidant capacity and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity. We also applied the hexanic extract to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, under hydrogen peroxide-induced stress. Finally, we tested the extract in male Wistar rats with and without streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The compounds in the hexanic extract were analyzed by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry, which revealed mainly terpenes and sesquiterpenes, including (Z)β-farnesene (38.79%), β-pinene (17.53%), calamene (13.3%), and α-farnesene (10.38%). In vitro and in S. cerevisiae, the extract possessed antioxidant activity at different concentrations, compared to ascorbic acid (positive control). In normoglycemic and hyperglycemic rats, oral administration of 30 mg/kg of the extract reduced blood glucose levels; lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and brain; protein carbonylation; and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. It also increased catalase activity in the brain, kidneys and liver. These findings show that this hexanic extract of E. carlinae inflorescences possessed antioxidant properties.

Antifungal activity of Aloe vera L. inflorescence against plant pathogenic fungus

In the present work various organic extracts of dried Aloe vera L. inflorescence were investigated for their biocontrol potential against causal agent of stem rot Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Organic extracts of inflorescence constituted phytochemically of flavanoids, phenols, glycosides, alkaloids and terpenoids. Hexane plant extract showed best dose dependent (2000–100 ppm) inhibition of S. sclerotiorum having highest recorded IC50 value of 57.783 mg/ml. This is the first report of GC–MS analysis of A. vera inflorescence confirming presence of well known antifungal compounds i.e. hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester and γ-sitosterol.