Kernel Extract Research Articles

Effect of Apricot kernel on Some Hematological,Histological and Biochemical Parameters in CCl4-induced Liver Injury in rats

The purpose of the present study was to find out the effect of apricot kernel on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver injury in male albino rats. To achieve this purpose and to explain, the histological, hematological and biochemical parameters were included. Thirty male albino rats were used and randomly divided to in to three groups. The first group represented control group which received normal diet and intraperitoneal injection with oil (0.5 ml/kg). The second group injected with CCl4(1 ml/kg), represented the CCl4(1 ml/kg)model,the third groupwere treated like the second group with 15%/ day apricot kernelfor a month . The apricot kernel extracts treated group showed significant differences in AST, ALT, ALP, direct bilirubin, , GSH, liver SOD, WBC, LYM and PLT when compared to CCl4 treated rats. In the current study histological section through the liver of control rats showed normal architecture of hepatocytes.Although Paraffin section of the rat liver treated with CCl4 most of the hepatocytes were degenerated, congestion of blood and inflammatory leukocyte infiltration were observed,the results showed that CCl4 injection caused significant alterations in histological and biochemical parameters but our study showed that the apricot kernel administration showed improvement of histological analysis for four weeks (March to April 2015).

Improving the Vanillin-Sulphuric Acid Method for Quantifying Total Saponins

The colorimetric assay used for saponin quantification in plant extracts is subject to interference by common solvents used to extract the saponins from plant materials. Therefore, the degree of interference of ten common solvents was investigated. It was found that the presence of acetone, methanol and n-butanol in the reaction solution caused an intense darkening of the reaction solution in the absence of saponins, which likely could lead to erroneous saponin content values. Using aescin to construct standard curves with different solvents—such as water, ethanol, and methanol— also showed significant differences in the standard curves obtained, which led to different values when they were applied to quantify the saponin content of an ethanol extract from dried and powdered Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) seed kernels. To improve the method, a solvent evaporation step was added prior to the colorisation reaction to prevent undesired solvent interference during the reaction step. Using this modified protocol for the aescin standard curve and the Gac seed kernel extract eliminated any solvent interference. Thus, this improved protocol is recommended for the quantification of the saponin content of plant extracts irrespective of which extraction solvent is used.

LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MSn Analysis Reveals Diarylheptanoids and Flavonol O-glycosides in Fresh and Roasted Hazelnut (Corylus avellana cultivar “Tonda di Giffoni”)

Hazelnut represents one of the most consumed food, containing a large range of bioactive and health-promoting compounds. Investigation of the fatty component of C. avellana nut has been widely carried out, but little is known about its phenolic content. In order to achieve deeper insight into the polar fraction of the n-butanol extracts of both fresh and roasted kernels of C. avellana cultivar, “Tonda di Giffoni” a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product of Campania region (Italy), a phytochemical investigation was carried out. High performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization, multiple-stage linear ion-trap and orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS/MSn) profile of the fresh and roasted hazelnut led to the identification of eleven phenolic compounds corresponding to diarylheptanoid derivatives, flavonoid O-glycosides and ellagic acid. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of isolated compounds was evaluated by TEAC assay which showed that ellagic acid and flavonoid derivatives possessed the highest free-radical-scavenging activity.

Analysis on Feature Extraction and Classification of Rice Kernels for Myanmar Rice Using Image Processing Techniques

Analysis on Feature Extraction and Classification of Rice Kernels for Myanmar Rice Using Image Processing Techniques

Storage stability of soy protein isolate films incorporated with mango kernel extract at different temperature

This research investigated the storage stability of antioxidant films made from waste and by-products which are soy protein isolate (SPI) and mango kernel extract (MKE) stored at room temperature (25 °C), refrigeration temperature (4 °C) and frozen temperature (−18 °C) for 90 days. The thickness of the films was maintained from 0.050 to 0.058 mm until the 90th day. The colour properties of SPI films incorporated with MKE (SPI + MKE) were generally not significantly affected by time and temperature except for the b value. All the films turned darker over the storage time. There was no dominant factor between temperature and time for the mechanical properties; all the films showed an increase in tensile strength and Young's modulus, and a decrease in elongation. The antioxidant activity of the films was determined by the total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of DPPH and ABTS. SPI + MKE film at 25 °C showed the highest antioxidant activity as compared to films stored at 4 °C and −18 °C in all the analyses, with the result being significant in DPPH and ABTS analyses. The film stored at 25 °C showed 26 to 50% higher (p > 0.05) TPC than films stored at 4 °C and −18 °C, respectively and had the highest antioxidant activity (54%) in ABTS analysis (p < 0.05). SPI + MKE film stored at 25 °C also showed only 1% depreciation of radical scavenging activity (RSA) throughout the storage time. The highest decrease (4%) in antioxidant activity was recorded for SPI + MKE film stored at −18 °C, although it was considered very low. This shows that the antioxidant activity of the films is stable for 90 days of storage.

Formulation and Evaluation of a Syrup Based on Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile

Introduction: The kernel powder of the fruit of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del is mixed with sorghum flour for the treatment of intestinal worms in Burkina Faso. Previous preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the medicine. Objective: The objective of this study is to execute galenic formulations based on extracts of the kernel of the fruit of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) with good pharmaceutical quality. Methods: The quality control was carried out for the freeze-dried extracts of kernels and the syrups were prepared thereon. Thin layer chromatography has been used to characterize the chemical constituents. Syrups were prepared from lyophilized aqueous extracts. Fifteen (15) test formulationswere prepared and the quality control of these samples helped to sort out only one best among them. Results and Discussion: The results show that the syrups had a good appearance without sedimentation, it was easy to disperse and, it showed absence of Salmonella and coliforms. Stability studies showed that after two years’ of storage, the syrups kept the same colors, taste and were free of mold. The chemical composition of the syrup was similar during the studied storage time. Assessments of bacterial contamination of syrups showed an absence of Salmonella and coliforms. After two years of storage they have maintained a good microbiological quality. Conclusion: This study made it possible to ensure good quality of the syrups prepared. Parameters studied can be used routinely as elements of evaluation and quality control.

Isolation of Cottonseed Extracts That Affect Human Cancer Cell Growth

Cottonseeds are classified as glanded or glandless seeds depending on the presence or absence of gossypol glands. Glanded cottonseed has anticancer property and glandless cottonseed was reported to cause cancer in one animal study. It is important to investigate the effect of bioactive components from cottonseeds. Our objectives were to isolate ethanol extracts from cottonseeds and investigate their effects on human cancer cells. A protocol was developed for isolating bioactive extracts from seed coat and kernel of glanded and glandless cottonseeds. HPLC-MS analyzed the four ethanol extracts but only quercetin was identified in the glandless seed coat extract. Residual gossypol was detected in the glanded and glandless seed kernel extracts and but only in the glanded seed coat extract. Ethanol extracts were used to treat human cancer cells derived from breast and pancreas followed by MTT assay for cell viability. Ethanol extracts from glanded and glandless cottonseed kernels and gossypol significantly decreased breast cancer cell mitochondrial activity. Ethanol extract from glanded cottonseed kernel and gossypol also significantly decreased pancreas cancer cell mitochondrial activity. These results suggest that ethanol extracts from cottonseeds, like gossypol, contain anticancer activities.

Gluconeogenesis and nitrogen metabolism in maize

Two pathways can be used by gluconeogenesis in plants: one employs phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and the other pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK). The occurrence-location of these enzymes was determined in developing kernels of maize. PPDK was much more abundant than PEPCK in extracts of whole kernels. However, their location within the kernel was different. PPDK was particularly abundant in the peripheral endosperm (in which alanine is abundant), whereas PEPCK was localised in the pedicel and basal endosperm transfer cells (where asparagine is metabolised). The abundance of these enzymes was also determined in maize roots where there was a massive increase in abundance of PEPCK and a small increase in abundance of PPDK when they were fed ammonium; PEPCK was located in the pericycle and various cell types associated with the vasculature. On the other hand, there was a large increase in abundance of PPDK in roots subjected to anoxia (which induces an accumulation of alanine), whereas the abundance of PEPCK was decreased. These results show: firstly, that gluconeogenesis can potentially occur in many different tissues of maize. Secondly, within one organ PPDK can be abundant in some tissues and PEPCK in others. Thirdly, the abundance of PPDK and PEPCK is often associated with the metabolism of certain nitrogenous compounds and can be dramatically altered by factors related to nitrogen metabolism. In maize roots and developing kernels PPDK was associated with alanine metabolism. By contrast, the presence of PEPCK in maize roots and kernels was associated with either ammonium or asparagine metabolism. We propose that gluconeogenesis is often a component of a widespread mechanism that is used in coordinating the import/mobilisation of nitrogenous compounds with their utilisation. Further, potentially component of this mechanism may have provided building blocks that were used in the evolution of processes such as C4 photosynthesis, Crassulacean acid metabolism, stomatal metabolism and the biochemical pH stat.

Cornstarch is less allergenic than corn flour in dogs and cats previously sensitized to corn

BackgroundCorn appears to be an uncommon food source of allergens in dogs and cats. There is limited information on the nature of the corn allergens in dogs and cats and their presence in the various foodstuffs used in commercial pet foods. The aim of this study was to determine if serum IgE from corn-sensitized dogs and cats recognized proteins in corn flour and cornstarch, which are common sources of carbohydrates in pet foods.ResultsWe selected archived sera from allergy-suspected dogs (40) and cats (40) with either undetectable, low, medium or high serum levels of corn-specific IgE. These sera were tested then by ELISA on plates coated with extracts made from corn kernels, corn flour, cornstarch and the starch used in the commercially-available extensively-hydrolyzed pet food Anallergenic (Royal Canin). Immunoblotting was then performed on the same extracts with some of the sera from moderate-to-high corn-sensitized dogs and cats. Using ELISA, it is mostly the dogs and cats with moderate and high corn-specific IgE levels that also had IgE identifying allergens in the flour (dogs: 20/30 sera, 67% - cats: 20/29, 69%). In contrast, none of the tested sera had measurable IgE against proteins isolated from the cornstarch. Immunoblotting confirmed the existence of numerous major corn allergens in the corn kernel extract, fewer in that of the corn flour, while such allergens were not detectable using this technique in the two cornstarch extracts.ConclusionsIn this study, ELISA and immunoblotting results suggest that IgE from corn-sensitized dogs are less likely to recognize allergens in cornstarch than in kernel and flour extracts. As corn is not a common allergen source in dogs and cats, and as its starch seems to be less allergenic than its flour, pet foods containing cornstarch as a carbohydrate source are preferable for dogs and cats suspected of suffering from corn allergy.

The use of slow releasing nanoparticle encapsulated Azadirachtin formulations for the management of Caryedon serratus O. (groundnut bruchid).

Nanobiotechnology is one of the emerging fields and its interventions in agriculture is been attracting the scientific community. Herein, the authors first to report on control of groundnut bruchid (Caryedon serratus O.) using nanoscale zinc oxide (ZnONPs) particles and nanoscale chitosan (CNPs) particles-based Azadirachtin formulations. ZnONPs and CNPs were prepared using sol-gel and ion tropic gelation techniques, respectively. Neem seed kernel extract (NSKE) 5% and Neem oil (3000 and 1000 ppm) were encapsulated using the prepared nanoscale materials and characterised using the techniques such as dynamic light scattering, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Spherical-shaped nanoparticles were formed after encapsulation with the required bio-materials (ZnONPs 33.1 nm; CNPs 78.8 nm; neem oil encapsulated (3000 ppm) ZnONPs 182.9 nm; NSKE encapsulated ZnONPs 84.9 nm) and observed that the particles are stable (52.3 mV for ZnONPs, -36.2 mV for CNPs, -43.0 mV for neem oil encapsulated (3000 ppm) ZnONPs and -39.4 mV for NSKE encapsulated ZnONPs). NSKE encapsulated CNPs were able to contain groundnut bruchid up to 180 days with 54.61% weight loss compared to other formulations tested. Thus biomaterial encapsulated nanoscale material formulations are proved to be effective in controlling stored grain pests to reduce huge economic losses.

EFFICACY OF BIOPESTICIDES AGAINST WHITEFLIES AND JASSIDS OF SOYBEAN

Tested biopesticides were significantly superior over untreated check on 1 and 3-days after spray, but did not show any significant effect on the sap sucking pest population 7-days after spray. Of the biopesticides tested, A. indica seed kernel extract (5%) was most effective against whiteflies and jassids 1 and 3 days after the first and second sprays; however, after the third spray, the treatment schedule comprising A. indica oil followed by SL-NPV and later by A. indica seed kernel extract caused maximum reduction of jassids population. The treatment comprising A. indica leaf extract (10%) proved to be least effective against jassids and whiteflies. A. indica seed kernel extract (5%) was significantly more effective in causing the maximum population reduction of whiteflies and jassids after the three sprayings and A. indica oil (1%) application was the next in order of efficacy.

Cottonseed Extracts and Gossypol Regulate Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase Gene Expression in Mouse Macrophages.

Plant bioactive polyphenols have been used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases since ancient history. Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) seeds are classified as glanded or glandless depending on the presence or absence of pigment glands, which contain polyphenolic gossypol. Diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs) are integral membrane proteins that catalyze the last step of triacylglycerol biosynthesis in eukaryotes. Understanding the regulation of DGATs will provide information for therapeutic intervention for obesity and related diseases. However, little was known if DGAT gene expression was regulated by natural products. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cottonseed extracts and gossypol on DGAT gene expression in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Mouse cells were treated with different concentrations of cottonseed extracts, gossypol, and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) for various times. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay showed that coat extract of glanded seeds had a modest effect on DGAT1 and minimal effect on DGAT2 mRNA levels. Kernel extract of glanded seeds had a minimal effect on DGAT1 but increased DGAT2 mRNA levels more than 20-fold. Coat extract of glandless seeds and LPS had minimal effects on DGAT mRNA levels. Kernel extract of glandless seeds did not have much effect on DGAT1 and slightly increased DGAT2 mRNA levels. Gossypol increased DGAT1 and DGAT2 mRNA levels by up to three-fold and more than 80-fold, respectively. The coefficient correlations ( R2) between DGAT2 mRNA levels and glanded kernel extract and gossypol concentrations were 0.82-0.99. This study suggests that Dgat2 is an inducible gene rapidly responding to stimulators such as polyphenols whose protein product DGAT2 plays an important role in fat biosynthesis. We conclude that gossypol and ethanol extract from glanded cottonseed kernel are strong stimulators of DGAT2 gene expression and that they may be novel agents for intervention of lipid-related dysfunction via increasing DGAT2 gene expression in target tissues.

In-vitro investigation of anti-acne properties of Mangifera indica L. kernel extract and its mechanism of action against Propionibacterium acnes

Propionibacterium acnes has been recognized as a main target for medical treatment of acne since this bacterium promotes acne inflammation by inducing upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines production, resulting in an accumulation of neutrophils and oxygen-free radicals produced by neutrophils within acne lesion. The aims of this study were to evaluate the biological activities of Mangifera indica kernel extracts grown in Northern Thailand (Kaew-Moragot cultivar), related to anti-acne properties including antimicrobial effect against acne-inducing bacteria together with the first elucidation of the mechanism of action against Propionibacterium acnes, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation. The kernels of M. indica, obtained from raw and ripe fruits, were macerated using various solvents. Agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods were performed to investigate the antibacterial activities of the extracts against P. acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The ethanolic fractions exhibited the strongest antimicrobial effect against P. acnes with minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of 1.56 mg/mL and 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. Bactericidal effect against P. acnes of these extracts could be observed after 3 h of incubation from time-kill curve. The chromatograms of high-performance liquid chromatography showed that the extracts existed gallic acid with high total phenolic content. These extracts additionally showed strong free radical scavenging properties on 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) as well as a notable inhibitory effect on linoleic acid peroxidation, which highly correlated to their antimicrobial effect, total phenolic, and gallic acid contents. The images, studied through using transmission electron microscopy, revealed that the extract certainly disrupted P. acnes cell membrane after exposure for 1 h as well as induced the consequent leakage of cytoplasmic materials. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on IL-8 secretion from LPS-inducing RAW 264.7 cells were also presented. In conclusion, the kernel extracts of raw M. indica fruit were effective against aerobic and anaerobic acne-inducing bacteria particularly P. acnes and exerted antioxidant along with anti-inflammatory activities. Therefore, the extracts might be potential agents for inflammatory acne treatment. However, clinical study is needed for further investigation.

Phenolic profile and antioxidant activity of Pistacia vera var. Sarakhs hull and kernel extracts: the influence of different solvents

Iran is among the main exporters of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.). Thus, evaluation of phytochemical properties of this product is of crucial importance. In this study, effects of three types of solvents namely, polar protic solvents (i.e. ultrapure water, methanol and ethanol), polar aprotic solvents (i.e. acetone and ethyl acetate) and a non-polar solvent (i.e. hexane), on total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and total proanthocyanidins extractability as well as antioxidant activity (as evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay) of P. vera var. Sarakhs hull and kernel, were investigated. High extraction yields were observed following utilization of less polar solvents (43.14 and 34.19% for hull and kernel, respectively). There were significant differences among solvents in terms of the amount of antioxidant compounds extracted. Ethanolic hull and kernel extract showed the maximum amounts of total phenols (113.21 and 169.53 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g of dried plant, respectively), total flavonoids (87.03 and 139.47 mg of quercetin equivalent per g of dried plant, respectively) and total proanthocyanidins (110.60 and 150.32 mg of catechin equivalents per g of dried plant, respectively) followed by methanol > ultrapure water > ethyl acetate > hexane. Assessment of antioxidant activity showed that the ethanol extract of hull and kernel had the least IC50 (3.04 and 6.8 µg/ml, respectively) and the greatest value when assessed by FRAP (8.80 and 5.59 mmol/g, respectively). The results suggested that P. vera var. Sarakhs hull and kernel extract can be regarded as a promising alternative for synthetic antioxidants.

Effect of pistachio kernel extracts in MCF-7 breast cancer cells: Inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of ROS production, modulation of glycolysis and of mitochondrial respiration

The effects of ground pistachio kernel extracts have been evaluated on cellular viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results showed a significant decrease in cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner. 48 h-treatments with different concentrations of the extracts induced intracellular ROS generation and showed that cell death was in an apoptosis-independent manner. It was also found that 48 h-treatments led to a dose dependent reduction in both extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) with respect to untreated cells. Therefore, a considerable alteration of cell bioenergetics would occur as consequence of such treatments. Combination of oxidative stress and bioenergetic alterations could be responsible, at least in part, of the cell death observed in the present model. In conclusion, pistachio kernel extract showed promising beneficial effects that could be exploited as a “natural adjuvant” in combination with chemotherapy treatment.

Effect of Post-Harvest Traditional Technologies on the Nutrient Content and Antioxidant Compounds of Defatted Flours from Ricinodendron heudelotti (Baill. Pierre ex Pax) Seed Kernels

Akpi (Ricinodendron heudelotii) is a semi-deciduous plant species indigenous to the coastal nations of West Africa. Its kernels are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this article, we performed a nutritional characterization and a phytochemical composition of defatted kernel flours from Ricinodendron heudelotti that were grown in six different regions of Cote d’Ivoire. Classical analytic methods were used to determine the chemical composition. There were significant differences between the samples for all the parameters studied; in addition, both the locality of production and the Ricinodendron heudelotii seed kernels extraction systems showed a noteworthy influence on the mineral and element composition of the defatted flours. The samples were also rich in protein (47.0–61.3%) and energy (330.4‒339.2 kcal/100 g). Magnesium (12.0–40.0%) was found to be the predominant mineral. Polyphenols (216.6–403.9 mg/100 g) and oxalates (714.7–972.9 mg/100 g) were the main phytochemical compounds identified. The consumption of defatted kernel flours from Ricinodendron heudelotti may contribute relatively high intake levels of protein, carbohydrate, and mineral macro- and micronutrient (K, Mg, Ca, Mn, and Fe). By performing principal coordinate analysis, the multidimensional scaling plot classified the defatted flours according to the kernel extraction into four main extraction systems: Bondoukou-Lakota-Vavoua diagram, Agboville1 diagram, Divo diagram, and Agboville2 diagram.

Fractionation, antioxidant and inhibitory activity of Thai mango seed kernel extracts

Mango seed kernel extracts (MSKE) from Kaew and Choke-Anan mango cultivars were fractionated using Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Antioxidant activity and the inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, 5-lipoxygenase, hyaluronidase and α-glucosidase of MSKE fractions were evaluated. The key components of polyphenol, found in the most active fraction, were identified using LC-ESI-MS. Three major isolates were obtained from both cultivars of the MSKE with the absorb­ance being higher for Choke-Anan than Kaew. Fraction 3 of MSKE from both cultivars showed significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher antioxidant activity and 5-lipoxygenase, hyaluronidase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with Choke-Anan more effective than Kaew. Six different polyphenols were found in fraction 3 of both cultivars. These were tri-o-galloyl-glucoside, tetra-o-galloyl-glucoside, maclurin tri-o-galloyl-glucoside, penta-o-galloyl-glucoside, hexa-o-galloyl-glucoside, and hepta-o-galloyl-glucoside. In the MSKE from Choke-Anan, hexa-o-galloyl-glucoside, and tetra-o-galloyl-glucoside were the two major components, whereas in the MSKE from Kaew tetra-o-galloyl-glucoside was the only major component. The results indicate that MSKE is a suitable by-product that could be utilised for adding value to the mango processing industry and could represent a valuable input into functional foods and pharmaceutical production.

Steroid glycosides as potential analytes for Cu‐doping on TiO2 for photocatalytic water treatment

The kernel of Thevetia peruviana, a toxic ornamental shrub, is rich in cardiac glycosides and, its concentration could be as high as 4.8%. This work aimed for the functionalization of a photocatalyst support, TiO2 by Cu‐doping using a facile bio‐mediated green methodology. Herein, the mechanism of Cu‐doping on TiO2 mediated by cardiac glycosides present in the bioextract is proposed. Cu(II) was first immobilized on TiO2 and, then the aqueous kernel extract of T. peruviana was used to dope Cu(II) on TiO2 at room temperature. The loading of Cu doped on TiO2 was found to be about 99% of the initial amount of Cu(II) taken in the immobilization stage. With the increase in Cu loading, there was a gradual redshift in the optical absorbance but the optimal dopant concentration was found to be 1.5% (true loading). The polydispersity index was increased by 1.8‐folds due to the transformation of the rutile phase to the anatase phase (maximum 8.48%) and increase in the crystallite size (17.7–24.5 nm). Cu‐doped TiO2 exhibited as high as 75% trypan blue dye degradation in 120 min at the optimal dopant concentration under the visible light irradiation by the combined effect of photocatalysis and photosensitization which was originated in the presence of trypan blue dye. However, the photosensitization effect due to the adsorption of pigments present in the bioextract was also insignificant as evidenced from the decomposition of a colorless pharmaceutical compound. The electron spin resonance spectra confirmed that radicals primarily caused the dye decomposition. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018

Increased neem extract content enhances drying survival of co-encapsulated Saccharomyces cerevisiae and decreases relative release of azadirachtin

ABSTRACTPlant extracts from the neem tree can be applied as a bioinsecticidal compound in ‘attract-and-kill’ co-formulations to control soil-dwelling insect pests. Since insects are attracted to the bioinsecticide, the attract-and-kill approach benefits from a reduced dose of insecticide needed. Here, we demonstrate that a powdery neem seed kernel extract in combination with corn starch significantly enhances the drying survival of co-encapsulated CO2-releasing Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Additionally, an increased content of the neem extract was shown to slow down the relative release of azadirachtin A. Both findings are of high relevance for the development of formulations in the field of biological pest control.

Formulation and evaluation of gels containing coconut kernel extract for topical application

The biological activity of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) extracts from its kernels and various parts was reported by many previous studies, it is therefore believable that the extracts of its kernels might show some activities in topical formulations. Among several kernel extracts, the TC06 extract prepared by soaking the steamed coconut kernels in hot water showed the highest total phenolic content (6.98 ± 0.30 mg GAE/g extract) and the strongest antioxidant activity as determined using FRAP and DPPH methods with a reducing power value of 4.12 ± 0.16 mg AAE/g of extract and an SC50 value of 2.38 ± 0.14 mg/ml, respectively. In addition, this extract did not display any cytotoxic effects in the concentration range of 50–3200 µg/ml. Meanwhile, it revealed cytoprotective effects against t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells at concentrations higher than 400 µg/ml. The results of phytochemical investigations including a chemical color test, TLC, 1H NMR and FTIR suggested that the TC06 extract was mainly composed of flavonoids and terpenoids. Furthermore, the concentrations of heavy metals including As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in the TC06 extract were below permissible limits. According to the solubility, the TC06 extract was incorporated into gels using Carbopol Ultrez 21 as a gelling agent. The formulated gel containing 3% (w/w) TC06 extract was stable at 4 °C and 25 °C with 75% RH throughout the storage period. It was found that the Carbopol Ultrez 21-based hydroalcoholic gel containing an aqueous extract of coconut kernels exhibited antioxidant activities in the two assays and showed a sufficient consistency, a pleasing color, and a non-oily perception during the period of observation.