Kernel Extract Research Articles

Design and Research on Shell Breaking Mechanism

For the large demand but low acquisition efficiency of the black olive kernel, the automatic assembly line instead of the traditional artificial olive kernel, automatically complete the shell breaking and kernel, kernel screening. Based on the design requirements of kernel extraction, we determine the overall structure of the olive kernel machine. Focus on analyzing material conveying device and cutting and shell breaking device, in the pipeline design, mainly use vibration disc, linear feeder, sprocket conveyor, pneumatic pressure device and linear screening machine and other institutions. Furthermore, three machining-sized molds were designed for the irregularities of the olive core. Finite element analysis showed that the design organization are reasonable.

Eco-friendly application of vermiwash obtained from different types of waste with neem seed kernel extract against papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink

Eco-friendly application of vermiwash obtained from different types of waste with neem seed kernel extract against papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink

Mango Seed Kernel Extract as a Natural Antioxidant in Minced Fish During Frozen Storage

Mango seed kernel extract (MSKE) has been reported to contain high content of phenolic compounds, and exhibit strong in vitro antioxidant activity. This study aimed to evaluate the application of MSKE as natural antioxidant in frozen minced fish products. The effect of MSKE at different concentrations (0%, 1%, 2% and 3% w/w) on retarding lipid and protein oxidation in minced fish samples during frozen storage at -18 ºC was investigated and compared to the chemical antioxidant, BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) at 0.01% w/w. Physicochemical parameters related to the oxidative stability of minced fish samples including pH, color, peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated diene (CD), protein carbonyl, sulfphydryl groups (SH), and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) were determined. The results showed that the pH values had significantly increased in all samples being treated with MSKE and BHT after 12 weeks of frozen storage. Samples treated with 3% MSKE or BHT were significantly lower in lightness (L*) and redness (a*) but presented no significant effects on yellowness (b*). Moreover, MSKE at all concentrations studied, and BHT, significantly delayed the increase in values of PV, TBARS, CD, protein carbonyl, and TVB-N and the decrease in values of SH compared to the control sample. At the end of storage, no significant odd odor and flavor assessed by sensory test were detected in frozen minced fish. In conclusion, MSKE at 3% w/w proved to be as efficient as BHT in retarding lipid and protein oxidation in minced fish during frozen storage.

Antimicrobial Resistance Profiling of Routine Antibiotics and Mango Kernel (Mangifera Indica L.) Ethanolic Extract on Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter Isolates

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter species are opportunistic pathogens that are clinically important, which causes severe infection during a prolonged stay in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital. In the present study, we screened clinical isolates of Acinetobacter species for its MDR nature from the ICU of a tertiary care centre at Abha, Saudi Arabia during the period of 2013-2017. Confirmed MDR Acinetobacter species clinical isolates were challenged against ethanolic extracts from mango kernel (Mangifera Indica L.) by classical disc diffusion method. In total, we characterized 124 MDR Acinetobacter isolates, out of which 62 (50%) were Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), 41 (33.1%) were Acinetobacter baumannii complex (MDR-ABC), 15 (12.1%) were Acinetobacter baumannii-haemolyticus (MDR-ABH), 3 (2.4%) were Acinetobacter haemolyticus (MDR-AH) and 3 (2.4%) were Acinetobacter iwoffii (MDR-AI). We observed that MDR-AB isolates were inhibited by ethanolic extract of M. indica with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 0.25 mg/ml. Concentrations of 50 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL exhibited average inhibition zones of 18.74±0.09, 15.51±0.08 and 9.74±0.06 mm respectively showing a concentration dependent antagonisms (R2= 0.947). The results of M. indica were comparable to Colistin inhibition zone of 14.98±0.72 mm with 50 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL exceeded those of the positive control (p= 0.6721 and 0.1045, respectively). However, Colistin showed minor increase over M. indica at the concentration 0.5-mg/ mL (p= 0.5384). More specifically, MDR-AB strains have shown a substantial susceptibility to mango kernel extract (0.25 mg/mL) with antagonism similar to that of Colistin. Thus, the study shows that the extracts of mango kernel as a potential drug target and could be potentially used as an adjunct treatment along with the standard agents to treat Acinetobacter infections.

In vitro evaluation of cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of ethanolic extract of sweet apricot kernel on PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of sweet apricot kernel ethanolic extract (SAEE) on human cancerous PANC-1 and 293/KDR normal cells.Design/methodology/approachThe extract was prepared by maceration, and its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The biological effects of SAEE on PANC-1 and 293/KDR cells were investigated using MTT (3–(4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) and AnnexinV/propidium iodide (PI) staining. The expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time q-PCR) analysis.FindingsThe SAEE showed the selective growth inhibitory activity against PANC-1 cells with an IC50 (the 50% inhibitory concentration) value of about 1 mg/mL at 72 h. Further investigations by DAPI staining and flow cytometry revealed nucleus fragmentation and elevation of apoptotic cells, respectively. Also, a significant decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated x protein (Bax) ratio (0.41, p = 0.001) and the up-regulation of caspase-3 expression (1.5 fold, p = 0.002) indicated the induction of apoptosis in PANC-1 cells but not in 293/KDR non-cancerous cells. These results suggest that SAEE could induce apoptosis in cancer cells via a mitochondrial dependent pathway. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis showed that the SAEE is rich in γ-sitosterol and γ-tocopherol. Overall, the findings suggest that because of the selective impacts of SAEE on PANC-1 cells, it can be considered as a supportive care in adjuvant therapy for pancreatic cancer. However, the potent anticancer effects of main components of SAEE and its clinical value as an antitumor drug should be further investigated.Research limitations/implicationsConsiderable limitations of this study were that the related mechanisms of selective impacts of SAEE on cancerous and normal cells and potent cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of γ-sitosterol and γ-tocopherol as major components of SAEE were not investigated.Originality/valueRecently, a growing interest has been dedicated to plant-based natural products. Sweet apricot kernel exerts a number of pharmacological activities; however, the anticancer effect, related mechanisms and its active compounds were rarely investigated. In this study, the authors aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic/apoptotic effects of SAEE on human cancerous PANC-1 and 293/KDR normal cells.

Kinetic dependences for the extraction of apricot pits kernels with ethanol-water solvent

During the extraction of a capillary-porous body, such as the nuclei of fruit seeds, the movement of the distributed substance in the solid phase is carried out by means of molecular diffusion. The amount of material flow in a solid per unit surface is determined by Fick’s law using the diffusion coefficient. The molecular diffusion coefficient depends on the structure of the solid, temperature and soluble substances, and does not depend on the hydrodynamic conditions on the surface of solid particles and the design of the apparatus. The article studies the kinetics of extraction of petals of apricot kernels with ethanol-water solvent. When calculating the value of the residual mass content of plant raw materials during the extraction process, an interval calculation method was used. Based on the experimental data of the extraction kinetics, the molecular diffusion coefficient was determined, which significantly increases during 600-700 s of extraction, and then decreases by 2 times after 1800 s. After 3000 s from the beginning of the process, the diffusion coefficient decreases less sharply. A significant increase in the diffusion coefficient at the beginning of the extraction process, including the impregnation stage, is associated with the uneven distribution of the extracted components in the initial sections of the capillaries. In the studies carried out, the nature of the change in the diffusion coefficient over time does not contradict modern concepts of the mechanism of extraction of a porous structure from plant raw materials.

Comparative efficacy of chemicals with biopesticides against tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum (L.) under field conditions

The present investigation entitled Comparative efficacy of chemicals with biopesticides against Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera (hubner) on Tomato, Solanum lycopersicum (L.) under field conditions. cultivar i.e. Pusa Ruby was conducted during December to March 2019-20 at Central Research Farm, SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj. The incidence of Helicoverpa armigera in tomato was starting from early stage of flowering till to the harvesting. The approaches for chemical management of tomato fruit borer were found effective than control. Two applications of seven insecticides viz; Neem oil @ 5%, Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.4%, Bacillus thuringiensis @ 5%, Neem seed kernel extract @ 5%, Flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 0.2%, Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 0.4%, and Nisco sixer plus @ 1% were evaluated against Tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera. Minimum percent of larval reduction and B:C ratio were observed in Spinosad (80.6 and 1:7.0) followed by Chlorantraniliprole (73.7 and 1:6.8) < Flubendamide (65.5 and 1:6.4) < Nisco sixer plus (63.3 and 1:5.9) < Neem oil (62.6 and 1:5.6) < Neem seed kernel extract (61.2 and 1:5.6).

Cottonseed-derived gossypol and ethanol extracts differentially regulate cell viability and VEGF gene expression in mouse macrophages

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in chronic inflammation associated with several diseases. Many plant extracts have nutritional and healthy benefits by down-regulating VEGF expression, but there was no report on VEGF regulation by cottonseed extracts in any biological system. The objective was to investigate cell viability and VEGF expression regulated by gossypol and ethanol extracts using lipopolysaccharides (LPS) as a control. MTT, qPCR and immunoblotting techniques were used to monitor cell viability, VEGF mRNA and protein levels in mouse RAW264.7 macrophages. Gossypol dramatically reduced macrophage viability but cottonseed extracts and LPS exhibited minor effect on cell viability. VEGFb mRNA levels were approximately 40 fold of VEGFa in the macrophages. Gossypol increased VEGFa and VEGFb mRNA levels up to 27 and 4 fold, respectively, and increased VEGF protein. LPS increased VEGFa mRNA by sixfold but decreased VEGFb mRNA. LPS increased VEGF protein in 2–4 h but decreased in 8–24 h. Glanded seed extracts showed some stimulating effects on VEGF mRNA levels. Glandless seed coat extract showed increased VEGFb mRNA levels but its kernel extract reduced VEGF mRNA levels. This study demonstrated that gossypol and ethanol extracts differentially regulated cell viability and VEGF expression in mouse macrophages.

A promising Natural remedy for Resistant Bacteria Associated Diarrhea from Mangifera indica. L

We examine the antibacterial activity of Mangifera indica.L against the drug resistant bacterial pathogens. The Indian traditional mango fruit exposed promise in the prevention of diarrhea. However, there is less information existing regarding activity against drug resistance bacteria causing diarrhea. In this study, we performed isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens from diarrheal stool samples and analyzed their antibiotic resistance pattern with three generation antibiotics. Antibiotic activity of mango kernel exhibited remarkable activity from 15.2±0.5mm to 19.0±0.3mm zone of inhibition. MIC of kernel extract was noted as 10 μg /ml. Current study provide the potent antibacterial activity of mango kernel against the drug resistant bacteria. In conclusion, the traditional Indian fruit become the natural remedy for the treatment of diarrhea.

Effect of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell stored and fresh extracts on cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Effect of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell stored and fresh extracts on cowpea bruchid, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Physical, Nutritional and Functional Properties of Walnuts Genotypes (Juglans regia L.) from Romania

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is the oldest fruit grown in the world and grows spontaneously almost throughout Romania. In this study, the physical properties and chemical composition of twenty types of walnuts from three different locations in Romania were studied. The physical analyzes that were performed were: walnut dimensions and shape properties (nut diameter, nut length, nut shape and nut size), fruit properties (walnut weight, walnut kernel weight and percentage of kernel) and external properties of walnut (walnut kernel extraction, kernel color and shell roughness). The proximate chemical composition (content of water, ash, lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) was determined by standardized AOAC methods, while fatty compounds were determined by GSMS. Water content ranged from 1.23% to 5.00%, mineral content between 1.31% and 2.49%, lipids content between 56.09% and 66.56% and protein content ranged between 12.73% and 20.413%. Based on these, the carbohydrate content and nutritional value of the 20 walnut samples were calculated. In all samples, saturated palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) as well as unsaturated oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) fatty acids were determined. A statistical analysis was also performed correlating the results obtained from the chemical analyzes of the walnuts.

Effect of grinding and extraction conditions on the determination of antioxidant activity and phenolic acids in barley

In the present study, the objective was to evaluate the effects of barley kernel size, grind level, and extract solvent on the antioxidant activities associated with total phenolic content and phenolic acid compositions. Three barley varieties (Kindred, Azure, and Tradition), were used and the results showed that with the exception of superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, thin kernel size fraction (2.0 mm) showed much higher antioxidant activities and total phenolic content than those in the 2.4 mm and 2.8 mm fractions when averaged across barley cultivar, grind level, and extract solvent. A similar trend was found for individual phenolic acid compositions among kernel sizes. Simple correlation analysis revealed that total phenolic content showed strong correlation with DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS + scavenging activity, and reducing power. Generally, fine grind and 80% acetone extract showed averaged highest values in antioxidant activities, total phenolic content, and individual phenolic acid compositions. Stepwise linear regression showed that extract solvent was the most important factor for DPPH· scavenging activity, ABTS + scavenging activity, reducing power, and iron chelating activity. The sum of syringic acid and caffeic acid exhibited a dominant role in explaining the major variation in antioxidant activities except for superoxide anion radical scavenging activity.

Anti-proliferative Effects of Prunus Armeniaca Semen on Acute Leukemia by Regulate of Cell Cycle Progression

Introduction: Prunus armeniaca is one member of the Rosaceae family. Antitumor activity of this family on the colon, prostate, bladder, cervix, lung and breast cancers has been proven in previous research, which is attributed to a natural compound called amygdalin. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of apricot kernel extract on acute leukemia that has not been studied before. Methods: In this experimental study, Aqueous, ethyl acetate, and hydro alcoholic of the Armeniacae semen extracts were prepared. The NALM-6 and KG-1 cell lines were treated with different doses of extracts; cell viability was investigated with MTT test and using double staining fluorescent, cell apoptosis was detected. Cell cycle progression was analyzed, using a BD Cycle TEST PLUS DNA Kit. Results: The results showed that different extracts of Prunus armeniaca induced dose-dependent inhibition in both Kg1 and Nalm6 cell lines. According to the results of MTT test, the strongest IC50 in Kg1 and Nalm6 cell lines was related to the 48h effect of ethyl acetate extract of Prunus armeniaca. Fluorescent microscopy analysis showed apoptosis. The ethyl acetate extract application in both cell lines increased the number of cells in the G0 / G1 phase and decreased the number of cells in the G2 / M phase. Conclusion: It seems that ethylacetat extract of Prunus armeniaca can reduce the proliferation of Kg1 and Nalm6 cell lines, probably by regulates cell cycle progression.

A Continual Learning Framework for Uncertainty-Aware Interactive Image Segmentation

Deep learning models have achieved state-of-the-art performance in semantic image segmentation, but the results provided by fully automatic algorithms are not always guaranteed satisfactory to users. Interactive segmentation offers a solution by accepting user annotations on selective areas of the images to refine the segmentation results. However, most existing models only focus on correcting the current image's misclassified pixels, with no knowledge carried over to other images. In this work, we formulate interactive image segmentation as a continual learning problem and propose a framework to effectively learn from user annotations, aiming to improve the segmentation on both the current image and unseen images in future tasks while avoiding deteriorated performance on previously-seen images. It employs a probabilistic mask to control the neural network's kernel activation and extract the most suitable features for segmenting images in each task. We also apply a task-aware embedding to automatically infer the optimal kernel activation for initial segmentation and subsequent refinement. Interactions with users are guided through multi-source uncertainty estimation so that users can focus on the most important areas to minimize the overall manual annotation effort. Experiments are performed on both medical and natural image datasets to illustrate the proposed framework's effectiveness on basic segmentation performance, forward knowledge transfer, and backward knowledge transfer.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Chemical Insecticides and Biopesticides against Flea Beetle in Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata)

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate chemical insecticides and bio-pesticides against flea beetle in cabbage.&#x0D; Study Design: The experiment was laid out at a randomized complete block design with three replications.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Experimental farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Bangladesh during the period from October 2017 to March 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: The experiment consisted of nine treatments viz. T1(Sevin 85 WP @ 2g/L of water), T2 (Decis 2.5 EC @ 1.0 ml/L of water), T3 (Voliam flexi @ 0.5 ml/L of water), T4 (Ripcord 10 EC @ 1.0 ml/L of water), T5 (Dursban 20EC @ 1 ml L-1 of water), T6 (Tobacco leaf extract @ 3 g L-1 of water), T7 (Neem seed kernel extract @ 3 g L-1 of water), T8 (Bioneem plus 1 EC @ 1 ml L-1 of water) and T9 (Untreated Control) were used at 7 days interval.&#x0D; Results: Stripped flea beetle(Phyllotreta striolata) and white-spotted flea beetle (Monolepta signata), these two species of flea beetle were found in the experimental field. Among all the treatments T4 (Ripcord 10EC)performed the best in managing flea beetles based on the lowest percentage of leaf infestation (5.84%), lowest no. of holes per plant (6.13), lowest percentage of head infestation by number (18.04) and highest percentage of infestation reduction over control on all parameters at vegetative stage of plant. Again, the lowest leaf infestation intensity (5.73%), lowest number of holes per infested head (14.00), lowest percentage of infestation of head by number (6.69) were achieved at harvesting stage from the same treatment (T4) whereas the highest values of all these parameters were achieved from untreated control treatment (T9). T4 treatment provided the best performance in yield where yield was increased (112.51 %) over control, giving maximum yield 75.76 tons ha-1. Bioneem plus 1 EC (T8) performed the best among the biopesticides while the neem seed kernel extract showed less effectivity against flea beetle.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is concluded that in case of chemical insecticides Ripcord 10EC while in case of biopesticides Bioneem plus 1 EC would be effective for flea beetle management.

Antielastase Activity of Macassar Kernels (Rhus javanica) Stem Extract and Skin Elasticity Evaluation of Its Topical Gel Formulation.

Background Macassar kernels (Rhus javanica L.) has potential as an antiaging agent as it has antielastase activity, especially its stem extract which has best percent inhibition compared to its leaves and fruit extract. Moreover, the antiaging agent can be commonly used in the form of gel for topical applications. Hence, formulation of HEC-based topical gel from the stem extract of Macassar kernels was conducted. This study aims to determine the antielastase activity of the stem extract of Macassar kernels and evaluate the skin elasticity of its topical gel formulation by conducting dermatological safety and skin antiaging efficacy test. Methods The stem extract was in vitro tested for antielastase activity using a microplate reader. Then, a formulation of a topical gel containing Rhus javanica stem extract was made. Five stages of quality control, which consisted of an organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH measurement, viscosity measurement, and physicochemical stability test, were conducted to ensure the quality of topical gel formulation. Last, clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the dermatological safety and antiaging efficacy of gel preparation containing stem extract of Rhus javanica. Results. The stem extract provided antielastase activity (IC50 = 245.68 μg/mL), and its polyphenol was valued at 23.28 ± 1.52 mg GAE/g). The gel containing 10% stem extract had better stability than the gel containing 5% stem extract. The dermatology safety test and efficacy test results indicated that the topical gel containing 10% Rhus javanica stem extract did not cause any skin irritation and significantly improved skin elasticity (p < 0.05). In the treatment group, the moisture parameter was significantly changed on day 14 (p < 0.0001), day 21 (p < 0.0001), and day 29 (p < 0.0001). The elasticity parameter was also changed significantly on day 14 (p=0.0485), day 21 (p=0.0537), and day 29 (p=0.0002). Conclusion The stem extract of Rhus javanica has potential antielastase activity. The topical gel containing Rhus javanica stem extract also has potential antielastase activity by increasing the skin moisture and enhancing skin elasticity.

Mango Peels and Kernels from Selected Varieties of Côte d’ivoire are Potential Sources of Antioxidative Bioactive Compounds

Aims: This study aimed to quantify the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of mango peels and kernels from two main varieties (Kent, Keitt) cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire.&#x0D; Study Design: Processing of mango varieties, determination of bioactive compounds content of mango peels and kernels, evaluation of antioxidant activity of mango peels and kernels.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Felix Houphouet-Boigny University, Biotechnology Laboratory (March to September 2019).&#x0D; Methodology: Ripe mango (Mangifera indica L) fruits from Kent and Keitt varieties were processed to obtain peels and kernels powders. Methanolic extracts of peels and kernels were used to determine the content of phenolics, flavonoids and tanins while hexanic extracts were used to determine the content of carotenoids and phytosterols. DPPH scavenging and ferric reducing power tests were used to evaluate antioxidant activity of peels and kernels.&#x0D; Results: Total phenolics content of kernels of Kent (4371.22 ± 24.98 mg/100g dw) and Keitt (4037.93 ± 20.43 mg/100g dw) were higher (P ˂ 0.05) than those of peels from the two varieties (2564.37 – 3082.07 mg/100g dw). The values for carotenoids content of peels varied from 37.53 to 57.74 μg/g dw while those of kernels varied from 1.48 to 3.46 μg/g dw. Based on DPPH test The IC50 values ranged from 0.2 to 0.7 mg/mL with the highest antioxidant activity reported for kernels from Kent variety. The absorbance at 700 nm was found to be 0.4 for kernel of Keitt variety and 0.3 for ascorbic acid at a dose level of 0.03 mg/mL.&#x0D; Conclusion: Peels and kernels from Kent and Keitt varieties are potential sources of bioactive compounds especially phenolics, tanins, carotenoids and phytosterols. These valuable bioactive compounds in mango by-products may have greater application in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Physical stability and bio-efficacy enhancement of Neem kernel aqueous extract by optimized amount of botanical synergist for the control of early stages of mosquitoes

The aim of present study is to enhance the stability of physic-chemical characteristics of neem kernel aqueous extract by botanical stabilizer system. There are variety of bioactive constituents are present in neem which give broadspectrum of insecticidal activity. Neem aqueous extract is commonly used and found very effective in pest control applications without harming the environment. However, due to hydrolytically unstable characteristics of neem active ingredients which results its lesser bioactivity and limits its usage in aqueous form. To overcome this un-stability issue oil extracted botanical stabilizer ( Prosopis juliflora ) were used in various ratios. In 70: 30 ratios, neem aqueous extract was found stable without any turbidity, p H change and fungal growth. Active ingredient, Azadirachtin was found stable with very less degradation i.e only 20-30 % degradation. This may possibly be due to inhibition of hydrolytic reactions. Bio-efficacy evaluation data also showed improved and stable mosquito larvae mortality % i.e 75-90% with 8 µg/g LD50 value. The approach used in this study could be very useful in long term stability of neem kernel extract in various geographical conditions without adding toxic solvents or chemical compositions.

Response Surface Optimization of Flavonoids Extraction, Beta Carotene Bleaching and Lipid-reducing Capacity of Nelumbo nucifera Seed Kernel Extracts

Response Surface Optimization of Flavonoids Extraction, Beta Carotene Bleaching and Lipid-reducing Capacity of Nelumbo nucifera Seed Kernel Extracts

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity, toxicity, and mineral composition of kernel and pomace of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Balochistan, Pakistan.

The present study aims to investigate some physical attributes, total phenolics content, total flavonoids content, mineral composition, bioluminescence toxicity assay and antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH, HPS, TAC and FRAP assays in the kernel and pomace samples of six apricot cultivars grown in Balochistan, Pakistan. TFC and TPC determined by the AlCl3 and Folin-Ciocalteu assays in apricot kernel extracts of six cultivars varied from 1797.5 (Chagali) to 4778.9 (Badoghur) mg QUE/100 g DW and from 1750.0 (Chagali) to 5005.8 (Badoghur) mg GAE/100 g DW. Apricot kernels exhibited higher antioxidant activity than pomace; antioxidant activity in terms of IC50 in kernels ranged from 24.88 to 98.61 μg/ml for DPPH, 334.84 to 516.63 μg/ml for HPS, from 22.02 to 110.80 μg/ml for TAC and from 96.27 to 163.35 μg/ml for FRAP. The apricot kernels showed higher TPC, TFC, bioluminescence toxicity to V. logei and antioxidant activity than the pomace. The correlation analysis demonstrated substantial contributions of polyphenols and flavonoids to antioxidant assays. The sample type was the leading factor affecting the amounts of K, Na, Ca, Fe, and Mn in the tested samples; mineral contents were higher in pomace than kernels. The highest inhibition to V. logei was found in the kernels of Badoghur (IC50 = 1.61 mg/ml). The PCA analysis showed significant contributions of phenolic and flavonoid contents towards antioxidant bioluminescence toxicity assays. Our results suggest Badoghur, Shakarpara and Sardai kernels are rich sources of secondary metabolites and possess remarkable antioxidant and antiluminescence activity and can make a significant contribution to the treatment and prevention of chronic health problems.