Leucaena Leucocephala Research Articles

Effects of nitrogen regulation on heavy metal phytoextraction efficiency (Leucaena leucocephala): application of a nitrogen fertilizer and a fungal agent.

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) have been identified as the primary contaminants in soil, posing potential health threats. This study aimed to examine the effects of applying a nitrogen fertilizer and a fungal agent Trichoderma harzianum J2 (nitrogen alone, fungi alone, and combined use) on the phytoremediation of soils co-contaminated with Pb and Cd. The growth of Leucaena leucocephala was monitored in the seedling, differentiation, and maturity stages to fully comprehend the remediation mechanisms. In the maturity stage, the biomass of L. leucocephala significantly increased by 18% and 29% under nitrogen-alone (NCK+) and fungal agent-alone treatments (J2), respectively, compared with the control in contaminated soil (CK+). The remediation factors of Pb and Cd with NCK+ treatment significantly increased by 50% and 125%, respectively, while those with J2 treatment increased by 73% and 145%, respectively. The partial least squares path model suggested that the nitrogen-related soil properties were prominent factors affecting phytoextraction compared with biotic factors (microbial diversity and plant growth). This model explained 2.56 of the variation in Cd concentration under J2 treatment, and 2.97 and 2.82 of the variation in Pb concentration under NCK+ and J2 treatments, respectively. The redundancy analysis showed that the samples under NCK+ and J2 treatments were clustered similarly in all growth stages. Also, Chytridiomycota, Mucoromucota, and Ciliophora were the key bioindicators for coping with heavy metals. Overall, a similar remediation mechanism allowed T. harzianum J2 to replace the nitrogen fertilizer to avoid secondary pollution. In addition, their combined use further increased the remediation efficiency.

Leucaena leucocephala and montmorillonite co-pyrolysis biochar: A Study on physicochemical properties and stability

Leucaena leucocephala, an invasive toxic tree species, has threatened the survival of native plants in the Hengchun Peninsula, southern Taiwan. Due to the small-to-medium diameter, the utilization and processing of L. leucocephala is highly restricted, while its discarding accelerates carbon dioxide emission to the atmosphere. Biochar, produced from the pyrolysis of biomass under an inert atmosphere, is considered an effective carbon sequestration technique with high stability, which is important for long-term carbon storage and soil improvement. L. leucocephala biomass and montmorillonite were co-pyrolyzed under inert conditions, aiming to investigate the effects of different pyrolysis temperatures and montmorillonite blending ratios on biochar yield and carbon retention. Results showed improved biochar yield and carbon retention with increasing montmorillonite addition. Thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated enhanced stability of the modified biochars. The production of modified L. leucocephala biochar represents a promising technique for carbon dioxide sequestration and biochar stabilization, enabling the development of L. leucocephala utilization approaches.

Changes in chemical characteristics and dynamics population of microorganisms in pre-fermentation treatment of lamtoro seed (Leucaena leucocephala) during mlanding tempeh’s production

Mlanding tempeh is an indigenous fermented food from lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala) seed that uses usar as the inoculum in its production. Lamtoro seed contains antinutritional compounds namely phytic acid and tannin, and toxin compounds namely mimosine. Antinutritional compounds decrease the quality of nutrients in mlanding tempeh. The purpose of the research was to investigate the changes in nutritional compounds, antinutritional and toxin compounds, total phenols, antioxidants activity, dietary fiber and dynamics population of microorganisms in pre-fermentation treatment in lamtoro seed during mlanding tempeh’s production. The analysis was carried out at the pre-fermentation stage, namely before the inoculation process. The result showed the change of nutrient compounds, antinutritional and toxin compounds, total phenols, antioxidants activity, dietary fiber, and dynamics population of microorganisms in prefermentation treatment in lamtoro seed during mlanding tempeh’s production. Moisture, protein, and fat content increased, whereas ash, carbohydrate, phytic acid, tannin, and mimosine decreased. The total phenols content, antioxidant activity, and dietary fiber content of lamtoro seed also decreased. Meanwhile, the population of microorganisms (yeast and lactic acid bacteria) increased in pre-fermentation treatment in lamtoro seed during mlanding tempeh’s production.

DESCOMPOSICIÓN Y LIBERACIÓN DE NITRÓGENO DE LOS RESIDUOS DE CAÑA DE AZÚCAR (Saccharum officinarum L.) COMBINADOS CON EL FOLLAJE DE PLANTAS LOCALES

<p><strong>Background</strong>: Green post-harvest sugarcane residues (<em>Saccharum officinarum</em>) present low rates of decomposition and N release in the short term when integrated into the production system. Combining <em>S. officinarum</em> residues with the foliage of local plants rich in nitrogen could be an alternative to accelerate the decomposition process of residues with a positive impact on soil conservation. <strong>Objective</strong>: To evaluate and compare the decomposition patterns and potential release of N to the soil of the residues of <em>S. officinarum</em> variety MEX 69-290, with the addition of different foliage such as <em>Clitoria ternatea</em>, <em>Leucaena leucocephala</em> and <em>Tithonia diversifolia</em>, in southern Quintana Roo. <strong>Methodology</strong>: The treatments evaluated were the following: Clitoria + MEX 69-290, Leucaena + MEX 69-290, Tithonia + MEX 69-290, and MEX 69-290 (control). The materials were placed in decomposition bags and incubated on the ground in four periods (15, 30, 60 and 120 days), in a completely randomized design. The contents of dry matter, nitrogen and lignin were determined for the initial and remaining material in each period. <strong>Results</strong>: With the integration of local plants, a significant increase in the percentage of decomposition and release of N was obtained. After 120 days of evaluation, the decomposition values were 71.3, 50.4, 48.1 and 33.5%, for the Tithonia + MEX 69-290, Clitoria + MEX 69-290, Leucaena + MEX 69-290, and MEX 69-290 control, respectively. Likewise, the potential N release values were 98.2, 95.3, 92.9 and 58.7%, for Tithonia + MEX 69-290, Leucaena + MEX 69-290, Clitoria + MEX 69-290, and MEX 69-290 control. The Tithonia + MEX 69-290 treatment had the highest relative decomposition rate (0.009 g g<sup>-1</sup> day<sup>-1</sup>) and a high potential N release rate (0.053 g g<sup>-1</sup> day<sup>-1</sup>), compared to the other treatments. <strong>Implications</strong>: The integration of N-rich plants can increase the decomposition and release of N from sugarcane residues, with potential in plant assimilation from the first crop cycle, reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer and increase sugarcane yields. in the region. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: The combination of <em>S. officinarum</em> residues with foliage of local plants, particularly <em>T. diversifolia</em>, could be considered a viable strategy to accelerate the decomposition process and release of N in residues on the edaphoclimatic conditions of southern Quintana Roo.</p>

Studies on Phytochemicals and Bioactivities of Methanolic Extract of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit Fruit Pods

Objectives: The study was designed to screen for the phytochemical constituents, and investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of Leucaena leucocephala fruit pods methanolic extract (LLFPME).
 Materials and Methods: Matured and dried fruit pods were pulverized and extracted with methanol using maceration method. The filtrate was concentrated in a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure to obtain powdery form termed LLFPME. The LLFPME was tested for the presence of phytochemicals using TLC and GC-MS technique. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were quantified; the antioxidant potential of the extract was examined using DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging, metal chelating, FRAP and TAC assays. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using the membrane stabilizing and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities while the antibacterial activity was investigated by determining the zone of inhibition, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of extract against the test bacterial isolates.
 Results: TLC revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and others while the GC-MS analysis also showed the presence of 27 compounds. It was shown that the LLFPME displayed measurable antioxidant activity by exhibiting DPPH and H2O2 free radical scavenging potential and dose dependent metal chelating ability. FRAP and TAC were estimated to be 14.88 ± 0.04 and 25.53 ± 0.21 mgAAE/g of extract, respectively. The extract protected the RBC membrane integrity of RBC subjected to heat and hypotonic stress; and inhibited the activity of lipoxygenase. The extract inhibited the growth of some bacterial strains but had no visible effect on Pseudomonas aeuroginosa growth. The zone of inhibition, MIC and MBC exhibited by the extract against susceptible test bacteria ranges between 13 - 17 mm, 2.5 - 20 and 20 mg/ml, respectively..
 Conclusion: It was concluded that LLFPME exhibited antioxidant potential through various mechanisms that possibly aided its ability to stabilize stressed cell membrane and similarly inhibited the growth of some bacterial strain.

Nanoremediation and Antioxidant Potential of Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Leucena's Leaves, Stem, and Fruits.

Synthetic dyes are persistent organic environmental pollutants that can cause extensive damage to living beings and to the ecosystem as a whole. Cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient strategies to deal with this type of pollution are necessary as it commonly resists conventional water treatment methods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using the aqueous extract from the leaves, stem, and fruits of Leucaena leucocephala (Leucena) were produced and characterized through UV-vis, TEM, EDS, SDL, XPS, XRD, and zeta potential, and they proved to be able to promote adsorption to remediate methylene blue and tartrazine pollution in water. The nanoremediation was performed and did not require direct exposure to sunlight or any special lamp or a specific reduction agent. The AgNPs produced using the extract from the leaves exhibited the best performance in nanoremediation and also presented antioxidant activity that surpassed the one from butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Consequently, it is an interesting nanotool to use in dye nanoremediation and/or as an antioxidant nanostructure.

Leucaena leucocephala succinate based polyelectrolyte complexes for colon delivery of synbiotic in management of inflammatory bowel disease

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) formed by the interaction between oppositely charged polymers have emerged as promising carriers for accomplishing colon-specific release. In this study, we have explored the potential of polyelectrolyte complexes between a succinate derivative of Leucaena leucocephala galactomannan and cationic guar gum for colon delivery of synbiotic. The PECs were prepared using a polyelectrolyte complexation method and characterized. The PECs exhibited excellent stability, with high encapsulation efficiency for both probiotics (95.53 %) and prebiotics (83.33 %). In vitro studies demonstrated enhanced survivability and proliferation of the encapsulated probiotics in the presence of prebiotics (93.29 %). The SEM images revealed a smooth and firm structure with reduced number of pores when both prebiotic and probiotic were encapsulated together. The treatment with synbiotic PECs in acetic acid induced IBD rats significantly relieves colitis symptoms as was evident from colon/body ratio, DAI score and histopathology studies. An increase in the protein and reduced glutathione levels and reduction in superoxide dismutase activity was observed in colitic rats that received synbiotic treatment as compared to colitic rats. Overall, this study highlights the potential of Leucaena leucocephala succinate-cationic guar gum PECs as a promising system for colon-specific synbiotic delivery, with implications for improved gut health and the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders.

Effect of various doses of nitrogen based on organic fertilizer enriched with Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth and yield of three rice varieties

Effect of various doses of nitrogen based on organic fertilizer enriched with Leucaena leucocephala leaves on the growth and yield of three rice varieties

Inhibitory Activities of Thai Culinary Vegetables against Key Enzymes Relevant to Diabetes Mellitus and the Kinetics of Enzyme Inhibitions

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most challenging noncommunicable diseases, as it causes significant costs for medical treatment as well as high morbidity and mortality rates. Dietary plants with antidiabetic properties have been explored as an alternative to synthetic medicines to treat DM because of their safety and nutrition. Hence, the objective of the present study was to determine the inhibitory activities of twenty commonly consumed Thai culinary vegetables against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. All vegetables were extracted using deionized water, ethanol, and hexane at 150 rpm and 30°C for 24 hours. The enzyme inhibitory activities were performed using a colorimetric assay. Diverse results for α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities were found for all vegetable extracts. The most potent anti-α-glucosidase activity was obtained from the ethanolic extract of Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) de Wit with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 13.39 ± 0.14 μg/mL, followed by the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Polygonum odoratum Lour with IC50 of 25.60 ± 0.42 and 49.03 ± 0.72 μg/mL, respectively. All the samples exhibited mixed, noncompetitive, and uncompetitive inhibition. It can be concluded that the α-glucosidase and α-amylose inhibitory effects of the investigated extracts may be an indicator of antidiabetic potency, and these extracts might potentially be beneficial as functional components for postprandial hyperglycemia treatment.

Diversity of actinomycetes on plant rhizosphere of karst ecosystem of Gorontalo, Indonesia

Abstract. Retnowati Y, Kandowangko NY, Katili AS, Pembengo W. 2024. Diversity of actinomycetes on plant rhizosphere of karst ecosystem of Gorontalo, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 907-915. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify the actinomycetes associated with the rhizosphere of plants in the karst ecosystem. This study was descriptive-quantitative. Soil sampling was conducted at three locations of the karst ecosystem of Gorontalo, i.e., Bangga Hills at Bangga Bubaa Coastal area of Gorontalo District, Hills around Lake Limboto of Gorontalo District, and Oluhuta Beach Hills at Bone Bolango District. Rhizosphere-soil sample was collected from 15-30 cm of soil depth. Isolation of actinomycetes was performed using the plate method. The screening of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria was based on the ability to solubilize phosphates indicated by the clear zone on the Pikovskaya medium. Identification of actinomycetes bacteria based on morphology and molecular characters. The morphology character included the color of aerial and substrate mycelium. Molecular characteristics based on the sequence of 16S rRNA gene compared to sequence data on the gene bank of NCBI. The phylogenetic tree reconstruction was based on the Neighbor-joining algorithm. The results successfully found six isolates, including three actinomycetes isolates, two non-actinomycetes bacteria, and one yeast. They were isolated from the rhizosphere of Malastoma malabathrum, Chromolaena odorata, Cycas rumphii, Leucaena leucocephala, and Jatropha curcas. The actinomycetes isolate showed plant-growth-promoting potential indicated by solubilizing phosphate and Indole 3-Acetic Acid production activities. Based on the molecular analysis, actinomycetes were closely related to Streptomyces aegyptia (MT505707.1:42-1426), Streptomyces sp. GGCR-6 (MH718844.1:5-1391), and Streptomyces carpaticus strain PES-A23 (MH712039).

Genome sequence and annotation of Pyramidobacter sp. strain YE332, isolated from a cattle rumen fermentation of Leucaena leaf.

We report the 2.78-Mb circular genome sequence of Pyramidobacter sp. strain YE332, isolated from a fermentation of bovine rumen fluid, supplied with leaf material from Leucaena leucocephala cv. Cunningham. This genome sequence consists of 2,795,328 bp with 60% G + C content, 2,573 predicted coding DNA sequences, and 70 RNAs.

High efficient preparation of low molecular weight galactomannan from Leucaena leucocephala galactomannan through the combination of hydrogen peroxide and oxalic acid

Researchers have always been interested in polysaccharide degradation because of the increased biological activity and usability following degradation. In this work, low molecular weight galactomannan (LMW-GM) was produced through the degradation of galactomannan by H2O2 and oxalic acid (OA). The optimal reaction conditions were found by conducting the response surface optimization experiment based on single-factor experiment and kinetics analysis. Under these conditions, the LMW-GM yield was 69.48 ± 1.02 %. Ultimately, an analysis of the degradation process revealed that OA attacked GM indiscriminately, and H2O2 has a stronger effect on the removal of branched chains while degrading GM. Hence, the degradation steps were rearranged as H2O2 was added 20 min before OA at a constant total time. The LMW-GM yield was successfully increased to 76.49 ± 1.27 %. The goal of this work is hopefully to give a theoretical foundation for the low-cost preparation and industrial production of the degradation of galactomannan.

Quality of complete feed wafer supplemented with different plant protein sources for small ruminants

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="IN">Objective:</span></strong><span lang="IN"> This study aimed to assess the quality of complete feed wafers with different plant protein sources for a feed of small ruminants.</span></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="IN">Methods:</span></strong><span lang="EN">The research was conducted in May-September 2022. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 4 replications. </span><span lang="IN">The method used in this study was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments, namely R0 = Wafer with an animal protein source (Fish meal) (Control), R1 = Wafers with protein source <em>Sesbania grandiflora</em>, R2 = Wafers with protein source <em>Gliricidia sepium</em>. R3=Wafer with protein source <em>Leucaena leucocephala</em>.</span><span lang="EN">The research variables consisted of physical quality (moisture content, wafer density, specific gravity, water absorption) and nutritional quality (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extracts). Data analysis according to the Analysis of Variance procedure using SPSS version 21.</span></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong><span lang="IN">Results:</span></strong><span lang="EN">The results showed that the use of plant protein sources had no significant effect (P>0.05) on water content and wafer density but had a significant effect (P<0.05) on specific gravity and water absorption capacity. The use of plant protein sources can increase the value of water content, wafer density, and specific gravity and reduce water absorption capacity. Meanwhile, the crude protein (CP) content of the wafer had no significant effect (P>0.05) and produced the same value as using fish meal. Other nutritional variables had a significant effect (P<0.05) such as DM, OM, EE and NFE which increased and CF decreased on the use of plant protein sources in making feed wafers compared to the use of fish meal.</span></p><p><strong><span lang="IN">Conclusions:</span></strong><span lang="IN"> It was concluded that the use of legumes <em>Sesbania grandiflora</em>, <em>Gliricidia sepium</em></span><em><span lang="EN-US">,</span></em><span lang="IN"> and <em>Leucaena leucocephala</em> as a source of vegetable protein in wafers could replace fish meal. The three types of legumes </span><span lang="EN-US">had</span><span lang="IN"> the same effect on the physical and nutritional quality of the resulting product</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span></p>

Genetic Assessment of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit Provenances by Using ISSR Markers

Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) technique was deployed for the estimation of genetic diversity in18 Leucaena leucocephala provenances. Seeds of these provenances were collected from across the country and planted at a single location in South India. To estimate the genetic diversity/ polymorphism, DNA was extracted through Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) method, visualized and analyzed the DNA bands on UV trans- illuminator gel doc (α-imager 3.2). Totally ten ISSR primers were used in this study. Among them, eight ISSR microsatellites showed a high degree of polymorphism in all the eighteen leucaena provenances used in our study. These primers successfully amplified a total of 645 bands, of which 577 bands (89 %) showed polymorphism. On average, 14.92 bands per accession were obtained and 68.28 % provenances were distinguished through these primers. The ISSR primer T(GT)9 was able to distinguish 100 % of the L. luecocephalla provenances. Cluster analysis based on the genotypic similarities assembled the 18 leucaena accessions in to three clusters. The dendrogram generated based on the 8 ISSR primers distinctively demarcated many of the L. leucocephalla accessions into different clusters indicating vast genetic diversity among the provenances. The high degree of genetic variability demonstrated by the ISSR molecular markers in L. leucocephalla can be used as a tool for assessing genetic diversity and in future leucaena genetic improvement programs.

Leucaena leucocephala toxicity in Brazilian horses

Leucaena leucocephala poisoning is reported in horses in different Brazilian regions. The poisoning occurred one month after the horses were introduced into paddocks invaded by the plant or after 10 days of consuming cut Leucaena administered as the only food. Affected horses showed moderate to severe hair loss on the mane and tail, orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with marked follicular telogenization, and hyperplasia of thyroid follicular cells. Mimosin concentration in leaves (5.5 mg/g) was determined by a new HLPC-UV method which is also reported.

The effect of tree shading on soil temperature at Arabica coffee plantation (Coffea arabica L.)

Coffee is a group of plants that require partial light (C3), whose cultivation combines the use of shade trees and cultivated plants with the aim of increasing production and maintaining the microclimate around the cultivated plants. The shade provided by shade trees will have a significant effect on soil temperature and water content. The growth and development of a cultivated plant is strongly influenced by water content, on the other hand, water content also affects soil temperature. The optimal air temperature needed by Arabica coffee plants is 18-21°C, while the soil temperature suitable for Arabica coffee plants is 21°C. The research was needed to determine the effect of shade tree type on the soil temperature of Arabica coffee plants. This research was at the Koperasi Ribang Gayo Musara, Pantan Musara Village, Pegasing Subdistrict, Central Aceh District, Aceh Province. This research used a non-factorial randomized block design with five treatments and four replications. Treatments consisted of shade tree type on coffee plants were control/no shade, small lamtoro shade (Leucaena leucocephala ssp. leucocephala), big lamtoro shade (Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata), banana shade (Musa paradisiaca L.), avocado shade (Persea americana Mill.). The results showed that the shade tree type had a significant effect on soil temperature at a depth of 0, 10, and 20 cm. Coffee plants that were shaded by avocado trees have better temperatures for coffee plants and can reduce soil temperature until they reach optimal temperatures.

Direct seeding of Ceiba pentandra and Leucaena leucocephala using seed briquette with AMF and DSE inoculations to support a green economy

This research is an alternative technology to support a green economy for environmental sustainability. This paper was performed to reveal the relation between seed briquettes inoculated with the fungi of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) in direct seeding of C. pentandra and L. leucocephala seedlings on marginal land in Parungpanjang, Bogor, Indonesia. A randomized block design was used in this research with three blocks and found that seed briquettes with AMF and DSE inoculated have significantly influenced the survival of seedlings of both species 12 months after planting. Direct sowing with seed briquette inoculated with AMF (48%) produced the highest seedling survival in C. pentandra, followed by seed briquette injected with Dendrothyrium sp. CPP1.1.4 (44.5%) in L. leucocephala. In C. pentandra and L. leucocephala, seed briquettes increased seedling survival compared to direct sowing without briquettes. Seedling growth was considerably impacted by AMF and DSE inoculations in L. leucocephala but not in C. pentandra. AMF and DSE can improve the height and diameter of direct-seeded L. leucocephala seedlings. Our research found that using seed briquettes and applying DSE has a high potential for increasing the success of direct seeding in assisting various reforestation programs in Indonesia.

HISTOPATOLOGICAL CHANGES OF WHITE RATS' SKIN CAUSED BY APPLICATION OF MIMOSIN FROM SIMPLISIA OF THE LAMTORO LEAF

Mimosine is one of the substances contained in lamtoro (Leucaena leucocephala) leaves. The toxic effect of mimosine on livestock is highly dependent on the concentration of mimosine in feed ingredients and the length of time livestock consume feed high in mimosine. This study aims to determine the histopathology of white rat skin exposed to mimosine compounds with different doses. This study used male white rats with Wistar strain, 2 months old and 300-350 g body weight. The 20 rats used were divided into four treatment groups, namely P0 (negative control, P1 (positive control, given standard mimosine 5 mg/head/day), P2 (given lamtoro leaf simplisia at a dose of 50 mg/head/day orally), P3 (given lamtoro leaf simplisia at a dose of 150 mg/head/day). On the 15th day of necropsy, the skin organs were taken and fixed using 10% NBF. After the skin organs were fixed, histopathology preparations were made using HE staining. Histopathologic examination was performed including three lesion variables: hair follicle necrosis, congestion, and inflammation. The severity of the lesions was scored as 0, 1, 2, and 3 for normal, mild, moderate and severe lesions, respectively. Data were then analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests. The results showed that exposure to mimosine from lamtoro leaf simplisia did not cause hair loss in experimental animals as it does in cattle. However, exposure to mimosine in P1 (5 mg/head/day) and P3 (150 mg/head/day) caused histopathological skin lesions in the form of congestion, necrosis, and mild inflammation. The results showed that exposure to mimosine from lamtoro leaf simplisia did not cause hair loss in experimental animals as it does in cattle. However, exposure to mimosine in P1 (5 mg/head/day) and P3 (150 mg/head/day) caused histopathological skin lesions in the form of congestion, necrosis, and mild inflammation. The conclusion of the study is that mimosine compounds from lamtoro leaf simplisia cause histopathological changes in white rat skin tissue, especially congestion lesions. However, there was no difference in the effect of mimosine administration from lamtoro leaf simplisia between a dose of 50 mg/head/day and a dose of 150 mg/head/day on the histopathology of rat skin tissue. Further research needs to be done on the effect of exposure to mimosine from lamtoro leaf simplisia with higher concentrations.

Mimosine concentration in giant leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata) fluctuates with age and plant part

Giant leucaena is a multipurpose tree-legume found throughout the tropics and sub-tropics. Its foliage is used as animal fodder due to high protein and fiber. Giant leucaena has several other advantageous traits such as fast-growth, high yields and strong tolerance to environmental stresses. Despite having these desirable qualities, leucaena tissues contain an undesirable attribute, a toxic non-protein amino acid, mimosine, found in all parts of the plant including the foliage. The goal of this research was to determine mimosine concentrations in various tissues and life stages of giant leucaena plants to inform use of leucaena foliage as a fodder. Mimosine was extracted from different parts of giant leucaena at different ages and quantified using HPLC analysis. qRT-PCR was used to determine the relative expression of mimosine synthase in leucaena tissues. Mimosine was present in all parts of the leaf, stem and root of giant leucaena, and concentrations changed depending on the age of the plant. Green seeds had the highest expression level of mimosine synthase. Mimosine is ubiquitous and abundant in leucaena tissues with younger and immature plants and tissues containing more mimosine than older mature plants and tissues.

Productive behavior of rabbits fed with Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit, foliage in the fattening phase

Objective: To assess the productive behavior of rabbits fed with a diet that included 33% fresh Leucaena leucocephala foliage during the fattening phase.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Twenty 60-day-old New Zealand rabbits with an average live weight of 960 g were used. Using a completely randomized, 2×2 factorial design, five male and five female rabbits were distributed among the following treatments: ACCH treatment (300-g commercial feed for female rabbits), ACCM treatment (300-g commercial feed for male rabbits), ACFLCH treatment (200-g commercial feed with 100 g Leucaena foliage for female rabbits), and ACFLCM treatment (200-g commercial feed with 100 g Leucaena foliage for male rabbits). An analysis of variance and a Tukey's test were applied to determine the effect of the treatments on each of the variables analyzed.
 Results: The rabbits that consumed the ACFLCM and ACFLCH diets with the addition of Leucaena gained more weight (P<0.05): 23.18±6.35 and 21.59±10.23 g/rabbit/day. Feed intake was higher (P<0.05) with a Leucaena foliage diet: 48.04.2±0.50 and 47.68±0.84 g/rabbit/day. A significant difference (P>0.05) in final weight was observed among treatments (ACCM, 1,971±256.6; ACFLCM, 2,211.8±197.7; ACCH, 2,012.4±275.6; and ACFLCH, 2,184.0±464.9).
 Study Limitations/Implications: Proper and correct use of available forage must be made to guarantee that animals have access to food all year round.
 Findings/Conclusions: The addition of Leucaena foliage in the diet did not generate a decrease in growth or feed intake.