Macrophylla Seeds Research Articles

Minor limonoid constituents from Swietenia macrophylla by simultaneous isolation using supercritical fluid chromatography and their biological activities.

This study reports simultaneous isolation of three new limonoids (1-3), six known regio isomers (6, 7, 9-12), and three more known limonoids (4, 5, 8) from Swietenia macrophylla (S. macrophylla) seeds. Structures of these compounds were determined via extensive study of their 1D/2D-NMR and mass spectral data. Known limonoids (4-12) were identified by comparing their physical and spectroscopic data with literature values. A novel environmentally friendly supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) technique facilitated simultaneous and rapid separation of these compounds. The pharmacological activities of the new limonoids were investigated.

Suhu dan Masa Simpan Benih Memengaruhi Viabilitas Benih Mahoni (Swietenia macrophylla King.)

Swietenia macrophylla or big-leaf mahogany is an exotic species from Central and South America. This tree has various benefits, so it’s used as an industrial plantation forest and afforestation in Indonesia. However, seed storage of mahogany is a major problem in cultivation, because it can reduce seed viability. The storability of seeds is influenced by seed and environmental conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of temperature and storage time on the viability of S. macrophylla seeds and to calculate the Seedling Quality Index (SQI). The experiment was carried out using a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 2 factors. The first factor was consisted of four levels of temperature treatment, namely room temperature (24), 4, 0, and -20°C. The second factor was the storage period treatment which consisted of 4 levels, namely 1 up to 4 weeks, with 1-week intervals. The results showed that the interaction between temperature and storage time affected mahogany leaves, primary and secondary roots, root/shoot ratio, and total wet weight of S. macrophylla seedlings. Mahogany seeds that were stored at room temperature for 1 week resulted in the highest seed viability, with SQI of 0.03-0.04.

The cytotoxicity of 1,4-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-tetrahydro-furo(3,4-c) furan isolated from Swietenia macrophylla King seed extract on 3T3-L1 and RAW 264.7 cells

The exploration of natural products as anti-obesity candidates needs to be performed urgently since obesity has become a worldwide epidemic and many drugs for this health condition were withdrawn due to their serious adverse events such as psychiatric disorders and drug dependence. The 1,4-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-tetrahydro-furo(3,4-c) furan, a saponin isolated from Indonesian Swietenia macrophylla seeds extract has the potential to modulate obesity because it acts as a potent PPAR-γ agonist in silico and the seeds’ hypolipidemic effect has been proven. The cytotoxicity study is a crucial part of the early pharmaceutical development stage, whilst, the exploration of 1,4-bis(3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl)-tetrahydro-furo(3,4-c) furan to ensure the compound’s safety in preadipocytes and macrophage cells which play a crucial role in obesity pathogenesis is still limited. This study aims to explore the cytotoxicity of saponin isolate on 3T3-L1 (preadipocytes) and RAW 264.7 (macrophages) cell lines to ensure its safety profile in vitro. Both cell lines were exposed to various concentrations of the isolate (3.125-200 µg/mL), then metformin was used as the standard drug and DMSO as solvent control for 24 hrs. The cytotoxicity test was conducted by MTT assay and IC50 was determined by probit analysis. Most of the 1,4-bis(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-tetrahydro-furo(3,4-c) furan did not affect the viability of 3T3-L1 and RAW 264.7 with the IC50 148.90±12.22 and 84.78±1.69 µg/mL, respectively. Metformin and DMSO also did not alter the viability of both cells. These results were promising as a basis for further development since the isolates’ IC50 value was more than the cytotoxic threshold of NCI guidelines.

Potential of Active Compounds in Broadleaf Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Seeds Against Breast Cancer Cells Based on In Silico Study

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Indonesia. However, the drugs that are commonly used for treatment can cause side effects and become resistant over time. A study was conducted to test the cytotoxic activity of broadleaf mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) seed extract on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro. The study aimed to predict active compounds in the broadleaf mahogany seeds that have the potential to act as anti-breast cancer agents using in silico analysis. Molecular docking, visualization of the interaction between the receptor and the ligands, and physicochemical analysis were used to determine the most promising compounds. The receptors used were fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R), estrogen receptor (ER-α), and progesterone receptor (PR). The results showed that 12 compounds have the potential to be active as anti-breast cancer agents. Three of these compounds, 3β,6-dihydroxydihydrocarapine, stigmasterol, and 7-hydroxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-chroman-4-one, were predicted to have similar mechanisms of inhibition as a comparator drug based on binding site similarity values. These compounds are predicted to be taken orally and are promising for further research.

Active Compounds in Broadleaf Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) Seeds as Antiaging Agent Based on Molecular Docking Study

The appearance of brown spots and wrinkles can be a sign of aging which can increase the risk of cancer. Compounds in broadleaf mahogany seeds (Swietenia macrophylla) contains many compounds and is known to have anticancer activity. The purpose of this study was to determine the compounds in the seeds of these plants have the potential to antiaging by analyzing their molecular docking interaction on the MMP-1 enzyme (matrix metalloproteinase), NEP (neprilysin), PPO3 (polyphenol oxidase), and as a support for the search for anticancer compounds. Two compounds that have the potential as strong inhibitors towards MMP-1 and PPO3 enzymes, namely β-cytostenone and 3β-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-on which is a steroid group, as well as germacrena A and germacrena D which are terpenoids. Only compound 3β-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-on which has the potential as a strong inhibitor of the NEP enzyme. All compounds have the potential to be strong inhibitors according to the Lipinski rule. Only compounds which binds to the PPO3 enzyme which has better activity than natural ligand based on ΔG and Binding Site Similarity (BSS) values.

Aspects of molar form and dietary proclivities of African colobines

This study investigates aspects of molar form in three African colobine species: Colobus polykomos, Colobus angolensis, and Piliocolobus badius. Our samples of C. polykomos and P. badius are from the Taï Forest, Ivory Coast; our sample of C. angolensis is from Diani, Kenya. To the extent that protective layers surrounding seeds are hard, we predicted that molar features related to hard-object feeding would be more pronounced in Colobus than they are Piliocolobus, as seed-eating generally occurs at higher frequencies in species of the former. We further predicted that among the colobines we studied, these features would be most pronounced in Taï Forest C. polykomos, which feeds on Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds encased within hard and tough seed pods. We compared overall enamel thickness, enamel thickness distribution, absolute crown strength, cusp tip geometry, and flare among molar samples. Sample sizes per species and molar type varied per comparison. We predicted differences in all variables except overall enamel thickness, which we expected would be invariant among colobines as a result of selection for thin enamel in these folivorous species. Of the variables we examined, only molar flare differed significantly between Colobus and Piliocolobus. Our findings suggest that molar flare, an ancient feature of cercopithecoid molars, was retained in Colobus but not in Piliocolobus, perhaps as a result of differences in the seed-eating proclivities of the two genera. Contrary to predictions, none of the aspects of molar form we investigated tracked current dietary differences in seed-eating between the two Colobus species. Finally, we explored the possibility that molar flare and absolute crown strength, when analyzed together, might afford greater differentiation among these colobine species. A multivariate t test of molar flare and absolute crown strength differentiated C. polykomos and P. badius, possibly reflecting known niche divergence between these two sympatric Taï Forest species.

The anti-melanogenic properties of Swietenia macrophylla king

Fair flawless skin is the goal for some cultures and the development of irregular skin pigmentation is considered an indication of premature skin aging. Hence, there is a rising demand for skin whitening cosmetics. Thus, this research will be focusing on discovering the anti-pigmentation properties of Swietenia macrophylla seeds. Firstly, the seeds were extracted with ethanol and further fractionate based on their polarity before testing them on zebrafish embryos. The ethanolic extract of the seed demonstrated significant inhibition of both tyrosinase activity and melanin production in the embryos. However, after fractionation, the anti-melanogenic ability was observed to have decreased, signifying that the phytocompounds may be synergistic in nature. Still in the proteomic studies the ethanolic extract and its hexane fraction both induced the downregulation of cathepsin LB and cytoskeletal proteins that have connections to the melanogenic pathway, confirming that S. macrophylla seeds do indeed have anti-pigmentation properties that can be exploited for cosmetic use. Next, limonoids (tetranortriterpenoids found in the seed) were tested for their inhibitory effect against human tyrosinase related protein 1 (TYRP-1) via molecular docking. It was found that limonoids have a stronger binding affinity to TYRP-1 than kojic acid, suggesting that these phytocompounds may have the potential in inhibiting pigmentation. However, this still needs further confirmation before these phytocompounds can be developed into a skin whitening agent. Other assays like ex-vivo or 3D human skin culture can also be used to better study the seeds anti-pigmentation effect on humans.

Ocular hypotensive effect of fermented Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds in experimentally-induced glaucoma

ABSTRACT The study aimed to investigate the effect of fermented n-hexane extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds (FPMSE) in an experimental model of glaucoma. Eighteen rabbits (1-1.8 kg body weight) were allocated into six groups of three rabbits (six eyes per group). Group 1 was the normal control. Ocular hypertension was induced with 1% prednisolone acetate ophthalmic solution in groups 2-6, twice daily for 21 days. Group 2 received no treatment, while groups 3–6 received 5 mg/kg b.w. acetazolamide, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg b.w. extract, respectively. The intraocular pressures and other biochemical parameters were evaluated. The existence of bioactive compounds was determined via phytochemical analysis. Compared to group 2, the administration of FPMSE resulted in a significant decrease in IOP in the treated groups. Malondialdehyde concentrations in the treated groups’ aqueous humor and plasma were considerably lower (p < 0.05) than in group 2. Compared to group 2, glutathione, nitric oxide, and antioxidant levels improved significantly (p < 0.05). C-reactive protein and glutamate levels in group 2 were comparable (p > 0.05). FPMSE substantially reduced phospholipase A2 activity. Histological assessment of the ciliary body showed adequate pigmentations in the treatment groups compared to group 2. Hence, FPMSE possesses ocular hypotensive effects.

Karakterisasi Fraksi Aktif Antioksidan dari Biji Gandaria (Bouea macrophylla)

Gandaria (Bouea macrophylla) plants contain antioxidant compounds that can reduce free radicals. Free radicals are one of the causes of various degenerative diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the fraction that had the highest antioxidant activity, and to determine the secondary metabolites contained in the most active fraction of B. macrophylla seeds based on LCMS/MS analysis. Maceration of B. macrophylla seeds with ethanol solvent. Ethanol maserate was concentrated and fractionated by liquid-liquid extraction method using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and ethanol as solvents. Antioxidant activity was measured by the free radical scavenger method with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhidrazil as a source of radicals and characterization of the secondary metabolites contained in the most active fraction using a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer. B. macrophylla seed ethanol extract has a % yield of 31.75%. The ethyl acetate fraction of B. macrophylla seeds has the highest mass compared to other fractions and has strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 2.95 ppm. The ethyl acetate fraction of B. macrophylla seeds contains tannins, phenolic, flavonoid dan alkaloid compounds. Based on the results of the identification of secondary metabolites by LC-MS/MS, the ethyl acetate fractions of B. macrophylla seeds contained phenylalalnine compounds.

Determination of Seed Volume Based on Selected Seed Dimensions

The volume coefficient, which denotes a simple relationship between selected seed dimensions and seed volume, can be used to facilitate volume calculations in individual seeds, in particular in species with a complex seed shape. For this reason, seed thickness, width, and length were measured in nine species of forest trees and shrubs. The volume of seeds belonging to each plant species was determined by pycnometry, and the results were used to calculate 10 volume coefficients based on different combinations of basic seed dimensions. The calculated coefficients had different values, and they were lowest when volume was determined based on the cube of seed length and highest when volume was determined based on the cube of seed thickness. In a formula based on all three basic dimensions, the calculated volume coefficient ranged from 0.376 to 0.537, and Cornus macrophylla, Picea abies, and Cornus sanguinea seeds most closely resembled an ellipsoid. When seed volume was determined with the use of two basic dimensions, formulas based on the square of the smaller dimension produced somewhat smaller errors in individual seeds. In turn, seed thickness should be used in formulas that rely on a single dimension. Seed volume coefficients were most strongly correlated with the sphericity index, which indicates that this parameter can be used to estimate their values. The sphericity index was most strongly correlated with volume coefficients; the strongest correlations were observed for volume coefficients calculated based on the square of the seed length and seed width, and the cube of the seed length.

Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Swietenia macrophylla King (Meliaceae)

Mahogany is a Meliaceae family exotic plant that includes three species: Swietenia macrophylla king, S mahogany L. Jacq., and S. humulis Zucc. This genus is predominantly found in the humid zone of the New World and the Amazon region of South America. The purpose of this review article is to look at its taxonomical classification, vernacular names, pharmacological activities and its phytochemistry. Scientific studies have found that the crude extract from S. macrophylla seeds has antibacterial, anti-malaria, anti-hepatitis, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antinociceptive, and anticancer properties. Phytochemical investigations have shown that limonoids and their derivatives are the major constituents of Swietenia macrophylla.

Antioxidant Potentials of Pentaclethra macrophylla Seed (Ugba) on Mercury Toxicity Induced Hepatic, Renal and Testicular Oxidative Stress in Male Albino Rats

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potentials of Pentaclethra macrophylla seed (Ugba) on mercury-induced hepatic, renal and testicular oxidative stress in male Albino Rats.&#x0D; Study Design: This study is an experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal and Environmental Biology Animal House, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, between January 2019 and January 2021.&#x0D; Methodology: Thirty-six (36) adult male albino rats weighing approximately 135±1.5g were purchased from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. They were housed in plastic suspended cages, placed in well-ventilated conditions and provided with rat diet and water, and acclimatized for two weeks. Fresh matured seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla (African oil bean seed) were sourced locally from markets in Imo state, Nigeria. The maceration technique was used to carry out an ethanolic extract of the plant seed. Mercury chloride salt was purchased from Port Harcourt. A standard dose of 3.0mg/kg body weight of mercury chloride obtained from acute toxicity study dose determination was administered to the rats for 30 days after they were divided into six groups of six rats per group. After 30 days, all the animals were weighed, anesthetized using chloroform. Tissue samples of liver, kidney, and testis were collected and homogenized in phosphate-buffered saline and stored at 40C for determination of oxidative stress assessment. Malondialdehyde, Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Catalase Activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, Glutathione Peroxidase Activity were analyzed using the homogenized sample. Data were expressed as mean ±SD, and the statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS statistics 23.0, and p values less than .05 were considered statistically significant.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that there were significant increases (P&lt;.05) in the liver, kidney, and testicular MDA and significant decreases (p&lt;.05) in SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx activities in group 2 rats versus control. However, after treatment with different concentrations of Pentaclethra macrophylla, MDA activity significantly decreased (P&lt;.05), while SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH significantly increased (P&lt;.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results obtained from the study showed that mercury chloride has the potential to cause liver, kidney, and testicular toxicity to adult male albino rats, and this toxicity was exerted majorly through oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. However, treatment with Pentaclethra macrophylla seed extract ameliorated oxidative stress.

The Molecular Mechanisms of Hypoglycemic Properties and Safety Profiles of Swietenia Macrophylla Seeds Extract: A Review

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) is known as the root cause of type 2 diabetes; hence, it is a substantial therapeutic target. Nowadays, studies have shifted the focus to natural ingredients that have been utilized as a traditional diabetes treatment, including Swietenia macrophylla. Accumulating evidence supports the hypoglycemic activities of S. macrophylla seeds extract, although its molecular mechanisms have yet to be well-established. AIM: This review focuses on the hypoglycemic molecular mechanisms of S. macrophylla seeds extract and its safety profiles. METHODS: An extensive search of the latest literature was conducted from four main databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) using several keywords: “swietenia macrophylla, seeds, and diabetes;” “swietenia macrophylla, seeds, and oxidative stress;” “swietenia macrophylla, seeds, and inflammation;” “swietenia macrophylla, seeds, and GLUT4;” and “swietenia macrophylla, seeds, and toxicities.” RESULTS: The hypoglycemic activities occur through modulating several pathways associated with IR and T2D pathogenesis. The seeds extract of S. macrophylla modulates oxidative stress by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances while increasing antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase). Another propose mechanism is the modulating of the inflammatory pathway by attenuating nuclear factor kappa β, tumor necrosis factor α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase 2. Some studies have shown that the extract can also control phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/ Akt (PI3K/Akt) pathway by inducing glucose transporter 4, while suppressing phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity studies supported the safety profile of S. macrophylla seeds extract with the LD50 higher than 2000 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: The potential of S. macrophylla seeds as antidiabetic candidate is supported by many studies that have documented their non-toxic and hypoglycemic effects, which involve several molecular pathways.

Gallotannin from Bouea macrophylla Seed Extract Suppresses Cancer Stem-like Cells and Radiosensitizes Head and Neck Cancer

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a critical role in radiation resistance and recurrence. Thus, drugs targeting CSCs can be combined with radiotherapy to improve its antitumor efficacy. Here, we investigated whether a gallotannin extract from Bouea macrophylla seed (MPSE) and its main bioactive compound, pentagalloyl glucose (PGG), could suppress the stemness trait and further confer the radiosensitivity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. In this study, we evaluate the effect of MPSE or PGG to suppress CSC-like phenotypes and radiosensitization of HNSCC cell lines using a series of in vitro experiments, tumorsphere formation assay, colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, and Western blotting analysis. We demonstrate that MPSE or PGG is able to suppress tumorsphere formation and decrease protein expression of cancer stem cell markers. MPSE or PGG also enhanced the radiosensitivity in HNSCC cells. Pretreatment of cells with MPSE or PGG increased IR-induced DNA damage (γ-H2Ax) and enhanced radiation-induced cell death. Notably, we observed that pretreatment with MPSE or PGG attenuated the IR-induced stemness-like properties characterized by tumorsphere formation and the CD44 CSC marker. Our findings describe a novel strategy for increasing therapeutic efficacy for head and neck cancer patients using the natural products MPSE and PGG.

Microbial Profile of Fermented Maize Flour (Ogi) and African Oil Bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla) Seeds

This study assessed the microbial and physicochemical properties of fermented maize flour (Ogi) and Pentaclethra macrophylla seeds (Ugba). The microbial analyses were done based on microbiological standards. The samples were monitored at points of preparation from 0 to 96 hours of fermentation. The physicochemical parameters were performed in accordance to standard procedures. Selected dilutions were inoculated by pour-plate method on appropriate media for isolation of aerobic bacteria, Staphylococci, coliforms, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and fungi. Molecular identification of the LAB were done using 16s rRNA Sanger sequencing method. The pH decreased steadily from 3.9 to 3.3 for Ogi and from 7.7 to 5.8 for Ugba, with a corresponding increase in titratable acidity from 1.3 to 2.5 for Ogi and from 0.6 ± 0.14ef to 1.2 ± 0.28c for Ugba. Microorganisms isolated from fermented maize flour (Ogi) and ‘Ugba’ were; Lactobacillus brevis, L. plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, Staphylococcus species, Escherichia coli, Bacillus species, Micrococus species, Pseudomonas species, Proteus species, Saccharomyces species, Aspergillus species and Candida species. The total bacteria counts showed decrease in both samples, with Ugba having the highest bacteria count (2.7×106±12.00a cfu/g which decreased to 1.0×106 ± 2.00f cfu/g) compared to Ogi with values (1.3×106 ± 3.00c cfu/g to 1.6 ×105± 1.73h cfu/g) from 0 hour to 96 hours of the fermentation period. Fungi counts increased in both samples throughout the fermentation period with Ugba having counts of (1.4 ×103± 2.65i to 2.8 ×104 ± 5.00 a cfu/g), and Ogi (7.7 ×103± 1.53 h to 2.7 ×104± 6.00 b cfu/g). LAB were persistent and most predominant in Ogi while Bacillus species were most predominant in Ugba. The variations in their different levels of values were of significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). This study revealed the distribution of fermentative microorganisms and few contaminants which were not directly associated with fermentation process and that can however, be further reduced through heat preparation treatment of Ogi.

A radiosensitizer, gallotannin-rich extract from Bouea macrophylla seeds, inhibits radiation-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells

BackgroundRadioresistance can pose a significant obstacle to the effective treatment of breast cancers. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step in the acquisition of stem cell traits and radioresistance. Here, we investigated whether Maprang seed extract (MPSE), a gallotannin-rich extract of seed from Bouea macrophylla Griffith, could inhibit the radiation-induced EMT process and enhance the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells.MethodsBreast cancer cells were pre-treated with MPSE before irradiation (IR), the radiosensitizing activity of MPSE was assessed using the colony formation assay. Radiation-induced EMT and stemness phenotype were identified using breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) marker (CD24−/low/CD44+) and mammosphere formation assay. Cell motility was determined via the wound healing assay and transwell migration. Radiation-induced cell death was assessed via the apoptosis assay and SA-β-galactosidase staining for cellular senescence. CSCs- and EMT-related genes were confirmed by real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting.ResultsPre-treated with MPSE before irradiation could reduce the clonogenic activity and enhance radiosensitivity of breast cancer cell lines with sensitization enhancement ratios (SERs) of 2.33 and 1.35 for MCF7 and MDA-MB231cells, respectively. Pretreatment of breast cancer cells followed by IR resulted in an increased level of DNA damage maker (γ-H2A histone family member) and enhanced radiation-induced cell death. Irradiation induced EMT process, which displayed a significant EMT phenotype with a down-regulated epithelial marker E-cadherin and up-regulated mesenchymal marker vimentin in comparison with untreated breast cancer cells. Notably, we observed that pretreatment with MPSE attenuated the radiation-induced EMT process and decrease some stemness-like properties characterized by mammosphere formation and the CSC marker. Furthermore, pretreatment with MPSE attenuated the radiation-induced activation of the pro-survival pathway by decrease the expression of phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and sensitized breast cancer cells to radiation.ConclusionMPSE enhanced the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells by enhancing IR-induced DNA damage and cell death, and attenuating the IR-induced EMT process and stemness phenotype via targeting survival pathways PI3K/AKT and MAPK in irradiated breast cancer cells. Our findings describe a novel strategy for increasing the efficacy of radiotherapy for breast cancer patients using a safer and low-cost natural product, MPSE.

Evaluation of plant products against callosobruchus chinensis infesting stored flemingia macrophylla seeds

This study is on the laboratory evaluation of efficacy of citronella oil, lemongrass oil, patchouli oil, Vitex negundo leaf powder and Leucas indica leaf powder against pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis on stored Flemingia macrophylla seeds. The oils were evaluated @ 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 ml/kg seeds, while the leaf powders were applied @ 0.5, 1, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg seed. Among the plant oils, citronella oil was found to be superior with 100% mortality at 72 hr at all doses; and of the leaf powders Leucas indica gave maximum mortality at all the doses. The oviposition inhibition and adult emergence reduction were maximum with citronella oil followed by lemongrass oil and patchouli oil; and among the leaf powders L. indica was superior.

Studies on the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action of swietenine, a tetranortriterpenoid isolated from Swietenia macrophylla seeds

BackgroundSwietenia macrophylla seeds possess diverse biological activities in which inflammation is the primary cause, and swietenine is the main tetranortriterpenoid present. PurposeThe purpose of the study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in the anti-inflammatory activity of swietenine and its cytoprotective effect. MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity of swietenine and its molecular mechanisms were evaluated using LPSEc- stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The cytoprotective effect of swietenine was evaluated via determining NRF2 inducing activity in Hepa-1c1c7 cells. The in vitro metabolic stability of swietenine was assessed using mouse, rat and human liver microsomes. ResultsSwietenine showed dose-dependent effect in inhibiting NO production, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and mediators (NF-κB and COX-2); and increasing the levels of NRF2, and HO-1 in LPSEc-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Swietenine also induced NQO1 activity, a classical marker of NRF2 activation, in Hepa-1c1c7 cells. In addition, swietenine was metabolically stable in mouse, rat, and human liver microsomes. ConclusionThe results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of swietenine is mediated by the down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators and the activation of cytoprotective NRF2/HO-1 pathway.

Lipid Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Raw, Boiled and Fermented Seed Extracts of Pentaclethra macrophylla (BENTH)

Lipids possess versatile biological properties in human health and nutrition. The compositions of lipids were investigated on the raw, boiled and fermented seeds of Pentaclethra macrophylla n-hexane extracts. The seed extracts were esterified, and chemical composition of the fatty acids was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Subsequent chromatographic purification and isolation on the lipids was carried out using column chromatography and thin layer chromatographic techniques. The antimicrobial activity of extracts was evaluated using disc diffusion and broth dilution techniques on selected bacterial and fungal species, Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenterea, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Corynebacterium ulcerans, Escherichia coli, Candida krusei, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. GC-MS analysis revealed that fatty acids such as linoleic acid, butyl 9,12- octadecadienoate acid, oleic acid, hexadecanoic acid, methyl 20-methyl heneicosanoate, tetracosanoate acid, ethyl tetracosanoate and methyl stearate were common in the raw, boiled and fermented seed extracts. However, linoleic acid content was higher (60%) in fermented seeds, indicating an increased production due to fermentation effect. The extracts have demonstrated growth inhibition on bacterial and fungal species with broad-spectrum activity for the fermented seeds (17-19 mm; MIC 5 mg/mL) and the raw and boiled seeds (16-18 mm; MIC 5 mg/mL). Monoglycerides were isolated and structures elucidated using H-NMR and C-DEPT as 2,3-dihydroxypropyl tetracosanoate (1), 2,3-dihydroxypropyl pentacosanoate (2) and 2,3- dihydroxypropyl hentriacontylate (3). Compounds (2) and (3) are reported for the first time from the seeds. This report indicated the potential benefit of P. macrophylla seeds fermentation to human nutrition and health.

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND LIGHT ON SEED GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH OF Swietenia macrophylla King

ABSTRACT The significant economic potential of Swietenia macrophylla has caused immense reductions in the native populations, jeopardizing their survival. Restoring these populations requires the establishment of quality seedling production, which depends on adequate evaluation of the physiological state of seeds. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of temperature and light on seed germination and seedling growth of S. macrophylla. The experimental design was completely randomized, with ten treatments of four replicates of 50 seeds. Treatments consisted of: constant temperatures of 23, 29, 35 and 41 °C, with photoperiods of 24 and 12 h of light, and alternating temperatures of 25-35 °C and 30-40 °C, with 12 h of light. Water content, germination, germination speed index, stem diameter, root length, shoot length, root dry mass and shoot dry mass of seedlings were evaluated. At 41 oC, S. macrophylla seeds failed to germinate. A constant temperature of 29 oC under 24 h of light favors the germination process of seeds and initial seedling growth.