Mixture Of Plant Extracts Research Articles

Some Plants Showing Antagonism to Five Plant Pathogenic Fungi

Fungi are among the main agents of plant diseases, being responsible for major losses in agriculture. The control of these microorganisms carried out using chemical compounds and numerous cases of resistance have already been observed, which makes it necessary to search for alternative methods of management of these pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study, to evaluate the antifungal potential in plants. Twenty-four (24) plant extracts were tested for their antifungal potential against five plant pathogenic fungi: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Ss), Stromatinia cepivora (Sc), Fusarium oxysporum (Fox), Colletotrichum gloesporioides (Cg) and Verticillium dahlia (Vd). For the evaluation of the fungicidal potential, plant extracts were prepared by liquefying the plants in distilled water. The extracts were incorporated into PDA (Potato-Dextrose-Agar) culture medium to a final concentration of 35% and autoclaved. Then, PDA discs colonized by the aforementioned fungi were added to the center of each plate with the respective treatments (plant extracts). When all control treatments (PDA medium without plant extract) had colonized the entire Petri dish, the diameters of the fungal colonies were measured to calculate the Mycelial Growth Inhibition Index (MGI). Tests showed that all these plant extracts have some antifungal activity, ranging from 0 to 100% inhibition. In general, extracts of basil, lavender, guaco, rue, toxic cassava and black plum were the ones that stood out, with MGIs above 50%. New studies are being conducted to evaluate the activity of plant extracts without autoclaving, inhibition of sclerotia formation, to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration, as well as other parts of plants like roots and seeds, mixtures of plant extracts and in vivo antagonism tests.

Grewia mollis Leaf Extracts and Fractions Demonstrated Good Inhibitory Activity on Pro-Inflammatory Enzymes and with Lower Cytotoxicity in vitro.

IntroductionPlant extracts are used to treat illnesses, promote health, and maintain general well-being in traditional medicine. Grewia mollis Juss (Malvaceae) is one of the medicinal herbs that is used traditionally to treat chronic diseases and related pain because currently used anti-inflammatory drugs may cause severe side effects, and naturally occurring compounds with reduced cytotoxicity could be explored for therapeutic goals.Materials and MethodsDried leaf of G. mollis was extracted with aqueous and organic solvents and partitioned based on polarity using solvent-solvent methods. The extracts were tested in anti-inflammatory assays against cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenase, and the safety profile was determined in a cell-based in-vitro assay.ResultsThe n-hexane fraction of G. mollis leaf extracts had significant activity against both COX-1 (IC50 =0.97±1.9 µg/mL) and COX-2 (IC50 =1.13±0.2 µg/mL) better than the indomethacin positive control (IC50 =1.3±0.6 and 1.52±0.2 µg/mL), respectively (p≤ 0.05). Also, all the extracts and fractions of G. mollis tested inhibited the activity of 15-LOX (IC50 =12.48±2.9 to 29.43±9.9 µg/mL) better than the quercetin reference control (IC50 =61.82±5.5 µg/mL), with the butanol fraction demonstrating the best anti-15 LOX action (IC50 =12.48±2.9 µg/mL). Furthermore, all the extracts and fractions of G. mollis had relatively lower cytotoxicity on vero monkey kidney cells (LD50 =30.56–479±0.07 µg/mL) compared to the doxorubicin positive control (LD50 =2.59 µg/mL), but the selectivity index (SI=1.04–1.89) determination suggested that some of the extracts may contain toxic constituents.ConclusionOrganic extracts of the leaves of Grewia mollis contained bioactive molecules with potent action on COX-2 and 15-LOX. Targeted high-resolution high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods have streamlined and enhanced bioactive compound isolation and purification process. This allows for the separation of undesirable compounds that could cause metabolic cytotoxicity in the plant extract mixtures. The method could be used to develop an alternative therapeutic strategy to manage pain associated with chronic inflammation where the use of NSAID is problematic.

The interaction effect and optimal formulation of selected polyherbal extracts towards antioxidant activity

Past study showed that lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), curry leaves (Murrya koenigii), turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) contain phytochemicals associated with antioxidant properties. However, all the herbs are tested individually and rarely mix together. This study was conducted to examine the antioxidant properties and interaction effect when combined. The plants studied were decocted with distilled water. Eighteen formulations of aqueous extracts were established using simplex lattice mixture design that was generated by Design Expert software. The antioxidant properties were analyzed by 2-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) assays. The result showed that the mixture of lemongrass and curry leaves extracts gave the highest reading in DPPH assay (91.14%), FRAP assay (215.66 mM) and TFC (22.62 µg Rutin/mL). In the DPPH assay, the ratio of one to one (1:1) mixture of lemongrass with other plants extracts showed antagonistic interaction. There were five (5) formulations that showed synergistic interaction in all assays. However, there were two (2) formulations that showed antagonistic interactions on both DPPH and FRAP assays. No additive effect was observed in all formulations. The suggested optimum formulation contains 53.7% lemongrass, 43.4% curry leaves, 2.9% ginger and 0.0% turmeric. Most of the mixtures presented synergistic interactions. This indicated the potential of plant extract mixtures to be developed into nutraceutical products in the future by conducting in-vivo study.

Addition of a Mixture of Plant Extracts to Diets for Growing-Finishing Pigs on Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, Carcass Traits, Organ Weight as a Percentage of Live Weight, Quality and Sensorial Analysis of Meat.

Simple SummaryThe objective of this study was to assess the effect of adding a mixture of plant extracts on the productive performance, blood constituents, carcass characteristics, percentage relation between organ weight and live weight, quality, and sensory analysis of pork produced under heat stress conditions. The study was performed during the summer in the state of Sonora, Mexico. The production of pork is affected by heat stress conditions. The addition of plant extracts can reduce the negative effects of heat stress, because it is known that they improve health, growth, and some parameters of meat quality. Results indicate that the addition of plant extracts to diets of growing pigs improves the productive performance and carcass weight, without modifying blood constituents, and the quality and sensory attributes of the meat.The effect of plant extracts (PE; artichoke, celery, beet, onion, garlic, spinach, avocado, oats, and parsley) in the diet of growing pigs under heat stress was investigated. Parameters included growth performance, blood constituents, carcass characteristics, organ percentage, quality and sensory appraisal of the pork. The study was performed during the Mexican summer, using 60 pigs. Treatments included the control, to which 0.1% PE, and 0.15% PE were added. The use of PE (0.1 and 0.15%) generated an increase in the average daily gain (ADG, by 10.0% for both treatments), and final live weight (LW, by 6.3% and 6.8%) (p < 0.05). The level of blood albumin at 95 kg was higher when supplementing with 0.1% PE (p < 0.05). At 120 kg LW, creatine kinase values showed a tendency to be different (p = 0.07). Carcass weight increased (p < 0.05) when adding PE. Supplementation with 0.1% PE decreased (p < 0.05) the red/green (a *) hue of the meat, whereas supplementation with 0.1% and 0.15% PE increased the yellow/blue (b *) hue (p < 0.05). The addition of PE improves pig growth performance, and carcass weight by reducing the negative effects of heat stress, without markedly modifying blood constituents, meat quality, and sensory attributes of the pork.

THE EFFECTS OF MEDICAL AND AROMATIC PLANT EXTRACTS ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HONEYBEE (APIS MELLIFERA L.) COLONIES

In this study, the effects of extracts obtained from medicinal and aromatic plants added to syrups used to feeding honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies on some physiological characteristics of colonies were investigated. The experiment was carried out on 6 groups of 5 colonies. These groups are syrup (S), syrup + Urtica dioica (SU), Syrup + Melissa officinalis (SM), Syrup + Hypericum perforatum (SH), Syrup + Achillea millefolium (SA) and syrup + Thymus serpyllum (ST). As a result of the research, the sealed brood area data were determined as 3013.24±1939.26, 3107.00±2060.42, 3270.81±2194.80, 3091.20±1962.69, 3273.90±2095.49 and 3613.06±2348.27 cm2 in S, SU, SM, SH, SA, ST groups, respectively. When we compare the honey yields of the experimental groups, according to group S, SU increased by 18.48%, SM 43.10%, SH 16.04%, SA 27.35% and ST 53.86%. Therefore, syrup + medicinal and aromatic plant extract mixture given to honey bee colonies may have a positive effect on colony development and honey yield.

Evaluation the efficacy of clove, sage and kiwifruit peels extracts as natural preservatives for fish fingers

The antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of clove, Sage and kiwifruit peel extracts as well as their mixture, were evaluated as natural preservatives for fish fingers. The treated samples with the mix (1:1:1) of aqueous extracts showed results superior to that of the synthetic antioxidants. Values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) recorded with the mix at 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% were 0.97, 0.62 and 0.53 mg MDA/kg respectively, compared to negative control and BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) as a positive control which recorded 2.12 and 1.52 mg MDA/kg at the 30th day of storage. The microbial analysis emphasized a superior preservation power of the plant extract mixture. The total microbial count in treated samples with plant extracts mix at 0.1%, 0.25% and 0.5% were 3.7 × 103, 5.7 × 102 and 3.3 × 102 cfu/g compared to the negative and positive control (BHT) which showed the total microbial count 1.8 × 104 and 5.5 × 103 cfu/g respectively, at the 30th day of storage. These findings emphasized the powerful effect of the mixture of plant extracts at the level of 0.5% to extend the shelf life of fish fingers during storage period up to 30 days under cold storage conditions (4 ± 1 °C). These findings suggest that the extract mix may serve as an alternative choice to use as a food additive extending the shelf life of food products.

EFFECT OF COMBINATION OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACTS OF PSIDIUM GUAJAVA LINN AND MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM ON DIABETES MELLITUS

Objective: To determine the anti-diabetic activity of combined aqueous extracts (1:1mixture) of dry leaves of Psidium guajava linn and Moringa oleifera lam as well as to compare the anti-diabetic activity of these plants by in vitro methods.&#x0D; Methods: In vitro alpha amylase inhibitory assay was performed on porcine alpha amylase and the absorbance was measured at 540 nm using a microplate reader and glucose diffusion inhibitory assay using dialysis membrane. Acarbose was used as the standard in the above mentioned methods.&#x0D; Results: The mixture (1:1) of aqueous plant extracts (at a concentration of 100µg/ml) of Psidium guajava linn and Moringa oleifera lam exhibited 72.08333% inhibition with IC50 value of 10.9µg/ml. The leaf extracts of Psidium guajava (at a concentration 100µg/ml) exhibited 71.23288% of a α amylase inhibitory activity with an IC50 values 19.883µg/ml whereas the leaf extracts of Moringa oleifera (at a concentration of 100µg/ml) exhibited 70.58824% of α amylase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 27.974 µg/ml. The Acarbose (standard drug) at a concentration of 100µg/ml showed 72.09302% inhibitory effect on the α amylase activity with an IC50 value 8.9µg/ml. In glucose diffusion inhibition assay the mixture of plant extracts exhibited 76.57% inhibition at 150 min which produces more effects than the two plants. The aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves exhibited maximum glucose diffusion inhibition (75.32%) at 150 min as well as Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed the maximum inhibition of 73.70% at the same time interval. For acarbose the percentage was 82.74 at 150 min. The interpretation of the results was done by one-way anova method.&#x0D; Conclusion: The combined extract of the leaves of the 2 plants was found to be more effective than individual plant extracts against diabetes. On comparison of two plants Psidium guajava was found to be more active against diabetes than Moringa oleifera. Also the potentiation effect shown by the combination of extract may be due to synergistic effect of the phytochemical constituents. As the 1:1 mixture of the aqueous extract is found to be more active, the combination of the two plants can be used to formulate drugs for treating diabetes.

Inhibitory Effects of AF-343, a Mixture of Cassia tora L., Ulmus pumila L., and Taraxacum officinale, on Compound 48/80-Mediated Allergic Responses in RBL-2H3 Cells.

The purpose of this study was to determine the antiallergic effects of AF-343, a mixture of natural plant extracts from Cassia tora L., Ulmus pumila L., and Taraxacum officinale, on rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. The inhibitory effects on cell degranulation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were studied in compound 48/80-treated RBL-2H3 cells. The bioactive compounds in AF-343 were also identified by HPLC–UV. AF-343 was found to effectively suppress compound 48/80-induced β-hexosaminidase release, and interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production in RBL-2H3 cells. In addition, AF-343 exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging effects in vitro (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 105 μg/mL) and potently inhibited compound 48/80-induced cellular ROS generation in a 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) assay. Specifically, treatment with AF-343 exerted stronger antioxidant effects in vitro and antiallergic effects in cells than treatment with three single natural plant extracts. Furthermore, AF-343 was observed to contain bioactive compounds, including catechin, aurantio-obtusin, and chicoric acid, which have been reported to elicit antiallergic responses. This study reveals that AF-343 attenuates allergic responses via suppression of β-hexosaminidase release, IL-4 and TNF-α secretion, and ROS generation, perhaps through mechanisms related to catechin, aurantio-obtusin, and chicoric acid. The results indicate that AF-343 can be considered a treatment for various allergic diseases.

Effects of Supplementation with Anti-Inflammatory Compound Extracted from Herbs in Healthy and Obese Cats.

BackgroundObesity has become a serious public health problem all over the world, and prevalence of obesity has increased in cats. Obesity is characterized by continuous low-grade inflammation based on oxidative stress by excessively produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Supplementation with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds is very effective to relieve the obesity condition. A plant extract mixture containing Rhus verniciflua and some other herbs, Rv-PEM01-99, shows anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Rv-PEM01-99 as an anti-inflammatory compound in healthy and obese cats.Materials and MethodsTen healthy mix breed cats and four obesity disease cats were used. The healthy cats were randomly divided into control and test groups. Anti-inflammatory compound, Rv-PEM01-99, in which quercetin derivative is the main component, was supplemented to the healthy test group and the obesity disease cats at the dose of 100–120 mg/kg/day (2.5–3.0 mg/kg/day as quercetin) for 4 weeks. Metabolites, hormones and enzymes were measured before and after the compound supplementation.ResultsThe anti-inflammatory compound supplementation decreased serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations as inflammatory markers in both healthy and obesity disease cats. In obesity disease cats, plasma total cholesterol concentrations and AST and ALT activities decreased significantly after the compound supplementation.ConclusionQuercetin derivative seems to have strong anti-inflammatory activities. In the healthy cats, anti-inflammatory compound supplementation decreased plasma NEFA and SAA concentrations. In the obesity disease cats, the compound supplementation may have alleviated obesity disease by relieving inflammation and improvement of lipid metabolism in livers.

Abstract P3-11-26: Investigating the synergistic anti-cancer effects on mitochondrial function in breast cancer cells using arctigenin, cinnamaldehyde, and chlorogenic acid individually and in combination

Abstract One of the major obstacles in current breast cancer treatment efficacy is the ability of breast cancer cells to develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, a second major obstacle is the off-target cytotoxicity of these drugs on normal cells, leading to debilitating side effects. Many of these current chemotherapeutics target DNA (repair, replication, division). As a result, the bystander effect to normal cells and tissues is significant. However, one major difference between cancer and normal cells is their metabolism. The Warburg Effect suggests that cancer cells prefer a glycolytic, hypoxic environment. Emerging studies have begun to delineate differences in mitochondrial function between cancer and normal cells. In this study, we sought to exploit this metabolic difference by investigating alternative breast cancer treatment options based on application of natural product components. Previous studies from our lab demonstrated the efficacy of a mixture of plant extracts in killing cancer cells. Proteomics studies showed significant mitochondrial disruption in the cancer cells compared to normal cells. Here, we investigate three of the main components, identified by Mass Spectometry, to determine their anticancer properties compared to the whole extracts’ mixture. Arctigenin, chlorogenic acid, and cinnamaldehyde all demonstrate anti-cancer activity. We hypothesize that each component of the whole extract causes breast cancer cell death by disruption of mitochondrial activity and metabolic shifts, and lead to an increase in oxidative stress that is further amplified by combination treatment. These small molecules were administered to MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer or normal MCF-10A and MCF-12F breast cells, either alone or in combination. To evaluate differences in cell response, mitochondrial integrity and metabolic shifts were evaluated by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy and the Agilent Seahorse XF Cell Mito Stress Test. The ladder measures the mitochondria’s oxygen consumption rate, basal respiration, ATP production, proton leak, maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and non-mitochondrial respiration. This study provides evidence that targeting the mitochondria may be a more effective anticancer treatment and that either components of natural products or combinations thereof offer new approaches in treating breast cancer that significantly reduce off-target effects to normal cells. Citation Format: Caroline Schuster, Lauren S Gollahon. Investigating the synergistic anti-cancer effects on mitochondrial function in breast cancer cells using arctigenin, cinnamaldehyde, and chlorogenic acid individually and in combination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-11-26.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts of Allium rotundum l, Falcaria vulgaris Bernh, and Ferulago angulate Boiss, and their antimicrobial effects in vitro

Green chemistry is a safe and cost-effective method for producing metal nanoparticles. This study aimed to investigate the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using extracts of Allium rotundum l, Falcaria vulgaris Bernh, and Ferulago angulate Boiss, and their antimicrobial effects.Aerial parts of Allium rotundum l., Falcaria vulgaris Bernh. and Ferulago angulate Boiss. were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Ag NPs were characterized by UV–vis spectrophotometer, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation and stability of the reduced silver nanoparticles were checked by UV–vis spectrophotometer analysis. The average particle diameter of silver nanoparticles was calculated from the XRD pattern according to the Scherrer's equation. The antimicrobial, synergistic effects of synthesized nanoparticles and ethanolic extracts of plants were studied alone and in combination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 using disk diffusion method and the diameter of the zone of inhibition compared to the Tetracycline, Kanamycin, and Cefpirome. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of bacteria was determined using micro broth dilution.The XRD spectroscopy of synthesized nanoparticles showed the face center cubic structure. Also, TEM showed the formation of silver nanoparticles with an average size of 20.5 nm. The diameter of the inhibition zone of synthesized silver nanoparticles in the MIC of the mixture of plant extracts and silver nanoparticles was 21, and 25 (mm) for P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, respectively.Obtained results showed that the bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles have an antibacterial effect on both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus.

Compound’s Pre-Screening of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Withania somnifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;, &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Bacopa monnieri&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Centella asiatica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Extracts

Spectral fluorescence signature, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry for identification of chemical and bioactive compounds were applied to study the plant extracts of Withania somnifera, Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnieri which are related to the possible treatment of mental diseases as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Depression. These plants are known for different positive phytotherapeutic effects on the human brain without negative post-, adverse or after effects to the treated individuals, and have been recommended in several medical studies. Therefore, we selected these plants for further analysis, based on the inhibition results of in vitro Amyloid Beta fibrillation tests made by previous measurements. With this study a first screening of the complex plant extract mixtures was performed, to get an initial overview about known and unknown ingredients. In all three plants, similar main compounds were identified, however in different quality and quantity. These may provide substantial information on which compound combinations might be mainly responsible for the positive effects and should be further investigated being responsible for reducing the fibrillation process of Amyloid Beta.

Berberis aristata, Elaeis guineensis and Coffea canephora Extracts Modulate the Insulin Receptor Expression and Improve Hepatic Steatosis in NAFLD Patients: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes. A reduction in insulin receptor (IR) expression has been reported in these patients. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of a mixture of plant extracts consisting of Berberis aristata, Elaeis guineensis and decaffeinated green coffee by Coffea canephora on the improvement of glycaemic profile, through the modulation of IR levels, and of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients. Forty-nine patients with a grade of steatosis S1-S2 were randomly allocated to the treatment with plant extracts or placebo for six months. Hepatic steatosis was evaluated using transient elastography with CAP (controlled attenuation parameter). Glucose, insulin, and IR levels were measured in serum samples. At the end of the study, patients treated with plant extracts displayed a significant reduction of serum glucose (p < 0.001), insulin levels (p < 0.01), homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (p < 0.001), and CAP value (p < 0.01) compared to placebo. Moreover, the IR expression was increased significantly in the plant extracts group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The combination of plant extracts increases serum IR levels, determining amelioration of glycemic profile and improvement of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD patients.

Effects of neem plant extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and bio-surfactant diethanolamide olien from palm oil to the mortality of cacao moth pest (Conopomorpha cramerella)

This study aims to determine the response of the addition of neem plant extract (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) and biosurfactant of diethanolamide olein palm to the mortality of cocoa moth pest (Conopomorpha cramerella). The research was carried out with experiments. The treatment consisted of 5 levels, namely (1) control (without treatment), (2) young leaf extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant dietanolamide palm olein, (3) old leaf extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant diethanolamide palm olein, (4) seed extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant diethanolamide olein palm, (5) young leaf extract of neem plant and seed extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml / 500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfactant diethanolamide olein palm, (6) old leaf extract of neem plant and seed extract of neem plant consisted of 100 ml/500 ml of water + 5% of biosurfaktan dietanolamida olein sawit. The results showed that the treatment of neem plant extracts mixture of young leaves and seeds + biosurfactant dietanolamide olein palm gave the best influence in controlling cocoa moth pests. Furthermore, it was followed by the treatment of neem plant extracts mixed with old leaves and seeds + biosurfactant dietanolamide olein palm.

Herbal components of Japanese Kampo medicines exert laxative actions in colonic epithelium cells via activation of BK and CFTR channels

Japanese Kampo medicines Junchoto and Mashiningan are mixtures of numerous herbal plant extracts and empirically known to exert laxative actions by stimulating fluid secretion in the colonic epithelium. However, it is unknown which and how the herbal components of these crude Kampo drugs are effective to stimulate ion effluxes causing fluid secretion. Here, we selected four herbal components of Junchoto and Mashiningan, Mashinin (MSN), Kyonin (KYN), Tonin (TON), and Daio (DIO), which are putatively laxatives, and examined their effects on the ion channel activity of human colonic epithelial Caco-2 cells. Patch clamp analyses revealed that MSN activated whole-cell current characteristics of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel, whereas KYN, TON, and DIO activated the large-conductance and voltage-activated K+ (BK) channel. Furthermore, electronic cell sizing showed that MSN induced secretory volume decrease (SVD) sensitivity to a CFTR blocker, whereas TON, KYN, and DIO induced SVD sensitivity to a K+ channel blocker. In conclusion, MSN and TON, KYN, and DIO promote fluid secretion from colonic epithelial cells by activating CFTR and BK channels. Thus, Japanese Kampo medicines, Junchoto and Mashiningan, exert anti-constipation actions by inducing KCl efflux through the combined actions of CFTR- and BK-stimulating herbal components.

Formulation of a Mixture of Plant Extracts for Attenuating Postprandial Glycemia and Diet-Induced Disorders in Rats.

The aim of this study was to design a mixture consisting of plant-derived preparations containing inhibitors of carbohydrate digestion and/or glucose absorption that could lower postprandial glycemia and attenuate dietary-induced disorders. The following standardized preparations were tested: white mulberry leaf extract, green coffee bean extract, white kidney bean extract, pomelo fruit extract, bitter melon fruit extract, and purified l-arabinose. The study design was composed of oral sucrose and starch tolerance tests in Wistar rats preceded by a single ingestion of the preparations or their mixtures. Then, a 20 week-long experiment was conducted on rats that were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented with the most effective mixture. Based on the results of the oral sucrose and starch tolerance tests, the mulberry leaf extract, l-arabinose, kidney bean extract, and coffee bean extract were selected for composing three mixtures. The most effective inhibition of postprandial glycemia in the oral tolerance tests was observed after the ingestion of a mixture of mulberry leaf, kidney bean, and coffee bean extract. The glucose-lowering effect of the mixture and its effective dosage was confirmed in the feeding experiment.

Influence of binary, ternary and quaternary mixtures on oxidative stability and study of kinetics and thermodynamic parameters of the degradation process of soybean biodiesel

Currently, studies show that plant extracts may exert antioxidant action and have aroused great interest because they have the property of preventing or minimizing the oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This study concerning to the binary, ternary and quaternary mixtures of plant extracts and the natural antioxidant quercetin with soybean biodiesel in concentrations ranging from (500 to 3000 ppm), using the acceletated oxidation techniques (Rancimat and PetroOXY), where the temperatures varied from 90 °C to 140 °C. The stabilizing factor was studied and indicated the existence of an antioxidant effect and not an antagonistic effect. Among the extracts the highest quantitative levels of flavonoids and total carotenoids were obtained in the following decreasing sequence: oregano extract (OE) > basil extract (BAE) > bilberry extract (BE), while for antioxidant activity front the DPPH radical the decreasing sequence was: oregano extract (OE) > bilberry extract (BE) > basil extract (BAE). The activation energies of the antioxidant mixtures were obtained by the Arrhenius equation and followed the ascending order: OEQC (62.69 kJ/mol) < BOBE (65.01 kJ /mol) < BAEQC (77.15 kJ/mol) < BEQC (77.73 kJ/mol) < BOBEQC (81.73 kJ /mol) by the technique Rancimat and BEQC (40.90 kJ/mol) < OEQC (41.82 kJ/mol) < BAEQC (42.32 kJ/mol) < BOBEQC (44.48 kJ/mol) < BOBE (45.31 kJ/mol) by the technique PetroOXY. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH* and ΔS*, were obtained by the Eyring equation and the ΔG* by the fundamental equation of thermodynamics, being evident, by the results shown, the existence of an endothermic and non-spontaneous process. The shelf life of antioxidant mixtures with biodiesel followed the descending order: BAEQC > BEQC > OEQC > BOBEQC > BOBE and OEQC > BAEQC > BEQC > BOBEQC > BOBE in the Rancimat and PetroOXY method, respectively. Therefore, the use of mixtures of these natural antioxidants was very promising and of fundamental importance in the control of the oxidative process of soybean biodiesel.

Potential control of Salmonella spp. isolated from different environmental sources by combined mixture of henna, garlic and onion extracts

Abstract All Salmonella serotypes showed a great diversity in their resistance patterns. The enormous expansion of resistance of Salmonella to certain antimicrobials is particularly causing problems, therefore, this study aimed to investigate a new natural compound to inhibit Salmonella serotypes. One hundred and twenty bacterial isolates were recovered from different foods and environmental samples. All isolated Salmonella were resistant to cefaclor with percentage of 100%, and were 100% susceptible to ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ertapenem and nitrofurantoin. Fourteen multidrug resistant (MDR) Salmonella serotypes were controlled by different plant extracts especially a combination mixture of henna plant, fresh garlic and onions extracts. These MDR isolates were examined for the existence of 6 virulence genes (invA, stn, ssaQ, gipA, sopB and spvC) and their relationship with antibiotic resistance. No virulence genes; gipA and ssaQ genes were detected in the tested Salmonella serotypes, whereas possess invA, stn and sopB genes. Overall, the most resistant virulent isolated Salmonella serotypes were S. Vejle, S. Meleagridis and S. Anatum which have four virulence genes (invA, stn, sopB and spvC). The consequences of this investigation will help in grasping the spread of virulence genotypes and antibiotic resistance in Salmonella. The prospectivity of adding henna active ingredients besides garlic and onion as mixtures may be potential for Salmonella infectious diseases.

Short Term Effects of the Vaginal Administration of Gestrinone and Miodesin™ on Endometriosis Pain

Introduction: Gestrinone a 19 nor testosterone derivative with androgenic, anti-estrogenic and anti-progesterone properties was used either alone or associated with plant derived anti-inflammatory drugs to treat pain in deep endometriosis patients. Patient and Methods: In the present study Gestrinone was used alone or in combination with either a higher (500 mg) or a lower (170 mg) doses of Myodesin™ in order to treat pelvic pain in patients with deep endometriosis . In the higher dose group Miodesin™ was dispensed without Astaxanthin. Miodesin is the trade name for a herbal complex prepared by Fagron Brazil whose composition contains a mixture of plant extracts from an amazon tree Uncaria tomentosa together other plants. In the lower dose group (170 mg), on the other hand, a novel composition of Miodesin™ was tested that also contained H. pluviallis extract containing Astaxanthin. Forty patients with deep endometriosis and severe pain were enrolled for this study. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to treatment scheme. In Group A (n=11) they were treated with vaginal Gestrinone alone (2,5mg/g twice a week). In Group B (n=17) the patients received Gestrinone (2.5 mg/g twice a week) together with Miodesin™ (500 mg/3g daily)(Fagron Brazil). In Group C (n=12) the patients were treated with a daily dose of 1 mg/g of Gestrinone together with a lower dose of Miodesin™ 170 mg/g containing H pluvialis extract as described above . All medications were dispensed vaginally dissolved in Pentravan® (Fagron, Netherland). In group C only 1g of Pentravan® was necessary to dissolve 170 mg of the new composition of Miodesin™ containing H. pluvialis extract while in group B it was necessary to use 3g to solubilize the 500 mg of traditional Miodesin™. Results: In all 3 groups total pain scores reduced significantly after one month of treatment. However the post treatment scores were always significantly lower in patients who had used either the higher dose of Miodesin™ (Group B) or the new composition of Miodesin™ (Groups C) when compared to Gestrinone alone (Group A )(p&lt;0.02). Conclusion: Although Miodesin™ was administered in a lower dose in group C the addiction of H.pluviallis extract standardized to contain Astaxanthin increased its efficacy to treat endometriosis pain when used together with Gestrinone. Miodesin™ is an inhibitor of NF-kappa-b activation while Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with potent antioxidant effects and their combined administration had a synergetic effect that allowed the reduction of the doses of Miodesin™ without compromising its efficacy.

Plant‐Inspired Pyrogallol‐Containing Functional Materials

AbstractPyrogallol‐containing molecules are ubiquitous in the plant kingdom. The chemical synthesis of these molecules remains challenging. Thus, they are obtained via purification from heterogeneous mixtures of plant extracts. Previous studies have focused on their biological roles, such as antioxidants. Additionally, the molecules are used as ink colorants and in tanning processes for leather. Recently, many disciplines have paid attention to adhesiveness of pyrogallol‐containing molecules, including the control of interface properties in energy storage/generation and medical devices, as well as the changes in wettability related to membrane technologies. In particular, pyrogallol‐containing molecules act as “molecular glues,” binding to virtually all biomacromolecules, for example, DNA/RNA, soluble proteins, insoluble extracellular matrices, and peptides. Furthermore, the cohesion of pyrogallol by forming pyrogallol‐to‐pyrogallol covalent bonds is useful for the preparation of bulk hydrogels and thin films. The content of this review focuses on interactions with biomacromolecules used as molecular glues, used as modifiers in material‐independent surface chemistry, and applied as chemical moieties to form covalent linkages to fabricate hydrogels and related biomaterials. Future perspectives include the development of new pyrogallol‐containing materials, the understanding of chirality in adhesion, and the improvement of the mechanical stability for applications in various biomedical, energy, and industrial devices.