Ml Of Aqueous Extract Research Articles

Exploring the potential of phenolic and antioxidant compounds identified and quantified of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits and their impacts on lambs’ performance and health

Abstract This study aimed to assess the impact of the identified phenolic, flavonoid, and fat-soluble vitamin compounds found in Caesalpinia coriaria fruits (EC) aqueous extract on growth performance, helminth parasitic load, feeding behavior, and physiological variables in lambs. The fruits were extracted using water, and three doses of the extract as no extract (EC0 mL/lamb/day), 30 mL of aqueous extract of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits (EC30 mL/lamb/day), or 60 mL of aqueous extract of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits (EC60 mL/lamb/day) were orally administered to 24 growing crossbred lambs weighing 18-20 kg for 60 days. The HPLC analysis revealed that ferulic acid, ellagic acid, syringic acid, quercetin, and hesperidin were the predominant compounds in Caesalpinia coriaria fruits. Additionally, water-soluble vitamin compounds such as thiamine, pantothenic acid, and niacin were detected in the Caesalpinia coriaria fruit extract. The dietary administration of EC improved (P < 0.05) average daily gain and feed and water intake. EC30 lambs spent more time (P < 0.03) eating and less time ruminating. The aqueous extract also showed a dose-dependent reduction (P = 0.048) in fecal parasite egg count, with a steady decrease (P = 0.0001) as the extract was applied. EC0 lambs exhibited the highest (P < 0.0001) respiratory frequency and EC30 the lowest. A strong positive correlation was identified between rectal and abdomen temperature in the morning and afternoon measurements. The presence of phenolic and antioxidants in the aqueous extract of C. coriaria, up to 60 mL, demonstrated beneficial effects, including improved productivity, anti-parasitic activity, and mitigation of body temperature. Thus, farmers without access to synthetic drugs can use this plant extract to treat their animals during fattening to reduce gastrointestinal parasites, improve growth rate, and reduce drug residue in animal products. Further studies need to be carried out on the individual components of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits to ascertain their effect on body temperature/physiology and to know if the effects are individualistic or synergistic.

Green Application of Ultrasonic Waves for Extraction of Yellow Colorant from Haar Singhar and its Colouring Behaviour in Cotton Dyeing

Natural dyes have grown in popularity due to their eco-friendliness. They can be used as a substitute for synthetic dyes to minimize environmental pollution. This research investigates the natural colouring behaviour of haar singhar flower (HSF) extract in cotton dyeing. Colorant was extracted under various conditions utilizing various extraction mediums such as aqueous, basic, and acidic. On cotton, it was discovered that applying 55 mL of aqueous extract containing 1.5 g/100 mL sodium chloride for 40 minutes at 70 °C yielded the best colour output. A new hue with good colour fastness was developed utilizing chemical and bio-mordants. The existence of nyctanthin as a colouring agent in haar singhar flowers was discovered through FTIR analysis of the extract. The CIE Lab system revealed that using 2 g/100 mL of pistachio shell as a bio-mordant resulted in good quality reddish yellow hues. It was discovered that ultrasonic radiations have a high potential for isolating colourants and dyeing cotton fabric under decreased conditions of temperature, time and volume. The application of biomordants has made the procedure greener, more efficient, and safer.

Efficient Catalytic Degradation of Selected Toxic Dyes by Green Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Leaf Extract of Cestrum nocturnum L.

In the present study, the catalytic degradation of selected toxic dyes (methylene blue, 4-nitrophenol, 4-nitroaniline, and congo red) using biosynthesized green silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of Cestrum nocturnum L. was successfully performed. These AgNPs are efficiently synthesized when a reaction mixture containing 5 mL of aqueous extract (3%) and 100 mL of silver nitrate (1 mM) is exposed under sunlight for 5 min. The synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed based on the change in the color of the reaction mixture from pale yellow to dark brown, with maximum absorbance at 455 nm. Obtained NPs were characterized by different techniques, i.e., FTIR, XRD, HR-TEM, HR-SEM, SAED, XRD, EDX, AFM, and DLS. Green synthesized AgNPs were nearly mono-dispersed, smooth, spherical, and crystalline in nature. The average size of the maximum number of AgNPs was 77.28 ± 2.801 nm. The reduction of dyes using a good reducing agent (NaBH4) was tested. A fast catalytic degradation of dyes took place within a short period of time when AgNPs were added in the reaction mixture in the presence of NaBH4. As a final recommendation, Cestrum nocturnum aqueous leaf extract-mediated AgNPs could be effectively implemented for environmental rehabilitation because of their exceptional performance. This can be utilized in the treatment of industrial wastewater through the breakdown of hazardous dyes.

Assessment of wild turmeric-based eco-friendly yellow natural bio-colorant for dyeing of wool fabric.

The current study has been designed to observe the coloring efficacy of wild turmeric-based natural yellowish colorant for wool dyeing under microwave (MW) treatments. Extracts and fabrics have been exposed to MW treatment for up to 10 min. Surface morphology and changes in the fabric's chemical nature before and after radiation have been studied through SEM and FTIR, respectively. The results obtained after a series of experiments show that using 45 mL of aqueous extract (pH = 5) in the presence of 1.5g/100mL of table salt as an exhausting agent at 75°C for 45 min has displayed outstanding color depth (K/S) onto microwave-treated wool fabric. On applying biomordants, it has been found that acacia extract (1.5%), pomegranate (2%), and pistachio extracts (1.5%) before dyeing, whereas acacia (1%), pomegranate (1%), and pistachio extracts (2%) after dyeing, have shown colorfast shades of high strength. Comparatively, salts of Al (1.5%) and Fe (1%), and T.A (2%) before dyeing, while salts of Al (1%) and Fe (1.5%) and T.A (1.5%) after dyeing, have given the best results. Generally, it has been originated that salt of Fe (1.5%) as a post-chemical mordant and pomegranate extract (1.5%) as a post-bio-mordant have displayed wonderful color strength. It very well may be inferred that MW treatment, being naturally protected, has just superior the varying strength of colorants on wool fabric. Adding biomordants has transformed the strategy into a more sustainable one.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Aqueous Extract of Lemongrass Leaves on Reproductive Characteristics, Testis Weight and Testicular Tissues of Male Broiler Mothers ROSS308

This study was conducted in the field of domestic birds / Department of Animal Production / College of Agriculture - Al-Qasim Green University for a period of 6 weeks from 1/11/2021 - 15/12/2021, preceded by two weeks to train roosters to collect semen, to study the effect of adding the aqueous extract to lemongrass leaves in different levels on the reproductive characteristics of males of meat broiler mothers (Ros 308) at the age (50) weeks and by 16 roosters, the roosters were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replications, each replicate included only one rooster. The treatments were as follows: The first treatment was the control group without adding, the second treatment was adding 200 ml of aqueous extract of lemongrass leaves/litre of water, the third treatment was adding 300 ml of aqueous extract of lemongrass leaves/litre of water, the fourth treatment was adding 400 ml of aqueous extract For lemongrass leaves/litre of water. The following results were: a significant improvement (P < 0.01) in the second and third treatments with concentrations of 200 and 300 ml in ejaculation volume, percentage of salt-resistant sperm, percentage of individual motility of the sperm and percentage of live sperms compared to the first and fourth treatments, and a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the percentage of death sperms in the second, third and fourth treatment over the first treatment (control), while a ratio of mass motility, sperm concentration per ejaculate, and testis weight, the third treatment (P < 0.01) was superior to the rest of the treatments. the histological cutting of the testicle, it was noted an improvement in the sperm biosynthesis process and an increase in the number of sperms for the third and second treatments compared to the first (control) and the fourth treatments.

Effect of aqueous extract of lemon (Citrus limon) on Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) larvae tolerance in malaria vector control in Dogbo district in south-western Republic of Benin, West Africa

The use of chemical insecticides causes important damages to environment and human health and there is a need to search for alternative solutions. This study aims to investigate on the effect of aqueous extract of lemon in Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae tolerance in couffo department in south-western Republic of Benin, West Africa. Larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.l mosquitoes were collected from breeding sites using the dipping method in July 2020 during the rainy season in Dogbo district. A batch of 15 larvae of fourth instar were exposed to a mixture of aqueous extract of lemon with distilled water saturated with oxygen containing in each of five glass jars or test cups of same dimensions contained each 48 ml distilled water saturated with oxygen plus 2 ml of aqueous extract of lemon (Citrus limon) and one control jar containing no trace of aqueous extract of lemon. Larval mortality was recorded after 24hours, 48hours and 72hours exposure. The results show that the use of aqueous extract of lemon causes full-grown Anopheles larvae to die by suffocation. After the application of this mixture, the larvae of four instars cannot breathe. The use of aqueous extract of lemon is effective method for disturbing the siphonal respiration of mosquito larvae. Aqueous extract of lemon is effective method for mosquito larvae control.

Waste black tea leaves (Camelia sinensis) as a sustainable source of tannin natural colorant for bio-treated silk dyeing.

Environmentally friendly products are the need of the hour, particularly in this pandemic situation because synthetic products need such toxic chemicals for their formulation and finishing which are carcinogenic for the globe. The current study is the utilization of waste black tea leaf (BT)-based tannin brown natural colorant for silk dyeing using microwave treatment. Dye (tannin) has been isolated in various media before and after microwave treatment up to 6 min and applied at various conditions. It has been found that 30 mL of aqueous extract of 3.0 pH obtained from 6.0 g of powder containing 3.0 g/100 mL of salt as an exhausting agent after microwave treatment for 5 min, when employed at 55 °C for 45 min, has given good color yield onto silk. Iron (3%) and acacia extract (2%) as pre-chemical and bio mordant, iron (2%) and pomegranate extract (2%) as post chemical and bio-mordant, and Al (3 %) and pomegranate extract (3%) as meta chemical and bio-mordant have given new shades with good to excellent fastness ratings. It is inferred that waste black tea leaves (BTs) in an aqueous medium have an excellent potential to serve as a source of natural tannin brown dye for the coloration of surface-modified silk fabrics under the influence of cost, energy, and time-effective microwave treatment. Additionally, the utilization of a low amount of sustainable chemical and bio-mordants has valorized the dyeing of silk by developing soothing and sustainable shades with good fastness properties.

Effect of adding different levels of lemon grass leaves (Cymbopogon citratus) to the diet or its extract into drinking water on some blood parameters for broiler chickens (Ross 308)

This experiment was conducted at the poultry farm of the college of Agriculture, University of Al-Qasim Green for the period from 18/9/2019 to 23/10/2019. The study was aimed to the effect of adding different levels of lemongrass leaves (Cymbopogon citratus) to the diet or its extract to drinking water on some blood parameters for broiler chickens (Ross 308). In the experiment, 225 unsexed broiler chicks (Ross), which obtained from Al-Anwar hatchery, it the were randomly distributed on 15 pen, with 5 experimental treatments,45 birds for each treatment. Each treatment included three replicates per 15 birds. The treatments of the experiment were as follows: First treatment: control group free from any addition. The second treatment: a basic feed added to 10 g of lemon grass / kg feed, the third treatment: a basic feed added with 20 g of lemon grass / kg feed, The fourth treatment: adding 100 ml of the aqueous extract of the lemongrass / liter of drinking water, and the fifth treatment: adding 200 ml of the aqueous extract of the lemongrass liter of drinking water.The experiment included studying the following characteristics: the number of red blood cells, the number of white blood cells, the percentage of Haematocrit (%), the concentration of haemoglobin (%), the percentage of lymphocytes (%), the percentage of Heterophil cells (%) and the percentage of H / L cells. The results indicated register the third, fourth and fifth treatment (adding 20 g / kg of feed leaves of lemon and 100 and 200 ml / liter of drinking water from the aqueous extract of the leaves of lemongrass) recorded an increase in the number of red blood cells, the percentage of Haematocrit and the concentration of haemoglobin at the 35 days age and in a significant (p≤ 0.05) compared to the first treatment (control). The treatment of adding lemongrass leaves, either with feed or drinking water, showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the numbers of white blood cells, the percentage of lymphocytes (%) and a decrease in the percentage of Heterophil cells (%) and the percentage of H / L cells compared to the first treatment (control). It is concluded from the present experiment that adding of the lemon grass leaves or their aqueous extract to drinking water at levels of 20 g / kg fodder, 100 ml of aqueous extract of lemon leaves and 200 ml of the aqueous extract of lemon grass leaves to the diet can lead to improving some blood parameters for broiler chickens. Keywords: lemon grass, blood parameters, broiler chickens.*Research paper from MSc thesis for the first author.

Modulatory Effect of Ginger Aqueous Extract against Imidacloprid-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats

The current study was aimed to investigate neurotoxic impact of imidacloprid in rats and the potential modulatory role of Zingiber officinale Roscoe aqueous extract against such effects. Sixty male albino rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n = 10) as following: G1 is (-ve) control group (0.1 ml of distilled water for 90 days). G2 is (+ve) control group (1ml of aqueous extract of ginger (GAE) for 90 days). G3 group was administered with 0.1 ml of Imidacloprid (IMI) for 90 days. G4 group was administered with 1 ml of GAE for 2 weeks followed by administration of 0.1 ml of IMI/rat for 90 days. G5 group was administered with 0.1 ml of IMI for 90 days then 1ml of GAE for 2 weeks and the last group administered 0.1 ml of IMI and 1ml of GAE simultaneously for 90 days (G6) oral dosing of IMI and ginger aqueous extract was triple weekly. IMI exposure caused significant decrease in gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) level, significant increase in sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), significant depletion in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) was not affected by IMI exposure. IMI exposure upregulates toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) gene in the brain, intense immuno positive reactivity of TLR2 in the brain of IMI-treated group. Histopathologically, significant alterations in the brain were observed, such as neuronal degeneration, hemorrhages, necrosis, demyelination and gliosis. In conclusion, IMI neurotoxic effect could be modulated by the use of ginger aqueous extract.

Effect of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) and Uziza (Piper guineense) Leaf on the Histology of the Liver of Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: This study was aimed at investigating the effects of aqueous extracts of both Nigella sativa and Piper guineense on the liver enzymes; alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Also the effect of Nigella sativa and Piper guineense extracts on the histology of the liver of Wistar rat was also studied.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of twenty five Wistar rats were used for the study. The animals were grouped into five groups, each having five animals. They were induced with sucrose and margarine to cause high sugar levels and hyperlipidemia respectively except the positive control group which was fed normal feed. The groups were: the positive control group, the negative control group which were induced without treatment, the uziza leaf group which were induced and were treated with 2 ml of aqueous extract of uziza leaf, the black seed group which were induced and were treated with 2 ml of aqueous extract of black seed, and the black seed and uziza group which were induced and were treated with 2ml of aqueous extract of black seed and 2 ml of aqueous extract of uziza leaf. &#x0D; Results: The result showed that the extracts decreased the ALT and AST and ALP activities in the rats in a time dependent manner with highest decrease obtained on the third week of treatment with the extracts. The ALT activity (U/L) on the third week of treatment showed for the, negative control (64.48 ± 0.22), uziza leaf (28.82 ± 0.12), black seed (32.65 ± 0.02), black seed and uziza leaf (16.04 ± 0.02) (p≤0.05). The decrease in activity for AST levels (U/L) on the third week of treatment, showed for the negative control (58.00 ± 0.02), uziza leaf (11.00 ± 0.01), black seed (12.00 ± 0.02), black seed and uziza leaf (8.00 ± 0.02).&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that both uziza leaf and black seed have hepatoprotective effect on the liver.

PHYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY REDUCTION ASSESSMENT OF COPPER IONS THROUGH THE ONION APICAL MERISTEM

This paper investigates the protective properties of the aqueous extract of silkworm pupae (CABG) in terms of the toxic effect of copper ions on morphometrically parameters in Allium-test. Methods: It is established that the joint use of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae and copper sulphate at a concentration of 100 µm growth inhibition of roots is not happening and even stimulated by the application of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae at a concentration of 1 ml/10 ml. Stimulation of root growth is also observed with the combined use of 1000 µm copper sulfate and aqueous extract of silkworm pupae in a concentration of 10 ml/100 ml of the solution with respect to the use of copper sulfate only. A significant decrease in the parameter ‘length of sprouts' in 1.3-6.0 times with respect to the control was observed when using copper ions in concentrations of 100-1000 microns, while at a metal concentration of 10 microns no negative effect on the development of sprouts was established. The emergence of lateral roots in 20-50% of cases observed only in the use of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae. Thus, in the study of morphometric parameters of seedlings of onion (the relative growth of roots, length of shoots, their weight) set the modifier of the protective effect of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae when used together with copper sulfate in concentrations of 10 and 100 µm. At a concentration of 10 ml of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae/100 ml solution protective function in relation to ions of copper are more severe.

English

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is non-toxic and eco-friendly than commonly used physicochemical methods. The study focuses on synthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antioxidant activity of AgNPs synthesized using aqueous extract of Moringa stenopetala (M. stenopetala) leaves. Optimum heating time required for the preparation of aqueous extract of M. stenopetala leaves was 15 min. It was found that 90 ml of 1 mM of silver nitrate solution and 15 ml of aqueous extract of M. stenopetala leaves were more favorable for maximum production of AgNPs with a yield of 97.14%. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum of synthesized AgNPs shows a peak at 412 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectral analysis indicated involvement of -C=O, -O-H, and -N-H in the formation of AgNPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed the face centered cubic (FCC) structure of AgNPs with average particle size of 11.44 nm. Synthesized AgNPs showed stronger antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli than Staphylococcus aureus and has better antioxidant activity than standard ascorbic acid. Key words: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), green synthesis, Moringa stenopetala.

A Study of Veronia Amygdalina Leaf Extract on Corrosion Resistance of 96%Al, 3.5%Zn and 0.5%Mg in Nacl Solution

This paper presents a study of corrosion resistance of 96% Al, 3.5% Zn and 0.5% Mg using Veronia Amygdalina leaf extract as the inhibitor. The experiment was conducted in different concentration of Veronia Amygdalina (15, 30, 45, 60ml) at 4M Nacl solution. The experiment was evaluated using the weight or metal loss method. The results obtained were compared against a control experiment without addition of an inhibitor. The highest inhibitive effect was obtained at the corrosion rate of 0.34750mmpy at 240hrs in 30ml of aqueous extract of Veronia Amygdalina in Nacl solution.

HISTOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Mentha spicata ON LIVER IN ALBINO MICE

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of high concentration of Mentha spicata on liver tissues. Fourteen mature male albino mice were used in this study and divided into two groups. Control group received 1 ml normal saline daily for 7days through oro- gastric tube. The remained animals received 1ml of aqueous extract of Mentha spicata daily for 7 days through oro-gastric tube. At the end of experiment, all animals were dissected. Liver Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. Sections were prepared and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The slides were examined macroscopically. The results showed that coagulative degeneration, degeneration of hepatocytes with necrosis, inflammation vacuolization, inflammatory cell infiltration and fatty degenerative changes as also hemorrhage and increased size of Kupffer cells and vacuolated cytoplasm. From this study it has been concluded that high concentration of aqueous extract of Mentha spicata have a side effect on the structure and function of liver tissue.

Anticancer and Cytotoxic Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extracts on HeLa cell line

Anticancer and Cytotoxic Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extracts on HeLa cell line

Evaluation of “GSPF kwath”: A Gymnema sylvestre-containing polyherbal formulation for the treatment of human type 2 diabetes mellitus

IntroductionSince ancient times, plant-based herbal formulations have been used in Indian traditional medicine to treat diabetes. This observational study investigated the antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant potential of a Gymnema sylvestre polyherbal formulation (“GSPF kwath”) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsA before-and-after study of 32 human subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus was carried out. Patients were administered “GSPF kwath” consisting of a mixture of 10 herbs: G. sylvestre (gurmar), Syzygium cumini (jamun seed), Phyllanthus emblica (amla), Curcuma longa (haldi), Pterocarpus marsupium (vijaysaar), Terminalia chebula (harad), Cassia fistula (amaltas), Picrorhiza kurroa (kutki), Swertia chirata (chirayita), and Terminalia bellirica (behada). Patients were administered 50ml of aqueous extract derived from 10g of “GSPF kwath” daily on an empty stomach for 6 months. The blood glucose levels were monitored monthly, and glycosylated hemoglobin, lipid profile and biomarkers of oxidative stress, and liver and kidney function markers were measured at 3-monthly intervals. ResultsDaily administration of “GSPF kwath” regularly for 6 months resulted in significant reductions of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. There was also a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and concomitant decreases in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels. Patients exhibited a significant improvement in the biochemical markers for oxidative stress. ConclusionsThe results suggest that the polyherbal formulation GSPF may have the potential to regulate both hyperglycemia and possibly hyperlipidemia. “GSPF kwath” may be a potentially safe and effective therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Ex vivo and In vivo Antioxidant Related Effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) Extracts in Humans

Aims: To investigate antioxidant related effects of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) in humans. Study Design: Venous blood from healthy volunteers was used to conduct ex vivo experiments. For in vivo study, nine healthy volunteers, each received orally 250 ml of aqueous extract of ginger daily for 5 days. Venous bloods were taken before and one hour after the first dose of aqueous extract (sample I and II respectively) and then one day after the last dose of day five (i.e. day 6, sample III). The first blood taken before the first dose (i.e. sample I), served as control for the next samples of II and III. Methodology: The following assays were performed: Erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH), Malonyldialdehyde (MDA), Protein carbonyl (PC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Percentage hemolysis, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and selected biochemical tests. Results: Pre-incubation of erythrocytes ex vivo with methanolic extract of ginger then exposed to H2O2 decreased significantly MDA production (i.e. anti-lipid-peroxidant), PC production (i.e. antiOriginal Research Article Bilto and Alabdallat; EJMP, 7(2): 99-108, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.072 100 protein-oxidant) and oxidant hemolysis (i.e. anti-hemolytic) in a concentration dependent manner. Ginger extract had no effect on GSH of ex vivo incubated erythrocytes. Oral administration of aqueous extracts of ginger to healthy volunteers, for 5 days, increased significantly serum TAS (from 1.08 to 1.24 mmol/l = 15% increase), erythrocyte GSH (from 0.74 to 1.53 mg/g Hb = 107% increase) and SOD (from 1005.4 to 1374.5 U/gHb = 37% increase), decreased significantly erythrocyte MDA (from 23.7 to 15.5 nmol//g Hb = 35% decrease), and also caused a significant small decrease within the reference range in serum potassium (K) (from 4.3 to 4.0 mmol/L), and serum urea nitrogen (BUN) (from 17.9 to 13.5 mg/dL) and an increase in serum creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) (from 63.1 to 82.7 U/L), with no effect on other serum biochemical tests for kidney, liver, cardiac and pancrease, compared to 0 time administration. Conclusion: The study indicates that ginger can improve the base line of the defense mechanisms against possible oxidative stress and possibly inhibit pathological conditions related to oxidative stress.

In Vitro and in Vivo Antioxidant Related Effects of Rosemary (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Rosmarinus Officinalis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Extracts in Humans

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) belongs to the family Lamiaceae (Labiatae) is a well-known aromatic plant used all around the world for different medicinal purposes. Aims: The present work aimed to investigate antioxidant related effects of rosemary in humans by in vitro and in vivo studies. Study design: Chemical antioxidant assays and venous blood from healthy volunteers were used to conduct in vitro experiments. For in vivo study, nine healthy volunteers, each received orally 250 ml of aqueous extract of rosemary daily for 5 days. Venous bloods were taken before and one hour after the first dose of aqueous extract (sample I and II respectively) and then one day after the last dose of day five (i.e. day 6, sample III). The first blood taken before the first dose (i.e. sample I), served as control for the next samples of II and III. Methodology: The following assays were performed: total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reducing power, scavenging activity of DPPH, scavenging activity of OH, iron chelating ability, erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH), malonyldialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), percentage hemolysis, serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and serum selected biochemical tests. Results: Rosemary extract showed efficient total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, scavenging activity of DPPH, scavenging activity of OH and a reasonable iron chelating ability. Pre-incubation of erythrocytes in vitro with methanolic extract of rosemary then exposed to H₂O₂ decreased significantly MDA production (i.e. anti-lipid-peroxidant), PC production (i.e. anti-protein-oxidant) and oxidant hemolysis (i.e. anti-hemolytic) in a concentration dependent manner. Oral administration of aqueous extracts of rosemary to healthy volunteers, for 5 days, increased significantly serum TAS (18% increase), erythrocyte GSH (72% increase), erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) (21% increase) and decreased significantly erythrocyte MDA (17% decrease), with no effect on serum biochemical tests for kidney, liver, cardiac and pancreatic, compared to 0 time administration. Conclusion: Rosemary extracts have efficient in vitro and in vivo antioxidant related effects. As the present findings are obtained in healthy humans with no oxidative stress, this indicates that rosemary can improve the base line of the defense mechanisms against possible oxidative stress, with no adverse effects, thus decreasing susceptibility or preventing the progress of pathological conditions related to oxidative stress.

Relationships between flavonoids and selected elements in infusions of medicinal herbs

Abstract The aim of the studies was to establish relationships between flavonoids and elements important for human health. Therefore, total contents of flavonoids and phosphorus were determined by UV/Vis methods, flavonoids by HPLC, and Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu by FAAS in 68 infusions of medicinal herbs. Total flavonoids content in the aqueous extracts were in the range of 0.26 - 16.40 mg per 100 mL. The mean flavonoid contents (in mg per 100 mL of aqueous extract) were 2.24, 2.01, 1.83, 1.88 for rutin, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. The concentrations of Ca, Mg, P were determined in mg per 100 mL, and of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in μg per 100 mL. Total content of flavonoids was weakly correlated with quercetin (r = 0.41), kaempferol (r = 0.53), Cu (r = 0.43), and Ca (r = -0.30). Statistically significant correlations were also found among Cu, Ca, Mn, Zn and Fe. Cluster analysis grouped the studied herbs based on total flavonoids, also four flavonoids and essential elements contents, extracted from the whole population of herbs Sambuci flos, Betulae folium, and Sylibi mariani semen. Principal component analysis confirmed these findings and enabled identification of quercetin, kaempferol, Cu and Fe as the factors responsible for differentiation of the studied material.

Viabilidade de urediniósporos de Puccinia kuehnii e sua germinação influenciada por extratos aquosos de folhas de cana-de-açúcar

Rusts contribute to yield losses in crops of sugarcane. The present study was to evaluate the viability urediniospores of Puccinia kuehnii over time and the influence of aqueous extracts in vitro germination. Leaves with symptoms orange rust, cultivar SP89 1115 and RB72 454, were collected for the first bioassay (B1). These were stored in a humid chamber, to date evaluations. Urediniospores were collected from the leaves, and suspended in distilled water 0.1 ml was prepared they were transferred to Petri dishes containing agar-water, maintained at 20°C in the dark for 24 hours. Evaluations were made at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 days after harvest of the sheets, with five replicates for evaluation. In the second bioassay (B2) the urediniospores were collected from leaves with symptoms of orange rust cultivar SP89 1115 of sugarcane. Suspension was prepared in distilled water, aliquot of 0.1 ml were transferred to Petri dishes containing agar-water, and 1 ml of aqueous extract of leaves of sugarcane. Treatments consisted of two aqueous extracts of leaves of sugarcane: susceptible RB72 454 and resistant RB86 7515 in dilutions of 1:1, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, with four replications. For both bioassays were evaluated germination of 200 urediniospores/plate. The results showed that B1 for variety SP89 1115 germination percentage was significantly lower than the RB72 454, respectively 26.4% and 93.1% at the time of collection of the field and 24.8% and 32.4% to 16 days after collection. In B2 the germination of urediniospores receiving the aqueous suspension of the resistant variety, was on average 7.6 percentage points lower than those who received the aqueous suspension of susceptible variety.