Nucifera Leaf Research Articles

Anti-melanogenic effects of hot-water extracts from Torreya nucifera via MAPKs and cAMP signaling pathway on B16F10 cells.

Torreya nucifera is an evergreen tree in the family Taxaceae, the seeds, leaves, and stems of which have long been used as edible products and herbal medicines in Korea. Previous studies of biological activity have shown that T. nucifera has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effect of T. nucifera leaves on melanogenesis are yet to be studied. In this investigation, we used B16F10 melanoma cells to test the efficacy of T. nucifera leaf hot water extract (TLWE). α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells were treated with various concentrations of TLWE (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). The results showed that TLWE reduced the melanin content and cellular tyrosinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. It also inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. The compounds catechin and ρ-coumaric acid, which are known to have a whitening effect on skin, were detected by HPLC analysis. These results suggest that TLWE has an anti-melanogenic effect. In addition, the safety of TLWE was tested. The results of the skin irritation test showed that TLWE is harmless to the human skin, even at higher concentrations than those used in the experiment. Therefore, we suggest that the water extract of T. nucifera leaves has potential for use as a skin-whitening agent.

Extraction of Graphene Nanostructures from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera Leaves and Surface Functionalization with Tin Oxide: Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Properties.

Expeditious evolution of antimicrobial resistance in recent years has been identified as a growing concern by various health organizations around the world. Herein, facile and environmentally benign production of highly antibacterial carbonaceous nanomaterials from Colocasia esculenta and Nelumbo nucifera leaves is reported. After carbonization and oxidative treatment, smaller graphene domains are formed in Colocasia esculenta derivatives, whereas larger sheetlike structures are observed in the case of Nelumbo nucifera. Smaller particle size makes quantum confinement effects more prominent, as is evident in fine-tuning of the photoluminescence emission after each stage of treatment. The influence of precursor materials on the antibacterial properties of the nanosystems is also demonstrated. When microbiocidal activity was tested against model bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the nanocomposite derived from Colocasia esculenta leaves showed higher activity than the antibiotic drug clarithromycin (control) with a measured zone of inhibition of 40±0.5 mm. This is one of the highest values reported in comparison with plant-based carbon-silver nanosystems. Quantitative analysis revealed that the nanocomposite obtained from Colocasia esculenta leaves has antimicrobial efficacy equivalent to those of commercial antibiotic drugs and is able to eradicate bacteria at much lower concentrations than that obtained from Nelumbo nucifera leaves.

Cocos nucifera Leaf Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

Antibiotic resistance is currently a global human health concern and insists on the importance of the production of new, alternative and most effective antibiotics. Nano-sized trace metals such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is a potential material with antibacterial properties and hence the synthesis of this material is of considerable interest to the scientific community mainly for antimicrobial applications. In this work, we have successfully green synthesized the AgNPs using Cocos nucifera leaf aqueous extract as the natural reducing and stabilizing agent, and aqueous silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution as a precursor by a newly developed technique. The material was characterized by ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometry, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses; and subsequently, evaluated their potential candidacy as antibacterial agents against some common human pathogens by the standard disc diffusion method. The synthesized AgNPs were identified by XRD analysis as a cubic crystal system with an average crystallite size of 14.2 nm. The aqueous colloidal suspension of AgNPs shows a UV–Vis absorption maxima of 380 nm indicating its formation. FT-IR analysis identified the C–N, –OH and N–H as the major and probable functional groups in the leaf extract responsible for the production of stable AgNPs. The results of antibacterial studies of the material showed the considerable zones of inhibition against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Citrobacter freundii) bacteria ranging from 10 to 20 mm with less inhibition for the former than the latter. The maximum (20 mm) and minimum (10 mm) inhibition zone was shown by C. freundii and Bacillus subtilis, respectively and P. aeruginosa shows the second-highest zone of inhibition (19 mm). The antibacterial performance of the material implies that the C. nucifera leaf extract mediated green synthesized AgNPs can be regarded as a potential candidate for antimicrobial application appreciably.

Wetting characteristics of Colocasia esculenta (Taro) leaf and a bioinspired surface thereof

We investigate wetting and water repellency characteristics of Colocasia esculenta (taro) leaf and an engineered surface, bioinspired by the morphology of the surface of the leaf. Scanning electron microscopic images of the leaf surface reveal a two-tier honeycomb-like microstructures, as compared to previously-reported two-tier micropillars on a Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) leaf. We measured static, advancing, and receding angle on the taro leaf and these values are around 10% lesser than those for the lotus leaf. Using standard photolithography techniques, we manufactured bioinspired surfaces with hexagonal cavities of different sizes. The ratio of inner to the outer radius of the circumscribed circle to the hexagon (b/a) was varied. We found that the measured static contact angle on the bioinspired surface varies with b/a and this variation is consistent with a free-energy based model for a droplet in Cassie-Baxter state. The static contact angle on the bioinspired surface is closer to that for the leaf for b/a ≈ 1. However, the contact angle hysteresis is much larger on these surfaces as compared to that on the leaf and the droplet sticks to the surfaces. We explain this behavior using a first-order model based on force balance on the contact line. Finally, the droplet impact dynamics was recorded on the leaf and different bioinspired surfaces. The droplets bounce on the leaf beyond a critical Weber number (We ~ 1.1), exhibiting remarkable water-repellency characteristics. However, the droplet sticks to the bioinspired surfaces in all cases of We. At larger We, we recorded droplet breakup on the surface with larger b/a and droplet assumes full or partial Wenzel state. The breakup is found to be a function of We and b/a and the measured angles in full Wenzel state are closer to the predictions of the free-energy based model. The sticky bioinspired surfaces are potentially useful in applications such as water-harvesting.

Isotherm, kinetics, process optimization and thermodynamics studies for removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions using Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) leaf adsorbent

The present study is concerned with the batch adsorption of Congo red (CR) from aqueous solutions using Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) leaf powder (LLP) adsorbent. Decolorization experiments were conducted in batch mode by varying experimental factors such as initial pH,adsorbate concentration,adsorbent dosage, particle size and agitation speed. The experiments are designed to attain the most optimized system using response surface methodology. The maximum adsorption efficiency is obtained at an initial pH: 6, adsorbent dosage: 6 g L–1,adsorbent particle size: 42 µm and agitation speed: 150 rpm. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by proximate, particle size, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and pore volume, attenuated transmission reflector,field-emission scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The zero-point charge of the adsorbent was found to be at pH 6.2. The isotherm and kinetic rate constants are found using several isotherm and kinetic models, respectively. The dye adsorption rate follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the equilibrium data fit the Langmuir isotherm model with a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity (qmax) of 45.89 mg g–1 at 303 K. The adsorption mechanisms were described by pore diffusion, Bangham and Boyd plots. The overall rate of adsorption is controlled by both film and pore diffusion of dye molecules. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, the adsorption was found to be endothermic in nature, and the process was chemisorption, spontaneous and favored at high temperatures. Desorption studies were conducted with various desorbing reagents and the maximum desorption efficiency was determined using the solvent methanol. The adsorption of solute from real textile industrial CR dye effluent was carried out in batch studies using LLP adsorbent. The chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency of industrial dye effluent was 67.35%.

Anticariogenic activity of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract in oral healthcare.

We aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract. There have been no studies related to dental caries inducing bacteria up to now. This study reviewed the inhibitory effect of glucose transferase (GTase) activation and acid production to confirm the anticariogenic activity of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract. This study used 100 g Nelumbo nucifera leaves cultivated in Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongbuk, after adding 70% methanol tenfold. The leaves were then concentrated (Gotary vacuum evaporator; N-Nseries, EYELA Co., Japan) and were placed under an aspirator (A-3S, EYELA Co., Japan) and a freeze dryer (Ilshin Lab Co., Korea). The anticariogenic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract was investigated using the growth inhibitory effect, as well as GTase activation. Among the nine kinds of oral-disease-causing bacteria, the Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract most effectively inhibited the growth of Streptococcus anginosus (S. anginosus), but it was difficult to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis). For the anticariogenic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract, GTase activation was inhibited by at least 50% in all the nine types of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). It was shown that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract had the strongest GTase activation inhibitory effect (85%) in S. anginosus. In addition, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed an acid production inhibitory effect in the nine types of strains by maintaining almost pH 6.2 even after being cultured for 24 hours in the Nelumbo-nucifera-leaf-extract-added culture, while the control culture without Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed only about pH 5.0 after 4 hours. In conclusion, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed the strongest GTase activation inhibitory effect in S. anginosus. Based on this, it was confirmed that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract showed anticariogenic activity against oral cavity disease microorganisms.

Nelumbo nucifera leaves extract attenuate the pathological progression of diabetic nephropathy in high-fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetic nephropathy is not only a common and severe microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus but also the leading cause of renal failure. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) possesses antioxidative and anticancer properties. The present study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and renoprotective effects of N. nucifera leaf extract (NLE) in a rat model of type 2 diabetic mellitus. Male Sprague–Dawley rats with type 2 diabetes induced by a high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ) were treated with NLE at dosages of 0.5% and 1% (w/w) daily for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, body weight, serum glucose levels, insulin levels, and kidney function were assessed. Furthermore, antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxide levels were determined in the kidney, and histopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff staining, and Masson trichrome staining. To shed light on the molecular mechanism underlying the functioning of NLE, mouse glomerular mesangial cells (MES-13) treated with high glucose (HG, 25 mM glucose) were chosen as a model for an examination of the signal transduction pathway of NLE. The results revealed that NLE improved diabetic kidney injury by reducing blood glucose, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney tissue. Treatment with NLE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels and increased serum insulin levels; expression of renal superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities; and glutathione content. Histological studies have also demonstrated that NLE treatment inhibited the dilation of Bowman's capsule, which confirmed its renoprotective action in diabetes. In addition, treatment with NLE and its major component quercetin 3-glucuronide attenuated 25 mM HG-induced suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and antioxidant enzyme expression in MES-13 cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that NLE may have antidiabetic and renoprotective effects against HFD/STZ-induced diabetes, at least in part, through antioxidative pathways.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaves Prevent NMU-Induced Mammary Tumor through Downregulation of Fatty Acid Synthase, Estrogen Receptor-α and Her2 Expression.

Diet polyphenol can reportedly prevent the formation of breast-cancer cells. Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (NLE) is enriched with polyphenols and has several cellular functions, such as anti-atherosclerosis, anti-inflammation, and antitumor. In this study, we investigated the role of NLE in the prevention of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU)-induced mammary tumor formation. Cotreatment with NLE significantly reduced the NMU-induced tumor incidence, number, and volume. NLE administration significantly repressed the tumor growth and weight of nude mice upon inoculation with BT-474 cancer cells. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that fatty acid synthetase, estrogen receptor (ER)-, and phosphorylated ER- were obviously reduced in the cancer part of BT-474 inoculated nude mice upon administration of 2% NLE. Western blot analysis revealed that NLE and NLPE (polyphenol-rich NLE) repressed ER- expression and phosphorylation and decreased the phosphorylation of Her-2 without affecting their expression. Overall, NLE and NLPE exhibited more effective antitumor abilities in NMU-induced mammary cancer formation than with tamoxifen and Herceptin.

Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract and its potential application as antibacterial agent against fish pathogens

The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial property of Nelumbo nucifers (lotus) leaf extract. Total phenolic content and DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrozyl) scavenging methods were used to evaluate the antioxidant property of crude extract. DPPH scavenging capacity of extract varied significantly (p<0.05) depending on the concentration, except 5.5mg/ml and 7 mg/ml concentrations. The maximum concentration (10mg/ml) of the extract showed the highest scavenging effect (57.75%). The phenolic contents exhibited a similar trend to that of DPPH. Total phenolic compounds increased with the increasing concentration of N. nucifera leaf extract. Disc diffusion and broth micro-dilution methods showed bactericidal property of lotus leaf extract. Water, acetone-water and ethanol-water based extracts were tested against selected gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens) bacterial pathogens of fish. The broth micro-dilution method with TTC (2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride) to indicate the viability of aerobic bacteria was found to be the best alternative method.

Biosorption of Pb(II) ions onto Cocos nucifera leaf powder: Application of response surface methodology

This article presents the outcome obtained when Cocos nucifera leaf powder is used for the adsorptive removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solutions. A 24 full‐factorial design with six center points and eight axial points leading to 30 experimental run, as indicated by Design Expert version 10.0.03 is followed. Surface response analysis is carried out to understand the interactions among the contributing variables—metal ion concentration, initial solution pH, sorbent dosage, and temperature in the removal of metal ions. A 20 mg/L of Pb(II) solution, treated with 25 g/L of adsorbent at a pH of 5.0 and 303 K yielded 97.68% removal of Pb(II). Adsorption equilibrium is as per Freundlich isotherm model and the kinetics are represented by a pseudo second‐order expression with a regression coefficient of 0.999. The maximum biosorption capacity of Cocos nucifera leaf powder is 8.475 mg/g. Thermodynamic analysis suggests that the adsorption is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. Surface morphology of the adsorbent is studied using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy‐Energy Dispersive Analysis System (SEM‐EDAX). © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: S118–S127, 2019

Pharmacokinetics of Nuciferine and N-Nornuciferine, Two Major Alkaloids From Nelumbo nucifera Leaves, in Rat Plasma and the Brain.

The leaf of the lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a natural plant resource used as both food and herbal medicine (He-Ye) in China. Alkaloids are considered the major bioactive compound of the herb and exhibit various biological activities, including anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperuricemic effects. Nuciferine (NF) and N-nuciferine (N-NF) are two major alkaloids found in the herb. In the present work, the plasma and brain pharmacokinetics of the two compounds were investigated after oral and intravenous (i.v.) administration of a lotus leaf alkaloid fraction to SD rats via ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection and brain microdialysis. After oral administration (50 mg/kg), the two compounds NF and N-NF were rapidly absorbed into the blood and reached a mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of 1.71 μg/mL at 0.9 h and 0.57 μg/mL at 1.65 h, respectively. After i.v. administration (10 mg/kg), NF and N-NF were found to have a relatively wide volume of distribution (Vd, λz, 9.48 and 15.17 L/kg, respectively) and slow elimination half-life (t1/2, λz, 2.09 and 3.84 h, respectively). The oral bioavailability of NF and N-NF was estimated as 58.13% and 79.91%, respectively. After i.v. dosing (20 mg/kg), the two compounds rapidly crossed the blood–brain barrier and reached their Cmax (in unbound form): 0.32 and 0.16 μg/mL at 0.89 and 1.22 h, respectively. Both alkaloids had widespread distribution in the brain, with Vd, λz/F-values of 19.78 L/kg and 16.17 L/kg, respectively. The mean t1/2, λz values of NF and N-NF in the brain were 1.24 and 1.39 h, respectively. These results can help us to better understand the characteristics and neuro-pharmacological effects of the lotus alkaloid fraction.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf extracts inhibit the formation of advanced glycation end-products and mechanism revealed by Nano LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS

The inhibition of Nelumbo nucifera leaf (NNL) extract and its fractions on the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) was evaluated with different models. Changes in the conformational structure of bovine serum albumin (BSA) were analyzed by fluorescence spectrometry. Effect of ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) on the glycation sites and glycation degree of BSA was investigated by Nano LC-Orbitrap-MS/MS due to its strongest inhibitory ability. Results indicated that EAF could effectively inhibit the formation of AGEs by scavenging reactive radicals and attenuating the conformational change of BSA induced by glycation. Phenolics and flavonoids were the major contributors. Eleven (11 lysines) and ten (9 lysines and 1 arginine) glycation sites were identified from glycated BSA with and without EAF, respectively. Addition of EAF could not reduce the number of glycation sites of BSA, but could significantly decrease the glycation degree of most glycated peptides and alter the location of glycation.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf polyphenol extract inhibits breast cancer cells metastasis in vitro and in vivo through PKCα targeting

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. has long been used in food and traditional herbal medicine in Asia. It exhibits several biological properties including antitumor, antiangiogenic, antiobesity, and antioxidant properties. However, the active components and mechanisms underlying the effects of N. nucifera leaf extract (NLE) on breast tumor migration remain undefined. We found that NLE and N. nucifera leaf polyphenol extract (NLPE) significantly attenuated migration in MDA-MB-231 and 4T-1 breast cancer cells. The treatment of cells with NLE and NLPE suppressed the expression of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. Furthermore, the activation of ERK and p38 MAPK was inhibited by NLE and NLPE. Notably, NLE and NLPE treatment significantly reduced the activation of protein kinase C α and the lung metastasis of breast cancer in vivo. Overall, our findings illustrate the roles of NLE and NLPE in breast cancer cell migration, suggesting that NLE and NLPE are potential chemopreventive agents for breast cancer metastasis.

Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract treatment attenuated preneoplastic lesions and oxidative stress in the livers of diethylnitrosamine-treated rats.

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer potential. This study determined the protective role of aqueous extract from Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NLE) against N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced oxidative stress and hepatocellular carcinogenesis in a sample of Sprague-Dawley rats. NLE was fed orally to rats in which hepatic carcinoma was induced with DEN for 12 weeks. Five groups of 12 rats each were used for the study: Group I (control group) rats received distilled water; Group II rats were induced with DEN; Group III rats were induced with DEN and cotreated with 0.5% NLE; Group IV rats were induced with DEN and cotreated with 1.0% NLE; and Group V rats were induced with DEN and cotreated with 2.0% NLE. Clinical chemistry, organ weight, inflammatory marker, protein expression, enzyme, and antioxidant analyses were conducted. NLE administration to rats resulted in significantly decreased levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin, which is indicative of hepatocellular damage, compared with the control group. DEN-induced oxidative stress was inhibited by NLE and this inhibition was paralleled by decreased lipid peroxides and increased glutathione transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity in liver tissues. The status of nonenzymatic antioxidants, such as reduced glutathione, was also found to be increased in NLE-administered rats. Furthermore, NLE decreased tumor size, hepatic Rac1, PKCα, and GSTπ expressions compared with the DEN-only group. Thus, supplementation of NLE reduced the adverse changes that occur because of liver cancer. These results prove that NLE protects against liver carcinogenesis induced because of treatment with DEN through blocking lipid peroxidation, hepatic cell damage, and enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Study on tau-aggregation inhibitors in Alzheimer’s disease of methanol extracts of several medicinal plants collected in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Tau protein and Aβ-amyloid have been studied as pathological aggregations, which form neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease brain. Tau protein plays a critical role in neuron that binds to microtubules and assists with their formation and stabilization. However, unbinding of hyperphosphorylated tau and microtubules leads to unstable and disintegrating state of neuron. The free tau proteins form neurofibrillary tangles. The purpose of this study is to screen in vitro the the tau-aggregation inhibitory activity of nine methanol extracts of Psidium guajava leaf, Nelumbo nucifera leaf; wild Ipomoea aquatic, Cleome rutidosperma aerial parts, Artocarpus altilis leaf, cultivated Ipomoea aquatic, Centella asiatica leaf, Mimosa pudica L. aerial parts, Nelumbo nucifera seed pod collected in the Mekong Delta. Nine herbs were collected, dried and extracted with methanol. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of methanol extracts was measured by Thioflavin T assay at various concentrations. Silica gel column chromatography was employed to fractionate the Psidium guajava leaf crude extract. Nine methanol extracts were proved to reduce the tau aggregation in vitro. Extracts from leaves of Psidium guajava, Artocarpus altilis and Nelumbo nucifera impressively inhibited the tau aggregation with IC50 at 0.39 mg/mL, 1.05 mg/mL and 1.24 mg/mL, respectively. Methylene blue was used as a positive control, with IC50 at 1.35 μM. The five examined fractions of guava leaf were proved to inhibit the tau aggregation ranging from 33.70 % to 48.49 %, except the 100 % of hexane fraction showed almost no effect on the tau aggregation inhibitor.

Optimization, equilibrium, and kinetic studies of adsorptive removal of cobalt(II) from aqueous solutions using Cocos nucifera L.

ABSTRACTWater discharged by several industries contains toxins, and it needs to be treated before disposal or reuse. In the present study, feasibility of adsorptive removal of Cobalt(II) ion in waste water, using Cocos nucifera leaf powder, is exhaustively studied and reported. Effects of contributing parameters like Cobalt(II) ion concentration, initial solution pH, adsorbent dosage, and temperature are studied and the levels of parameters optimized, following a two level−four full-factorial experimental design with 6 center points and 24 non-center points. 15 g/L of Cocos nucifera leaf powder could reduce the Cobalt(II) ion concentration by 84.82% in 70 min at a pH of 5.0 and a temperature of 303 K. Freundlich model is marginally superior to Langmuir, Halsey, and Temkin models in representing the equilibrium, at the optimized conditions. Pseudo-second-order kinetics model describes the adsorption process with a rate constant of 0.1238 g/mg-min. From thermodynamic analysis, it is noted that the adsorption is endothermic and facilitated.

Studies on the Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Effects of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Nelumbo nucifera&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Leaf in Long-Evans Rats

The study was carried out to evaluate the hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effect of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder. In rats, hyperlipidemia was induced by feeding High Fat Diet (Lab diet: Dalda: Coconut oil = 4:3:1) and type 2 diabetes was built inside by injecting Alloxan. The sample N. nucifera leaf powder was added in different percentages with the regular Lab Diet for 21 days feeding. In case of hyperlipidemia developed groups, feeding of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder at, 30% (70% Lab diet + 30% Sample), 20% (80% Lab diet + 20% Sample) and 10% (90% Lab diet + 10% Sample) showed varied but in a nutshell significant (p Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder for 21 days resulted significant decrease in the blood glucose levels of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Both the percentages of Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder having 20% with 80% Lab Diet and 10% with 90% Lab Diet significantly (p Nelumbo nucifera powder was found to be exerted to the more prominent effects in lowering the blood glucose level. Nelumbo nucifera leaf powder had 75% efficacy rate in lowering the blood glucose level in comparison to the drug control group treated with glibenclamide which was found with the decreasing capability up to 66%. Although not significant, it, based on the data, can be stated that the sample is endowed with the quality of decreasing capability of body weight. Thus, results of the experimental study reveal that the leaf of Nelumbo nucifera has potent hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties.

Mechanical Behavior of Arbitrarily Reinforced Cocos Nucifera Leaf Sheath Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composites – Comparison with other Coconut FRP Composites

Coconut trees are extensively grown in Kerala and Godavari districts and in few locations of Andhra Pradesh. Fibres are extracted from various parts of coconut tree and are exploited by various researchers. In this work an attempt is made to reinforce coconut leaf sheath arbitrarily into polyester matrix. Then the lamina is machined to obtain tensile, flexural and impact test specimens as per ASTM standards. Coconut leaf sheath FRP composites at 12.83%, 11.06% weight fractions have shown tensile strength, modulus of 17.73 MPa, 254.21 MPa respectively. Charpy impact strength of the coconut leaf sheath FRP composites is increased with its content from 1.93 to 5.36 kJ/m2. The results from this experimentation have a cleared that the mechanical performance of the composites is increased with number of layers. So, this kind of light weight composite materials may be used for making various parts of automobile. Further the tested specimens are morphologically examined for understanding the interfacial bonding between fibre and polyester resin. Finally the results of present experimentation are compared with other kinds of coconut fibre reinforced polymer composites in order to estimate the better reinforcements.

Investigation of Midrib of Cocos nucifera Leaves for Reinforcement of Polyester

In this papermidrib of Cocos nucifera leaves (MCL) were investigated for the purpose of reinforcement of plastics. The material properties such as density and moisture content of MCL were evaluated. Also, the mechanical properties of MCL such as tensile, flexural and impact properties were determined experimentally. The MCL/polyester composites were developed with different weight fraction of fiber content. The effect of fiber content on tensile properties and heat distortion temperature (HDT) were studied. The interfacial properties such as interfacial shear strength and critical length of fiber were determined by single fiber pull-out test. Silent conclusions had been drawn which point to the potential of midrib fiber for development of a new natural fiber composite as MCL/polymer.

Synthesis of Activated Carbon from Cocos Nucifera Leaves Agrowaste by Chemical Activation Method

Activated carbon from Cocos nucifera leaves agrowaste was derived. The effect of impregnation ratio was studied by chemical activation method using phosphoric acid as an activating agent. Activated carbon was produced at the activation temperature of 673 K by slow pyrolysis. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms study was performed. Effect of impregnation ratio on the yield, methylene blue number, iodine number, and acid adsorption was studied. The FT-IR spectra show the presence of activated carbon. The TGA investigation reveals that activated carbon is thermally stable at 723 K. The SEM images show the incorporation of activated carbon particles which lead to the systematic change in the morphology of activated carbon. Surface chemistry study predicts the acidic and basic functional groups of Cocos nucifera leaves activated carbon.