Plant Origin Research Articles

Enzymes from Fishery and Aquaculture Waste: Research Trends in the Era of Artificial Intelligence and Circular Bio-Economy.

In the era of the blue bio-economy, which promotes the sustainable utilization and exploitation of marine resources for economic growth and development, the fisheries and aquaculture industries still face huge sustainability issues. One of the major challenges of these industries is associated with the generation and management of wastes, which pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if not properly treated. In the best-case scenario, fishery and aquaculture waste is processed into low-value commodities such as fishmeal and fish oil. However, this renewable organic biomass contains a number of highly valuable bioproducts, including enzymes, bioactive peptides, as well as functional proteins and polysaccharides. Marine-derived enzymes are known to have unique physical, chemical and catalytic characteristics and are reported to be superior to those from plant and animal origins. Moreover, it has been established that enzymes from marine species possess cold-adapted properties, which makes them interesting from technological, economic and sustainability points of view. Therefore, this review centers around enzymes from fishery and aquaculture waste, with a special focus on proteases, lipases, carbohydrases, chitinases and transglutaminases. Additionally, the use of fishery and aquaculture waste as a substrate for the production of industrially relevant microbial enzymes is discussed. The application of emerging technologies (i.e., artificial intelligence and machine learning) in microbial enzyme production is also presented.

Lunasin: A Medicinally Important Chemo-Preventive Natural Dietary Pe

Lunasin is a natural peptide of plant origin possessing potential activity against chronic disorders specially cancer along with associated cardiovascular diseases. The bioavailability and confirmed effectiveness against breast, skin and colorectal cancer has declared lunasin as a promising chemo-preventive agent. Lunasin, a 43 amino acids long peptide possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity. Modern biotechnological techniques viz. genomics, proteomics along with other biochemical tools are continuously elucidating the molecular mechanisms of lunacin action. Lunasin enriched natural product-based healthcare remedies for the prevention of life style induced cancer is suggested as an alternative to the conventional chemo, immuno and hormonal therapy.

In Vitro Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effect of Etlingera Elatior Ethanol Extract Growing in Gayo Highland, Aceh Province, Indonesia.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing overtime, potentially leading to various severe health complications and mortality. Despite therapeutic agents have currently been developed, unexpected adverse effects are inevitable. Hence, safe and effective medications such as those of plant origin are critical to prevent unexpected complication in DM sufferers. Etlingera elatior has been widely used as spice and traditional medicine to treat diabetes in Aceh Province, Indonesia. However, study regarding α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh, Indonesia, is completely lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of E. elatior ethanol extracts (EEEE) growing in Gayo highlands, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH procedure, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition assay was carried out using spectrophotometric method. Data analysis was performed using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's multiple range test at α=0.05. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), and total tannin (TTC) content in all E. elatior plant parts, in which the highest TPC was found in the stem (158.38 GAE/g), whereas the highest TFC and TTC was obtained in the rhizome extracts. The extract of fruit showed the strongest antioxidant activities, followed by the stem and leaf, with IC 50 of 2.381 μg/mL, 6.966 μg/mL, and 19.365 μg/mL, respectively. All E. elatior extracts revealed a significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase at the concentration of 500 μg/mL, in which the stem extract showed the most effective α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC 50 value of 5.15 μg/mL, suggesting its promising potential as antidiabetic agent. This study highlights E. elatior potency as a novel source of antioxidant and natural antidiabetic compounds that are useful for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Последствия распространения коронавируса COVID-19 и новых штаммов для развития агропромышленного комплекса и потребительского рынка

The COVID-19 pandemic has become an example of the implementation of global biological threats, which are positioned as challenges to the economy, including the agricultural sector. The subject of the study was changes in food production and in the consumer market for agricultural products amid the consequences of the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus and potentially dangerous new strains. Since the volume and structure of agricultural exports can serve as indicators of overcoming the challenge to the agro-industrial complex from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including in conjunction with the influence of the sanctions policies of Western countries, the object of the study was changes in the main indicators of exports of the agro-industrial complex of the Russian Federation at the federal and regional levels for first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. Changes in the main indicators of exports of agricultural products were studied both at the federal and regional levels, using the example of agricultural enterprises in the Voronezh region, for the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. As a background for studying the subject field of indicators for overcoming the challenge to the agro-industrial sector from the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the field of food production and in the consumer market for agricultural products were identified and studied. An overview of the main exporting companies in the Voronezh region is presented for the following types of products: grains (wheat, corn, barley); meat and dairy products (pork and pork by-products, beef, butter); products of the oil and fat industry (sunflower oil, cakes, mustard oil). The priority trend for the Russian Federation is the development of deep processing of crop products, in particular grain crops. The basis is the trend of growing consumer demand for food products of plant origin, including those that imitate traditional meat and dairy products. A trend has been noted for the production and consumption of organic products, the implementation of which will contribute to the growth of the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products in the domestic and foreign markets. An important factor in increasing the competitiveness of domestic food in the global and domestic markets is the expansion of production of organic crop and livestock products based on a single unified database of agricultural land that meets the legally established requirements for this category of products.

Gastrodin, a Promising Natural Small Molecule for the Treatment of Central Nervous System Disorders, and Its Recent Progress in Synthesis, Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics.

Gastrodia elata Blume is a traditional medicinal and food homology substance that has been used for thousands of years, is mainly distributed in China and other Asian countries, and has always been distinguished as a superior class of herbs. Gastrodin is the main active ingredient of G. elata Blume and has attracted increasing attention because of its extensive pharmacological activities. In addition to extraction and isolation from the original plant, gastrodin can also be obtained via chemical synthesis and biosynthesis. Gastrodin has significant pharmacological effects on the central nervous system, such as sedation and improvement of sleep. It can also improve epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, emotional disorders and cognitive impairment to a certain extent. Gastrodin is rapidly absorbed and widely distributed in the body and can also penetrate the blood-brain barrier. In brief, gastrodin is a promising natural small molecule with significant potential in the treatment of brain diseases. In this review, we summarised studies on the synthesis, pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic characteristics of gastrodin, with emphasis on its effects on central nervous system disorders and the possible mechanisms, in order to find potential therapeutic applications and provide favourable information for the research and development of gastodin.

Preservation of the seed collection during the Great Patriotic War

The article examines the historically significant period of N.I. Vavilov’s activities and his team in conducting 108 expeditions and collecting plant seeds in more than 1000 countries worldwide. By 1940, the collection was the largest in the world. Vavilov’s research aimed to study the genetic potential of seeds, establish centers of origin for wild and cultivated plants, their role in human practical activities, and the formation and replenishment of the collection initiated before the revolution by the founders of applied botany. Additionally, the article analyzes the challenging periods experienced by the collection, such as the formation of Soviet Russia, the Siege of Leningrad, and participation in the restoration of the devastated agriculture after Victory in World War II. Special attention is paid to the involvement of employees of the Federal Research Center “N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources” (VIR) in preserving the collection during the Siege of Leningrad. The practical application of the research results lies in understanding the importance of preserving plant genetic resources for food security and sustainable development of rural regions. The publication emphasizes not only the historical value of the seed collection but also its contemporary significance as an important resource for scientific research and practical use in agriculture. The scientific article also highlights the heroic efforts of VIR employees, who endured the harsh conditions of the Siege of Leningrad but continued to carefully preserve plant seeds, contributing to the survival and revival of agriculture in our homeland. The dedication and professionalism of the employees to the cause are underscored. Thus, the article reveals the historical and practical significance of the VIR seed collection, an important national genetic resource that continues to serve the goals of agricultural science and practice.

Development of a determination method for quality control markers utilizing metabolic profiling and its application on processed Zingiber officinale Roscoe rhizome.

This study established an Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (OPLS) model combining 1H-NMR and GC-MS data to identify characteristic metabolites in complex extracts. Both in metabolomics studies, and natural product chemistry, the reliable identification of marker metabolites usually requires laborious isolation and purification steps, which remains a bottleneck in many studies. Both ginger (GR) and processed ginger (PGR) are listed in the Japanese pharmacopeia. The plant of origin, the rhizome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, is differently processed for these crude drugs. Notably, the quality of crude drugs is affected by genetic and environmental factors, making it difficult to maintain a certain quality standard. Therefore, characteristic markers for the quality control of GR and PGR are required. Metabolomic analysis using 1H-NMR was able to discriminate between GR and PGR, but there were unidentified signals that were difficult to distinguish based on NMR data alone. Therefore, we combined 1H-NMR and GC-MS analytical data to identify them by OPLS. As a result, αr-curcumene was found to be a useful marker for these identifications. This new approach enabled rapid identification of characteristic marker compounds and reduced the labor involved in the isolation process.

Melanins: functional properties and application possibilities in medical practice

Introduction. The article provides information on the functional properties of various melanins and their biosynthesis, as well as natural sources of their production, the use of medicines and dietary supplements containing melanin in medical practice. To do this, a systematic search was conducted in the databases: CyberLeninka, eLibrary, PubMed, SAGE Premier, Springer, Wiley Journals, over the past 10 years (2013–2023). As a result of the review, it was revealed that melanins are widespread in living organisms and are an important natural biomaterial. Melanins of microbial, fungal, animal and plant origin are known, they are divided into five types, of which the most studied are eumelanin, pheomelanin and neuromelanin. A number of studies are presented that prove that melanins are characterized by a wide range of biological activity. They have photoprotective, radioprotective, antimutagenic, immunomodulatory stress-protective, geroprotective, antioxidant, detoxification and anti-inflammatory effects. Information is provided on the possible use of melanin in the complex therapy of melanoma, Parkinson's disease and neurodegenerative diseases, to protect the skin and eyes from radiation damage, correct stress conditions and prevent infectious diseases during the epidemic season. It has been shown that melanin chaga is widely used in domestic medicine in the form of medicines (Befungin) and dietary supplements. An important difference between them is the concentration of melanin, the method of its isolation and purification, as well as the manufacturing technology, which is demonstrated in the article. A biologically active additive with an additional source of β-glucans and polyphenols Amelan is considered, the main active component of which is melanin of fungal origin obtained by a method that increases the yield of melanin and improves its quality by increasing the concentration of its paramagnetic centers compared with melanin obtained without the specified pretreatment of fruit bodies. Conclusion. The information presented in the article on melanins and their functional properties indicates the prospects of using melanins as a source for the production of medicines and biologically active additives.

Sexual and Asexual Propagation of Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum fagara L. Sarg.), a Native Florida Plant with Ornamental and Ecological Value

Abstract A series of four propagation studies were implemented to better understand the seed biology of wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara L. Sarg. [Rutaceae]) and its adventitious rooting response to auxin treatments. Plant origin (north central vs south Florida ecotypes) did not affect initial seed viability but significantly influenced germination response to seasonal temperatures. Fifty-five days after sowing north central Florida seeds, germination was similar among spring, summer and fall treatments (28.9 to 41.1%), but was reduced by the winter temperature (10.7%). South Florida seeds showed greatest germination under the fall temperature (71.2%), and the least germination under the summer temperature (30.2%). Additional seed treatments including applications of gibberellic acid (GA3) with kinetin nominally improved germination by 1.2 times compared to non-treated seed. Seeds tolerated cryopreservation treatments, including combinations of a plant vitrification solution, liquid nitrogen, phloroglucinol and precooling, suggesting long-term storage capability. As an alternative to seed propagation, cutting propagation was found to be a reliable means of reproducing wild lime with 91.0% rooting success when softwood cuttings were treated with 8,000 mg·kg−1 (0.13 oz·lb−1) indole-butyric acid (IBA), compared to 3,000 mg·kg−1 (0.05 oz·lb−1) IBA (86.3%) or the non-treated control (71.2%). Species used in this study: Wild lime, Zanthoxylum fagara (L. Sarg). Chemicals used in this study: 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (TZ); sodium hypochlorite solution (Clorox bleach); gibberellic acid (GA3); kinetin (kinetin), plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2); liquid nitrogen (LN); phloroglucinol (phloroglucinol); glycerol (glycerol); dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO); MS media (Murashige and Skoog media), sucrose (sucrose); 15N-5P-15K liquid fertilizer (Peters Excel Cal-Mag Special); indole-3-butyric acid (IBA); 14N-14P-14K slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote).

Origin of the Ca-phosphate inclusions in Ivory Coast and Australasian Muong-Nong-type tektites

Tektites are reduced (Fe2+) glasses formed by the quenching of molten material ejected from Earth’s surface as a result of a hypervelocity impact. The vast majority of tektites are usually homogeneous glasses, but rare samples containing mineral inclusions can provide insights about the source material, sample thermal history, and tektite formation process. Tektites from two distinct strewn fields presenting Ca-phosphate inclusions detected from anomalous magnetic susceptibility were studied: one sample from the Ivory Coast tektite (ICT) field ejected at 1.07 Ma from the Bosumtwi crater (10.5 km in size) in Ghana and two Muong Nong type samples from the Australasian tektite field (MN-AAT) ejected at 0.79 Ma from a crater possibly situated in southeast Asia. In ICT, Ca-phosphate inclusions are systematically embedded in lechatelierite (SiO2 glass). In MN-AAT Ca-phosphate are either embedded in lechatelierite or in Fe-rich glass forming schlieren. Multiscale petrographic characterization using correlative microscopy associating scanning electron microscopy, microprobe and, transmission electron microscopy reveals that rounded inclusions in ivoirite are composed of acicular Ca-phosphates (merrillite) embedded in an amorphous P-rich glass. In MN-AAT, inclusions consist mostly of single droplets of Fe-Mg rich Ca-phosphate (structurally related to apatite), but few droplets often forming an emulsion texture show a complex assemblage of apatite, magnetite, pyroxene, and spinel growing from a Pt-rich nucleus. Diffusion profile around lechatelierite domains reveals maximum temperatures greater than 2200–2400 °C in the impact plume of the Australasian tektite and the Ivory coast tektite. Heating time is of the order of seconds-tens of seconds rather than minutes as previously suggested (20 s for MN-AAT and 5 s for ICT). The number, the density, and the fact that inclusions are entirely crystallized in MN-AAT support relatively slow cooling rates (<200 °C/h), in comparison with the faster cooling rates (>2000 °C/h) indicated by the precipitation of amorphous P-rich glass in ICT. In both impact events, ejecta that had been heated to high temperatures did not remain in the vapor plume for an extended period of time and landed rapidly (within tens of seconds) at a relatively high temperature (>1000 °C) on the Earth’s surface.Phosphate inclusions systematically embedded in lechatelierite in ICT provide clues about the source material. It suggests that the parent material for these silica-rich inclusions is not conventional detrital quartz. Rather, parts of lechatelierite domains may be inherited from a biogenic source that could be consistent with tropical soil (source of the phosphor) and its biomass (silica of plant origin). The reduction process that tektites record during their formation may be explained by superficial material since forests can contain a sizable mass of carbon that can reduce iron in tektites and produce platinoid-rich metallic nuclei and the Fe3+/ΣFe gradient recorded by the dendritic spinels.

The design of binder-free self-supporting carbon paper electrode based on biomass derived hierarchical porous carbon/cellulose nanofibers for sustainable flexible supercapacitors

The design and synthesis of advanced electrodes with high conductivity and flexibility are the key to the development of wearable energy storage devices. Herein, a strategy for preparing conductive carbon paper electrode for flexible supercapacitors is reported by vacuum filtration of a mixture of biomass hierarchical porous carbon materials (HPC), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from polysaccharide cellulose of plant origin and silver nanowire (AgNWs), in which CNFs serve as substrates for dispersion and crosslinking of HPC. The prepared self-supporting electrode showed multi-scale pore structure and excellent conductivity (14.1 S cm−1). The electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 383 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. Even after 10,000 charge and discharge cycles, 95 % of the original capacitance was remained, which means excellent cyclic stability. High strength and flexibility of the as-assembled flexible supercapacitor make the electrochemical performance of this device remain unchanged when bent at any angle. The present research delineates a simple and convenient method to prepare green, efficient and low-cost flexible supercapacitor.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF GOLDEN VOLODUSHKA (BUPLEURUM AUREUM L.) HERB EXTRACT OF DRY IN EXPERIMENTAL TOXIC HEPATITIS IN RATS

Introduction. The search for new medicines, including those of plant origin, for the treatment of diseases of the hepatobiliary system is relevant and timely. A promising source for the development of hepatoprotective drugs is golden volodushka (Bupleurum aureum L.). To date, a large evidence base has been accumulated for the biochemical study of this plant, its pharmacological activity has been scien-tifically proven. Good stocks of golden volodushka in the wild, the simplicity of its harvesting and the possibility of cultivation were noted. The VILAR State Medical University has developed a method for obtaining volodushka golden herb extract of dry. Aim. The study of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of volodushka golden (Bupleurum aureum L.) herb extract of dry in case of liver damage under experimental conditions. Material and methods. In the studies, white non-linear male rats with a body weight of 180-200 g were used. Volodushka extract was studied at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. The comparison drug was silimar at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Experimental CCl4 – induced hepatitis in rats was caused by a single subcutaneous injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride oil solution one hour after the last administration of the studied extract and the comparison drug. After 48 hours, blood was taken from the tail vein of rats, serum was obtained and its biochemical analysis was carried out. Next, the rats eu-thanized in a CO2 chamber and the liver extracted for pathophysiological evaluation. Tetracycline hepatitis was caused by intragastric administration of tetracycline to animals at a dose of 500 mg/kg. Then, after 48 hours, blood was taken from the animals, serum was obtained and its biochemical analysis was carried out. Results. Volodushka golden grass dry extract on a model of carbon tetrachloride hepatitis exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which is confirmed by a comparative pathophysiological study and a study of the activity of enzyme markers of the morphofunctional state of the liver in rat blood serum. In the tetracycline hepatitis model, the studied extract also has a hepatoprotective effect, which is confirmed by biochemical studies. Conclusions. Studies of volodushka extract in conditions of experimental liver lesions have shown that the studied extract in experimental therapeutic doses has a pronounced hepatoprotective effect and is promising for the creation of a herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the digestive system.

Dietary Natural Flavonoids: Intervention for MAO-B Against Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) stands as the second most common neurological disorder after Alzheimer's disease, primarily affecting the elderly population and significantly compromising their quality of life. The precise etiology of PD remains elusive, but recent research has shed light on potential factors, including the formation of α-synuclein aggregates, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) region of the brain, culminating in motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, akinesia, tremors, and rigidity. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an essential enzyme, comprising two isoforms, MAO-A and MAO-B, responsible for the oxidation of monoamines such as dopamine. Increased MAO-B activity is responsible for decreased dopamine levels in the SNpc region of mid brain which is remarkably associated with the pathogenesis of PD-like manifestations. Inhibitors of MAO-B enhance striatal neuronal responses to dopamine, making them valuable in treating PD, which involves dopamine deficiency. Clinically approved MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline, L-deprenyl, pargyline, and rasagiline are employed in the management of neurodegenerative conditions associated with PD. Current therapeutic interventions including MAO-B inhibitors for PD predominantly aim to alleviate these motor symptoms but often come with a host of side effects that can be particularly challenging for the patients. While effective, they have limitations, prompting a search for alternative treatments, there is a growing interest in exploring natural products notably flavonoids as potential sources of novel MAO-B inhibitors. In line with that, the present review focuses on natural flavonoids of plant origin that hold promise as potential candidates for the development of novel MAO-B inhibitors. The discussion encompasses both invitro and invivo studies, shedding light on their potential therapeutic applications. Furthermore, this review underscores the significance of exploring natural products as valuable reservoirs of MAO-B inhibitors, offering new avenues for drug development and addressing the pressing need for improved treatments in PD-like pathological conditions. The authors of this review majorly explore the neuroprotective potential of natural flavonoids exhibiting notable MAO-B inhibitory activity and additionally multi-targeted approaches in the treatment of PD with clinical evidence and challenges faced in current therapeutic approaches.

Physicochemical, sensory, and safety evaluation of dry-cured fermented sausages and its plant-based meat analog

The present study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical, sensory, and safety differences among meat-based and plant-based dry-cured fermented sausages. Different commercial meat- and plant-based dry-cured fermented spreadable sausages were evaluated, considering different quality parameters: pH, aW, moisture, fat and protein content, lipid oxidation, instrumental texture, and sensory attributes. Within the meat-based category, some significant physicochemical differences attributed to the different formulations were detected. The aw showed how some of the dry-cured sausages could allow the development of pathogenic bacteria, independently of their meat or plant origin. On the other hand, similarities were detected between meat- and plant-based sausages, with the most important differences identified in sensory terms of flavor and texture. The acceptability of the meat-based sample was 3.80 over 5 and the plant-based one roughly was over 2. Thus, the scientific evaluation of a novel plant-based sausage did not reach the expectations of the consumers who compared it with the meat-based original product. Some physicochemical characteristics that may be improved were noted, and some safety issues that should be addressed in further studies.

Treatment with Terminalia chebula (retz.): possible mechanism of inhibition of spermatogenesis and fertility in albino mice

Background: There has been a continued effort to develop an effective male contraceptive of plant origin due to its ready availability, cost-effectiveness, and fewer side effects. The present study has evaluated the mechanism of inhibitory action of Terminalia chebula Retz. (T. chebula; family: Combretaceae) on spermatogenesis and fertility in albino mice after oral administration of the aqueous bark extract (100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW daily) of T. chebula for 35 d. Methodology: The effects of the Terminalia treatment on various reproductive endpoints such as sperm parameters, testis histology, activities of 3ß- and 17ß-HSDs, immunoblot expressions of StAR and AR proteins, immunostaining of AR, serum testosterone level, LPO level, activities of SOD and catalase, and fertility indices were investigated. Toxicological and recovery studies have also been performed. Results: Testes in Terminalia-treated mice showed nonuniform histologic alterations. Sperm parameters, activities of 3ß- and 17ß-HSDs, immunoblot expressions of StAR and AR proteins, immunostaining of AR, and serum testosterone level were adversely affected, though activities of SOD and catalase were unchanged. Libido remained unaffected, but fertility was inhibited markedly in treated males without signs of toxicity. By 42 d of treatment discontinuation, Terminalia-induced deviations in the reproductive endpoints recovered to control levels. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that T. chebula treatment reversibly inhibits spermatogenesis and fertility without signs of toxicity. Further, antifertility effects result from diminished production of testosterone due to Terminalia-mediated inhibition of testicular steroidogenesis.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Annona Senegalensis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Extracts (Leaves and Stem Bark) Collected from Three Regions of Senegal

The main objective of the present study is to focus on evaluation of the secondary metabolites composition and antioxidant activity of hydro – ethanolic extracts of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Annona senegalensis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; leaves and stem bark which used in traditional medicine against several kind of diseases. The yields of hydro-ethanolic extracts of organs (leaves and Stem bark) were determined, followed by phytochemical screening and amount of secondary metabolites, by using conventional analytical methods. Anti-radical activity was carried out by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl) reduction tests. The best extraction rates, whatever the plant organ or origin, were obtained with leaves (15.5% on average). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins. The highest levels of total polyphenols were obtained with leaves extracts [83.931 ± 0.018 g EGA/100 g Dry Matter (DM)] compared with stem bark (77.886 ± 1.001 g EGA/100 g DM). The highest tannin and flavonoid contents are 1.093 ± 0.006 g EC/100 g DM and 0.195 ± 0.004 g EC/100 g DM, respectively. Moreover, the extracts have a high antioxidant capacity with high inhibition percentages of 95.06 ± 0.10% for the leaves and 92.87 ± 0.10% for the bark. These results highlight the presence of bioactive compounds and potential antioxidant activity that have been shown to be efficient in the treatment of certain diseases, in accordance with ethno - botanical survey.

Investigation of the profile of dry extracts of Iris hungarica leaves and rhizome to determine the cardioprotective activity in the rat model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy

The search and creation of new cardioprotective drugs, especially of plant origin, with a prolonged effect and a minimum of side effects, is an urgent task to improve the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases, prevent the risk of developing complications, and increase the duration and quality of life of patients. Iris hungarica, from the Iridaceae family, has a long history of medicinal use in many countries of the world and is also recognized as a rich source of BAC. The aim. Study of the cardioprotective effect of dry extracts of leaves and rhizomes of Iris hungarica on the rat model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy. Materials and methods. The research was conducted on 40 white outbred female rats, which were injected intraperitoneally with a solution of doxorubicin hydrochloride at a dose of 1 mg/kg, at the rate of 0.5 mL per 100 g of the animal's body weight, according to the scheme 2 times a week for 6 weeks. The cardiotoxic effect and protective properties of potassium orotate, dry extracts of leaves and rhizomes of steppe iris were evaluated by animal survival, determination of the relative heart mass ratio, functional state of the myocardium (ECG parameters) and biochemical parameters in blood serum and heart homogenate. Results and discussion. The analysis of indicators of the functional state of the conducting system of the heart shows that the 15-day use in the treatment of animals with doxorubicin cardiomyopathy of the dry extract of the leaves and rhizomes of Iris hungarica at a dose of 150 mg/kg demonstrates a cardioprotective effect at the initial stage. In the model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy, the dry extracts of the leaves and rhizomes of steppe iris at a dose of 150 mg/kg showed a normalizing effect on biochemical parameters in blood serum and in heart homogenate and were not inferior to the action of the comparison drug potassium orotate at a dose of 100 mg/kg. The dry extract of the rhizomes of steppe iris revealed the most pronounced effect on metabolism in cardiomyocytes. The cardioprotective activity of the dry extract of the rhizomes of the Iris hungarica is defined as a cardioprotector - of the anabolic and antioxidant type - those that accelerate the recovery of the heart muscle, protect the heart muscle from the action of free radicals, preventing premature aging and wear. Conclusions. In the model of doxorubicin cardiomyopathy in rats, indicators of the functional state of the conducting system of the heart of animals after the use in the treatment of animals of the dry extracts of the leaves and rhizomes of steppe iris in a dose of 150 mg/kg demonstrate a cardioprotective effect at the initial stage, a normalizing effect on biochemical indicators in the blood serum and in the homogenate heart and are not inferior to the comparison drug potassium orotate in a dose of 100 mg/kg. The most pronounced effect of the dry extract of the rhizomes of Iris hungarica on the functional state of the myocardium and biochemical indicators in blood serum and heart homogenate was established. The dry extract of the rhizomes of steppe iris is a promising herbal remedy for the creation of a new drug with cardioprotective properties

Determining the influence of plant-based proteins on the characteristics of dairy ice cream

This paper investigates the functional and technological properties of proteins in the composition of dairy ice cream. The object of the research was the technology of ice cream with plant-based proteins. The problem to be solved was the improvement of physical-chemical and rheological characteristics of mixtures and ice cream with a low fat content by using moisture-binding structuring proteins of plant origin. It was established that pea protein concentrate has the highest foaming properties. Oat protein concentrate shows a moderate ability to form and stabilize foams, while soy protein isolate does not reveal this function at all. The presence of plant-based proteins in all ice cream mixtures increases their nominal viscosity, but the highest thixotropy is observed for the concentrate of pea (56.5–61.0 %) and oat (54.8–57.2 %) proteins. They form food systems with a pronounced coagulation structure, which are capable of self-repair of bonds during the maturation of mixtures for 8 hours. Soy protein isolate reduces the thixotropic ability of ice cream mixtures, which limits the expediency of its use. The defined physical-chemical indicators of ice cream make it possible to justify the rational content of proteins in the composition of ice cream, which is 1–2 % for pea protein concentrate and 1 % for oat protein concentrate. Data on the rheological behavior of ice cream mixtures do not always coincide with previously established patterns, which is due to the difference in chemical composition between the studied food systems, as well as methods of their preparation and use. The results of this work could be used in the technology of low-fat ice cream, as well as in compositions for new types of ice cream enriched with protein

Extracts of the Canadian goldenrod (Solidago Canadensis L.) – promising agents with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity

S. canadensis L. and S. virgaurea L. are the most common species of Solidago L. in Europe and with a long tradition of use in medicine for various therapeutic purposes: diseases of the urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, diabetes, allergies and antiseptic purposes. Therefore, the research of species of the Solidago genus, which have a rich content of natural BACs, and the development of new effective medicinal products of plant origin are relevant. The aim. The method of work is the phytochemical and pharmacological study of extracts of the Canadian goldenrod herb, obtained by ethanol solutions of various concentrations, for the innovative perspective of creating new medicines based on them with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were extracts of herb from Canadian goldenrod, obtained using purified water, 40 %, 70 % and 90 % ethanol. Phytochemical study of the extracts was performed by TLC and spectrophotometry. Study of acute toxicity, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity of extracts was carried out according to standard methods. Research results. A study of the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity of extracts of herb from Canadian goldenrod obtained with different solvents. It was established that extracts of herb from Canadian goldenrod show anti-inflammatory activity. The most pronounced antiexudative activity is shown by the extract of the Canadian goldenrod herb (extractant - 40 % ethanol), reducing the degree of swelling by 24.77 %. Herb extracts from from Canadian goldenrod in acute toxic liver damage show moderate hepatoprotective activity, which is somewhat inferior to the comparative drug "Silibor". A more intense and effective effect on the hepatobiliary system was shown by the extract of the Canadian goldenrod herb (extractant - 40 % ethanol). Conclusions. The perspective of creation based on herb of Canadian goldenrod new drugs with hepatoprotective activity. The most promising substance turned out to be an extract of herb from Canadian goldenrod obtained with a 40 % ethanol solution.

Optimized sizing of a pumping system using the Scilab software

Climate change represents, today, one of the greatest challenges regarding the availability of water resources for the cultivation of food and raw materials of plant origin that the world's population so badly needs. Sugarcane, due to its high added value to produce several products and whose accumulation of sucrose is mainly due to a perfect dosage of water, brought to light the need to obtain new irrigation strategies, thus aiming at a more sustainable, efficient and economical management of water consumption in this sector. As an alternative to this challenge, drip irrigation stood out, which allowed not only a more precise control of water dosage, but also essential nutrients for the development of sugarcane. Taking advantage of this, a sugar and alcohol plant in the interior of the state of São Paulo, whose identity will be preserved, made several investments to implement this system on its farms and one of these projects will be discussed in detail about the dimensioning of the entire piping network. which involves the pumping system, from water collection to discharge into a storage tank, responsible for supplying the dripping, using a pre-dimensioned pump and respecting the specifications defined by the client for this work. In addition, the free software Scilab was used to implement the piping and pumping sizing procedure, as an extra tool, in addition to development in Excel.