Pecan Shells Research Articles

Structural Transformation of Biochar Black Carbon by C60 Superstructure: Environmental Implications

Pyrogenic carbon is widespread in soil due to wildfires, soot deposition, and intentional amendment of pyrolyzed waste biomass (biochar). Interactions between engineered carbon nanoparticles and natural pyrogenic carbon (char) are unknown. This study first employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to interpret the superstructure composing aqueous fullerene C60 nanoparticles prepared by prolonged stirring of commercial fullerite in water (nC60-stir). The nC60-stir was a superstructure composed of face-centered cubic (fcc) close-packing of near-spherical C60 superatoms. The nC60-stir superstructure (≈100 nm) reproducibly disintegrated pecan shell biochar pellets (2 mm) made at 700 °C into a stable and homogeneous aqueous colloidal (<100 nm) suspension. The amorphous carbon structure of biochar was preserved after the disintegration, which only occurred above the weight ratio of 30,000 biochar to nC60-stir. Favorable hydrophobic surface interactions between nC60-stir and 700 °C biochar likely disrupted van der Waals forces holding together the amorphous carbon units of biochar and C60 packing in the nC60 superstructure.

Short-Term Impacts of Pecan Waste By-Products on Soil Quality in Texturally Different Arid Soils

ABSTRACTThree arid soils (clay loam (CL), sandy clay (SC), and sandy loam (SL)) were amended with pecan waste products (ground pecan shells (PSHs), ground pecan husks (PHUs), and ground pecan shell biochar (PSB)), at a rate of 45 Mg/ha, packed inside cylindrical rings and kept in a humid chamber for 4 weeks. Measurements taken included volumetric moisture content as the soil dried out for 7 days, wet aggregate stability (WAS), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), nitrate-nitrogen, extractable phosphorus (Olsen-P), and water-extractable potassium (K). Significant effects of soil texture, soil amendment, and their interaction were observed for all measurements. Generally, the amendments led to significant improvement in Olsen-P, K, POXC, and WAS, while amendments’ impacts on soils of different textures varied. Short-term moisture retention was dependent on soil texture, with PHU and PSB treatments having higher soil moisture retention in SL and CL soils but not in SC soil.

Surface Interactions between Gold Nanoparticles and Biochar

Engineered nanomaterials are directly applied to the agricultural soils as a part of pesticide/fertilize formulations or sludge/manure amendments. No prior reports are available to understand the surface interactions between gold nanoparticles (nAu) and soil components, including the charcoal black carbon (biochar). Retention of citrate-capped nAu on 300–700 °C pecan shell biochars occurred rapidly and irreversibly even at neutral pH where retention was less favorable. Uniform organic (primarily citrate ligands) layer on nAu was observable by TEM, and was preserved after the retention by biochar, which resulted in the aggregation or alignment along the edges of multisheets composing biochar. Retention of nAu was (i) greater on biochars than a sandy loam soil, (ii) greater at higher ionic strength and lower pH, and (iii) pyrolysis temperature-dependent: 500 < 700 ≪ 300 °C at pH 3. Collectively, carboxyl-enriched 300 °C biochar likely formed strong hydrogen bonds with the citrate layer of nAu. The charge transfer between the conduction band of nAu and π* continuum of polyaromatic sheets is likely to dominate on 700 °C biochar. Surface area-normalized retention of nAu on biochars was several orders of magnitude higher than negatively charged hydroxyl-bearing environmental surfaces, indicating the importance of black carbon in the environmental fate of engineered nanomaterials.

Experimental Study on Oil Removal in Nutshell Filters for Produced-Water Treatment

Summary Laboratory testing was conducted with a nutshell filter to determine the oil-removal performance on the basis of the flux rate, media type, media size, water salinity, and oil concentration. The goal was to determine the operating parameters that allowed &amp;lt;5 parts per million by volume (ppmv) of oil at the outlet, which is the normal operating point for this technology in produced-water treatment. Nutshell filters composed of black walnut or pecan granular media are an established produced water-treatment technology for tertiary oil removal. Guidelines for the size and operation of nutshell filters have evolved mainly by trial and error, with limited published operating data. This laboratory-research program tested a nutshell filter to determine the operating flux limits (flow rate per unit area) that provide suitable oil-removal performance. The separation-efficiency target was defined as 5 ppmv of oil in the outlet stream. The variables tested included medium type [black walnut shell (BWS) or pecan shell (PS)], medium size, filtration flux, water salinity, and oil concentration. The flux limit for common 12/20 media is 12.0 (gal/min)/ft2 (or gpm/ft2) for freshwater operation and 13.0 gpm/ft2 for saline water. Decreasing the medium size to 20/30 mesh increased the allowable flux limit but at the expense of a substantial increase in the pressure drop. Oil-droplet penetration into the filter bed proceeds by means of a near-plug-flow profile, with the top 18 in. of the bed providing 99% of the oil removal. Full breakthrough is a function of inlet concentration, with 20–30 hours of operation expected for a 48-in.-deep bed.

Explicit dynamics simulation of Pecan fruit deformation under compressive loading—Part‐1: Determination of modulus of elasticity

AbstractThis study, which is divided into two parts, introduces an explicit dynamics simulation procedure for Pecan fruit (Carya illinoinensis) deformation under compressive loading. An original application algorithm based on experimental and theoretical methods has been described in the study. The major aim of this Part 1 is to determine the modulus of elasticity through various calculation approaches for Pecan fruit. In addition to this, some engineering properties of the Pecan fruit components were determined to define them as simulation input parameters in an explicit dynamics deformation simulation which is detailed in the second part of the study. The original geometry of the Pecan fruit and its components were digitized using reverse engineering technology (three‐dimensional [3D] laser scanning). Force–deformation data, which can describe the physical deformation characteristics of the Pecan fruit components, was collected through experimental compression tests. Initial crack points for the Pecan shell (kernel‐in‐shell) in these tests were measured as 335.62, 239.42, and 165.03 N for longitudinal, transverse, and suture orientations, respectively. Hooke's, Hertz's, and Boussinesq's theories and finite element method simulation based linear prediction approach based modulus of elasticity calculations were realized. Results from these calculations revealed that loading orientation is an important factor and there were differences between the results of calculation theories (15.2% on average).Practical applicationsThe simulation approach and application algorithm introduced in this two‐part study is a scientific novelty because the explicit dynamics simulation approach for Pecan fruit deformation has not previously been reported in the literature. This first part focuses on realistic description (digitizing) of the fruit geometry through a reverse engineering approach and determination of modulus of elasticity (by considering various theories) and some engineering properties of the Pecan fruit components (experimentally). These investigations have important roles in this study so that realistic material models of the fruit components can be described in the simulation study which is presented and detailed in the second part of the study. In this part, it has been experienced that loading orientation is an effective factor for fruit deformation behavior and different theories may provide different results during calculation of the specific mechanical properties. These important findings have been presented in a form which may be used as input parameters in design studies of shelled agricultural product processing machinery systems used in the related industry.

Thermal Properties of Biochars Derived from Waste Biomass Generated by Agricultural and Forestry Sectors

Waste residues produced by agricultural and forestry industries can generate energy and are regarded as a promising source of sustainable fuels. Pyrolysis, where waste biomass is heated under low-oxygen conditions, has recently attracted attention as a means to add value to these residues. The material is carbonized and yields a solid product known as biochar. In this study, eight types of biomass were evaluated for their suitability as raw material to produce biochar. Material was pyrolyzed at either 350 °C or 500 °C and changes in ash content, volatile solids, fixed carbon, higher heating value (HHV) and yield were assessed. For pyrolysis at 350 °C, significant correlations (p &lt; 0.01) between the biochars’ ash and fixed carbon content and their HHVs were observed. Masson pine wood and Chinese fir wood biochars pyrolyzed at 350 °C and the bamboo sawdust biochar pyrolyzed at 500 °C were suitable for direct use in fuel applications, as reflected by their higher HHVs, higher energy density, greater fixed carbon and lower ash contents. Rice straw was a poor substrate as the resultant biochar contained less than 60% fixed carbon and a relatively low HHV. Of the suitable residues, carbonization via pyrolysis is a promising technology to add value to pecan shells and Miscanthus.

Nonlinear FEM based high-speed shell shattering simulation for shelled edible agricultural products: Pecan fruit shattering

This paper introduces an advanced engineering simulation procedure for the nonlinear finite element method (FEM) based high-speed shattering case of shelled edible agricultural products. A high-speed impactor which is targeted at the Pecan fruit (kernel-in-shell) was considered in this case study. Physical compression tests were conducted on Pecan fruit specimens and experimental deformation characteristics were utilized to describe realistic material models in the FEM based engineering simulation. Subsequently, a reverse engineering approach was employed in the solid modeling stage and the Pecan shell shattering case under high-speed loading was simulated, considering the explicit dynamics approach. The effect of the high loading rate on the deformation characteristics of the Pecan fruit components was observed. Visual outputs from the simulation revealed the shattering behavior of the Pecan fruit components under defined boundary conditions. In addition to useful visual simulation outputs, time-dependant stress distributions on the Pecan fruit under high-speed loading rates were represented using graphs. Simulation results have revealed that maximum equivalent stress values were 7.1 (MPa), 5.1 (MPa), and 0.336 (MPa) for shell, packing material, and kernel, respectively. Maximum reaction force at impact was calculated as 996,000 (N). This work contributes to further research into the use of nonlinear numerical method based high-speed deformation simulation studies for shelled edible agricultural products.

Across-Phase Biomass Pyrolysis Stoichiometry, Energy Balance, and Product Formation Kinetics

Predictive correlations between reactions occurring in the gas, liquid, and solid phases are necessary to economically utilize the thermochemical conversion of agricultural wastes impacting the food, water, and energy nexus. On the basis of an empirical mass balance (99.7%), this study established the overall reaction stoichiometry (C33.42H45.95O20.26N0.22S0.14 = 0.50C20.08H57.21O22.46N0.20S0.22 + 1.72H2O + 0.10H2 + 1.07CH4 + 0.02C2H4 + 0.06C2H6 + 2.21CO2 + 2.05CO + 0.28C63.75H32.47O3.23N0.43S0.12) and energy balance for the slow pyrolysis of lignocellulosic pecan shell waste biomass at 10 °C min–1 up to 500 °C. In situ thermogravimetry–gas chromatography and diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs) were used to link the gas-, liquid-, and solid-phase nonisothermal reaction kinetics. Gaussian fit-based deconvolution of individual gaseous product formation rates (hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, ethylene, and ethane in mg min–1) suggested the relationships bet...

Effects of Post-Pyrolysis Air Oxidation of Biomass Chars on Adsorption of Neutral and Ionizable Compounds.

This study was conducted to understand the effects of thermal air oxidation of biomass chars experienced during formation or production on their adsorptive properties toward various compounds, including five neutral nonpolar and polar compounds and seven weak acids and bases (pKa = 3-5.2) selected from among industrial chemicals and the triazine and phenoxyacetic acid herbicide classes. Post-pyrolysis air oxidation (PPAO) at 400 °C of anoxically prepared wood and pecan shell chars for up to 40 min enhanced the mass-normalized adsorption at pH ∼ 7.4 of all test compounds, especially the weak acids and bases, by up to 100-fold. Both general and specific effects were identified. The general effect results from "reaming" of pores by the oxidative removal of pore wall matter and/or tarry deposits generated during the pyrolysis step. Reaming creates new surface area and enlarges nanopores, which helps relieve steric hindrance to adsorption. The specific effect results from creation of new acidic functionality that provides sites for the formation of very strong, charge-assisted hydrogen bonds (CAHB) with solutes having comparable pKa. The CAHB hypothesis was supported by competition experiments and the finding that weak acid anion adsorption increased with surface carboxyl content, despite electrostatic repulsion from the growing negative charge. The results provide insight into the effects of air oxidation on pollutant retention.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of pecan nut [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) C. Koch] shell aqueous extract on minimally processed lettuce leaves

Pecan nutshell is a residue from food industry that has potential to be used as biopreservative in foods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of pecan nutshell aqueous extract in vitro and its effectiveness to inhibit spoilage microorganisms on lettuce leaves. The results indicate that the aqueous extract presents inhibitory activity against important foodborne pathogenic bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Enteritidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Aeromonas hydrophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial activity was not observed against Corynebacterium fimi, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, and the phytopathogenic fungi tested. When applied onto lettuce leaves, pecan nutshell extract reduced the counts of mesophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria in 2 and 4 log CFU/g, respectively, during storage of leafy for 5 days at refrigeration temperature (5 °C). The extract was not effective to inhibit yeast on lettuce leaves. Thus, the aqueous extract of pecan shell showed great potential to be used as a natural preservative in foods, acting mainly in the inhibition of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria.

Morphology of Modified Biochar and Its Potential for Phenol Removal from Aqueous Solutions

In the present study, the efficiency of phenol removal from synthetic aqueous solutions by chemically modified biochar with the use of 1M KOH or 1M FeCl3 was investigated. Initially, biochar was produced after slow pyrolysis of three different agricultural wastes, namely pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) shells, pecan (Carya illinoinensis) shells and wood sawdust. The quality of biochar was assessed by evaluating its main properties, such as pH, surface area, porosity and C content. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for the identification of biochar’s structure. The efficiency of phenol removal from synthetic solutions was assessed with the use of kinetic and equilibrium experiments. The experimental results show that the KOH-modified biochar exhibited the highest phenol removal efficiency. Hydrophobic sorption on its surface is the main phenol removal mechanism. The pseudo-second order model fits best the kinetic data, while the Freundlich model, as deduced from an equilibrium study describes very well sorption of phenols on all biochars examined.

Using Agricultural Residue Biochar to Improve Soil Quality of Desert Soils

A laboratory study was conducted to test the effects of biochars made from different feedstocks on soil quality indicators of arid soils. Biochars were produced from four locally-available agricultural residues: pecan shells, pecan orchard prunings, cotton gin trash, and yard waste, using a lab-scale pyrolyzer operated at 450 °C under a nitrogen environment and slow pyrolysis conditions. Two local arid soils used for crop production, a sandy loam and a clay loam, were amended with these biochars at a rate of 45 Mg·ha−1 and incubated for three weeks in a growth chamber. The soils were analyzed for multiple soil quality indicators including soil organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and available nutrients. Results showed that amendment with cotton gin trash biochar has the greatest impact on both soils, significantly increasing SOM and plant nutrient (P, K, Ca, Mn) contents, as well as increasing the electrical conductivity, which creates concerns about soil salinity. Other biochar treatments significantly elevated soil salinity in clay loam soil, except for pecan shell biochar amended soil, which was not statistically different in EC from the control treatment. Generally, the effects of the biochar amendments were minimal for many soil measurements and varied with soil texture. Effects of biochars on soil salinity and pH/nutrient availability will be important considerations for research on biochar application to arid soils.

Evaluation of Toxicological Effects of an Aqueous Extract of Shells from the Pecan Nut Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch and the Possible Association with Its Inorganic Constituents and Major Phenolic Compounds.

Background. Industrial processing of the pecan nut Carya illinoinensis K. Koch generated a large amount of shells, which have been used to prepare nutritional supplements and medicinal products; however, the safe use of shells requires assessment. This study evaluated the toxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of pecan shell aqueous extract (PSAE) and the possible contribution of phenolic compounds, ellagic and gallic acids, and inorganic elements present in PSAE to induce toxicity. Results. Levels of inorganic elements like K, P, Cl, and Rb quantified using the Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission method were higher in PSAE than in pecan shells, while Mg and Mn levels were higher in shells. Mice showed neurobehavioral toxicity when given high PSAE doses (200–2,000 mg kg−1). The LD50 was 1,166.3 mg kg−1. However, PSAE (50–200 mg·kg−1) and the phenolic compounds (10–100 mg·kg−1) did not induce DNA damage or mutagenicity evaluated using the comet assay and micronucleus test. Treatment with ellagic acid (10–100 mg·kg−1) decreased triglyceride and glucose levels, while treatments with PSAE and gallic acid had no effect. Conclusion. Pecan shell toxicity might be associated with high concentrations of inorganic elements such as Mn, Al, Cu, and Fe acting on the central nervous system, besides phytochemical components, suggesting that the definition of the safe dose should take into account the consumption of micronutrients.

Adsorption Isotherm Parameters of Atrazine and Metolachlor with Pecan Shell-based Activated Carbons

In this study, pecan shell-based activated carbons (PSACs) were examined for their effectiveness in adsorbing atrazine and metolachlor. Pecan shells were pyrolyzed under different temperatures and activated by either physical (steam, CO2), chemical (H3PO4 ), or a combination of chemical (NaHCO3, KOH) followed by physical (steam) activation. The H3PO4 activated carbon exhibited the highest yield, surface area, and bulk density. This study shows that PSACs can effectively adsorb pesticides such as atrazine and metolachlor; and PSACs can be modified to address the specific types of contaminants in the groundwater.

Safety studies conducted on pecan shell fiber, a food ingredient produced from ground pecan shells.

Use of pecan shell fiber in human food is presently limited, but could increase pending demonstration of safety. In a 91-day rat study, pecan shell fiber was administered at dietary concentrations of 0 (control), 50 000, 100 000 or 150 000 ppm. There was no effect of the ingredient on body weight of males or females or food consumption of females. Statistically significant increases in food consumption were observed throughout the study in 100 000 and 150 000 ppm males, resulting in intermittent decreases in food efficiency (150 000 ppm males only) that were not biologically relevant. All animals survived and no adverse clinical signs or functional changes were attributable to the test material. There were no toxicologically relevant changes in hematology, clinical chemistry or urinalysis parameters or organ weights in rats ingesting pecan shell fiber. Any macroscopic or microscopic findings were incidental, of normal variation and/or of minimal magnitude for test substance association. Pecan shell fiber was non-mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation test and non-clastogenic in a mouse peripheral blood micronucleus test. Based on these results, pecan shell fiber has an oral subchronic (13-week) no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 150 000 ppm in rats and is not genotoxic at the doses analyzed.

Fate of Higher-Mass Elements and Surface Functional Groups during the Pyrolysis of Waste Pecan Shell

Thermochemical conversion of agricultural wastes to bioenergy has a potential to play forefront roles within the context of the food, energy, and water nexus. The biochar solid product of pyrolysis is a promising tool to manage food crop production and water resources by means of soil amendment. The goal of this study was to understand the fate of surface functional groups and higher-atomic-mass elements during the pyrolysis of pecan shell, which is known to accumulate calcium oxalate. Pecan shell feedstock and biochars were analyzed ex situ using X-ray computed microtomography and solid-state 13C cross-polarization and magic-angle-spinning NMR spectroscopy; the pyrolysis kinetics was monitored in situ by thermogravimetric analysis–gas chromatography (TGA–GC). The NMR spectra indicated the greatest (i) reduction in O/N alkyl functionality and (ii) increase in the aromatic peak between 300 and 500 °C. Primary physical transformation was observed near 400 °C in the tomography slice images and corresponding ...

One Step Carbonization/Activation Process for Carbonaceous Material Preparation from Pecan Shells for Tartrazine Removal and Regeneration after Saturation

The removal of tartrazine dye (A5) onto activated carbon produced from pecan nut shells (Carya illinoinensis) obtained under specific conditions and one step simultaneous carbonization/activation process was carried out in this work. First order, pseudo-second order and Elovich adsorption kinetic models were applied for the kinetic studies. The experimental equilibrium data were analysed using the isotherms of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin. Batch adsorption studies were performed for the removal of tartrazine azoic dye from aqueous solutions by two materials obtained at 600 °C (NAC-600) and 857 °C (NAC-857) and another two materials prepared at the same temperatures but simultaneously activated with steam (NAC-600-H2O and NAC-857-H2O). The zero point charge was between pH values of 9 to 11 and the maximum adsorption occurred when activated carbons were steam activated and were 4.47 and 13.66 mg g−1 for NAC-600-H2O and NAC-857-H2O respectively. The results clearly showed that the adsorption of A5 onto ca...

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEMPERATURE OF DRYER CHAMBER AND RATE OF FUEL SUPPLIES FROM THREE KINDS OF BIOMASS FUEL

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of supply of (initial and subsequent) fuel to achieve the target temperature and determine the rate of fuel supply relationship with temperature drying chamber. Biomass was used are palm shells, pecan shells and coconut shells. Results of research showed that fuel supply rate (Q / 40 min) to produce a temperature (T), which is different from the fuel pecan shells, palm shell and coconut shell follows the following equation: initial supply hazelnut shells obtained from the equation T = 13,9Q + 19.3 with R² = 0.983 and the subsequent supply is obtained by the equation T = 12,24Q + 39 with R² = 0.971, the initial supply of palm shells obtained from the equation T = 8,925Q + 29.55 with R² = 0.964 and the subsequent supply is obtained by the equation T = 15 , 27Q + 29.09 with R² = 0.989, the initial supply of coconut shell derived from the equation T = 19,8Q + 0.6 with R² = 0.972 and the subsequent supply is obtained by the equation T = 19,37Q + 34.86 with R² = 0.994 .

Heteroaggregation of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles and Nanoparticles of Pyrolyzed Biomass.

Heteroaggregation with indigenous particles is critical to the environmental mobility of engineered nanomaterials (ENM). We studied heteroaggregation of ceria nanoparticles (n-CeO2), as a model for metal oxide ENM, with nanoparticles of pyrogenic carbonaceous material (n-PCM) derived from pecan shell biochar, a model for natural chars and human-made chars used in soil remediation and agriculture. The TEM and STEM images of n-PCM identify both hard and soft particles, both C-rich and C,O,Ca-containing particles (with CaCO3 crystals), both amorphous and "onion-skin" C-rich particles, and traces of nanotubes. Heteroaggregation was evaluated at constant n-CeO2, variable n-PCM concentration by monitoring hydrodynamic diameter by dynamic light scattering and ζ-potential under conditions where n-PCM is "invisible". At pH 5.3, where n-CeO2 and n-PCM are positively and negatively charged, respectively, and each stable to homoaggregation, heteroaggregation is favorable and occurs by a charge neutralization-charge reversal mechanism (CNCR): in this mechanism, primary heteroaggregates that form in the initial stage are stable at low or high n-PCM concentration due to electrostatic repulsion, but unstable at intermediate n-PCM concentration, leading to secondary heteroaggregation. The greatest instability coincides with full charge neutralization. At pH 7.1, where n-CeO2 is neutral and unstable alone, and n-PCM is negative and stable alone, heteroaggregation occurs by a charge-accumulation, core-shell stabilization (CACS) mechanism: n-PCM binds to and forms a negatively charged shell on the neutral surface of the nascent n-CeO2 core, stabilizing the core-shell heteraggregate at a size that decreases with n-PCM concentration. The CNCR and CACS mechanisms give fundamental insight into heteroaggregation between oppositely charged, and between neutral and charged nanoparticles.

The Antidiabetic and Antihypercholesterolemic Effects of an Aqueous Extract from Pecan Shells in Wistar Rats.

Pecan shell decoction has been used to treat diabetes and obesity-related diseases. In this study, the effects of a pecan shell aqueous extract (PSAE) were evaluated in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats, analyzing clinical signs and biochemical as well as genotoxic and mutagenic parameters, to assess its safe use and efficacy. Diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia were induced with streptozotocin (STZ) and tyloxapol, respectively. Animals were orally administered PSAE (100 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) for 28 days. Biochemical analyses and genotoxicity were evaluated in blood samples and mutagenicity was evaluated in bone marrow. PSAE treatment decreased the blood glucose level and stabilized clinical signs of diabetes in diabetic rats. PSAE diminished the increase in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in hypercholesterolemic rats. The urea levels were higher in diabetic rats than in treated ones; however, creatinine values were the same in all groups. Elevated transaminase levels were suggestive of liver injuries in diabetic rats, and were not altered by PSAE treatment. PSAE did not show genotoxic or mutagenic activities in diabetic and hypercholesterolemic rats, indicating its safe use at 100 mg/kg b.w. not only in healthy rats but also in rats with induced metabolic alterations. The findings on PSAE's efficacy may indicate that its successful and popular use is in accordance with our results. Thus, PSAE might be a potential candidate for medical purposes as a complementary treatment of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.